The Jackpot got lucky last night with three bluegrass acts lined up to entertain a modest crowd of music lovers. The Lawrence music scene is a little quiter this weekend, with folks dropping tons of money to squeeze together at Kanrocksas in Kansas City. But anyone interested in quality music in an intimate setting was at the Jackpot Friday night to see Tyler Gregory headlining a concert of acoustic bluegrass jams.
Opener Monzie Leo and the Big Sky started the night off with a set of unrefined, rustic bluegrass jams. The trio was led by their guitarist and lead singer, who held the songs together with smooth guitar rhythms. Backed up by a washboard, and the violinst who switched over to a pair of drums, the instrumentals came together in a simple, but refreshing mash of old-fashioned roots music. The three musician's vocals brought out the melodies of the songs and several songs were straight-up singing affairs, with no instruments used.
Ashes to Immortality's six-piece band squeezed onto the Jackpot's small stage next, filling the venue with the sweet harmony and wicked solos their singers and instrumentalists are known for. The band's set of roots music and bluegrass, including a fantastic John Hartford cover, captivated a growing audience that collected on the dance floor for this show. Epic individual bits by every member of the band exhibited the band's sheer skill and the combined powers of vocals and instruments together brought the Jackpot to a climax of musical brilliance.
Headliner Tyler Gregory has earned a reputation as the best one-man-act in town, with good reason. The musical magician has a sonorous, resounding voice that demands every listeners' attention, and the multi-tasking powers to stomp a percussion beat while plucking and strumming at a guitar. Taking the stage at the Jackpot, Tyler Gregory played quality tunes all by his lonesome, but got extra dynamics into his set when he was joined on stage by the bassist from Ashes to Immortality, Sonny Sparks.
This lineup of quality bluegrass gave the Jackpot a show that left listeners eager for the next set from each of these bands. Don't miss Ashes to Immortality's next show in town at the Yacht Club at 530 Wisconsin St. Thursday, August 18th!
But before then there are plenty of other good shows coming up!
Tonight, Deadman Flats and Mountain Sprout will combine bluegrass forces at Davey's Uptown at 9 p.m.
Monday L5 will be rocking out at the Eighth Street Taproom with Natural Child (of Tennessee) and Liquor Store (New Jersey) at 10 p.m.
Then Saturday, the 13th, EOTO will be playing the Crossroads in Kansas City with Vibesquad, Mouth and EZ Brothers opening! This show will sell out, so get tickets soon!
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