So February was a quieter month for concerts than January was, but there were still some high points (and, um, low points as well):
Best horns: the ROVA Saxophone Quartet performing with the Nels Cline Singers. Admittedly, their collaboration album the Celestial Septet (New World Records, 2010) was great, but it was even more amazing to hear– and see!– them perform these songs live. Highlight of the set: “Cesar Chávez”. 27 February @ the Wind-Up Space.
Worst pick-up line: Dude at the Immortal show: “Hey, do you like Immortal?” Me: “I’m here, aren’t I?” 20 February @ Sonar (main stage).
Best house show: Inter Arma, Windhand, Fatal, and Revolta. Man, it’s been a while since I’ve been to a house show; this one was originally scheduled to be at Hole in the Sky, but it was moved at the last minute, due to a visit from the Fire Warden. 19 February @ the Candelhaus.
Worst crowd: sold-out Rock & Roll Hotel for Wild Nothing. Sold-out shows at the Hotel are always uncomfortable, but this one– with its overly-exuberant (and unnecessarily so!) crowd– was a bit much to take. 12 February @ the Rock & Roll Hotel.
Best local band: I’m embarrassed that it’s taken me this long to see Screen Vinyl Image but they were totally great. 11 February @ the Mansion at Strathmore.
Best show for reasons that had nothing to do with the music: Eyehategod. Don’t get me wrong, there were some great local bands on this bill that I hadn’t seen before– Misery Index in particular was awesome— but that’s probably not at all how I’ll remember this show. 17 February @ Sonar (Club Stage).