Slippy Larue expertly opens the Jazzhaus for Mouth's old favorites made new + Previews

Slippy Larue, of Columbia, Missouri came out to the Jazzhaus to open for Mouth, fusing synthesizers, keys, drums and guitar to blast the small venue with fantastic jams. The band's hypnotic trance tunes and stirring rhythms filled the Jazzhaus with energy. Slippy Larue demonstrates a kind of dedicated practice and brilliant music choreography that is hard to find anywhere. It was a perfect opening act for Mouth.

The only down side to the opener's performance was the crowd. There wasn't one. People showed up late to the bar and missed out on an epic performance, but the folks that had come early to appreciate the great music got a stunning set from the opener. Hopefully Slippy Larue will return and see a bigger crowd next time!

But aside from a slow start, the night went very well. Mouth came to the stage with some familiar, great songs, that have been tweaked, improved and over-hauled to give the crowd a set of exciting, intense songs that are definitely classic Mouth, but bigger and better than ever. Songs like Virtuality and Worm sounded like they had gotten a jolt of electricity in them, giving the familiar songs a new vibe.

Fortunately for Mouth, the crowd had finally come out in time for them, and the dance floor was packed, seats all filled and the bar was alive. The party didn't stop until after two encore songs, much to the delight of the grateful audience. Mouth knows how to treat their fans.

Now for Previews:

Tonight, Saturday, Cicada Rhythm is putting on a show at the Granada, just $5 for adrenaline-pumping electronic dance music. Lincoln, Nebraska's Somasphere is headlining with Sam Krause, and DJason. This should be a great show, probably packed, considering how low the price is and how fantastic the music will be!

Then, Tuesday, back at the Granada, The Faint will be playing their famous electronic pop rock for $15. If you're into that kinda thing, this'll probably be a pretty great show. It's always exciting when big acts come to town!

FUTURE SHOCK electrocutes the Jazzhaus with Rocket Science + Previews

The Floozies' side-project, FUTURE SHOCK, gave the Jazzhaus the most intense show in months. The small venue has never been so packed with so many party people getting down to a fantastic set of funk. The crowd was so big that dancers were filling the walkways between tables leading up to the dance floor. The porch was overflowing with smokers, and the bar was swamped with people trying to get a drink. All for good reason, this show was too epic to miss.

The night started at 10 p.m. when Rocket Science opened up with a variety of remixes of some top dance tunes. The dynamic duo puts out great electronic beats, with bass-heavy mixes on the synthesizer and dancing rhythms from the drums. The crowd hadn't entirely shown up to appreciate the music yet, but it was a chill atmosphere for the people who were already hanging out.

The bar had filled up considerably by the time Matt and Mark Hill, the brothers who are The Floozies took the stage with the other members of FUTURE SHOCK, - Pat Adams on a second set of drums, Chris Shaw on bass and the legendary Gravy playing saxophone and keys. Everyone already familiar with this funky tribute to Herbie Hancock was pumped to hear more.

Before the first set was finished the dance floor was jammed with party animals getting groovy. The people hanging out were all so friendly and cool, it was a party of good vibes all around. The band has an impressive list of funky tunes that go smoothly from one to the next. Their songs have a familiar, well-practiced feel to them, like you're listening to an album of quintessential soulful funk. The party didn't stop until last call, and even then there were after-parties to keep raging at.

Between the great bands putting out awesome tunes, and the lovely, happy crowd, this was one of the best nights at the Jazzhaus in recent history. Don't miss FUTURE SHOCK next time!

Now For Previews:

Tonight Rocket Science is playing again, this time at the Bottleneck, opening for J. Wail. The one-man-act of J. Wail sounds like funky club music to create a scene rarely found in Kansas. J. Wail is stopping in Lawrence on his way from his home in Denver, Colorado to tour the east coast. This electronic show is sure to be a good time, so be there or be square.

Tuesday, the 13th, Minus the Bear, one of the best bands indie rock as to offer, will be at the Granada at 9 p.m. for $16-18 according to Lawrence.com. Listening to their album, these guys have a funky, experimental edge to their rock that makes it catchy and different, in a good way. This progressive indie rock group from Seattle is a rising star in the music scene, so it might be exciting to be able to say you saw them live, before they make it big and tickets start costing an arm and a leg.

Friday the 16th, Mouth will be playing at the Jazzhaus with Slippy Larue. Mouth always plays a great show, and the Jazzhaus is one of their favorite venues. This is a good time guaranteed.

Fourth of July weekend previews

This Fourth of July weekend is sure to be full of exciting events in Lawrence. This is just a few of the great shows scheduled for this weekend, for music lovers looking for a good time during the holiday.

Friday night Electric Theory will be playing with openers The Hunted, and Sobriquet. Electric Theory will be featuring a special guest: Billy Wassung of Sonic Sutra. Electric Theory is a local electronic group that plays fun, energetic, irresistibly rhythmic dance beats. The complex intricacies of this group are inspiring and always get the party started. Come to the Jackpot at 10 p.m. to check this show out. It's $5 for 21+ and $7 if you're under 21. This will definitely be a great time.

Saturday, Split Lip Rayfield will be playing an early show on the outside patio of the Replay Lounge, along with The Grisly Hand. This blend of bluegrass and soul will be going on from 6 to 9 p.m. for somewhere between $5-10.
Then, Ras Neville and the Kingstonians will be jamming at the Jazzhaus. You can enjoy some great live Reggae at an awesome, intimate venue, for just $4! That's crazy!

