March Madness weekend preview

So, it's a new month, and there's lots of shows to look forward to!
In the short term, my weekend is already booked:

Friday night I'm interested in seeing Boombox and EZ Brothers put down some funky jam tunes. I have never seen either performance, but heard Boombox' favorite song on their website, and it sounded like a party. Lawrence.com says it's $11, which is so-so for a Bottleneck show, but worth it if all my friends are getting down.
Some friends have already confirmed they're going, so I hope to meet up with them for pre-partying or an after-party. Thankfully I don't have work all weekend, so I'll be able to recover Saturday morning before getting ready to go out again a second night.

Saturday, Sonic Sutra is playing with Dirtfoot. These are two great, fun bluegrass jam bands that have wicked talent, and throw down for some fun-ass shows! I am very excited about this night, and will definitely be raging it with my crew, once again at the Bottleneck.
It really seems odd how many great shows the Bottleneck has been having this year, but I just have to hand it to them: they know how to satisfy a whole network of Lawrence people.
Lawrence.com doesn't have a cost estimate for this show. I'm guessing somewhere near 15, but whatever it is, I'm positive it will be worth it for the good times to be had.

Looking ahead I hear that The Wailers will be playing the Voodoo Lounge in KC, Friday, March 26.

Lastly, I have a special place in my heart for goth music. It's what got me through high school. So, when I hear that VNV Nation, one of the only "gothy" bands still doing national tours in the US was coming to town, I almost peed my pants. VNV Nation: 3 guys on synthesizers of various kinds, and a grump, shaven-headed Irishman singing, brought out more goth kids in Lawrence than I've ever seen in Kansas. I'm excited to get gothed up with some friends and check them out again on April 7th!

Hope to see you around the Bottleneck this weekend!

Potbilly (not Potbelly) shakes The News Room on December 22, 2009

I know this blog is called "Nightlife in Lawrence", but having several friends who have moved to Kansas City since I first met them in Lawrence, I often go to the city to see shows. Those shows are usually big bands playing at big venues. But tonight I had the rare treat of seeing a friend play with his band, at a small, intimate venue where the small crowd could really feel the music.
My friend Josh Inman plays the bass for the band Potbilly (previously called Potbelly). I've known Josh over a year now, and on top of being a good friend, Josh is a skilled Bassist. He and the singer, who also plays lead guitar, and the rhythm guitarist come together in a strong, steady harmony that is easy to sink into.
I was told the band was "a funky kind of blue-grass" but personally I thought their songs carried a blue-grass sound, with the beats, lyrics and attitude of the blues. Sitting right beside the band, in the small, narrow News Room, I could hear the intricate detail of every chorus and verse, solo and jam the three boys put into their songs.
The venue, a small bar in Kansas City, The News Room, was surprisingly small, to try and have a three-piece electric guitar band playing, but it made the music that much more concentrated and powerful.
I look forward to seeing Potbilly again, hopefully in a larger venue, with a bigger crowd. Josh told me they were scheduled to play twice in January. I believe the dates are the 17th and the 22nd. I believe one of those shows will be at the Granada in Lawrence, with Deadman Flats also playing! Deadman Flats is my favorite local blue-grass band, and they are all good friends with Josh. I'm positive that show will be ridiculous, and cannot wait to go!
More info as I find it and remember to put it on here.