Category Archives: Concert Photos

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Train & Andy Grammer Open Their 2-Night Residency at The Ravinia Festival

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Last night ‘Honey, I’m Good’ singer Andy Grammer and the Patrick Monahan-led Train opened up their two-night residency at The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL. Performing for a sold-out Chicago crowd, both Train and Grammer delivered with high energy and performances of some of their best records.

Kicking things off for the night was Andy Grammer; a great singer, a talented songwriter and someone we dubbed as “music’s easiest guy to root for.” Grammer opened his performance on a high note with performances of his breakout single ‘Keep Your Head Up’, as well as his records ‘Fine By Me’ and ‘Kiss You Slow’. Whether he was thanking fans for their votes on “Dancing With The Stars”, even having the crowd get up and dance themselves, or whether he was performing some creative mashups of his tracks mixed with some current radio hits, like a mix of his new single ‘Fresh Eyes’ with The Chainsmoker and Daya’s hit record ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, Grammer found a way to entertain the crowd throughout his whole set. Other highlights of Grammer’s set included his performance of ‘Forever’ (with some hilarious acting in the background from his band), and his closing performance of his big single, ‘Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)’. Just days away from his co-headlining tour with Gavin DeGraw (another Ravinia Festival alum), Grammer delivered for Chicago tonight.

Next up were the night’s headliners, San Francisco roots rock band, Train. Perhaps known best for their record ‘Drops Of Jupiter’, Train’s engined is powered by much more than just one train track. ‘If It’s Love’, ‘Meet Virginia’ and ‘Bruises’ are just a few songs from the beginning of their set that instantly reminded fans of Train’s star power. Since their debut self-titled album in 1998, Train has been a staple in rock music and tonight was a reminder of just that. Tonight was also a treat for Illinois, because it was a hometown show for the ‘Hey Soul Sister’ performers, as Train guitarist Jimmy Stafford hails from Morris, IL. Highlights of Train’s night-one performance included Monahan performing in the crowd, spanning across the entire pavilion, walking on seats and taking selfies with fans, and of course their encore performance of ‘Drops of Jupiter’. It will be hard for tonight’s performance to top last night’s show, but we’re sure that Train and Andy Grammer are up for the challenge.

Check out our photos from last night’s performance below.

Continue reading Photos: Train & Andy Grammer Open Their 2-Night Residency at The Ravinia Festival →

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Take the “High Road” in Chicago with Jhene Aiko, Kevin Gates & More

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Minutes ago, rapper and notorious tokers Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa packed the Hollywood Casino Bowl Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL. Dubbed “The High Road” Tour, not only did Wiz and Snoop bring two of the biggest weed advocates in music to Chicago (2nd and 3rd to maybe Willie Nelson), but they brought some great supporting acts, including the lovely and talented Jhene Aiko, Kevin Gates, Casey Veggies and DJ Drama. Top to bottom, the crowd was in for a memorable night from the very beginning.

With DJ Drama keeping the crowd live between sets, up first for the night was ‘Backflip’ rapper, Casey Veggies. Originally known for his affiliation with the Tyler The Creator-led collective, Odd Future, Casey has been all about his solo career for quite sometime now, and has been recently enjoying the success of his 2015 debut album, Live & Grow. With features from Dej Loaf, Tyler The Creator, YG, BJ The Chicago Kid and more, Veggies put out an impressive debut last year and tonight he performed a number of his records from his 2015 LP.

Following Veggies opening performance, the beautiful Jhene Aiko took stage for her Chicago fans. Your favorite rapper’s favorite guest singer, Jhene Aiko has laid down some memorable vocals for everyone from Childish Gambino and Big Sean to Drake, Omarion and many more. Most recently Aiko teamed up with Sean to form their duo, Twenty88, which came with an 8-track EP that released earlier this year. Don’t be under the impression though that Aiko only works best complementing the best rappers in the game, as her solo records are perhaps her best work. Tonight Aiko performed some of her best records, including ‘The Worst’ and ‘To Love & Die’, as well as other tracks from her debut EP, Sail Out, and her 2014 debut album, Souled Out. Aiko provides a nice change of pace from the rappers that takeover the tour’s lineup, but still provides a sound that rap fans across the board can enjoy.