Sunday, if you're not too busy setting off small explosives while getting intoxicated, local rock band Fourth of July will be playing on the holiday that is their namesake at the Replay Lounge, for just $2. The self-described "most patriotic band in Lawrence" is a 5-piece outfit that has years of experience, naturally they should play a great show today of all days.

There is plenty of fun to have all weekend and beyond, so be safe you crazy kids!

The Wailers stir up the Granada then The Big Lebowski packs Liberty Hall + Previews

Last Friday night Lawrence was in for a very special treat, as the original Wailers, Bob Marley's band, played at the Granada. A mob of adoring reggae fans packed the venue from the foot of the stage to the back of the balcony. The Wailers played classic hits everyone loves as well as newer pieces the band has written recently, delivering a flawless set.

Folks from all walks of life, young and old from Lawrence and all around were glad to pay only $20, when the Wailers often go for as much as $35 in other cities. The Granada was a great venue for this show because it accommodated a big crowd while still letting the band's sound rock your world. It was so loud that people standing in the walled-off entrance lobby could completely enjoy the music while getting a drink.

The Wailers band members have changed since the days of Bob Marley, but they still have a fiercely passionate, talented lineup of musicians that keeps the fantastic reggae sound that made the band famous. With great vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, bass, two guys with keys, and a manic drummer, the range of sound, harmonies and intricate combination of beats made the songs flow seamlessly.

Anyone who missed the show needs to make sure they catch the Wailers, the next chance they get.

This show kicked off the weekend just right before another great event for fun-lovers came on Saturday night.

The Big Lebowski was played at Liberty Hall on Saturday night for $5. There were also White Russians on sale for true fans who liked to drink along with The Dude. The show was surprisingly popular and the large venue filled up. Some folks were more into the movie than others, some a little too into it.

This cult-classic film has spawned Big Lebowski Festivals, and movie parties all around the country, with no sign of stopping. Everyone should see this movie and if you have the chance, watch it with friends. It might technically be a movie, but The Big Lebowski is more like a party favor than a film.

Now For Previews:

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, Mouth will be playing with Zoogma, and Papadosio at 9 p.m. at the Bottleneck. Zoogma caught this writer's attention when they played at Wakarusa. Mouth is one of the best funk bands in Lawrence, consistently putting on fun shows that turn out to be the hippest parties around.

If you don't get enough funk tomorrow night, Thursday, Fuzz Nasty will be filling the Jazzhaus with soulful dance-tunes at 10 p.m. for $4.

Stay tuned for more reviews and previews! And stay classy, Lawrence.

Festy Fest is the best Saturday night

As the sun set on the second day of Festy Fest a fantastic lineup of bands came on both stages, providing continuous, rockin music all night. Lawrence's fourth annual Festy Fest music festival was the biggest yet, with great local bands and friends from other states came to play together for three days straight.

The open fields and forested path between stages were soft but comfortable after days of rain last week, with perfect weather all day Saturday for the outdoor festival. Despite the humidity a day earlier, there were no bugs, and a cool breeze to keep hot bodies from getting tired too early.

Mouth really got the crowd going on Stage 2 around 8:30 p.m. with funky, dance jams. The audience filled the tent with dancing bodies, and surrounded it with folks chillin on their blankets. The band had Evan Leitnaker adding extra percussion beats and rhythms to their own funky jam, making it a more intricate, exciting experience. The band finished a rockstar set just in time for the crowd to migrate back to Stage 1 for Mountain Sprout.

Unfortunately for Mountain Sprout, the sound technician working behind the scenes was messing up horribly. Despite the band's best efforts to put on a good show, playing many of their best songs with their signature wild energy, issues with the band's ability to hear themselves, and microphones cutting out made it difficult to get into the music. Fortunately it wasn't long before another awesome band would be playing on the second stage.

Sonic Sutra jammed with fierce passion on Stage 2, crowding the tent with pumped up music lovers getting groovy. The local minstrels played their hearts out to an audience that loves them, and made the night theirs for a while. Even so, the fans were eager to get back to Stage 1 in time for Split Lip Rayfield.

The punky bluegrass trio took the already-hyped crowd and blasted off with the energy. The band broke out some of their best hits, getting everyone cheering and dancing. Split Lip Rayfield always puts on a great show, and held the audience until the end of their set.

Soon after Split Lip was over, The Floozies got going on Stage 2. The Hill brothers rocked out, when their equipment was working, but once again sound guys were doing their worst. Right in the middle of great jams and funky dance tunes the synthesizer would suddenly go mute, as if the sound guy had simply unplugged the amps. Mark kept on with the drums for a time, to make up for the awkward silence, but there's nothing worse than an awesome song getting cut short.

Somasphere was up next with heavy, electronic drum and bass. The thumping, pumping beats make this band's shows a dance party. By this time of the night the audience was going full-throttle, and Somasphere rode with the energy, making the night feel endless.

Last, but not least Rocket Science came on, throwing down sick beats and rhythms for a dance party to get funky with. IDM, or Intelligent Dance Music is too clever and slick to resist getting down to. Everyone at the festival was still raging it throughout the set that started at 3:30 p.m.

Aside from the weak sound guys messing things up for some of the great bands' sets, Saturday night was an epic first taste of the festival season starting up.

Next week: Summer Camp Music Festival!

New "Venture" premieres at Fatso's + previews

Thursday night Fatso's usually has a DJ to entertain the drinkers crowding around the bar for $1.50 drinks, but last night was special; the bar got to host the first-ever performance of a conglomeration of excellent local musicians. Imagine a combination of brilliant talent on a variety of instruments to make a new, fierce, formidable jam band.

