Monday evening Lawrence came alive with the game between Mizzou and KU, but whether you were a sports fan or not, there was plenty going on downtown to bring out the crowds. Mudstomp Monday, the most reliable nightlife entertainment on an average Monday was turning one year old. To celebrate, the Granada had hosted some of the best bluegrass acts around, including the new stars of Ashes to Immortality, as well as That Damn Sasquatch.
The night started off with a thrill when KU successfully defeated their old rivals on the b-ball court. Fatso's offered awesome drink specials; $2 for any bottle of beer - and they have a great selection. A large collection of friends took over the bar and enjoyed having the bartenders attention all to themselves for the duration of the game. But even the camraderie of the small bar's close-knit crowd could not compare with the community of bluegrass enthusiasts that filled the front parts of the Granada for Mudstomp's first birthday.
Normally the Granada only opens its front room and front bar for Mudstomp Mondays, but this Monday was special. With an extra-large audience there to watch some relatively big bands playing, the venue manager made the wise choice ot open some more space inside to the crowd, and it was all filled up by the time the basketball game was over.
This reviewer was sad to have missed the opening act by Ashes to Immortality, but members of the band were joining That Damn Sasquatch for parts of their performance, along with other individuals from other acts, including Chris Franzke and Tom Clutter of Potbilly. Jamming out classic, quintessential bluegrass and folk for an adoring audience. The good vibes and warmth of the crowd filled up the Granada. The audience of less than 40 put out more love and positivity than most crowd of 1000. And with good reason.
That Damn Sasquatch is one of the great bluegrass bands of the region, coming to Lawrence from Topeka, the band has graced most of the bars downtown with their dynamic jams. This band utilizes the combined voices of a mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitar and stand-up bass and a smooth singing voice to create pure bluegrass. Despite a sound-guy from the Granada messing up the mics, the band proceeded to play brilliantly, and even took their instruments and entered the dance floor, playing surrounded by cheering, laughing fans. Altogether their show was quite impressive, even for a group that's already got a great reputation. It's a cheesy saying, but they really put the unity back in community with that heartfelt, family-of-friends party.
Now for Previews:
Mustomp Monday has already had a great many awesome acts take its stage, but there is plenty more where that came from. If you have been meaning to come out to check out this Monday night hootinany, don't wait another week! Next Monday the Brody Buster Band will be playing at the Granada, and these shows are usually small, intimate affairs, so come expecting a great view of the band and easy access to the bar.
But before Monday, don't miss some other epic shows coming up! Friday night, the Floozies will be at the Jazzhaus. Of course, if you can't wait that long, or if you are one of the many funk-addicts who may need more than one night of Floozies, roll out to the Riot Room in Kansas City, Thursday night and see them twice!
Saturday, Boombox will be rockin' hip-hop and rap at the Granada. This party will undoubtedly be removed from the hook, so don't miss it! Doors open at 9 p.m.
Then, if you don't get enough of the Brody Buster Band on Monday, check them out along with Dumptruck Butterlips, at the Bottleneck this coming Wednesday!
Hope to see you out there!
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