Live Music and Another Release Party

This week I attended yet another local band’s release party. This time it was an EP, and the band was one I had not yet seen. In fact, I was thrilled to see 3 great bands that night that were new to me.

The venue was RIBCO. The bands: Satellite Heart, The Lion In Rome, and The Last Glimpse. This was a big night for The Last Glimpse, as they were releasing a new EP. 

Indie rock band Satellite Heart opened the show. Their set included a mix of original music and a few covers, though I soon discovered their covers were so well done, they sounded like original music. I also learned that vocalist Jacob Ruefor could channel Neil Diamond at will. With a great stage presence and plenty of movement, they not only sound good, but capture the audience visually as well. Visit Satellite Heart’s Facebook page.

Next up was The Lion In Rome. This alt rock band has a cohesive sound – you can tell they’ve been rocking together since 2005. Their onstage look is coordinated, with guitarists sporting matching guitars and Marshall rigs.  Even their drummer puts on a show. Creatively, these guys are ready for a much larger market – and I’m wondering why they’re not there now. A quotable came from this set: “I wrote this song about an ex-girlfriend, and it turned out better than she ever was!” Here’s the Facebook page for The Lion In Rome.

Headlining the night was The Last Glimpse. With the set of music I witnessed Friday night, it is no surprise they have built a solid following. Bass player Dayne Burton was absent from the stage, but not the venue, as he is recovering from surgery. However, the band had no shortage of bass players, as five bass men from other bands stepped up to fill in. Rather than have one person try to learn all of their original material, this arrangement allowed each bass player to learn a couple of songs. What a great bunch of guys, to step up like that and help out fellow musicians. 

Even with substitute bass players, The Last Glimpse provided an awesome show and great music. I had really only planned to stay for half of their set – just enough to get a few photos, but really had a hard time walking away. I stayed until the last song was done.  And I plan to see them again sometime, perhaps after Dayne is recovered so I can see the complete band next time. Check out The Last Glimpse onFacebook, listen to their tunes and purchase their EP download.

You can find more photos of these bands (and others!) on My Flickr Page.

I did a few other things this week, but will chat about those at a later time. Meanwhile, here’s what’s coming up this weekend:

Today: It’s Jam Night! John O’Meara is hosting the jam at The Muddy Waters, and the Avey Brothers are at Rascal’s.

Friday: 1^st Impression is topping my list this week. They’re playing for a City of Hope benefit at the Clarion Hotel in Muscatine. HNI raises money every year for The City of Hope. This year’s benefit is a Halloween costume party. 1^st Impression is playing from 6-9 and there will be a DJ for the rest of the night. There’s a costume contest at 9 PM with some great prizes. Admission is $10, or $15 per couple.

After the party in Muscatine, I’ll be joining Lee Blackmon at Bleyart’s, where he’s playing from 9-1. If you’re a fan of The Muddy Waters, you‘re in for a treat. It’s Hal Reed’s birthday, and he’s taking the stage! The Jason Carl band is at Brady Street Pub, Fifth of Country is playing the Rusty Nail, Rozz-Tox has Koto, Konrad and Multiple Cat. Justin Morrissey is at Headquarters, and Tronicity is playing 11^th Street Precinct.

Saturday: Rootless Experience is playing at Jammerz, Mulligan’s has Mommy’s Little Monster, and Danika Holmes is at the Grape Life. There’s more partying at The Muddy Waters with Kinsey report, Cosmic is at the Mound Street Landing, Them Som’bitches and American Dust are playing at the Bier Stube in Moline, and the Hooks can be found at Rascal’s.

 There's a whole lot of musical talent in the Quad-Cities. Every time I see a new band, I'm impressed at what we have to choose from here. From the stand-by cover bands to bands that are actively creating amazing new music, there is such a variety. Get out and enjoy some today!