Saturday night promised to be full of excitement when a crowd of eager fans was gathered for the opener, 3 Son Green. The young band of four plays with a talent beyond their years - some still appeared to have X's on their hands - filling the venue with a strong jam of funky, jazzy tunes that got the dance floor shaking. Playing cover songs as well as their own music, 3 Son Green started the night off right, and impressed audience members who came with high expectations for the veterans of Dirtfoot and Mountain Sprout.
It was an odd transition from the poppy, rocking jams of 3 Son Green to the jazzy, folk rock of Dirtfoot, but the crowd went with it with ease, as Dirtfoot got interactive, asking the audience to shout out words to follow the chorus' of different songs. Cans of beans are handed out at every Dirtfoot show, so fans and add their own rhythm to the songs, making everyone feel more involved with the music. As written in past reviews, Dirtfoot puts on an incredible live show, with talent and energy that cannot be beat.
Mountain Sprout came on shortly after Dirtfoot finished, taking up the crowd's energy and rolling it even higher, as they always do. The four bluegrass masters have added a girl with a saw to their band, who gives a haunting extra sound to some of the songs. For a few songs the washboard player from Dirtfoot joined too. Mountain Sprout plays with a passion that only the most hardcore party animals could have. Also written about in past reviews, Mountain Sprout is one of the best bluegrass acts out there, and it's a stroke of great luck that they come all the way from Arkansas to play for us in Lawrence and Kansas City.
It's ridiculous that 3 bands of such great talent can play at a venue like the Bottleneck for just $7. Only in a musical paradise like Lawrence. If only this show had been advertised more, I would have previewed it!
Don't miss them at Festy Fest here in Lawrence; they are scheduled to play the second night, Saturday, May 22nd, at 9:15 p.m. They will also be playing at Wakarusa this summer, along with Dirtfoot - and 3 Son Green, I believe!
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query dirtfoot. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query dirtfoot. Sort by date Show all posts
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Sonic Sutra opens the Bottleneck with funky jams and Dirtfoot gets the crowd wild with a powerhouse set
I have exciting news! I'm getting a position on Examiner.com writing a column called "Lawrence Guys Night Out"! I'll be writing about the same shows, concerts, bars, parties and events that I write about here, with full control and freedom to use my writing how and where I want. Therefore there is no conflict of interest with this blog.
That being said, this blog will continue as it has been, and I will use this place to be more personal, and also to practice what I mean to say, so I can write my Examiner articles with the professional style they want.
So, Friday night I meant to see Boombox and EZ Brothers at the Bottleneck, but, one thing after another came up, and when I passed by the Bottleneck around 10:30, I saw a line from the door, all the way to the street, consisting 100% of old, preppy people. Not really the Bottleneck crowd. Not really the Boombox, or EZ Brothers crowd. But there they were, all being stuck up and boring. So I left, and went from one friends' house to another. Everyone seemed to be chilling at home that night, with a few friends, sipping drinks. But I wanted something more, so I kept moving from one place to another.
Around 12:30 I stopped at the Jazzhaus, where I heard Sonic Sutra was opening for the Cosmopolitics. A couple of my friends were there, but had missed Sonic Sutra. I shrugged that off, knowing I'd see them the next day.
But Cosmopolitics were on, and jamming hardcore. The dancefloor was filled, and the bar was busy.
Unfortunately the crowd couldn't properly appreciate the dance-able jams, so I sat with my friends and simply enjoyed the music with their company, before calling it a night when the bar closed.
Last night was even more exciting!
Pre-partying at a friends before a show is always a good idea. It's fun and if the party is close to your destination, it's safe to walk, or use a designated driver. Drinking at home is a lot cheaper than at a bar, and it's sometimes more fun to be able to relax while you get your drink on before hitting the dance floor. My friends around the corner from the Bottleneck are always having people over before the good shows, so we kicked it there until about 10, when we made the short trek to the show.
It cost $7 for one of the best shows I've seen in Lawrence in a while, which impressed me greatly. I forgot how a great band can put on a fantastic show in a smaller venue, before they get too famous, and the fans reap the rewards.
Sonic Sutra is a local band made up of talented musicians who know how to choreograph their sounds to make a great variety of sounds to their songs. Their music has a classic rock harmony about it, with great vocals, impressive guitar solos, hip bass lines and tight drumming. Courtney Rose Smith sings vocals and also plays with a shaker and other percussion and rhythm instruments for different songs, just one example of how every song has it's own style and form, while the band always makes a strong blend.
The set was long, without dragging. Sonic Sutra must have played consistently funky, fun, dance-able songs for at least an hour and a half, with hardly a pause.
As Bottleneck regulars, a basically the most hardcore, badass, party-animals in town, my friends were front and center, holding it down on the dance floor for most of Sonic Sutra's long, but seamless set. The crowd sitting at the bleachers, booths, tables and leaning up against the bar appeared to be too old, self-conscious or unfamiliar to get down. But once Dirtfoot came on, the bar was full, and people who knew how to have fun joined us.
Dirtfoot is a band of professional musicians whose experience together has made them a phenomenon of bluegrass, jam and funk combined. They take pride in the music they play, and they play it well, at every show.
The blend of instruments, played with expert skill, is what makes Dirtfoot special. The lead singer and guitarist plays with boundless energy that exemplifies the bands' tone of wild fun. The bassist plays a stand-up bass, even using a bow for a couple of songs. Even the banjo player took up a bow for a song, which blew my mind.
