It was another wild week at the Bottleneck!
Wednesday night, my friend from works' band, From Quiet Arms opened for Flashbulb Fires, a rock band from Denver.
From Quiet Arms got the lions' share of the crowd, because they're a local band, with a steady following. Their passionate, harmonic rock songs pull at your heart strings and get your head banging. They jammed hard. In fact, too hard, because at one point one of the guitarists broke a string on his guitar.
Flashbulb Fires demonstrated some obvious talent. They were in town a few nights, playing at other venues, I heard. But, at the Bottleneck on Wednesday they had virtually no one in front of the stage to listen. Obviously it's always hard when a small band comes to a new town, but I was surprised that they didn't at least hold the crowd that was there for From Quiet Arms.
In any case, From Quiet Arms played a fantastic set, and I can't wait for their next show. There's rumor that the band may change their name. If they do, I'll be sure to clarify on this blog, so you know the band I'm talking about.
Friday night, Mountain Sprout was playing with Adam Lee & Dead Horse Sound Company, and Tin Horn Molly,
I missed the opening bands, chilling at a friends' house. But when I made it, Mountain Sprout was playing and my friends were all on the dance floor.
Mountain Sprout virtually always plays an amazing set, and this night was no different. They played all my favorites. Their songs can be lewd, crude, but always a riot. They're usually either fun to sing along to, or easy to dance to. A Mountain Sprout show is like a really great party, with everyone drinking heavy, and dancing carefree. The band encourages all the hedonism necessary to get a crowd krunk. Sure enough, we were all swaying to the songs with a little more oomph to the songs by the end of the night. Over all, it was a fantastic night.
I still need to look ahead on the calendar to figure out what shows I'll be excited to see. Stay tuned.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Deadman Flatts makes the Granada into a humongous party, and Mouth and The Floozies fill the Jazzhaus to bursting point with people
I knew I would have a long, adventurous weekend, but I don't think I ever could have guessed how crazy it would be.
My friends and I had an easy time finding free tickets to the Deadman Flats show, they apparently were trying to have a virtually free show. But before that, those of us old enough, or equiped with fake IDs stopped at the Jazzhaus for a little time with Mouth. Everyone was there, and the music was superb.
Mouth is a local funky electronic jam band, that has the skills to pay the bills. Their leader, the bassist, rocks out on a really bad-ass looking black bass, and puts on a show of his own with his hot beats and righteous solos. Altogether the band put on a show that people couldn't stand still for, and it was a great warm-up for the rest of the night.
Around 11 my friends and I finally got our rears in gear to move on to the show at the Granada. Unfortunately we missed the opening bands, but we made it just in time for the main event.
Deadman Flats has an interesting style of bluegrass music that feels like it takes some cues from punk or something else that's fast and hard. The four-piece band is an all-star lineup of talent. Mandolin, banjo, guitar and stand-up bass give energy to an already energetic sound, making you want to jump and spin, head-bang and stomp.
A harmonica player from one of the opening bands came up and joined in for a couple of songs. It was a nice idea, but I could only hear him some times.
The crowd was already pretty pumped by the time I got there, it certainly felt nice getting in for free, I'm sure I'm not the only one that thought so.
The new New Belgium IPA, Ranger, was on sale at the Granada for the first time, for $3 a cup. It's worth it to get one, because this flavorful beer lasts you a while.
So many friendly faces were wandering the big venue for this show, it was hard to keep track of anyone I wanted to talk to, but by the last few songs most of us had gathered in the big open space around the right of the sound-control booth. There, we all danced and talked and had a few laughs, and it was pretty much one of those special moments you want to remember forever, where everyone was together, and happy, and having a great old time.
I look forward to the next time like that.
But wait, the adventure didn't end there!
Deadman Flats "ended" on a not-so-good-for-ending songs, because sure enough there was a huge demand for an encore, and they played more of teir classics afte that, which made everyone very happy.
But even after the encore, it was only 1:30, and sure enough, some of my crew was still up to rage it, and the Jazzhaus was still going.
The Floozies were on now at the Jazzhaus. Some friends had stayed there and enjoyed a fantastic show, but the only problem was, by the time we left the Jazzhaus the first time around 11, it was starting to feel crowded. Returning, the small venue was completely packed. The dance floor was a sardine can, the spaces between tables were jammed and the bar was utter chaos.
There were rumors that the Floozies sold out. I'm not so sure that that's exactly the case, but the Jazzhaus was easily WAY beyond capacity.
On our way from the Granada, my friend Nikki slipped on the ice, and caught herself on her arm. She seemed okay at the time, albeit in a lot of pain, but her arm and wrist looked fine. When we got to the Jazzhaus I immediately grabbed bartender's attention for some ice for her, but Nikki wandered toward the stage, because the music was just that good.
The Floozies are a local band, with members who have moved to Denver, Colorado, but they still remember where they came from, and show Lawrence love every once in a while. Some of the guys in the band are good friends of mine, so we always try to rage their shows and support them. Their music is a dance-y kind of electric rock that reminds me of STS9 in the way they start with one fantastic groove, switch to some crazy solos, or a special climax, before jumping right back to that familiar groove, with seamless precision.
Sadly, Nikki was feeling worse from her fall, so I escorted her home, where she got another ice-pack and hit the hay. It wasn't until the next day that she decided to got to the hospital and found out she broke her arm. The larger of the two bones in her forearm. She must be one tough lady to have broken it without crying. Respect.
