5 Nights: Sun Space to The Echo to The Satellite to Harvard & Stone to The Hi Hat

Something that I rarely do occurred recently. I went out five straight nights to catch various bands. There was a band or singer at each night that I wanted to catch so none of this was random. And some of this was also driven by traditions that I hold dear.

First night out was Saturday where I headed out to a venue I'd never gone to called Sun Space. It is a small venue that probably has a maximum capacity set at 35 - 40 people. It is a non-profit and has a Pehrspace vibe -- though much smaller. The location has two small rooms. The back room is dedicated to art while the front room is dedicated to live art (via their Instagram they hold comedy and music nights).

I went there specifically to catch Suzie True. I caught this band earlier in the year at The Smell and had wanted to catch them a second time ever since then. I love how their music speeds along, but the vocals have a melodic tone to it. Also playing was Lindsay B who closed out the night and Foxx Bodies who played prior to Suzie True. Opening the night was Girl Hazel. I only caught a couple songs, but am definitely interesting in hearing a full set after just that brief introduction.

Suzie True

On Sunday, it was off to The Echo to catch Kevin. I saw Kevin for the first time in August at Echo Park Rising and have been rather addicted to this band since that point. Quincy and Kimi have way too much fun playing off each other. It is just great seeing them having so much fun on stage. The night actually belonged to French Vanilla who was ending their tour. This was my first time catching them this year. I just love how their punk rock sounds include a saxophone. Opening the night was Mary and Heaven Pegasus. They switched off with each other during a 30 minute set. When one was playing, the other would rush off stage and change into a different wardrobe. It was rather amusing.

Kevin

Monday was spent at The Satellite to catch Livingmore and Oriah. Oriah opened up with some rocking sounds. Livingmore is obviously a band I spent a number of nights catching throughout 2019. And I should say that includes 2018, as well. I've mentioned to lead singer Alex that sometimes they go more country and other times they hit the rock tunes. I think this time they hit a perfect mix between the two. Closing out their residency was King Leg.

Livingmore

Another residency was ending Tuesday at Harvard & Stone. The Little Miss was playing her last set there. I previously saw her way back in October 2018 at the Resident. I did happen to see her as the MC at a recent Stories Books & Cafe. Her MCing was so funny, I decided I needed to catch her live as soon as possible, which was helped along by the fact that she was doing a residency at Harvard & Stone. I have to say I was a little tired out as this was my fourth night out, but I just did a quick hit and run and skipped out on the other two acts. I believe I was in bed by 11:30 p.m.

The Little Miss

My final night out was Wednesday at The Hi Hat. At this point, I was really exhausted, but I had to catch Zealyn. I hadn't caught Zealyn since last year's WFNM holiday party. This particular Wednesday night was also a WFNM holiday party. I just love Zealyn's vocals and leg kicks. Opening was Fyohna, LeyeT and Spectre Jones. I previously caught Spectre Jones at The House of Machines. That band has the best vocal sounds. Unbelievable. LeveT had those youthful energy and pop vocals. Fvohna was electronic synths. Fvohna had one of those accidents that everyone hates to see. Her Mac laptop took a 3 foot drop from the stand to the floor. I swear there has got to be an easy way that would prevent that stuff from happening. I probably see it happen 2 or 3 times a year.

Zealyn

Most amusing moment throughout those five nights happened at The Hi Hat when a person in the audience set up a chair at the front of the stage and sat there throughout most of the four acts. Ah, The Hi Hat is not Hotel Cafe.

I don't know the next time I'll ever do something as crazy like that. Five straight nights puts a strain on the body. But I will say, I enjoyed all five nights.

Madame Siam: Kevin, Cuffed Up, Tom Speight and Asa Ey

I went to Madame Siam to catch Kevin and Cuffed Up. Why? I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to Kevin. And one of the members of Cuffed Up is Sapphire Jewell who I first came across in the band Gypsum and I'm addicted to all things Gypsum.

Though those were the bands I went to see, I have to say that I was also blown away by the first artist up, Tom Speight. He was joined on stage by Lydia Clowes. As I was listening to his set, I immediately started to think of the movie Once. The music was just that beautiful. Unlike the movie, Tom mentioned that Lydia and him are not dating.

There were plenty of references to pop culture. He mentioned that his music was featured on Love Island in the UK and the Bachelor in Germany. And when he had some guitar strap issues, he told the crowd, "I wish I had one of those Men in Black zappers so that you could forget the last 3 minutes."

Tom Speight

Cuffed Up hit the stage with some sped up rock sounds. Lyrics are spit out quickly. Music is like being in a car that has the horsepower to push you back into your seat. And then the best moments are when Sapphire takes her fingers and just slides up and down her guitar strings.

Cuffed Up

Kevin plays their sets in different configurations. Sometimes Kimi and Quincy play next to each other and other times they play on different parts of the stage. I think I love them most when they're playing next to each other. There's just a joy with how they play off each other. They both brought out the synths for this set and there were a couple times when they stretched over, playing the other's synth -- with their shoes.

Kevin

Asa Ey had the sex appeal going. Two female friends showed up, dancing away throughout the set.

Asa Ey

Tom Speight, Cuffed Up, and Kevin stepped off the stage for their sets - a nice trend for the night. Tom Speight had the early crowd surround him and turn the lights from their phones on. Cuffed Up and Kevin danced in total abandonment.

Non Plus Ultra: Kevin with Cryogeyser and Gal Pal

It was off to Non Plus Ultra for the first time ever. That might be hard to believe as I'm out and about in the Los Angeles music scene so often. Okay, up front, I took a random route to Non Plus Ultra. I first went to an old location (or maybe a purposely false address) where a handful of other people were hanging out. We figured out rather quickly that we were all at the wrong location and one individual was able to nail down the correct spot. Off we went to the new spot that is near DTLA. I suppose I shouldn't say where as it is a secret address. I guess I should have just messaged one of the bands for the correct address.

This was Kevin's EP release night. I first came across this band at Echo Park Rising and quickly become a big time fan. Their electronic sounds are fast pace and fun. They played a 7 song set. Quincy was on guitar and spent a short moment crashing into the crowd. She also thanked the LAPD for not showing up and shutting down their set. Kimi on the synths wore a smiley t-shirt with a bullet in the head. It was also her birthday.

Kevin

Opening up as a last minute replacement was Gal Pal. The band started late, which was good for me as I ended up in the wrong location initiation, because the lead singer had to work later than expected. Though they were a last minute replacement, the band's name was still prominently displayed via the projection that shown against the wall behind the band. Perhaps it was done to make sure that people were aware of who they were seeing as many probably were expecting to see another band.

Gal Pal

Cryogeyser was the middle band with sonic sound and a lead singer who was quick with a smile.

Cryogeyser