3 posts tagged “live musc”

I'm still working on my first cup of coffee, but if I remember correctly, there were a total of six different acts last night. A lot of variety and good music was going on all night long. If you went, then you know.

I went mainly to see Shangrala and they did not disappoint. I spoke to Brian Jerin (guitar & backup vocals) after the show and he seemed to think they were a bit off, but I didn't notice. There are too many variables involved with a live performance to expect perfection, but there's an energy that goes with it that you can't get from a studio recording.

Speaking of studio recordings, I asked about their upcoming release, "This is How We Communicate", and he said they're trying to have it ready for consumption sometime in October. They were originally shooting for a September release, but they're still finishing up some tracks that they decided to add and working on production. I'm cool with that. I'll wait a little longer if it means getting a few more tracks and a more finished product. When it's ready, it should be available on Shangrala's myspace page, iTunes, and my personal favorite, eMusic.

Some of you might be familiar with this local group of talented musicians, but I discovered Shangrala just a few months ago through Virb, and ever since, I've been wanting to hear more from them.

According to their profile page; "Layered with complex levels of melodies to create an enormous, almost symphonic sound, Shangrala transports you from the smoky club where you're watching them to some ethereal plane that is exciting." After listening to some of their tracks, I would agree with this description. This Friday will be my first opportunity to hear them live and I'm anxiously looking forward to it.

It also seems they are getting ready to release an album in mid-September, titled "This Is How We Communicate"

Give them a listen to on Virb or Myspace, or join me at Jack Rabbits and hear them live this Friday. map

(The bar from my perspective - Robocop playing on the TV)

Some might confuse my quest to "broaden my horizons" with checking out all the bars in town to which I haven't yet been. Either way, Shantytown Pub is my new discovery. May not be new to some of you, but it is to me, so hence this post. Shantytown opened up their doors in Springfield last November. My first time there was during a brief visit last Saturday. I stopped in with a friend. We both thought it seemed like a cool place, unfortunately we were on a schedule and couldn't stay long. So today I stopped by to check out the happy hour action.

A few observations: It's small. DAMN SMALL*. But this place makes small seem neighborhood-y and cozy. Locals seemed to be the main category, but they were chatty and seemed friendly. I even ran into someone I knew. Bonus points. Pints of Yuengling are 2 bucks on Wednesdays. More bonus points.

* The inside is small, but there is a rather large patio out back.

(The tiny stage - taken with my crappy camera phone)

I checked out their list of happenings and they seem to have a varied schedule of acts on different nights. If you are looking for live bands of all different styles in a very intimate setting, this is a good place. I didn't stay for the main act tonight, but I did see an act of sorts. I'm not sure if it was an opener or just some guy who happened to get on stage. He had a device that made different buzzing sounds... reminded me of a radar detector. He held it up to the mic and people gathered around the stage to watch and listen. After a few minutes of some really experimental music, he stopped, and people clapped! I was moved.

I still need to check out this place during the main event and experience the whole enchilada, but so far, I give it a thumbs up.

Shantytown is located in Springfield on 6th at Main Street.
Read a more in depth and thorough review of Shantytown at Urban Jacksonville.

Cheers!

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