The Dank Train made a stop in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Wednesday, June 12 tearing up the local venue Rhythm and Brews.Hanging with the band before the show, an employee at Rhythm and Brews keeps hassling the Athens, Ga. band, Dank Sinatra, on their performance later that night. A homegrown local, the employee claims that with Riverbend Music & Arts Festival, a weeklong family friendly event right around the corner of the venue, the band has no chance of pulling a crowd. He saw it happen earlier that week and made a bet where his loud mouth was. Well, Dank Sinatra proved him wrong.Clint Meadows, the bassist, grew up in Chattanooga and clearly has an audience that plans to hop on that Dank Train whenever it's close by. With a new album set to release later this summer, Dank Sinatra thrilled the audience with both old and new songs. Meadows explained the importance of song variety--keeping the audience captivated with familiar songs while rotating new ones in the mix. Dank Sinatra has been categorized in the jam band genre but they don't necessarily like all the stigmatism associated with 'jam bands'. While jam bands are known to carry on a song for an extensive amount of time, Dank Sinatra keeps more of an artistic connection with the crowd continuing the flow of a song with grace and creativity. "Improvisation" is the word the band thrives to express in their performance. They plan somewhat but definitely work with the vibes of the audience and the venue, "just let it happen if it feels right". Dank Sinatra definitely rocked the stage at the small, local venue with a crowd that was there to stay. Ripping away song after song, this band made for a wildly creative and musically beautiful Wednesday night playing into the early morning Thursday hours.Be sure to jump on that Dank Train whenever they're pulling through a nearby town. It's an artistic performance that you do not want to miss.
On a last minute whim, my friend and I decided it had been far too long since we had seen our homegrown boys, Widespread Panic. With a passion for the exhilaration of live shows and the surprises a band like Panic brings, once the thought entered our minds, we knew we couldn't fight it. So, we gathered a few others and set out towards Pelham, Ala.We drove quickly, but it was inevitable that we would not make it on time. As long as we got to enjoy the vibes radiating from the band and spreading throughout the crowd, it would all be worth it. As a first timer at Oak Mountain, I didn't know what to expect but, as I followed the path leading into the center of that wild arena, I knew I was in for a crazy ride. Immersing into the loud circus, we were immediately captivated by the beautifully, rotating graphics transitioning with the flow of each song morphing into colorful images that mirrored the beat of that moment. We emerged into the audience of passionate fans praising the almighty show.Not knowing what the next beat might bring is mysteriously enticing when you've fallen for a band like Panic.Friday night's performance included songs such as Bears Gone Fishing, Visiting Day, Bust It Big, Chilly Water!! A Buffalo Springfield's cover (Mr. soul) and a Muddy Waters' cover (Baby, Please Don't Go) to get my soul right. Panic beautifully captured the Talking Head's City of Dreams. And, the encore included some Good People, it was definitely worth the one night trip.Oh, if only I could have stayed for the tour closer Saturday night... Such a sick setlist. Opening with Ain't Life Grande into Hatfield. Then, Blue Indian, Climb To Safety! and a cover of The Band. Second set included Rebirth, COCONUT, Fishwater and Vacation! The encore included All Time Low. An amazing tour closer, for sure. Until Interlocken boys...
Pelagic Zone is a Germany-based jam band reflecting an improvisational style built on the roots of original instrumental jams. Pelagic is a Grecian word describing the open sea, far from the coast and sea floor. This can be interrupted in their musical style, floating free and open with plenty of room for surprises and improvisations. This creative group made up of four talented artists spent over two and a half years creating the entire album. From the lyrics and composition to the recording and mixing, the Pelagic Zone produced an artistic album that is unique to each member of the band. Listening to the album, you hear hints of jazz and funk mastered with some rock and even some exciting electronic elements thrown in the mix. This album captures the versatility and creativeness of the band as a whole. Each member uses their creative talents and, once all mixed together, they have formed a uniquely real collaboration of artistic brilliance. While Germany may not be known for their jam bands, the Pelagic Zone has begun an inspiring trend that I believe will catch on quickly and spread wide. Sharing music, lyrics, designs and masterings of a new trend in genres, this band's live performance is sure to keep the audience on their feet. We can all appreciate some good vibes relatable to this generation but derived from past musicians and talents that can never be replaced, however, they live on in bands such as Pelagic Zone, built on pure talent and creativity. It is a truly artistic album with a free soul that will continue to float on.