Next up was ‘Really Really’ and ‘2 Phones’ rapper Kevin Gates, who brought performances from his 2015 debut, ISLAH’. Gates brought street rap straight from Louisana to Chicago tonight, and it was more than well received. With Snoop and Wiz’s headlining performance just minutes away, the crowd was ready to turn up the tempo and Gates got the amphitheatre off their seats.

And before fans had the opportunity to catch their breath after Gates turned up performance, it was time for Snoop Dogg to great his Windy City fans. Opening the solo portion of his set, Snoop Dogg started things on the highest note possible by blessing fans with performances of his classic records, including ‘Gin & Juice’ and ‘Nuthin’ But a G Thang’. And before you knew it, was time for Wiz to join Snoop on stage. If you’d expect two weed advocates like Snoop and Wiz to put on a slow paced and mellow performance together, you’d be greatly mistaken as the two performed together with especially high energy (no pun intended). While Snoop and Wiz both have casual and laid back personalities on-stage and off, their performance tonight was far from mellow, and gave fans everything they wanted and more. 

Check out our photos from tonight’s stop on Merry Jane’s “The High Road” Tour below.

Continue reading Photos: Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Take the “High Road” in Chicago with Jhene Aiko, Kevin Gates & More →

Concert Photos, Features, News

Meghan Trainor and Hailee Steinfeld Put On an “Untouchable” Chicago Performance for the Rosemont Theatre

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Moments ago, singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor brought The Untouchable Tour to Chicago as she paid a visit to the Rosemont Theatre in the Windy City’s western suburb of Rosemont, IL. The ‘Me Too’ artist didn’t travel alone either, as the diversely talented Hailee Steinfeld is supporting Trainor throughout the massive tour, with tonight being no exception. With a sold-out theatre of Trainor and Steinfeld’s biggest fans ready to sing along to the pop stars’ biggest records, the stage was set and conditions were perfect for a memorable and untouchable night.

To get things started, Los Angeles-native and all around triple threat, Hailee Steinfeld, hit the stage. Not only can she sing, act and model, but anyone that is part of Taylor Swift’s squad, must be pretty fun to be around as well. She was a breakout star with her role in the Coen brothers’ film True Grit, which landed the young Steinfeld an Academy Award nom for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, but tonight was all about the music and required no acting skill whatsoever. Steinfeld is no one but herself on stage and through her music, and it pays dividends. Whether its because of her natural charm and relationship with the audience or it’s her fun performances of ‘Rock Bottom’ and ‘Love Myself’, you can’t help but like everything that Steinfeld has to offer. In her breakout single Steinfeld pledges to love herself without needing the love of anyone else, and while that may be the case, she isn’t alone, as thousands loved Steinfeld and her opening performance tonight in Rosemont.

Soon after Steinfeld said her goodbyes to the Windy City, it was time for night’s headliner, Ms. Meghan Trainor herself. An overnight star ever since the release of her 2014 hit, ‘All About That Bass’, Trainor is easily one of our favorite pop stars of today. Her latest album, Thank You, has the rest of us saying thanks as it has brought fans hit after hit, including her newest singles ‘Me Too’ and ‘No’, each which bring a ’90s pop vibe and sass that had since started to fade in pop music. Trainor has a big voice, an infectious attitude, and while she boasts her “champagne problems”, she is more relatable than any other pop star out right now, all things that she showcased live for her Chicago fans.

As the packed crowd erupted as Trainor and her band hit the stage, Trainor provided an untouchable mix of her biggest records to date and performances of the majority of her new album. It wasn’t just about the hits however, as Trainor made her big production an intimate one as she took time between a number of records throughout the night to talk to fans, introduce her songs, and generally just made the theatre feel smaller by making the night a more personal one. Through her music Trainor promotes confidence, healthy self-images, and overall positivity, and this doesn’t take a back seat during her live performances. Trainor has an especially cheerful stage presence, and whether she is belting out one of her biggest hits, dancing her butt bass off, or playing some adorable videos of her dad dancing, Meghan Trainor is just having fun out there, where you can’t help but have fun with her.

