Last night was a pleasant surprise. A friend of mine mentioned being excited for a show at the Bottleneck, so I looked it up on Lawrence.com, and saw that The Werks and Billy the Squirrel were playing.
After watching one of my favorite movies, American Psycho, with some friends down the street, I went up to the Bottleneck and found a whole ton of friends at the front of a small crowd in the Bottleneck. Billy the Squirrel was just starting to play, and despite the low turn-out at 10:30, my friends were getting down.
Billy the Squirrel has the right guys, with the right instruments to play all kinds of music. With a banjo, mandolin, guitar, electric bass, and drums, the band is an earful of harmonies, rhythms and beats.
The songs started off mostly bluegrass. It was easy to shake around to, and with PBR cans only 1.50, it was the perfect drinkin' show. Then the tunes took a funky turn. Standing back, marveling at all my friends dancing in the center of the floor, I saw everyone suddenly get a little more excited. Jumping in, we danced around like we were at the perfect jam-band's concert. Our whole crew had plenty of room, front and center to dance together and see and hear the band, while the rest of the crowd watched from the bar and the bleachers. It was great having lots of room to dance, without the venue being terribly empty either. And this might interest you guys out there - although it's normally a 60-40 ratio of boys to girls, the Bottleneck was having a rare opposite-day, with more pretty girls than dudes, which was a nice change.
The songs switched from jam to funk to bluegrass again, and every one of them was fun. Sadly, the cool kids were all retiring early for the night, so we split before The Werks played. I have no idea if they were good.
Tonight is a very exciting show: Mouth is celebrating its first Band Birthday at the Jazzhaus. Lawrence.com says it will start at 9, and cost $4. Their dance, funk, jam songs always get the crowd dancing and smiling. It may actually get uncomfortably crowded at the small venue. But there's no doubt it will be fun! See you there!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tea Leaf Green fills the Bottleneck, shakes it, and pops the lid
I can barely remember the last time I saw the Bottleneck so full of so many happy, dancing, laughing people.
Pre-partying with some friends down the street, I didn't arrive at the show until the opener, Elmwood had already finished. However, the show was packed with friends of mine, and they reported that Elmwood had rocked hard and gotten the crowd going with some very good tunes. I wish I had seen them, but luckily a good friend was so impressed that she bought a CD, which I look forward to hearing.
Before even entering the Bottleneck I saw that this was going to be a great show because of how many friends there were, and the friendly, social vibe of the crowd. Sure enough, the band was soon on stage, and we were all clustered together on the dance floor, too eager to hear the music to leave any space for more than dancing in place.
The jam band leaped right into some great grooves, showing a variety of sounds that I forgot the band had. The talent and variety of the different band members comes together for a strong, exciting blend. Songs grow into heavy jams, ridiculous riffs and solos, then calm back to more ambient sounds that you can lose yourself in.
Tea Leaf Green is a relatively famous band, with a strong fanbase. Cool kids traveled from all over, including Kansas City and Omaha, just for the show. It was listed at $13 on Lawrence.com, but sure enough it was actually 14. Still, completely worth it.
The venue was barely big enough to fit everyone, and things got a little cramped sometimes, but with a steady flow of people going outside for cigarettes, and others resting in the bleachers, booths, and playing pool, it was do-able. Walking around from friends to friends, I saw that the entire crowd was able to get into the music easily, and there was a great, friendly vibe at the Bottleneck.
I left during the encore because I was already tired from dancing, and for more personal reasons, but I know that from first to last, every song was great. I look forward to seeing Tea Leaf Green again!
For the future: both my friend Josh Inman's band Potbilly, and Sonic Sutra will be playing this Friday night. I'm pretty sure I'll be seeing Josh' band, but if for any reason I cannot, Sonic Sutra should be a great show.
Looking ahead a while, I heard today that Galactic would be in town this February. Sure enough, according to Lawrence.com, Galactic and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe will be playing the Granada at 9 p.m. The price is "$19-$21". I'm pretty excited about this show!
