The Bottleneck gushed with music last night as Toubab Krewe played two solid sets for a loving audience after a quality opening act by Euforquestra. The combination of afro-beat, funk, and bluegrass brought out a big crowd of music lovers who can appreciate quality when it comes around.
Opener Euforquestra is a seven-piece band that overwhelms their audience with a dance-able combination of reggae, ska, funk and jazz among other styles. Originally from Iowa City, Iowa, now based in Fort Collins, Colorado, this group makes occassional stops in Lawrence to show some love for the party people of this musical little city. Last night they enjoyed a big crowd early on before the headliner took the stage.
Toubab Krewe brings African roots back to the surface of bluegrass by utilizing old-world instruments with newer songs. Featuring African instruments like a kora, kamelengoni and soku with electric guitar and bass, the band has a huge range of sound that it uses to explore various harmonies, melodies and solos, while a regular drum set and African percussion lay down catching, heart-pounding beats.
The crowd was especially big early on during this show as people utilized the Bottleneck's newest feature; The Red Star Club card. Any card-carrying member of the club is welcome to the Bottleneck, for free, plus one guest, for every show leading up to New Year's Eve. This amazing deal has tons of people pouring into the Bottleneck, bringing along friends and dates to enjoy great music for free, making this bar everyone's new favorite venue.
Now for Previews:
This Thursday the Bottleneck will be electrocuted by ill-Mannered as well as local rockstars Evil Bastards and EZ Brothers. The electronica will rage on with Heady Lights providing visuals. Tickets are between $8-10, if you don't have a Red Star Club card.
Friday night the Bottleneck will have something completely different. Olassa, Kansas City Bear Fighters and White Ghost Shivers will be playing indie folk for $3-7. White Ghost Shivers - a vaudville-esque group - came up from Austin, Texas to have this CD release party, so come out to hear good music and get some more to take home with you!
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