New Album Spotlight: Moogatu “Meat”

What’s up everybody?!? As you may or may not already know, everybody’s favorite prog rock jammers, Moogatu, are releasing a brand new, professionally done studio album, titled, “MEAT”. Recently, we actually got the chance to connect with one of the lead guitarists of the band, Chris Lee, to pick his brain a little on how they picked the songs to put on the album, collaborating with a jazz legend and icon, and what is next in the world of Moogatu. Check out what he has to say, and even stream the whole album right here while perusing the interview!

Mark your calendars as well, Saturday, August 2nd at Jammin’ Java, don’t miss out on the dual album release extravaganza, featuring not only the release of Moogatu’s “MEAT”, but also Nicky C and The RSB’s new album, “Much Obliged”.

1. When/how did you all decide that a studio album was going to be your next mountain to climb?

CL: We thought it was about time that we had a really high quality recording out and available. Soundboards and AUDs are nice, but we wanted something crisp and polished.

 

2. Going through your guys’ entire song catalog, how did you pick which ones were going to be on the album?

CL: The majority of the songs on the album are all pretty much live staples that we’ve perfected over the past couple of years. We chose them because they had all matured over time and it felt like the right moment to record them. We also did not want to repeat any songs from our first EP. Musically, the band also felt all of these songs meshed well together as one cohesive piece of work.

 

3. Did you all enjoy the recording process? How soon are you guys looking to get back in the studio?

CL: We loved the recording process! Speaking for only myself, I’ve never been completely satisfied with the recording process until now. The album was recorded at Mystery Ton Studios in Monrovia, MD with Kenny Eaton earlier this year. I had a blast recording there. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and Kenny really has a great ear and is easy to work with. Not to mention, we’re really happy with how the album came out, sonically. I’ve never been so happy recording guitar before. We’re currently brewing up some new ideas too, so stay tuned!

 

4. Ron Holloway, a very well-known and respected jazz musician, has been seen collaborating with you guys live and on the album. How did that relationship start? What’s it like playing with an icon such as himself?

CL: I still pinch myself every time Ron plays with us. Before we even started collaborating, he was one of my favorite horn players. I had first seen him sit in with Gov’t Mule and the Allman Brothers in the early 2000’s and have been following him since. The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Ron was in early 2012. My friend Dan Steele and his band “Covered With Jam” sometimes has Ron sit in and I decided to check them out at a local club. I introduced myself and we kept in contact over the next few months. Eventually, we would cross paths again and he ended up sitting in with us for a few tunes. One musical conversation led to another, and that led to Ron donating his talents and sitting in on a track on our record.

I’m really excited about the track he plays on, “Appreciation”. (check it out right below!) It’s a tune from Brian Raubacher’s old band, “Laidback”, that we sort of Moogafied and made our own. I won’t give too much away but Ron plays some really tasteful solos and there is some gnarly horn layering as well!

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about Ron. The guy is a total pro and is one of the most humble, down to Earth people I’ve ever met. You can tell just from having a conversation with the guy that he’s the real deal and truly loves playing music. Like I said, I pinch myself every time he plays with us. So hopefully he doesn’t think we’re too bad! Haha. It’s a little intimidating, but we love every minute of it!

 

5. Since the loss of your keyboard wizard, Brian Dodds, are there any plans of getting a new full-time keyboardist?

CL: Actually, yes. We are currently looking for a full-time keyboard player. We have a few people in mind right now, but just haven’t gotten to properly have auditions with the recording and summer schedule. After our CD release party on August 2nd, we’ll have a few weeks off to try out some new people. If there’s anyone out in Internet land reading this right now, send us an email!