So, the weekend ended, and I'm kind of relieved. It was fantastic of course, but I'm wiped out. Thank god I have Monday off work!
Now I've got one upcoming show that I know I'm already planning to go to:
This coming friday, the 26th, I hear Mountain Sprout is playing at the Bottleneck.
Tune in soon for more previews of all the great shows coming up within the next month!
My friends and I had an easy time finding free tickets to the Deadman Flats show, they apparently were trying to have a virtually free show. But before that, those of us old enough, or equiped with fake IDs stopped at the Jazzhaus for a little time with Mouth. Everyone was there, and the music was superb.
Mouth is a local funky electronic jam band, that has the skills to pay the bills. Their leader, the bassist, rocks out on a really bad-ass looking black bass, and puts on a show of his own with his hot beats and righteous solos. Altogether the band put on a show that people couldn't stand still for, and it was a great warm-up for the rest of the night.
Around 11 my friends and I finally got our rears in gear to move on to the show at the Granada. Unfortunately we missed the opening bands, but we made it just in time for the main event.
Deadman Flats has an interesting style of bluegrass music that feels like it takes some cues from punk or something else that's fast and hard. The four-piece band is an all-star lineup of talent. Mandolin, banjo, guitar and stand-up bass give energy to an already energetic sound, making you want to jump and spin, head-bang and stomp.
A harmonica player from one of the opening bands came up and joined in for a couple of songs. It was a nice idea, but I could only hear him some times.
The crowd was already pretty pumped by the time I got there, it certainly felt nice getting in for free, I'm sure I'm not the only one that thought so.
The new New Belgium IPA, Ranger, was on sale at the Granada for the first time, for $3 a cup. It's worth it to get one, because this flavorful beer lasts you a while.
So many friendly faces were wandering the big venue for this show, it was hard to keep track of anyone I wanted to talk to, but by the last few songs most of us had gathered in the big open space around the right of the sound-control booth. There, we all danced and talked and had a few laughs, and it was pretty much one of those special moments you want to remember forever, where everyone was together, and happy, and having a great old time.
I look forward to the next time like that.
But wait, the adventure didn't end there!
Deadman Flats "ended" on a not-so-good-for-ending songs, because sure enough there was a huge demand for an encore, and they played more of teir classics afte that, which made everyone very happy.
But even after the encore, it was only 1:30, and sure enough, some of my crew was still up to rage it, and the Jazzhaus was still going.
The Floozies were on now at the Jazzhaus. Some friends had stayed there and enjoyed a fantastic show, but the only problem was, by the time we left the Jazzhaus the first time around 11, it was starting to feel crowded. Returning, the small venue was completely packed. The dance floor was a sardine can, the spaces between tables were jammed and the bar was utter chaos.
There were rumors that the Floozies sold out. I'm not so sure that that's exactly the case, but the Jazzhaus was easily WAY beyond capacity.
On our way from the Granada, my friend Nikki slipped on the ice, and caught herself on her arm. She seemed okay at the time, albeit in a lot of pain, but her arm and wrist looked fine. When we got to the Jazzhaus I immediately grabbed bartender's attention for some ice for her, but Nikki wandered toward the stage, because the music was just that good.
The Floozies are a local band, with members who have moved to Denver, Colorado, but they still remember where they came from, and show Lawrence love every once in a while. Some of the guys in the band are good friends of mine, so we always try to rage their shows and support them. Their music is a dance-y kind of electric rock that reminds me of STS9 in the way they start with one fantastic groove, switch to some crazy solos, or a special climax, before jumping right back to that familiar groove, with seamless precision.
Sadly, Nikki was feeling worse from her fall, so I escorted her home, where she got another ice-pack and hit the hay. It wasn't until the next day that she decided to got to the hospital and found out she broke her arm. The larger of the two bones in her forearm. She must be one tough lady to have broken it without crying. Respect.
So, the weekend ended, and I'm kind of relieved. It was fantastic of course, but I'm wiped out. Thank god I have Monday off work!
Now I've got one upcoming show that I know I'm already planning to go to:
This coming friday, the 26th, I hear Mountain Sprout is playing at the Bottleneck.
Tune in soon for more previews of all the great shows coming up within the next month!
Galactic funks up the Granada, while The Floozies and Future Shock jam at the Jazzhaus
My friday was long and crazy. After a full day at work, I visited some friends who live around the corner from the Granada, where Galactic was playing that night.
I arrived too late for the opener: Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, but I heard they were awesome.
Galactic took some time to get their sound checked, and to get out and play. BUT, once they were playing they raged it hard, and never slowed down.
The jazz-rock-jam band has a skilled drummer that keeps beats hot and dance-able, the guitarist has so many riffs and sick jams I could hardly believe it. Then there's the saxophone, which gives the band a special sound, like a particular, delicious flavor, that you just can't find in any other band.
For the performance in Lawrence there was also a Trombone playing rapper from New Orleans. I'm having trouble finding out who he is, but he led the band through the majority of their songs with limitless energy.
At one point not long into the band's set, the Trombone player climbed off the stage while still playing his trombone, walked across the venue, and climbed up onto one of the bars (The Granada boasts 4 bars during huge shows, with their main bar supported by bars on either side of the wide, open venue, and a bar on the upstairs balcony), and he just kept playing. It was insane.
