Proprietors of the Earth plays the Deli on Tuesday Oct. 23. Various shows in the Norman, Oklahoma scene will be highlighted here. There will perhaps be 6 or 7 shows briefed at the beginning of each week, with 3 or 4 of them recapped at the end of the week.
Norman resident Ryan Lindsey is headlining a solo performance at The Opolis next Friday, February 8th. I had the opportunity to see Mr. Lindsey live at Meacham Auditorium at OU, and found him to be absolutely hilarious, to my slight surprise. I have seen him perform with the Starlight Mints before, and on those several occasions he was quiet and reserved. But his Meacham set contrasted sharply to what I had seen of him before. In between every song, and sometimes in the middle of a song, he made the audience laugh out loud. And, oh yeah, his music was pretty good too. He played most of his songs by making a recording of himself playing or singing, and then repeating it back and recording more over it. While it was very interesting to hear the music being constructed piece by piece, I was a little bit tired of it by the end of his set. But that is not to say that I did not enjoy his performance - on the contrary, I liked it very much. I would definitely recommend attending his show on the 8th.
The Opolis: doors open at 9, show starts at 10 ; $8 ; opening band - Sherree Chamberlin Band
Megan Morgan
Last Saturday at The Opolis, I saw Ben Lee for the first time, and came away from the show feeling wonderful. I arrived just in time to hear his entire set, which was a collection of optimistic pop tunes that got everyone in attendance to smile. I think this is what Ben Lee wanted. Having never heard the majority of his material, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall feeling Ben created by his performance. His songs were either cheerful, confidence-boosters, like "Whatever It Is," or simply hilarious, like "What Would Jay-Z Do?" And in between every song, Ben kept the crowd in stitches with his terrific banter. I laughed more at this show than I have during some movies that claimed to be "comedies." Overall, it would not be a long shot to say that Ben Lee was one of the better live shows I have gone to all year. I became a big fan of this singer-songwriter overnight! And I still get happy when I think of the endearing way he performed his song called "We're All in This Together."
Megan Morgan
This show is definitely the biggest in awhile, and the ticket prices show it ($16 in advance, $18 the day of the show), but being at The Opolis on the night of December 8th would surely not disappoint. Indie pop wonder Ben Lee and the folk-influenced group Cary Brothers are performing that night. This show is recommended for anyone who loves fun pop, or the Garden State soundtrack. (Also, you should check out the song "Numb" on Ben Lee's myspace, I fell in love with it.)
The doors open at 8, the show starts at 9, according to the usual Opolis timing.
Megan Morgan
After a rather slow few weeks at The Opolis (in my opinion), some pretty big shows are coming up. On Thursday, December 6, The Color Fred (Fred Mascherino, ex-guitarist of Taking Back Sunday) will be playing. He has a solo CD called Bend to Break, and his myspace claims that his music is in the same "musical realm" as his old band.
Also playing with The Color Fred are indie rock band Dear and the Headlights and folk, alternative country group Cassino. Of the three bands, I think Cassino's music sounds the most interesting.
Doors open at 7, and the show starts at 8. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 the day of the show.
Megan Morgan
This Friday, the OU Campus Activities Council is hosting Modest Mouse at Lloyd Noble Center. Opening bands are Man Man and Love as Laughter. The concert starts at 8 on Friday, and will go until 11. OU students can get tickets in the OU Athletics Ticket Office for $25 with a student ID; for non-students, the tickets cost $28.50 at Ticketmaster.
I haven't heard the best things about live Modest Mouse, but surely this concert would still be entertaining. The last OU concert series show I went to was put together well, and I liked seeing a lot of people I knew there. Unfortunately, the price is a little steep...
Megan Morgan
It has now come to my attention that The Opolis hosts a Dance Night on most Thursdays. I don't really know what this entails... but Dance Night definitely sounds intriguing. They might just play recorded stuff, or they could have live music, I'm not sure, but it only costs $3, and would probably be an adventure. It starts at 9.
Megan Morgan
Next Monday at the Opolis, Architecture in Helsinki will be playing. Although the show is priced a little on the expensive side for The Opolis ($16 day of the show), it should be well worth it to see this indie pop band. The eight piece group has some seriously fun and quirky material in their repertoire, and it should definitely be an entertaining show.
Opening for Architecture in Helsinki is Glass Candy. Doors open at 9.
