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SUNU unleashes a new jazz CD and L5 wins the Jackpot + Previews!

Saturday night was busy downtown, with party people bar hopping across Mass. Street. Two of the most exciting shows that night held steady crowds through-out the wild night. SUNU, a funky, afrobeat, jazz band released their CD for fans and new listeners at the Jazzhaus, while L5 headlined a series of musicians at the Jackpot.

SUNU, a big band combining the funky jazz of members of Fuzz Nasty with a group of the best african drum players KU has. Filling the stage with musicians, SUNU's afrobeat dance tunes swept across the bar, knocking back listeners with powerful sound. The band's CD was on sale that night, but there were even more reasons for fans to stick around for the show. DJ Stiga and Left E. Grove jammed out as well, filling the night with music. Groups of eager music lovers filled the bar from early on to enjoy the beats.

Meanwhile a series of musicians performed at the Jackpot. Till Willis, The S... and a single, capable member of Beach Team played before headliner L5 took the stage. The band's name comes from the Lumbar Vertebrae, which are designated L1 through L5. The band has five members, three guitarists, Colin Ryan, Trey Regan and Zach Pavey, with Nathan Wilder on drums and Alex Tretbar on bass.

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L5 has been together just 3 months, but already the band is flourishing, with a promising future ahead. The group opened for The Black Angels last month, and has played multiple shows at the Jackpot. The dynamic chords, hooks and melodies of the three guitarists, backed by a rockin' bass and furious drums, makes for a symphony for the ears. The band's sound might be described as indie rock, but some of the band's favorites like, "Never Feed Love" and "White Tears" sound so much like psychedellic folk rock of the 60s that one might think they were found in a time capsule.

The band played a full set, including every song they have thusfar, for a thrilled crowd of dedicated fans. The crowd cheered on for more, but the band shrugged their shoulders, saying they had played every song they had. Clearly the band is talented, as they held their audience in rapture from start to finish of their set. With any luck they will have more shows in the future, with even more songs to satisfy their hungry fans.

Now for Previews:

First and foremost, do not forget, Festy Fest is this weekend! The epic local music festival will feature two stages, playing constant music, including all the best local bands along with some friends from out of state. There is plenty of room for camping but the plot of land is so close to home that anyone can easily drive to and from the festival each day or night. But no drunk driving!

"The Queen of Rockabilly" Wanda Jackson will be rocking out at the Granada tomorrow night for between $20-25. This concert is all ages, so anyone can enjoy the show, doors open at 8 p.m.

If you missed L5 last Saturday or just can't get enough, they will be playing with Jaill and Living Ghost at the Jackpot Friday at 9 p.m.

Rating for SUNU, L5:

5

, Lawrence Guys Night Out Examiner

David Ugarte is 24 years old and originally from Chicago. He graduated from the University of Kansas' School of Journalism in 2009 where he wrote for the University Daily Kansan for two semesters. David now writes a blog called Nightlife in Lawrence, about his nightly activities out on the town....

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