The Ville - Gainesville Local Music

Taking a Break from Breaking my Legs...

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 16:27:00 +0000

After an unnecessarily long break, the Ville is back in action. There have been a few great shows that I wish I had highlighted- look for them in an upcoming new section called "Shows Long Past That Rocked My Ass."

Check out the many-band festival Brostock, this Saturday, Feb. 10, at 1982. The show has been organized, promoted and produced by Battle! and Borealis, and features many local hardcore, screamo and metal acts.

I was originally going to be playing in the show; it was to be the debut of the added musicians "the st.pete players" to round-out the quigley sound. We were very excited to be playing Brostock, despite our dissimilar musical style to the rest of the bands, and looked forward to opening for everyone with a wink and a smile. Then, of course, we would step aside with our folksy-surfy-acoustic jams for the descent into hardcore and metal. Unfortunately, due to "venue considerations" were were told last week we were cut from the show.

But who cares!? Brostock will rock nonetheless. See you there!

The Ebb and Flow of The Ville...

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 19:14:00 +0000

As in the Decembers of years passed, things are beginning to look a little more like Gainesville around here. The nomadic members of the university's student body have begun their semester's-end migration back to whatever place it is that tempts their desire never to return.

But we all know they all come home, and until they do life in Gainesville will be a little bit slower, traffic will be a whole hell of a lot lighter and those long, cold lines to get into downtown bars and clubs will be- for a far too brief period of time- gone.

No worry, other than booze and techno there isn't too much out there to tempt us away from our heated blankets in this ungodly-cold 65 degree weather we have here in Florida.

If you're hankering for a ho-down, though, keep an eye on gainesvillebands.com

Until 2007...

Lacin' Up My Music Boots...

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 14:28:00 +0000

The Gainesville artist, Alligator Shoes have a very busy month of December this year. That will make it very easy for you to catch this newly formed indie, progressive, funk, rock fusion band.

Originally forming as Jackie Suarez back in 2005, they reformed and renamed late this past summer and played their first gig on Nov. 6.

They can be seen this Saturday, Dec. 2, at Backstage Lounge. The show starts at 10:30 p.m.

If you're not a fan of that venue, they're playing two days later, Dec. 4, at 1982. Doors are at 9 p.m. and cover costs $6.

Don't worry, though, if you miss them both these days they still have three more shows in December and one in early January.
I'm sincerely hoping they don't burn themselves out, because these guys have some great songs.

School's Out, Rock Out, Help Out

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:43:00 +0000

Next Wednesday, Dec. 6, will be the last day of classes for University of Florida students. Though the poindexters might start studying for the next week's exams that night, the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association has a far superior plan for that evening.

At 9 p.m. at The Side Bar they are hosting a benefit for music education in Alachua County Schools. How great is that? Admission and your support cost only $5.

I will be opening for The Patrick McDuffy AllStars, Flying Bagels of Cadence, and Subject to Change. Three great bands, and myself, and we're all doing it for the kids.

So forget your classes, your exams, your worries and your cares and head down to The Side Bar next Wednesday night. And rememeber, it's supporting the future local artists of Gainesville.

In Keeping With The New Approach...

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 15:02:00 +0000

In an effort to give you the opportunity to plan ahead, especially during the busy Thanksgiving holiday, I'm highlighting this Saturday's 9 p.m. show at 1982. Admission will cost $5.

You'll be seeing one of Gainesville hardcore's most popular bands, Battle!. With the attitude, talent and showmanship capable of converting even the most reluctant audience member to appreciate hardcore. They are more than a safe bet for a great show.

There will also be a rare treat for mention in this blog: the metal band, Cocytus. These guys are looking for a new guitarist, but that won't stop the show from going on this Saturday.

It will be an interesting mix, hardcore punk and metal. Hopefully I'll see you there.

An Early Notice for a Saturday Show

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 14:45:00 +0000

Normally I would probably post about this Saturday's show at Common Grounds on Friday, but I often feel that there isn't enough time between my post and the show for readers to attend.
I stumbled upon this show through the blog belonging to the headlining band, Squeaky. Having myself performed as the opener for the show's opening act, Hospitals on the Moon, it caught my eye.

The Music Venues of Gainesville

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:01:00 +0000

It has come to my attention (after reading the long list of responses to MarsIsLonely's question about Gainesville's most article-worthy venues) that I have failed to outline a list of venues. If my mantra is going to be, "the best way to discover great local music is to go to a show," then I'd better tell you where the venues are in The Ville.

