Eclectic Vibes - February 2016
by Andrew Frey
If you find yourself in the villa of Ormen staring at a solitary candle, find a mirror and look for the 69 eyes. You can thank me later.
GEM n JAM
For many, February means the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show. For the last 10 years it has also meant the Gem and Jam music festival. This year the outstanding lineup is highlighted by Beats Antique, Lettuce, The Polish Ambassador, Nahko, Ott, Minnesota, Manic Focus, Delhi to Dublin, Govinda, Desert Dwellers and a bevy of others musicians plus performers and of course a plethora of crystal vendors. I can’t wait to see them all Feb 12, 13 and 14. gemandjamfestival.com
TIN CAN BUMP
Once again it’s time to get out our broom and fly on down to the Capital Theater in the Overture center for the internationally acclaimed experimental percussion phenomenon Stomp. This infectious eight-member troupe manifests beats and grooves from no less than matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, inner-tubes, and hubcaps to evoke a flurry of magnificent rhythms and memorable moments on stage. Lucky for you you will have several options for the experience in Madison as they are playing from 2/11-14. www.stomponline.com
CROSS POLLINATION
After a 6 year hiatus, actor and comedian David Cross will embark on a his new comedy tour dubbed “Making America Great Again!” Why the six-year absence? Cross explains, ““I was very busy writing for The View, but now that the kids are off to college, my wife’s regiment has been transferred to McMurdo Station in the South Pole, and I’m near completion on Fallout 4, it’s time to start up the bus and bring my patented, fart-inducing laugh winces to a town near you.” Continue laughing with him in Madison on Feb 12 at the Orpheum Theater. www.facebook.com/officialdavidcross
BONGZILLA BLAST OFF
After being out of the touring spotlight for far too long, the legendary keef grinding Bongzilla boys are blasting off on a multi-date tour starting off in home town Mad town. These reefer rustlers have taunted the stoner rock scene since the late 90s and have boasted some seminal releases in that realm including Amerijuanican, Stash and of course Methods of Attaining Extreme Altitudes. I suspect we will hear some new material when you start blazing em on 2/26 at High Noon Saloon in Madison, WI with Black Cobra, Lo-Pan, and Against The Grain. www.facebook.com/Bongzilla
MICRO REVIEWS:
This Month's Rating Scale is from 1 is Indecorous thru 10 is Nonpareil
Baroness - Purple
Baroness
Album title: Purple
Record Label: Abraxan Hymns
Rating: 8
They ascended to top of the metal heap with their masterpiece Yellow and Green, only to be thrust into temporary oblivion by a tragic bus accident, resulting in among other things fractured vertebrae and near limb amputation. This broke the band into pieces causing the loss of 2 members and a lot of momentum. Their return, Purple, finds their angst, wounds and determination woven into another tantalizing musical tapestry of intense emotion pounding and atmospheric groovy refrains while offering a home to two new members and their own record label. Wish the production was better. (8) yourbaroness.com
(2217) Page Views
Baroness online:
• Website • Facebook • Wiki
• Download Purple from Amazon
• Purchase Purple on Amazon
Various Artist - Best of 2015
Various Artist
Album title: Best of 2015
Record Label: BMSS Records
Rating: 9
Highlighting the diversity and dynamics of the burgeoning trance and psychedelic electronic scene in Europe, this best of 2015, which was compiled by BMSS Records founder Boom Shankar, holds space for 20 uproarious tracks of noteworthy offerings that paint a wide prospectus of styles and approaches within this musical spectrum. Time to hit the dance floor! (9) www.facebook.com/BMSSRecords
(1912) Page Views
Various Artist online:
• Website • Facebook