 

6. If you guys could create your dream album, and collab with any artists that you’d wish, who would we see featured?

CL: You would get a different answer depending on who in the band you ask, but personally I would love to collaborate with Jimmy Herring, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, and Jake Cinninger. Maybe even all on 1 track? Haha

 

7. Obviously the year is far from over, but what have been some of the highlights for Moogatu over the past year?

CL: There have been so many. Aside from the album, I would say it was an honor playing 3 sets at this year’s Mad Tea Party Jam. I can’t even describe how much fun we had at that festival…it was easily one of the best festivals I’ve ever attended, as a musician or a fan. So props to Taco and Elise, we love those guys! A huge moment was when we raised over $4,000 from a crowd-sourcing campaign to help fund the album. It was overwhelming how many donations came in over 45 days (THANK YOU!). Earlier this year, we also supported EOTO and ELM at the NorVa in Norfolk, VA and we haven’t ever played a room that big. It was a ton of fun hanging out with EOTO and their crew. They were very down to earth dudes. Anytime we play in Baltimore at the 8×10 is a blast too. Supporting Dopapod as well. I’m leaving a ton out, it’s been a great year.

 

8. Where is the album going to be available for the fans?

CL: It will be released August 2, 2014 at Jammin Java. Ron Holloway will be sitting in during our set and Nicky C and the RSB will also be appearing.

 

9. So, after playing multiple festivals the past couple years and now recording a studio album, what’s next for Moogatu?

CL: More festivals and more studio albums! Haha, we’ve been talking about doing some live [albums] and we also have material for 2 new studio albums! The past year has been spent writing a lot of new material, so I’m already ready to record some new tunes. Expect lots and lots of shows too. Expect to hear a lot from us in the next year.

So there you have it folks! After reading that, what more would you need to get excited for a new album, PLUS an awesome album release party! We’ve had the opportunity to work with Moogatu in the past, and I’ve got to say, these guys have what it takes to make a name for themselves, and not just in our local music scene. I’m definitely super excited to see what else they have in store for us in the future.

Don’t forget, Saturday, August 2nd at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, VA, not one, but TWO albums being released. Ron Holloway will be featured with Moogatu as well, and if you don’t know about the man, well it’s about time to learn. Hope to see all of you out there!

Mad Tea Party Jam Announces Final Lineup

Mad Tea Party Jam Announces Final Lineup

June 19-22, 2014 in Hedgesville, WV

The third annual The Mad Tea Party Jam, presented by Appalachian Jamwich, takes place June 19-22 in Hedgesville, WV.  The music and arts festival will be headlined by Papadosio, two nights of The Werks, two nights of Dopapod, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Mantras and more.

The event will host multiple stages, an electronic dance tent, and late night music to 5AM and later.  The arts will also be a prevalent component to the experience and patrons can enjoy looking through a transformative art gallery, exploring art installations, and watching live art being created before their eyes at the main stage.  The optical delights don’t end there, because each night the crowd will transform into outlandish characters for our nightly costume contests and Friday night’s Futuristic Burlesque Fashion Show.  Fire performers will be lighting up the night sky, hoop troupe performers will make LED lights melt before your eyes, and aerial performers will hang gracefully from the stage. Workshops teaching how to hoop, do yoga, play guitar and more will also be available to enhance your experience at the festival.

The Mad Tea Party Jam takes place on beautiful land with two ponds, a stream and swimming hole. Also on the property is a Bavarian style villa and stone courtyard that hosts the VIP/Artist area.  The intimate environment allows musicians to roam the property and rub shoulders with attendees.  The magical venue and kind vibes bring us together to love one another and transform our energies into a single creative collective.

General admission tickets are currently at their 2nd tier price of $85 and VIP tickets are available for $185.  A limited amount of tickets at this tier are available and may sell out.  VIP tickets include preferred camping with the bands, VIP hospitality area, 3 private acoustic sets by bands T.B.A., T-shirt, poster, and laminate.

