A whopping crowd of energized fans filled the Granada to the brim for a sold out show last night. Big Gigantic came to town and recieved an audience to suit their name for their show. Local legends The Floozies opened up for a packed venue, building up a humongous level of heat, both literally and figuratively that turned the bar into an inferno when the headliner took over.
The party people of Lawrence came out in droves for this highly anticipated concert, with some folks hanging around the neighboring bars just to be close to the action. A long line stretched down the block from the front doors around 9:45 p.m., just as The Floozies were getting started. Pre-partying was a part of most music lovers' plans that night, after all, who can afford more than one or two drinks at the Granada? But everything should be taken in moderation. One unlucky young lady starting looking sick right at the entrance to the venue and was turned away, despite already having her ticket and waiting through the line. The poor soul was doing her best to keep everything down, but that wasn't good enough for the disgruntled venue manager. The lesson learned: don't pre-party too hard, or you may miss the actual party.
Inside the Granada, flashing lights and fog machines set the stage for a thundering, funky opening set by The Floozies. The Hill brothers threw down with improvised jams that hit hard and fast, to the delight of a full dance-floor and crowded bar. The guys played some familiar songs, but always different and exciting. There were also new songs that demonstrated the band's variety of styles and sounds, while keeping the party alive and kicking. The dance floor never showed signs of open space until the set break.
When Big Gigantic came out there was the roar of a thrilled crowd and then the climactic, jazzy electronica that has earned this band its good reputation. Like The Floozies, Big Gigantic is a whole lot of sound coming from just two guys. Dominic played mixes and loops from his computer and spiced things up with funky saxophone melodies. Simultaneously Jeremy rocked out on drums, throwing down dance-able beats that kept the entire Granada in a hot, sweaty frenzy through the night. These guys sold out the Granada, so hopefully they will be back in town soon and maybe step up to big ol' Liberty Hall.
The entire show had an aggressively positive feel to it that people will be talking about for weeks. While neither The Floozies nor Big Gigantic will be playing Lawrence again too soon, you can catch them in not-too-distant shows where there will be raging of the highest calibre. The Floozies are playing in Manhattan tonight and will be at this year's Cannabis Revival Festival in Joplin, Missouri, September 24th, a free festival full of quality bands of every kind.
Big Gigantic will be touring the country the next few months. Their next stop nearby will be in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 20th. It will be worth the drive and the money, but get your tickets soon, because their shows sell out.
Now for Previews:
Tonight The Band That Saved The World will be playing at the Jazzhaus. Get funky and drunky at the best party in town for just $5.
Tomorrow Menage of Twang will play the Replay Lounge's patio before the Brent Berry Band goes on.
Next Saturday, September 2nd, Dumptruck Butterlips will be raging late at the Bottleneck, which promises to be a wild, funky party. See you out there!
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