Friday, May 21st through Sunday, the 23rd, Lawrence will be having the biggest, best music festival since Wakarusa packed up and moved to Arkansas. (1.) While still a small, intimate gathering, Festy Fest is sure to be bigger than any of it's first three years. The land outside of town where this two-stage event is being held is big enough to comfortably fit the 1200 music-lovers. (2.) The festival will be held in a beautiful stretch of land, less than twenty minutes away from town, where music lovers can camp out, or easily drive home - but no drinking and driving! According to the festival's website, GTI Taxicab service is available out there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's easy to find a nice, flat spot of land to park and pitch your tent, but if you'd rather enjoy the comforts of home between day-long music events, it's not a long or complicated drive to make.
(3.) The line up for this years festival is far epic in size and strength. There are 16 bands playing at Festy Fest that always put on fantastic shows. This writer's favorites are as follows in the order they will play at Festy Fest:
Deadman Flats
Calamity Cubes
The Ben Miller Band
Irietions
Great American Taxi
Cosmopolitics
Brody Buster
Mouth
Mountain Sprout
Sonic Sutra
Split Lip Rayfield
The Floozies
Somasphere
Rocket Science
Tyler Gregory & the Blues Shuffle
Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy
(4.) These bands, with about 23 other bands will play simultaneously or in shifts, on Stage 1 and Stage 2, guaranteeing good music at all times. Most every band listed to play is well-known, this writer just hasn't had the opportunity to see them all, and can't speak from personal experience. Festy Fest's website has links to all of the bands' websites. (5.) The music ranges from bluegrass to electronic, from jazzy, funky jams to punk, psychedelic rock and more. There's something for everyone. (6.) Festy Fest supports local bands, all the bands playing are either Lawrence-originals or friends who are playing to support music for life.
(7.) The creators of Festy Fest are in the process of launching a new website called bandorbar.com, which will help bands and bars/venues line up gigs together. The idea is to make it easier for bands to find bars they want to perform in, that are looking for bands to play there (and vice versa). According to the Festy Fest website, membership is free to any band or bar/venue that signs up before the site's launch. Every band member or bar employee reading this should take a look!
(8.) Supporting this festival means supporting local music, Lawrence, and the music scene at its roots. (9.) Festy Fest may be more expensive this year than ever before, but that's because the lineup is so star-studded, the set-up is ideal, in terms of space, stages, and location, and this is all still MUCH cheaper, closer to home, and jam-packed with good music than any other music festival in the Midwest. According to the Festy Fest website, a full-event pass costs between $75-85, a Friday pass costs $30, Saturday costs $45, and Sunday costs $35. Anyone most interested in the bands playing on one particular day, or with limited funds, can still come out for one day of awesome music, for hours on end, and have a grand time. But the 3 day pass is definitely the best value, with the ridiculous lineup of fantastic bands set to play non-stop, each day, all weekend. You can buy your tickets online through pipelineticketing or at the Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire Street in Lawrence.
(10.) School is over. It's summer now. Time to start celebrating! And what else are you going to do that weekend? There are virtually no other good shows going on that weekend, because everyone will be at Festy Fest. You should be there too!
Showing posts with label Deadman Flats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deadman Flats. Show all posts
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
L Town Throwdown floods the streets with great bluegrass pouring out of the Granada ALL DAY
Saturday, April 10th the block outside the Granada was drowned in music as over 20 bands performed bluegrass for a mere $10.
How could so many bands play at a single venue? Well it's easy when different bands can play in separate places at the same time, for example, a band was playing outside the Granada, while another played in the entrance lobby. Still more would play in the main chamber of the venue, either on the main stage, in the right alcove next to the bar, or up on the balcony. With so many stages set up, bands could play one after another, without breaks in the music.
But even so, over 20 bands? How much time could any of them play, half a song? Not when the event began at 3 p.m., with bands playing continuously until the headliners, local bluegrass masters Deadman Flats, and national music wizards, Cornmeal, finished the show at 2 p.m.
With separate bracelets for entrance and drinking, audience members could come and go as they pleased. The Throwdown was a family-friendly affair that attracted a huge, diverse crowd of Lawrencians enjoying the gorgeous weather we've had lately.
