We're quickly coming up on June, which can mean only a few things here on the left coast of Missouri: mosquitos, humidity and the Lawrence-area institution known as Wakarusa. As an established Wakarusian veteran, you can sure bet that I'll be among the optionally washed masses that descend upon Clinton Lake State Park on June 7th. And with a fantastically arrayed lineup that includes everyone from Widespread Panic to the local all-stars that front the musical revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, there shouldn't be any shortage of things to do.

Just to get things geared up a bit, why not take a look back at Wakarusian happenings of yore. As for my coverage of 2007 and what the local scene will bring to this year's fest, be sure to scoot on over and peruse Present Magazine.

Now where did I pack that sunscreen...

2004:
The Pitch - Wakarusa Walkabout (Commentary)
The Pitch - The Magnificent Seven (Artist Preview)

2005:
The Pitch - Outdoor Life(Artist Preview)
Patchchord.com - Ozomatli (Artist Spotlight)
Patchchord.com - Gov't Mule (Artist Spotlight)
Patchchord.com - Wilco (Artist Spotlight)

2006:
Patchchord.com - Battlerusa (Podcast interview w/ Bret Mosiman)
Patchchord.com - Wakarusa Homegrown (Podcast)
Patchchord.com - Wakarusa Wrap-Up (Photo Essay)
Patchchord.com - Somethin' Shakin' On Shakedown Street (Editorial)

From splitliprayfield.com...

With great sadness we must announce that our band mate, friend and brother Kirk Rundstrom has lost his battle. Anybody who knew Kirk knew that he had more zest than all of us. He truly had an ethereal spirit. We have been proud and impressed with the way he went out on his own terms. It wasn't easy, it wasn't fair, and it sure as hell isn't right, but he was inspiration. We love him and will miss him.

Thanks for your prayers...

Split Lip Rayfield

When Gomez hits the Beaumont Club on February 27, expect six drunk men onstage putting on a damn good show. At least that’s what Paul Blackburn, who plays bass and guitar for the band, predicts. The British group is on an extensive U.S. tour following the release of their fifth studio album and first with Dave Matthews’ record label, ATO Records.

Consisting of Ben Ottewell (vocals/guitar), Ian Ball (vocals/guitar/bass), Tom Gray (vocals/guitar/bass/keyboards), Olly Peacock (drums/percussion), Dajon Everett (percussion/keyboards) and Blackburn, the band is known for their bluesy undertones mixed with rock and features three lead singers. These elements have set them apart from their UK peers that tend to focus on a more electronic type of rock a la Verve and Radiohead. [More...]

To describe moe. in a word, or even in a few words, would be an injustice to them and their sound. The band takes the idea of eclecticism to the hilt and jams it out for all it's worth. With two-set shows that occasionally crack the 12 song mark, moe. are masters of improvisation, taking spacy jamming to a whole new level. Pomp and circumstance aside though, these five dudes from Buffalo, New York, are more than just the typical hippie's fun way to spend an evening and fortunately for us, they're coming to Liberty Hall this next Sunday night. [More...]

At the beginning of Of Montreal's set at the Granada on Tuesday, I experienced one of those moments of vague disappointment in which it becomes apparent a band may not meet your expectations. They played the first couple songs from their new album, in order and with absolutely no sign of interest or enthusiasm. The mix sounded awful. The audience stood painfully still. The energy level was nonexistent compared to the exuberance of the preceding act, Japanese psych-popsters Elekibass. Having heard horror stories about Of Montreal on their off nights, I'm thinking, "Shit, I drove to Lawrence on a week night for this?" [More...]

Welcome to the tenth episode of the Patchchord Podcast. In this episode, we speak to bassist and composer Bill McKemy and fellow bandmates E.E. Pointer, Russell Thorpe, and Arny Young from the Kansas City free jazz ensemble Perfumed Nightmare regarding the release of their debut recording Underpass.

Patchchord Podcast 10.10.06
Length: 32:09
File Size: 44.2 mb
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Perfumed Nightmare (CD Release Party)
October 14, 2006
Pistol Social Club [Map]

[More...]