Megan Morgan
On Friday, The Opolis is hosting another comedy night. They proudly claim that there are "locals only," and this includes James Nghiem Wampus, Leah Kayajanian, Anthony Cavazos, and Nathan Anderson. I don't really know much about this, but it would be interesting to see comedy at The Opolis, and who our local comedians are.
The comedy night costs $5 and the doors open at 8.
Megan Morgan
Every Thursday night, starting at about 9, OU jazz groups play at The Bayou. The performers vary, and sometimes feature a vocalist. The small combo groups usually consist of about 4-5 people, including a trumpet and saxophone player. The Bayou has an extremely intimate setting, and the music is also free. I haven't had the chance to eat there yet, but the food does look good, in addition.
Megan Morgan
Last week, Steel Train played a fantastic show at Meacham to a small, intimate group. I arrived in time to catch Ace Enders, of The Early November, open and was impressed with his vocal ability. He played very well, with and without his band, but I personally felt like his songs were a little formulaic and didn't have a whole lot of variety. But Enders seemed like he has a sweet personality, and I came away from his set saying that I liked him.
Steel Train, however, definitely stole the show. They have a very full sound, which makes for a very entertaining show. As stated, their guitarist is incredible, but truthfully, all members are very talented. I think a fellow concert-goer got it right when he said, "I think that to be in Steel Train you need to meet two standards: you must be exceptional at your instrument, and wear tight pants." They played many songs from their new album, Trampoline, but also included some old fan favorites. During several songs, the whole band crowded around one microphone to sing, which I found very endearing. The group really seems like they are all good friends, and that is fun to watch. Overall, I highly recommend seeing Steel Train live.
Megan Morgan
This Halloween, The Opolis is hosting its 2nd Annual Hallopolis event. Last year, The Starlight Mints took to the stage two nights in a row for the costumed extravaganza, but this year The Octopus Project is playing their quirky rock for the uniquely attired crowd. I have heard that they put on a great show, although I have never seen The Octopus Project live.
Opening for The Octopus Project are BusDriver and DJ Bronzai.
The event begins at 9, and costs $12. There will also be a costume contest with prizes by ska travel, so be sure to dress up!
Megan Morgan
I just found out about this show, and am really excited about it. Steel Train is playing at Meacham Auditorium at OU. They are an incredibly talented rock/jam band with a hint of pop, and they have an outstanding guitarist to boot. Recently, Steel Train released a new album called Trampoline and I can't wait to hear some of it at the concert.
The school newspaper also says that Kings for Queens will be in attendance, but there is conflicting information online saying that Ace Enders, of The Early November, is playing. We'll see. Also in the paper, comedian Kevin Devine and jam band Galapagos will supposedly be there.
The concert begins at 6:30 in Meacham Auditorium, at the University of Oklahoma, and the admission is $5 at okctickets.com.
Megan Morgan
The Opolis is notorious for late-starting shows, and last Tuesday was no exception. I arrived shortly before 11, and was able to see the entire Apollo Sunshine set before Dr. Dog. They, in a few words, were basically a very loud group. With extended solo breaks that featured scorching guitars, Apollo Sunshine showed that they were not afraid to hurt the eardrums of the audience.
Dr. Dog began at about midnight. Their first song differed hugely from Apollo Sunshine in that it was a catchy tune, perfectly written for crowd sing-along. And we did, loudly, and with enthusiasm. They continued for about an hour, playing songs both old and new. What's refreshing about Dr. Dog are their thoughtful lyrics, although they may not be as emphasized in a live show. However, they do emphasize crowd participation and engagement, and in addition, every Dr. Dog show is different.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
Proprietors of the Earth plays the Deli on Tuesday Oct. 23.
I have only been able to see this band once, but they are a local favorite for sure. They have a very eclectic taste that encompasses many genres to bring a psychedelic, trip-hop type feel to a "jammy" kind of progression. The music is fairly down-tempo for the most part, and they definitely get pretty funky at times. Overall this band is very innovative and fun to listen to. They try new things and most often it works. Check it out.
Ian Moore will play this Friday, and is sure to play songs from his new album To Be Loved. From the sounds of his myspace, it seems like it will be an entertaining, rocking show.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
I. Love. Dr. Dog . You, too, will be charmed by their 60s-influenced pop tunes and great stage presence. They have toured with the Black Keys and Wilco, and they also performed at Austin City Limits this year. Dr. Dog's previous show at The Opolis was a blast.