The core of bluegrass instrumentation worked well with a drummer who played clever solos. On top of the regular drummer, keeping rocking dance beats, there's a second percussionist who used a variety of tambourines, pipes, and even a washboard to add spice to the songs.
To top it all off is the saxophonist, whose slick, veteran playing takes the band to a whole other level. When the saxophone doesn't bring the funk, the saxophonist brings out a clarinet, which can throw down harder that one might expect the woodwind to be capable of.
Dirtfoot puts on an especially fun show, because they know how to get the crowd involved. They pass out cans with dried beans rattling around inside, that the audience is encouraged to shake along to the steady beats. Many songs the band calls out for the crowd to sing a part, something short, like a reply or a holler that completes the chorus. Everyone is drinking and dancing, so it's not asking much for everyone to join in the songs themselves.
Dirtfoot's following must not be as big as it ought to be, because the set was ridiculously fun, but the bar was only comfortably full, not packed. The Bottleneck has hired a waitress who walks around the crowd, asking anyone if they need another drink. It makes it a little more convenient, when the dance floor is crowded or you don't want to fight for a bartenders' attention. As soon as Dirtfoot came on, the dance floor was full and it never quieted down. The band played almost two hours, without pause. Their range of music goes from rock and funk to bluegrass jams, but every tune is the kind of polished, refined quality that it's hard to believe they're still playing the Bottleneck for $7.
It's easy to get friendly at a fun show like Dirtfoot, and people are always prone to put together an after-party on a Saturday night. Sonic Sutra and their friends came over to two of my friends' house, where we played drinking games and hung out even later into the night.
But as I always will preach on this blog, even if I don't harp on it in the Examiner: what made this show really great for me, was being there with a great many of my good friends. Together, we make it less of a concert, and more of a party, and really, that's the way life should be.
That being said, this blog will continue as it has been, and I will use this place to be more personal, and also to practice what I mean to say, so I can write my Examiner articles with the professional style they want.
So, Friday night I meant to see Boombox and EZ Brothers at the Bottleneck, but, one thing after another came up, and when I passed by the Bottleneck around 10:30, I saw a line from the door, all the way to the street, consisting 100% of old, preppy people. Not really the Bottleneck crowd. Not really the Boombox, or EZ Brothers crowd. But there they were, all being stuck up and boring. So I left, and went from one friends' house to another. Everyone seemed to be chilling at home that night, with a few friends, sipping drinks. But I wanted something more, so I kept moving from one place to another.
Around 12:30 I stopped at the Jazzhaus, where I heard Sonic Sutra was opening for the Cosmopolitics. A couple of my friends were there, but had missed Sonic Sutra. I shrugged that off, knowing I'd see them the next day.
But Cosmopolitics were on, and jamming hardcore. The dancefloor was filled, and the bar was busy.
Unfortunately the crowd couldn't properly appreciate the dance-able jams, so I sat with my friends and simply enjoyed the music with their company, before calling it a night when the bar closed.
Last night was even more exciting!
Pre-partying at a friends before a show is always a good idea. It's fun and if the party is close to your destination, it's safe to walk, or use a designated driver. Drinking at home is a lot cheaper than at a bar, and it's sometimes more fun to be able to relax while you get your drink on before hitting the dance floor. My friends around the corner from the Bottleneck are always having people over before the good shows, so we kicked it there until about 10, when we made the short trek to the show.
It cost $7 for one of the best shows I've seen in Lawrence in a while, which impressed me greatly. I forgot how a great band can put on a fantastic show in a smaller venue, before they get too famous, and the fans reap the rewards.
Sonic Sutra is a local band made up of talented musicians who know how to choreograph their sounds to make a great variety of sounds to their songs. Their music has a classic rock harmony about it, with great vocals, impressive guitar solos, hip bass lines and tight drumming. Courtney Rose Smith sings vocals and also plays with a shaker and other percussion and rhythm instruments for different songs, just one example of how every song has it's own style and form, while the band always makes a strong blend.
The set was long, without dragging. Sonic Sutra must have played consistently funky, fun, dance-able songs for at least an hour and a half, with hardly a pause.
As Bottleneck regulars, a basically the most hardcore, badass, party-animals in town, my friends were front and center, holding it down on the dance floor for most of Sonic Sutra's long, but seamless set. The crowd sitting at the bleachers, booths, tables and leaning up against the bar appeared to be too old, self-conscious or unfamiliar to get down. But once Dirtfoot came on, the bar was full, and people who knew how to have fun joined us.
Dirtfoot is a band of professional musicians whose experience together has made them a phenomenon of bluegrass, jam and funk combined. They take pride in the music they play, and they play it well, at every show.
The blend of instruments, played with expert skill, is what makes Dirtfoot special. The lead singer and guitarist plays with boundless energy that exemplifies the bands' tone of wild fun. The bassist plays a stand-up bass, even using a bow for a couple of songs. Even the banjo player took up a bow for a song, which blew my mind.
The core of bluegrass instrumentation worked well with a drummer who played clever solos. On top of the regular drummer, keeping rocking dance beats, there's a second percussionist who used a variety of tambourines, pipes, and even a washboard to add spice to the songs.
To top it all off is the saxophonist, whose slick, veteran playing takes the band to a whole other level. When the saxophone doesn't bring the funk, the saxophonist brings out a clarinet, which can throw down harder that one might expect the woodwind to be capable of.
