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!
Showing posts with label the replay lounge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the replay lounge. Show all posts
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Previews of Monday, both the regular weekly events and some very special concerts, and Friday's coming shows
Having Sunday off work is not all it's cracked up to be. Sure it's great to be able to sleep in after a long day and a late night Saturday, but there's hardly ever anything to do!
So, bored to tears, I checked lawrence.com to see if there would be anything fun to do tomorrow night. And then I remembered, there's always one or two things to do out on the town on Monday nights, and this Monday is better than usual, with some pretty rare shows coming to town too! I wish I had the time and money to see everything. If only I had a fancy press pass, or something I'd hop from venue to venue, and see it all haha
So here's a preview of Monday, March 15:
Monday night is Karaoke night at the Jazzhaus. Karaoke night is usually a great time for friends to go out and be goofy together. The bar doesn't get too crowded, so there's no trouble getting a drink, and finding seats for any size group. The song lists for singing have a good variety of tunes, that almost everyone knows. People take turns either showing off their skills at a song they know a little too well, or making fun of themselves, with their friends cheering them on.
It only costs a dollar to get in, and Boulevard beer is on special.
A newer Monday night weekly gathering is the Mudstomp Mondays, where folk and bluegrass musicians and bands jam together for just two dollars. Each week the show starts at 8 p.m. and ends with a headliner at 11 p.m. The event is hosted by Hank Osterhout of the bluegrass band Deadman Flats, my favorite local bluegrass band. I've been meaning to go, but usually wind up at Karaoke night or someplace else. I'm not sure if this will be the week, but it's good to know it's there.
Meanwhile, there's a special show at the Bottleneck at 8 p.m., but at a higher price. Dirty Little Rabbits, an alternative rock band, is featuring Clown from Slipknot, a hardcore metal rock band. Songs available on their myspace show Dirty Little Rabbits to be a band with clever, wicked guitar, bass and drum harmonics, as well as whip-smart vocals that come together to make an iron-hot alt-rock sound, that's very different, but catchy. The melodies, and lyrics hold a mean, energy that's exciting and addictive. According to Lawrence.com it's between $11-13. It would be worth the extra money, but I'm not sure I'll want to be alone at that show, when I could be with friends somewhere else.
Another Monday night show is at the Replay Lounge for just $2. Spirits of the Red City, and The Photo Atlas are playing folk pop rock. The Replay is a good venue because it's cheap, there's a bar outside for the smokers, and both a stage inside, and outside. Depending on the weather, the bands may be outside. Spirits of the Red City have a nostalgic, folk sound, with pop vocals and drums and classical instrumentals using cello, violas, as well as songs with trumpet, banjo, accordion and ukulele. It's difficult to categorize this band, but their myspace offers some fantastic songs.
The rest of the week, I can't say that I recognize any good shows coming up until Friday.
I will be out of town for a GREAT show in St. Louis Friday night, but for everyone in town, here's what I'd do if I was in Lawrence Friday night:
The Irietions are playing at the Jazzhaus at 10 p.m. for $4. The reggae jam band puts on a fun show. As I recall I reviewed a show of theirs a few weeks ago or so. But if that's not your cup of tea, or you're not 21, there's another great show the same night.
Eagle Scout is opening for Rooftop Vigilantes at the Replay Lounge at 10 p.m. for $2. Rooftop Vigilantes are your classic local-band-making-it-big. The pop-rock quartet started here in Lawrence, but have often been seen playing shows in Kansas City. They've been written about in publications like The Pitch, and show great potential for the future.
I'll be in St. Louis Friday, seeing Sound Tribe Sector 9, one of my favorite bands of all time. I saw them at the Pageant in St. Louis last year, when they came the same time of year. My Dad and Stepmom live there, so I have a place to stay, and several of my friends go each year, which makes the show really great. This year STS9 is playing two sets, Friday and Saturday night. I'll only be going Friday, but several friends are going to Saturday night's show. I hope to write a review of the show soon after I return Saturday night.
