Last night a Lawrence-original funk duo returned to its roots after touring the west, bringing together a fun-loving crowd of party people Thursday night at the Jazzhaus, before moving on with their cross-country adventures. Aotearoa is a remarkably energetic, catchy pair of musicians that jams out funky dance music with passion and talent that's rarely found in a small, new band.
The humble pair of artists, Ilan Gitter and Jake Lerman, are a living, breathing, singing example of the spirit of musicianship that drives people to do what they love and love what they do. These guys have been on the road, sleeping out of their van, playing small venues in cities all across the western U.S. They've produced their second EP and are constantly coming up with new songs as they travel. For last nights' show the guys played some of their old favorites as well as brand new songs, including fresh hits never before played live.
Opener Dean Monkey & the Dropouts played their unique doo-wop rock for a medium crowd that was already filling up the bar and tables at the small venue. The band is an interesting combination of guitar, bass, drums and keys as well as multiple singers harmonizing for the strong vocals that lead each song. These guys are fun and catchy, but the band needs a strong lead singer to take it to the next level.
When Aotearoa took the stage, the bar's atmosphere pumped up in energy as people got up to the dance floor and roared with approval after every impressive song. The guys rocked out with X-Ray Specs, one of the great tracks off their first EP. As the show went on, the guys played songs they have yet to name, including one they had just written the day before.
Switching instruments, the guys change up their vocals and instrumentals for different songs, but never lose the brilliant coordation that makes their songs so dynamic. For a couple of songs Jake looped his guitar part and joined Ilan on drums, doubling the beats to dance to. A hefty crowd filled up the dance floor for the set, getting down and boogying to the band's fun tunes. The guys brought up several audience members to play tambourines and dance along to the beats.
Aotearoa is hitting the dusty trail again shortly, moving across the Southeast before traveling up the East Coast. Without a doubt these guys will continue creating great funk songs, while gaining experiences on their journey. Hopefully the band will return to their home base, knowing that there is a crowd of music lovers always ready to welcome them back.
Now for Previews:
Tonight Ashes to Immortality is playing with Truckstop Honeymoon at the Bottleneck! Any fans of local bluegrass, folk and American roots need to check out these great bands!
Tuesday night check out Tribal Seeds at the Bottleneck, an award-winning reggae band from San Diego that's stopping by to jam with the Lawrence party people. Be there!
Wednesday, Kansas City is getting a hefty dose of industrial metal as Hanzel Und Gretyl come stomping into Aftershock. The "More German than German Tour" promises to be Über awesome, so strap on your boots and get ready to rock!
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