Toys for Tots Comedy Night

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Free Admission with Toy Donation or$5 at the door.

Ben Miller Band

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Ben Miller – vocals/guitar/banjo
Scott Leeper – one-string washtub bass
Doug Dicharry – drums/trombone/trumpet/mandolin/electric washboard/spoons

"I like the idea of saying something very complicated in a very simple way," says Ben Miller, discussing the trio that bears his name. "That's what we strive for musically, and what I strive for lyrically—to get directly to the point and save the flowery b.s. for the romantic poets. John Sargent, the painter, said 'That which is not necessary is detrimental,' and we try to live by that."

Since its formation in 2004, the Ben Miller Band has staked out a singular niche that's established the Joplin, Missouri threesome as both a potent creative force and a perennial fan favorite. Any Way, Shape or Form, the BMB's New West debut release, showcases the seasoned threesome's fierce creative spirit and infectious performing chemistry, as well as Miller's melodically catchy, lyrically resonant songwriting.

On Any Way, Shape or Form, the Ben Miller Band channels a century's worth of wide-ranging influences into 13 new songs that radiate with energy, smarts and soul. The result is music that's wholly contemporary, while ringing with ages-old echoes of bluegrass, delta blues, Appalachian mountain music and more. A stew they lovingly call “ozark stomp.”

Miller writes roots-rocking barnburners ("The Outsider," "Burning Building"), thoughtful ballads ("I Feel for You," "Prettiest Girl") and left-field departures ("23 Skidoo") with melodic skill and lyrical insight, and the band elucidates them with urgency and eloquence. While those tunes show off Miller's songwriting craftsmanship, a memorable workout on the traditional "The Cuckoo" underlines the band's interpretive abilities.

The hard working threesome has already won a substantial—and still-growing—grassroots fan base through old-fashioned ingenuity and an unstinting work ethic. Their D.I.Y. success helped to win the band its current deal with New West, and led to some high profile touring with ZZ Top, thanks to the enthusiastic patronage of avowed fan Billy Gibbons. Opening for ZZ Top on a 2013 tour of Europe, the humble BMB wowed unfamiliar crowds on stages in large halls and arenas, including a triumphant set at the fabled Montreaux Jazz Festival.

The Ben Miller Band's homespun, self-reliant approach extends to the lo-tech, and largely self-built, instruments that the members play on stage and in the studio, e.g. singer-songwriter Miller's thrift-shop guitars and banjos, bassist Scott Leeper's one-string washtub bass – comprised of a weedeater string attached to a wooden pole – and Doug Dicharry's varied arsenal: trombone, trumpet, mandolin, electric washboard and electric spoons.

The band's use of offbeat instrumentation, however, shouldn't be misunderstood as a gimmick. Instead, the three bandmates have mastered the technical challenges of their unconventional axes to produce a uniquely evocative ensemble sound that offers a compelling frame for Miller's compositions.

"What I really care about is songs, and the rest of it is just a vehicle to get you to that destination," Miller asserts, adding, "Just because we use junk to make music doesn't mean we aren't serious about it."

"Our sound," Dicharry notes, "is something that we never thought much about. It's just something that kept growing without us really trying, and at some point we realized it sounded pretty cool."

"The instruments that we use ," Miller explains, "were originally born out of necessity, because we didn't have any money. People would give us their old gear that didn't work anymore, and we'd wire things together and try things out in different permutations and see where it led us. Through a lot of trial and error, we arrived at the set up that we've got now. Blazing your own trail through the jungle can take a lot of extra time and effort, but it gives you a chance to end up in a place that nobody's been to before."

That sense of musical adventure has long driven Miller and this bandmates from the start. Growing up in rural Curlew, Washington, Miller began playing guitar at 16, turning his back on a promising career as a visual artist to pursue his passion for music. He gained experience busking and performing in open mic nights while roadtripping around America, and during an extended stint in Eastern Europe.

