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SCHEDULE for MAY 2002
| < Schedule for April 2002 | Schedule for June 2002 > |
| Date | Show/Event | Additional Information | Buy Online |
| Wed 1 |
FOURTH OF JULY HEMP COALITION presents: THE
HEMP SEED CAFE also: Guest Speakers 8PM $5 |
The Fourth of July Hemp Coalition now hosts a new activist night, THE HEMP SEED CAFE, where people can come discuss ideas and keep up with current events involving Drug Policy Reform. Our monthly event benefiting the Fourth of July Hemp Coalition features a new artist at every event. |
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10PM $8 |
It's 2002 AD. Although ANTIGONE RISING'S namesake died 4000 years ago, the world's first feminist can't lie dormant forever. She's back! She's rising! And she's coming to rock your town! Antigone's messengers are two guitar slinging sisters (Cathy & Kristen Henderson) who decided the eldest daughter of Oedipus might have more to say. Dena Tauriello (drums) and Teri Avella (bass) make up the tightest rhythm section this side of Athens. And lead vocalist Cassidy is at times rumored to be Antigone herself, reincarnated with a pierced tongue, tattooed arm, and a voice that makes even the best singers dig their own shallow grave. VH-1 named ANTIGONE RISING or AR one of the ten best indie bands in the country. Long Beach Dub All-Stars (formerly Sublime) played with AR at the infamous U Mass. Spring Fling 2000 in front of 10,000 fans. The band's now "legendary" Lilith Fair experience saw The Indigo Girls, Natalie Merchant and Liz Phair wearing AR baseball caps and buttons during the festival. And Sarah Mclachlan now knows that Antigone DID come before Lilith. AR's unexpected side stage showcase at the National NACA convention (2000) catapulted them into becoming one of the most sought after indie bands on the college circuit this year. The band's rise in popularity has made them a hot marketing commodity. Most recently, Technics signed AR to an exclusive one year contract. The full page ads have been featured in national magazines across the country (including "Spin" & "Rolling Stone")." Driven down pop alley: DRIVER X is solid proof that earnest, pop infected rock music still lives deep in the heart of New York City. The quintet, ably fronted by singer/tunesmith Will Croxton, is currently shopping a demo that will tickle the ears of listeners who subscribe to the intimate introspective fare of bands like Travis and Coldplay. Such standout cuts as the strummy "Daylight" and the delightfully harmonious "Carry Me Home" manage to exude boyish sensitivity without ever sounding wimpy or cloying. Croxton and his bandmates, Phil Yanos (guitar), Kirk Henderson (keyboards) and Brian Patterson (drums) do a good job of keeping the arrangements muscular and reasonably aggressive without ever overpowering Croxton's notably intelligent lyrics and melodies. |
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| Thu 2 |
8PM $7 |
EMBER SWIFT is best described as a brilliant jazz vocalist inhabiting the body of an alternative punk-folk singer-songwriter. Native of Woodstock, Ontario (Canada), and now a resident of Toronto, Ember is a 25 year-old self-taught guitarist and percussionist, as well as a trained pianist. Much has been made about Ember's unconventional approach to songwriting, such as her sudden shifts in tempo in mid-song, and her explosive acoustic guitar playing. What is undeniable is that while journeying through the unexpected twists and turns that characterize her work, the listener is treated to a wider range of the human experience than one might expect from the `angry young woman' label so stereotypically associated with Ember's contemporary fellow travelers. Underpinning Ember's tales of the disenfranchised and the self examination of her own failings and feelings are her courage, integrity and the conviction of her beliefs, not to mention a well developed and self-effacing sense of humor. | |
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DAN & KEV 10PM $10 |