Among the fantastic acts playing during the day were the up-and-coming sensations of Potbilly, who played on the mainstage around 3:15 for an audience that quickly grew as their music progressed. Josh Inman plays a stirring bass line, and deft jamming skills, while singing with soul. Chris Franzke adds to the vocals to give even more brilliant harmony to their tunes, while melting your brain with his wickedly fast rocking riffs and sharp, skilled bluesy melodies on the guitar and mandolin. Tom Clutter adds to the blend of intricate bluegrass sounds with a banjo, when he isn't giving the songs a heavier dancing beat on the drums. Together the three young artists play a variety of covers and their own work with a slick style and natural talent that is refreshing and fun. Among the dancing, smiling listeners were pretty girls with hula-hoops and the band's growing following of fans.
Later Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy were up on the balcony, playing country americana with a trombone giving their bluegrass instruments a bluesy feel that makes this band especially distinctive. The band played for an increasingly excited crowd, as this all-day-event led to some extreme energy for the early hours of the evening. Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy have a fun, care-free attitude that's exciting to behold.
Finally, to begin the epic end of a long, and wild day, Deadman Flats came on the main stage for a full Granada, playing a fantastic set of classic Deadman hits, rocking out lengthy solos, and shining with a huge stage presence that brought the huge venue together like never before. Experienced Deadman fans gathered together to fill the dance floor with shaking, twisting laughing bodies. Girls filled the back alcoves with hula-hooping. Everything seemed perfect.
And just when it felt like a day full of brilliant bluegrass was over, Cornmeal picked up where Deadman Flats left off.
Cornmeal is one of the best bluegrass bands on the scene today. The band is under-rated compared to their competition, but still widely appreciated for their skill, and unmatched style, however Lawrence has a large and experienced enough base of bluegrass enthusiasts that the town showed the band love like only the best crowd can. The band gives bluegrass a broader, deeper meaning that you've ever imagined before hearing them. With the combined power of a guitar, banjo, upright bass, fiddle and drums, the band creates an ambrosia for the ears like angels playing bluegrass. The sound is so intense, so rolling, changing, moving, it's reminiscent of brilliant metal musicians like early Metallica...only with bluegrass. The band's progressive jams have a quality of growing strength, and relentless energy that sets every listener's heart pounding.
Friends with dozens of Granada shows under their belt declared this show the best show at the Granada before Cornmeal's set was through. The fast, harmonic groove of every song flows unfettered, until just when you think they're finished, then it goes faster and louder. Like the Energizer Bunny, the band just keeps going and going. Every song burns bright, and long like an immortal shooting star. After over 10 years band, the Chicago-based musicians tour constantly, and will be found at Summer Camp Music Festival this May 28-30.
How could so many bands play at a single venue? Well it's easy when different bands can play in separate places at the same time, for example, a band was playing outside the Granada, while another played in the entrance lobby. Still more would play in the main chamber of the venue, either on the main stage, in the right alcove next to the bar, or up on the balcony. With so many stages set up, bands could play one after another, without breaks in the music.
But even so, over 20 bands? How much time could any of them play, half a song? Not when the event began at 3 p.m., with bands playing continuously until the headliners, local bluegrass masters Deadman Flats, and national music wizards, Cornmeal, finished the show at 2 p.m.
With separate bracelets for entrance and drinking, audience members could come and go as they pleased. The Throwdown was a family-friendly affair that attracted a huge, diverse crowd of Lawrencians enjoying the gorgeous weather we've had lately.
Among the fantastic acts playing during the day were the up-and-coming sensations of Potbilly, who played on the mainstage around 3:15 for an audience that quickly grew as their music progressed. Josh Inman plays a stirring bass line, and deft jamming skills, while singing with soul. Chris Franzke adds to the vocals to give even more brilliant harmony to their tunes, while melting your brain with his wickedly fast rocking riffs and sharp, skilled bluesy melodies on the guitar and mandolin. Tom Clutter adds to the blend of intricate bluegrass sounds with a banjo, when he isn't giving the songs a heavier dancing beat on the drums. Together the three young artists play a variety of covers and their own work with a slick style and natural talent that is refreshing and fun. Among the dancing, smiling listeners were pretty girls with hula-hoops and the band's growing following of fans.
Later Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy were up on the balcony, playing country americana with a trombone giving their bluegrass instruments a bluesy feel that makes this band especially distinctive. The band played for an increasingly excited crowd, as this all-day-event led to some extreme energy for the early hours of the evening. Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy have a fun, care-free attitude that's exciting to behold.
Finally, to begin the epic end of a long, and wild day, Deadman Flats came on the main stage for a full Granada, playing a fantastic set of classic Deadman hits, rocking out lengthy solos, and shining with a huge stage presence that brought the huge venue together like never before. Experienced Deadman fans gathered together to fill the dance floor with shaking, twisting laughing bodies. Girls filled the back alcoves with hula-hooping. Everything seemed perfect.