Dirtfoot puts on an especially fun show, because they know how to get the crowd involved. They pass out cans with dried beans rattling around inside, that the audience is encouraged to shake along to the steady beats. Many songs the band calls out for the crowd to sing a part, something short, like a reply or a holler that completes the chorus. Everyone is drinking and dancing, so it's not asking much for everyone to join in the songs themselves.
Dirtfoot's following must not be as big as it ought to be, because the set was ridiculously fun, but the bar was only comfortably full, not packed. The Bottleneck has hired a waitress who walks around the crowd, asking anyone if they need another drink. It makes it a little more convenient, when the dance floor is crowded or you don't want to fight for a bartenders' attention. As soon as Dirtfoot came on, the dance floor was full and it never quieted down. The band played almost two hours, without pause. Their range of music goes from rock and funk to bluegrass jams, but every tune is the kind of polished, refined quality that it's hard to believe they're still playing the Bottleneck for $7.
It's easy to get friendly at a fun show like Dirtfoot, and people are always prone to put together an after-party on a Saturday night. Sonic Sutra and their friends came over to two of my friends' house, where we played drinking games and hung out even later into the night.
But as I always will preach on this blog, even if I don't harp on it in the Examiner: what made this show really great for me, was being there with a great many of my good friends. Together, we make it less of a concert, and more of a party, and really, that's the way life should be.
Monday, September 27, 2010
September ends and October begins with all kinds of great music playing downtown all weekend!
As September winds down and October begins there's a whole list of great shows to catch, starting with some fantastic Bluegrass bands coming to the Bottleneck this week, and ending with a gigantic music festival, Scion Garage Fest held within four of the best venues downtown.
First, local Bluegrass gods Deadman Flats will be playing with Oakhurst at the Bottleneck at 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Deadman Flats' style of speedy, punkish bluegrass and hilarious drinkin' country tunes makes every show into a hoedown of epic proportions. Oakhurst is a five-piece bluegrass jam band from Denver, that sound talented and easy on the ears. These two bands should compliment each other quite well, and make for a great mid-week concert to let loose at.
Then, Dirtfoot will be stopping by the Bottleneck to lay down some awesome bluegrass jams Friday at 10 p.m. with American Aquarium. Dirtfoot, the folk and bluegrass band from Shreveport, Louisiana always puts on a fantastic show to a big, enthusiastic crowd, so come ready to party hardy!
BUT, also on Friday at 10 p.m. The Spook Lights, one of Lawrence's coolest, weirdest bands will be on at the Replay Lounge along with Fag Cop, Strong Smells, and Wayne Pain. This show will only be $2 and these bands are most likely to play to a smaller, more personal crowd in the indoor part of the bar. The Spook Lights are awesomely quirky, full of passion and brilliant talent, not to mention lots of fun, addictive hits that all their loyal fans love. The band has a special style of old 60s pop rock crossed with a little bit of spooky, psychedelic surf rock to create something you won't hear anywhere else.
Now, granted it's pretty ironic that a bunch of indie rock bands would play for a festival that's blatantly sponsored by a big not-at-all-indie company, but Scion Garage Fest is going to be epic for music lovers. The festival involves a list of bands playing one after another at The Bottleneck, Liberty Hall, The Jackpot Music Hall, and The Granada. Most of the bands listed appear to be indie rock groups of one sub-genre or another. The best bands this reviewer is excited to see are opening and headlining at Liberty Hall. Rooftop Vigilantes, a Lawrence original band that's skyrocketing to fame is playing one last show in town before going on tour. Then The Raveonettes will finish the night at Liberty Hall at 11 p.m. The Denmark based indie rock band plays a style of oldies mixed with dark lyrics and slick, addictive guitar riffs. Some of their songs rock hard and fast, others are slow and sweet, but it's all well-composed, brilliantly executed music without compare. Try Aly, Walk With Me on their Myspace to get a great idea of their use of melodies, harmonies and harsh noise to make incredibly music. This may be one of the rarest bands you can ever see in Lawrence, these guys don't come around this area often. Be there!
But if neither of these bands is your cup of tea, there's dozens of other bands playing all evening and through the night at the other three venues this festival is being held at. So take your pick and have a fantastic weekend!
First, local Bluegrass gods Deadman Flats will be playing with Oakhurst at the Bottleneck at 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Deadman Flats' style of speedy, punkish bluegrass and hilarious drinkin' country tunes makes every show into a hoedown of epic proportions. Oakhurst is a five-piece bluegrass jam band from Denver, that sound talented and easy on the ears. These two bands should compliment each other quite well, and make for a great mid-week concert to let loose at.
Then, Dirtfoot will be stopping by the Bottleneck to lay down some awesome bluegrass jams Friday at 10 p.m. with American Aquarium. Dirtfoot, the folk and bluegrass band from Shreveport, Louisiana always puts on a fantastic show to a big, enthusiastic crowd, so come ready to party hardy!
BUT, also on Friday at 10 p.m. The Spook Lights, one of Lawrence's coolest, weirdest bands will be on at the Replay Lounge along with Fag Cop, Strong Smells, and Wayne Pain. This show will only be $2 and these bands are most likely to play to a smaller, more personal crowd in the indoor part of the bar. The Spook Lights are awesomely quirky, full of passion and brilliant talent, not to mention lots of fun, addictive hits that all their loyal fans love. The band has a special style of old 60s pop rock crossed with a little bit of spooky, psychedelic surf rock to create something you won't hear anywhere else.
