In an early celebration of the end of Finals week at the University of Kansas, Fatso's held a night of electronic dance tunes headlined by the local party animals of Electric Theory Thursday night. The second opener Billy Wassung (of Sonic Sutra and Billy the Squirrel) made his electronic debut for a full bar with a diverse crowd. Over all the night was a roaring success, with heavy, loud music pounding through the venue from start to finish.
Fatso's got started early with a DJ set that was blaringly loud considering the bar had only a handful of patrons around 10:30. But over the next hour the venue picked up momentum as the music - easily audible from the street with the door closed - pulled party people into the bar.
The bar was bustling and the dance floor was full by the time Billy Wassung took the stage to play his newly minted electronic work. The local music master has done a lot with an acoustic guitar in his hands, with jam band music ranging in style and tempo from face-melting solos to smooth, jazzy melodies. This was the artists' first time playing his electronic pieces for a live audience. A receptive crowd listened from the front of the dance floor to the back of the bar, impressed by the fresh, new material.
When the headliner Electric Theory came on the crowd started to really get down as Mark Hills' dancing drum beats and Trevor Stouts' melodic mixes pulled the audience into party mode. The rhythmic, almost hypnotic energy pouring off the stage and washing over the venue brought the large, diverse crowd together into a positive groove that lasted through the night. For Electric Theory fans in Lawrence it was a great opportunity to get down with old friends, while new fans quickly got in the zone as the catchy beats took hold.
Billy Wassung has a lot of potential as an electronic music producer and teaming up with Electric Theory made for a wicked combination of styles and sounds. Both these acts need to play in Lawrence more often!
Now for Previews:
Tonight, there is great music near and far. If you're in Lawrence, check out Yuca Roots, Truckstop Honeymoon and the Brody Buster Band at the Granada for just $10! Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
In Kansas City, Big Smith, Dumptruck Butterlips and Brothers Green will be raging the Beaumont Club for $11, doors open at 9 p.m.
Sunday night the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is playing at the Sprint Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost between $30-59.50, expensive yes, but promising to be a one-of-a-kind show.
Tuesday, Aftershock Bar and Grill is hosting a bunch of bands with doors opening at 5 p.m. An Alien, Antler Salmon, 3 Son Green, Forget About Adam, Deadeye and the Toy Banjo, and Mason City will each have their own time on the stage for what should be an interesting variety night.
Wednesday, Social Jet Lag will play the Bottleneck for all you dancecore fans. Be ready to rock it and to pop it.
See you out there!
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