Pre-partying with some friends down the street, I didn't arrive at the show until the opener, Elmwood had already finished. However, the show was packed with friends of mine, and they reported that Elmwood had rocked hard and gotten the crowd going with some very good tunes. I wish I had seen them, but luckily a good friend was so impressed that she bought a CD, which I look forward to hearing.
Before even entering the Bottleneck I saw that this was going to be a great show because of how many friends there were, and the friendly, social vibe of the crowd. Sure enough, the band was soon on stage, and we were all clustered together on the dance floor, too eager to hear the music to leave any space for more than dancing in place.
The jam band leaped right into some great grooves, showing a variety of sounds that I forgot the band had. The talent and variety of the different band members comes together for a strong, exciting blend. Songs grow into heavy jams, ridiculous riffs and solos, then calm back to more ambient sounds that you can lose yourself in.
Tea Leaf Green is a relatively famous band, with a strong fanbase. Cool kids traveled from all over, including Kansas City and Omaha, just for the show. It was listed at $13 on Lawrence.com, but sure enough it was actually 14. Still, completely worth it.
The venue was barely big enough to fit everyone, and things got a little cramped sometimes, but with a steady flow of people going outside for cigarettes, and others resting in the bleachers, booths, and playing pool, it was do-able. Walking around from friends to friends, I saw that the entire crowd was able to get into the music easily, and there was a great, friendly vibe at the Bottleneck.
I left during the encore because I was already tired from dancing, and for more personal reasons, but I know that from first to last, every song was great. I look forward to seeing Tea Leaf Green again!
For the future: both my friend Josh Inman's band Potbilly, and Sonic Sutra will be playing this Friday night. I'm pretty sure I'll be seeing Josh' band, but if for any reason I cannot, Sonic Sutra should be a great show.
Looking ahead a while, I heard today that Galactic would be in town this February. Sure enough, according to Lawrence.com, Galactic and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe will be playing the Granada at 9 p.m. The price is "$19-$21". I'm pretty excited about this show!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
From Quiet Arms and The Irietions bring crowds into the Jackpot twice in one night
Last Friday night I was tempted to go to a number of shows downtown. I had high hopes that I might be able to see everything in the same night, but it would have required more money than I had for music that night, and I had a flight to Miami early in the morning, so I only saw a couple of shows at the Jackpot, stopping at a couple of friends' places in between for some rest and relaxation before the bands I wanted to see came on.
I'm sorry that I couldn't put this review up sooner, but I opted to spare myself the torture of lugging my laptop through three airports, only to remember that my Grandparents don't have internet in their ancient house on Miami Beach. So, I'm back, and here's how these bands sounded:
My friend Josh' band, From Quiet Arms was playing an early all-ages show at the Jackpot. The show was for American Low Life's EP release. Building Rome, and The Head-On Collision also played. However, I only got to the show in time for From Quiet Arms' first song, and stood with Josh' other friends, cheering after every song. The crowd started off quiet, they didn't appear to be warmed up by the other bands very much, but As soon as From Quiet Arms got going, so did the audience. The band's harmony, beats, rhythm are all obviously the result of hard work, practice, and natural talent. I know the band members are pretty close, and it shows in how in-sync their parts are. I could hardly believe a 6 piece band of such young men could be so...professional. The band has a special sound that's like a blend of punk and metal with a hint of emo to it, that actually is good. I plan on a preview every time I hear From Quiet Arms is playing again.
After the show I stopped off at a friend's house. Two of my friends are also friends of Josh, I learned, but sadly they did not arrive at the Jackpot until just after the band finished. So, what to do? Bounce back to their crib for some cool chillin', naturally. Then, Josh' band was having an after-party that I had to check out. It was a good time, but I timed myself just right, so I would return to the Jackpot for the Irietions'.
