... Have you ever come across a band that the mere thought of the band itself, not being more popular, boggles your mind? As you stand listening to the music; the people around you, (often times fewer in number than most shows you attend) dance uncontrolably. Smiles from ear to ear, the bar constantly serving beer to people looking over there shoulder in excitement of getting back to "action". From songs you've never heard prior, to great renditions of classic traditionals, song after song has you purely wanting more. For me The Henhouse Prowlers are that band. With tight instrumental exchanges and clean, often family like harmonies resinating through your eardrums, to your heart, to your feet. There is nothing else to do but dance, smile and be happy to be in the presence of good company.
I was first introduced to The Prowlers through a friend of mine who played for a band called The Flatbellys. After bringing up his understaning of our mutual love for bluegrass music; he told me there was a band that I had to check out. I did just that, and man I'm glad I did. It was the first time I saw a bunch of younger bluegrass pickers in a bar wearing full suits. I was blown away by not only the music, but the band's professionalism in addition to their kindness as individuals. Following the show, we spent some time drinking and talking about music... Little did I know that this experience was going to be the first of many I would have with this band.
I was pleasently surprised to see that The Henhouse Prowlers were playing Summer Camp Music Festival, a festival that I was attending in Illinois. Their set was fantastic, and once again had me looking around scratching my head. What would these festival going hippies take with them from this band? Would they tell their friends? Would they seek them out in the future? Lastly, what were they doing playing this tiny little stage in the woods...? The smiles were just as bright as I had seen the last time.
The next time our pathes crossed, they were playing agian at the same bar that I had seen them play prior, however this night would be different, and would lay out the foundation for our friendship. The Circus Bar was packed for this Bluegrass Night and The Prowlers didn't disapoint. Following the show, I stuck around to help with equiptment, with the selfish motivation of convinsing them to play an aftershow in my livingroom. It took little to no convincing what so ever, and the next thing I know; I'm sitting in a van with one of my favorite current bands, giving directions to my place.
We had a blast that night. Homebrews, impromtu jams, great conversation and for me; solid memories.
The more recent show of their in which I attended was at Bell's Brewery. Once again, I was satisfied. Thus sealing the deal for The Henhouse Prowlers being one of my favorite bands. I have and will continue to do everything possible to promote their music, and turn people on to the band that I have come to love.
I say this with complete honesty; they are one of the few bands that deserve a 5 out of 5, for every show that I have seen them play.
We feel the same way in Galesburg, Illinois. We love their music and their friendship. These guys even had Knox students crowd surfing to Bluegrass. That is an accomplishment. Kudos to the Prowlers, Can't wait to see you New Years Eve @ Budde's Pizza & Good Spirits in Galesburg, IL. This is a great article. thanks, Dianne Budde
Black Rock City, NV Words & Photos by Andrew Wyatt The first time I was born again, I was no more than a 12-year-old tadpole of a kid wriggling his way through chilly baptismal waters of my father’s tiny, rural Southern Baptist church. The first time I was born into the narrow confines of evangelical religion. The second time I was born again, I was a gangly young man born into the big, wide, roiling sea of the infinite universe. And it all happened on a pirate ship and a wacky dance club at Burning Man. In 2002, I was a self-doubting preacher unsure whether to continue a fledgling career calling, when a voluptuous mountain guide neighbor asked if I would join her on a week-long experience at Burning Man. “After the week is over, and you still want to preach. Then great. If not, then you’re welcome!” she piped up. Hesitantly I agreed. “Burning Man,” wrote journalist Daniel Pinchbeck in his book, Breaking Open the Head , “is more decadent than Andy Warhol’s Factory, more glamoro
Hill Auditorium University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI Words & Photos by J. Picard In the early 1970s the music world shifted with the coming of a transformative collaboration between John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain. The result was a relatively short-lived but incredibly impactful project that grew from the chance encounter. Shakti, from its inception, was destined to change not only the sound of Indian music and jazz, but the possibilities of musical collaboration as a whole. Nearly fifty years later, the impact of this project that began in 1974 and concluded in 1978, is immeasurable and spans generations of listeners. 2023 marked the return of Shakti, the release of a new album ( In This Moment ) and an extensive tour that wrapped around the globe from Europe to the United States. From the announcement of the American tour dates, it was decided that we would be making the long journey from Denver, CO to Ann Arbor, MI for a show at Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan
Bank of NH Pavilion Gilford, NH Words & Photos by Arlene Brown What happens when you have 9,000 people attending the biggest group therapy session of our lives? You get almost every single person at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in tears for an experience none of us will never forget. Disturbed’s “Take Back Your Life” tour swept through Gilford, NH with so much raw and honest emotion led by the breathtaking David Draiman, vowing to each and every person there that our lives matter and that our lives are important. Mental health affects everyone; either ourselves or someone we know who is living with depression, anxiety, and/or other debilitating issues. “We are not alone.” Disturbed’s night started with their normal “Hey You,” “Stupify,” and the pyro backed “Ten Thousand Fists” in which everyone was pumping their fists (not phones) in the air. Every single person was singing every single word to every single song. The whole night. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve seen a crowd
Deschutes County Fairgrounds Redmond, OR Words by Ryleigh Hutson & Alexander Fornes We are counting down the days to the first-ever, Cascade Equinox Festival taking place September 22-24th. As we close out the summer months and welcome in the fall, we come to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, OR & explore a diverse and eclectic blend of music including Jam, Electronic, Funk, Bluegrass, and Soul acts. With so many artists and genres to explore, it may be overwhelming to plan which are a must-see, and which sets you’ll spontaneously stumble upon. This could be one of the greatest line-ups Central Oregon has yet to see. The following are 5 artists not to miss at Cascade Equinox! 1. Pretty Lights Electronic music pioneer Derek Smith (Pretty Lights) is following a five year hiatus and Cascade Equinox is boasting its headliner as his only Pacific Northwest performance on his Soundship Spacesystem Tour . Pretty Lights took the hiatus at the top of his game after his 10th ye
We feel the same way in Galesburg, Illinois. We love their music and their friendship. These guys even had Knox students crowd surfing to Bluegrass. That is an accomplishment. Kudos to the Prowlers, Can't wait to see you New Years Eve @ Budde's Pizza & Good Spirits in Galesburg, IL. This is a great article. thanks, Dianne Budde
ReplyDeleteWe love their music too. Heard them just a few weeks ago. Super nice guys!
ReplyDeleteI'm working out getting out there on NYE. Additionally; I'm looking to catch them at the Redline. Top notch.
ReplyDeleteGreat read! always like to hear about young guns carrying on the tradition of blazing pickin' thanks for the intro
ReplyDeletewill definitely check these fellas out if the oppurtunity ever arises
-shmoof