Steve Lynch Photo: The Knitting Factory (the end of an Era) & Justin Riner's Birthday Show

Justin Riner on Accoustic

I thought that I would start posting some of the photos from this Weekends show and tell you all about it. The show was for my friend Justin Riner's Birthday party. Every year for the past 8 years he has taken over The Knitting Factory for his Birthday Party show. Unfortunately this will be the last year as we've found out The Knitting Factory will be officially closing their doors in the next couple of months. It is sad and unfortunate that such Hollywood Landmark will be gone...

It's hard to imagine a Hollywood that doesn't have "The Key Club", "The Whiskey A Go Go", "The Roxy", and "The Knitting Factory" among many of the other venues.

A Quote from Justin regarding The Knitting Factory
" I said to the club manager, "I'm sure going to miss this place. Awesome venue, great staff, good pay.. and you let me take over your stage and fill it with whomever I want, I mean, who am I?" The club manager shrugs, smiles, and says, ..."you're Justin Riner." Thanks to everyone who played, came, and had a great time. It was an awesome birthday and end to an era of my life."

It was a great night that started off with performances by Jon Caliguri, Sofa City Sweetheart, and Spectre Township. Sarah Ault then took the stage for her soulful beautiful melodic set. Justin Riner and Rob Gallagher (of Back Pocket Memory) who was also celebrating his Birthday that night did a small interlude of accoustic songs before Back Pocket Memory energized the show for an amazing performance so full of energy the roof completely blew off The Knitting Factory (J/K).
Justin's own band Jane Error did a really cool set to keep the crowed going into the late night (I never thought I'd hear a New Kids on the Block Cover that I would actually like)
To end the show with a bang Stolen From The Radio a really awesome cover band played until the doors closed.

To sum up the show and wrap up this blog. The show was definitely worth it and if you get a chance to see any of these bands live I'll suggest you take that opportunity. I'm not really sure what Justin is going to do next year for his Birthday. I hope that another venue will be as nice and pleasant to let him take over it for the night... Only time will tell

-Steven

Here are some of my favorite photos from the night.