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Barnstormer III: Day 3, Walworth County Fairgrounds, Elkhorn, WI 4.29.2010
Documentary Photography and article by Josh Darr

Daytrotter has etched a name for itself finding raw talent and exhibiting bands’ strengths through live sessions. These sessions allow band members to experiment with the limited instruments available at the studio and you are free to download online. What makes the site more noteworthy, is the fact that its home base is located off the beaten path in creator Sean Moeller’s hometown of Rock Island, IL. Acts of all sizes and notoriety have made the site’s hub part of their tour routes when venturing through the MidWest.

Last summer, Moeller decided to take his ventures on the road with Barnstormer, an homage of classic rock groups that made the effort to play live music in America’s barns. Since its inception I have threatened Sean that I would be making the trek out towards the countryside to join in the fun. Unfortunately for me those hopes did not come to fruition until the tour’s third round of backwoods adventures, but happily this included the talents of Pearly Gate Music ,Nathaniel Rateliff ,Free Energy ,Delta Spirit and Ra Ra Riot .

After the town of Lake Geneva declared a ban of live music, Barnstormer rerouted their third stop of the tour in Elkhorn, WI causing the performers to settle into the vacant lots of the Walworth County Fairgrounds. As the hangar was prepped, the bands teamed up against each other in games of whiffle ball and bocce ball; while others found quiet confines to relax and read or just take in the environment. There is a certain magic that occurs between the forging of new friendships and the passion generated from the makeshift stage. I can say without a doubt this will not be the last Barnstormer this guy experiences.

Photos by Thirst’n Howl III
The Antlers @ Detroit Bar, Costa Mesa, Ca.
April 28, 2010

The boys from The Antlers are terribly nice and accommodating.  I arrived into the back area shortly before their set and found them surrounded on all sides by their laptops.  It seemed a near fortress of solitude surrounded each of them.  Yet, upon introduction they opened up and became some of the cheeriest of sorts.  They even showed me some of the highlights of the back area of the Detroit Bar.  Such as the pool table, Ms. Pacman table, and chips and salsa.  Now via these photos, you too can join The Antlers for their backstage antics.

Read our show review here

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Photos by Bear

The first time I ever heard Murder By Death was three years ago for a show they played at The Troubadour in LA. I remember thinking how nuts there fans were and I liked that. But, I also remember feeling intimidated by them; I don’t know if it was their music, or the way they played, but I like to think it was their fans. My feeling intimated said a lot about the band and their music as it never really happens to me.

Three years passed until I started hearing about the band again, this time it was for their upcoming album Good Morning, Magpie. I started doing some research and listening to the news songs over and over again, and then before I knew it, it happened. I became a fan. Soon after I actually got the chance to meet up with them to do our band photography documentary called Scene Through A Lens. At this point in my music coverage career I had been around enough bands to not be to intimidated by most anyone, but still my nerves were about me – after all, you never know if a band will be complete dicks or super nice to hang out with. MBD were the latter. I’ve never had more fun hanging out with a band, we fixed a bass cab, ate some Thai food, cracked some jokes. As for their performance, it was just as amazing as their show in Los Angeles three years ago, but Seattle fans don’t touch the LA fans when it comes to all out lunacy. By the end of the night I might just put myself in with their fan club, but I think I got more dues to pay.

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Photographer: BEAR
Date: 3/12/10

With camera in hand I was able to document Austin’s The Wooden Birds on their day in Seattle. The band played an in-store at Sonic Boom Records and a show later that same night with The Clientele at The Tractor Tavern. The Wooden Birds consist of ex-American Analog Set singer Andrew Kenny on vocals and bass, Matt Pond on guitar, Leslie Sisson playing lead guitar, and Seattle’s Sean Haskins on drums. I also wrote a Show Review that you can read.

- Read Show Review
-Visit The Wooden Birds