Check out our photos from tonight’s Chicago date on The Untouchable Tour below, and peep the remaining dates on the tour here.

Continue reading Meghan Trainor and Hailee Steinfeld Put On an “Untouchable” Chicago Performance for the Rosemont Theatre →

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Shawn Mendes Brings His World Tour with James TW to the Wisconsin State Fair

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Minutes ago, singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes stepped off stage at opening night of the Wisconsin State Fair, after bringing his World Tour to Milwaukee, his biggest headlining show to date. Performing at the fair’s Main Stage, Mendes was also joined by Island Records labelmate, 18-year-old British singer, James TW. Both young singers delivered memorable and polished performances for their Wisconsin fans, that were far from amateur, showing that both Mendes and James TW are especially talented and experienced beyond their years. 

As fans continued to fill in past 7:30, James TW kicked things off for the Milwaukee crowd. Not only did James set the tone for the rest of the night, but it is hard to imagine a better opening act for the night’s headliner. Shawn Mendes and James TW share more than just their label. Both teenage artists have big voices and similar styles, who each standout with their impressive songwriting, all while finding home behind an acoustic guitar.

And although, James is just barely old enough to vote (by American standards), he is no stranger to music. Named after his parents’ favorite musician, James Taylor, James TW first picked up a guitar at the age of 12, and he hasn’t looked back since. He draws influences from Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and BB King, he also plays the piano, he places a strong emphasis on the lyrics of his records, and these are just a few of the things that add clarity as to why one of Island Record’s youngest artists seems far ahead of the game. James gained a number of new fans in Milwaukee tonight, with his performance of his single ‘When You Love Someone’ and a few other records from his debut EP, First Impressions, which released earlier this year.

Moments after James TW said his goodbyes to fans, it was time for the night’s headliner, Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes. Even younger than James TW, Shawn Mendes can barely see a Rated-R movie, yet it seems like he has been a staple in pop music for quite sometime already. Initially Mendes gained a core fan base from the mobile phone application, Vine. However while many artists and personalities, become and remain “Vine famous” and never see a social reach outside the app, such was not the case for Mendes. After landing a deal with Island, Mendes released his breakout single ‘Stitches’ which soared to the Top 10 in the U.S. and Canada. An EP, debut album and huge supporting tour with Taylor Swift later, Mendes has a number of radio hits under his belt and is one of the most exciting acts in pop music today, with no signs of slowing down.

Mendes’ set tonight was everything that his fans wanted. His performance of course consisted of all his biggest records to date, including ‘Life of the Party’, ‘Ordinary’, his newest single ‘Treat You Better’, and even some fan favorite and lesser known records from his debut album, Handwritten. The highlight of the night though came as rain and lighting almost cut the show short. Near the end of his set, the weather caused a power outage on stage, luckily for fans however, production was able to get things back running for one last song, Shawn’s biggest record to date, ‘Stitches’.

Throughout the night you had to remind yourself that Mendes is still just a kid by many standards, because it doesn’t show. He has a big voice, he stands at about 6′ tall, and his performances are anything but amateur. Pop Music will certainly have a place for Shawn Mendes for many years to come.

Check out our photos from tonight’s performance below and see the remaining dates on Shawn Mendes’ World Tour here with support from James TW through August 21st.

Continue reading Photos: Shawn Mendes Brings His World Tour with James TW to the Wisconsin State Fair →

Concert Photos, Features, News

Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas Bring the Future Now Tour to Chicago

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Last night pop superstars Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato brought their Future Now Tour to Chicago’s Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. With support from At Night, Alone singer/songwriter Mike Posner, Honda Civic’s 2016 tour is another dream pop music lineup, and Windy City fans got to see it all come to life last night. From Posner’s opening performances of ‘Cooler Than Me’ and ‘I Took a Pill In Ibiza’ to Nick Jonas’ performances of ‘Chains’ and ‘Levels’, and finally to Demi Lovato’s performances of ‘Confident’, ‘Cool For The Summer’ and more, even the security guard heard a catalog of hits that they knew every word to.