The official lineup includes some of the most talented, fastest growing bands in the Northeast Jam Scene:

Papadosio The Werks – TWO NIGHTS Dopapod – TWO NIGHTS Pigeons Playing Ping Pong The Mantras – TWO NIGHTS Consider the Source – TWO NIGHTS Big Daddy Love – TWO NIGHT Turkuaz – TWO NIGHTS TAUK -TWO NIGHTS Ron Holloway Band E.L.M. – TWO NIGHTS Moogatu – THREE NIGHTS The Shack Band – TWO NIGHTS Manitoa Vagabond Swing Fletcher’s Grove Broccoli Samurai Deaf Scene DELTAnine People’s Blues of Richmond King of Belmont Galaxy Dynamite KR-3 B Side Shuffle Threesound The Brummy Brothers Plaeground LITZ Heady Ruxpin Tweed Aarodynamics Bunk Buddha Bat’s Dynamic Strings Band Supersylum Wicked Sway Lee Turley Sol Frequency The Braes Jordan August Band YPSET Interstellar Soul Noetic Pull Betty & the Badasses Annexation of Puerto Rico

ARTISTS AT LARGE: Ron Holloway Fareed Haque

 

Fans can find more information and order tickets at www.themadteapartyjam.com.

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Promotional/Press Contact: Elise Olmstead elise@appalachianjamwich.com

Cosmic Campout Day 2 & 3 Highlights

Sunrise Day Two at Quail Ridge Lake in Aldie, VA

Day 2 was upon us. The sun was up bright and early and so was the Wookie Post crew that morning. We had set up the Grassroots vending station and got our Bloody Mary’s. Yoga was taking place at the main stage, breakfast burritos were being served at concessions, the birds were chirping and people were getting their early morning swim in at the lake all while music was being set up.

The second day of festivals always seems to be a big shopping day for campers. Shakedown was popping early. Everyone was trying to get their shopping in before the music. Unfortunately, the music schedule had to be rearranged because of the ordeal from the previous night. There was also no hard copy of the schedule so it was tough to decipher who was playing and who was suppose to come on next. The festival wanted to have the “louder” more electronic acts perform during the day and save acoustic sets for later that night as to not disturb the neighbors across the lake.

Shakedown Street

Yea it was kind of confusing but  it was for the good of the festival. This was only Cosmic Campout’s second year in existence and being shut down on the second day of the second year is not a good look. No one really complained though. Everyone accepted the situation and the party raged on.

Unfortunately we did not get a chance to cover every act on the second day of the festival but we can tell you about some of our favorite acts that we did get a chance to catch.

First up on out list is Galaxy Dynamite, good friends of Wookie Post, this was actually the first time I got to catch a live show. Not to disappoint, this three piece psychedelic trance rock band brings groovy electro dance beats straight from outer space right to your inner ear. Originating in the 757, Norfolk, VA Galaxy Dynamite started in 2010 and hasn’t looked back yet. Baker Cunningham – Guitar, Synth, brings the soothing melodies that will melt even the headiest wook in the crowd. Sam Wolffe – Bass, utilizes a progressive driving lead bass-line that seamlessly merges the guitar and drums as one. And then there’s Michael Mahgerefteh – Drums, this psycho is ill with the skills with drum sticks in his hands. King of the throne, Mike brings an unbelievable energy to the stage and it shows in the music. Catch Galaxy Dynamite on tour this summer. We will be seeing them again at Pasture Palooza and Under the Stars Festival. Here’s the full set list from Cosmic Campout:

Nothing Says Beach Like a Highway, Action Jackson > Hero Status, Stargazing, Snake in the Grass, Something With Apples, Timezones, Moment of Impact > Rocket Smash, Hide and Sneek

Sam Wolffe – Bass Guitar, Galaxy Dynamite

Next on our list is Moogatu, a Wookie Post favorite. Head over to our Artist Spotlight Series and check out our interview with them. If you haven’t heard of Moogatu yet, you must not be reading Wookie Post. This five piece band features two dueling lead guitars that bring a unique sound that can only be recognized as Moogatu. Progressive and funky, heavy and harmonious, this band is making a name for themselves, etching their sound into the brains of who ever is willing to listen.  Catch them this weekend (June 29th) at Lunar Bay Festival and late night at Family Roots Festival. Here’s the full set list from Cosmic Campout:

Try Again* > Nothing Too Fancy* > Appreciation, Mary > Dance Party > Bonafide Lovin’, Better Batter > Helium Pt. 2, Better Company

* unfinished

Brian Raughbacker (Left) and Chris Lee (Right) duel lead guitar, Moogatu

Switching gears, The Archives took the stage. They grabbed our attention as awesome reggae bands tend to do. This old school style roots rock band is comprised of an all star cast that consists of vocalists Ras Puma, the charismatic singer on Thievery Corporation’s Culture of Fear, Lenny Kurlou (S.T.O.R.M.), Mateo Monk (Sankofa Blackstar) plays guitar, flute and melodica, Burke (Moja Nya, Eek- A-Mouse, Gregory Isaacs) is on keyboards, Leslie “Black Seed” James Jr. (Culture, Eek-A-Mouse) dummer, and bass player Justin “Relentless” Parrott (Claudius Linton). Not to be confused, The Archives play totally original songs that have a “really deep roots” feel. Their mission is to contribute to the evolution of reggae in the 21st century. “Same tree, new leaves.” If you have a chance to check these guys out we highly recommend you go see them perform. Check to see if they come around your town on their tour schedule. Also listen to their music free on soundcloud. 

Consider the Source was another head turner for us here at Wookie Post. It was the first time we were exposed to Consider the Source and as our good friend, Chris Lee, over at Moogatu put it, “They have to warn people before they just get up there and start shredding metal solo’s!” No doubt Consider the Source had kicked it up a notch. The three piece band from non other than the Big Apple, New York, New York is composed of Gabriel Marin- Guitars, John Ferrara- Bass, and Jeff Mann – Drums and Percussion. CTS’s style spans over a plethora of genres from metal to psychedelic jam and everything in-between. According to their facebook however, they dub themselves “Sci-fi Middle Easter Fusion” definitely a one of a kind genre. CTS formed in 2004 and have been touring ever since, from California all the way to Israel.  You can catch Consider the Source this weekend (June 28) in Rockingham, VT at the Rocking Hill Music Festival and (June 29) at Kittenfest Music Festival in Augusta, NJ. You can listen to their music for free on their website.

Gabriel Marin – Guitar, Consider the Source

Finally to end our list is Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Another Wookie Post favorite, theses guys have also been featured in our Artist Spotlight Series. The last big act for the night, Pigeons’ set was actually push forward to accommodate for the noise complaint the night before. We had a couple friends trying to make it that night after work but unfortunately, they didn’t arrive until after Pigeons had finished. Started in 2007 Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and stormed onto the scene in funk-a-delic style. The highly anticipated set did not disappoint. As the sun began to dissipate and the night grew darker, Pigeons threw down an awesome version of their take on the Ghostbuster’s Theme Song. Everyone was talking about that for the rest of the night. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will be at Pasture Palooza this weeekend (June 29), check out their tour dates for more information on up coming shows.  You can download live set on their website and also check them out on soundcloud.

Day two was in the books and we awoke on day three, tired and exhausted. The clouds had rolled in and were threatening to rain. We thought it was best to break down camp early that morning in anticipation of a storm. Many other campers had the same idea and slowly the festival began to die down. Day three music started around noon and was suppose to continue til 6pm. We left Cosmic Campout with Mateo Monk playing in the background.

Ben Carrey – Bass Guitar, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

All in all the weekend was just plain fun. Great music, great weather, and great people make for one spectacular time. We hope to attend the next Cosmic Campout and we hope they can continue to hold it at the lovely Quail Ridge Lake. We apologize if your act did not get mentioned in this article. If you have any questions feel free to email us at wookiepost.com@gmail.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter.

