EVENT REVIEW: An Evening with Justin Bieber – The Exclusive Album Launch

An Evening with Justin Bieber – The Exclusive Album Launch
November 13, 2015
Staples Center
Los Angeles, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Justin Bieber had a record party for his fans to celebrate the release of his fourth studio album, Purpose. It was held at Staples Center and due to popular demand he added two more shows that night. Biebs came out to do a Q&A, while skateboarding on stage. He was covering up his bleach blonde hair until he gave in to fan requests to show it off.  He followed up the Q&A with an acoustic performance of  “Sorry”, “What Do You Mean?”, “One Less Lonely Girl”, “Boyfriend” and a few others.

After he was done with his set, he introduced Purpose: The Movement film before he left the stage. The film was a collection of  videos of his dancers doing choreography to every song on the new album. The film lasted about 40 minutes and overall the event lasted about 1.5 hours.

The night was really a dedication to the fans because only Beliebers would get a cool experience listening to the new music with Justin himself. Now if only other artists would do the same…

EVENT REVIEW: Hilarity for Charity – James Franco’s Bar Mitzvah

Hilarity for Charity – James Franco’s Bar Mitzvah Presented by Funny or Die and go90
Featuring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Lauren Miller Rogen, Bill Hader, Jeff Goldblum, Miley Cyrus, Haim
October 17, 2015
Hollywood Palladium
Los Angeles, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

This year’s Hilarity for Charity (HFC) event was a Bar Mitzvah for none other than my personal favorite, James Franco. HFC is a charity that aims to get awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. Seth Rogen and his wife, Lauren Miller Rogen, founded it after her mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. This was their 4th annual event to raise money for the cause. Seth has stated many times that James has always complained about never having a Bar Mitzvah, so he decided to make that dream come true. Genius idea.

The night started with food from numerous food trucks and establishments and of course drinks with sponsors like Svedka and La Croix. There was HFC merchandise including a t-shirt that said, “Boys become men at Franco’s Bar Mitzvah.” Another nice touch was the temporary tattoos with cartoon pictures of James Franco and Seth Rogen made by Tattly.

Here’s a quick rundown of the events. The live show began with a Fiddler on the Roof skit followed by auctioning of items with help from Bill Hader. There was a magic show by Justin Willman, who was giving me flashbacks to the movie Now You See Me and comedy acts by Ron Funches (Undateable) and Kyle Kinane. Others in attendance include: Maria Shriver, Ben Feldman (Mad Men), Katie Lowes (Scandal), Steve Wozniak and Brooke Elliott (Drop Dead Diva).

Of course they had to stage a circumcision officiated by Rabbi Jeff Goldblum. A video also played, which showed Zac Efron who was portraying Franco’s foreskin. Charming, right? Haim came out to play “Hava Nagila” while the audience danced the Hora. But it was Miley Cyrus who got the party going with “We Can’t Stop,” and a cover of “Shout.” In total, HFC raised $2.5 million, an incredible feat by HFC all the while providing a memorable night for many.

Congrats on becoming a man, James!

To experience the entire show for yourself you can watch it on www.go90.com thanks to Funny or Die.

EVENT REVIEW: Silversun Pickups Record Release Party

Silversun Pickups Record Release Party
September 23, 2015
Fingerprints Music
Long Beach, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

 

Silversun Pickups had their record release party for Better Nature at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, CA. Brian and Nikki performed an acoustic set that included: “Nightlight”, “Circadian Rhythm”, “Panic Switch”, “Latchkey Kids”, “Kissing Families”, “The Pit”, “Lazy Eye”, and “Growing Old is Getting Old.” The two would introduce songs, exchange banter, tell stories and Brian disappeared once mid-song to get some beer.

The store was packed and every single fan was mesmerized with the duo.  Afterwards, the entire band was on hand to sign records for everyone in attendance. They chatted up with fans and were delighted to meet everyone in line.

The event was a nice treat to introduce the new album and a rare opportunity to spend some time with the band. The atmosphere was chill and welcoming, exactly like SSPU.

CONCERT REVIEW: Matisyahu

Shoreline Jam
Featuring: Matisyahu
September 5, 2015
Queen Mary Events Park
Long Beach, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA presented Shoreline Jam with headliner, Matisyahu. The festival lasted nearly half of the day, but I made it just in time for the main act. The crowd was 95% baked by this point, so making my way to the front was a breeze.

Matisyahu, sans his traditional Orthodox Jewish garb, performed favorites like “King Without a Crown” and songs from Akeda including, “Champion.” He had a laid back performance, most likely due to his occasional puffing breaks, and ended the night with a chill vibe. The audience consisted of all ages and various backgrounds. His tone, flow, and lyrics had the first two rows engaged. However, further back people began to disperse because his set was becoming a little too relaxed with missed lyrics and continuous instrumental jamming.

