Station North Fall Music Festival 2010
When Kaki King picks up a guitar, lots of things start to happen that you wouldn’t expect. The sky becomes clearer, birds start singing, babies stop crying and The Rent Is Too Damn High Party sends Jimmy McMillan to the Governor’s Mansion. That’s the only way to describe the power of her performance.
Photo by Philip Laubner.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Holy Ghost Tent Revival kicked off the day with an explosive performance that set the tone for what was to be the best neighborhood festival this writer has ever been to. What was even more amazing was the fact that right after they played their set they piled all their gear into the back of their tour van and sped off down the road bound for another festival in Virginia where they were set to play. You left us too soon Holy Ghost Tent Revival and we will be anxiously awaiting your return.
Photo by Philip Laubner, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Philip Laubner
What normally requires 35 band members to perform, Emily Wells can do with loop pedals and an arsenal of plastic pianos, violins, and many other random, unconventional instruments. If you are wondering what that sounds like I could only describe it as CocoRosie goin’ steady with Method Man while seeing Mozart on the side.
Photo by Philip Laubner, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Matt Murihead set up shop on the sidewalk with an array of paintings, drawings and one of a kind silk screened clothing adorned with neon colored skulls and abstractions most pleasing to the eye. If you missed seeing his work on the streets you can still find him at his gallery, HeadSpace on the Avenue in Hampden. The grand opening is the fifth of November. I’m not sure how you’ll be able to forgive yourself if you miss it.
Photo by Philip Laubner, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Artist Brian Baker is one half of the creative force that is Soulforms. His artwork often depicts abstractions of spiritual symbols and deities painted in a style that seems to transcend time. Words alone cannot accurately describe the complexity and thought provocation in his work and pictures often fail to accurately depict the magnificence of his beard.
Photo by Philip Laubner, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Philip Laubner
As the sun began to set See-I charged the stage and brought the reggae, rock, and funk all at the same time. People were forced to tether themselves to light poles and trash cans for fear of being completely blown away. All such efforts eventually proved hopeless when soon everyone in attendance succumbed to the unavoidable awesomeness SeeI unleashes upon every crowd they meet.
Photo by Philip Laubner, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Philip Laubner
The McTell Brothers once again visited North Avenue to let us know that they are some of the best blues guitar players around and that age should never be a measure by which to judge one’s musical prowess.
Photo by Philip Laubner, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Soul Cannon, winner of the City Paper’s Best Live Band award, proved that they earned their title. Considering the wave of amazing artists inundating the city that was no easy task but the boys from Soul Cannon continue to show us why they won every time they hit the stage.
Photo by Philip Laubner, story by Matt Kelley.
Photo by Philip Laubner
Having an artist such as Kaki King
come to Baltimore and play on a block that up until a few years ago was an openair drug market covered in garbage and reeking of destitution is a good indication of how our city is turning a corner. She was an amazing headliner and we can’t wait to have her back again. It’s important to note that the kind of rebirth that we’re seeing just isn’t possible without all the good people who’ve had a hand in helping our neighborhoods reach their full potential.
We are a growing community that’s staking its claim as a cultural Mecca. Our DIY stages draw musicians from all over the world. The international press is looking at us certain that there’s a story here and they’re right, there is. But it’s not a story of an emerging culture that only came about in the past year or so. It’s not the story of a war torn city that turned around all of a sudden. The story we’re telling is about the people who are manifesting the renaissance of Baltimore City. We should all feel so lucky to be here in this moment.
Photo by Philip Laubner, story by Matt Kelley.
