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Big Sky Regional Report
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Edited by David
Shulman
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Hi, Has everyone reached the same conclusion that I have....being we are pretty darn lucky to be living during such an exciting and invigorating era of music....not the crap that is mainstream, but the very style of music this online 'zine is named after....jambands!!! No matter how you want to define this style of music (to each their own) it's crystal clear in my mind that what we have here is a steamroller effect, with no end in sight from this person's eyes. One doesn't need to look any further than all the wonderful festivals that graced our various lands this summer/fall. Overlay that with some very exciting tours (Phish, SCI, Phil/Friends, WSP, Further, etc) and you have the making of some very interesting evenings, not to mention road trips....some of which approach epic proportions (some of you know what I mean). Have great month, as well as a great holiday weekend in early September. Please check out this months very special Mimi Fishman Foundation auction, as not only are the items extremely exciting, but in addition, a new charity has been added to the mix....one in which benefits summer camps for children with medical conditions. Be good, David
St. Louis Area Shows
Every Tuesday Open Mic Night Obie's Nebraska Report
July 2000 The Music Box ( www.musicboxlive.com) has been open for less than a year in Omaha, and already has established itself as the finest music venue in the area. Named after a downtown predecessor that hosted national acts, including the Grateful Dead, in the 70's, the Music Box is focused on bringing a wide variety of music to the area, all in a musician-friendly environment. The expansive stage is replete with high-end gear and is the centerpiece of this 500 capacity venue. Thursday July 20th brought the Big Wu to town for the first national jamband show at the music box. Strange Pleasures opened the show with a tight original set-including the debut of a new song "Can't Be Done," and 300 were in place to groove down when the Wu hit the stage. It's clear that a year of touring has honed the sound and show and improved the Wu's already captivating show. An unexpected cover of Cat Stevens' "Wild World" was a personal highlight. Local radio station 106.9 The City sponsored the event, and has been playing jambands heavily. Tune in to the webcast at www.1069thecity.com. Thanks, Brother Cliff!! Strange Pleasures returned to the Music Box on August 2 with California jazz/funk jamband, the Greyhounds ( www.ghounds.com) opening. A smaller, but receptive crowd gathered and cheered both bands on. The Greyhounds are supporting their release "Waiting for Francis," and if you are a fan of Soulive, MMW, Galactic or the Greyboy Allstars, I recommend that you catch them when they come through your town. The following night at Knickerbocker's, Strange Pleasures (as a four-piece) opened with a high-energy, exploratory set that took me somewhere else-the Greyhounds then countering with some tasty funky jams. Upcoming Strange Pleasures shows for August/September: Saturday Sept 2 Lazy Summer Daze II Strausburg CO $15, 11AM-12AM Sponsored by Quixotes True Blue Café, this year's event promises to be a smash. Other performers include Runaway Truck Ramp, Stir Fried and Chief Broom. Get your tickets early! For more information, see www.quixotes.com. Sunday Sept 10 Ranch Bowl Omaha NE with JRZ System See www.strangepleasures.com for up to date information. For all the music in the Omaha region, check out www.omahabands.com or www.slamomaha.com. Look for The Get, Captain Kind, S.O.U.P. (aka Grateful Dudes), Planet Butter and others in the area... yeag0010@tc.umn.edu (Yeager Yeager) Minnesota Report Greetings! Minnesota has been the site of some great musical performances over the last month. July started with a stellar performance by Roger Waters (7/6) at the Target Center. I still haven't heard the tapes, but the buzz was very positive. Two nights later, Phish performed at Alpine Valley. This was as close to Minnesota as their summer itinerary would bring them, and many of us made the trek across Wisconsin. The band did not disappoint! After the much debated show last year at Alpine, the band seemed intent on playing crowd-pleasing material and offering up raging jams. It was not the pinnacle of their summer tour, but was a solid show with some special highlights (Antelope, Piper Rock & Roll). Interesting to note that they have performed Guyute and Tweezer three years in a row at Alpine Valley... The next Friday (7/14) brought two veterans of the concert stage to the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. Dylan kicked off the Bastille Day show with a very upbeat set. His setlists don't vary as much as the typical jamband, but he dusted off a few rarities for the hometown crowd and even came out for a second encore. It was noted in the newspaper that this was the first time Dylan had ever opened for anyone else in Minnesota. This was my favorite of the three Dylan shows I've seen in the last year. Phil & Friends took the stage and immediately started exploring the spacier side of the Dead repertoire. Robben Ford is a very talented guitarist and the Little Feat guys were great as always. I certainly enjoyed the show, but it seemed at times that the jams needed more direction. Someone should step up and lead the way. This shouldn't be a problem this fall with Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring on board as 'Friends'. I did not make the drive to Alpine Valley the following day (7/15) to see Dylan, Phil & Friends and Widespread Panic. From those who attended, I heard nothing but praise. On Sunday, July 16th, we were treated to another fantastic show at Harmony Park. Widespread Panic played two great sets mixing new material with old favorites. The vibe at Harmony was as chill as ever, and the campgrounds were a blast! The following weekend (7/22) brought Dark Star Orchestra to the Cabooze. They faithfully recreated the Dead's performance from 2/3/78 (Dane County Coliseum Madison, WI) with a few extra songs thrown in for good measure. After seeing so many upstanding bands that have played for years, I was delighted to check out a relative newcomer, the North Mississippi Allstars. They played 7/29 & 7/30 at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis. Can't say I'm a fan of the venue, especially when it comes to their 'no taping equipment allowed' policy, but the band made it worthwhile. I did not attend the Sunday show - apparently only 30-40 folks did - but Saturday night drew quite a crowd. We were treated to the three-piece bands propulsive southern boogie. They groove VERY tightly together, and each stands out on his instrument. Do not miss them when they come to your town!!!
Mark your calendars now for these shows in August: I have to put in a plug for the Big Tasty who will open for the Rads. They play Minneapolis funk at its, well..., tastiest. Check them out! I will venture to Wisconsin to see the Allman Brothers at the Madison Blues Fest on 8/25 (Madison) before returning home for their show at the Northrup Auditorium on 8/27. While they play in the Twin Cities often, The Big Wu will perform at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater on 8/26. Great venue! That's it for this month. See you at the shows.
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