So, bored to tears, I checked lawrence.com to see if there would be anything fun to do tomorrow night. And then I remembered, there's always one or two things to do out on the town on Monday nights, and this Monday is better than usual, with some pretty rare shows coming to town too! I wish I had the time and money to see everything. If only I had a fancy press pass, or something I'd hop from venue to venue, and see it all haha
So here's a preview of Monday, March 15:
Monday night is Karaoke night at the Jazzhaus. Karaoke night is usually a great time for friends to go out and be goofy together. The bar doesn't get too crowded, so there's no trouble getting a drink, and finding seats for any size group. The song lists for singing have a good variety of tunes, that almost everyone knows. People take turns either showing off their skills at a song they know a little too well, or making fun of themselves, with their friends cheering them on.
It only costs a dollar to get in, and Boulevard beer is on special.
A newer Monday night weekly gathering is the Mudstomp Mondays, where folk and bluegrass musicians and bands jam together for just two dollars. Each week the show starts at 8 p.m. and ends with a headliner at 11 p.m. The event is hosted by Hank Osterhout of the bluegrass band Deadman Flats, my favorite local bluegrass band. I've been meaning to go, but usually wind up at Karaoke night or someplace else. I'm not sure if this will be the week, but it's good to know it's there.
Meanwhile, there's a special show at the Bottleneck at 8 p.m., but at a higher price. Dirty Little Rabbits, an alternative rock band, is featuring Clown from Slipknot, a hardcore metal rock band. Songs available on their myspace show Dirty Little Rabbits to be a band with clever, wicked guitar, bass and drum harmonics, as well as whip-smart vocals that come together to make an iron-hot alt-rock sound, that's very different, but catchy. The melodies, and lyrics hold a mean, energy that's exciting and addictive. According to Lawrence.com it's between $11-13. It would be worth the extra money, but I'm not sure I'll want to be alone at that show, when I could be with friends somewhere else.
Another Monday night show is at the Replay Lounge for just $2. Spirits of the Red City, and The Photo Atlas are playing folk pop rock. The Replay is a good venue because it's cheap, there's a bar outside for the smokers, and both a stage inside, and outside. Depending on the weather, the bands may be outside. Spirits of the Red City have a nostalgic, folk sound, with pop vocals and drums and classical instrumentals using cello, violas, as well as songs with trumpet, banjo, accordion and ukulele. It's difficult to categorize this band, but their myspace offers some fantastic songs.
The rest of the week, I can't say that I recognize any good shows coming up until Friday.
I will be out of town for a GREAT show in St. Louis Friday night, but for everyone in town, here's what I'd do if I was in Lawrence Friday night:
The Irietions are playing at the Jazzhaus at 10 p.m. for $4. The reggae jam band puts on a fun show. As I recall I reviewed a show of theirs a few weeks ago or so. But if that's not your cup of tea, or you're not 21, there's another great show the same night.
Eagle Scout is opening for Rooftop Vigilantes at the Replay Lounge at 10 p.m. for $2. Rooftop Vigilantes are your classic local-band-making-it-big. The pop-rock quartet started here in Lawrence, but have often been seen playing shows in Kansas City. They've been written about in publications like The Pitch, and show great potential for the future.
I'll be in St. Louis Friday, seeing Sound Tribe Sector 9, one of my favorite bands of all time. I saw them at the Pageant in St. Louis last year, when they came the same time of year. My Dad and Stepmom live there, so I have a place to stay, and several of my friends go each year, which makes the show really great. This year STS9 is playing two sets, Friday and Saturday night. I'll only be going Friday, but several friends are going to Saturday night's show. I hope to write a review of the show soon after I return Saturday night.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Somasphere shakes the Bottleneck open for Kitty D, and The Bootheel and Tyler Gregory rock out at the Replay, followed by classic Lawrence post-party
My title for this blog post was too long. The last word was going to be 'adventure!'
As if Friday night weren't wild and long enough, tonight would have to be near the edge of epic.
My adventures started when I got out of my apartment to visit my friend Spenser, then, before Brit's performance in The Vagina Monologues held at Hashinger Hall. She, Alex and I had a drink before she went on stage, which took the edge off being one of the only 6 guys in the room.