First there's the powerful beats of Mark Hill (of The Floozies) on drums. Then there's the bold funk of Garrett McKinzie (of G.E.M.) on bass guitar. These two have already played together in G.E.M., and took their familiarity and joined the others to make a strong, intricate, flowing jam. Leading with wicked solos and jam styling was Billy Wassung (lead guitarist and singer for Sonic Sutra) on guitar. Martin Farrell added to the jam's collective harmony with his keyboard. Meanwhile a saxophonist who drives to Lawrence from Osage to play shows with The Floozies and other bands joined in with a jazzy voice to complete this genius ensemble.

Starting around 10:30 p.m. the improv performance quickly drew listeners to fill up the dance floor with catchy, dance-able layers of exciting beats and clever melodies. The collection of musicians had a natural synchronized harmony that could only work with great jam artists.

The only downside to this whole show was the venue. Fatso's isn't normally the place for a hip, funky jam band to make it's first appearance. Although it was certainly crowded for the $1.50 drinks, the majority of the crowd didn't seem to be there for the music. You could practically draw a line in the floor separating the bar area, crammed full of polo-shirts and bleach-blond split ends, and the folks on the dance floor and smoking outside the wide-open entrance to the back patio, who knew the band members or just knew there was good live music at Fatso's that night. "Venture" would be far better off at any of the usual funk, jam hangouts like The Bottleneck or Jazzhaus.

It's been said that the band had jammed and practiced together before, but this was the first live performance of "Venture". Hopefully it is the first of many shows to come!

Now for previews:

Tonight, May 14th, Mouth and Calamity Cubes will be playing their Festy Fest Preview Party at Jazzhaus for $4. The doors open at 9 p.m., but the show probably won't get going until about 10. Anyone who likes funk and/or Americana should be there. It's also Stephen Gunn's birthday tonight, so come out and celebrate with the drummer from Mouth!

Also tonight; Labretta Suede and the Motel 6 will be playing with The Spook Lights. According to Lawrence.com Labretta Suede and the Motel 6 is a New Zealand rock group with a '50s influence. They will be playing with the best Lawrence has to offer of that style in The Spook Lights and their intricate, psychedelic rockabilly and surf rock. The Spook Lights always put on an amazing, energetic show that everyone needs to see. Doors open at 8 p.m. and it will cost between $6-8.

But if anyone is just not in a music mood, there are other fun things to do out on the town on a Friday night. This Friday, Liberty Hall is playing the film "Dazed and Confused" starting at 11:30 p.m. Watching this classic party-lovers' movie at the antique theater will cost $5. Fans of Free State Brewery can get a cup of delicious beer from Free State at the movie theater!

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 15th, Checkered Beat will be playing reggae and ska back at Jazzhaus. Same deal as tonight at Jazzhaus: the show starts at 10 p.m., $4 for a night of great music at a great venue.

Sunday, May 16th, Mo Marma, Rocket Science, and Jason Phoenix will be rocking out at the Jackpot, reminding everyone that school is over, and Sunday nights are just another night to party! Rocket Science - the brilliance that is the combination of Ian Dumpert's bass and Evan Leitnaker's beats - is a fantastic show on its own, but there's even more! Mo Marma is featuring great musicians - and this writer's good friends - Mark Hill, Trevor Stout, Garrett McKinzie and Kyle Aller. With Jason Phoenix opening with his DJ, techno styling, this show will make everyone rock out Sunday like it's still Friday. Show starts at 10 p.m. and it will cost $3 for people 21 and older, and $5 for the young 'uns. This show is 110% worth it! Be there!

A variety of spectacular concerts start off the month of May

As the days grow longer and the nights get warmer, the calendar becomes completely booked with concerts, sometimes with several great shows going on the same night. On hot nights in Lawrence there's no question that there's something to do. The only real question is, which show, bar, party or festival would you prefer? The first weekend of May is just the start.

Friday, April 30th,

Split Lip Rayfield will be playing their punk style of country bluegrass, rocking hard at the Bottleneck, starting at 9 p.m. According to Lawrence.com it will cost $13. Split Lip Rayfield is one of the greatest bluegrass bands to play in these parts, and can also be seen this summer at Festy Fest, May 22nd, at 11 p.m. The show will start with Red Eye Gravy and The Palpitaters opening.

For more frugal party-goers, the Cosmopolitics will be playing at the Jazzhaus for just $4, jamming out with funky prog-rock that is fun to dance to at an intimate venue where the crowd always gets down. The funk starts at 10 p.m.

And at the very same time The Schwag will be playing the Granada, for just $8-10 according to Lawrence.com. At this price, this show has to be the best deal Friday night, and anyone from the most hardcore Deadheads to a fan of Grateful Dead style jam bands must not miss it! Doors open at 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 1st,

The Spook Lights will be playing a live, recorded show at the record store Love Garden, downtown FOR FREE! The epic, wickedly talented rockabilly, surf rock gods are celebrating the release of their new 7-inch, "Teenage Maniac." They'll be playing from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This should promise to be a terrific performance, since the band is planning to record, and it will be intimate in the record store, so anyone looking for good music for free must be here!

After The Spook Lights are finished, music-lovers will have just enough time to get down to the Jazzhaus in time to catch Majestics Rhythm Revue play funky, poppy rock at 10 p.m. for $4. This local band combines beautiful vocals, saxophone, violin and rock guitars to range its musical style from jazz and blues to funk and pop.