	919 W. University Ave.
Abbey Road	238 W. University Ave.
	15 N. Main St.
Backstage Lounge	1315 S. Main St. (formerly Eddie C's)
	1 W. University Ave.
	210 S.W. 2nd Ave.
The Downtown Plaza	On the corner of S.E. 1st St. and E. University Ave.
Durty Nelly's Irish Pub	208 W. University Ave.
	120 S.W. 1st Ave.
Orange and Brew	Below the Reitz Union on the University of Florida's campus
	15 S.W. 2nd St.
The Shamrock	1017 W. University Ave.
Tim and Terry's Music and More	1417 N.W. 1st Ave.

If I have left out your favorite venue, please leave me a comment and I will update the list. Any exclusion is purely accidental, I want to include every venue that features local artists. Thank you in advance for your input.

For Whom The Morningbell Tolls...

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:41:00 +0000

It may be too soon to call Morningbell a Gainesville powerhouse just yet, but they're certainly a rising star. You can catch them this Thursday, 10 p.m., at The Shamrock. Admission costs $5.

Their sound is entirely their own, though I find the delightfully disjointed pseudo-psychedelic style to be very similar to Built To Spill. Even without playing their own material, they had a show-carrying performance during their Fest V show at The Shamrock where they played only covers of other Gainesville bands.

If you're looking for a good show this week, Morningbell are more than worth the admission price, and they are a safe bet to avoid disappointment no matter who they take the stage after.

You Sure Are Pretty When I'm Bluesy

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 14:10:00 +0000

The number of times they've put this show on says it all. The Fourteenth Annual Downtown Blues Fest begins tonight, Friday, Nov. 3. And don't bother checking your pockets for loose change just yet, because this show is free.

The show is being put on by the Gainesville-based North Central Florida Blues Society. They have a variety of events in this region of the state in the near future.

But we like to keep it local in the Ville, so before you head downtown to the corner of S.E. 1st Street and E. University Avenue, take a listen to Used Blues. They're playing at 7 p.m.

Their music clips on myspace aren't the greatest, but they have some videos on their website that do their best to make up for it. Just below the videos on the page they have a wide selection of songs available for download.

Blues is where it all began, as far as the Ville is concerned, so let's all enjoy a free show with our hometown boys who can pluck out some down-home bluesy tunes.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 14:38:00 +0000

A Halloween Treat...

Happy Halloween! Today I have a special treat for you- rather than highlight one specific band I would like to recommend one specific show.

Tonight at The Side Bar for only $5 admission, you can see a variety of different tribute bands formed out of the amalgamation of various local artists.

A tribute to Pink Floyd's album "Dark Side of the Moon" will be played by members of Soulphonics, Mindrise, and Maxwell Edison. Wes from Soulphonics will also be performing a Jimi Hendrix tribute.

Members of The Most and Alphabet City will be performing a tribute to The Doors and Johnny Cash. Last, but certainly not least, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac will be performed by Redboy.

So be sure to get there when the doors open at 8 p.m., and don't miss this fantastic treat of local artists doing their own versions of these classic musical acts. And, if you dare to compete - there will be a costume contest at midnight.

Good luck, and trick or treat!

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 06:09:00 +0000

Gainesville's Northern Lights Minus The Aurora

I have mentioned Borealis before in The Ville's very first post. Their sound, as is with most hardcore bands, is a bit stunning at fist. Propelled by vocalist James Austin as he screams his progressive hardcore lyrics through heavy distortion and piercing snare beats.

If you enjoy bands like At The Drive-in, The Mars Volta or even more mainstream groups like Story of the Year, then Borealis are worth some serious attention. Their self-titled debut album was recently released on Sept. 19.

There will be a number of opportunities in the near future to see Borealis play. This Saturday, Oct. 28, they will be playing in Ocala, Fla. at K&K Rehearsal Studios and Concert Hall. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $7.

Their next show in Gainesville will be at 1982 on Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. It is the excitedly titled "Hip-Hop/Hardcore Showdown" with local hardcore favorites Battle! with appearances by Voice of the People and Dedalus. Tickets cost $7.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 13:38:00 +0000

From The Leftovers to Your Table

Today's band, Giuseppe, evolved out of their high school band, The Leftovers. It's still the same four guys: Charles Rye, Daniel Schmidt, Robbie Carroll and Mitch Soule, but as they grew older and graduated their sound grew up with them.

Their sound is similar to a cross between Operation Ivy's guitar riffs and Bono of U2's vocals.
Giuseppe is playing tonight, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. at 1982. The cost is $5, or $6 for fans under the age of 21.

They will also be playing The Fest V (see below) on Oct. 28 at Bar One at 8 p.m.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:11:00 +0000

Undoubtedly Rockin' Out

Adam's Out is an awesome University of Florida student band. They're a group of very personable and fun-loving guys. I first met them at the UF chapter of the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association

Their sound is a fusion of funk, rock, punk, synth and pop lyrics. Listening to their song "Tequila Mockingbird" is very reminiscent of Phish and other jam bands with much more of a rock/pop twist.