Lucky me; I came back to the Jackpot just before the band came on, and saw another friend, who I sat with until the songs started. The Jackpot is a small, narrow venue, and sometimes I feel kind of awkward there alone. Even with friends, it's just...so small. But, after I had a couple of drinks I felt much more comfortable to dance a little to the awesome Reggae beats of the Irietions. The Irietions were playing with Checkered Beats, and Hector the Selector, but I arrived after they had played.
The same time the Irietions were on, Euforquestra played at the Bottleneck. I think one of my friends went to the show, but I have not heard from him if he did, or if it was good, but I recall the album of theirs he played for me at his house sounded good.
Another show at the Granada sounded tempting, but hearing that a certain person would be at the show made me happy to choose between the Irietions and Euforquestra. But, I was invited to that show by a couple of friends that went, and afterward I heard great things about it. The DJs and artists performing were all electronic, but other then that I don't know much about any of them. Lawrence.com lists them as follows; Kundalini Rising 3 with Eskimo, Alex B, Clandestine, and EZ brothers. The show was $10, which I had, but was reluctant to spend, but from what I've heard and the pictures I've seen, it would have been way more than worthwhile. I will make sure and check out any of these artists next time I hear about a show of theirs.
I like the Irietions, don't get me wrong, but I've heard them before, I realized, and they're good Reggae, but Electronic has a special place in my nerdy heart.
Now for a re-iteration of a show preview: Tea Leaf Green will be playing with Elmwood at the Bottleneck for $13. I hope a few friends might join me to hear this Wakarusa regular. Tea Leaf Green is a pretty cool Jam band, and with the right crowd, this show could be amazing.
I'm sorry that I couldn't put this review up sooner, but I opted to spare myself the torture of lugging my laptop through three airports, only to remember that my Grandparents don't have internet in their ancient house on Miami Beach. So, I'm back, and here's how these bands sounded:
My friend Josh' band, From Quiet Arms was playing an early all-ages show at the Jackpot. The show was for American Low Life's EP release. Building Rome, and The Head-On Collision also played. However, I only got to the show in time for From Quiet Arms' first song, and stood with Josh' other friends, cheering after every song. The crowd started off quiet, they didn't appear to be warmed up by the other bands very much, but As soon as From Quiet Arms got going, so did the audience. The band's harmony, beats, rhythm are all obviously the result of hard work, practice, and natural talent. I know the band members are pretty close, and it shows in how in-sync their parts are. I could hardly believe a 6 piece band of such young men could be so...professional. The band has a special sound that's like a blend of punk and metal with a hint of emo to it, that actually is good. I plan on a preview every time I hear From Quiet Arms is playing again.
After the show I stopped off at a friend's house. Two of my friends are also friends of Josh, I learned, but sadly they did not arrive at the Jackpot until just after the band finished. So, what to do? Bounce back to their crib for some cool chillin', naturally. Then, Josh' band was having an after-party that I had to check out. It was a good time, but I timed myself just right, so I would return to the Jackpot for the Irietions'.
Lucky me; I came back to the Jackpot just before the band came on, and saw another friend, who I sat with until the songs started. The Jackpot is a small, narrow venue, and sometimes I feel kind of awkward there alone. Even with friends, it's just...so small. But, after I had a couple of drinks I felt much more comfortable to dance a little to the awesome Reggae beats of the Irietions. The Irietions were playing with Checkered Beats, and Hector the Selector, but I arrived after they had played.
The same time the Irietions were on, Euforquestra played at the Bottleneck. I think one of my friends went to the show, but I have not heard from him if he did, or if it was good, but I recall the album of theirs he played for me at his house sounded good.
Another show at the Granada sounded tempting, but hearing that a certain person would be at the show made me happy to choose between the Irietions and Euforquestra. But, I was invited to that show by a couple of friends that went, and afterward I heard great things about it. The DJs and artists performing were all electronic, but other then that I don't know much about any of them. Lawrence.com lists them as follows; Kundalini Rising 3 with Eskimo, Alex B, Clandestine, and EZ brothers. The show was $10, which I had, but was reluctant to spend, but from what I've heard and the pictures I've seen, it would have been way more than worthwhile. I will make sure and check out any of these artists next time I hear about a show of theirs.