Sunday, May 2nd,

The Bootheel is playing as well as Tyler Gregory at The Replay Lounge from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for just $3! Tyler Gregory's spectacular voice and great one-man-act is an acoustic, folk show that impresses everyone.

Later, 1349, SkeletonWitch, and Lecherous Nocturn will open a hardcore show for the famous metal band Cannibal Corpse. Anyone who is a fan of metal, or has any interest in a band that has influenced a whole generation of the genre, should be there, at least later, for Cannibal Corpse's set. This show is supposed to cost between $17 and $19. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

This is just the first weekend of a new, warm month, with tons of great shows yet to come. Stay tuned for more previews, reviews and more.

3 Son Green, Dirtfoot and Mountain Sprout shake up the Bottleneck

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!

That 1 Guy performs magic with music at the Bottleneck

Friday night Lawrence was treated to one of the most spectacular one-man-acts to ever take the stage. The Bottleneck was filled to the brim with fans, jamming the dance floor and packing the bleachers. Everyone was entranced by the bizarre musical styling and actual magic tricks performed by Mike Silverman, a.k.a. That 1 Guy.

The headliner took the stage around 11 p.m., unveiling his 7-foot-tall, home-made musical instrument, the Magic Pipe. All alone, That 1 Guy plays one his strange contraption, rocking out funky, dance-able tunes that range in style from heavy metal to prog rock to jazz. The beats are provided by a foot-pedal-drum That 1 Guy beats as he keeps a fast, intricate rhythm and melody on his other instruments. Among the artists' inventions are the Magic Saw and the Magic Flute, which give different songs completely unique sounds you can't hear anywhere else.

Any normal musician would struggle to handle the Bottleneck alone, but That 1 Guy took on a full house without a moment of hesitation. Musical energy channeled out over the crowd from this single man, filling the bar with sound. Between songs, That 1 Guy performed magic tricks with cards, lights and other tools, breaking up the dances with some laughs.

The crowd was a mix of folks who filled the dance floor so there was barely room to get down to the funky tunes. Aside from a few happy campers most everyone was just staring at That 1 Guy, entranced, for the entirety of the show. Ultimately the audience barely showed That 1 Guy the appreciation he deserved for his work.

As the sole source of entertainment for a packed venue, That 1 Guy played non-stop until 1:15. A slightly early night, but completely understandable considering that it was literally that one guy.

That 1 Guy will be playing at Summer Camp Music Festival and Wakarusa this summer. Check him out any chance you get!

Shpongle raves on a Tuesday night like Europe on a Friday + previews

Everyone in Lawrence looking for something fun to do out on the town on 4/20 was sure to have some fun, since Downtown Lawrence itself was full of fun-lovers partying like it was a Friday. But the best show usually costs the most money, and it's not always worth it, and that was true last night, as Shpongle played at the Granada for $20, a hefty price, for a weeknight DJ show.

The opener Prometheus was mediocre at best. A mix of good quality techno, and terrible, repetitive, juvenile electronica is not what one expects to endure for $20. Not every DJ is a prodigy and even good DJs have bad moments, but Prometheus went on forever, teasing the crowd with gems buried in crap.

According to Shpongle fans, there is usually a whole band, with guitarists, drummers and keyboardists mixing together the pieces of their songs to make each show unique. Apparently most of the band stays in Europe, where the band is most popular. Last night was just a single DJ working the table on the massive stage.

Without anyone allowed to dance or party on stage, it felt like a relatively empty, inactive space for everyone to be facing as they danced. However, Shpongle goes heavy on the ambient side of electronic, and so the performance included visuals projected on a screen above the stage, which the crowd was expected to stare at as they listened to the trippy melodies. Sadly these visuals were far from compelling. Shpongle still uses the same psychedelic native-mask image it's had for years. That same picture mixed with a small handful of other pictures, which flash and blink, turn and kaleidoscope across the screen in simplistic, repetitive motions, is the entirety of the visual entertainment for the hours of techno. Overall the visuals were unoriginal and obnoxious. It's possible that the most inebriated fans could find something entertaining about the static images, but for anyone remotely close to sober, it was just awful. For good visuals in a similar musical setting, try Bassnectar.

When it came to music, Shpongle was the perfect rave DJ. Songs ranged in style from bass-thumping grinders to airy, psychedelic jams. Shpongle's brand of techno includes a great deal of world-music influence. Some songs seem to be borne from a Spanish Flamenco dance or a British anthem.

The crowd danced its heart out, filling the Granada to the brink with writhing, ecstatic bodies. People came out for the show in full rave gear, others completely unprepared. Girls were hula hooping in the alcoves and people on the dance floor swung glowsticks to the rhythms. Unfortunately security was tight, so people could not celebrate the holiday to their heart's content, but it was still a good time for anyone who had pre-partied.

Ultimately, the opening act, and setting were not perfect for a 4/20 celebration, but the music was good, and people had fun, so the show was certainly a success. The one-man act of Shpongle was making his first appearance in Lawrence, but hopefully not his last.


Now for previews:

Friday, April 23rd, That 1 Guy will be playing the Bottleneck for $8. That 1 Guy, Mike Silverman's latest album, "Packs a Wallop!" exemplifies his wicked skill and wide variety of styles based heavily around funk and jam. Songs carry a dance-able beat while sounding reminiscent of Frank Zappa's quirky pieces or Rush's prog rock. His ridiculous one-man-performance promises to be even more impressive in person than on your computer. That 1 Guy uses instruments such as the Magic Pipe, which is a series of tubes, bass strings and electric buttons put together to make a bizarre, original instrument. This is a must-see show. It starts at 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 24th, The Spook Lights will be playing the Replay Lounge for a mere $2! The local psychedelic, surf, rockabilly gods always play a fantastic, energizing show that's too exciting to miss. See past reviews of The Spook Lights. They will be playing along with Bandit Teeth, and Psychedelic Horseshit. The show starts at 10 p.m.