Miller eventually found kindred spirits in bassist Scott Leeper, who'd been playing since the age of seven and had performed with his family's band, in a duo with his brother, as a one-man country act and in a variety of blues combos; and Doug Dicharry, a musical omnivore and multi-instrumentalist, who can play nearly any instrument and has played in a wide array of projects from noise bands to ska and rock.

The three like-minded players joined forces, and soon their diligent touring regimen allowed them to conquer an ever-widening geographical base and win a loyal live audience. In 2012, the Ben Miller Band took its first tentative steps in the recording studio, resulting in the embryonic self-released CD Heavy Load, which attracted a good deal of fan praise and critical acclaim despite its humble origins.

The same maverick spirit that motivated the BMB's early musical adventures came into play in the recording Any Way, Shape or Form, which they cut with seasoned producer Vance Powell, who's renowned for his studio work with the likes of Jack White, Buddy Guy, Wanda Jackson, Willie Nelson and Kings of Leon.

"Our original plan," Leeper notes, "was to scale it down a bit, and have it be even less produced than the first one. It came out sounding like us, which is all we really want."

"It was the first time we'd really had a producer/engineer," Dicharry notes, adding "It felt like we could finally breathe, because Vance was on top of things and got some really cool textures. We had a lot of confidence in him, so we were comfortable just going in and laying it down."

"We wanted to keep it as live as possible," Miller asserts, "so we recorded it live and did lots of takes, on average around thirty takes before we felt we really nailed it down. That was important to us because we’ve been a live band for our whole career and we wanted that to come across in the recordings, that feeling of guys playing in a space together. We worked long days in the studio for about a month, just playing the songs over and over and working to push our performances and maintain the energy of what we do.”

With Any Way, Shape or Form encapsulating the Ben Miller Band's salient qualities, the three intrepid bandmates are eager to hit the road and bring their new songs to live crowds around the nation and around the world.

"Our plan," Leeper says, "is to just get out there and play for as many people as we can. That's pretty much been our plan all along, and it's worked for us so far."

"The title Any Way, Shape or Form is sort of our way of saying that by any means necessary we will make the music that makes sense to us,” Miller explains. “That’s always been our attitude, and that’s how we’ve gotten to where we are and how we will get to where we are going.”

OUR LINKS

• Ben Miller Band Homepage
• On Facebook
• On Twitter

Whiskey for the Lady

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A fixture in the Kansas City "newgrass" scene for five years, Whiskey for the Lady is a high-energy melting pot of eclectic musical styles and wildly opposite personalities. That may be the formula that makes their music so well loved by young punk rockers and old time bluegrass-lovers alike. From festival set to porch session, the band's unique roots sound delivers an unforgettable live experience.

OUR LINKS

• Whiskey for the Lady Homepage
• On Facebook

Foxy by Proxy Audition Showcase

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Foxy By Proxy is a Lawrence-based cabaret/comedy troupe. Their focus is performing at local venues with bands or other performers through an acting, singing, and dancing variety show. The troupe showcases lovely ladies, hysterical emcees, and satirical skits.

nothing,nowhere.

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Wicca Phase Springs Eternal

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Hyborian

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An age of violence and magic, a world of uncertainty, a soundtrack to a time forgotten by man.

OUR LINKS

• On Facebook

Orphans of Doom

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They Watch us from the Moon

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Godzillionaire

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Heavy space rock from Lawrence, KS.

OUR LINKS

• On Facebook
• On Twitter

Amaneza

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#assjamz NYE Party

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Amoramora

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Featuring an upbeat blend of Funk, Bluegrass, African Highlife and Jazz Fusion, these Rocky Mountain Boys harken back to the early days of the jam-rock scene that just oozed positivity which nurtured bands like Blind Melon, String Cheese Incident, and Strangefolk . Fueled by high-energy improvisation, the undeniable joy this quartet shares onstage and offstage is reflected by their devout and growing fanbase, the Amheads. Based out of Boulder, CO, the band has a commitment to consistently changing setlists, expanding their already extensive catalog of original material, and stirring the musical gumbo. Along with the deep instrumental blend of guitar, keyboard, trumpet, EWI, bass & drums, all four members are also vocalists.