SEEKING HOMER PEPPER'S GHOST DAN & KEV 10PM $10 While attending Fordham University in 1994, future SEEKING HOMER founders Dave Oberacker and Tom Connors began playing together in small clubs and bars in The Bronx and on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Within a year and a half, the duo had composed a variety of songs with acoustic guitars and distinct harmonies. In 1996 Tom and Dave met New York City natives James Dunlop and Michael Seda. It did not take long for the four to realize that their combined energy brought on great ideas and great fun. So spontaneous was the reaction that Seda's first time meeting with the band was also the night of their first gig together. On that night, SEEKING HOMER was formed and later that year they recorded their first album. The band continued on its path and expanded their touring from NYC to the rest of the country. The band steadily infiltrated the consciousness of clubs, radio stations, the music press and most importantly, the listening public. The band's strategy of non-stop touring, endless promotions, online distribution, and a growing mailing list and fan base catapulted this self-managed, self-produced act to unprecedented popularity. The influence of Dunlop's musical arrangements and Seda's additional vocals, song writing and percussion helped form their current sound. By 1999 Seeking Homer found themselves sharing the stage with many national acts, some of which inspired their music. Bands such as The Samples, Guster, Moxy Fruvous, Cowboy Mouth, Corey Glover of Living Colour, They Might Be Giants, Dispatch and Agents of Good Roots, began noticing that the quartet from the Bronx was winning over their fans. Named after a stage illusion, created in the 1800's by Dr. John Henry Pepper, the music of PEPPER'S GHOST is capturing the imagination of a rapidly growing audience. As writers and performers, the five-member group demonstrates a collective zeal for melody and the enduring qualities of rock music. Since the band's inception in 1999, they have shared the stage with many national acts, and received numerous awards and distinctions. Their 2001 release, entitled "Opening Night" drew critical acclaim amidst comparisons to Bowie and The Beatles. Michael Harrington, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, likened the live recording, augmented by a fifteen piece orchestra to "Paul McCartney in a Motown cabaret, directed by David Bowie." With remarkable chemistry and a rich, dynamic sound, there is much enthusiasm within the ranks. PEPPER'S GHOST is eager to prove itself, on stage and in the studio. Opening are Australia's DAN & KEV in coordination with the Embassy of Australia. |
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| FRI 3 |
LADYFEST DC presents: Under the Velvet Hammer
An Art Auction To Benefit 6PM $7 |
Guests will bid for the opportunity to take the artwork home or demolish it on site! | |
| Sat 4 |
PRIVATE EVENT 6PM |
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| Sun 5 |
AARON SUKENIK 8PM $7 |
Acoustic performance by local songwriter AARON SUKENIK | |
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10PM $10 |
New York quartet ulu play a completely unfashionable amalgam of funk/jazz fusion that recalls "Bitches' Brew" era Miles Davis. Unlike so many jam bands on the circuit today, ulu understand the subtle difference between improvisation and mindless noodling. And while their instrumental prowess is exemplary, more importantly they know how to hold down a solid, funky backbeat. Intelligent, groovy and, lord almighty, danceable jazz-rock, what a concept! |
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| Mon 6 |
Digital Room Screening #1 "Return
To Belaye: A documentary by Amy Flannery 7PM $6 |
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| Tue 7 | BROTHER
DANIELSON
AND NINE FRUIT TREE 10PM $8 |
Eldest brother of THE DANIELSON FAMILE, Daniel sings praise inside of a ten-foot paper mache tree baring the "good fruit" contained within his songs. His songs are moving and thoughtful with a message to and from above. A Michigan native currently living in New York City, Sufjan Stevens is a graphic designer, an amateur seamster, a crocheter of ski caps, and a writer of short fiction. Sufjan can also be found donning doctor's scrubs (his heart on his sleeve) as the temporary organist/toy pianist/banjo enthusiast for The Danielson Famile, during their spring midwest/east coast tour. |
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| Wed 8 |
beat neat~o presents: 9PM $3 |
GROOVE is a dance party in the style of the the classic Allnighter. '60s mod, soul and garage may prevail, but there's always room for great new music - as long as it grooves. | |
| Thu 9 |
SHADRAQ 10PM $7 |
Suburban Maryland act DOG FASHION DISCO have managed to generate quite a buzz for themselves since their formation a few years back. Using screams, creepy croons and a generally more aggressive nature, vocalist Todd Smith shines on this album, truly abandoning the shackles of the heavy Mike Patton (Faith No More/Mr. Bungle) influence found on the groups previous outings and instead treading in his own direction, unleashing savage wails and verses that have the demeanor of a heavily medicated violent psychopath. Guitar wise, the band riffs heavy combining elements of grating new metal into a spiraling mix of drums, bass, organs, flutes, saxophones and clarinet. Some have claimed that DOG FASHION DISCO is the direction that Mr. Bungle should have gone in! TUB RING riddles the ears with a refreshingly erratic style by bringing together the smirk and sensibilities of punk, the intellectualism of experimental rock, an innate pop awareness, and philosophically challenging sci-fi poetry. True postmodernists, TUB RING's nomadic musical senses fit them snugly in the company of norm-defying acts such as Faith No More, Frank Zappa, and Beck. |
