Going to concerts in clubs can be a harrowing experience. It can take weeks to get all the cigarette smoke out of your clothes. The beer is like six bucks and comes in small plastic cups. And the sight of so many indie rock fans with such pasty white skin can be as bad on the eyes as staring straight into the sun. Two solutions: move to California, where at least smoking in doors is banned; or catch your favorite band on NPR's Live Concert Series. Each webcast is a live show in its entirety of one of your favorites acts, from clubs all around the country.
The next band appearing in the series will be Wilco[1] on October 19. Each webcast is archived for a year. Shows currently available in the archive:
Jenny Lewis, Built to Spill, Regina Spekter, Sleater-Kinney, Jose Gonzalez, Fiery Furnaces, Gomez, Sonic Youth, The Walkmen, Mogwai, Toots and the Maytals, Neko Case + Martha Wainwright, Artic Monkeys, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Belle + Sebastian w/ The New Pornographers, Colin Meloy (of the Decemberists), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, James Brown, Sinead O'Connor, Son Volt, My Morning Jacket, The White Stripes, Sigur Ros, Hurrican Katrina Benefit (f. Wynton Marsalis, Norah Jones and more), Death Cab For Cutie, Secret Machines + Kings of Leon, Lucinda Williams, David Gray, Bloc Party, The Decemberists, Interpol, Bright Eyes.
And finally, a message from NPR:
Please note: this is a recording of a live concert. Some of the language may not be appropriate for all audiences.
[1] Another advantage of watching a show online: boxing gloves not necessary.
