Every gig that Danny Shea books in Charlottesville is a labor of love. From amp-melting metal from Japan to indie hip-hop to a batch of Swedish Led Zeppelin freaks, Shea’s concerts—within the Satellite Ballroom and beyond—exposed us to phenomenal bands that might’ve never reached us. They also provided Shea, the epitomal fan, with his own backstage pass to groups he loved. As Shea prepares to rock us like a hurricane once more, we asked him to recap his favorites among the bands he brought to our town. This is what he gave us.
Bob Log III
Outback Lodge, October 2007
“He is a hero of mine. So happy to have an opportunity to play a part in him coming to Charlottesville. One-man rock and roll machine.”
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The Books |
Peaches, with Quintron
Satellite Ballroom, September 2006
“I knew this bill was going to be a (low-brow) party. (It was.) Had no idea Miss Peaches’ band would be so damn good. Tite performance! Quintron and Miss Pussycat were on my wishlist since way before we opened. (Coming back to Outback Lodge next month—can’t miss show!)”
Battles, with Ostinato
Satellite Ballroom, June 2007
“This band [Battles] is flat out bad ass. Mirrored is easily one of my top faves of ’07. The soundman ‘called in sick’ at 4pm; the band showed up at 9:15pm. Almost no show. But instead, hell of a show.”
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Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings |
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Satellite Ballroom, September 2005
“What can I say? That’s my lady. Who can’t love her? She’s the queen and her show is magic. We were fortunate to do it 2 more times!”
The Books, with Grizzly Bear
Satellite Ballroom, March 2006
“Great multimedia affair, two amazing players cutting and pasting live sound and vision. Added bonus, Grizzly frickin’ Bear!”
Dungen, with The Nethers
Satellite Ballroom, May 2006
“Those Zeppy swedes totally had me freaking out. I have a special place for The Nethers, too …check them out!”
Devil Music Ensemble’s live score for The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari, with Tulsa Drone, Tone, and Bucks and Gallants
Satellite Ballroom, April 2005
“This was our first event and was so happy to see how I could impart enthusiasm for a show with very little recognition.”
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Blackalicious |
Of Montreal, with MGMT; Blackalicious with Beetnix and Apsci; Team Love/Saddle Creek showcase, featuring Tilly and the Wall, with Neva Dinova, Orenda Fink and David Dondero
Satellite Ballroom, August 16-18, 2006
“Crazy weekend! Of Montreal was our first sell- out and completely took us by suprise, followed by our second with Blackalicious and then a showcase straight from CMJ, escorted by Conor Oberst. All three shows hit the mark and [were] completely nuts, a glimpse at our potential.”
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Yo La Tengo |
Boris, with Damon and Naomi
(featuring Michio Kurihara from GHOST)
Satellite Ballroom, October 25, 2007
“Definitely one of my absolute favorite shows. Sooooo HEAVY, sooooo pretty. And, my birthday.”
Yo La Tengo, with Kurt Wagner (of Lambchop)
Satellite Ballroom, January 2008
“This show was a dream come true. Yo La Tengo, Lambchop, welcome anytime. Seated, intimate, wonderful.”
Melt Banana, with An Albatross and Grand Banks
Satellite Ballroom, April 13, 2005
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Bob Log III |
“Special show, first legit national act, drinks served. Thanks to the efforts of Tyrannosaurus Rock and Vicky Long. That show delivered. People still thank me for that one!”
So many honorable mentions…
“M. Ward, Cat Power, Mogwai, Mono with The Grails, Acid Mothers Temple, Bonde Do Role, Girl Talk, Avett Bros., !!!, Camera Obscura, Deerhoof, Silver Jews, High on Fire, Fiery Furnaces, Man Man, CARIBOU! I’ll need to stop or I should just list them all…”