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| Fri 10 |
8PM $10 |
The Cincinnati boys return to the Metro Café in what the Cincinnati Post calls a "quirky outfit [who] manages to merge swing, rock, rap, and funk elements into its own inventive sound that showcases some great harmonies and witty songwriting." If you're a fan of the Talking Heads' Remain in Light, Steely Dan, or the Meters, you'll certainly take to Homunculus' like-minded but-more-contemporary brand of engulfing, textural Pop. | |
| Sat 11 |
MN8 presents: DEBORAH BOND MARY HARRIS 9PM $12 |
Born and raised in Birmingham, England of Jamaican parents, JULIE DEXTER is a world-renowned singer / songwriter who has won numerous international awards. A classically trained musician who writes, arranges, composes and produces, Julie is considered by many to be one of the most important female vocalists of her generation and has been dubbed by her fans as "The UK's Queen of Soul." Deeply influenced by legends such as Abbey Lincoln, Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson, as well as popular icons such as Omar and Sade, Julie takes the essence of classic soul to the mainstream. Due to her diverse musical influences and talents, Julie's music appeals to fans of Jazz, R&B, Reggae and Hip-Hop. Blessed with a beauty that goes far beyond skin deep, Julie is made infinitely more attractive by her genuine affection for people -an affection that overflows in her music. Writing songs that deal with all aspects of the human experience from poverty and racism to love and lust, she is able to be serious without being heavy, and playful without being trite. Effortlessly moving between haunting blues and surging funk, she weaves magical tales of the universally personal. | |
| Sun 12 |
10PM $7 |
The Windmills are a four-piece from Southend-On-Sea, England. Since signing to Washington, DC label Matinée Recordings in 1999, they have released three singles and two albums, including their most recent "Sunlight" which has garnered favorable press from around the globe. Frequently compared to indie legends East Village and the Go-Betweens, the Windmills are now making a name of their own. The band is playing its first shows in the US in support of the new album and to launch the brand new three-track single "Walking Around The World" EP. |
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| Mon 13 |
7PM NO COVER! |
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| Tue 14 |
PRIVATE EVENT |
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| Wed 15 |
THE SNUFF PROJECT 10PM $7 |
THE CARLSONICS, from Washington, D.C., play trashy, raw, explosive rock music. Obvious and immediate comparisons include The Stooges or 60s garage, but closer examination reveals indie-rock, early 80s punk, and new wave influences. The band formed in 1999 in Harrisonburg, VA after Aaron Carlson decided he needed a venue through which to perform a sick, 2-chord song he wrote called "Done In." What followed was over two years of sweaty, cathartic rock power, until 2001, when the band relocated to DC. Opening is Sounds Of Kaleidoscope's Damien's side project THEE SNUFF PROJECT. |
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BELLE
AND SEBASTIAN AFTER PARTY midnight NO COVER! |
Join us for a post-show party after B&S play Consitution Hall. | ||
| Thu 16 |
10PM $7 |
Since aligning into its present formation in February of 2000, THE ALLY has stormed onto the sonic scene of the new millennium, penetrating the hearts and minds of audiences with their own distinct style which listeners effectively term "Roots Fusion". Holding firmly to the foundation created by each band member's roots with one hand, THE ALLY is free to grasp at seemingly unreachable musical peaks with the other. As a testament to their diverse influences, THE ALLY has graced the stages of a variety of venues. In line with their more traditional roots, THE ALLY has performed at some of the most prestigious venues on the east coast including the Theatre of the Living Arts, the Trocadero Theatre, and the Electric Factory. As accompaniment to their regular tour dates, THE ALLY has also successfully