TV On The Radio @ Virgin FreeFest 2011

TV On The Radio @ FreeFest 2011
TV On The Radio @ FreeFest 2011   TV On The Radio @ FreeFest 2011
TV On The Radio @ FreeFest 2011

I’ve seen them a couple of times this year already, but TVOTR are always good live, and they were one of the highlights of this year’s Virgin FreeFest at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Two Door Cinema Club, Bombay Bicycle Club @ Virgin FreeFest 2011

Two Door Cinema Club @ FreeFest 2011
@ FreeFest 2011
Bombay Bicycle Club @ FreeFest 2011

Two bands with club in their names that played at virtually the same time at the FreeFest 2011! It took some wrangling, but I managed to get to shoot both bands and even got a aerial view:

@ FreeFest 2011

The Black Keys @ Virgin FreeFest 2011

Black Keys @ FreeFest 2011
Black Keys @ FreeFest 2011   Black Keys @ FreeFest 2011
@ FreeFest 2011

Closing out the main stage, and the last rock band of the night, the Black Keys (who I’d never seen before) had the crowd anticipation stoked high before they came on stage… and they didn’t seem to disappoint, though I was way too burnt out to really appreciate their set. I’d like to see them again someday without having to work for 11 hours before they played!

Patti Smith @ Virgin FreeFest 2011

Patti Smith @ FreeFest 2011
Patti Smith @ FreeFest 2011

I never expected to see Patti Smith live, but was very pleased to be wrong about that… she put on a great, fiery show at FreeFest, and was one of the only artists I heard speak about politics and other weighty topics (which DID generate a few boos from some people in the audience). Her band was tight, she was full of energy, playful… great show. I’d love to see her again in a setting where she had time for a full set.

Okkervil River, Grace Potter & the Nocturals @ Virgin FreeFest 2011

Okkervil River @ FreeFest 2011
Okkervil River @ FreeFest 2011
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals @ FreeFest 2011

Two groups I had never seen before, both put on good live shows, though Okkervil River surprised me more, I didn’t expect them to have as much energy live… they put on a pretty rockin’ performance.

Virgin Fest Afterparty @ Sonar…

dave nada : virgin fest afterparty @ sonar

dave nada : virgin fest afterparty @ sonar    virgin fest afterparty @ sonar    Kele Okereke (Bloc Party) : virgin fest afterparty @ sonar

Last weekend was the Virgin Fest, and after that was the inevitable afterparty at Sonar… it was a pretty good time, Dave Nada killed it of course… watch out for this guy, he is about to be huge. Which is awesome because he is the most crucially best dude ever… Celebrity DJs Vito from the Rapture and Kele from Bloc Party were also spinning, as were Emily Rabbit and Will Eastman. Check the whole set here.