I like the Irietions, don't get me wrong, but I've heard them before, I realized, and they're good Reggae, but Electronic has a special place in my nerdy heart.
Now for a re-iteration of a show preview: Tea Leaf Green will be playing with Elmwood at the Bottleneck for $13. I hope a few friends might join me to hear this Wakarusa regular. Tea Leaf Green is a pretty cool Jam band, and with the right crowd, this show could be amazing.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Upcoming Shows in Lawrence, Kansas
Here's an entry purely devoted to previewing some upcoming shows in Lawrence, Kansas. I know that in the dead of winter it feels like there are no good shows, and festivals are a long way away. But the music never dies.
Tomorrow night: Friday, January 15, 2010
Euforquestra is playing at the Bottleneck. According to Lawrence.com the show will start at 9, so it's probably not starting until 9:30 or 10. Lawrence.com does not have a price listed yet. My friend Jacob played me some of their music last night. I was impressed by the band's diverse range of sounds. From progressive rock to jazz and funk, with some reggae too, this band does it all, and they do it all well! I'm extremely tempted to check out this show, as I know the Bottleneck is a good venue for this kind of show, and I'm positive that every show this Friday is going to be great! But, some other friends are planning to check out the Irietions that same night.
The Irietions are playing at the Jackpot. Lawrence.com says the show is playing at 10, which - you guessed it - will probably not really start until 10:30 or 11. I believe I've seen the Irietions before, but I cannot say for sure. I do know that I've heard about them, and I'm confident it will be a fun show. As I already said, Friday night will be wild, as all the students are back in town, and downtown has been hopping for the last few nights. I know a few friends are going to this show, and at this intimate venue it's a relief to have some friends. If I have the spending money, I may be bold and try to come fashionably late to this show after checking out Euforquestra.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
According to Lawrence.com Deadman Flats, Bob Wayne & the Outlaw Carnies and .357 String Band are playing at the Bottleneck at 9.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tea Leaf Green is playing with Elmwood at the Bottleneck at 9, for $13 - according to Lawrence.com. Tea Leaf Green is a fantastic band, and a regular at Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival. I will definitely be trying to save up a little money for this show, maybe a pre-party with some friends.
Then Thursday, January 21, 2010
A band recommended to me by a friend, Jabberjosh, will be playing with Bolth at the Replay for $3. Definitely a good deal for a good show.
Then Friday, January 22, 2010
Sonic Sutra, a really cool, fun band is playing at the Bottleneck at 9. Who knows if I'll have spending money after so many great shows.
Tomorrow night: Friday, January 15, 2010
Euforquestra is playing at the Bottleneck. According to Lawrence.com the show will start at 9, so it's probably not starting until 9:30 or 10. Lawrence.com does not have a price listed yet. My friend Jacob played me some of their music last night. I was impressed by the band's diverse range of sounds. From progressive rock to jazz and funk, with some reggae too, this band does it all, and they do it all well! I'm extremely tempted to check out this show, as I know the Bottleneck is a good venue for this kind of show, and I'm positive that every show this Friday is going to be great! But, some other friends are planning to check out the Irietions that same night.
The Irietions are playing at the Jackpot. Lawrence.com says the show is playing at 10, which - you guessed it - will probably not really start until 10:30 or 11. I believe I've seen the Irietions before, but I cannot say for sure. I do know that I've heard about them, and I'm confident it will be a fun show. As I already said, Friday night will be wild, as all the students are back in town, and downtown has been hopping for the last few nights. I know a few friends are going to this show, and at this intimate venue it's a relief to have some friends. If I have the spending money, I may be bold and try to come fashionably late to this show after checking out Euforquestra.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
According to Lawrence.com Deadman Flats, Bob Wayne & the Outlaw Carnies and .357 String Band are playing at the Bottleneck at 9.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tea Leaf Green is playing with Elmwood at the Bottleneck at 9, for $13 - according to Lawrence.com. Tea Leaf Green is a fantastic band, and a regular at Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival. I will definitely be trying to save up a little money for this show, maybe a pre-party with some friends.
