Virgin Mobile Free Festival 2010

Thanks to a contest sponsored by the Maryland Department of Tourism and the 9:30 Club, I had the privilege of winning 2 VIP tickets to Saturday's Virgin Mobile Free Fest. The package included VIP treatment in the Pavilion and West Stage, some free 'swag', and a Backstage Tour. We had a blast as this was my first time at the Festival. Since I didn't attend the first one a couple years ago at the racetrack, I've not been able to score pre-sale tickets (and regular tickets sell out rapidly).

This is the best venue to 'people watch', although any festival or event that is FREE will bring out the craziest of people. While all the bands were awesome, I enjoyed my backstage tour, and my meet-up with Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation (my favorite band by the way). He was super nice, and I got a chance to take a couple photos, and chat with him a bit.

Another highlight was getting in the front near the stage during the Thievery and Ludacris show. Both were phenomenal. I will hold my tongue on what I thought of MIA (hey, it's FREE!). I was sad to miss LCD Soundsystem, but I heard they killed it during their closing performance.

All in all, I hope I can score tickets next year. Thanks again to MD Dept of Tourism and 9:30 Club. You made my week! Below are a few photos I snapped of the festivities.

Indie Music

As you know by now, (500) Days of Summer quickly became one of my favorite films. I love the movie, and better still, I adore the soundtrack as well. I have one friend who’s the ‘king’ of discovering indie tracks. I have no idea how he finds his music, but he always has awesome compilations. Here’s a few artists he’s turned me on to recently. If you’ve downloaded Pandora on your iPhone, try creating a ‘Florence + the Machines’ station, and most of the artists will queue. Here’s my recommended list:

1. Florence + the Machine – “Cosmic Love” (Lungs)

2. Phoenix – “If I Ever Feel Better” (United)

3. The Temper Trap – “Sweet Disposition” (Conditions)

4. Lykke Li – “A Little Bit” (Youth Novels)

5. Donora – “I Think I Like You” (Donora)

6. Anything by Sia, Regina Spektor, or Cat Power

Thievery Corporation Coming to Baltimore, MD

Thank goodness for Facebook! Thievery Corporation posted on Facebook that they were planning two more tours – one being in Baltimore! I immediately bought my tix, and scored seats front and center for the show. Sweet! I missed their last two shows (9:30 and Rams Head) – so I’m so glad I found out about this show before it was too late.

If you’re interested, they’re coming to the Pier 6 Pavilion on Sept. 19th @ 5:30pm. Tickets range from $25 to $65.

I got pavilion seats. I never chance lawn seats after I was severely rained on (and slipped in the mud) at the Lilith Fair several years ago.

See Chaka Khan for Free in DC

There’s a free lunchtime concert today near 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. Chaka Khan takes the stage around 12noon to kick off the Live! On Woodrow Wilson Plaza free lunchtime concert series. Click here for more details.

I understand Chaka is a legend – but she’s way before my time. I probably won’t head down there unless I find John Legend or Kanye West on the roster.

Enjoy! This is the only city that offers free stuff (zoo, museums, concerts, etc.)!

'Slumdog' Soundtrack

I rarely download or buy full CDs, but I'm going to have to get this one. The Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack is beyond phenominal! Plus, I adore world music. I've yet to see the film, but the music makes me want to (and I suppose all the awarded Oscars as well...)

Here's a couple tracks - Jai Ho by A.R. Rahman and "Aaj Ki Raat". Enjoy!

Jai Ho (Featuring Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah & Mahala) - A.R. Rahman

Aaj Ki Raat - Sonu Nigam

Thievery Corporation in DC!

I just found out Thievery Corporation has a couple tour dates in our area. They will be at Ram’s Head Live (Baltimore) in February and 9:30 Club for three dates in January. I opt for Ram’s Head as that area of Baltimore is way safer than U Street.

It looks like tickets are general admission, which most likely means ‘standing room only’. I guess I better get my tix soon before they sell out! Two of the 9:30 club dates have already sold out!

I've posted their songs on this blog before, but here's one of their more popular ones.
Lebanese Blonde - Thievery Corporation

Celine Dion Concert @ Verizon Center

Yesterday my cousin, once again, treated my mom and I to concert tickets. I really must get her something nice for all her generosity. She invited us to see Celine Dion at Verizon Center – and, in club level seats no less!

We had an awesome time. I always thought Celine had a wonderful voice, but hearing her on the radio does not do her justice. She is major powerhouse in live venue. I was actually quite surprised that she had such a wide fan base. Verizon Center was packed with fans – from floor seats all the way to 400 level. I really love the center stage format because you basically have great seats at every vantage point. But I must admit, those club level seats are worth the money spent – you can actually see the artists faces! (you can tell I’m normally a 400-level patron).

Now I really wish I hadn't missed the opportunity to see her live show in Vegas.

(Sorry about the poor video quality and the fact that it's sideways. Dee De Dee.)

Thievery Corporation

I'm often teased because of my 'kooky' taste in music (some say 'kooky', I say 'eclectic'). I think you all will actually enjoy this track below. It's my current fav by Thievery Corporation called "Pela Janela". Their 'Cosmic Game' CD has a very blues/lounge sound, with a middle eastern and Spanish flare. Enjoy!

Muzik 4 u (v2.0)

Here's another excellent song.

Plumb - Cut

Muzik 4 u

I think Aaron and I are part of a minority that loves Trance/Electronica. He just recently found a pretty awesome track. What do you think? I've been blasting this in the car all week.

Bellatrax - I Can't Help Myself (feat. Sophia May) Sunfreakz mix