The band's songs went through heavy grooves, funky melodies, and changed through a variety of sounds, from heavy, Rage Against The Machine rocking, to jazzy Miles Davis-esque solos, to party-style Rapping with the Trombone player leading the crowd; "Everybody say hell yeah!" and the crowd would roar back "Hell Yeah!"
The music went on forever, but when the band finished their encore at 1:30, my friends' show at the Jazzhaus was still going.
The vast majority of my friends were at Galactic, and out of all of them, I'd say about 80% came along to the Jazzhaus for the "aftershow".
I heard Future Shock was playing at the Jazzhaus, but I believe when I arrived they had traded some band members, so a few members of the Floozies were joined in. My friends from the Floozies played fantastically and the show was the perfect follow-up to Galactic's set.
Everyone used their second-wind or just kept the momentum from Galactic until The Jazzhaus was throwing us out.
Leaving the parking garage to go home, some friends pulled up next to me, telling me where the after-afterparty was. I went along and had a great time, playing bass, and meeting a few new people, while chilling with some friends I don't see enough.
The next night was almost as wild, and certainly more exhausting...
I arrived too late for the opener: Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, but I heard they were awesome.
Galactic took some time to get their sound checked, and to get out and play. BUT, once they were playing they raged it hard, and never slowed down.
The jazz-rock-jam band has a skilled drummer that keeps beats hot and dance-able, the guitarist has so many riffs and sick jams I could hardly believe it. Then there's the saxophone, which gives the band a special sound, like a particular, delicious flavor, that you just can't find in any other band.
For the performance in Lawrence there was also a Trombone playing rapper from New Orleans. I'm having trouble finding out who he is, but he led the band through the majority of their songs with limitless energy.
At one point not long into the band's set, the Trombone player climbed off the stage while still playing his trombone, walked across the venue, and climbed up onto one of the bars (The Granada boasts 4 bars during huge shows, with their main bar supported by bars on either side of the wide, open venue, and a bar on the upstairs balcony), and he just kept playing. It was insane.
The band's songs went through heavy grooves, funky melodies, and changed through a variety of sounds, from heavy, Rage Against The Machine rocking, to jazzy Miles Davis-esque solos, to party-style Rapping with the Trombone player leading the crowd; "Everybody say hell yeah!" and the crowd would roar back "Hell Yeah!"
The music went on forever, but when the band finished their encore at 1:30, my friends' show at the Jazzhaus was still going.
The vast majority of my friends were at Galactic, and out of all of them, I'd say about 80% came along to the Jazzhaus for the "aftershow".
I heard Future Shock was playing at the Jazzhaus, but I believe when I arrived they had traded some band members, so a few members of the Floozies were joined in. My friends from the Floozies played fantastically and the show was the perfect follow-up to Galactic's set.
Everyone used their second-wind or just kept the momentum from Galactic until The Jazzhaus was throwing us out.
Leaving the parking garage to go home, some friends pulled up next to me, telling me where the after-afterparty was. I went along and had a great time, playing bass, and meeting a few new people, while chilling with some friends I don't see enough.
The next night was almost as wild, and certainly more exhausting...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mardi Gras madness at the Bottleneck, Lawrence Kansas
This entry is pretty late. Been busy with work, and had a computer virus scare for a day and a half.
Thankfully that's all dealt with, and now I can return to what I love: previews and reviews of awesome music, entertainment and partying in Lawrence, Kansas!
So, Mardi Gras night I didn't get to the show I meant to go to. My friend's band, From Quiet Arms was playing at the Jackpot around 9. But at 9 exactly another friend of mine needed a ride home from a late-night test at school. It was freezing out, so I was happy to help him, and he was happy to return the favor by buying us both beers. We wound up watching Bruno, before I split for another friends' place.
My friend Lydia's boyfriend is in town for a week, so I went over to meet him and hang out for a bit. They told me about a show at The Bottleneck. My friends Garrett, Evan, Mark were reuniting their band G.E.M. (guess the name sake). It was a great opportunity to support some friends, hear great music, and party with my friends.
Better yet: it was only $2!
At The Bottleneck!
So, I couldn't resist. Lydia and her boy stayed home, but I went to the show, and sure enough, an army of my friends was on the dance floor. I think this whole last week, The Bottleneck has been my friend's source of great shows.
There we were, dancing around. The drummer from the band Mouth, and another guitarist switched places with the members of G.E.M. so the music kept going for quite a while.
G.E.M. sounds like an electronic jam band right out of a movie. They have a vibe and a harmony that you rarely see, even in big-name bands. Garrett plays the guitar like a master, Mark gets girl's booties shaking with his drums, and Evan makes beats and melodies with computers that could be mistaken for STS9 grooves. Altogether, they are a band to be seen. We danced out butts off.
For some reason when I arrived around midnight, the crowd on the dance floor was about four feet from the stage. I couldn't understand the perfectly evenly-spaced gap. I can only guess that everyone was reluctant to step into the spotlight, or be pressed near the stage, where they might feel like they had to face the band, instead of talking and dancing with each other.
After a couple of drinks, I decided to make a move, and led my friends to fill in the gap, dancing front and center, supporting our friends playing on stage.
It was awesome. Probably one of the coolest things I've ever done at a show, which isn't saying much I guess. But still.
After some great songs I decided this reunion was something worthy of a toast. Buying a round of shots for the boys, I got the extra one for myself. I hope G.E.M. will play together again, and if I hear about it in advance, I'll be sure to preview them here!
Now for PREVIEWS!
