Show Review: U Rock

ResLife put on a rock-themed barbeque yesterday for North Complex residents, and I provided the music. I DJed from 5-6, spinning everything from Ghoti Hook's cover of "I Love Rock'n'Roll" and Cake's "Rock'n'Roll Lifestyle" to Ozzy's "Crazy Train" and Led Zep's "Immigrant Song". Around 6, Kyle Morgan, Ethan Lichtenberger, and Steve Harpine (of Pompeii & the Ashes) had another jam session (see Spring Arts Day review), ending with their two cover songs. Next up was The Greenwash, minus their drummer, who nonetheless rattled off a short set of their own material with guitar, borrowed keys, and a tambourine. Despite some technical difficulties, it turned out fairly well. Everybody seemed to have a good time making pet rocks, dressing up like rockstars, eating, and hanging out with good music playing, so that's a success in my book.

Show Review: Acoustic Relay for Life Benefit

Bad Graphics Ghost, a Relay for Life team at my school, put on an acoustic show in the Fishbowl Tuesday night to raise money for cancer research. Featured artists included Justin Arawjo of Raise Up Roof Beams (great local indie/folk) who played originals and a Neautral Milk Hotel cover, Josiah Long and David Rosentrater (all covers with guitar & djembe), a surprise appearance by Kelly Neibert, and Tyler Chick of The Greenwash (ska/rock/insanity [expect an upcoming Homeboy Music profile]) doing originals and covers of Bob Marley, Belle and Sebastian, and a hilarious folk song. Despite the sounds of a movie playing upstairs, the intimate atmosphere (and admittedly small audience) provided a great, interactive experience, with each performer asking the audience what they wanted to hear almost throughout their sets. I was struck with the feeling that this was what college was all about.