produced several events under the auspices of their affiliate organization, Human Capital Productions. These events have exemplified the underlying philosophy of THE ALLY, drawing audiences from various walks of life, utilizing traditional venues as well as unconventional locations such as warehouses. In regards to these self produced events and other aspects of their organization, THE ALLY has taken a more grass-roots approach in their expansion. This approach coupled with contacts in the popular music industry has lead to uniquely innovative results of high production quality. Beyond their album and live shows, collaborative efforts are another testament to THE ALLY's spectrum of influences. Members of THE ALLY have worked with such artists as tabla prodigy Pandit K Prashant, jamband pioneers The Disco Biscuits and pop star Brandy. As can be witnessed from the origins of their name, THE ALLY is a unit of strong social conscience. To inspire audiences towards self-actualization, to bring issues of persecution to the fore, and to aid in the betterment of the human condition is the purpose of the band. Born and raised in Southern Louisiana, Chad Thevenot, a.k.a. SUGAR JONES, serves up a spicy masala of southern-fried funk, rock and pop that speaks to the mind, body, and soul. With his second CD, "Bring Your Own Insanity," Chad has crafted an ambitious work that features funky grooves, sophisticated arrangements, and passionate lyrics. |
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| Fri 17 |
ADAM BRODSKY 8PM $7 |
Recently named "Best Folk Performer" in the Philadelphia City Paper Music Awards, ADAM BRODSKY is one of the more distinct voices of folk in Philadelphia today. ADAM BRODSKY sings and strums the same way he writes - relentlessly and without compromise - saying what everyone else wishes they could say. His music is a voice for oppressed rights, oppressed cubicle workers and oppressed boyfriends everywhere, writing with a brash sense of humor and a healthy respect for the roots of American Folk Music. That respect has been highlighted this year. Adam spent the summer presenting a program called "A Brief History of Folk Music" at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Sponsored by Smithsonian Folkways, the program offered an overview of the folk tradition including murder ballads, cowboy songs, sea shanties, antifolk and protest songs. However, he is best known for his outrageous style, clever wordplay and a gift for performance. He leaves an unforgettable impression and a lot of laughter in his wake. |
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| Sat 18 |
10PM $10 |
Loud, bombastic, crashing, fuzz-toned guitar rock from Nashville's kings of impassioned roots-rock outfit BARE JR. is led by singer/songwriter Bobby Bare Jr., son of the '70s-era country star; also comprising guitarist Michael Grimes, electric dulcimer player Tracy Hackney, bassist Dean Tomasek and drummer Keith Brogdon, the group debuted in 1998, followed by a stint on that summer's H.O.R.D.E. festival. Their major label debut followed later that same year. Winston-Salem, NC's THE EVOKA PROJECT comprises Matt Taylor, Bryan Ledbetter, Brian Knott, Pete Small, and Zack Plemmons. Taylor formed the group with Ledbetter in May 2000; Ledbetter, who also runs the label Hero Recording Co., got them some studio time and the band recorded their debut EP, Stranger Than Fiction. The EP, which was mixed by Mitch Easter and released in January of 2001, showcased the group's brand of moody, melodic rock. Schooled in the ancestry of Led Zeppelin, and picking up a little grunge along the way, Columbia, SC's HOT LAVA MONSTER is resurrecting the big rock sound without any of the clichés. With feverishly desperate banshee wails and dissonant punky guitars, this power trio shows that even in this day and age, there is still a need for good rock n' roll. This band puts out everything they've got, with a conviction so strong; it's not unusual that they walk away with a few unintentional war wounds from the show. |
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| Sun 19 |
GOD IS DEAD CORY (from the Rondelles) 10PM $7 |
California's perverted trio TOTIMOSHI worship at the feet (hooves) of early Neubaten, Black Flag, probably Robert Fripp, and plenty of way obscure bands. There's three of them -- Meg (low end, dreads), Antonio (deathfuzz, electoshock movements), and the latest in a series of drummers who looked mighty fetching as a nun. Their strategy is to start loud, get weird, then heavier, then weirder, then louder, weirder heavier until the sound reaches full tilt frenzy mode. Then they step on a pile of overdrive pedals and if you're standing too close your skull will probably cave in...they favor short bursts of lyrics followed by long instrumental rants that walk a thin line between hypnotic tribal rhythm heaviness and pure experimental freakout. Opening are DC's GOD IS DEAD and CORY (from the Rondelles). |