Now, granted it's pretty ironic that a bunch of indie rock bands would play for a festival that's blatantly sponsored by a big not-at-all-indie company, but Scion Garage Fest is going to be epic for music lovers. The festival involves a list of bands playing one after another at The Bottleneck, Liberty Hall, The Jackpot Music Hall, and The Granada. Most of the bands listed appear to be indie rock groups of one sub-genre or another. The best bands this reviewer is excited to see are opening and headlining at Liberty Hall. Rooftop Vigilantes, a Lawrence original band that's skyrocketing to fame is playing one last show in town before going on tour. Then The Raveonettes will finish the night at Liberty Hall at 11 p.m. The Denmark based indie rock band plays a style of oldies mixed with dark lyrics and slick, addictive guitar riffs. Some of their songs rock hard and fast, others are slow and sweet, but it's all well-composed, brilliantly executed music without compare. Try Aly, Walk With Me on their Myspace to get a great idea of their use of melodies, harmonies and harsh noise to make incredibly music. This may be one of the rarest bands you can ever see in Lawrence, these guys don't come around this area often. Be there!
But if neither of these bands is your cup of tea, there's dozens of other bands playing all evening and through the night at the other three venues this festival is being held at. So take your pick and have a fantastic weekend!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March Madness weekend preview
So, it's a new month, and there's lots of shows to look forward to!
In the short term, my weekend is already booked:
Friday night I'm interested in seeing Boombox and EZ Brothers put down some funky jam tunes. I have never seen either performance, but heard Boombox' favorite song on their website, and it sounded like a party. Lawrence.com says it's $11, which is so-so for a Bottleneck show, but worth it if all my friends are getting down.
Some friends have already confirmed they're going, so I hope to meet up with them for pre-partying or an after-party. Thankfully I don't have work all weekend, so I'll be able to recover Saturday morning before getting ready to go out again a second night.
Saturday, Sonic Sutra is playing with Dirtfoot. These are two great, fun bluegrass jam bands that have wicked talent, and throw down for some fun-ass shows! I am very excited about this night, and will definitely be raging it with my crew, once again at the Bottleneck.
It really seems odd how many great shows the Bottleneck has been having this year, but I just have to hand it to them: they know how to satisfy a whole network of Lawrence people.
Lawrence.com doesn't have a cost estimate for this show. I'm guessing somewhere near 15, but whatever it is, I'm positive it will be worth it for the good times to be had.
Looking ahead I hear that The Wailers will be playing the Voodoo Lounge in KC, Friday, March 26.
Lastly, I have a special place in my heart for goth music. It's what got me through high school. So, when I hear that VNV Nation, one of the only "gothy" bands still doing national tours in the US was coming to town, I almost peed my pants. VNV Nation: 3 guys on synthesizers of various kinds, and a grump, shaven-headed Irishman singing, brought out more goth kids in Lawrence than I've ever seen in Kansas. I'm excited to get gothed up with some friends and check them out again on April 7th!
Hope to see you around the Bottleneck this weekend!
In the short term, my weekend is already booked:
Friday night I'm interested in seeing Boombox and EZ Brothers put down some funky jam tunes. I have never seen either performance, but heard Boombox' favorite song on their website, and it sounded like a party. Lawrence.com says it's $11, which is so-so for a Bottleneck show, but worth it if all my friends are getting down.
Some friends have already confirmed they're going, so I hope to meet up with them for pre-partying or an after-party. Thankfully I don't have work all weekend, so I'll be able to recover Saturday morning before getting ready to go out again a second night.
Saturday, Sonic Sutra is playing with Dirtfoot. These are two great, fun bluegrass jam bands that have wicked talent, and throw down for some fun-ass shows! I am very excited about this night, and will definitely be raging it with my crew, once again at the Bottleneck.
It really seems odd how many great shows the Bottleneck has been having this year, but I just have to hand it to them: they know how to satisfy a whole network of Lawrence people.
Lawrence.com doesn't have a cost estimate for this show. I'm guessing somewhere near 15, but whatever it is, I'm positive it will be worth it for the good times to be had.
Looking ahead I hear that The Wailers will be playing the Voodoo Lounge in KC, Friday, March 26.
Lastly, I have a special place in my heart for goth music. It's what got me through high school. So, when I hear that VNV Nation, one of the only "gothy" bands still doing national tours in the US was coming to town, I almost peed my pants. VNV Nation: 3 guys on synthesizers of various kinds, and a grump, shaven-headed Irishman singing, brought out more goth kids in Lawrence than I've ever seen in Kansas. I'm excited to get gothed up with some friends and check them out again on April 7th!
Hope to see you around the Bottleneck this weekend!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
J-Wail warms up the Jazzhaus for Mouth to go wild with an improv set
Friday night there were several great shows downtown, but Mouth's army of loyal fans still packed the Jazzhaus for an epic concert of improv renditions of some of the headliners' best hits. Dirtfoot was at the Bottleneck for all the bluegrass lovers, and The Spook Lights were at the Replay Lounge for all the psychedelic surf rockers, but for a funky dance party, everyone in town knew to go to the Jazzhaus for a wild good time.
J-Wail of Denver put on a lengthy set of electronic jams, with a drummer throwing down a hot beat behind the synthesizer. The set was not bad, but hard for folks to get down to. Surprising, considering the quality of the DJ's songs on his website. The crowd was still coming in while the opener warmed things up, but even so, only a few brave or drunken souls hit the dance floor for the electronica. The music felt a little too repetitive and simple to hold an audience's attention, many people packed the smoking patio and filled the tables while the opener played background music. But before Mouth was half-done setting up a thick crowd of eager music lovers was filling the dance floor, ready to party.