Galactic and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe are playing tomorrow night! The show is at the Granada, and according to Lawrence.com it will start at 9 and cost between $19-21. I have to be there. I've never seen Galactic, so I'm planning on focusing on the music, and letting everything else go. I remember the last time I wanted to see Galactic, I also wanted to see this girl I had recently met. She decided she didn't like electronic music, after saying she would go with me. So I went to her in Kansas City. What a waste. This time, no distractions. I can't wait! I'll be sure to tell you all about it after.
But if there's some kind of catastrophe, and they're sold out or something, there is another option. Both Friday and Saturday nights, there will be a fantastic combination of local electronic jam bands!
Friday and Saturday The Floozies, Mouth and Electronic Theory will be playing together at the Jazzhaus! The facebook event has 216 people have confirmed their RSVP. I said maybe, because I thought there might be another show each night, and sure enough there is. But the show is supposed to open at 9, and cost $4 each night. If I get bored, or a show ends early, I might swing by. It's hard to miss this awesome lineup, but it's just bad timing.
Then, Saturday night; Deadman Flats is playing at the Granada with Honey Suckle and Granny Tweed. The show's fliers said they were free admission, but that tickets cost $10, but Lawrence.com says 5. The website also says the show starts at 9.
Sunday I see on Lawrence.com that Alice In Chains are playing at the Midland Theater in Kansas City at 8 for $37.50. I doubt I'll go alone, but if I can persuade a friend, and fellow fan to go, that might be cool.
That's all for now. Tune in Saturday evening or Sunday...or Monday...for the next update, with reviews and more previews.
Thankfully that's all dealt with, and now I can return to what I love: previews and reviews of awesome music, entertainment and partying in Lawrence, Kansas!
So, Mardi Gras night I didn't get to the show I meant to go to. My friend's band, From Quiet Arms was playing at the Jackpot around 9. But at 9 exactly another friend of mine needed a ride home from a late-night test at school. It was freezing out, so I was happy to help him, and he was happy to return the favor by buying us both beers. We wound up watching Bruno, before I split for another friends' place.
My friend Lydia's boyfriend is in town for a week, so I went over to meet him and hang out for a bit. They told me about a show at The Bottleneck. My friends Garrett, Evan, Mark were reuniting their band G.E.M. (guess the name sake). It was a great opportunity to support some friends, hear great music, and party with my friends.
Better yet: it was only $2!
At The Bottleneck!
So, I couldn't resist. Lydia and her boy stayed home, but I went to the show, and sure enough, an army of my friends was on the dance floor. I think this whole last week, The Bottleneck has been my friend's source of great shows.
There we were, dancing around. The drummer from the band Mouth, and another guitarist switched places with the members of G.E.M. so the music kept going for quite a while.
G.E.M. sounds like an electronic jam band right out of a movie. They have a vibe and a harmony that you rarely see, even in big-name bands. Garrett plays the guitar like a master, Mark gets girl's booties shaking with his drums, and Evan makes beats and melodies with computers that could be mistaken for STS9 grooves. Altogether, they are a band to be seen. We danced out butts off.
For some reason when I arrived around midnight, the crowd on the dance floor was about four feet from the stage. I couldn't understand the perfectly evenly-spaced gap. I can only guess that everyone was reluctant to step into the spotlight, or be pressed near the stage, where they might feel like they had to face the band, instead of talking and dancing with each other.
After a couple of drinks, I decided to make a move, and led my friends to fill in the gap, dancing front and center, supporting our friends playing on stage.
It was awesome. Probably one of the coolest things I've ever done at a show, which isn't saying much I guess. But still.
After some great songs I decided this reunion was something worthy of a toast. Buying a round of shots for the boys, I got the extra one for myself. I hope G.E.M. will play together again, and if I hear about it in advance, I'll be sure to preview them here!
Now for PREVIEWS!
Galactic and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe are playing tomorrow night! The show is at the Granada, and according to Lawrence.com it will start at 9 and cost between $19-21. I have to be there. I've never seen Galactic, so I'm planning on focusing on the music, and letting everything else go. I remember the last time I wanted to see Galactic, I also wanted to see this girl I had recently met. She decided she didn't like electronic music, after saying she would go with me. So I went to her in Kansas City. What a waste. This time, no distractions. I can't wait! I'll be sure to tell you all about it after.
But if there's some kind of catastrophe, and they're sold out or something, there is another option. Both Friday and Saturday nights, there will be a fantastic combination of local electronic jam bands!
Friday and Saturday The Floozies, Mouth and Electronic Theory will be playing together at the Jazzhaus! The facebook event has 216 people have confirmed their RSVP. I said maybe, because I thought there might be another show each night, and sure enough there is. But the show is supposed to open at 9, and cost $4 each night. If I get bored, or a show ends early, I might swing by. It's hard to miss this awesome lineup, but it's just bad timing.
Then, Saturday night; Deadman Flats is playing at the Granada with Honey Suckle and Granny Tweed. The show's fliers said they were free admission, but that tickets cost $10, but Lawrence.com says 5. The website also says the show starts at 9.
Sunday I see on Lawrence.com that Alice In Chains are playing at the Midland Theater in Kansas City at 8 for $37.50. I doubt I'll go alone, but if I can persuade a friend, and fellow fan to go, that might be cool.
That's all for now. Tune in Saturday evening or Sunday...or Monday...for the next update, with reviews and more previews.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Happy Mardi Gras in Lawrence, Kansas!