Cosmic Camp Out Day 2 & 3

Yoga at the Main Stage

Shakedown Street

Sam Wolffe – Bass Guitar, Galaxy Dynamite

Brian Raughbacker (Left) and Chris Lee (Right) duel lead guitar, Moogatu

Gabriel Marin – Guitar, Consider the Source

Ben Carrey – Bass Guitar, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

Cosmic Campout Festival Preview

Music festivals have been around for quite some time now. From the first days of Woodstock back in ’69, to the now annual heavy-hitters such as Camp Bisco and Gathering of the Vibes, less has changed than you may think in those 40-some years. Sure, some of the music may be different, but the idea and the culture of these festivals still hold true, and that’s what gives people a reason to keep coming back for more.

Now, just like the festivals listed before, they all have to start from scratch and build a reputation, which is exactly what the good people of the Cosmic Campout Music Festival have been doing. Started back in 2011, they are now going on their third straight year of holding the festival, located in the quaint little town of Aldie, VA. A perfect location, as it could be viewed as the epi-center for all the like-minded people of the VA/MD/DC/WV area (and of course others who might be traveling a little more) to come together for a weekend of artistic exploration, conveniently located just 40 minutes from Washington, D.C. and 90 minutes from both Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA.

Cosmic Campout 2012

This festival has a bunch of Wookie Post favorites on their stacked lineup, as well as some new names that we are super excited to see for the first time. Headliners such as, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Consider the Source, and The Mantras is already enough to have me all giddy with excitement, but then you say Moogatu, DELTAnine, Malphunktion, Segway, Galaxy Dynamite, Woodwork, and EVSTGHXST are going to be there too, PLUS about 25 more artists! Such a good selection of music covering a ton of different genres, that is what a good lineup is all about, and it looks like they nailed it.

Consider the Source is a band that I’m very excited to see for the first time. If you haven’t seen them or heard them before through their YouTube videos I highly suggest taking a listen. Gabriel Marin, who plays lead guitar with a double-neck guitar, stated that their music “combines influences from Turkish, Bulgarian, North and South Indian styles with jazz and fusion, and then we filter it through our own heavy, rock and psychedelic sounds and approaches.” Definitely a unique style that will be amazing to see under the stars this weekend.

After going through the lineup and seeing that it has almost all your favorite music, you might want to take a look at ticket prices now. Ticket prices are always a deciding factor when choosing which festivals to attend, so you will be very pleasantly surprised to find out that a ticket for the weekend will only cost you $35 if you buy it online here, or $45 if you buy it at the gate. Both are extremely reasonable prices, considering that you get the full music lineup, camping space, cool instructional workshops, use of the on-site lake, and memories to last a lifetime.

Another pretty cool thing that Cosmic is doing this year, is partnering with the non-profit organization, Hungry for Music. They are a grassroots, charity-driven organization, with a mission to bring musical instruments to under-privileged children with a “hunger for music”. Anyone willing to bring a lightly used or new instrument to the gate when they arrive, will recieve $10 off their ticket price, so if $35 isn’t cheap enough for you, bring that old middle school recorder that’s still laying around somewhere!

For a third year festival, Cosmic Campout is already on the road to being recognized as an established music festival, and it’s all due to the thoughtful and detail-oriented people behind the scenes, and of course the faithful fans that keep coming back. If you live within the D.C. Metropolitan area or even Pennsylvania, North Carolina, or any where in the continental United States, making your way to Aldie, VA this weekend would definitely be in your best interests.

2013 Full Lineup

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Check out the full ticket options here and also keep an eye out for some Wookie Post members at the official Grassroots California booth. We know that we’re super excited for this weekend, and can’t wait to see all of you guys out there! Bring your dancin’ shoes and come prepared to get down!

Jamtravaganza feat. Moogatu, Woodwork, and Threesound – 5/24/13

Memorial Day weekend is a time that should be spent with good friends, a plethora of food, cold drinks, and to top it all off, some sweet, sweet music to keep your feet moving. That’s exactly what was provided for the good people of Northern Virginia this past weekend, as our friends at Heady Entertainment put on one helluva dance party, as they have gained the reputation to do so every time.