Then I went to The Bottleneck to see Somasphere. Sure enough, a ton of friends were at the show, and we had the front, right area of the dance-floor, and it was great fun. Somasphere works the bass, electric keyboard, and guitar to weave together a heavy, funky, flowing rhythm that no one can stand still to.
They REALLY remind me of Sound Tribe Sector 9 sometimes. Some of their grooves, a combination of heavy, hip-hop-y beats and jazzy melodies, are just like some of STS9's greatest hits. But you don't get the insane, rude, retarded crowds you get at STS9 shows.
I was already tipsy after the couple of beers I got, but when my friends got me a couple of shots, I was over the edge, and could hardly dance anymore.
Thankfully Spenser was down to hop to another bar, when Somasphere finished their set. They were actually the opening band for Kitty D, but I've never heard of Kitty D, and we left for the Replay before they came on.
At the Reply I saw a band inside the small, indoor part of the venue. I don't know if it was The Bootheel or Tyler Gregory playing, but they were great, and the crowd loved them, so it was easy to get into it, even though we arrived just in time for the last couple of songs.
Spenser and I met up with another gang of our friends from the same overall crew as the folks at the Bottleneck. Some of the girls were looking to stop by a party, and Spenser and I were going with the flow, and I had my first experience in a taxi in Lawrence. It was actually really cool.
The party we went to wasn't very good. But I got to run into another friend, Jake, who I had not seen in months. We went on back to the girl's house for a bit more of hanging out, and then Spenser and I finished with a little hang-out session back at his house again, before I walked back to my car.
At 4:05 in the morning I stood on Mass. Street near 9th, and looked up and down the sidewalk and street, and did not see another soul. I was all alone downtown. Right in the heart of the town. My town. Your town. Our town.
I stopped by Java Break for a cup of my favorite coffee-drink, a Snickers, cold, with no ice. And drove home to write these blogs.
Now I'm going to crash and sleep in tomorrow. I don't have work until Tuesday, thank god.
As if Friday night weren't wild and long enough, tonight would have to be near the edge of epic.
My adventures started when I got out of my apartment to visit my friend Spenser, then, before Brit's performance in The Vagina Monologues held at Hashinger Hall. She, Alex and I had a drink before she went on stage, which took the edge off being one of the only 6 guys in the room.
Then I went to The Bottleneck to see Somasphere. Sure enough, a ton of friends were at the show, and we had the front, right area of the dance-floor, and it was great fun. Somasphere works the bass, electric keyboard, and guitar to weave together a heavy, funky, flowing rhythm that no one can stand still to.
They REALLY remind me of Sound Tribe Sector 9 sometimes. Some of their grooves, a combination of heavy, hip-hop-y beats and jazzy melodies, are just like some of STS9's greatest hits. But you don't get the insane, rude, retarded crowds you get at STS9 shows.
I was already tipsy after the couple of beers I got, but when my friends got me a couple of shots, I was over the edge, and could hardly dance anymore.
Thankfully Spenser was down to hop to another bar, when Somasphere finished their set. They were actually the opening band for Kitty D, but I've never heard of Kitty D, and we left for the Replay before they came on.
At the Reply I saw a band inside the small, indoor part of the venue. I don't know if it was The Bootheel or Tyler Gregory playing, but they were great, and the crowd loved them, so it was easy to get into it, even though we arrived just in time for the last couple of songs.
Spenser and I met up with another gang of our friends from the same overall crew as the folks at the Bottleneck. Some of the girls were looking to stop by a party, and Spenser and I were going with the flow, and I had my first experience in a taxi in Lawrence. It was actually really cool.
The party we went to wasn't very good. But I got to run into another friend, Jake, who I had not seen in months. We went on back to the girl's house for a bit more of hanging out, and then Spenser and I finished with a little hang-out session back at his house again, before I walked back to my car.
At 4:05 in the morning I stood on Mass. Street near 9th, and looked up and down the sidewalk and street, and did not see another soul. I was all alone downtown. Right in the heart of the town. My town. Your town. Our town.
I stopped by Java Break for a cup of my favorite coffee-drink, a Snickers, cold, with no ice. And drove home to write these blogs.
Now I'm going to crash and sleep in tomorrow. I don't have work until Tuesday, thank god.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)