OK, I know this sounds maybe a little strange...I didn't believe it at first either, but I'm telling you: If you like music shows, you need to stop right now and check to see if there is an Aloft Hotel in your area because I have seen a couple of great, free shows there in the last few months.
Currently, Aloft is having the 2012 Fall Live at Aloft Hotels tour. Basically, the hotel "chain" hires on some bands to tour exclusively to their hotels and put on a mini, acoustic show. The local Aloft in Leawood, KS has their shows in their open bar area called W XYZ lounge. It's a hip, contemporary place with giant couches that no one truly can sit on all that comfortably and a beautiful patio overlooking the sights and smells of Town Center Plaza. If you wonder what I mean by sights AND SMELLS, just go there...you will understand. The hotel is surrounded by some great restaurants, from which pour the aroma of wonderful cuisine.
These music shows are very casual. There's no stage. The bands just mingle around with you before, during, and after. When was the last time you sat 5 feet from a band while they played and it was free?
Now, don't get me wrong...the bands are not Hall of Famers (yet), but don't dismiss the bands they choose. The bands I've seen so far are up & comers that are getting some airplay, getting their songs into primetime TV, etc.
The first show I went to earlier this summer was Green River Ordinance. They are a band I had downloaded from somewhere and actually was liking their music although I hadn't really done it consciously. When I heard they were having a show and checked my iTunes, I realized, I had been listening to their songs frequently and apparently enjoying them by the star ratings I was giving the music. None of my friends wanted to go to the show with me because it feels a little far south for most of my pack, so I went alone. THEY MISSED OUT. It was awesome. The small audience was well-behaved, but obviously contained many fans of the band.
Recently, Aloft Hotel in Leawood (I follow the local Aloft on Facebook to catch when shows are coming) announced another show: Martin Harley, Meiko, and The Dunwells.
I hadn't heard of Martin Harley, but on paper he sounded like someone I'd like. I have a couple of Meiko's songs from somewhere along my journey that I enjoy. I'd heard of The Dunwells, but to my knowledge hadn't heard their music. I decided to go. Again, none of my friends wanted to tag along.
I got there during their soundcheck due to a discrepancy on Facebook regarding the start time. There wasn't an audience forming like their had been for Green River Ordinance, but the soundcheck sounded like my type of music. I lingered around for an hour waiting for more audience -- even one of the local radio stations was there -- but it turned out only to be a very small audience. At one time, there were only about 4 or 5 of us hanging out on the long couches in front and I looked over and Meiko was lounging right next to me before her set.
Anyway, check it out. You won't be disappointed and even if you are, well, it's free.
While you are at it, check out the bands/performers: Green River Ordinance, Martin Harley, Meiko, and The Dunwells.
No comments:
Post a Comment