You may think this site is dead… I just got overtaken by the elusive day job. Its not somehting U’m in love with, but the people entertain men, and it lets me afford to pay for posters, promoitons, rent, etc.

I had my last show of the season back in October at my beloved Cafe 939. I had a great time, the crowd did, the bands did. All I can ask for. I even had someone come up to me a week afterwards and say how great of a show it was. Warmed my heart, to say the least.

I’m working on compiling everything that’s happened this year, cause to be honest, it’s been an amazing one. I’ve accomplished numerous goals, and my name is becoming well known around Bosotn. Can’t ask for more. That post’ll come later

For those of you that know me, but constantly wonder “Who is Agent Bishop? What makes him tick? Is he from another planet?” Green Light Go Publicity has done you a favor and picked my brain. Its not as dirty as it sounds, but I do give sound advice about how I put my shows together, what I’m listening to, and what I think helps make a tour succesful.

Take a gander over here

Before I began booking, one of the first jobs I took upon myself  in the Boston scene was working for various bands as a merch man.

There have been many different bands, at many different venues… and as booking picked up, merching went down.

I do, however,  work with Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling on occasional one offs (see DNFMOMD Tour 2010 – here).  I want people to know my level of dedication though, and my hopes, and fears…

Please let the authorities know of this video if need be….

The week leading up to Red Eye at the Red Room was one of the most nerve-wracking weeks I’ve experienced as a booker. We had a great write up in the Weekly Dig and sales were going great, but for some reason the shows that I know have a great chance of selling out make me incredibly nervous. I don’t know how to explain it, maybe I just feel strongly enough behind my business ideals I want to see them succeed, maybe I just like to brag (bragging is fun). Long story short, I have a non rational tendency to worry more about successful show than unsuccessful ones.

I spent the whole week going to great shows, which only built up the tension in my mind. I did some amazing things, including being in my third music video, and performing on stage for the first time, which you can see here:

Don’t ask me how it was, cause it’s honestly a blank area in my mind.

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Walking in to the show, I knew we had about about 50 tickets left to sell at the door. Though it seems like a task that could be accomplished, by no means was an assured thing. I came into the venue to see The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library was attempting the daunting task of miking 9 librarians. Door times may have been pushed, but honestly… it only helped build the atmosphere. With time to spare, those 50 tickets went quickly…

…so I can say proudly, that this was my second sold out show pre-show.

Doors finally opened, and people started crawling in. Now, I say crawling because for some reason the crowd at these shows take it upon themselves to sit down on the floor. I can only think of a few reasons why ANYONE would sit down at a show:

1.)  You’ve never been to a show.

2.) You’ve been to a show, but Cafe 939′s floor is the cleanest one in Boston (no offense to Middle East, TT’s, or Church, but I wouldn’t put anything but my feet on your floors)

Nevertheless, I’m happy to say that MJEML played their first show to a sold out room.  They were amazing, and had incredibly catchy, well written songs. (Then again, that’s the type of music I’ve heard come out of projects Michael J. Epstein is involved in.) Here’s a few videos for your viewing please.

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Now I have a confession to make. I had never seen Neutral Uke Hotel (and obviously never MJEML)… or until the tour I did with Mike and Sophia at the end of July…. ever LISTENED to Neutral Milk Hotel. I’ve learned to go with my gut when putting shows together, and I trusted both Shawn and Mike. If they’re involved in a project, they are as dedicated to it as I am about putting together a great bill. I’m a strong believer that if there is Heart and Soul behind a musical act… it just can’t go wrong.

Basically what I’m saying is I was going in blind. I did my best effort to learn the songs before the set. All I have to say is it was an amazing experience, and gave me chills to see a room full of 200 people all singing along to the music.

Here’s some visual evidence if you got turned away at the door:

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I’m only now able to wrap my head around last night. I’m so thankful to the staff of Cafe 939, 5342 Studios for all his amazing photography that will be gracing the walls of the club for the month of September, the Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library, and Shawn, Josh, Andrew, Matt and Michael (again) for sharing an evening I won’t likely forget for many, many, MANY years.

If you get a chance stop by the room and admire what can happen when you put work behind something you love, because that room is the epitome of that ideal.

I’ll see you in October,

Agent Bishop

Neutral Uke Hotel and the debut of the Michael J. Epstein’s Memorial Library at Cafe 939 – 9/11

“Neutral Uke Hotel cover In the Aeroplane Over the Sea in its entirety, that is their deal. Simple and awesome.  They are playing  Cafe 939 which is in Boston, which is kind of like their hometown, (NUH contains members of The Motion Sick and Golden Bloom).

What is even more or equally exciting about this show is the debut of Michael J. Epstein’s Memorial Library … It’s actually really entertaining. They all seem like amazing people.”

Check out the story here!

Mission Statement:

The Boston music community is shared by a number of characters, genres, and tastemakers. The goal of Red Eye at the Red Room is to gather and strengthen that community by bringing some of Boston’s top acts and photographers into one of Boston’s most celebrated venue’s, the Red Room at Cafe 939. Starting in September with 5342 Studios.

September 11th, 2010
Cafe 939 – 939 Boylston, Boston MA
Tickets Available HERE. This show WILL SELL OUT!!

Players:

5342 Studios. -
5342 Studios is the project of Boston photographer and music writer Sean Hafferty. As a former drummer with a life-long passion for music and photography, Sean has found the ideal focus for his art in capturing musicians in action.

He finds his subjects at music festivals such as the Newport Music Festival, South by Southwest as well as in small clubs everywhere. Here in Boston, he frequents such celebrated musical haunts as Great Scott, TT the Bears, The Paradise and The Middle East.

His work can be found regularly at rslblog.com, where he is a Senior Writer and Photo Editor, as well as other blogs and publications.

Neutral Uke Hotel

Neutral Uke Hotel’s mission statement is simple: to unite obsessed fans of Neutral Milk Hotel for a live performance of their critically acclaimed “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” album, played in its entirety on ukulele by Shawn Fogel, with accompaniment from members of Golden Bloom and The Motion Sick.

Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library

The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library is the new project fronted by Michael Epstein (of The Motion Sick and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling). The band features Michael and 9 women with a lot of group singing and a focus on clever, quirky indie songs performed on acoustic instruments to create a campfire sing-a-long feel.

This show would be the band’s much-anticipated debut.

See you there!!

Thursday, July 1st

Church of Boston
69 Kilmarnock Street
Boston, MA 02215

Doors 7pm, $10, 21+

8pm – St. Helena
9pm – Lady Lamb the Beekeeper
10pm – Aloud
11pm – Naked on Rollerskates