And just when it felt like a day full of brilliant bluegrass was over, Cornmeal picked up where Deadman Flats left off.
Cornmeal is one of the best bluegrass bands on the scene today. The band is under-rated compared to their competition, but still widely appreciated for their skill, and unmatched style, however Lawrence has a large and experienced enough base of bluegrass enthusiasts that the town showed the band love like only the best crowd can. The band gives bluegrass a broader, deeper meaning that you've ever imagined before hearing them. With the combined power of a guitar, banjo, upright bass, fiddle and drums, the band creates an ambrosia for the ears like angels playing bluegrass. The sound is so intense, so rolling, changing, moving, it's reminiscent of brilliant metal musicians like early Metallica...only with bluegrass. The band's progressive jams have a quality of growing strength, and relentless energy that sets every listener's heart pounding.
Friends with dozens of Granada shows under their belt declared this show the best show at the Granada before Cornmeal's set was through. The fast, harmonic groove of every song flows unfettered, until just when you think they're finished, then it goes faster and louder. Like the Energizer Bunny, the band just keeps going and going. Every song burns bright, and long like an immortal shooting star. After over 10 years band, the Chicago-based musicians tour constantly, and will be found at Summer Camp Music Festival this May 28-30.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Previews of Monday, both the regular weekly events and some very special concerts, and Friday's coming shows
Having Sunday off work is not all it's cracked up to be. Sure it's great to be able to sleep in after a long day and a late night Saturday, but there's hardly ever anything to do!
So, bored to tears, I checked lawrence.com to see if there would be anything fun to do tomorrow night. And then I remembered, there's always one or two things to do out on the town on Monday nights, and this Monday is better than usual, with some pretty rare shows coming to town too! I wish I had the time and money to see everything. If only I had a fancy press pass, or something I'd hop from venue to venue, and see it all haha
So here's a preview of Monday, March 15:
Monday night is Karaoke night at the Jazzhaus. Karaoke night is usually a great time for friends to go out and be goofy together. The bar doesn't get too crowded, so there's no trouble getting a drink, and finding seats for any size group. The song lists for singing have a good variety of tunes, that almost everyone knows. People take turns either showing off their skills at a song they know a little too well, or making fun of themselves, with their friends cheering them on.
It only costs a dollar to get in, and Boulevard beer is on special.
A newer Monday night weekly gathering is the Mudstomp Mondays, where folk and bluegrass musicians and bands jam together for just two dollars. Each week the show starts at 8 p.m. and ends with a headliner at 11 p.m. The event is hosted by Hank Osterhout of the bluegrass band Deadman Flats, my favorite local bluegrass band. I've been meaning to go, but usually wind up at Karaoke night or someplace else. I'm not sure if this will be the week, but it's good to know it's there.
Meanwhile, there's a special show at the Bottleneck at 8 p.m., but at a higher price. Dirty Little Rabbits, an alternative rock band, is featuring Clown from Slipknot, a hardcore metal rock band. Songs available on their myspace show Dirty Little Rabbits to be a band with clever, wicked guitar, bass and drum harmonics, as well as whip-smart vocals that come together to make an iron-hot alt-rock sound, that's very different, but catchy. The melodies, and lyrics hold a mean, energy that's exciting and addictive. According to Lawrence.com it's between $11-13. It would be worth the extra money, but I'm not sure I'll want to be alone at that show, when I could be with friends somewhere else.
Another Monday night show is at the Replay Lounge for just $2. Spirits of the Red City, and The Photo Atlas are playing folk pop rock. The Replay is a good venue because it's cheap, there's a bar outside for the smokers, and both a stage inside, and outside. Depending on the weather, the bands may be outside. Spirits of the Red City have a nostalgic, folk sound, with pop vocals and drums and classical instrumentals using cello, violas, as well as songs with trumpet, banjo, accordion and ukulele. It's difficult to categorize this band, but their myspace offers some fantastic songs.
The rest of the week, I can't say that I recognize any good shows coming up until Friday.
I will be out of town for a GREAT show in St. Louis Friday night, but for everyone in town, here's what I'd do if I was in Lawrence Friday night:
The Irietions are playing at the Jazzhaus at 10 p.m. for $4. The reggae jam band puts on a fun show. As I recall I reviewed a show of theirs a few weeks ago or so. But if that's not your cup of tea, or you're not 21, there's another great show the same night.