Sunday, April 25th, Pretty Lights is playing Liberty Hall. The show costs about $21, but promises to be a funky, electronic dance party of the highest caliber. Pretty Lights plays at such epic music festivals as Wakarusa and Summer Camp Music Festival. Anyone who likes to get down and boogie, even on a Sunday night, should be there. Doors open at 8 p.m.

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.

Sonic Sutra dominates the Granada then Mouth busts out at the Jazzhaus

This review is late because it's been such a busy weekend for music in Lawrence. Anyone familiar with the wide range of epic concerts playing the last few nights will understand.

Friday night Sonic Sutra opened for California Voodoo at the Granda, starting the night early, around 9:30 p.m. Sonic Sutra is a local jam band that uses a variety of instruments to put together songs that stream smoothly from one style to another. Every song has a way of moving and progressing like a jazzy, funky, rock jam, taking your ears for a roller-coaster ride. As mentioned in a previous review, the band includes a guitarist, second vocalist adding percussion, keyboard player, bassist, and drummer that combine their skills in their respective sounds to create a strong, explosive harmony. Although Sonic Sutra always promises to be a fun time, this show was something else, like a new level of professional performing had been reached. This was the best Sonic Sutra show this reviewer has seen yet.

The band played an impressive set, going on over an hour, with nonstop jamming. Their songs are so well practiced, intricate, and rhythmic, it's exciting just to feel the progression of each piece, while dancing to the beat.

Sonic Sutra always get the crowd going with their energy and enthusiasm. Every venue, no matter how large, this band always fills the space with a contagious fun vibe that's impossible to ignore. Even in the wide space of the Granada, everyone gathered to the dance floor, people staring in awe from the rails, or getting funky up in front.

With every song, you could feel the crowd getting more excited, strutting their stuff to every funky song, rocking out to every jam, swinging to the jazzy beats. Aside from their own brilliant songs, Sonic Sutra plays fantastic covers. The finale for their set was The Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer", at which point the audience finally lost control, getting down like it was a summer festival.

Having seen what this reviewer came to see, the night was still young when Sonic Sutra finished, and Mouth was already playing at the Jazzhaus.

Although it was a tough act to follow, Mouth met the challenge admirably. The local funky, jazzy, jam band is like a force of musical nature. Mouths has a distinct sound, and a hip, clever quality that's hard to come by whether you're looking at concerts, or on the radio.

Every show is a party, because the drum beats are so fun, the guitar riffs are so groovy and the bass lines are so slick. The band has a list of memorable tunes they play with creativity that makes every show different, but familiar in a good way. With Evan Leitnaker on a second set of percussion instruments, the band had a stronger rhythm, complex, heart-racing beats, and another layer of brilliant talent to give the band even more power.

The show was already in full swing by 11, with the dance floor completely packed, chairs full, and the bar unreachable. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face, like it was all one grand party of friends. Mouth was opening for Funkotronic, but the night out that starts early sometimes ends early, and this was one of those nights. After waiting to make sure Mouth was really finished with their set, it was time to rest weary legs from a night of funky, jazzy, jamming dance parties at the best shows in town.

Cosmopolitics and Family Groove Company fuse prog rock, jazz and funk at the Bottleneck

Sometimes the best shows are the ones you aren't even planning to go to. Driving downtown to catch a show at the Bottleneck, the hip-hop beats of a DJ at The Replay Lounge carried over the bar's outdoor patio walls, while Tyler Gregory's minstrel vocals echoed down from where he was busking near a street corner. Both were tempting, but ultimately the Bottleneck won, and as always it was a fantastic night out with friends.

The Cosmopolitics opened up with a long set, playing songs ranging from progressive rock to fusion jazz, with a bit of funk too. The band's progressive rock songs ringing of Frank Zappa, one song sounded reminiscent of John the Fisherman by Primus; there was definitely a strong Metal tone to some of the songs. Other tunes took a fusion-jazz groove that was both rockin' and smooth. But every song has a little of everything including a touch of funk that makes you wish you could jump up and dance. However, the band's complex rhythms and melodies are not to be trifled with.

The small crowd at the Bottleneck didn't dare try to find a beat to swing to even after The Cosmopolitics had been on stage for an hour. The band demonstrated a great understanding of unconventional beats and rhythms that are impressive, but heavy on the ears. Frank Zappa fans may have been excited to spasm and head-bang to the songs, but most of the crowd couldn't really get into it. Maybe if the audience were larger and more excited the band would have gotten a better reception. Perhaps it was because it was night before Easter Sunday and many students had gone home for the night - before waking to the creeping grumbles of Zombie Jesus - but the Bottleneck was surprisingly empty until quite late - for a Friday night. It was unfortunate how little energy the crowd had, but The Cosmopolitics were coming on very strong.

Aside from the band's intense skill and intricate styling, they had the energy of experienced musicians, giving the crowd its money's worth and then some. According to friends who had been at the Bottleneck from the start, the band began playing at 10, and they rocked on continuously until 11:30. The local band gave the Bottleneck a grade A performance, worthy of headlining a show with a more energetic crowd.

