The Swamp Gospel, Left Foot Green, Tara Grace and the Magnetics

Of course, I'm not going to review my own gig, but I do want to say that the Swamp Gospel always enjoys playing the Bunkhouse. Promoter Patrick is fair and also tries to create interesting line-ups with bands that might not know each other but have something in common. The club has a real PA and a real soundman, a position currently held by Noel Calizo, who can also record the band. Support this venue!

This evening we played with a touring band from Boulder, Co. called Left Foot Green with an unusual set-up - bass, guitar, vocals and violin! Both guitar & violin used octave pedals to fill in the bass. And while we were expecting a bit of a roots-rock combo, we were surprised by their heavy modern punk/rock sound. The musicians were all damn good, as was vocalist Russ Kettle, and, apparently from their non-stop touring, they already had some rabid fans here in Vegas. Kudos for an innovative group of nice people who we could easily see making a name for themselves.

Tara Grace and the Magnetics are a local combo - led by (super friendly) actual Vegas natives! - with another different and engaging addition of a cello to the basic rock band formation. Tara is a singer/songwriter with a whiskey voice and a roots-y bent who plays acoustic guitar and opened the set with just herself, Debbie on cello and their drummer (sorry, didn't catch his name). Apparently, Tara also plays under the name Hold Your Horses, and this was a variation of that group. But then she filled out the stage with lead guitar & bass for the more rock feel of the Magnetics. Cool sounds from a seasoned pro who has been making the rounds for a number of years in town.

By this time is was pretty late and we couldn't stick around for Ambush Americana, who appeared to be a more straight-ahead punk band. But, if you're not afraid of eclectic nights, definitely check out the Bunkhouse shows!