Amoramora played over 100 shows in 60 different cities around the U.S. in 2017 and kept on going, toured to both coasts twice and played two sold-out hometown shows at the Fox Theatre and Boulder Theater. Their song ‘Bloom’ was featured on Sirius XM's Jam On channel, and their song ‘Coming Back’ was featured in Relix Magazine’s August 2017 Issue.

Wayne The Train Hancock

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BIO:
"Wayne Hancock has more Hank Sr. in him than either I or Hank Williams Jr. He is the real deal." - Hank III
"Hancock, who tosses out a roots mix of old country, roadhouse blues, western dance swing, boogie bop, and straight-up rockabilly, takes what was once old and makes it seem like it's always been and always will be."---allmusic.com
“The country music scene could do with a lot more characters like Wayne, who push the music’s limits while staying truer to its roots than any well-known names associated with the genre today.” – Slug Magazine
Since his stunning debut, Thunderstorms and Neon Signs in 1995, Wayne “The Train” Hancock has been the undisputed king of Juke Joint Swing--that alchemist’s dream of honky-tonk, western swing, blues, Texas rockabilly and big band. Always an anomaly among his country music peers, Wayne’s uncompromising interpretation of the music he loves is in fact what defines him: steeped in traditional but never "retro;" bare bones but bone shaking; hardcore but with a swing. Like the comfortable crackle of a Wurlitzer 45 jukebox, Wayne is the embodiment of genuine, house rocking, hillbilly boogie.

Wayne makes music fit for any road house anywhere. With his unmistakable voice, The Train’s reckless honky-tonk can move the dead. If you see him live (and he is ALWAYS touring), you’ll surely work up some sweat stains on that snazzy Rayon shirt you’re wearing. If you buy his records, you’ll be rolling up your carpets, spreading sawdust on the hardwood, and dancing until the downstairs neighbors are banging their brooms on the ceiling. Call him a throwback if you want, Wayne just wants to ENTERTAIN you, and what's wrong with that?

Wayne's disdain for the slick swill that passes for real deal country is well known. Like he's fond of saying: "Man, I'm like a stab wound in the fabric of country music in Nashville. See that bloodstain slowly spreading? That's me."

Little known fact: Wayne is the only Bloodshot artist to have had their CD taken aboard a space shuttle flight.

"A rare breed of traditionalist, one who imbues his retro obsessions with such high energy and passions that his songs never feel like the museum pieces he's trying desperately to preserve." —

Douglas County Quintet

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Thunderkat

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Based in Lawrence, Kansas, ThunderKat stands as the city’s premier 80s hard rock cover band. Voted by Best of Lawrence from 2013-2016 as a top local act, the band delivers a diverse collection of hits from Motley Crue, Poison, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Journey, AC/DC, Night Ranger, Billy Idol, Van Halen, Joan Jett, Prince and more. You won’t want to miss the ear-splitting spectacle of ThunderKat!

OUR LINKS

• Thunderkat Homepage

Reed Stewart

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Alchemic

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Gentle Echo

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Eleven After

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Eleven After is a Rock/Metal band from the Topeka, KS area. Known for their off-set blend of hard hitting metal riffs, soothing melodic vocals and impressive solos. The bands sound has often been compaired to (Alter Bridge, Crossfade, Killswitch Engage) But you can never really pinpoint an exact match of sound to any other band on the planet. Eleven After's debut album titled "Awake and Dreaming" is set to release in summer of 2012 and is already creating quite a buzz. Keep an eye on this band for future tour dates, sneak peeks of the album and much, much more!

