The Craigs, Annabelle E., and The Trips at The Secret Room —
concert review by: Katherine E Palomo 02.22.2023
A few days before The Craigs show at The Secret Room in San Marcos TX, Jorge Benitez, the band’s background vocalist and electric guitarist reached out to me asking if I was able to do some photography for their upcoming set. I was quick to check out the band and clear my schedule to shoot for them that upcoming Friday. I knew Jorge previously as he helps lead worship for my church’s youth group on Wednesday nights. I always was impressed by his talents on stage, and was even more excited to watch the band play their own music I had been listening to and fallen so quickly in love with.
This was an event hosted at The Secret Room (at the back of Gils Broiler & Manske Roll Bakery) in downtown San Marcos. When I fist walked into the back-room, I had no idea what to expect. I was immediately stamped with a jelly fish on my hand at the entrance as my ticket in. After I had a minute to set all my stuff down I began to notice all the art displayed on the walls and flags on the ceiling. There were other cool knickknacks for sale along with the art there in The Secret Room. As an artist of many kinds, I can really appreciate all the ways that The Secret Room showcases all the different kinds of arts, giving many of the college student in San Mo a platform. I can always appreciate a small venue concert because there is so much room for intimacy among the fans and between the band‘s and their fan’s. It’s always very neat to see and meet friends and family of the bands preforming.
The show opened with Annabelle E.. She was very talented taking a confident approach to the show. She played a lot of covers and has a cool band featuring the steel guitar and the saxophone (and more of course). They put the show on well with great instrumentals. Annabelle's vocals were fantastic as were her skills on keyboard.
Next up were The Craigs. More people began to fill the back-room and I took my place in the front ready to capture as many top-quality photos as I could. It was a really great show to shoot! The band played mainly originals with few covers that I thought were very well executed; including the iconic song, Cough Syrup by Young The Giant. I Already knew I loved The Craigs‘ music, but hearing it live and actually seeing them play live was quite impressive. I was not expecting this smaller band in San Marcos to be able to preform to that capacity live. The Craigs opened with one of my personal favorite originals, Wine Bottle Rocket, and played other awesome originals such as Natalie, Nicotine and Do I Cross Your Mind.
There were four band members each of which I was very impressed by. The Craigs’ drummer, Christian Bates was absolutely killing it as he didn’t skip-a-beat coming directly from a show with another band, to the The Craigs gig. The sound in The Secret Room was so crazy loud, but what better music to blast?
The Craigs were followed by The Trips. The Trips were a group of three but none of the band members were only subject to one instrument. The drummer sang Paramore while playing the drums, and the basenplayer played base and electric guitar; undoubtedly their multifaceted band and skill’s will go onto give them a great advantage.
All three bands did an amazing job. The Craigs are definitely a band your should look into, and they have a lot of live events coming up! If you haven’t yet checked them out, you definitely should pursue the bands discography!
Check out The Craigs instagram to see more live events, new music and more! — @thecraigsofficial
Click Here to see The Craigs’ Spotify:
I just want to say a big thanks to The Craigs and Jorge for reaching out and allowing me the opportunity to shoot for y’all! I had a great time and am so happy to have spent my Friday night with y’all in SMTX. This was the first show a band has reached out to me first, and I’m so thankful!
I can’t wait to learn more and shoot bigger shows and see the way The Craigs continue to grow! I hope to shoot for y’all again.
-kp
See my Instagram for more art and photography content! — @expression.n.stuff
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