The night started off with an energetic performance from singer/songwriter/producer Mike Posner. Known originally for his fan favorite mixtapes that he released while attending college at Duke University, Mike Posner has come a long way as an artist. Originally the Detroit native found his way into music by producing music for others, and after his initial commercial success due to a remix of his track ‘Cooler Than Me’, Posner again returned to contributing to other artists’ careers, penning songs for Justin Bieber (‘Boyfriend’) and Maroon 5 (‘Sugar’), scrapping albums and putting the release of his own music on hold. However Posner is back, sharing his own music with fans, and you can tell he is having the time of his life doing it. Mike Posner has again been embraced by pop radio with ‘I Took a Pill In Ibiza’, from his new sophomore LP, At Night, Alone, and his energetic opening performance last night shows us that he still loves performing the songs that brought him up while also sharing his new tracks as well.

Next up was co-headliner Nick Jonas. Jonas kicked things off with his hit single, ‘Levels’, which instantly got the packed arena on their feet. Throughout the night Nick Jonas performed some of his biggest records, including ‘Jealous’ and ‘Chains’, as well as some new records, including his addictive track ‘Champagne Problems’. Jonas put on a great set of his own, but even after he stepped off stage, it wouldn’t be the last we would see of him for the night.

As Jonas’ set ended, Demi Lovato’s began. Opening with some huge records like ‘Confident’ and ‘Heart Attack’, Lovato took no time in reminding fans just how big her music is. Lovato didn’t just stick to the hits however, as she still found time to fit in some memorable performances of some of her B-side records. Then, more than halfway into her headlining set, it was time for Lovato to invite her co-headliner Nick Jonas back onto the stage. The night wouldn’t have been complete without the two joining forces live for Chicago. Jonas and Lovato performed her record ‘Stone Cold’ as well as Jonas’ Tove Lo collaboration ‘Close’, a definite highlight of the night. As Lovato continued her set, later closing the night with her hit single ‘Cool For The Summer’, the night came to an end but not without a number of memories made for Lovato and Jonas’ biggest fans.

 

Check out our photos from Demi and Nick’s Chicago performance below and check out the remaining dates of The Future Now Tour here.

Continue reading Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas Bring the Future Now Tour to Chicago →

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: The Vans Warped Tour Brings Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Yellowcard & More to Milwaukee, WI

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Good Charlotte

Yesterday fans got to see legendary and up-and-coming bands in rock and punk rock, as the Vans Warped Tour made it’s annual stop at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee, WI. With some epic performances from Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Yellowcard, Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, Atreyu, We The Kings, Less Than Jake, Big Reel Fish, Prof and many more, everyone in attendance easily got their money’s worth and then some.

Whether it was Jess Bowen (of The Summer Set) making a surprise appearance, backing up 3Oh!3 on the drums, or whether it was seeing one of Yellowcard’s last shows before their forthcoming final tour, the day was full of memorable moments that fans will not soon forget. From the moment the gates opened until the last band said their goodbyes to the Wisconsin crowd, the Vans Warped Tour brought nearly 10 hours of great music to Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Check out our photos from yesterday’s Milwaukee stop on the Vans Warped Tour below and check out the remaining dates at the tour’s official website.

Continue reading Photos: The Vans Warped Tour Brings Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Yellowcard & More to Milwaukee, WI →

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Jon Bellion Brings The Human Condition Tour to Milwaukee

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Last night one of rap’s most talented brought his headlining tour to The Rave in Milwaukee, WI. And while everyone in attendance came into the night knowing that artist Jon Bellion is equally talented at rapping, singing, producing and songwriting, those who saw him live for the first time on Friday night now know that the emerging artist can perform his ass off as well. Throughout the night, as the sold out crowd weathered the summer heat in the packed venue with Rave staff passing out water bottles and spraying fans with water guns, Bellion showcased everything that makes him one of the most diverse emerging acts in rap music today. Whether he was remaking his beats live for the crowd, singing at his mic stand, or rapping as he jumped from stage left to stage right, Bellion gave his all last night.

