Guten tag! Welcome back for another killer week of music in Baltimore! All kinds of talent from various pockets of America stopped through to bring us all that is glorious about sounds coming out of loud boxes. So come, let us make haste!
Monday 07/25/16 - Scarlet Sails // Nina Diaz
Started early this week with a Monday show to accommodate the touring schedule of New York’s Scarlet Sails and San Antonio’s Nina Diaz who are on the road together. Before things kicked off, it all felt very “music business” DownSquares with the bands getting there super early for line checks and to run a few songs, complete with tour manager on hand to play overseer. Scarlet Sails opened the show with a pretty good set of rock tunes, the most notable takeaway being the over-the-top drum antics of the very talented Brian Viglione. It was quite impressive to see him weave his chops in and around the steady grooves of his bandmates. Nina Diaz and her band then took the stage with some decent pop/ dance rock. Think tex-mex Grace Potter & The Nocturnals with dance beats thrown in. Two solid acts rocking the U.S. through the Summer, and with that our week in rock n’ roll has begun!
Hey Bands! Trust me. I want you to sound as good as possible too, it’s what I’m there for.
Wednesday 7/26/16 - Stage Dog Band // Matt Hutchison & The Big Gin
The energy DownSquares was cleansed with Wednesday’s show of excellent local talent. Stage Dog Band lead the charge with a set of jazz instrumentals that was very lush and just fun to watch. There’s such an awesome cast of local jazz players in the area, and it’s great to see the various ensembles that come together to perform, Stage Dog Band being one of them. We ended the evening with Matt Hutchison and his band The Big Gin. Matt’s a friendly dude, and I really think that shined through on stage with his set of original songs and genuine stage presence. Shout out to the matching shirts guys! Really fun show with great musicians and awesome folks.
Friday 7/28/16 - Garage Night - The Things // The Combs
With amps cranked and a fairly packed house, we were in for a night of pure rockin’ goodness that would keep people dancing, drinking, and just plain carrying on all night. Garage rock rules, so I knew that having The Things return to Joe’s was going to be a good time! The band fired it up with a great set of classic numbers led by the charismatic Nancy Mitchell, I even got shout out before they jumped into a ripping cover of “You’re Gonna Miss Me” by 13th Floor Elevators! There was a slight delay between bands, but when The Combs did finally take the stage the wait was well worth it! The crowd was met with killer riffs and guitar sounds as the DC band sped their way through song after song of psycho-surf / pop rock numbers. Hope to see these gents again!
Also of note is that the lights DownSquares have been setup for control at the board, so I hope to have some interesting lighting setups to accompany our shows going forward real soon. Ooooh YeahhHHHH!!!
Saturday 7/29/16 - Josh D’s So Called Acoustic Act // The Neckbeards // Skull Theft // Canker Blossom
Punk rock, devil worship, what more do you need? Saturday saw our little basement collapse into anarchy as local legends Canker Blossom led a motley crew of ultra fast riffitude. The DIY was strong for this one, and all the bands brought the thunder in triumphant support of the dark lord himself. Irresponsible day-drinking may have clouded my ability to remember everything so clearly, however I do remember having an awesome time throwing down for this one. Can’t wait for these bands to make their way back DownSquares!
Sunday 7/30/2016 - Gleasons Drift // Backroad Burners
Gigs like this are easily some of my favorite. Pottsville, PA’s Gleasons Drift and the Backroad Burners joined us on the last night of their tour together for some pure old fashioned rock n’ roll, and I’m glad to have been a part of it! Gleasons Drift is a straight ahead rock outfit that felt part Tom Petty, part Southern Culture on the Skids. Fast, loud, catchy hooks, and the right amount of twang. I really liked their songs and made sure to grab their album. Definitely hope to see these guys back in Baltimore real soon. Headlining the evening was bar-rockers and whiskey-peddlers the Backroad Burners, whose modest yet dedicated following cheered away and sang along to every song. Good dudes having fun on stage singing about beer, not the worst way to spend a Sunday evening. A tip of the hat to you my friends.
The week has now ended. Let us go in rock to shred and eat breakfast sandwiches. Females of Folk show Aug 5th, I highly recommend making it out to that one. To be continued… *fade to black*
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