Kopecky Family Band Part Trois

This time marked seeing Kopecky Family Band three times this year alone. I can't help it, I just love them so much. They're one of the most joyous and grateful bands I've continued to see.

This show was a special one though, they played songs from their first EP "Embraces", which I've loved all the way back since it's release in 2007. I can't tell you how fun it is to still genuinely love a band you loved in middle school.  Kopecky was the one band that definitely made me feel way cooler than I was by liking them, but hey, I'm just glad my 14 year old and 21 year old self can still share some commonalities.

Much to my joy, they announced at the show a new album is coming in the near future and I couldn't be more excited.

I love you Kopecky, my 14 and 21 year old self can't wait to hear the new music.

   

       

       

          

          

          

Local Natives

 It's been 5 days since the Local Natives show and I still can't stop thinking about it.

I knew it was going be good, but I wasn't prepared for how talented and perfect Local Natives are. Yes, perfect. The melodies, the harmonies, the beards, all perfection.

I honestly don't even have much to say because I'm still speechless. 

I also saw Arcade Fire the next night, so it's been an emotional weekend to put it lightly. 

Local Natives announced they're going to the studio to make their third album after this tour, so I will just have to wait in agony until they come to KC again. 

Thank you wonderful gentlemen for a great night, you made me dance with joy, tear up with appreciation, and burst with happiness.

        

J Roddy Walston & S. Carey at Middle of the Map Festival

This year was my first time at Middle of the Map, and I've decided I'm going to go every single year until the day I die. It's not a secret that I love Kansas City, so to put a festival right in the middle of where I spend most of my time is a dream come true. I was never able to go until this year, but I'm certain this one was the best to kick off my predicted lifelong relationship with MOTM. 

I have to admit my main reason for going was to see S. Carey, if you don't know who he is or haven't listened to him before, stop reading this and go do it now. Seriously. I didn't get a lot of pictures of him because I was too busy being in awe, but I was lucky enough to be able to stand within 5 feet away from him. I could have basically been considered one of the band members, that's how close I was. It was really hard not to fangirl in front of him but I'm happy to say that I kept it together. Until he signed his setlist for my friend and I, then I did the complete opposite of keeping it together, (after he walked away of course). 

The other two bands I loved besides S. Carey were Cowboy Indian Bear and J. Roddy Walston & The Business. I've seen CIB twice before, so I decided to not take any pictures this time. As for J. Roddy Walton, I wasn't planning on photographing any of the show, but once they came on I knew I had to document it. I had only heard "Heavy Bells" by them so I wasn't too familiar with their music, but by the second song I was hooked. They're explosive, intense, fun, and energetic. Their music has a bluesy rock and roll sound to it that makes you want to dance and sing along with. I can now say I've been listening to their two albums on repeat for weeks and have become a huge fan.

Thank you Middle of the Map, for bringing such wonderful music and people to Kansas City for a couple of days. I will see you next year!