Calm before the storm at Jammin’ Java

This was a show that we were all extra excited for, as it was the first time in nearly 4 years that we’ve had the whole Wookie Post crew together at the same show, and we also had the great opportunity to meet with one of the night’s headliners, Moogatu, for the second feature in our Artist Spotlight Series. Definitely keep an eye out for that, there is so much talent between all of those guys, and some pretty cool stories behind some of their most popular songs.

Although we were going to the show already knowing that Moogatu was going to bring the heat, we were caught off-guard by the talent from the other two bands on the bill that night.

First up was Threesound, a local band from Winchester, VA, composed of four young bucks looking to make a name for themselves in the live music scene. Coming to the stage in what I would call “business casual” attire, these guys definitely bring a certain presence to the stage, and can take over the room in an instant when they turn it on. Bringing full original songs, as well as a few very well-done covers, this band has range for days. I’ve got to say too, it’s a little refreshing seeing some younger guys take the stage and actually come prepared like they’ve been there before, seeing as they formed together back in 2009. I’d say these guys are definitely on the right path to success, if they keep at it, so keep an eye out for them. They have shows lined up all through the month of June, all over the state of VA. (see Threesound’s full setlist at the bottom of the article)

Threesound at Jammin’ Java

In a night with 3 bands playing full sets, transition from one band to the other happens quick, so next up taking the stage was Woodwork, hailing from the one and only 757, Hampton Roads, Seven Cities, VA Beach area!!! For those unfamiliar with these guys, Woodwork is a four-piece band, complete with guitar, bass, keys, and drums, mixing a variety of genres from island funk to psychedelic jams and 100% original lyrics thrown at you as well. Trying to find that perfect harmonizing sound, Woodwork has been through some lineup changes in the recent years, but they feel like they have it down now, and are super excited to play for all you fans out there, especially at Camp Barefoot 7, this year. They played a great all around set and definitely made me want to look into these guys more, so don’t be surprised if you see more about Woodwork on Wookie Post in the future. Check out our video of them here, to get a lil’ taste of what you could be seeing.

Kyle Folsom (guitar), McGregor Hood (bass),
Woodwork

The first two bands absolutely killed it and set the stage for the last, and most certainly not least, band to play for the night, Moogatu. These guys are really starting to grow on me, and this being only my second time seeing them, I feel that they have that effect on a lot of people. It doesn’t take long to recognize that these guys love what they’re doing and want to put on the best show possible every night for the fans. I was even more pumped since a few people I was with hadn’t had the chance to see Moogatu live, so I knew they were in for a treat and would share my feelings the same. It pretty much goes without saying, that this night was no different.

Coming in hot with their dance starter specialty, “Mary”, right off the bat the floor was covered and people were gettin’ down to the blusey keys of Brian Dodds, and the shredtastic extraordinaires Chris Lee and Brian Raubacher. Let’s not forget the glue holding it all together, Brian Zupruk rocking the funk out on the bass, and Steve Jacyna keeping them all on beat with the drumkit. I was definitely pleaseantly surprised to hear some new songs (new to my ears) as well, during their set. “Bonafide Lovin'” might be up there for my new favorite song from these guys, it has the perfect mix of catchy lyrics and upbeat tempo to keep me movin’ and keep me wanting to come back for more. And really, what Moogatu song would be complete with out a shred fest from at least one, if not both, of the guitar heroes. Closing out their set with “Helium Pt. 2”, this song has just too much energy to leave the people hanging, so you know they’re coming back out for an encore, with their staple back-to-back songs, “Better Company” > “Try Again”.  (see Moogatu’s full setlist at the bottom of the article)

Moogatu, full band

The night ended with nothing but smiles as people cheered for all the great preformances we had just witnessed. I’ve said it before, and this won’t be the last time I’m saying it, Heady Entertainment knows how to put on a ragin’ good time! I forsee some collaborations with Wookie Post and Heady Entertainment coming up in the near future, to try and bring the utmost amount of entertainment and awareness of all the fucking awesome music we have around us. Connecting the fans to the bands is what it’s all about.