Happy Mardi Gras! It's Fat Tuesday, and Lawrence has had a parade, and is now preparing for drink specials and shows at every bar in town.
I'm not sure what all is going on tonight. Lawrence.com has some information, but I'm surprised not to see more shows, or special events happening at various bars.
What I DO know is that my friends' band, From Quiet Arms, is playing with Weatherbox, and Second Star Operator, at the Jackpot.
Lawrence.com says the show will start at 9, and cost $5-7.
From Quiet Arms is a fantastic local band, and I enjoy all their shows. I know I have a full description of the last show of theirs I went to somewhere in an old post.
I'm not sure what all is going on tonight. Lawrence.com has some information, but I'm surprised not to see more shows, or special events happening at various bars.
What I DO know is that my friends' band, From Quiet Arms, is playing with Weatherbox, and Second Star Operator, at the Jackpot.
Lawrence.com says the show will start at 9, and cost $5-7.
From Quiet Arms is a fantastic local band, and I enjoy all their shows. I know I have a full description of the last show of theirs I went to somewhere in an old post.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Somasphere shakes the Bottleneck open for Kitty D, and The Bootheel and Tyler Gregory rock out at the Replay, followed by classic Lawrence post-party
My title for this blog post was too long. The last word was going to be 'adventure!'
As if Friday night weren't wild and long enough, tonight would have to be near the edge of epic.
My adventures started when I got out of my apartment to visit my friend Spenser, then, before Brit's performance in The Vagina Monologues held at Hashinger Hall. She, Alex and I had a drink before she went on stage, which took the edge off being one of the only 6 guys in the room.
Then I went to The Bottleneck to see Somasphere. Sure enough, a ton of friends were at the show, and we had the front, right area of the dance-floor, and it was great fun. Somasphere works the bass, electric keyboard, and guitar to weave together a heavy, funky, flowing rhythm that no one can stand still to.
They REALLY remind me of Sound Tribe Sector 9 sometimes. Some of their grooves, a combination of heavy, hip-hop-y beats and jazzy melodies, are just like some of STS9's greatest hits. But you don't get the insane, rude, retarded crowds you get at STS9 shows.
I was already tipsy after the couple of beers I got, but when my friends got me a couple of shots, I was over the edge, and could hardly dance anymore.
Thankfully Spenser was down to hop to another bar, when Somasphere finished their set. They were actually the opening band for Kitty D, but I've never heard of Kitty D, and we left for the Replay before they came on.
At the Reply I saw a band inside the small, indoor part of the venue. I don't know if it was The Bootheel or Tyler Gregory playing, but they were great, and the crowd loved them, so it was easy to get into it, even though we arrived just in time for the last couple of songs.
Spenser and I met up with another gang of our friends from the same overall crew as the folks at the Bottleneck. Some of the girls were looking to stop by a party, and Spenser and I were going with the flow, and I had my first experience in a taxi in Lawrence. It was actually really cool.
The party we went to wasn't very good. But I got to run into another friend, Jake, who I had not seen in months. We went on back to the girl's house for a bit more of hanging out, and then Spenser and I finished with a little hang-out session back at his house again, before I walked back to my car.
At 4:05 in the morning I stood on Mass. Street near 9th, and looked up and down the sidewalk and street, and did not see another soul. I was all alone downtown. Right in the heart of the town. My town. Your town. Our town.
I stopped by Java Break for a cup of my favorite coffee-drink, a Snickers, cold, with no ice. And drove home to write these blogs.
Now I'm going to crash and sleep in tomorrow. I don't have work until Tuesday, thank god.
As if Friday night weren't wild and long enough, tonight would have to be near the edge of epic.
My adventures started when I got out of my apartment to visit my friend Spenser, then, before Brit's performance in The Vagina Monologues held at Hashinger Hall. She, Alex and I had a drink before she went on stage, which took the edge off being one of the only 6 guys in the room.
Then I went to The Bottleneck to see Somasphere. Sure enough, a ton of friends were at the show, and we had the front, right area of the dance-floor, and it was great fun. Somasphere works the bass, electric keyboard, and guitar to weave together a heavy, funky, flowing rhythm that no one can stand still to.
They REALLY remind me of Sound Tribe Sector 9 sometimes. Some of their grooves, a combination of heavy, hip-hop-y beats and jazzy melodies, are just like some of STS9's greatest hits. But you don't get the insane, rude, retarded crowds you get at STS9 shows.
I was already tipsy after the couple of beers I got, but when my friends got me a couple of shots, I was over the edge, and could hardly dance anymore.
Thankfully Spenser was down to hop to another bar, when Somasphere finished their set. They were actually the opening band for Kitty D, but I've never heard of Kitty D, and we left for the Replay before they came on.
At the Reply I saw a band inside the small, indoor part of the venue. I don't know if it was The Bootheel or Tyler Gregory playing, but they were great, and the crowd loved them, so it was easy to get into it, even though we arrived just in time for the last couple of songs.
Spenser and I met up with another gang of our friends from the same overall crew as the folks at the Bottleneck. Some of the girls were looking to stop by a party, and Spenser and I were going with the flow, and I had my first experience in a taxi in Lawrence. It was actually really cool.
The party we went to wasn't very good. But I got to run into another friend, Jake, who I had not seen in months. We went on back to the girl's house for a bit more of hanging out, and then Spenser and I finished with a little hang-out session back at his house again, before I walked back to my car.