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| Mon 20 |
PINEBENDER 10PM $7 |
The music of Lou Reed has long been pilfered by indie artists, and most of these groups simply regurgitate what has already been done and never seem to have much more to say. That makes THE ANOMOANON the rare exception. On its recent self-titled release, the band manages to blend Reed's brooding guitar-rock with the sounds of other '60s icons like Neil Young and Jefferson Airplane, and the results are rather intriguing. Featuring Matt Clark from Joan of Arc, PINEBENDER, a bassist-less trio, play loud guitar pop influenced by bands like Built to Spill and Dinosaur Jr. It's not the most distinctive sound, but it's unusual for Chicago and they execute it proficiently. SPOKANE is a solo vehicle for Drunk's Rick Alverson, a singer/songwriter who gleans equal amounts of inspiration from Simon & Garfunkel and Galaxie 500. Though Alverson has written most of Drunk's material, the songs he writes for Spokane are more personal and not as collaborative. Signed to Jagjaguwar Records, he enlists the services of his mates in Drunk and aiding from the extensive help of Patrick Phelan. Combining folk-rock inspirations and alternative rock sways, OKKERVIL RIVER creates a particular visionary sound, strongly founded on dark and profound lyrics and on chaotic visions of patterned sound compounds. OKKERVIL RIVER River is a mutual project of Will Robison Sheff (vocals, guitar), and Seth Warren (guitar), born when both were still in high school, in Meriden, NH. After several years and multiple life experiences, at the end of the '90s the duo eventually decided to re-assemble the band, by then with an extended lineup, after they both relocated to Austin, TX. Following the addition of Zachary Thomas (vocals, bass), Jonathan Meiburg (vocals, banjo), and drummer Mark Pedini, OKKERVIL RIVER River reappeared. |
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| Tue 21 |
UBERVOX featuring: ESMIRELDA with
cameo Greta
Ehrig 7PM $7 |
Ubervox brings together women musicians from Washington, DC and the surrounding area. Ubervox supports both touring and local women musicians representing many different genres of music through a network of community showcases. |
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| Wed 22 |
10PM $8 |
FRENCH KICKS are not a traditional rock'n'roll band. Although they have elements of snarly garage rock, slick new wave, and giddy classic mod-pop, they remain completely unique. The four of them work together like draughtsmen creating musical architecture - a note is never wasted, a drop is never spilled. Their songs always seem to be on an angle, hovering just at breaking point. They cut to the quick with lurching riffs and palpitating percussion, but they are also cute and coltish and undeniably catchy. At heart, this is simple pop music, with hooks hookier than velcro and disarmingly pretty three-part harmonies. Nick Stumpf (who defies rock's non-illustrious heritage of singing drummers) and Matt Stinchcomb (guitar) have been playing together since their middle school days in Washington D.C. After attending Oberlin College in Ohio, they relocated to Brooklyn, New York with their friend (and original bass player) Jamie Krents where they launched French Kicks in 1998, after meeting Alabama-native Josh Wise (keyboards, guitar). After only a few months of writing and rehearsing, they emerged as one of New York's most vital and exciting live bands, gaining a devoted following with their unpredictable, edgy performances. Following the release of their debut and the follow-up, they went on the road for several months with Nick's brother Lawrence replacing Jamie on bass. Things that sound irregular or dissonant the first time you hear them gradually come together like a painting or a jigsaw. Because of this, it might take time to get to know FRENCH KICKS - but once you do, their music is likely to become an indelible, compulsive addiction. There's a certain giddy anticipation that comes with listening to improv. But it's great to find a band who meticulously pre-plan the trajectory of their songs and still manages to surprise you (and sometimes, it seems, surprise themselves). Such is the case with local foursome VOLANTE, who often head into an angular guitar drive and then suddenly cut out the drums, softly change chords, and jump straight into something melodic. SUPERSWANK is an original three-piece Rock n' Roll combo from the Washington, D.C. Metro area with a tight, focused sound. |