As always, Mouth's set was different and exciting for new-comers and regular fans alike. A loving horde of dancers trying to get down packed the front of the stage, overflowing into the spaces between tables. Mouth started off telling everyone that their set would be a lot of improv and jams, and they delivered. Incorporating some of the fan favorites, the band turned out a unique set of jams that kept everyone dancing and cheering.
You know it's a great jam band when they can play original sets that still hold the familiar quality and style of the band, keeping a full dance floor happy. Indeed this was a party of epic proportions at the Jazzhaus, so overtly fun that nobody wanted it to end. Even after the bar was closing, the band members and their most excited fans went on to after-party into the early hours of the morning.
If a show's quality is measured in how much fun the crowd has, this show was grade A perfection. In terms of music, J-Wail left something to be desired, but Mouth more than made up for it.
If this column hasn't made it clear before: Mouth is where it's at. Their shows are fantastic, with great music, party people and good vibes. Don't miss the next chance to be at the best show of the night!
J-Wail of Denver put on a lengthy set of electronic jams, with a drummer throwing down a hot beat behind the synthesizer. The set was not bad, but hard for folks to get down to. Surprising, considering the quality of the DJ's songs on his website. The crowd was still coming in while the opener warmed things up, but even so, only a few brave or drunken souls hit the dance floor for the electronica. The music felt a little too repetitive and simple to hold an audience's attention, many people packed the smoking patio and filled the tables while the opener played background music. But before Mouth was half-done setting up a thick crowd of eager music lovers was filling the dance floor, ready to party.
As always, Mouth's set was different and exciting for new-comers and regular fans alike. A loving horde of dancers trying to get down packed the front of the stage, overflowing into the spaces between tables. Mouth started off telling everyone that their set would be a lot of improv and jams, and they delivered. Incorporating some of the fan favorites, the band turned out a unique set of jams that kept everyone dancing and cheering.
You know it's a great jam band when they can play original sets that still hold the familiar quality and style of the band, keeping a full dance floor happy. Indeed this was a party of epic proportions at the Jazzhaus, so overtly fun that nobody wanted it to end. Even after the bar was closing, the band members and their most excited fans went on to after-party into the early hours of the morning.
If a show's quality is measured in how much fun the crowd has, this show was grade A perfection. In terms of music, J-Wail left something to be desired, but Mouth more than made up for it.
If this column hasn't made it clear before: Mouth is where it's at. Their shows are fantastic, with great music, party people and good vibes. Don't miss the next chance to be at the best show of the night!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Schwag jam fan favorites for an Grateful Granada + Wakarusa lineup released!
The Schwag are a full-blown Grateful Dead experience Deadheads travel from all around to see. With Jimmy Tebeau, Grateful Dead bassist led the band in two sets of vigorous jams at the Granada last night, including a number of popular Dead songs that the audience asked for as the concert rocked on. After each long, radiant jam, the crowd roared in approval, overjoyed by the band's energetic spirit.
Any other time of year the Granada may not have been big enough to contain the audience for a show of this prominence. A lot of students are still out of town for Winter Break, however, which left a little extra breathing room in the venue for the hardcore Deadheads, young and old, who came out in their tie-dyes and patchy pants. Still, it was a crowded night and friends and strangers alike came together in happy harmony for what they all knew would be one of the best shows of the year.
The night started without any openers. The Schwag came out full of energy, starting strong with hard-hitting blues rock, rambling into psychedelic jams, the band treated the crowd to heavy doses of professional music-craft. Barely any other active band can compare with The Schwag in terms of sheer talent and experience. Last night they lived up to their established reputation.
With hundreds of songs to choose from, the band never needs a set list and to add to the crowd's pleasure, they took requests, playing some fan favorites to the delight of the full dance-floor. For later songs, the harmonica savant Brody Buster, from Lawrence's own Brody Buster Band, joined The Schwag, humbly joining the veteran blues experts for some smooth, funky jams.
The two sets combined made a full night of Grateful Dead bliss. It cannot be determined which set might have been better, because they were both completely satisfying. The Schwag will be back in their home-base of St. Louis several times over the month, but the best show will be on January 29th. The band is playing a benefit show for Camp Zoe, the scenic campground outside Salem, Missouri, where The Schwag used to host fantastic music festivals multiple times a year. It was recently shut down, and the bands and fans who all love that place are trying to win it back.
Now for an exciting announcement!
The Wakarusa Music Festival's lineup for 2011 was just released this week, and contains a massive collection of great artists, many of whom Lawrence music lovers know and love.
If you've read this column before, you've probably heard of many of the great bands playing this June:
Ben Harper and the Relentless 7
Thievery Corporation
STS9
Bassnectar
Umphrey's McGee
Toots & the Maytals
Ghostland Observatory
Shpongle
Galactic
Lotus
Dark Star Orchestra
North Mississippi Allstars
Perpetual Groove
Wookiefoot
Split Lip Rayfield
Cornmeal
EOTO
Big Gigantic
VibesquaD
Peelander-Z
Jay Nash
Dirtfoot
Mountain Sprout
Papadosio
Zoogma
Family Groove Company
The Floozies
Somasphere
The Ben Miller Band
Just to name a few.
Wakarusa used to be held outside of Lawrence, but has moved to Mulberry Mountain, Arkansas, where there is more room, and a flat area where the stages and main campground are, making it easier for most campers to reach the shows. Last year was a blast for all who attended.