After a short break, Family Groove Company took the stage and immediately collected an even bigger crowd, filling the open gaps on the dance floor. In terms of skill Family Groove Company picked up right were the Cosmopolitics left off, rocking out with a practiced repertoire. Some songs leaped from one jamming beat and rhythm to something completely different, but equally brilliant so suddenly, yet smoothly, the crowd would hoot and cheer in appreciation before finding the new groove to dance to. The band's set was accompanied by a light show, using fog-machines, colorful, flashing, rotating lights and twisting, psychedelic kaleidoscope images, giving the venue a little more ambiance than the average show.

Family Groove Company's blend of jam, funk and jazz gripped the audience's attention from the start, drawing people out of their shells to dance. The band's guitarist, keyboardist, bassist and drummer all contributed integral parts to every song with both instruments and vocals that seemed to evoke a fire in the spirit of every audience member getting down on the dance floor.

From strong funk beats to smooth jazz jams, Family Groove Company kept up a fast paced, upbeat vibe that made the show a party. Cool folks already energized by The Cosmopolitics danced together front and center with tardy-party people who came ready to rage it, making the dance floor a funky hot-spot under the fog and lights. From 11:45 to 1:45 Family Groove Company played their hearts out, a show that was as awesomely fun as it was impressive.

Hailing from Chicago, Family Groove Company has a long list of shows scheduled across the Midwest. Most friends at the show said they came because they saw the band at Wakarusa in Lawrence a few years ago, or a show in town some time ago. One can only hope they will be back again soon!

The Spook Lights get frisky at The Replay Lounge

The Spook Lights are one of the most talented, hardcore rock-n-roll bands to ever play a show, leading Lawrence in it's brilliant local music scene. The band always gathers an appreciative crowd, and plays every set with a heart-pounding energy and intricate skill that is amazing to behold.

April Fool's Day, The Spook Lights played to a relatively packed - but not uncomfortably jammed- crowd at The Replay Lounge at midnight, for $3 (Lawrence.com isn't always 100% accurate, but it was definitely worth the extra buck). While a DJ was putting on dancing tunes in the outdoor part of the venue, the band played indoors, gathering a crowd as soon as they started their sound check.

A friend came along to the show to get her first Spook Lights experience. She immediately loved the surf guitarist, Curvacia Vavoom's signature pouf - or beehive hairdo, "It's way better than Snooki's!" and the lead singer, Scary Manilow's drag-queen outfit. Accompanying the four band members was a man wearing only black leather pants, white leather boots, and a high-cut fishnet shirt, dancing wildly at the corner of the stage. The comically disturbing dancing man led the crowd to shake and swing to the punk-surfer rock tunes, but really, it was the band's passion and wicked style that fed the crowd the energy to rock out.

As a fan of the punk and rockabilly music scene in her hometown of Washington D.C., Lydia was excited to see so many pierced and tattooed punk-rockers in the crowd. At one point she said something to the effect of "I didn't know there were so many punks in Lawrence." Indeed, the badass fans of The Spook Lights were out in full force to support the band. The crowd was a grateful bunch, but the audience wasn't lively enough for how exciting and fun the band was.

Playing favorite songs like Teenage Maniac and Scarum Harum, The Spook Lights made a rockabilly punk party out of The Replay Lounge. The guitarists' harmonic melodies intertwine to the fast, dancing drum beats, giving the vocals room to twist and shout, creating something exotic and hypnotic. The Spook Lights happily played, filling the bar with a psychedelic, surreal vibe only dreamed of in the movies. There's something about that surf-rock/horror-punk blend that is so clever and pleasing to the ear that The Spook Lights are virtually addictive, because they have no substitute and nothing compares.

Rockabilly bands give Lawrence two nights to boogie

Coincidence or fate, my favorite local Rockabilly band, The Spook Lights, are playing The Replay Lounge April 1st with Mouth Breathers, then a Kansas City Rockabilly group, The Rumblejetts, playing the Jazzhaus the following night!

For anyone not entirely familiar with Rockabilly, it's a genre that is sadly under-appreciated, surviving as a subculture far and wide, but rarely found in Lawrence. The style of music began as late as the 1950s, as a mix of rock and country music, influenced by western swing, rhythm and blues, boogie woogie, and other oldies that you think of when you think of 1950s rock-n-roll bands. Modern bands like The Spook Lights and The Rumblejetts have no trouble taking the old style and making it their own, with unique spins that make both upcoming shows must-see events for Rockabilly virgins and veterans alike.

The Spook Lights play a hot blend of speed-demon psychedelic surf rock, and strong, heavy rockabilly tunes that are too catchy and energetic not to dance to. Come to their shows prepared to let yourself go wild. Try closing your eyes and you'll get lost in the hypnotizing depths of the swinging guitar riffs, bass and drum beats, key chords and the spine-tingling highs and lows of the vocals . Incorporating an eerie, horror-punk style to some of their songs, The Spook Lights are simply unlike any other band. They have posted fantastic songs to their myspace, be sure to check it out. The Spook Lights will also be playing The Replay Lounge again on May 14th!
Based on what little information can be found on the internet, Mouth Breathers must be a punk rock band from out of town. Any show at The Replay Lounge is sure to be an intimate party, since the indoor and outdoor stages are both small, and encourage the audience to dance right up, front and center. The show is on Thursday, April 1st, starts at 10 p.m. and it's just $2! It'll be a great end to April Fool's Day, you'd be a fool to miss it!

