Within 100 yards of each other there was some really smokin' rock'n roll going on. Over at the Neighborhood Theatre the ThermaTones were celebrating Odell Stamey's 75th birthday with a two set concert and Last November showed off some really good new material at the Evening Muse's late show.
The ThermaTones (images) are a blues rock band in the style of what I call Austin rock. A southern flare of blues with a smoking hot guitar lead meant to sear the soul. Young Jared Stamey brings the goods on that guitar for the 5 piece group of experienced warriors! The covers they entertain with are true to the originals and their original tunes are true to the genre that flows through their veins. Fronted by lead singer and harmonica player Michael Berrier, the group keeps alive traditional rock melodies while having a super good time. I don't think bassist Jack Younger ever stopped smiling! He was having a great time as were the audience members who took to dancing from the start of the show. Truly a great time supported by fans, friends, family, and SmokinBluz radioman Rick Ballew.
Images of the ThermaTones show.
Over at the Evening Muse Luke Pilgram, Tyler Ayers & Taylor Woodruff of the Atlanta based group Last November shared some truly fantastic new material they have been working on. Traditionally leaning towards a harder rock vibe, the guys brought out a softer side of themselves with articulate vocals in a progressive country flare. Mind you - it's not your dads country music and progressive might not be a strong enough hint of the rock and roll nature that is Last November, but the lyrics weren't simply a string of words that made good prose. The lyrics told a story - made sense - and provided a connection with the young audience in attendance. Good to see these guys stretching themselves! They're headed to Wisconsin next to perform at the Taste of Madison Festival. Check out their MySpace page to hear their music and look for performance dates near you!
Images of Last Novembers performance at the Muse..
A couple of upcoming shows that deserve highlighting!
Tomorrow night (Tuesday 8/30) Michael Franti & Spearhead will be at the Neighborhood Theatre - show starts at 8:30
Friday night Sara Scott will be at the Evening Muse with her full band sharing some new tunes she has written and which will be included in her new release scheduled for next spring (read about it here). Sara performs at 8:00 as part of the NoDa gallery crawl.
If you haven't gotten your tickets for the Sept 11th Tosco Music Party you probably ought to do that before the opportunity passes you buy! This is perhaps the best show in Charlotte!
Keepin' it live...
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