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 Tyler Gregory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tyler Gregory. Show all posts
Monday, May 10, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
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 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!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tyler Gregory fills the Jackpot with his sonorous voice and bluegrass jams
Wednesday night one might not expect to find anything good playing at the usual venues. Last night, March 11, Tyler Gregory had his CD release party at the Jackpot. The small venue filled to the brim, with a crowd bands there rarely enjoy.
Brent Barry and Katlyn Conroy opened for Gregory with other musicians, playing acoustic folk tunes. I arrived late, so I only heard the last couple of songs of a collection of folk instruments on stage. Whoever they were, they sounded fairly good, but nothing special.
Tyler Gregory came on around 12:30, and began playing a set, like the expert busker that he is. He was sitting in a chair, with a wooden board propped under his feet. He stomped on the wood to create a percussion while he strummed at a banjo and later a guitar. The instrumentation alone gives Tyler Gregory's music a familiar, nostalgic quality. What takes it over the top, to make him someone to be followed, is his voice.
Every song, Tyler Gregory sang with a passion and practiced skill that is rarely found in most bands' vocalists. His particular brand of folk, with hints of blues and bluegrass, makes him a particularly interesting artist to use vocals so strongly in his work.
After several songs alone, Tyler Gregory was joined by a stand-up bassist. The bass line added to the body of the music, but Tyler Gregory's voice still led the songs. Even when a mandolin player came up, the trio's instruments kept a good, quality melody going, but Tyler Gregory's vocals stood out especially.
After the show, Tyler Gregory said he was pleased with the outcome. "It was a school night, and people still came out, and I was really happy with the crowd," Gregory said. His new album "A Path Less Traveled" was being released for $10. He also has an EP called "Moonshiners" for $5. I wish I had more money last night, I would have bought them.
I look forward to hearing Tyler Gregory's impressive voice more at other venues. He may have picked up his skills practicing on the streets, but he belongs on stage.
Tonight I'm torn between going to see North Mississippi Allstars and Fuzz Nasty. Friends are supposed to be going to both, so, it's all up in the air right now. We'll see who calls who, and who is having a pre-party.
Brent Barry and Katlyn Conroy opened for Gregory with other musicians, playing acoustic folk tunes. I arrived late, so I only heard the last couple of songs of a collection of folk instruments on stage. Whoever they were, they sounded fairly good, but nothing special.
Tyler Gregory came on around 12:30, and began playing a set, like the expert busker that he is. He was sitting in a chair, with a wooden board propped under his feet. He stomped on the wood to create a percussion while he strummed at a banjo and later a guitar. The instrumentation alone gives Tyler Gregory's music a familiar, nostalgic quality. What takes it over the top, to make him someone to be followed, is his voice.
Every song, Tyler Gregory sang with a passion and practiced skill that is rarely found in most bands' vocalists. His particular brand of folk, with hints of blues and bluegrass, makes him a particularly interesting artist to use vocals so strongly in his work.
After several songs alone, Tyler Gregory was joined by a stand-up bassist. The bass line added to the body of the music, but Tyler Gregory's voice still led the songs. Even when a mandolin player came up, the trio's instruments kept a good, quality melody going, but Tyler Gregory's vocals stood out especially.
After the show, Tyler Gregory said he was pleased with the outcome. "It was a school night, and people still came out, and I was really happy with the crowd," Gregory said. His new album "A Path Less Traveled" was being released for $10. He also has an EP called "Moonshiners" for $5. I wish I had more money last night, I would have bought them.
I look forward to hearing Tyler Gregory's impressive voice more at other venues. He may have picked up his skills practicing on the streets, but he belongs on stage.
Tonight I'm torn between going to see North Mississippi Allstars and Fuzz Nasty. Friends are supposed to be going to both, so, it's all up in the air right now. We'll see who calls who, and who is having a pre-party.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Early weekend previews
This weekend there are plenty of shows, but nothing that I'm 100% sure I'm going to. However, tonight and tomorrow night, there are some good-sounding concerts that I hope to attend.
Tonight: Wednesday, March 10, at the Jackpot at 10, Tyler Gregory is having a CD release party.
It's $5-7 according to Lawrence.com. Some friends are going, so I'm tempted to go, simply to hang out with them, and see a new show.
Tyler Gregory busks downtown all the time. Just the other night his strong, minstrel's voice, and clean guitar strums filled the night with music outside the bars on Mass street. His blues, folk, americana style is something virtually anyone could enjoy, no matter their normal tastes.
Tomorrow night: Thursday, March 11, there are two shows going on. North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue is playing at the Bottleneck for $16. I've seen the North Mississippi Allstars before. I'm guessing it's mostly the same band. As I recall, their hard-rock style bluegrass, funky jams are a special blend that's hard to describe, let alone compare. The lead singer, who switches between guitar, mandolin - and for a few songs the drummer sings, he covers drums - is a man of great energy and wicked skill. The bassist, a big, young fellow with a lot of heart and some funky fingers, gives songs a hot beat and fun rhythm with his bass lines and solos. The drummer is also young, but energetic, with crazy, wild passion both on percussion and when he sings and plays guitar for his songs.
At the same time Fuzz Nasty will be stirring up some "old-school funk", James Brown style at the Jazzhaus for $5. I've never seen Fuzz Nasty, but several friends are planning to go, so I'm fairly sure I'll have a better time there than at the Bottleneck. The price difference is not a big factor, since North Mississippi Allstars are easily worth $16 to see in a venue as intimate at the Bottleneck, however I am not rolling in the dough at the moment, so I'm going to stick with my friends and rage the Jazzhaus.
I'll update if I find out about anything really exciting this weekend. Until then!
Tonight: Wednesday, March 10, at the Jackpot at 10, Tyler Gregory is having a CD release party.
It's $5-7 according to Lawrence.com. Some friends are going, so I'm tempted to go, simply to hang out with them, and see a new show.
Tyler Gregory busks downtown all the time. Just the other night his strong, minstrel's voice, and clean guitar strums filled the night with music outside the bars on Mass street. His blues, folk, americana style is something virtually anyone could enjoy, no matter their normal tastes.
Tomorrow night: Thursday, March 11, there are two shows going on. North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue is playing at the Bottleneck for $16. I've seen the North Mississippi Allstars before. I'm guessing it's mostly the same band. As I recall, their hard-rock style bluegrass, funky jams are a special blend that's hard to describe, let alone compare. The lead singer, who switches between guitar, mandolin - and for a few songs the drummer sings, he covers drums - is a man of great energy and wicked skill. The bassist, a big, young fellow with a lot of heart and some funky fingers, gives songs a hot beat and fun rhythm with his bass lines and solos. The drummer is also young, but energetic, with crazy, wild passion both on percussion and when he sings and plays guitar for his songs.
At the same time Fuzz Nasty will be stirring up some "old-school funk", James Brown style at the Jazzhaus for $5. I've never seen Fuzz Nasty, but several friends are planning to go, so I'm fairly sure I'll have a better time there than at the Bottleneck. The price difference is not a big factor, since North Mississippi Allstars are easily worth $16 to see in a venue as intimate at the Bottleneck, however I am not rolling in the dough at the moment, so I'm going to stick with my friends and rage the Jazzhaus.
I'll update if I find out about anything really exciting this weekend. Until then!
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