The show costs $12. Opening for Dr. Dog are Apollo Sunshine and Delta Spirit. A time has yet to be announced.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
For anyone looking to put a little swing in their step, the OU Jazz bands are having a concert in F. Sharp Hall in Catlett. The concert starts at 8. Vocalist Janelle Breeding will be featured, and I have heard her sing, and can say with no hesitation that she's great. I'm not missing this!
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
Caribou will grace the stage of The Opolis on Sunday. I heard about this show from a friend of mine, who highly recommended going. (And it's a friend I trust, by the way.) Their music sounds a lot like The Zombies, and seems like it would be a really great show. I hope to be in attendance.
Opening for Caribou is Born Ruffians.
Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 the day of the show. (A time has not yet been posted.)
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
On Friday, Ryan Lindsey, with opening band The Ngheims, will play a show. The doors open at 9, and the show costs $7. Ryan Lindsey is a member of The Starlight Mints, who are from Norman. (Two members of the band actually own The Opolis, in fact.) Fans of the band should definitely check out Ryan on Friday.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
At 1601 Beverly Hills St, Missouri-based band The Educated Guess is playing a free backyard show at 8:15. This will be Norman's only chance to see this piano-driven rock band, so I'd recommend checking out this talented young group!
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
This Thursday, October 11, the rock band The Broken West is playing at The Opolis. The LA-based group sounds a bit like a more pop-driven Wilco, and The Broken West is currently on a national tour.
Opening for The Broken West on Thursday is the locally-based band modico. Their Radiohead influence is pretty easy to hear. The band's debut CD, Axe at My Feet, is set to be released soon.
The show costs $8.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
A much anticipated show at The Deli tonight is Ghosts of Monkshood. Still in the Way, a new face on the local scene, will open for the band at 10:30.
Ghosts of Monkshood is an unsigned local band. The band has been playing in Norman for some years now, and has received quite the reception from local fans. Recently playing shows at VZDs and elsewhere.
From the music you can expect a little bit of everything. The band is known for its experimental nature, but for the most part they aspire to the transcendent, lucid flavor of the Velvet Underground or even Air. These musicians have brilliant stage presence, so the show will be fun to say the least.
Still in the Way is an interesting match up for this show. Opening at 10:30, Still in the Way is a bluegrass band at the core. They have so far played at local venues like Pepe's, Othello's and The Deli. The band is still working out some kinks, and there is a possibility of a new stand-up bass player in the air.
Richard Hull is the lead vocals and rhythm guitar, while Rob Webb rips it up on the mandolin and guitar. Brooke McCorkle plays stand-up bass.
If you like Yonder Mountain String Band, and other acoustic styles, you will love this music.
The duo named Kyle and the Bear will play this Friday, October 6, at 9. They can be expected to play bluesy, electric-guitar-driven jazz. Guitar and vocals will be performed by Kyle Reid. It seems like it would be a fun show, but if you miss this chance to see them, Kyle and the Bear are also scheduled to play at The Bayou once more in October and twice in November.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
This Thursday night at 10:30, Bridge Road Caravan will play under the guise of "Wonderbread," a name they play under with musicians not associated with the original band. After building a positive reputation locally, the band has somewhat reunited to bring us even more music.
Scott Merrick, the drummer of Dorian Small, will replace Jeff on the drums, who I believe is in Florida now. Jared Handrick, lead guitar and vocals, said we can expect familiar music, with much less emphasis on vocals. Chris Allen will accompany the music with some beat style poetry.
I didn't post early enough to preview last night's event, but I was able to attend, and found the show to be more than "recap worthy."
Being a fairly frequent Deli patron, I was particularly pleased to walk into the Deli this Monday night and see Travis Linville preparing to take the audience on solo. I try to hear Linville every couple of weeks, and lately he's been playing with Jeremy Watkins. The change was more than welcomed by regulars and newbies alike.
Though the harmonies were missed, Linville allowed himself ample room to branch out on the fretboard, performing "guitar gymnastics" here and there. If you weren't looking at the stage you might have thought there were two guitarists playing because he is that clean.
Noah Earle was an unexpected treat. I knew nothing of him when I walked in, and I left wanting more. He plays gospel/soul/jazz/blues style guitar, and he has a phenomenal voice. Though more comparable to Martin Sexton or Amos Lee vocally, Earle's picking style was an appropriate match for Linville's sound. Earle mentioned something about a broken finger, but he was still able to produce the hard south sound of the "open D slide style."
Earle played with Cindy Woolf, who sings with the range of the female folk legends. Though I had to leave the show early (I have to do homework sometime), I was very impressed, as usual, with the guests Linville brought. He has a gift for assisting fresh talent in finding receptive ears.