At 4:05 in the morning I stood on Mass. Street near 9th, and looked up and down the sidewalk and street, and did not see another soul. I was all alone downtown. Right in the heart of the town. My town. Your town. Our town.
I stopped by Java Break for a cup of my favorite coffee-drink, a Snickers, cold, with no ice. And drove home to write these blogs.
Now I'm going to crash and sleep in tomorrow. I don't have work until Tuesday, thank god.
Electric Theory dominates the Waka Winter Classic at The Bottleneck Friday night
Friday night was a textbook example of the exciting nightlife of Lawrence that inspires me to write this blog.
Starting off my 3-day weekend with a car accident, I didn't think I would be in any mood to do anything all weekend - let alone Friday night - except venting my frustration on videogames in my apartment. But lo and behold I have such excellent friends that my night did not end until the morning began.
After getting home, I wound up over at a friend's hanging out. She and I then went to the Bottleneck to catch our friend Trevor's band playing in the Waka Winter Classic.
Some other friends of ours won last year, and performed Saturday at Wakarusa, in Arkansas, which was a GREAT show.
Trevor's band, Electric Theory (It might be 'Electronic', but for the time being I will stick with Electric because it's shorter) busted out some hip, funky beats and grooves. Their electronic jam songs are dance-able and fun, not to heavy and not too light.
They reminded me a tad of STS9, which is a very good thing to me.
A few of my good friends were there and the crew stuck together mostly, dancing front and center. But not long after Electric Theory finished their set, a friend invited me and Lydia to a party around the block. We headed there and found a 3-apartment-full party going on, centered around a keg, with our side of the family taking a break in one of the hosts' bedrooms with him to get away from it all.
Eventually we returned to the Waka Winter Classic where another electronic-y funky jam-band was playing. Sadly they were not nearly as good as Electric Theory.
I saw some friendly ladies dancing, and wanted to dance with them, but it's so frustrating when the music is undance-able. What can you do? Go to shows where the bands are good.
I don't know the name of the band, but let me just say, if anyone reads this and knows who I might be talking about, they were no good that night. Electric Theory was where it was at.
Sadly, I finally got sick of the crowd, and seeing the one lady I really don't care to run into these days in Lawrence, and having had a long, busy day, I called it a night early.
That day was a combination of great fun and terrible disappointments, but overall I look back on it with a smile.
The reason I didn't write this that night was because when I finally reached home I returned to the new video game I am addicted to, and played until 4:30 in the morning, before passing out.
And then the next night was even more exciting and classic Lawrence Nightlife.
Starting off my 3-day weekend with a car accident, I didn't think I would be in any mood to do anything all weekend - let alone Friday night - except venting my frustration on videogames in my apartment. But lo and behold I have such excellent friends that my night did not end until the morning began.
After getting home, I wound up over at a friend's hanging out. She and I then went to the Bottleneck to catch our friend Trevor's band playing in the Waka Winter Classic.
Some other friends of ours won last year, and performed Saturday at Wakarusa, in Arkansas, which was a GREAT show.
Trevor's band, Electric Theory (It might be 'Electronic', but for the time being I will stick with Electric because it's shorter) busted out some hip, funky beats and grooves. Their electronic jam songs are dance-able and fun, not to heavy and not too light.
They reminded me a tad of STS9, which is a very good thing to me.
A few of my good friends were there and the crew stuck together mostly, dancing front and center. But not long after Electric Theory finished their set, a friend invited me and Lydia to a party around the block. We headed there and found a 3-apartment-full party going on, centered around a keg, with our side of the family taking a break in one of the hosts' bedrooms with him to get away from it all.
Eventually we returned to the Waka Winter Classic where another electronic-y funky jam-band was playing. Sadly they were not nearly as good as Electric Theory.
I saw some friendly ladies dancing, and wanted to dance with them, but it's so frustrating when the music is undance-able. What can you do? Go to shows where the bands are good.
I don't know the name of the band, but let me just say, if anyone reads this and knows who I might be talking about, they were no good that night. Electric Theory was where it was at.
Sadly, I finally got sick of the crowd, and seeing the one lady I really don't care to run into these days in Lawrence, and having had a long, busy day, I called it a night early.
That day was a combination of great fun and terrible disappointments, but overall I look back on it with a smile.
The reason I didn't write this that night was because when I finally reached home I returned to the new video game I am addicted to, and played until 4:30 in the morning, before passing out.
And then the next night was even more exciting and classic Lawrence Nightlife.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Entrance Band recreates the 60s better than a time-machine, and a Doors tribute band called Moonlight Drive attempts the same thing at Jazzhaus
Okay, long title, I know. It pretty much sums up this review, but for more, read on;
My night started with me jamming at a friend's. Wes is very good at his electric guitar, with a lot of Tool and Nine Inch Nails influence in his style. Following along on the Bass is great practice for me. And together with Wes' friend on a drum, we actually jammed out some really good little songs.
But that wasn't enough music for me. I had heard about Moonlight Drive playing Doors songs at the Jazzhaus, and thought that sounded like fun, and I also expected to see some friends there. Sadly, when I arrived the band was going, with a full crowd on the dance floor, and the bar was pretty busy, but not a single friendly face was in sight.
After listening a short while, I saw that the band had a competent recreation of the Doors' own sound as well as the songs themselves.
However, I noted with much displeasure that the crowd consisted of a great deal of older folks, deep into, or even beyond middle-age, crossed with a thick helping of preppy frat-boys and sorostitues in their North Face jackets.
