TheFourFour

The Show Report, 1/1: It’s a nice day to…. start agaaaaaaaiiiiin….

Posted on01. Jan, 2010 by thederosh.

It might even be a nice day for a white wedding. We’re not experts in such things; you might check with Billy Idol about that. Regardless, the first day of 2010 brings with it one band’s revival, a fresh start of sorts. Fearless Before Persecution is back tonight at The Outland Ballroom for its first show in a year and a half, matched up with When Words Become Flesh, The Murlesque and The Allen Array. The show also marks the return of Vance Productions, which stopped booking shows in the fall. Here’s to new opportunities in the new year. Tickets for tonight’s show are $10 at the door, and the doors open at 8 p.m.

Elsewhere in The Springfield Music Scene:

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The Show Report, 12/19: Thanks be to Jah

Posted on19. Dec, 2009 by thederosh.

Who would have believed last spring that we would ever see Jah Roots play onstage again? Granted, it’s not the band’s lineup as we once knew it (singer Josh Heinrichs has moved on), but the fact that this concert is happening at all is a triumph in itself. To fill in for the departed Heinrichs, Aaron “I-Ron” Berger will take on more onstage duties than his usual dancehall raps and guest performers (rapper SincerelyYours among them) will help carry the load as well. This could be a fascinating rebirth for one of the city’s most popular acts.
Naturally, there’s a lot more to do, and show-hopping is encouraged. Pencil these into your itinerary:

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The Show Report, 12/17: A night for thrash ‘n’ ’stache

Posted on17. Dec, 2009 by thederosh.

One can already feel the week starting to wind down, which, of course, means a corresponding spike upward in the number of shows taking place throughout the city. Aren’t reverse correlations wonderful things? The show card is full of regular weekly shows back to make you dance, rock or both, but a couple switch things up a bit. One is the return of prog-metal group Super String Theory, a band that plays infrequently enough to justify calling each of its shows “the return of Super String Theory.” The latest return is tonight at The Outland Ballroom, paired with openers Hessian Crucible, Gnash Rambler and Offset. If you have never seen SST before, you’ve missed some of the fastest, craziest guitar work in local music, not to mention the best mustache, all courtesy of Aaron Roten.

Wanting more? Come get it after the break.

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The Show Report, 12/10: Goodbye, Hello

Posted on10. Dec, 2009 by thederosh.

One era ends for a popular local act tonight, with a new era beginning soon. First the goodbye: The Shotgun Brothers are playing their last show with their original bassist, Dustin “Duk” Rehagen (pictured far right), tonight at Patton Alley Pub. The band promises the hello–the debut of its new bassist–at its next show, also at Patton, on January 15, but in the meantime the rootsy bluegrass/rock/jam group is giving Duk a proper sendoff in front of fans and friends with opening act Andy Frasco.

But that’s only the start of Dead Day Eve. Oh, yes, it is. Click for an anniversary, some racy performances, some local faves back onstage and more.

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The Show Report, 12/3: Showcase time!

Posted on03. Dec, 2009 by thederosh.

Tonight is an important night for a few reasons, but we’ll start with one close to our hearts. We’re holding the first of what will now be monthly showcase shows at Lindberg’s, and the first one is classic FourFour fare. We start with The Dark Alleys, the darkly retro (dare we say rock noir?) band back from hiatus since summer and tearing it up on stage. After that, brand-new pop-rock-meets-post-grunge (how’s that for an adjective?) group Golden Giant, sporting The FourFour’s own Scott P. on drums, plays a short introductory set. Next up will be garage-pop group Sunrise Cassette, belting out hooks than the now-upcoming Mayweather/Pacquiao superfight. Lastly, because we can’t send you off to bed or afterbars without a little zany tongue-in-cheek metal, we close the night with the recently reclusive but presently trim, tight and still-crazy Knife*Death, complete with new material, we hear. Does it all make sense together? Of course not… and that might be the most exciting thing about it. Watch for lots more goodies at future showcases, too. Let’s just say we have some stuff percolating that we think you’re going to like.

Man, who is ready to party? Here are your other options going down tonight:

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The Show Report, 12/2: They’re baaaaaack

Posted on02. Dec, 2009 by thederosh.

It’s not easy having something–anything–on a weekly basis and then reducing it to once a month. Seriously, name something you would prefer monthly rather than weekly. If something is worth having on a regular basis, it can only be wanted more regularly. Come on. I dare you.
How about bills, DeRosh? Would you rather have those [...]

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The Show Report, 11/25: Don’t print the name. Write it in…

Posted on25. Nov, 2009 by thederosh.

It’s Wild Turkey Wednesday, the night before Thanksgiving and an excuse for many people back in town for the holiday to get loud and boisterous before settling in for quality family time tomorrow. Hmmm, what band could one pair with such a raucous evening… loud, boisterous, generally manic… how about Omaha indie-rock group Cursive? Wish granted, and fellow Nebraska-based bands Capgun Coup and Tie These Hands join the fray at The Outland Ballroom, as well. Enjoy your turkey in liquid form, without stuffing, and check out what is likely to be one of the year’s best indie-rock shows. Tickets are $15 at the door, which opens at 7 p.m.

There’s more:

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The Show Report, 11/13: Yes, it’s THAT day

Posted on13. Nov, 2009 by thederosh.

Let’s not beat around the bush here: It’s Friday the 13th. Black clouds wait to gather, black cats bide their time for the chance to cross your path and somewhere there’s a ladder that will only open just in time for you to walk underneath it. Oh, and then there’s the Jason Voorhees thing. But don’t be afraid, showgoer. There is far to much incredible music available tonight for you to stay in hiding. A CD release show, the return of Han Trio, The Eric Weiler Band comes home… we’re just getting started. Quit cowering and read on already:

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The Show Report, 10/30: Local Music’s Frightfest, Part 2

Posted on30. Oct, 2009 by thederosh.

One day until Halloween and the music scene is starting to bring out the big guns. Outstanding touring acts, theme parties, bands playing in unusual places; can it get any better? If so, tomorrow night might be epic (hint: That’s an affirmative). Plan on attending both, however, as missing tonight will be a highly regrettable offense. Here’s why:

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The Show Report, 10/22: An unusual benefit

Posted on22. Oct, 2009 by thederosh.

There’s no denying that Springfield is a very charity-friendly city. The list of locally based nonprofit organizations needs a scroll to fit them all and there’s a fresh see-and-be-seen fundraiser something-or-other, both local and not, surfacing almost every week. Tonight brings an event for a cause we have not seen in Springfield before:

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The Show Report, 10/13: Let the wellspring flow

Posted on13. Oct, 2009 by thederosh.

It’s a good night for creativity’s many forms, Springfield, and you’ll find tonight’s shows are appropriately all over the map. At The Outland Ballroom you’ll find a feisty hard-rock show, singer-songwriter showcasing at Lindberg’s, less structured showcasing at The Outland and Dennis’ Place and more. Click through for the details.

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