Eagle Scout is opening for Rooftop Vigilantes at the Replay Lounge at 10 p.m. for $2. Rooftop Vigilantes are your classic local-band-making-it-big. The pop-rock quartet started here in Lawrence, but have often been seen playing shows in Kansas City. They've been written about in publications like The Pitch, and show great potential for the future.
I'll be in St. Louis Friday, seeing Sound Tribe Sector 9, one of my favorite bands of all time. I saw them at the Pageant in St. Louis last year, when they came the same time of year. My Dad and Stepmom live there, so I have a place to stay, and several of my friends go each year, which makes the show really great. This year STS9 is playing two sets, Friday and Saturday night. I'll only be going Friday, but several friends are going to Saturday night's show. I hope to write a review of the show soon after I return Saturday night.
So, bored to tears, I checked lawrence.com to see if there would be anything fun to do tomorrow night. And then I remembered, there's always one or two things to do out on the town on Monday nights, and this Monday is better than usual, with some pretty rare shows coming to town too! I wish I had the time and money to see everything. If only I had a fancy press pass, or something I'd hop from venue to venue, and see it all haha
So here's a preview of Monday, March 15:
Monday night is Karaoke night at the Jazzhaus. Karaoke night is usually a great time for friends to go out and be goofy together. The bar doesn't get too crowded, so there's no trouble getting a drink, and finding seats for any size group. The song lists for singing have a good variety of tunes, that almost everyone knows. People take turns either showing off their skills at a song they know a little too well, or making fun of themselves, with their friends cheering them on.
It only costs a dollar to get in, and Boulevard beer is on special.
A newer Monday night weekly gathering is the Mudstomp Mondays, where folk and bluegrass musicians and bands jam together for just two dollars. Each week the show starts at 8 p.m. and ends with a headliner at 11 p.m. The event is hosted by Hank Osterhout of the bluegrass band Deadman Flats, my favorite local bluegrass band. I've been meaning to go, but usually wind up at Karaoke night or someplace else. I'm not sure if this will be the week, but it's good to know it's there.
Meanwhile, there's a special show at the Bottleneck at 8 p.m., but at a higher price. Dirty Little Rabbits, an alternative rock band, is featuring Clown from Slipknot, a hardcore metal rock band. Songs available on their myspace show Dirty Little Rabbits to be a band with clever, wicked guitar, bass and drum harmonics, as well as whip-smart vocals that come together to make an iron-hot alt-rock sound, that's very different, but catchy. The melodies, and lyrics hold a mean, energy that's exciting and addictive. According to Lawrence.com it's between $11-13. It would be worth the extra money, but I'm not sure I'll want to be alone at that show, when I could be with friends somewhere else.
Another Monday night show is at the Replay Lounge for just $2. Spirits of the Red City, and The Photo Atlas are playing folk pop rock. The Replay is a good venue because it's cheap, there's a bar outside for the smokers, and both a stage inside, and outside. Depending on the weather, the bands may be outside. Spirits of the Red City have a nostalgic, folk sound, with pop vocals and drums and classical instrumentals using cello, violas, as well as songs with trumpet, banjo, accordion and ukulele. It's difficult to categorize this band, but their myspace offers some fantastic songs.
The rest of the week, I can't say that I recognize any good shows coming up until Friday.
I will be out of town for a GREAT show in St. Louis Friday night, but for everyone in town, here's what I'd do if I was in Lawrence Friday night:
The Irietions are playing at the Jazzhaus at 10 p.m. for $4. The reggae jam band puts on a fun show. As I recall I reviewed a show of theirs a few weeks ago or so. But if that's not your cup of tea, or you're not 21, there's another great show the same night.
Eagle Scout is opening for Rooftop Vigilantes at the Replay Lounge at 10 p.m. for $2. Rooftop Vigilantes are your classic local-band-making-it-big. The pop-rock quartet started here in Lawrence, but have often been seen playing shows in Kansas City. They've been written about in publications like The Pitch, and show great potential for the future.
I'll be in St. Louis Friday, seeing Sound Tribe Sector 9, one of my favorite bands of all time. I saw them at the Pageant in St. Louis last year, when they came the same time of year. My Dad and Stepmom live there, so I have a place to stay, and several of my friends go each year, which makes the show really great. This year STS9 is playing two sets, Friday and Saturday night. I'll only be going Friday, but several friends are going to Saturday night's show. I hope to write a review of the show soon after I return Saturday night.
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!
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)