I had read about The Entrance Band in The Pitch at work today, and so when I saw they were playing at the Jackpot tonight, I was tempted to stop by there if the Jazzhaus was no good. Since the crowd at the Moonlight Drive show sucked, I opted to go see an even more interesting band at a slightly less preppy venue. Deciding between replays of oldies, and new music of a related genre, I choose the new any day. I mean, if I want to hear the Doors, it's as easy as playing my iTunes. But The Entrance Band has few songs online, and they're new and growing, so I'm excited to say I saw them live at the intimate venue they played.
I've met the manager of the Jackpot, Emily, before when she worked at The Reply Lounge across the street. She and her crew at the Jackpot have to deal with a lot of people in a small space, and it can get tedious. I can sympathize, but the Photobooth between the bar and the stage is a little much. I mean, all these vain, drunk, obnoxious people line up to cram in the tiny booth, with the flimsy curtain half-drawn to block NONE of the flash of the camera as it blinds the audience in the already-tiny, already-cramped venue. It's ridiculous.
I missed one of The Entrance Band's opening bands, Lights, or Continents. I can't be sure what band I saw that was made up of three beautiful ladies, one on drums, one on electric guitar and vocals, and one on electric bass. But they were great!
As I was finding a few friends I recognized at the Jackpot, I saw the members of The Entrance Band walking around the bar.
To my horror and disgust, the guitarist/singer reeked like a rotten pumpkin filled with roadkill. At first; trying to comprehend that foul odor, I wondered if there was any way I could forgive such a stench. Fortunately when the band came on, the music quickly overcame the smell. One sense can override another, at times, and thank god for that. The singer/guitarist also took off his shirt when on stage, and I've never been made to feel sick, but, the heavy psychedelic rock got me lost in the awful, deep dents in the scrawny musician's ribcage, as he shrieked and moaned into the microphone.
The band comes together with the bassists' wicked lines, the drummer's heavy beats, and the guitarist's sick riffs, sometimes accented by - other times tainted by - the guitarists "androgynous singing" to quote lawrence.com's preview of the band.
Indeed, The Entrance Band got down hard, with their heavy, trippy, psychedelic rock. The band members' hair, clothes (or lack thereof), the crazy visuals played from a projector, across the band, combined with their epic, awesome, hardcore music, REALLY made me feel like I had traveled through space and time to some 60's rock show in California. I have a great admiration for the young band members' talent and exquisite taste. I have put them on the top of my list of new music I want to get on my computer.
I want to go on, but it's very late and I really am no good at describing music, but I just have to insist that The Entrance Band is something else, and you have to check them out. Their biggest hit, Grim Reaper Blues, is on youtube, and you can see just what they're all about in that one song. But every song is great and different. I hope to someday see this band at a festival. They are originally from L.A., and I have growing aspirations to someday live in L.A., and hope to see them there!
Now to previews:
Saturday, February 13, Bela Fleck is playing at Liberty Hall. Doors open at 8. But tickets are a pretty penny. Lawrence.com says the tickets will cost between 35 and 56 dollars. A lot, if you're me right now. So...We'll see about that one. But Bela Fleck is awesomely talented, like, the Jimi Hendrix of Banjo.
Then, Friday, February 19, Galactic and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe are playing at 9 for $19-21. I LOVE electronic shows and there are never enough of them. I think I'm going to be VERY ready for this show, so I look forward to it very very much.
My night started with me jamming at a friend's. Wes is very good at his electric guitar, with a lot of Tool and Nine Inch Nails influence in his style. Following along on the Bass is great practice for me. And together with Wes' friend on a drum, we actually jammed out some really good little songs.
But that wasn't enough music for me. I had heard about Moonlight Drive playing Doors songs at the Jazzhaus, and thought that sounded like fun, and I also expected to see some friends there. Sadly, when I arrived the band was going, with a full crowd on the dance floor, and the bar was pretty busy, but not a single friendly face was in sight.
After listening a short while, I saw that the band had a competent recreation of the Doors' own sound as well as the songs themselves.
However, I noted with much displeasure that the crowd consisted of a great deal of older folks, deep into, or even beyond middle-age, crossed with a thick helping of preppy frat-boys and sorostitues in their North Face jackets.
I had read about The Entrance Band in The Pitch at work today, and so when I saw they were playing at the Jackpot tonight, I was tempted to stop by there if the Jazzhaus was no good. Since the crowd at the Moonlight Drive show sucked, I opted to go see an even more interesting band at a slightly less preppy venue. Deciding between replays of oldies, and new music of a related genre, I choose the new any day. I mean, if I want to hear the Doors, it's as easy as playing my iTunes. But The Entrance Band has few songs online, and they're new and growing, so I'm excited to say I saw them live at the intimate venue they played.
I've met the manager of the Jackpot, Emily, before when she worked at The Reply Lounge across the street. She and her crew at the Jackpot have to deal with a lot of people in a small space, and it can get tedious. I can sympathize, but the Photobooth between the bar and the stage is a little much. I mean, all these vain, drunk, obnoxious people line up to cram in the tiny booth, with the flimsy curtain half-drawn to block NONE of the flash of the camera as it blinds the audience in the already-tiny, already-cramped venue. It's ridiculous.
I missed one of The Entrance Band's opening bands, Lights, or Continents. I can't be sure what band I saw that was made up of three beautiful ladies, one on drums, one on electric guitar and vocals, and one on electric bass. But they were great!