They played on Friday, Oct. 14 at 1982 Venue with The Hint, Ted, Anderson Explains and Man Down.

Their next show is at Abbey Road on Nov. 7 with Badfish: The Sublime Tribute. Tickets are available through Glory Days Booking

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 13:45:00 +0000

A Necessary Interruption

The Fest is very nearly upon Gainesville, Fla. for the fifth year in a row. It is a three-day festival featuring punk rock, bluegrass and various other underground artists and genres. Opening on Friday, Oct. 27, advanced tickets cost $40 and get you in the door to great shows all weekend long. Day-of tickets will be $50.

The Fest is presented by No Idea Records, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and 100.5 The Buzz. Last year supporters were thrilled about the 111 bands that had been recruited to play. This year, the number has grown to over 170.

The Fest is undoubtedly an incredibly fun event, and furthermore it provides a lot of attention and opportunity for many local bands. This is not to say that only local bands are playing, but they are a critical element. Don't let yourself not be in the know, and show your support for Gainesville artists by coming out for all three days.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 13:21:00 +0000

Another Band's explanation...

Anderson Explains features soft young voices tapping out syllabically-accentuated lyrics over melodious acoustic guitar and piano. As their songs build, they are unafraid to venture into cymbal-heavy percussion and grainy electric guitar. They have a sound similar to old Dashboard Confessional with a more contemporary feeling similar to Jet as in "Look What You've Done" and Story of the Year with "Anthem of Our Dying Day."

They released new songs in August from their 2006 E.P. on their myspace page. They can be seen live at the venue 1982 on University Avenue in Gainesville on Saturday, Oct. 14th at 7 p.m. They will be playing with local favorite Adam's Out.

There are several short videos of Anderson Explains accessible on YouTube. The video above is provided courtesy of Anderson Explains.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 11:50:00 +0000

The Untimely Death Of...

Every once in a while a band comes along to which everyone seems to do a double-take. The Untimely Death Of... are one local band that seems destined for success, but that's not how it seems if you hear them tell it.

"We're not out there to get famous, we're not chasing labels, we just want to make music," said bassist Jeff Margaritondo. "Although we do get hilarious spam from independent labels and other crazy groups on myspace."

They play shows nearly every week, however they will not be playing until Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Civic Media Center.

On Nov. 11 they will be releasing their new CD at their 8 p.m. show at Midtown.

They are active members of the community, performing for benefits and assisting University of Florida researchers.

There is a podcast from August 2005 that has been mirrored on a number of sites. When I mentioned the podcast to the band they all seemed equally surprised. Apparently the originator of the podcast never asked their permission.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 13:46:00 +0000

Oh No! and the Local Band!!!

Today's band has quite possibly one of the best names I have seen in a long time. Oh No! and the Tiger Pit will be playing Thursday, Sept. 28, at The Shamrock. The show is at 10 p.m. and admission is $5.

They have a "rough-around-the-edges" high-energy indie rock feel to them. Guitars thick with distortion and shouted vocals bring an almost old-school punk feel to their sound. They made a name for themselves locally by covering obscure songs from various different genres that one would not expect them, or any other band for that matter, to cover. Oh no! And The Tiger Pit are on a Gainesville independent label, Orange Records.

What I believe will make them a staple of local acts in Gainesville, however, is their original material. They recorded a six-track EP at the Morningbell studios with Orange Records in late July. It's expected release is sometime this fall, but you can take a listen to some of their tracks on their myspace page.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:11:00 +0000

Home Is Where The Heartbreaker Lives...

Gainesville's original hometown heroes, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, played a fantastic, extra-long set last night, Sept 21, at the Steven C. O'Connell center. Sarah L. Stewart and Alice Wallace wrote a worthy review for The Gainesville Sun.

This week, several people have asked where to find local bands other than myspace. My answer was, as always, to go to any show anywhere any day of the week.

Of course, never satisfied, they wanted more. GainesvilleBands.com has an extensive list of current and past bands. Browsing those lists might inspire you to check out some of those bands, but it's always important to try to see them perform. That's where local musicians need the most support.

Speaking of support, today's band is Soulphonics (formerly the Elements). They are a 10-piece soul, funk and groove band making their debut performance at Sidebar tonight, Sept 22, at 10 p.m. Since they are currently working on their new album, this will be Gainesville's first opportunity to see them, hear them and check them out.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 03:53:00 +0000

Getting Ahead of Myself...

It struck me this weekend that I had failed to pay proper homage to the any of the artists who made Gainesville, Fla., one of Esquire Magazine's "Top Ten Cities That Rock."