OUR LINKS

• Eleven After Homepage
• On Facebook

Guys On a Bus

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Meet Guys On a Bus. These guys are the Alt Rock band to hear from the Midwest (Joplin, MO). Their songs have been placed on over 100 indie and college radio stations in the past two years. Following their college radio hits, they landed three showcases at RedGorilla Fest at SXSW (Austin, TX) in March of 2017.
The band was started by Davis Drake (bass), Evan Todd (drums) and Nathan Hurley (lead vocal and guitar) in 2014. The Guys completed the lineup eventually adding Nate’s younger brother to the group, Caleb Hurley.
Since September of 2015, the guys have hit the music scene in a big way. From touring the United States almost non-stop, to landing adds on 120 different college radio stations in 2016, the Guys refuse to slow down. They have played to sold out crowds opening for Fatai, The Band CAMINO, The Wldlfe and Consumed By Fire. The guys continue with their ambitious tour plans aiming for 100+ shows a year.
Guys On a Bus brings a party experience to the indie scene every time. Packaging tight four-part harmonies, reminiscent of the Beach Boys, with their simple pop/rock choruses, in the neighborhood of COIN, Guys On a Bus tap into a wide variety with their original music. Their primary fanbase is the college and high-school crowd, but they have developed fans and listeners spanning over four generations. They have drawn a diverse audience with the passion and drive displayed in their live show. The group’s unique blend of upbeat melodies and lyricism will turn casual listeners to fans by the end of any festival showcase or full set. By the end of the night audience members will find Guys On a Bus’ songs stuck in their heads. Keep up with the guys and be sure to come out for their next show

Faintheart

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Maria the Mexican

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Kat King Band

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Amigo the Devil

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Harley Poe

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Dr. Zhivegas Plays Prince

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4th Ave

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Rayla

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Aja9

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An Evening with Play Dead

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Gekko

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Formed in January of 2013 in KCMO, Gekko is a tight group with an unusually strong chemistry. With musical influences ranging from funk and soul to heavy metal and every thing in between, Gekko is a melting pot of different sounds. Dedicated to their craft, they strive for an intense live show.

Gekko's first studio album: "A Gecko Named Terrance" (2014), marks humble beginnings for the band and a search for their sound (and name). Funky bridges with intricate melodies, followed by sweeping chorus' makes for an incredible music experience. The transition of sounds between funk, to rock, to jazz, to postmodern, tied together by a fat bass, a soothing guitar, and a high rainfall of pitter-patter drums, give this album a thick airiness. Provoked by confidence edged with self-doubt, and fueled by angst, Gekkos's first " ...record has the ultimate way of convincing you to just relax.".

With a unique music style that is a mashup of many different genres. Their live performances are a combination of structured composition and free formed improvisation. Proficient with their instruments, Gekko introduces new concepts and melodies in their improvs with ease. Drifting in and out of thought-out melodic tunes and face-melting psycidellic improvisation, this band will keep you on your toes. Gekko is constantly bringing new songs into their ever growing grab bag of music, each performance is guaranteed to be one of a kind. Preforming on stages and for events such as the Wakarusa Music Festival, Paola Roots Festival, the Granada Theater, and many more, they are an experienced breed of musicians. Bringing the crowd into their world, there concerts are an experience that is not easily forgotten.

OUR LINKS

• Gekko Homepage
• On Facebook
• On SoundCloud
• On Twitter

Headtronics

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Spawned at the Universal Church of Love and Music Funk Festival, brand-spankin'-new funk trio, Headtronics, gave funk fans a taste of their collaborative efforts this past April. Named by legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins, Headtronics consists of three of today's best touring funk musicians, including Freekbass (7 time Cincinnati music award winner), turntablist extraordinaire DJ Logic, and keyboardist Steve Molitz (Particle, Phil Lesh and Friends).

After a mind-blowing on-stage jam session, the chemistry between these three musicians was undeniable. A band would be born. "It turned out to be one of those magical musical moments, so we decided to play some full shows together," said Freekbass. Funk and electronica fans everywhere should keep an eye and an ear out for Headtronics, one of the most exciting new projects to hit the scene in years.