As I was finding a few friends I recognized at the Jackpot, I saw the members of The Entrance Band walking around the bar.
To my horror and disgust, the guitarist/singer reeked like a rotten pumpkin filled with roadkill. At first; trying to comprehend that foul odor, I wondered if there was any way I could forgive such a stench. Fortunately when the band came on, the music quickly overcame the smell. One sense can override another, at times, and thank god for that. The singer/guitarist also took off his shirt when on stage, and I've never been made to feel sick, but, the heavy psychedelic rock got me lost in the awful, deep dents in the scrawny musician's ribcage, as he shrieked and moaned into the microphone.
The band comes together with the bassists' wicked lines, the drummer's heavy beats, and the guitarist's sick riffs, sometimes accented by - other times tainted by - the guitarists "androgynous singing" to quote lawrence.com's preview of the band.
Indeed, The Entrance Band got down hard, with their heavy, trippy, psychedelic rock. The band members' hair, clothes (or lack thereof), the crazy visuals played from a projector, across the band, combined with their epic, awesome, hardcore music, REALLY made me feel like I had traveled through space and time to some 60's rock show in California. I have a great admiration for the young band members' talent and exquisite taste. I have put them on the top of my list of new music I want to get on my computer.
I want to go on, but it's very late and I really am no good at describing music, but I just have to insist that The Entrance Band is something else, and you have to check them out. Their biggest hit, Grim Reaper Blues, is on youtube, and you can see just what they're all about in that one song. But every song is great and different. I hope to someday see this band at a festival. They are originally from L.A., and I have growing aspirations to someday live in L.A., and hope to see them there!
Now to previews:
Saturday, February 13, Bela Fleck is playing at Liberty Hall. Doors open at 8. But tickets are a pretty penny. Lawrence.com says the tickets will cost between 35 and 56 dollars. A lot, if you're me right now. So...We'll see about that one. But Bela Fleck is awesomely talented, like, the Jimi Hendrix of Banjo.
Then, Friday, February 19, Galactic and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe are playing at 9 for $19-21. I LOVE electronic shows and there are never enough of them. I think I'm going to be VERY ready for this show, so I look forward to it very very much.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Mountain Standard Time and The Great American Taxi rage the Bottleneck
This is a day late, but that's because I've been so busy raging it since before this show. I'll immediately be following this review with a double-review from the two shows I went in-between tonight!
My friends Nikki and Jacob were excited for this show before I was. I had read about the show before they told me how good it would be, and the names caught my eye. Jacob played some songs from both bands before we walked to the Bottleneck, and I knew I was in for a great show.
Sure enough, the show was supposed to open at 9, and the opening band, Lettuce Inn had already finished, and Mountain Standard Time was on when we arrived at 10:30. Like the last show I saw at the Bottleneck, the crowd wasn't so huge that the venue wasn't packed, but a healthy crowd filled out the dance floor. A lot of pretty girls were there, and a few good friends too. The music was a blend of blue-grass and rock, since the instruments ranged from a lead electric guitar, to a banjo and electric mandolin.
New Belgium beer company has just come out with a new brew that's an IPA called Ranger. The Bottleneck got the new beer days before any other bar. There's supposed to be some kind of release-party for the beer in a week or two. Anywho, the beer is delicious and we also had a birthday among my friends that night, so Tyler and I had shots of some horrifically strong whiskey - Tyler works at a liquor store and is a connoisseur of all things alcoholic - and by the time The Great American Taxi took the stage, I was ready to get down.
Sure enough The Great American Taxi picked up where Mountain Standard Time left off, jamming hardcore and leading the crowd to get wild. Everyone was having a good time, and the music was pure talent. I don't know much about describing music, but let me just say that those songs were ridiculously good. I can hardly believe how cheap and small the show was, considering how great the bands were!
The opening band, Lettuce Inn, was said to be excellent, I'm sorry I missed them. I'll be keeping an eye out for any and all these bands playing around here again.
My friends Nikki and Jacob were excited for this show before I was. I had read about the show before they told me how good it would be, and the names caught my eye. Jacob played some songs from both bands before we walked to the Bottleneck, and I knew I was in for a great show.
Sure enough, the show was supposed to open at 9, and the opening band, Lettuce Inn had already finished, and Mountain Standard Time was on when we arrived at 10:30. Like the last show I saw at the Bottleneck, the crowd wasn't so huge that the venue wasn't packed, but a healthy crowd filled out the dance floor. A lot of pretty girls were there, and a few good friends too. The music was a blend of blue-grass and rock, since the instruments ranged from a lead electric guitar, to a banjo and electric mandolin.
New Belgium beer company has just come out with a new brew that's an IPA called Ranger. The Bottleneck got the new beer days before any other bar. There's supposed to be some kind of release-party for the beer in a week or two. Anywho, the beer is delicious and we also had a birthday among my friends that night, so Tyler and I had shots of some horrifically strong whiskey - Tyler works at a liquor store and is a connoisseur of all things alcoholic - and by the time The Great American Taxi took the stage, I was ready to get down.
Sure enough The Great American Taxi picked up where Mountain Standard Time left off, jamming hardcore and leading the crowd to get wild. Everyone was having a good time, and the music was pure talent. I don't know much about describing music, but let me just say that those songs were ridiculously good. I can hardly believe how cheap and small the show was, considering how great the bands were!
The opening band, Lettuce Inn, was said to be excellent, I'm sorry I missed them. I'll be keeping an eye out for any and all these bands playing around here again.
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