Tuesday, Nov. 5, Widespread Panic took over South Beach's Fillmore Auditorium for a wild night of pure jams, not something you find every day in Miami. The usual South Beach goers were raided by an inflow of dedicated hippies, both old and young, uniting under one magical roof. Finally, the presence of Panic in this colorful city, it's been far too long for this Georgia native new to Miami. Dancing nonstop on the authentic hardwood floor, gazing at this Miami-retro venue, this was truly a unique performance for the glorified auditorium. Panic lovers were happy to come together with different kinds of free-loving fans each in a star struck gaze prepared to rock all night.The backdrop swirled in beautiful patterns of neon shades of green, blue and pink reflecting off the light capturing chandeliers above. The spirit of the band was felt throughout that beautiful theater which was evenly adorned with a mind-blowing array of bright lights and chilling vibrations. The auditorium of jam-fans, thrilled to have such a rare performance on the shores of South Beach, made for a fitting mix of beats, crazy images and unique individuals, each different but united for the love of music. The retro feel of the Fillmore complimented the authenticity of the band--both built from talented artists and enhanced with bright shades of captivating illumination. The colorful performance was driven by a perfectly synced set list. An experience I will not forget, the perfect night where the Gatsby essence of old Miami paired magically with the lovely collaboration of a truly unique band. A night to remember.11/5/2013The Fillmore Miami at Jackie Gleason Theater | Miami, FloridaSET ONE:Wondering >Send Your MindStop-GoSolid RockTail DraggerHatfield >Cotton Was KingVisiting DayThought SausageTravelin' LightSET TWO:You Should Be GladProving GroundPicking Up the PiecesClimb to Safety >Driving Song >Blight >Driving SongBig Wooly MammothPleasNorthENCORE:Ride Me High*
Boca Raton hosted the Sunshine Music and Blues Festival on Saturday, Jan. 18, pulling people of all different ages together to enjoy a beautiful Saturday filled with sunshine and soul. In the middle of a shopping plaza filled with vacationers, retirees and homegrown Floridians lies Mizner Park Amphitheater, a small venue perfect for a casual winter day with some beautiful souls. Local brews, delicious food trucks and scattered merchandise vendors set the tone for this unique festival. Once the vibes began to flow so did the energy of this quiet town.With two stages, the Sunshine Festival successfully hosted some impressive acts beginning at noon and lasting late into the evening. Olie Brown and Bobby Lee Rogers kicked off the festival followed by Tab Benoit, Stanley Clark and The Ringers feat. Jimmy Herring. Legend Leon Russell rocked the stage with his blues and gospel notes capturing the pure talent of a skillful musician. Hot Tuna spread brilliant vibes throughout the audience with an acoustic set perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Riding on the rays of the Florida sun, JJ Grey provided a solo performance bringing the country rock of South Georgia, mixed with some New Orleans soul, to this small Florida town. Singing A Woman, one of my favorites, set the tone for the sexy soul that was to come later in the evening. Carrying out the smooth vibes of JJ, Galactic paired sexy beats and jazzy flavors for a wildly energetic performance. Galactic is known for their powerful blues and wild presence but their performance Saturday night was amplified by the soulful voice of Maggie Koerner. As the sun set, the energy of Koerner and the rest of the band was the perfect pick up for the end of the night. Loving Galactic but never witnessing a performance enhanced with some female vocals, it was exactly what I came to see.
The night ended with The Tedeschi Trucks Band spreading the beautiful vibes throughout this small venue bringing young and old alike, together. The love, found on any stage this band plays on, radiated throughout the audience with the skillful beats of each song. The buildup of blues and soul all day reached its climax with the amazing talents of Derek Trucks and the strong vocals of Susan Tedeschi. The festival in all was a beautiful collaboration of true soul expressed by each performer at the festival. The Sunshine Music and Blues Festival was a beautiful day with soulful rays shining across the small town of Boca Raton.
Check out a few more photos from the festival.
Umphrey's McGee ended their stint in south Florida by tearing up The Fillmore Theater on Miami Beach Saturday, Aug. 22.
The crowd was filled with people of all ages from all different backgrounds, as Umphrey's rocked the stage with a spectrum of colors carrying out every last beat. Song after song, the crowd knew these guys were not holding back. The audience was thrilled. Some, this being their first show, came to the theater ready to hear some true funk, which can be hard to find in this region; and, what they found blew all expectations out of the water.
At the end of the first set, UM welcomed steel guitar genius Roosevelt Collier to bolster Umphrey originals “Much Obliged” with a powerful transition into “Glory.” Collier’s steel guitar sang throughout the walls of this 1950s art deco theater, offering up a one-of-a-kind experience for all involved.
Everyone could feel the energy as the band closed out with an encore of “Booth Love.” Umphrey's McGee left a lasting impression on many generations of music lovers, on a sandy little beach in SoFl.
Setlist
Set One: You Got The Wrong Guy > All In Time, Piranhas, Go To Hell, August, Much Obliged* > Glory*, Rocker Part 2
Set Two: Miami Virtue > National Anthem, Wappy Sprayberry > Mulche’s Odyssey, Dim Sum, Similar Skin > Nothing Too Fancy
Encore: Booth Love
* with Roosevelt Collier
