Category: Shows

This past weekend was by far one of the best weekends I’ve ever had. Hosting the Like Minds Local Music Sampler CD Release Party was a highlight of the year for us. The bands absolutely destroyed Bloomington. The weather wasn’t on our side, but the universe aligned and the show went on. For students being out for Christmas break, I was very surprised with such a great turnout. The music started at 8:30pm with Landon Keller, and Max Allen Band didn’t finish his set until nearly 3am. Max Allen Band created so much energy on stage that the fans couldn’t stop dancing. I was very impressed with John Hollingshead’s light show, each band’s performance, and the overall vibe of the night in general.

Landon Keller is a friend of mine, and a veteran singer/songwriter. Landon and his band were one of the first bands Hidden Relic ever promoted. I’m happy to say Landon paved the way, and showed me a lot of the ropes within the music industry. It’s nice to repay him with a really fun show. Landon hopped on stage and tuned up his guitar. He played and sang his first song solo, but eventually brought his brother and guitarist Austin Keller to the stage. The first few songs brought back an array of memories from hometown Landon Keller shows. Late nights, good buzzes, and plenty of great music.

Landon creates a perfect mix of soul, folk, and rock. He songs are about his life, his love, and his pursuit of happiness. He has a way of writing lyrics that we all can relate to. I was very impressed with the new sound, and found myself anxiously awaiting his Sophomore album release. During “Ode to Midnight (sampler song pick)” I felt my feet beginning to move, and I knew I had to dance. Landon & Austin Keller are very soulful, confident, and always willing to try something different. I was very impressed with their set, and it was a PERFECT way to start the night.

After Landon, Lafayette’s Root Hog came up to the stage. I waited anxiously as they checked their levels. They began playing, and the venue vibe grew stronger. Root Hog does an amazing job of mixing so many sounds. They have 2 power house guitar players, a funky bass, delicate keys, and a drummer that never seems to miss. They mixed pieces of jazz, southern rock, roots, fusion, jam, Americana, and folk all into one.

They played mostly originals, but mixed in an Allman Brothers tune or two. I watched as guitarist Pat McClimans began playing slide guitar. I’ve always had a thing for the slide guitar, and Pat played like the best of them. One thing that blew me away with Root Hog was the musicianship within the band. Up front they had 3 guitarists playing together. Dru Alkire (guitar,) Ryan Smith (bass,) and Pat McClimans (guitar.) Ryan started off with a groovy bass line, and immediately Pat joined it.

Soon after Taylor Dunlap started in with the drum kit. I got lost in the spaciness of Dan Pullins keyboard, but was brought right back when Dru Alkire came in with a wailing lead. The quintet carried on this particular song as the crowd became re energized. The crowds eyes locked on the band as they carried on the song. Root Hog is far from your typical bar band, and I highly recommend catching their shows. They’re the type of band I could see at the top, and with this level of musicianship… it wont take long. Root Hog finished their set with a standing ovation.

Max Allen Band began the switching out their equipment. MAB is one of my absolute favorite local bands, and I listen to them on a regular basis. I knew what the first song was going to be by the tuning Max was doing before starting. Shaan France sat down at his kit and began warming up. Dace Robie grabbed his beautiful crimson 6-string bass, and made the crowd dance with tuning.

The trio was ready. They came out strong, fast, and energetic. One thing about MAB is how much energy they create, and then transfer into the crowd. Max was sweating by song two from getting down. Dace Robie (bass) is pretty much entertainment within himself. He bobs his head, dances, and laid some straight FUNK on Bloomington. Shaan seemed more then natural behind his kit, and I swear he is a human metrognome.

The crowd was 100% in love with their songs as everyone was dancing. John Hollingshead put lights in places you wouldn’t imagine, and with the help of MAB, made a truly psychedelic experience. After the trio played a few together they invited Shaggy Wonda’s sax player Teddy Jones to the stage. Dace slid his fingers up and down the bass starting the song. He had a disgusted cringing look on his face as his tune was flat NASTY. Max then picked at the guitar following Dace to create 100% improv. Shaan France (drums) followed suit and laid down a perfect beat for this magical experience. Teddy the master of improv that he is started with a few pushes through his horn. The now quartet came together as if playing together all along.

Once the song started the fans couldn’t stop…. it was on. The show continued with Teddy for awhile, and the crowd was quite pleased. Overall all 3 bands were absolutely fantastic. Not one fan left the bar unsatisfied, and the flood of emails on Sunday proved it. Because of talented musicians, crazy light work, a heady venue, and energetic crowd I left Bloomington with a once in a lifetime experience.