Bellion didn’t travel alone either, as he brought Alec Benjamin, Blaque Keyz and an entertaining opening performance from Son Real to get the night off on a great note. Of course though it was Bellion who stole the show. Performing some of his fan favorites, like ‘All Time Low’, ‘Jim Morrison’ and a number of records from his most recent LP, even with a memorable encore and a nearly 90-minute set, the crowd was still left wanting more.

The highlight of the night though had nothing to do with his records however, as early into his set, Jon Bellion stopped the music for a moment of silence and to have his crowd send positive energy to fans who were unable to attend the night’s performance because they were involved in a car accident. This moment, combined with the fact that Bellion sold out the venue despite not yet having a catalog of huge hits and still being an emerging artist, shows that Bellion has a special relationship with his fans that most artists just can’t match. Even if you weren’t his biggest fan, you could certainly feel that energy in the crowd last night, as Bellion put on a memorable show for Milwaukee.

Check out our photos from Jon Bellion’s Milwaukee performance below and check out the remaining dates of The Human Condition Tour at his official website.

Continue reading Photos: Jon Bellion Brings The Human Condition Tour to Milwaukee →

Concert Photos, Features, News

Photos: Parachute Brings The Wide Awake Tour to Milwaukee

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Moments ago, Virginia pop-rock band Parachute brought “The Wide Awake Tour” to Milwaukee’s Turner Hall Ballroom. Performing in support of their new and similarly titled LP, Wide Awake, the Will Anderson-led group performed the majority of their new album, which released just last March, as well as a collection of fan favorites from their first three albums. Parachute didn’t travel alone either, as Atlanta singer/songwriter Brynn Elliott and ‘Runaway’ singer Jerad Finck supported Parachute in Wisconsin tonight.

To say that Parachute’s headlining set tonight was a collection of fan favorites is a bit of an understatement, as fans played a direct role in choosing the setlist for Parachute’s current tour. Earlier this year fans had the opportunity to vote on The Wide Awake Tour’s setlist, and the results showed tonight as fans sang along, word-for-word throughout the band’s entire set. Opening their performance tonight though, Parachute started off their set with Wide Awake‘s opening track, ‘Without You’, a catchy and upbeat record that certainly set the tone for the rest of the night.

Throughout the night, the band’s chemistry and Anderson’s relationship with the audience stole the show. Not one specific song stood out as a highlight of the night, as the energy from their performance stayed at consistently high levels and never began to decline. From start to finish, Parachute gave a memorable and intimate performance for their biggest Wisconsin fans. While Parachute’s July 19, 2016 performance at the Turner Hall Ballroom won’t necessarily go in the books as a historic Milwaukee performance, anyone in attendance can definitely assure you that Parachute put on one hell of a show tonight, that their fans will not soon forget.

Check out our photos from Parachute’s Milwaukee performance below and check out their remaining dates at Parachute’s official website.

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Summerfest Day 11 in Photos: Ryan Adams, Kirk Franklin, 311

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Yesterday was the last night of Summerfest‘s 49th Anniversary celebration. Unlike many other premiere music festivals, Milwaukee’s lakeside festival, Summerfest, brings an especially diverse list of performers to Wisconsin every year. Tonight for the World’s Largest Music Festival final night of 2016, fans saw performances from Ryan Adams, Kirk Franklin, 311 and more.

Check out our Summerfest Day 11 photos below and peep our Day 10 Summerfest photos here!

Continue reading Summerfest Day 11 in Photos: Ryan Adams, Kirk Franklin, 311 →

Concert Photos, Features, News

Summerfest Day 10 in Photos: Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration
Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Yesterday marked the ninth night of Summerfest‘s 49th Anniversary celebration. Unlike many other premiere music festivals, Milwaukee’s lakeside festival, Summerfest, brings an especially diverse list of performers to Wisconsin every year. Tonight the World’s Largest Music Festival had some big names in music, including Ben Folds, Barenaked Ladies & more.

Check out our Summerfest Day 10 photos below and peep our Day 9 Summerfest photos here!

Continue reading Summerfest Day 10 in Photos: Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds →