Where to begin? Yesterday was great, no not great, but instead spectacular. I voted early for the upcoming election. I got a new pair of kicks that I had been eyeing for a while, I saw two awesome live bands, and I found out there’s a rabid group of people who hate me, or maybe it’s just one. I was doing so well with getting drama out of my life too. Oh snap! Either way, I had more fun yesterday than I have in a long time.
I saw The Sideshow Tramps open up for an equally spectacular band, The Sideshow Tragedy. Yes, both bands have similar names, and could be confused quite easily and they’re both from Texas, but they are both rather distinct when you hear them.
I arrived at White Water around 9:45 just as the Tramps were kicking in to gear. My first thought was, man, there’s nothing to do in Little Rock on a Wednesday night, so where is everyone? There could not have been more than 30 people there including the bands. Well, those who did not go missed some awesome music. The Sideshow Tramps, from Houston, were up first and they are always a sight to be seen. Four guys, about 10 different instruments between them, and a great attitude led to a raucous 40 or so minute long set. Self-described as “peasant music played for the elite as well as elite music for peasants” on their Myspace page, I couldn’t agree more. Roots, country, and Roma music have heavily influence them, and if you had the chance to see them it would be very apparent. I love the fact that they choose to use a bucket bass, spoons, a saw, and a washboard among other more traditional instruments. They are not just good live music, but also a fun show to just sit back and watch.
After the Tramps finished up, The Sideshow Tragedy (pictured) set up. I saw them on their last go around through White Water when they were known as Nathan Singleton and His Sideshow Tragedy. I’m not sure what warranted the name change, but I personally prefer the shorter name. Three equally amazing musicians, from Austin, headed up by Singleton on vocals, put on one of the most energetic shows I’ve seen in months. They played like they were playing for a full house instead of the 20 or so people that were still there. If I had not seen the last time they graced that particular stage, I would not have expected such passion. They delve heavily in to the blues, country, and punk genres of music, and I feel as if they are the perfect combination of the three. The only small problem I had with the show was that while Singleton has a great voice, more often than not his vocals would get lost in the music. Oh well, it was still a fun time, and they’re coming back through LR in November, for I’m sure what will be another memorable night.
--L
P.S. As much as some of you might like me to disappear from this place, I’m not going anywhere any time soon. If you don’t like what I do here, then I once again wholeheartedly encourage you to go out, see a show, and submit something you would like to see on here instead of simply complaining about it while doing absolutely nothing to remedy the situation.
(photo by: Ed Verosky)
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