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| Thu 23 |
FOR PROGRESS DRUG MONEY OSTINATO 10PM $7 |
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| Fri 24 |
8:30PM $7 |
While some folks like to use (and abuse) the term "insurgent country" to brand anything that resembles twangy punk rock, New Jersey's CROPDUSTER inspires a whole new label - "eccentric country." The band spices up competent, edgy playing and time-tested, traditional song-writing with indie rock wit and audacity, distorted vocals. | |
| Sat 25 |
SONIC
POP SHOW 10PM $7 |
THE EMERALD DOWN was born in 1997 unto the soggy heaven of lo-fi pop known to some as Olympia, WA. But one and a half years ago, THE EMERALD DOWN forged their way east from Olympia, WA and landed in Columbus, Ohio where the band is now based. THE EMERALD DOWN plays shoegazer-styled spacerock. While the music certainly has the ethereal quality of that style the instrumentation is far more distinct than a lot of shoegazer bands I've heard. It's simultaneously aggressive and floating with the guitars often producing a wall of drone that is harsh, but not in an over-the-top style...with Basye's vocals adding an equally floating, as well as haunting feel to the music. I hear multiple droning spacey guitar and bass sounds that are joined by the prominent drums and Rebecca's chanting vocals. When the full band hits, it's a gorgeous wall of sound that is aggressive but maintains a trippy element...THE EMERALD DOWN would appeal to fans of song-oriented guitar driven shoegazer or melodic drone spacerock. SKYWAVE aren't as spacey and ethereal as their name would have you believe. They're all about blistering 60s inspired, guitar-driven pop, trade-off female and male vocals, fiercely fragile feedback and chanting vocals that recall the goth of The Jesus and Mary Chain, high concept pop of The House of Love, the blast of My Bloody Valentine and the lofi beauty of Apples in Stereo. ALCIAN BLUE and LANDSPEEDER (Tim from Now Music and Fashion fame) start. |
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| Sun 26 |
LOVESEXY
DC & a night of PRINCE 10PM $5 |
DJ DREDD returns to the Metro Café with an incredible catalog of Prince and related artists all nite! | |
| Mon 27 |
TBA |
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| Tue 28 |
THE NIGHTIES 10PM $7 |
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| Wed 29 |
DC
SOCIETY OF YOUNG 7PM |
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10PM $10 |
PAPA GROWS FUNK, a veritable New Orleans super-group, features John Gros (George Porter Jr.'s Runnin' Pardners) on Hammond B3 and lead vocals; Russell Batiste, Jr. (funky Meters, Vida Blue) on drums; June Yamagishi (Wild Magnolias) on guitar; Jason Mingledorff (Galactic) on tenor sax; and Marc Pero on bass. All of the players bring their own individual charisma to the stage, but they are tremendously successful in creating a "sum that is greater than the parts" sound. | ||
| Thu 30 |
TY-SHE ENTERTAINMENT presents: AN URBAN SHOWCASE 7PM $10 |
Hosted
by: As
seen on BET's Rap City & Check
out STORM's new EP Interested in showcasing your talent? Contact STORM at q.storm@juno.com |
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THE HIDEAWAY! 10PM NO COVER! |
A
dj nite of ska, garage and soul by DJ MAD SQUIRREL and DJ SCIENTIFIK |
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| Fri 31 |
8:30PM $7
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If the Carpenters could've somehow been influenced by early Madonna and Weezer in a "Back to the Future IV" fantasy, you would have the io's. Centered around a mutual love and respect for 80's new-wave and 90's power-pop grit, Chris Punsalan and Autumn Proemm formed the io's in 1999. A graduate of the Robert Smith/Billy Corgan School of Music, Chris reincarnates his influences through a variety of warm and powerful instrumentation that incorporates a huge variety of guitar sounds, synthesized and natural bass, keys and drums, with help from Autumn's classically trained voice and piano skills. By 2000, they had amassed a huge catalog of memorable tunes that wander comfortably through familiar U2, Clash, Cure and Pumpkins neighborhoods. They spent the following year building a dedicated fan base while honing their stage skills and getting through numerous personnel changes, going from synth-pop duo to full-on rock 5-piece and back again. But no matter how much room they physically occupy on stage, Chris's well developed songwriting and crooning capabilities joined with Autumn's angelic, heartfelt harmonies can fill any room and captivate the most critical of crowds. |