It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since "The Swamp Soiree" at L.A.'s beloved Bootleg Theater (a then secret-gathering at a since closed-down venue)!

We were lucky enough to be in the right place, at the right time, to gain foreknowledge (and an informal invitation) to this all-star, speak-easy event.

On a random night in NE L.A., during a chance conversation with Sid The Cat's Kyle Wilkerson, it was advised (with a wink) that we cancel all other plans for the evening of June 4, 2016.

Anticipation ensued while whispers and speculation arose in the days leading up. Sensing there must have been something amazing in-the-works, we requested a media pass (for a platform that didn't yet exist). As music lovers and indie filmmakers/photographers, this is precisely when AMK Films  & I took our first steps (as a team) toward live music coverage. In retrospect, it was essentially a precursor to our efforts with SPIRAL.

Upon entry we immediately realized this hush-hush gathering was an a-list showcase, ironically hosted by "Crawdaddy Lafayette" (Conor's pseudonym for the night). At the time (and to this day), CO & friends favored a flavor & lifestyle aesthetic inspired by the bayou & New Orleans (think swamp, cajun food, black indigenous french cuisine, Dr. John, The Meters, Harmonica, Etoufeee, raspy regional accents, etc). The music was to serve as a soundtrack to this immersive cultural experience. Miwi La Lupa recently helped us recall most of these details + reminded us they were "keepin things swampy" (a catch phrase repeated through the planning and execution of the soiree), which included backstage catering to match the vibe.

Some of you may have heard tales of this occasion as the night Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers first met. Phoebe was a relatively unknown local artist back then. [Fun Fact - We actually saw Phoebe (for the 1st time) when she played at this same location in September of 2015. You can watch the performance here.]. This introduction was the spark leading to the Oberst & Bridgers long-term musical partnership, eventually resulting in the formation of Better Oblivion Community Center (2019).

BUT, there were other important/notable performers & attendees that night as well!

The lineup and gathering of legendary songwriters and musicians included:

• Miwi LaLupa  (watch a video of his performance here)

• Jim James  (of My Morning Jacket)

• Gillian Welch

• Jackson Browne

• Jonathan Wilson

• Pearl Charles

• Omar Velasco

We're extremely grateful to have been in attendance, as it was definitely one for the books! So many future collaborations and friendships were born on that stage and/or in the crowd itself. Oh the lore!

So, we've been holding on to this content for a decade and figure SPIRAL zine is now the perfect space to unveil these intimate historic images.

Enjoy!

P.S. Checkout a video sample of the night here!