For shame. How dare I?

Although they are not the forefathers of Gainesville music, Less Than Jake are playing at Common Grounds tonight, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. Back when ska was trendy, Less Than Jake brought Gainesville's college-town drama to almost every alternative middle and high school student. Thank you, Less Than Jake.

Now, it's time I get to the man whom many people credit with starting it all, Tom Petty. Thursday, Sept. 21, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers will be performing at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center at the University of Florida. Tickets went on sale July 22 and have long since sold out. Hopefully you have yours, or at least a very generous friend with extra tickets.

Many years after the Heartbreakers first formed, there was a band by the name of Sister Hazel who are going to be releasing their new album, titled "Absolutely," on Oct. 10. They are a softer Gainesville band close in style to most mainstream rock.

The most recent and certainly most unique-sounding band to achieve success from Gainesville's stages is Against Me!. They have been nominated for an mtvU Woodie Award. They are up for Best Animated Video of the Year award for their video for "From Her Lips to God's Ears (The Energizer)," off of their album "Searching for a Former Clarity."
They are delicious blend of punk rock, indie, folk, country and hardcore. It is almost as if every band that ever played in Gainesville combined their powers and formed Against Me!.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 04:27:00 +0000

Composed Chaos...

Few bands in any city have ever truly stunned me with their live performance. At the top of that short list are G. Love and Special Sauce, Atom and his Package and, surprisingly, Weezer. Last April I had the good fortune to hear Umoja Orchestra and witness their beautifully chaotic, yet carefuly orchestrated jams. It was a benefit concert for the University of Florida Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association at 1982.

As the eight-plus member band took the stage I was anxious that they might have a "too many cooks in the kitchen" complex. Within a few bars it was clear that there would be no such problem. With their variety of instruments and the mixture of funk, jazz, salsa and high-energy dancing, they have one of the most unique sounds in Gainesville. Tonight, Friday Sept. 15, Umoja Orchestra will be playing at 8 p.m. at 1982.

On Sept. 17 they will be playing at Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg, Fla. as part of Musica Fresca, a national tour promoting similar Latin fusion bands.

noreply@blogger.com (j.m.) — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 03:25:00 +0000

Bringin' It From The Ville

Many of us in the city of Gainesville, Fla., don't know how good we have it. At least as far as local music is concerned. We're all well aware that the likes of Tom Petty, Less Than Jake, Sister Hazel and Against Me! all share roots in this ville of ours. Certainly not every band will become the Heartbreakers, but it is my belief that every band deserves a listen. That is why in bi-weekly posts I'll be featuring local bands that catch my ear, and hopefully some of them will catch yours.

Before I begin on today's band, Along The Sidelines, I'd like to offer up two suggestions. First, if you are ever in search of new music almost every band nowadays has a myspace page. By cruising myspace's musicsearch you can discover bands within a mile of your home zipcode. You can even search by the artists' influences. My second bit of advice, and perhaps most important, is that the best way to find great local music is to go to a show of bands you've never heard of. Yes, it will be hit or miss. But the hits will be worth it. Click over to gainesvillebands.com, a great resource for almost every live act playing in and around town.

Friday, Sept. 8, I was handed a flier by the cashier behind the counter at the gas station near my house. He told me his band, Along The Sidelines, would be playing on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 1982 on University Ave. It was this perfect example of a typical happen-stance encounter with Gainesville local music that led me to select Along The Sidelines for my first spotlight.

Although I was unable to attend the show on the 10th, I look forward to their upcoming show on Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. at 1982. They are playing with Borealis, A Death Card Dealt, Battle!, The Up's and Dedalus. Their myspace page has the entire list of their upcoming shows. Their next announced performance is Sept. 23 in Orange Park, Fla.

Along The Sidelines began as the solo project of guitarist and vocalist Josh Mccabe, It began to grow about five songs into Mccabe's six song demo when Demetrius, otherwise known as "Dmo," moved up to Gainesville from South Florida. After hitting it off, They later added Luke Thatcher on drums to complete their sound. They describe themself as an indie, acoustic and alternative band.

They have the fresh sound of bands making the move away from emo but without cutting themselves off from the emotion. Their song, North Star is available for download from their myspace page. Three more songs, Laughter, Keep Em Going and A Reason To Fight Demo, are available for listening only on their myspace page. None of their recordings feature their new percussion addition, so I look forward to experiencing their change in sound live on Sept. 30.

If you like the Goo Goo Dolls, Incubus, Taking Back Sunday or Third Eye Blind then definitely check out Along The Sidelines. They rightly describe themselves as a mixture of their above listed influences, and you can hear it clearly in their music.