The Rumblejetts play a somewhat more traditional style of Rockabilly. The band describes their sound as rockabilly, roots music, and country. By roots music they can only mean the roots of rock-n-roll, a sound their band has a knack for basing most of their myspace songs on. But this trio's raunchy, swing-dancing jams hold a party-animal energy that would make any old 50s boogie woogie band blush. Without a doubt this show will get crazy, especially in the dark, alcohol-lubed close-quarters of the Jazzhaus. The band has a long list of shows lined up in nearby Merriam and Kansas City, but it's exciting to have a chance to see them at one of the best venues in town, with friends, for a small cover fee.
Sun Rising is playing with The Rumblejetts, but because of their easily-misleading name, or lack of fame, they are difficult to learn about on the internet. The bands start playing at 10 p.m. Friday night, for $4.

Whether you're an old-school Rockabilly addict, or new to the scene, both these shows promise to rock your world and will kick off the month of April right. Hope to see you there!

Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band jams out at the Bottleneck

There's no show that's more fun to talk about than Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, purely because of the band name. But more importantly, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band busts out excellent funky tunes that everyone can get down to with ceaseless energy and limitless, jam-style skills. Even familiar songs are different as different members of the band solo and jam to the other parts

The lead singer and bassist is the strong, foundation, or nucleus of the tightly-bound, organic 8-piece funk band from Asheville, North Carolina. Beside him the lead guitarist rocks out funky melodies on an electric guitar, and a fellow with a trombone and bongos chime in with one or the other instrument on every song. A saxophonist give the funk it's jazzy side, and behind them a lady on keyboards works synthy harmonies, complimenting the rockin' beats the drummer drills out.

Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band played at Spookstock this last October at Camp Zoe, outside of Salem, Missouri. There, the band dressed in outlandish outfits, like a cross between a Halloween costume and a 70's funk band satire. But when the band came on stage at the Bottleneck last night the lead singer/bassist still wore the same bat wings on his back, and the lead guitarist smiled down on the crowd through over-sized sunglasses, under a black fur wig/hat? And it became apparent that they weren't wearing costumes at Spookstock, but that's just how these guys roll.

The crowd, mostly the younger regulars at the shows the Bottleneck so regularly puts on, like bands that Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band would play alongside. However, even with the young energy that lasted the band's extensive set, from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., the crowd never completely let go, and got down to the songs the way the music demanded. Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band puts on a show that's so dance-happy, even a completely sober crowd would have to rock out. But really, the audience maintained a hesitant distance from full throttle. Some girls had hula hoops to the right of the crowd and a couple of guys were twirling poi on the left. But for the most part, the band did not get the reciprocated energy they deserved.

Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band will be playing at Wakarusa this summer, in The Arkansas Ozark National Forest, June 4th.

Electronic Theory, Seedlove and Mouth get their funk on at the Granada

It seems odd that there would be such great shows on a Monday and Tuesday night, but that's Lawrence for you. The music scene here is astounding. A friend's band, Electronic Theory, and two other, more established local bands, Seedlove and Mouth were throwing down at the Granada for a mere $3!

The cheap cost of admission was just part of what made this night at the Granada special. Most beer draws at the bar were $2.50. The venue is in the midst of some construction, apparently. So, instead of having the bands up on the huge stage; speakers were set up on either side of the right "balcony" a sort of railed-off alcove to the side of the bar and the sound control station. From there, the band played out over the crowd situated between them and the bar. With stairs between the band and the fans, it felt much more intimate than any show I've seen at the Granada.

Electronic Theory started the night with some fun, dancing electronic beats. The drummer keeps up an energetic rhythm that makes it impossible to stand still. On top of that the other band member played on synthesizers, keys and an electric guitar, churning out complex, electronica reminiscent of Sound Tribe. The crowd wasn't at full force yet, so a lot of people missed out, and the band didn't get the applause they deserved.

After a set that was so brilliant it felt too short, the duo left the stage, so Seedlove could start setting up. This took a short while because it's a much bigger band. Seedlove combines a jazzy bass saxophone, with reggae-styling, funky, electronic guitars and bass, backed up by drums and a second percussionist. The combined power of talented musicians on all these instruments is a sound of excellent dancing jazz.

Finally Mouth came on around 12, playing a set that was brilliant, covering most of their best songs, which is a wide range of sounds. The bassist, guitarist and drummer have a practiced harmony that I'm fairly sure I've described in past reviews, but I'll do my best to describe them again. The bassist shows an understanding of his instrument that an aspiring bassist cannot help but admire. Combined with the electric guitar, the two produce complimenting jazzy, funky, jam melodies and rhythms. The drummer rocks out with stirring beats and inspiring rhythms that make every song irresistibly dance-able.

When the crowd was already excited to the point of a dance party, my friend Evan Leitnaker joined the band with percussion that gave the songs an extra rhythm, like another layer to the jam. Later a rapping DJ named Phantom stepped up to the stage and sang for a song, getting the crowd to wave and holler along.

Between the intimate set-up at the normally wide-open venue, the young, energetic crowd, and the band's slick, fun sets; the show felt more like a party than a concert. All three bands performed remarkably, for a crowd that wasn't as large as they deserved, but a great party for a Tuesday night.

Trampled by Turtles stomps on the Bottleneck

The Bottleneck has a display showing off the talented bands of all genres that have played the venue. If talent and fame mean anything, Trampled by Turtles has earned a place on the wall. But if a crowd's satisfaction is part of the measurement, Trampled by Turtles should go right to the top.

The folk, bluegrass band from Duluth, Minnesota filled the Bottleneck with an adoring crowd that could barely keep its volume to a dull roar. We were just having too much fun! The five-piece band played nonstop from 11 to 1:30, with a collective harmony most jam bands could only dream of. Trampled by Turtles impressed with their group's brilliant performance and stage presence.

