After two memorable years of some of the best summer concerts, festivals and film events (many of which were free), McCarren Park Pool is being shut down to be renovated into an actual swimming pool as part of many recent Brooklyn "development" projects. Sadly, like other recent "developments", this one obliterates more art and culture from the community.

At least this one closed out with a bang. Sonic Youth performed the final concert there on Saturday, with some amazing guests: Wolf Eyes, Times New Viking and Vivian Girls. The show was packed out, and I was happy to be a part of it (thanks friends at AEG!).

Here's a few shots from the event, but you should check out the full site on my site - daveywilson.com (click on "The Final Concert At McCarren Park Pool").

Labels: Brooklyn, final concert, McCarren Park, pool, Sonic Youth, Times New Viking, Vivian Girls, Wolf Eyes

My good friend and fellow photographer, Laura Kirsch, and new friend, Jess Piranian, had a joint birthday bash last night in Brooklyn. Every party I've been to lately was at a bar, so going a house party was a much welcomed change.

I got a little trigger happy with the shutter and took a ton of photos.

Check out some highlights below, and check out the full set on my Flickr.


Laura and a Friend Tackle a Sucker


Jess and Brian


Jess Piranian [left] Casey Nicholson [right]


Laura Kirsch


Randy


Laura, Andrew and the Guys


Jack and Andrew Avoid A Wet Spot On The Couch


Brian Van Nieuwenhoven


Russell Slides On Out

Labels: birthday, Brooklyn, Jess Piranian, Laura Kirsch, party

In case you haven't heard, the Hot Snakes' singer, Rick Froberg, started a new band, Obits. Though I missed their first show at The Cake Shop, luckily I scored tickets for their sold-out show at Union Hall last night.

Put these guys on your "bands to watch" lists.

Also, check out the band that opened up, Pretendo. They are quite good.

Click any of the photos below to see larger-sized.

Obits


Obits


Obits


Pretendo


Pretendo

Labels: Brooklyn, Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes, Obits, Pretendo, Rick Froberg, Union Hall

Last night, I saw Liam Finn for the second time.

I first saw Liam last year when he toured with Pete Yorn and Crowded House. Pete said he was solid and told me to get there early for the opener, and I was glad I did.

What surprised me last night, however, was the energy level. When I saw him last year the show was solid, but the intensity has magnified tenfold since then. It's really rare you see someone who can captivate an entire audience without a full backing band.

As it turns out, Liam Finn is son to Neil Finn in Crowded House. Honestly, I was never a Crowded House fan, but I am familiar with their work and don't see any similarity between their sound, or Neil Finn's solo work for that matter, and Liam Finn.

To me, Liam Finn sounds like a less depressing Elliot Smith with more hooks.

As always, I happened to have my camera with me and took a few snap shots. Click on any of the photos to see the rest of the set.

Labels: Brooklyn, concert, Liam Finn, Music Hall of Williamsburg, rock, Yep Roc Records