Sax and the City: Big Gigantic on 9th

Last Thursday, The Blue Note wrapped up its 9th Street Summerfest concert series, and it was certainly no small matter.

For the first time since Girl Talk in the summer of 2012, electronic music has grooved its way back to the outdoors. This time we were graced with the headlining act of Big Gigantic who delivered their classic funk-style electronic with some halloween flare. The venue was themed to fit the part with inflatables on stage and webs in the foyer of The Blue Note.

Seasonally, a rather warm day came to an end as St. Louis-native DJ LuSiD began the night soon after the gates opened. The early arrivers were given a dose of psychedelic funk that was key to get them ready for a long night of all varieties of electronic sounds.

As the sun set and the wind picked up, the onesies began to flock toward the venue. From all directions at the intersection of 9th and Walnut, party goers and music fans were flowing in to get a taste of the madness.

People were stacking up in front of the stage and began to sprawl on the front steps of other local 9th Street businesses as Big Wild took the stage to “I Just Wanna” to get the crowd moving. Vast desert landscapes and ocean scenes mesmerized us before Big Wild snapped on his live drums as the beat dropped. Big Wild’s show implements his unique remixes to other popular songs with the use of his live instrumental components. Among the ones played was, “Hey Mami” by Blue Note alum Sylvan Esso, where he live whistles the chorus. Other notable remixed songs played were “For The Love” by GRiZ, “Generationwhy” by ZHU and a common fan favorite “Stand Up” by Ludacris. He even mashed up his own “Venice Venture” with “Throw Some D’s” by Rich Boy. 

Big Wild will be returning to The Blue Note on February 13! If you had a good time last Thursday, or if you missed out on the fun, be sure to come to this one!

 

 

Now a packed house, 9th Street was buzzing with people all around, inside and out of The Blue Note. At intermission, we reloaded on tall boys and laced up our dancing shoes. At around 9 pm, Big Gigantic opened up hot with their timeless jam with GRiZ, “Good Times Roll”. Rocking their monkey and blue Care Bear onesies, Dom and Jeremy joined the hundreds that made the decision to have a cozy concert experience. The crowd got up to House of Pain’s “Jump Around” and got down when Dominic mixed “As We Proceed” into the halloween classic, “Ghost Busters”. Even a happy couple showed they “Got The Love” by getting engaged under the October sky.

Last fall, Big G’s set was composed of songs off of their, at the time, new album. This time around we got a solid mix of songs from older albums in their career like “Stronger” and “Touch the Sky”. We also had the chance to hear a clean mix of “Get On Up” that segued into their remix of Kanye’s “Get Em High” while the production screen displayed live POV videos of the duo jamming out on each of their instruments.

This show was full of music and friends. The outdoor set up gives way for a wider variety of show experiences. You can rage in the front and get close to your fellow ravers, or chill towards the middle or back where you might see a few kids running around amongst the hoopers. You could also go inside to take a break from the noise and catch up with your friends. It allows for more of an overall experience on top of a live show. Big Gigantic played for a variety of people, but they still established the community atmosphere that is present at all 9th Street shows.

9th Street swoons over The Head and the Heart

This past Friday night, The Shelters and The Head and the Heart hit 9th Street, blowing us all away and closing out this year’s Summerfest concert series. The weather was perfect and the crowd’s excitement was more than apparent. The Shelters were first to take the stage, warming up the crowd with their upbeat brand of blues rock. They brought an almost tangible energy to the crowd that was sustained all night long, which is what we all look for in an opening act.

Next up was The Head and the Heart. This band puts on an impressive performance no matter where they are, but they were without a doubt well suited for a 9th Street Summerfest show. Something about a cool breeze hitting your face right as band member Charity Rose Thielen’s melodic voice comes in on the second verse of “Let’s Be Still” gives you a rush of pure joy and content unlike anything else.

It was obvious that many of the concertgoers were big fans, singing along to every song and knowing every word. The band played a mixture of songs across all three albums, while leaning heavily on their most recent release “Signs of Light” and making sure to include crowd pleasers like “All We Ever Knew” and “Rhythm & Blues”.

Based solely on crowd reaction, the highlight of the night was inarguably when the band played “Rivers and Roads” at the end of their incredible four-song encore. Many fans have an emotional connection to the song and its relatable lyrics about friendship and the changing phases of life. Crowd members put their arms around each other and belted the well-known lyrics bringing about a sense of camaraderie and connection among strangers that only good music can provide. This in addition to a consistently energetic and magical performance from the band made this show one of the best we’ve seen this year.

Columbia loving life on Summerfest days

Another fabulous Summerfest weekend kicked off last Friday night with perfect weather for a concert on the streets of downtown Columbia. Though a hot and stuffy 90-degree day, the crowd, both young and old, showed up early to see local band Murphy’s Ford get the country party started. By the time LOCASH was ready to hit the stage, the crowd was humming with excitement.

It’s easy to see why LOCASH is steadily rising in the country world — they know how to work a crowd and put on a phenomenal show. Chris Lucas and Preston Brust have a talent for singing and songwriting — the Country Music Association has taken note of this, as LOCASH have been nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year!

The show began with strobe lighting and loud bass, as fans eagerly awaited the bands’ arrival. Columbia did not disappoint LOCASH and sang the chorus of their first hit, “I Know Somebody,” word for word back to them with little help. Looking around seeing the lights wave energetically back and forth in the street made your heart beat fast and appreciate the moment you were in.

Before ending the show, the band invited a young fan on stage who is front row to every show they play in Missouri. Nick got to show off his dance moves and sing the final verse of “I Love This Life” with Chris and Preston.

Last to come on stage on Friday was Eli Young Band. A group of five young boys moved their way closer to the front row, beaming with eagerness for their first concert. The headliner’s start time approached, and as the lights went darker, the band came on stage singing the title track from their new album “Fingerprints.”

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Fast forward to Saturday night. It had been another long, hot summer day, but country music fans came out to kick up their boots for a good time with Turnpike Troubadours. Boots and ball caps that have been worn enough to get that “just right” fit were the dress code for the evening.

Though the end of opener Charley Crockett’s set saw a sprinkling of rain, the rain died down and the crowed was buzzed with excitement (and a few beers) ready for a great show. The stage crew raised Turnpike Troubadour’s logo banner, and the crowd hollered, begging the band to come out and show them a good time.

With little warning, the five men walked out on stage in jeans, boots, button down shirts and cowboy hats, and started right in performing “Every Girl” with the crowd singing along right away. Complete with an accordion, the red-dirt country band does not disappoint their audience. The band may not have engaged much with banter in between songs, but it certainly wasn’t needed. The music alone, with lyrics about blue-collar folks and life, was enough to connect with their audience. Even the light rain couldn’t bring down this Summerfest crowd!

To sum up the weekend, Chris from LOCASH said it best. “Y’all are crazy,” he said into his mic. Columbia isn’t crazy — we just know how to have a good time!