Monday, January 21, 2013

Tribute Band vs Cover Band

Every time we book a tribute band, some people roll their eyes. "A cover band? They're not the real deal. No OG...blah blah blah." They are indignant, almost. 

But there's a big difference between a cover band and a tribute band. The tribute band dials in the little details to reenact legendary performances. The look, the stage moves, the banter between songs...It's all part of the show. Anyone can play a song written by someone else or performed by another artist. They can take it and make it their own style. Put their band's spin on it. But a tribute band pays homage to their favorite performers by perfecting their character. If it can pass the test of the most scrutinizing fans, they are legit.

There are some tribute bands that are so committed to their role, it's as close to the real thing as humanly possible. Thus was the case of Queen Nation, Saturday night.

The performance was pretty epic. Choreographed routines, high energy set. Hit, after hit, after glorious hit. The singer strutted around like he was Freddie Mercury reincarnated. He also played keys and hit those high notes like a pro. I was talking to to a die-hard Queen fan after the show, and he said he was super impressed...in fact, he was damn near tears. I couldn't blame him. The entire club lit up during Bohemian Rhapsody. The encore of "We will Rocke You" was well planned. Not only was every fan clapping, but the entire Saint Rocke staff were all in unison and completely lost in the moment. It was something magical.

So the next time you see a tribute band on our marquee, know this: we only bring the cream of the crop. The best around. The bands that will impress you, and probably make you cry.

Check out these amazing tributes in the near future. Grab tix now. You don't want to miss.

Elite Elvis Tribute Sunday Jan 27
Forty Oz to Freedom Thurs Jan 31
Fan Halen Fri Feb 8
Cash'd Out Feb 22
DSB (Don't Stop Believin) March 22
Which Ones Pink March 23
Who's Bad March 29
Vitalogy April 27

See you at the show.

KT

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Reflection

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”

Thank you, Mr. Bueller, you hit the nail on the head. 

As another year turns over and change is in the air, it made me realize just how fast time does fly. It seems like only yesterday, I was selling tickets to Chris Robinson Brotherhood NYE, and getting excited for the upcoming lineup here at The Rocke. 

Then I blinked, and 2012 was over. We were toasting TBS and awkwardly kissing total strangers. I was another year older, ten years wiser, and still extremely good-looking. 

I decided to reflect a bit on the most memorable shows of the year. And why my job totally fucking rules. 

So without further delay, I present to you: 

KT's Top Ten Shows of 2012

10. Steve Kimock 7/25/12
9. J Boog  11/23/12
8. Katchafire 6/20/12
7. Donovon Frankenreiter 6/13/12
6. Ozomotli  9/1/12
5. ROME 11/3/12
4. Particle 10/5/12
3. Chadwick Stokes 2/28/12
2. Reverend Horton Heat 8/15/12
1. Fishbone 8/24/12

Honorable mention

1. Howlin Rain
2. Greensky Bluegrass
3. The White Buffalo
4. Infamous Stringdusters
5. Aggrolites

Most interesting artist:

1. Metalachi   
2. Clownvis Presley   
3. Mickey Avalon   

One of the reasons I love what I do, is because I love live music to the very core. It's my heart and soul. Seeing artists I've been a fan of for years and years, perform in this intimate club, right in front of my face...well, there's just nothing better. At every single one of these shows, I was completely enamored by the performance. I was still talking about the show weeks later, and left thinking to myself, "I am the luckiest kid in the world." 

The other reason I love what I do, is because of YOU. The music fans. When I get phone calls about an upcoming show, and you ramble on about how "you follow the artist from city to city", or "have been a fan since you were ten"...That stuff makes my day. It never gets old. I love seeing the faces of people when they're front row, getting their socks rocked off. It's the absolute best.

Music fans are the life blood of this company, and the sole reason I get to do this everyday.

So, I just want to take this time to give one GIANT shout out to every single person who went to a show at Saint Rocke in 2012: 

I love you guys so much. I mean it, from the bottom of my heart. THANK YOU

Cheers to a kick ass 2013!!

We'll see you at the next show.

KT

XOXOXO