Wild Riot Summer Sessions One

The Wild Riot Summer Sessions was an outdoor event along Sunset Blvd in Echo Park. It was a hot one, weather-wise. Like so hot I am surprised there weren't some heat exhaustion problems -- though I did see some folks packing themselves in ice. Yet, under the oppressive heat, there was some awesome music.

Playing as I arrived at the Wild Riot Summer Sessions was JEMS. They are a female music trio that plays with a backing band. They have that sweet sounding western sound that reminds you of other Los Angeles based bands such as Dear Lemon Trees and The Wild Reeds.

JEMS

Ariel Beesley changed things up with her pop sounds. She came up on stage with a red hair bow as well as red lips and fingers nails. This model/singer brings a fun personality to her set. And there was a ball of energy that wasn't wilted by the summer heat. Put all that together and it got the audience into her set.

Ariel Beesley

Martin Dovali changed things up again with his rap jams. He took full advantage of the area that was provided him, leaping from one side of the area to the next. He also got some audience participation when he got three individuals to joint him in some dance moves as well as getting the crowd to shout back at him. He also gave me the middle finger.

Martin Dovali

Sikemor is a fronted by three siblings. They bring dreamy pop sounds with vocals that work so wonderfully together. One takes lead vocals and then another comes in and adds to the symphonic sound.

Sikemor

Graves and the Bad Weather brought the good old rock music to the Summer Sessions. No fashion statement other than jeans and t-shirts (or no t-shirts). The music was loud and the vocals were vicious. And one child was scared crazy by the band. Ha ha. A family was hanging out with their daughter. The guitarist did a little gig for the girl who then freaked out and ran away. She ran, funny enough, right to a total stranger. The parents were laughing.

Graves and the Bad Weather

Flames of Durga closed out the night for me. I've been wanting to catch this band for close to a year. I missed their Wild Riot set during Echo Park Rising. The band is fronted by twin sisters who have a sound that fits perfectly on the Sunset Strip. They brought the screaming vocals and acrobatic moves.

Flames of Durga