Party till you drop - an overdose of fun at The Evening Muse!

With a very special line-up that was heavy on regional talent the Evening Muse had the feel of a neighborhood party about to explode as the late show commenced on this Wednesday night.  The audience were passionate about the musicians they had come out to see as many were intimately familiar with the music.  You could feel the anticipatory buzz in the air.

Opening the late show was an extremely talented emerging band out of Washington DC named Honor By August.  Having recently released their sophomore album "Found", the guys have met with much success and recently have had the opportunity to share large stages with artists including Bon Jovi, Third Eye Blind, Vertical Horizon, Peter Frampton, Hootie & the Blowfish, Edwin McCain, Hanson, Pat McGee Band, Virginia Coalition and many, many others. 

There's a reason this band is meeting with such success - their songwriting is excellent, the mastery of instruments is evident in the tonal quality of their music and Michael Pearsall can outright sing!  This is a group of guys that you'll want to follow in 2010 to witness their success.  Truly hope they make another pass through Charlotte.

Honor By August video - Into The Light   Other Videos - Honor By August

Photos of the Honor By August Evening Muse performance.

Honor By August is:
Michael Pearsall: Vocals, Guitar
Evan Field: Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals, Piano
Chris Rafetto: Bass, Backing Vocals, Piano
Brian Shanley: Drums, Percussion

Second to the stage was the Atlanta based group Sun Domingo, with labels: MBM (US) / Racket Records (UK/Europe).  Members Jason Pomar (vocals/bass), Edgel Groves (lead guitar/bg vocals) and Nathan Lathouse (drums/vocals) have frequented Charlotte many times in the past and have built a significant following.  2009 has been a year of touring, recording and gaining recognition for the band as they have played some very large events across the country as well as internationally.  In the intimate setting of the Evening Muse though, they continue to enjoy just being some of the boys.  Check out their latest album "The Worlds Alive", listen to some of their new tunes and browse their available merch at the bands Website here.  The guys will be setting sail Jan 7th 2010 on the RockBoat X along with Sister Hazel, Augustana, Marc Broussard and more.

A few photos of the Sun Dominog performance at the Evening Muse..

Completing the night of rock 'n roll music was the Virginia Beach based band The Influence.  The Influence last performed in Charlotte back in March '09 introducing their hard charging rock music to local audiences.  Seems they made an impression as the Evening Muse remained full with the festive group joining in the singing of several songs much to Matthews delight!  there's been media comparisons to Pearl Jam and Kings of Leon, but those have to be in style only as the band creates its own unique sound in support of the strong vocal presence of Matthew Stephenson.  Dual lead guitars interjects strong dynamics as the strengths flow from side to side on the stage.  Entertaining and comprehensive, if you like your rock on the stronger side while still understanding and grasping the lyrics and their message, then The Influence is a band you need to check out.

Check out their video of "Old Bones".

Photos of The Influence performance at the Evening Muse..

Truly a night of superior rock 'n roll music in a festive and party atmosphere!  You can tell the holidays are upon us!

Keepin' it Live,

Monty