Granted, the new set-up includes a "satellite" campground, which is a long LONG hike from everything, but if you are smart and come early, you can secure a good camping spot and enjoy a comfortable, fun weekend of music this June. Expect a full preview in the coming months.
Any other time of year the Granada may not have been big enough to contain the audience for a show of this prominence. A lot of students are still out of town for Winter Break, however, which left a little extra breathing room in the venue for the hardcore Deadheads, young and old, who came out in their tie-dyes and patchy pants. Still, it was a crowded night and friends and strangers alike came together in happy harmony for what they all knew would be one of the best shows of the year.
The night started without any openers. The Schwag came out full of energy, starting strong with hard-hitting blues rock, rambling into psychedelic jams, the band treated the crowd to heavy doses of professional music-craft. Barely any other active band can compare with The Schwag in terms of sheer talent and experience. Last night they lived up to their established reputation.
With hundreds of songs to choose from, the band never needs a set list and to add to the crowd's pleasure, they took requests, playing some fan favorites to the delight of the full dance-floor. For later songs, the harmonica savant Brody Buster, from Lawrence's own Brody Buster Band, joined The Schwag, humbly joining the veteran blues experts for some smooth, funky jams.
The two sets combined made a full night of Grateful Dead bliss. It cannot be determined which set might have been better, because they were both completely satisfying. The Schwag will be back in their home-base of St. Louis several times over the month, but the best show will be on January 29th. The band is playing a benefit show for Camp Zoe, the scenic campground outside Salem, Missouri, where The Schwag used to host fantastic music festivals multiple times a year. It was recently shut down, and the bands and fans who all love that place are trying to win it back.
Now for an exciting announcement!
The Wakarusa Music Festival's lineup for 2011 was just released this week, and contains a massive collection of great artists, many of whom Lawrence music lovers know and love.
If you've read this column before, you've probably heard of many of the great bands playing this June:
Ben Harper and the Relentless 7
Thievery Corporation
STS9
Bassnectar
Umphrey's McGee
Toots & the Maytals
Ghostland Observatory
Shpongle
Galactic
Lotus
Dark Star Orchestra
North Mississippi Allstars
Perpetual Groove
Wookiefoot
Split Lip Rayfield
Cornmeal
EOTO
Big Gigantic
VibesquaD
Peelander-Z
Jay Nash
Dirtfoot
Mountain Sprout
Papadosio
Zoogma
Family Groove Company
The Floozies
Somasphere
The Ben Miller Band
Just to name a few.
Wakarusa used to be held outside of Lawrence, but has moved to Mulberry Mountain, Arkansas, where there is more room, and a flat area where the stages and main campground are, making it easier for most campers to reach the shows. Last year was a blast for all who attended.
Granted, the new set-up includes a "satellite" campground, which is a long LONG hike from everything, but if you are smart and come early, you can secure a good camping spot and enjoy a comfortable, fun weekend of music this June. Expect a full preview in the coming months.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Wakarusa overwhelms an oversold crowd
Just a short week after Summer Camp, Wakarusa gave Music Festival a new meaning, with four days of nonstop music including nationally renowned bands. Epic sets of fantastic songs filled every night, to keep the crowd in constant musical heaven. Masses of devoted fans from all around the country crowded the camping ground in the Arkansas Ozark National Forest.
Lawrence residents should know that Wakarusa originated just outside of town, at Clinton Lake. The festival was moved to Arkansas when the police started making it hard for anyone to have a good time in Lawrence. But, even though the festival is a lot farther from us now, it's still absolutely worth the trip, and when you get there you'll find that there is a veritable army of Lawrencians representing the origin of the festival.
Aside from fantastic music, there was one terrible flaw to Wakarusa this year that could make the experience an ordeal for anyone. The camp was so over-packed, that a "Satellite Parking and Camp ground" was set up 3 whole miles away. Campers screwed out of the convenience of the regular camping area had a long walk, all uphill, if they didn't want to wait in line for a bus for an hour or more. Thankfully there are a lot of good people at music festivals, willing to give a ride to a poor soul hitch-hiking back and forth. But the hardships of camping even 3 miles away are worth the effort to see the fantastic bands playing each day.
Rocket Science, a local act from Lawrence, opened at the Satellite Stage - not to be confused with the Satellite camping area 3 miles away - with heavy, intricate electronic beats. The duo was the first band to play that stage, and had to suffer the sound check issues. But the beats, rhythms warmed up the crowd for their first night of music.
Railroad Earth played hardcore bluegrass, rambling, rumbling, exciting tunes that took the crowd to a higher level of energy. The trick to Wakarusa is that every great act is followed by another band, already starting on another stage.
The end of the Disco Biscuits set was a wicked progressive rock jam of electronica that gathered a sea of glowstick weilding, glowing hula-hoop swinging festy kids. Then the massive crowd was split between the Pink Floyd Light Show, Lotus, and Dirtfoot.
The first night demonstrated how completely oversold the entire festival was. Pink Floyd was beyond over-crowded with waves of fans sitting and standing well outside the Revival Tent. Lotus' tent was also packed. Both shows were fun, if crowded.
Zoogma started rocking out with electronic jam rock early on Friday. The crowd really got into it when the band whipped out a funky cover of the Ghostbuster song.
JJ Grey and Mofro played traditional blues accented with funky, jazzy jams. The instruments were played by a well-practiced lineup of musicians, that complimented each other well, with a guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone and keys, but the vocals were a little weak, with lyrics that were too corny and cliche.