Then Thursday, January 21, 2010
A band recommended to me by a friend, Jabberjosh, will be playing with Bolth at the Replay for $3. Definitely a good deal for a good show.
Then Friday, January 22, 2010
Sonic Sutra, a really cool, fun band is playing at the Bottleneck at 9. Who knows if I'll have spending money after so many great shows.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Catch up: New Years Eve Mountain Sprout and Split Lip Rayfield rock the Bottleneck, then January 8th, 2010, Jabberjosh and others play the same venue
It's been a hell of a holiday season, and I haven't been able to update this blog in far too long. Apologies. But, here I am with stories to tell from the Bottleneck, one of my favorite venues in Lawrence.
First, let's jump back to New Year's Eve. Yes I know it's been over a week, but seriously, life has been crazy since before that day, and that day alone was as crazy as they get.
My friends live a block away from downtown Lawrence, just two blocks from the Bottleneck itself. So, long before the show was to start, they held a potluck party at their house, with a keg of fiercely strong, but also very flavorful beer from Free State, called Quad, I believe. Despite the strong turn-out for the party, the keg would outlast us all, and live on to help make me and one of my friends sick another day.
The night started off with a terrible twist, as my friends who had not purchased their tickets two days before, with me and my friend, discovered that the show had sold out. Thank god they were able to find tickets for sale on craigslist, and in the end everyone made it to the show, including a few who snuck in
Finally, there at the show, we enjoyed getting warmed up, hot, and hotter still, under the waves of energy blasting from Mountain Sprout as they jammed a fantastic set. Before long the entire crowd was moving and shaking to those dance-able bluegrass tunes. I have always enjoyed Mountain Sprout since I first heard a CD of theirs while resting with some friends between shows at Wakarusa this summer. But their live sets are the best. Especially when they're drinking. At Cannabis revival, a few months ago in Joplin, MO, there was no drinking, (except for one of my friends, who ironically got sick from drinking that night), and the band was a tad more docile than usual. But when they're chugging beer between songs, with an energetic (drinking) crowd dancing before them, you can see the passion and fury they pour into their instruments. Their songs are all hilarious and inspiring, and they alone make a show great.
Split Lip Rayfield leaped right on after Mountain Sprout was finished, successfully holding on to the momentum the Arkansas-based Mountain Sprout had gained with the crowd. Classic after classic Split Lip songs kept us dancing, singing and celebrating. The New Year was rung in, and after 1:00 Split Lip started playing their encore. I realized I had yet to hear my very favorite song; Used to Call Me Baby, I had to hear it. I started shouting "Used to call me baby! Hey! Play Used to Call Me Baby, it's my favorite song!" And lo and behold! The band began to play the tune, and I screamed and shouted for joy, and the crowd followed.
The rest of the night was fun with my friends, and I'm really glad it all worked out the way it did.
Then there was a lull, as I had little spending money and no knowledge of any good shows. Then an old friend texted me out of the blue to hang out. She told me about a show on Friday night, and after she played me a few songs of one of the bands that was going to play: Jabberjosh, I decided I would try to see them.
We wound up going to the show together, and hung out with the vocalist/bassist from Jabberjosh and member of the band Baiowolf, and then saw one of the other bands, and then Jabberjosh play. I'm afraid I'm not sure what other band I saw, but they sounded good. The entire line-up last night was Townie Time, Mansion, Baiowolf, Jabberjosh, Zach Clancy, and The 3 Amigos. I believe I saw Zach Clancy play his long-as-hell drum solo, which was impressive to say the least.
