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Big Sky Regional Report
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Edited by David
Shulman
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Hi everyone, I don't know about you, but I am thankful Fall is just about here. It doesn't take too many days of classic Midwest summertime to cause a tremendous craving for the comfortable day and cool nights. I remembered why I dreaded St. Louis in August, when a few days ago, upon walking outside I was greeted head-on with a 95 degree temperature along with 80% humidity (can you say heat index of 115?). Well, enough on that subject, as September is set to bring us much more than comfortable temperatures. Yes, we have some incredibly exciting shows gracing our planet. In addition to the Phish fall tour and the break that will follow, we have an exciting SCI tour that kicks off in October to look forward to, the continuation of Further, Phil hitting the road once again, some exciting Les Claypool gigs, the new collaboration band that's Comotion, and a whole barrage of others. On top of which, fall seems to bring out the best in many bands. On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone that has participated in the series of charity auctions I have run, both for The Mimi Fishman Foundation, as well as the Michael Moore Fund. The generosity has been overwhelming to say the least. I'll be taking a break this month from running an auction, but will return with an October/November Mimi Fishman Foundation Auction, which is shaping up to have some very nice items, including our first sports related item. My continued thanks to those that have submitted reviews and articles to this regional report. As always, anything you might want to submit is most welcome.
Every
Tuesday Open Mic Night Obie's Information on St. Louis area shows provided by James Mullins, volunteer/programmer: KDHX FM88.1 St. Louis Community radio Host of "Stumble In The Dark" Tuesdays 8:00 to 10:00 PM CST AND "The Side Trip" Fridays 1:00 to 4:00 PM On KWUR 90.3 Stumble In The Dark page: http://www.i1.net/~moby/stumble.html broadcasting on the WWW: http://www.kdhx.org (now using REALAUDIO!) request line: (314)664-3688 office: (314)664-3955 KDHX
FM 88.1 St. Louis Community Radio KWUR
90.3 FM
Big Sky and surrounding area shows: SEPTEMBER 15
- ulu , The Fifth Avenue Ballroom, Novi, MI.
There is this amazing jamband from Fargo/Moorhead that others need to hear about. They are in the process of launching a website that will be continuously evolving (kinda like the music they create). On their website http://www.pounktry.com they have made an mp3 available for download. The song is called "Made For Use"from their soon to be released CD, which has yet to be titled. The band has been lucky enough to have gotten noticed by Big Wu and has opened for them on a few occasions, most notable is the Family Reunion in Black River Falls, Wisconsin where Greenhouse was responsible for bringing the sunshine through the rainy clouds during their set. It seems only reasonable that Big Wu would take notice of Greenhouse since they have the good fortune of both having such an incredibly devoted fan base. The atmosphere of Family Fun and Midwestern smiles is always present where either band appears. The Fargo/Moorhead fans just cannot get enough of Greenhouse and proved this when an amazing tribe of followers appeared at the Old Broadway in Fargo to cheer on their local favorite in the Q98 Battle of the Bands 2000. The fan support did not go unnoticed and Greenhouse was awarded the crown. While the powerful vocal style and of Jesse Stowell (guitars,vox) and the solid rhythm of drummer Connor Hopkins drive the band, the rest of the members should not be passed over. Chad Lanning provides a solid bass groove in every tune and when the opportunity presents itself, Chad is more than able to let loose in the form of a funky-ass bass solo. Initially responsible for the colorful cello and banjo sounds were what Charity Helderman was known for. Greenhouse fans have been surprised and overwhelmingly pleased by Charity's recent vocal endeavors and her melodic story "Waiting For Heaven" has become a show stopping favorite. It is easy to nearly forget about Steve Wallevand, the trombonist who has a knack for disappearing for a drink, only to reappear on stage when the time comes, ripping out solid trombone licks and driving the crowd into a frenzy with his amazing improvisational skills. What can you expect if you make it to a Greenhouse show? Expect a friendly, midwestern crowd filled with smiles and dancing feet. Please don't be too alarmed when the house lights come on and the crowd is still screaming for 1 more. If you aren't leaving the show wondering when the next gig is, you weren't at a Greenhouse show. Greenhouse will be opening for the Big Wu on October 6th in Fargo, North Dakota at the Fargo Theatre. Complete show details are listed on both the Big Wu and Greenhouse web sites.
The wandering Canuck has done it again - I was sent to Edina, MN for a weeks worth of business and as usual I found myself using the best resources for checking out things to do - JAMBANDS and JAMBASE - if you are going to be anywhere other than home folks, use these sites, they are great. Let me start by saying that I was very disappointed to find out that the Wu were out of town for my visit - BUMMER # 1 - 'cause I was looking forward to catching these guys for the first time (I'm from Toronto and they haven't come out my way so far). Also let me say that Minnesota has the harshest ID carding policies I have ever run into and as a result I didn't get into Cabooze for Yonder Mountain. I am 34 years old and they wouldn't let me in the place because I had no ID - BUMMER # 2. They did leave the doors open so I caught The opener - Porch Swing Liquor Pigs and from what I heard out in the street, they smoked large ! I didn't stay for Yonder Mountain because I really felt like a rube dancin' on the sidewalk. A couple of phans tried to petition my way in for me but to no avail. The scene at Cabooze looked great and I talked to lots of heads who were all great folks - keep rockin pholks and if anyone is ever in Toronto shoot me an e-mail and I will return the favor in kind. Fast forward to Tuesday - SANTANA !!!! this was kind of an after thought because I really hadn't planned on going but for $25 (outside) I couldn't say no. I had never seen Santana before and I wasn't disappointed - it rocked - LARGE ! Most of the show centered around the new album Supernatural (of course) and there were no real surprises nor were there any real stretches jam wise until later in the show. Carlos threw in BMW, Jingo and a couple of other older gems that stretched out but for the most part it was a really tightly produced show. A couple of guest appearances of note included Everlast (who is opening the tour) playing Turn Your Lights On and (I nearly fell over) when Governor Jesse Ventura made a guest appearance on drums during some jams and on vocals at the end of the night for a smokin' Jingo ! I got ta tell ya, I wish this guy was my rep in the government at home - he seems like riot ! I was told by some locals that this isn't his first sit in nor his last - what a guy ! I am having a blast here in the mid-west and the folks I have met have been mondo kind. I hope this isn't my last visit. Of course The Big Wu gets back into town the day after I leave, ABB a day later, PHISH in a month .... hmmmm .... maybe I will be back sooner than later ! I think I will go see the Electric Goose on Thursday and perhaps a follow up review soon. Party on Minnesota and BTW - welcome back to the NHL - it's about time ! Cam the (traveling) Canuck |
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