Trampled by Turtles uses a time machine to a place of exquisite, traditional folk bluegrass. If only the Backwoods Stage had not been a roiling dust storm with barely a view of the stage for the first few rows of people.
ALO played a competent jam, adequate to keep the crowd happy in the shade of the Revival Tent. But there's only so much music a person can listen to before one must retire to a campsite to hang out with friends, recharge your batteries, and have a few more drinks.
Finally Friday night arrived, with an extreme lineup of great electronic sets sure to make the crowd go crazy. Sound Tribe Sector 9 was the first big name this reviewer made it to, although Big Gigantic had played before them. STS9's set was tragically quiet, with the volume just turned down way too low. The band messed up parts of the song Shock Doctrine, turning down the best melody of the song. BUT the band made up for it with a good rendition of Aimlessly, followed by 3 of this reviewer's very favorite songs: Arigato, EHM, and Breathe In. All three songs were played fantastically well. STS9 threw down the bass lines, and got wild with the solos and jams. Breathe In's nostalgic, romantic ending was well used to give the crowd a long, relaxing, beautiful breather after what was, for a long while, the most epic moment in the festival. If only STS9 always used played their best songs so well.
Following STS9 were two more great electronic shows: Bassnectar and Eoto. Fans of both could easily catch part of one act and make the short walk to the next stage for the other. Bassnectar got heavy with the dancing, pumping beats, while Eoto used wild, extravagant electronic harmonies and melodies layered for a complex sound of techno joy. It might sound daunting to expect to dance all night, but these bands know how to keep a body moving, and the crowd never gave up.
Saturday started with some quirky, interesting bands taking the main stage. The Black Keys, a blues, alternative rock, jam duo played competently, just the two, one on drums, the other on guitar and singing, but there's only so much a drummer and guitarist can do alone. They really got going when a bassist and keys joined in, with groovy, dancing tunes. The Black Keys were a welcome addition to the festival, hopefully they will play more often at these kinds of events.
Dweezil Zappa came to the main stage next, playing a great tribute to Frank Zappa's many styles, sounds and he even sounds like his father too. If you can get into Zappa's off-beat, weird, but funky tunes, you will love Dweezil. The lyrics might all be weird and awkward, but the songs are hilarious and fun.
Widespread Panic was the last act on the main stage, and gathered a crowd unlike any other band at the festival. The experienced, undeniably talented rock band jammed with a funky bass that could put the Seinfeld bassist to shame, as well as almost inappropriately long drum solos. The band usually has a lot of country flavor to their rockin, but Saturday night's show was much more of an electronic-fused jam, that the entire Wakarusa mob got down to.
Easily the most obscure, but well-loved bands to perform at Wakarusa came on late Saturday night. Wookiefoot, the hermits from Minnesota, who hardly ever come out of their home state - but still have a cult-following of devoted fans from all around the country - started their set at 2:30 in the morning, to a thinned, but still strong crowd of loving festy folks. This was definitely the best set Saturday, for this reviewer at least.
Wookiefoot has a huge variety of songs, ranging from rap-influenced rock jams, to Irish punked-out drinking sing-alongs.
On stage with the band were a series of scantly-clad fire-dancing girls, ladies who looked like professional dancers expertly wielding fire poi, and glowing toys, as well as a bunch of bizarre characters dressed in costumes too wild, and exotic for even the best Halloween party.
Wookiefoot plays songs with the style and sound of so many different bands, one might thing they had an ipod set on shuffle and plugged into the speakers. A song might sound too familiar for you to believe it isn't some single from Rage Against the Machine, or Flogging Molly, but every tune is an original by this genius group. The band put out a great vibe of positive energy, while leading the crowd to dance and sing along to some of their best, most brilliant songs: Mushroom Jazz, Original Sin, Falling Down Trying...The band played on and on until 4 a.m.
It was a fantastic show, and makes every listener consider making the trip up to see Wookiefoot in their natural habitat, Minnesota. Hopefully they will come out and play more around the country!
Sunday promised lots more great music, but, like many other festival goers, this reviewer had to leave the momentary heaven set up in the woods, to return to real life Monday morning. Still, in all it was an unforgettable weekend in paradise. There are tons of folks from Lawrence, as well as cool, friendly, beautiful people from all around the country to meet. Everyone who was at Wakarusa will tell you how great it is, and everyone who knows what they've missed needs to save up and come along next year!
Lawrence residents should know that Wakarusa originated just outside of town, at Clinton Lake. The festival was moved to Arkansas when the police started making it hard for anyone to have a good time in Lawrence. But, even though the festival is a lot farther from us now, it's still absolutely worth the trip, and when you get there you'll find that there is a veritable army of Lawrencians representing the origin of the festival.
Aside from fantastic music, there was one terrible flaw to Wakarusa this year that could make the experience an ordeal for anyone. The camp was so over-packed, that a "Satellite Parking and Camp ground" was set up 3 whole miles away. Campers screwed out of the convenience of the regular camping area had a long walk, all uphill, if they didn't want to wait in line for a bus for an hour or more. Thankfully there are a lot of good people at music festivals, willing to give a ride to a poor soul hitch-hiking back and forth. But the hardships of camping even 3 miles away are worth the effort to see the fantastic bands playing each day.
Rocket Science, a local act from Lawrence, opened at the Satellite Stage - not to be confused with the Satellite camping area 3 miles away - with heavy, intricate electronic beats. The duo was the first band to play that stage, and had to suffer the sound check issues. But the beats, rhythms warmed up the crowd for their first night of music.