From left to right, the band members sat in a line, with the man with the largest beard on the left, with their facial hair progressively diminishing to the clean-shaven guy on the right, which I thought was a weird coincidence. Or maybe I'm just weird for noticing that.

The mandolin, violin, banjo, guitar and acoustic bass guitar all added their own voices to every song with different melodies, beats and rhythms, that come together in a delicious mix like some epic home-skillet meal. Every song held its own as a brilliant piece of dance-able, party tune. Aside from the slow song the band started their encore with, the crowd could never stop its jig once the music began. Essentially there was nothing lacking, missing, or unfulfilled about the concert. It was pure folk, bluegrass heaven.

Although the crowd included a good dose of younger bluegrass enthusiasts (my crew, and associates), there were also a great many adults and older couples in the audience, all drinking, laughing and cheering. The crowd's energy could only be matched by the band itself, which calmly sat, jamming out with heavy bluegrass hits of a particular form, that feels familiar, even if you've never heard it before. As a friend once eloquently put it: "I feel like I've known this song all my life."

The opening acts The Calamity Cubes, and John Henry and the Engine, played with reasonable skill, but for a significantly smaller, less excited audience. Once Trampled by Turtles took the stage, the Bottleneck went from half-empty to half-over-flowing, and the crowd never left until after the encore.

According to a friend, and close follower of the band, Trampled by Turtles usually plays larger venues and sells out shows when they're closer to home in Minnesota. Obviously Lawrence hasn't completely heard of them yet, but they still showed the Bottleneck to be a venue they can fill with happy ears. Hopefully they will play here again soon.

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.

Fuzzy Nasty debuts at the Jazzhaus while North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue shakes up the Bottleneck

It was a busy Thursday, with friends going to the bars early, after hanging out even earlier. But the night was just getting started when I left Louis' Downtown to go to the Jazzhaus and catch Fuzz Nasty.
The five-piece funky blues band was performing for the first time together on stage, for what was a long, exciting set of blues with funky bass and keyboard solos as well as jazzy saxophone and trumpet parts.
The lead singer, who occasionally busted out a trumpet, had a perfect funky blues voice, reminiscent of James Brown. Beside him was a saxophonist with skills and energy, backed up by an electric guitarist and bassist who worked well with the fast-handed percussionist and the keyboardists' deft harmonics.
Altogether the band sounded well practiced and confident, far from beginners. It's hard to believe last night was their first performance, but it's exciting to think they started so strong.
Still, when several of my friends were calling it a night as early as 11:30, and many more friends were at another show, I couldn't resist the temptation to hop over to the Bottleneck for some hardcore blues-rock.

When I saw North Mississippi Allstars when they played the Granada a year ago last Fall, the band consisted of three, and the crowd, although not quite big enough to fill the large venue, was still big, excited and happy to cheer the band on. Some friends there were among the most appreciative audience members, and together we made sure we had a great time, even in the crowded Bottleneck.
Last night the North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue had a new drummer, and additional guitarists and singers switching places with the lead singer and guitarist. The band, although larger, was now on a smaller stage, playing at a smaller venue. The Bottleneck was virtually packed, but sadly the crowd filling the dance floor was over 50% older couples, too tired and calm to dance to the energetic blues rock. Those trying to get down to the jams had trouble finding space, and other people to dance with. But with enough drinks, it was hard to resist the beats.
North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue may be larger than before, but the core of the band, the lead singer/guitarist and the bassist are what make it powerful. A stronger harmony and steadier body of music behind the rocking, funky solos and jams only makes the band better. However, the crowd was clearly not appreciative of the great band's fantastic performance.
After playing from about 10 until 12:30, the band stopped, slowly taking a drink before pretending to put away their equipment. Sadly, the crowd of elderly folks was not familiar with the cat-and-mouse game in-which the band stops playing well before the bars close, so the crowd can request an encore that the band will be allowed to deliver. As soon as the final song finished, and the crowd gave a brief applause, the dance floor emptied abruptly, everyone making a bee-line for the bar, bathrooms or the exit.
The only people who looked more surprised or disappointed than me were the band members themselves. So, with an hour left before last call, my friends and I made our way back to the Jazzhaus to catch the end of Fuzz Nasty's set.

The new funk band was still at full blast in the Jazzhaus, with the bar completely full and the porch outside loud with excited smokers talking. The band had a full dance-floor of fans getting down, and played until last call. Fuzz Nasty has a perfect grasp of bluesy funk music, with a smooth blend of saxophone, guitars, and keyboard backed up by bass and drums, with the singer's comfortably familiar voice. After their "final song" the band was taken aback at the audience's vehement demand for more. A short encore was allowed by the bar owners, to which virtually everyone stayed, for one last funky jam.

After all that, with work early in the morning, I decided to pass on the after-parties, but I'm excited for more great local shows like Fuzzy Nasty's debut, as well as big names like North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue coming to town.

As for this weekend?

Tonight: Friday, March 12th, Speakeasy is playing at the Bottleneck with Bootney Farnsworth. Speakeasy is a jam rock band, that I know I've heard of before, but I'm not sure how familiar I am with their music.

Tomorrow: Saturday, March 13th, Kid Congo Powers & The Pink Monkey Birds are playing at the Jackpot with Spook Lights, The Harrisonics, and Weird Wounds. The Spook Lights are my favorite local band before I discovered From Quiet Arms. The Spook Lights play a hard, sharp style of Rockabilly that I personally love. The Spook Lights don't play often these days, but I'm keeping my eyes open for them.