Lucy Dacus

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Illuminati Hotties

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The Floozies

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Just outside the jazz mecca of Kansas City springs liberal oasis Lawrence, Kansas—separated only by the waves of wheat from the epicenter of the electronic music revolution in Colorado. From Lawrence, it would logically follow that an act could rise to prominence fueled by the swing of Basie, the birth of Charlie Parker’s bebop, and the wild frontier of electronica. Born in funk and bred in the digital age, live electronic duo The Floozies have burst onto the scene at a time when the industry needed them the most.

Brothers Matt and Mark Hill share the stage just as easily as they share a musical brain. Without a setlist, and without a word between them, Matt’s guitar is in lockstep with the thud of Mark’s kick. Endless looping and production builds the raw scenery upon which palm muted chugs, searing solos, and wobbling bass paint their dazzling array of colors.

Well versed in everything from Chris Cornell to Kavinsky, the sonic vision shared by the brothers eschews contemporary electronic influences in favor of broader, deeper tastes including Zapp & Roger, Lettuce, and Amon Tobin. That wide-angle view of a century of popular music allows the Hills to remix Toto and The Dead—in the music you can hear reverence for the giants of the past, all the while producing wildly futuristic tunes for the masses to dig now.

When the pendulum swung as far as it could away from live instrumentation to laptops, The Floozies rose up to the challenge, swinging as hard as they could in the other direction with neck-snapping, knee-breaking funk so dirty that the gatekeepers stood up, wiped themselves off, and took notice. A bold live show full of sonic exploration and unbreakably deep pocket grooves has landed the brothers on stage with luminaries of the jam world Umphrey’s McGee as readily as electronic elites GRiZ and Big Gigantic. A nationwide tour with Archnemesis and Wick-it The Instigator cemented the duo’s ascent while major festival appearances at Wakarusa, Summer Camp, Kanrocksas, and Sonic Bloom dot the horizon.

The Floozies are bringing the funk back, and they’re right on time.

OUR LINKS

• The Floozies Homepage
• On Facebook
• On Youtube
• On Spotify (Will launch Spotify Application)
• On SoundCloud
• On Twitter
• On MySpace

Too Many Zooz

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Nyc born brasshouse trio

Dreamers Delight

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Biography
2018 is promising to be a huge year ahead for Denver-based producer Dreamers Delight. As the electronic brainchild of Reed Krafft, Dreamers Delight has escalated at an incredible rate across the US, and has garnered an impressive international following and significant outreach from fans. Combining the cultural influence gained from world travel and his knack for soulful, intelligently produced melodies, Krafft is leading a charged campaign that is quickly gaining momentum and turning heads throughout the electronic music world.

Eminence Ensemble

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Nick Schnebelen Band

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Dust Devil Choir

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Spafford

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Spafford is a four piece funk rock act hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. The band is comprised of Brian Moss (Guitar), Jordan Fairless (Bass), Andrew “Red” Johnson (Keys), and Cameron Laforest (Drums). Refusing to be restricted to any musical boundaries, Spafford seamlessly blends together an eclectic mixture of all of their collective musical experience. The heart of their sound is rooted in deep sonic exploration with a focus on improvisational elements. With jams stretching well beyond the typical structures of their songs, fans have flocked to their live shows to experience the unique energy captured within each performance. A focus on blending genres with a deep foundation of patient groove building has helped craft a sound all their own. Formed in 2012 by happenstance, the band has been building an organic fanbase in the Southwestern United States through word of mouth ever since. As the secret has gotten out Spafford has moved onto national touring, sharing the stage on a coast to coast tour with jam heavyweights Umphrey’s Mcgee in 2017. Reaching the next level in their ascent in an ever changing jam band landscape, Spafford has risen to the top of the next wave of acts by providing quality improvisation and a truly unique musical experience. Spafford has hit the road full time and is bringing their high energy performances nationwide.

OUR LINKS

• Spafford Homepage
• On Facebook

Shaw Davis & the Black Ties

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Dilly Dally

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Copeland

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From Indian Lakes

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Many Rooms

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BIG SMO

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OUR LINKS

• BIG SMO Homepage
• On Facebook
• On Twitter