Jabberjosh is just two brothers. One plays the bass and screams into a microphone, but thankfully the vocals are barely audible. His bass-playing is very good however. And meanwhile his brother rocks out on the drums like nobody's business. The drums carry the songs, and they are fast and clever beats that make it hard to stand still. Together, they have a good sound, and lasting songs that I wouldn't mind having on my ipod.
I was disappointed with my friend I had brought to the that night, and when other friends invited me over to drink I was happy to find that she could get a ride with one of the band members, and left. I was sorry to miss the other bands, but I hope to hear them some other time. I have heard of Baiowolf before, and will try to see them next time I hear they're playing around here.
First, let's jump back to New Year's Eve. Yes I know it's been over a week, but seriously, life has been crazy since before that day, and that day alone was as crazy as they get.
My friends live a block away from downtown Lawrence, just two blocks from the Bottleneck itself. So, long before the show was to start, they held a potluck party at their house, with a keg of fiercely strong, but also very flavorful beer from Free State, called Quad, I believe. Despite the strong turn-out for the party, the keg would outlast us all, and live on to help make me and one of my friends sick another day.
The night started off with a terrible twist, as my friends who had not purchased their tickets two days before, with me and my friend, discovered that the show had sold out. Thank god they were able to find tickets for sale on craigslist, and in the end everyone made it to the show, including a few who snuck in
Finally, there at the show, we enjoyed getting warmed up, hot, and hotter still, under the waves of energy blasting from Mountain Sprout as they jammed a fantastic set. Before long the entire crowd was moving and shaking to those dance-able bluegrass tunes. I have always enjoyed Mountain Sprout since I first heard a CD of theirs while resting with some friends between shows at Wakarusa this summer. But their live sets are the best. Especially when they're drinking. At Cannabis revival, a few months ago in Joplin, MO, there was no drinking, (except for one of my friends, who ironically got sick from drinking that night), and the band was a tad more docile than usual. But when they're chugging beer between songs, with an energetic (drinking) crowd dancing before them, you can see the passion and fury they pour into their instruments. Their songs are all hilarious and inspiring, and they alone make a show great.
Split Lip Rayfield leaped right on after Mountain Sprout was finished, successfully holding on to the momentum the Arkansas-based Mountain Sprout had gained with the crowd. Classic after classic Split Lip songs kept us dancing, singing and celebrating. The New Year was rung in, and after 1:00 Split Lip started playing their encore. I realized I had yet to hear my very favorite song; Used to Call Me Baby, I had to hear it. I started shouting "Used to call me baby! Hey! Play Used to Call Me Baby, it's my favorite song!" And lo and behold! The band began to play the tune, and I screamed and shouted for joy, and the crowd followed.
The rest of the night was fun with my friends, and I'm really glad it all worked out the way it did.
Then there was a lull, as I had little spending money and no knowledge of any good shows. Then an old friend texted me out of the blue to hang out. She told me about a show on Friday night, and after she played me a few songs of one of the bands that was going to play: Jabberjosh, I decided I would try to see them.
We wound up going to the show together, and hung out with the vocalist/bassist from Jabberjosh and member of the band Baiowolf, and then saw one of the other bands, and then Jabberjosh play. I'm afraid I'm not sure what other band I saw, but they sounded good. The entire line-up last night was Townie Time, Mansion, Baiowolf, Jabberjosh, Zach Clancy, and The 3 Amigos. I believe I saw Zach Clancy play his long-as-hell drum solo, which was impressive to say the least.
Jabberjosh is just two brothers. One plays the bass and screams into a microphone, but thankfully the vocals are barely audible. His bass-playing is very good however. And meanwhile his brother rocks out on the drums like nobody's business. The drums carry the songs, and they are fast and clever beats that make it hard to stand still. Together, they have a good sound, and lasting songs that I wouldn't mind having on my ipod.
I was disappointed with my friend I had brought to the that night, and when other friends invited me over to drink I was happy to find that she could get a ride with one of the band members, and left. I was sorry to miss the other bands, but I hope to hear them some other time. I have heard of Baiowolf before, and will try to see them next time I hear they're playing around here.
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