New music pick: Bahamas is Afie by Bahamas.
When it drops: August 19, 2014.
Look, it’s not what you think. It’s not Caribbean music, or reggae or anything. It’s a dude from Toronto, who has been a touring pro guitar player for years, but has recently been doing his own thing, releasing singer-songwriter-y albums under the name Bahamas.
His name is Afie Jurvanen, and from the sneak-peak couple tracks I’ve heard, the new album sounds kind of like a cross between Bon Iver and Jack Johnson. But here’s the thing – this guy is a better singer and guitarist than both of them. And though the clarity and simplicity of his previous two albums are one of their strong points, the new material sounds decidedly more complex in terms of instrumentation and layering.
He’ll be at the RecordBar in KC on October 4th. Check it…
Friday, August 8th
Your Friend, Westerners at the Granada in Lawrence
You’ve probably heard of – but never actually heard – Your Friend, the alter ego of Lawrence’s Taryn Miller. Maybe you’ve even run into Taryn at Love Garden, working a shift behind the register. She was super buzzy a couple months ago when prestigious Domino Records added her to their lineup that includes bands like Dirty Projectors, Arctic Monkeys, and Real Estate. After a successful swing up and down the west coast, this is a sort of homecoming show, and at only $5 you almost can’t afford not to come out and take a listen to the indie-atmospheric-experimental tunes backed by Taryn’s ghost-floating vocals.
Saturday, August 9th
GaDuGi SafeCenter Silent Auction at Spring Hill Suites Ballroom in Lawrence, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Don’t you think it’s about time you did something out of the kindness of your heart for once? Try it, you might like it. Actually, I guarantee you’ll like it. I always go to this event just because it’s a pretty cool gathering of Lawrence’s movers and shakers. There’s always some killer barbecue from a local outfit, drinks, bands. And oh yeah, you can actually score some great deals on sweet items in the auction.
GaDuGi is Lawrence’s sole provider for community members to receive referrals, assistance, supportive listening, and counseling in the aftermath of sexual assault or any form of sexual violence. Good deal, right? And like I said, there are tons of items to bid on, from local restaurant gift certificates, golf packages, high end items like handbags, clothes, spa treatments, KU tickets, you name it.
I’m expecting this year’s event to be pretty packed, so get in early to scout out your items, throw down a few bids, and eat a rib or two. For charity.
I saw Bahamas last time they (he) was through. Fucking awesome show. One of my favorites of the year. Definitely looking forward to the new album and them coming back.
Saw Your Friend on their (her) first show of the last tour. I gotta say it was a little rough around the edges, but I liked the material. After touring they are probably a lot tighter.
The GaDuGi event is always cool. You can get some serious deals at the silent auction, and it is shit you would actually want like discounted golf green fees, tickets to cool shows, vacation packages, etc.