When the last song came around, Matisyahu encouraged fans to come on stage, but not to get “too crazy.” People began to climb the barricade and when some went up the side stage rafters (with the help of security), I decided to join in to get the full experience. About 30 fans ended up on stage and Matisyahu concluded his set with all of us surrounding him. To be able to stand there to see and hear the audience sing along with him from his perspective is an incredible feeling.

Overall, Matisyahu’s set was anything, but perfection. Maybe it was an off-day, but I left disappointed with not hearing a full-hearted set. Then again, he gave me a stage memory that I will never forget.

CONCERT REVIEW: KROQ Weenie Roast y Fiesta 2015

KROQ Weenie Roast 2015
Featuring: Muse, Of Monsters and Men, Florence and the Machine, Death Cab For Cutie, Panic at the Disco, AWOLNATION, Cold War Kids, All Time Low, Big Data, Saint Motel, James Bay, X Ambassadors

May 16, 2015
Pacific Amphitheater
Irvine, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

This was my very first time attending KROQ’s Weenie Roast y Fiesta. I had always wanted to attend, but the lineups were never perfect enough for me—until this year. Even if I was sold with Muse, the addition of Panic! at the Disco, AWOLNATION, Death Cab and X Ambassadors had me really excited. I already knew that Florence and the Machine and All Time Low were great live and the other acts were all bands I wanted to hear more from.

The pre-show was a smaller stage divided into two in order to switch back and forth with little setup time in between. First up was X Ambassadors. I heard these guys when their song, “Renegade” was featured on a few commercials and since then they have been promoted everywhere. They played that track along with “When I Was Free,” “Love Songs Drug Songs,” “Unsteady,” “Naked,” and “Jungle,” which was covered by the Pitch Perfect 2 cast for an NBA playoff promo. They put on a great, but short set. They have an awesome sound, great energy and I am looking forward to the next time I can see them.

EVENT REVIEW: The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles

The Night that Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles
Featuring: Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder, Maroon 5, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Eurythmics, Pharrell, Brad Paisley, Dave Grohl, Dhani Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh,  Gary Clark Jr.
January 27, 2014
LA Convention Center
Los Angeles, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

The Beatles made their US debut on the Ed Sullivan show 50 years ago this February 9^th, the same day this special will air. That appearance has become one of the most iconic in music history. Many have tried to replicate it, but it is impossible. Being a HUGE Beatles fan, this was one concert I was dying to see. Paul AND Ringo, TOGETHER—and not like the Grammys. Instead, they would be performing classic Beatles hits. Can we say, EPIC?

CONCERT REVIEW: Mötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe
Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Mini Concert
January 28, 2014
Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Mötley Crüe is the epitome of what a rock band is. They’re known as the bad boys of heavy metal and have been playing together for 33 years and selling millions of albums across the globe. But in 2015 that will all come to an end. The band announced that they will be dissolving after their Final Tour, which begins Summer 2014, and wraps up in 2015. To make things official, they all signed a contract that would permanently dissolve the band once the tour concludes. So as you can imagine it was imperative for me to see these guys rock out one last time before they are no more.

CONCERT REVIEW: Young The Giant

Young The Giant
Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Mini Concert
January 21, 2014
Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Young The Giant has become one of the most hyped about indie rock bands. Their name is popping up everywhere and with good reason. I knew and liked a couple of their songs and was really looking forward to their Jimmy Kimmel Live performance.

Leader singer, Sameer Gadhia has a very unique smooth voice and I was pleasantly surprised that it still comes across that way during their live shows. I think I have been to too many pop concerts, so when I actually hear live vocals and they are amazing I’m blown away. In reality, it should be the norm, but in any case you get the real deal with Young The Giant.

CONCERT REVIEW: The Fray

The Fray
Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Mini Concert
January 14, 2014
Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Grammy nominated band, The Fray have had hits such as “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me”. They kicked off the show with their newest single, “Love Don’t Die” and it was UH-mazing. The guitar intro with Isaac’s voice was rockin’. Consequently, I have had the song stuck in my head since.

CONCERT REVIEW: Cage The Elephant

Cage The Elephant
Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Mini Concert
December 9, 2013
Hollywood, CA

By: Nevra Azerkan

Rating: [The Breakdown]

Cage The Elephant has been one of those bands that people know, but yet are still a well-kept secret. Tracks like “Aberdeen” and “Shake Me Down” have become some of my favorites. I had yet to catch these guys live, so when they were set to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live, I was totally there.