The music starts

Right around 8:00, the first band took the stage. It was not Dan Auerbach...big surprise. Instead, it was this duo:


I never got the name of their band. I apologize. They had a nice groove/blues sound that helped the one of the two beers I allowed myself go down nice and easy. I was the designated driver, after all.

Up next we had The Flying Eyes from Baltimore, MD


These guys were a real treat. They describe their sound as "Psychedelic Whiskey Blues" and I could not agree more. The lead singer has a pinch of Jim Morrison in his voice but with more dirt, grit, and boom. They were my second favorite band of the night. Also, they gave good picture:


And, they had this crazy mannequin head-fringed shaker-noise maker doo-dad that they allowed the audience members to play.


And, after their set the drummer came up to talk to me. He noticed I had taken pictures and wanted me to send them to him. His name is Elias and he became my concert buddy later that evening.

I didn't recognize him with his shirt on.

Also playing that night were The Vandells from Brooklyn, NY.


Their sound is harder to explain. It's a bit nostalgic, crunchy, melodic, psychedelic surfer and full of echo. Good stuff.





Ah yes, and then there was Ocha La
Rocha from Atlanta, GA:
.

I love a band that uses a leslie


I also love their name. Ocha La Rocha is psychedelic-country with a hint of southern rock. Very nice.

Can't forget Lower Heaven from Silverlake, CA

Sadly, I only got one descent shot of this band. I had to use the bathroom some time! Sheesh!
In addition to the guitar, the lead singer plays the damn autoharp! It adds to their hauntingly dark sound.

Did I forget anybody? The unnamed band, The Flying Eyes, The Vandelles, Ocha La Rocha, and Lower Heaven.

Oh Crap, I almost forgot The Golden Animals from somewhere in the deserts of California!

These two produce a blues drenched, acid trip swing sound that will make you tap your feet and check to see if you somehow got a contact high from the dude tokin' away next to you.


Somebody in the crowd remarked that he really liked The Golden Animals and that they were like the White Stripes. Ok, the similarities between them and the White Stripes end with the obviousness of the girl drummer and the fact that they are a two piece band. Other than that, they sound completely different.

The next post will be the big one. I can't wait to tell you all about it!