Railroad Earth played hardcore bluegrass, rambling, rumbling, exciting tunes that took the crowd to a higher level of energy. The trick to Wakarusa is that every great act is followed by another band, already starting on another stage.
The end of the Disco Biscuits set was a wicked progressive rock jam of electronica that gathered a sea of glowstick weilding, glowing hula-hoop swinging festy kids. Then the massive crowd was split between the Pink Floyd Light Show, Lotus, and Dirtfoot.
The first night demonstrated how completely oversold the entire festival was. Pink Floyd was beyond over-crowded with waves of fans sitting and standing well outside the Revival Tent. Lotus' tent was also packed. Both shows were fun, if crowded.
Zoogma started rocking out with electronic jam rock early on Friday. The crowd really got into it when the band whipped out a funky cover of the Ghostbuster song.
JJ Grey and Mofro played traditional blues accented with funky, jazzy jams. The instruments were played by a well-practiced lineup of musicians, that complimented each other well, with a guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone and keys, but the vocals were a little weak, with lyrics that were too corny and cliche.
Trampled by Turtles uses a time machine to a place of exquisite, traditional folk bluegrass. If only the Backwoods Stage had not been a roiling dust storm with barely a view of the stage for the first few rows of people.
ALO played a competent jam, adequate to keep the crowd happy in the shade of the Revival Tent. But there's only so much music a person can listen to before one must retire to a campsite to hang out with friends, recharge your batteries, and have a few more drinks.
Finally Friday night arrived, with an extreme lineup of great electronic sets sure to make the crowd go crazy. Sound Tribe Sector 9 was the first big name this reviewer made it to, although Big Gigantic had played before them. STS9's set was tragically quiet, with the volume just turned down way too low. The band messed up parts of the song Shock Doctrine, turning down the best melody of the song. BUT the band made up for it with a good rendition of Aimlessly, followed by 3 of this reviewer's very favorite songs: Arigato, EHM, and Breathe In. All three songs were played fantastically well. STS9 threw down the bass lines, and got wild with the solos and jams. Breathe In's nostalgic, romantic ending was well used to give the crowd a long, relaxing, beautiful breather after what was, for a long while, the most epic moment in the festival. If only STS9 always used played their best songs so well.
Following STS9 were two more great electronic shows: Bassnectar and Eoto. Fans of both could easily catch part of one act and make the short walk to the next stage for the other. Bassnectar got heavy with the dancing, pumping beats, while Eoto used wild, extravagant electronic harmonies and melodies layered for a complex sound of techno joy. It might sound daunting to expect to dance all night, but these bands know how to keep a body moving, and the crowd never gave up.
Saturday started with some quirky, interesting bands taking the main stage. The Black Keys, a blues, alternative rock, jam duo played competently, just the two, one on drums, the other on guitar and singing, but there's only so much a drummer and guitarist can do alone. They really got going when a bassist and keys joined in, with groovy, dancing tunes. The Black Keys were a welcome addition to the festival, hopefully they will play more often at these kinds of events.
Dweezil Zappa came to the main stage next, playing a great tribute to Frank Zappa's many styles, sounds and he even sounds like his father too. If you can get into Zappa's off-beat, weird, but funky tunes, you will love Dweezil. The lyrics might all be weird and awkward, but the songs are hilarious and fun.
Widespread Panic was the last act on the main stage, and gathered a crowd unlike any other band at the festival. The experienced, undeniably talented rock band jammed with a funky bass that could put the Seinfeld bassist to shame, as well as almost inappropriately long drum solos. The band usually has a lot of country flavor to their rockin, but Saturday night's show was much more of an electronic-fused jam, that the entire Wakarusa mob got down to.
Easily the most obscure, but well-loved bands to perform at Wakarusa came on late Saturday night. Wookiefoot, the hermits from Minnesota, who hardly ever come out of their home state - but still have a cult-following of devoted fans from all around the country - started their set at 2:30 in the morning, to a thinned, but still strong crowd of loving festy folks. This was definitely the best set Saturday, for this reviewer at least.
Wookiefoot has a huge variety of songs, ranging from rap-influenced rock jams, to Irish punked-out drinking sing-alongs.
On stage with the band were a series of scantly-clad fire-dancing girls, ladies who looked like professional dancers expertly wielding fire poi, and glowing toys, as well as a bunch of bizarre characters dressed in costumes too wild, and exotic for even the best Halloween party.
Wookiefoot plays songs with the style and sound of so many different bands, one might thing they had an ipod set on shuffle and plugged into the speakers. A song might sound too familiar for you to believe it isn't some single from Rage Against the Machine, or Flogging Molly, but every tune is an original by this genius group. The band put out a great vibe of positive energy, while leading the crowd to dance and sing along to some of their best, most brilliant songs: Mushroom Jazz, Original Sin, Falling Down Trying...The band played on and on until 4 a.m.
It was a fantastic show, and makes every listener consider making the trip up to see Wookiefoot in their natural habitat, Minnesota. Hopefully they will come out and play more around the country!
Sunday promised lots more great music, but, like many other festival goers, this reviewer had to leave the momentary heaven set up in the woods, to return to real life Monday morning. Still, in all it was an unforgettable weekend in paradise. There are tons of folks from Lawrence, as well as cool, friendly, beautiful people from all around the country to meet. Everyone who was at Wakarusa will tell you how great it is, and everyone who knows what they've missed needs to save up and come along next year!
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