Hilary Pitchlynn/Independentclauses
The Issei Aoyama Trio is scheduled to play some cool, laid-back, acoustic-driven jazz at 9. It sounds like it would be a very chill show, maybe to be enjoyed as background music.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
Playing thrash and hardcore, the bands Toxikon, Snotrokitz, and Drunk on Sunday will play starting at 8. Hailing from Lafayette, LA, the hardcore band Toxikon may not be quite my cup of tea, but will seemingly put on an lively show.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
Robots In The Sky, self-described as an experimental/jazz/jam band, is playing at 9:30. Like any jam performance, you hear something different every time, and at The Bayou you can hear something different for free, which is nice. With a saxophone player, some may instantly dub them as "jazz", but they sound more like a jam band to me. But whatever their genre, I hope I can check out this show. It's free, plus Robots in the Sky sound energetic and groove-inducing.
Megan Morgan/Independentclauses
Galapagos played at the Deli last night, and although some minor glitches that affected the sound had me a bit frustrated, their chemistry on stage provided music seekers with the best jam in Norman.
Opening with an Otis Redding classic, the band took a couple songs to hit their stride, but some point during the middle of the first set they started to produce the climactic jams I expect from a "jam band." Mixing in a number of covers with their originals displayed their versatile range in ability and taste.
Favorite cover: Shakedown Street, the Grateful Dead. I just couldn't stop moving.
Kiel Denhert was sharp on the drums, and the jams coming off Mack Burke's guitar probably had Jerry smiling down from above.
Galapagos is the only notable jam band right now in the Norman scene. Since Bridge Road Caravan stopped playing Norman gigs in 2003-ish, Norman has been somewhat lacking in jam. But the small following these guys have developed is growing, as is the music scene in Norman. After what seems like years of dormancy, jam is erupting in Norman.
If you missed this show, catch them again at the Deli on October 11th.
Hilary Pitchlynn/Independentclauses
September 14-16
The Deli
Syke,(an 80s cover band, not much more to say there), plays the Deli Friday; Resident Funk plays on Saturday. Mike Hosty will again grace the Deli with his presence on Sunday for the weekly event you should experience at least once while in Norman.
Galapagos
Thursday, September 13
The Deli
Galapagos is a local jam band that has really been picking it up lately, playing tons of shows and really just impressing everyone who gives them an ear. They played a show this last Friday with the well known and terribly missed local band Bridge Road Caravan. The show was great, though the cover was a bit heavier than Normanites are accustomed to. Thursday's cover shouldn't be over the usual five dollars at the Deli.
Conjunto Fuego
Wednesday, September 12
The Deli
I knew nothing of Conjunto Fuego until checking them out online. I hope I can squeeze this show into my schedule. It's light Latin Jazz with some versatile percussion and my favorite, the vibraphone. Another Norman band with great potential.
Looks like the bands are not yet fully accounted for, but the schedule so far is as follows:
8:15-9:00 TBA
9:15-10:00 Camille Harp
10:30-11:15 Travis Linville
11:30-12:15 Mama Sweet
12:30-1:15 TBA
Tuesday, September 11
The Deli
Though I have not yet been able to see Mama Sweet, a local band that started playing Norman gigs in the spring of 2002, I heard a lot positive responses from their show. From what I hear on their website, it's pretty much standard rock.
If you haven't heard Camille Harp, it's a really fun show. She plays a hot rhythm guitar, and just plain rocks out. And guys, she isn't one of those chick-only vibe female artists, you'll be dancing your ass off.
I'm not sure if Travis Linville is going to be a full band or not. Either way it's not one to miss.
The event will also include some raffle prizes and stuff, if you're into that.
Travis Linville
Monday, September 10th, 10:30 p.m.
The Deli (White St. and Buchanan)
Anyone privy to the local music in Norman- and sick of repeatedly catching "the Mondays"- should be at the Deli to catch Travis Linville and Jeremy Watkins. Travis Linville has a humble stage presence, which lends itself well to the angelic harmonies with fiddle player Jeremy Watkins. The music is quite appropriate for the atmosphere. The venue feels like something from a "good 'ol boys" type film, and Linville and Watkins fit the part well.
Linville categorizes himself as "acoustic/folk/progressive" on his myspace.
If you're looking for a place to kick back with an IPA, or dance away your Monday blues, it's the Deli at 10:30 p.m.