Show Preview: The Hooten Hallers

Where: Rose Music Hall

When: Saturday, Nov. 12. Doors at 8:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m.

Ticket cost: $8

Openers: Matt Woods + Paul Weber & The Scrappers

There’s music for when you cry. There’s music for when you’re cruising around in your car. Heck, there’s even music for when you’re doing homework. But in my opinion, the best kind of music just makes you want to let loose.

Foot stomping, head bobbing, maybe some air drumming or guitaring are all things you’ll want to do when you hear The Hooten Hallers — an instrument slanging music machine who gives a whole new meaning to rock ‘n roll.

Homegrown here in Columbia, the band mixes a variety of sounds from blues to soul to rock ‘n roll, with a lot of emphasis on the rock ‘n roll. They never offer less than the highest of energy, and their organic sound is gritty, rebellious and powerful as hell. To say they get you in touch with your American roots is an understatement.

Aside from the ridiculous instrumentals, a huge part of what makes The Hooten Hallers so raw is the crisp sound of lead guitarist, John Randall’s, and drummer, Andy Rehm’s, voices. Their raspy vocals are absolutely unreal, especially when they’ve got some authentic harmonies happening.

The hardest part and the ultimate goal of a performer’s job is crowd participation. The Hooten Hallers, however, don’t struggle with that. They are so zealous about the art they create and relay that through every beat played and every note sung. So, if you’re looking for a night out full of high-energy, no sitting, and insane tunage, look no further.

This post was written by Alyssa Michaels, contributing writer for The Blue Note and Rose Blog. 

Pokey LaFarge worth the charge: Show Preview

Where: The Blue Note
When: Wednesday, Sept. 24. Doors at 7:00 p.m., show at 8:00 p.m.
Ticket cost: $20.00
Openers: Master of Ceremonies Dom Flemons, Joel Savoy, Jesse Lége & the Cajun Country Revival, The Tillers, Loot Rock Gang

Do you ever yearn for the past? Have you watched films like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and thought, “yeah, that’s for me.” Are you a fan of pinstripe suits, the charleston, and kazoos? Well, Pokey LaFarge has got your dose of jazz swing, and he’s bringing it to The Blue Note.

LaFarge and his five piece band will bring their washboards and harmonicas to Columbia Wednesday, Sept. 24 for their Central Time Tour. The group plays a unique blend of American roots, blues, country and jazz. Live, the group brings high energy to the stage. They need to just to keep up with Pokey.

Pokey LaFarge has five acts opening for his band, including the Master of Ceremonies Dom Flemons. A multi-instrumental “American songster,” Flemons plays a wide range of early jazz and old-time blues. Known for his onstage antics, Flemons says he enjoys keeping the audience guessing what he will do next.

All of the acts on the Central Time Tour keep a similar theme of American roots music, though they branch off into slightly different genres. The Tillers blend bluegrass and folk together to give their trio a traditional sound with a looser edge to it. Husband and wife led band the Loot Rock Gang combine classic elements of blues, jazz and rock n’ roll, and Joel Savoy, Jesse Lége & the Cajun Country Revival play Louisiana cajun tinged country.

If you want to get dapper while listening to some good ole fashioned music, get your ticket today.

Dom Flemons, looking like an Americana Toro y Moi