An Anniversary for Local Music
Last night was like a show I used to see at Sail Inn. Made up of amazing musicians, some of the best female vocals, and watched Sara Robinson sing at Sail Inn before too. Tonight these super talented musicians and bands came out in celebration of Dani’s ten years with KWSS. It was a celebration and thank you for getting some great local music in front of people in the valley.
The night opened up with the talented RUCA. This is going to be sentiments echoed a lot through this, but what an amazing voice on Haley. This might be the first time I’ve seen her solo too and did an excellent job. Plus the moment she covered “Like A Virgin” for Dani just made it a little funnier.
Following her was Upsahl, who I had only seen prior at the Phoenix Rock Lottery. On that note, how she sings gave me a Sister Lip vibe. The commonality is she sang with Cassidy, of Sister Lip, when I first saw her at the Rock Lottery. She played keys there, while in this spent most of the set with the guitar and finishing on the keys. She is accompanied by another great vocalist, and guitarist, who left the stage for two songs written by the duo. Super talented group in Upsahl, and I can only expect it keep going up for them.
After them was a band I have only recently discovered, seeing Jane ‘n the Jungle perform for a benefit show prior. I don’t recall a violinist then, so that was an added dynamic that works great for the sound. Jordan, lead vocals, is another one of those great vocals tonight. She is joined with Leah on a good mix of vocals between the two. Like a couple of the musicians tonight, gets into to moving to the music as she sings. Brian gets into it, and certainly a complimenting energy on guitar too. Another just talented band in Jane ‘n the Jungle, and so far I am managing to catch them more since discovering them.
Then the Pleasure Victims followed a band I don’t think I’ve seen in longer than I would like to admit. However, I think it was at the Big Fish Pub the last time I saw them live. The band hasn’t lost a step, and only has got better. Plus, continuing the repetition of this write up on how talented everyone is, another amazing guitarist, Cody James, found in this band. Ginger is another amazing voice in the long list of skilled musicians on the night’s line up, and very emotive in her singing. They played a great set tonight.
On the long list of musicians playing tonight was someone with one of the best voices in the valley, the Sara Robinson Band. I’ve seen her since she was in Sara Robinson and the Midnight Special, and have seen her once or twice prior as the Sara Robinson Band. She is a vocalist that gets into moving to her music, and you can see the love for it in her on stage performance. The entire band is full of an excellent skill with the instruments. Sara Robinson has put together a great band of musicians to support the talented voice she has.
Last was the most humorous of the night, Manic Monkeys. Speaking of bands having fun on stage, Manic Monkeys are one that it was quite apparent. Though the skill in the band too, with amazing guitar skills, and multi-instrumental skills. Joel would change off his bass at least once, with Tiff taking on that. Tiff took on a couple other percussion instruments too while singing. Yes, there were also two bananas involved in this set.
During their set, second to last song, was a great moment of Brandi singing a song she wrote for Dani. Mike and Joel played with her, and Cody, of Pleasure Victims, was the lyrics holder. I am very happy I was a part of this night. The night just drew me in, and kept me there for the entirety. Congrats to Dani on ten years with KWSS, and thank you for everything you do for the local scene.