Also, be on the lookout for our second exclusive Artist Spotlight Series with Moogatu, where we sit down with all five members of the band and see where they all came from, how they came together, and how they create the material that we all can’t wait to hear whenever we get the chance. Which, with a full festival lineup for the summer coming up, there should be no shortage of chances to see Moogatu. So get your asses up and start planning!

That’s it for now wooks. Go take a shower and get ready for the day. Much love!!!

Threesound – 5/24/2013 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

MFV, Clockwork, Eleanor Rigby*, Guilty by Association, The Psychologist, From Sunlight to Moonlight, Pick Up the Pieces*, Tolerance, Tantra

* = Beatles cover, Average White Band cover (respectively)

Woodwork – 5/24/2013 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

(setlist pending)

Moogatu – 5/24/2013 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

Mary, Diversity Thrift > Dance Party > Bonafide Lovin’, Nothing Too Fancy > Better Batter, Raptor, Appreciation, Try Again > Helium Pt. 2

E: Better Company > Try Again

Jimkata/Moogatu at Ned Devine’s 4/11/13

It’s always a treat being able to see bands that you’ve never seen before, let alone 2 new bands?? For the price of $5??? Well sure, why not? Heady Entertainment FTW once more.

This night just so happened to feature two up and coming bands, Moogatu and Jimkata. Maybe not brand new to the scene, but definitely still trying to make a name for themselves in this ever expanding world of jam-rock-tronica (and everything in between) music. It can be tough for bands to stick out nowadays, but both these bands offer something a little unique, that adds some flavor and keeps them fresh in your mind long after you see them.

We arrived at the bar, Ned Devine’s, right at about 10pm, as Moogatu was finishing up getting their sound just right. With a drink in hand and space on the dance floor, we were now ready to get the party started. Moogatu is a 5-piece band consisting of Brian Raubacher (guitar/vocals), Chris Lee (guitar), Steve Jacyna (drums), Brian Zupruk (bass), and Brian Dodds (keyboards). They came in firing on all cylinders with their first song, Mary, which starts off as an uptempo jam and keeps you dancing the whole time throuh, really highlighting Dodds’ skills on the blacks and whites.

The highlight of this band though (and I mean that in the BEST way possible) are the dueling guitars of Raubacher and Lee. These dudes just absolutely SHRED when they get it going, and you can really see them feeding off the energy of one another. The back-to-back combo of their songs Helium and Catalyst just left them right in the spotlight, either syncing it up with the same notes, or battling back and forth like two medevial knights with their battle axes. True talent at it’s best.

Moogatu finished up their set with a straight rock out jam, Anniversary Dinner, and in what felt like no time Jimkata was up and ready to go. Hailing from the mean streets of New York (actually more round the parts of Syracuse but either way, NY love) they’ve been on their tour grind for the past year straight. Featuring Evan Freidell (vocals/guitar), Aaron Gorsch (guitar/keyboard), Dave Rossi (bass), and Packy Lunn (drums) they set themselves apart with the strong vocals from Freidell and the ON POINT drumming skills from Mr. Packy Lunn. Oh ya, those other guys (Gorsch and Rossi) are pretty sick nasty at what they do too. They’re the definition of a good, cohesive band.

Before any kind of introduction even, they started in with a song off their newest album, Die Digital (available on their website), called Intro/Sweet Glory. Great song for them to start off with (song title does not lie) as they let you know who they are and what they’re here to do…fuck shit up. The set seemed to flow seamlessly as they incorporated a good mix of new and older songs.

Being as this was the first time I’ve ever been introduced to Jimkata’s music, I was pleasently surprised by their distinguishing style of more rock based jams then your typical jamband. Strong guitar riffs mixed with hard-pounding, yet perfectly timed drums. A mix like that can definitely take you places, places that many of us have only dreamed of.

For a Thursday night show, these bands definitely took the worries of the work week away from all the attendees, and were able to introduce themselves to a few new fans for sure. Be sure to check out these bands, as both are in the thick of their tour schedules, at festivals such as Cosmic Campout, Domefest, and Jimkata at the one and only….Camp Bisco.