The Delta Bombers, Shanda and the Howlers, the All Togethers at Islands, Friday May 31, 2019

Local roots-rockers/rockabilly cats - and generally nice guys - the Delta Bombers tour so often that they rarely play in town (other than big events like Viva Las Vegas), so when they appear at a little dive bar (that singer Chris's wife, Jessie, happens to work for), it's an event to get out for. Of course, filling out the night with a couple of the town's best groups guaranteed a packed night from start to finish!

The evening began with one of my fave acoustic acts, the All Togethers. Although there were some technical issues (5 acoustic instruments - guitars, mandolin, stand-up bass and cello! - going through a PA will do that), they sounded great and even had Brandon (Whiskey Breath) sitting in again on guitar and vocals. They ran through some of their best originals and covers, but I have to admit - I know that I've said this before, sorry - that I do not care for their covers of rap songs, although they apparently did a medley that the audience enjoyed and that melded into one of their own numbers. Set closer was their fun take on "Baba O'Riley" which got such a great response that they came back for their own "When the Night Comes" - one of their best. See them whenever you can - highly entertaining with great musicianship and songs!

Hot off of their appearance at the Nashville Boogie and Viva Las Vegas, Shanda and the Howlers always put on a super show and tonight was no different. You never know who might appear on the drums, but they seem to have solidified their sax player and Luke and Trevor (bass'n'guitar) are always on hand to hold everything together, keep the groove groovin' and the licks flying. Shanda's big, bluesy voice is the star, although without a stellar backing band that would only go so far, so everyone plays their part and works together to give the audience 1000%. These cats'n'kitten are always on fire and I love their style and their songwriting. Don't miss them!

The Delta Bombers are true stars on the rockabilly circuit these days, touring constantly and drawing big crowds wherever they go - and tonight was no different, as the bar was jam-packed for them. Frontman Chris is super charismatic and has a terrific voice and the rest of the guys provide a solid, rockin' backin' for him. No one shows off - everyone simply contributes to the song in the right way. There are lots of blues influences as well as rockabilly and the audience is usually filled with as many punks as 50's cats. Again, they always provide good-time music for the partyin' crowd.  Their foray into ska, with Chris and Gregorio both moving to electric instruments, kinda left me cold, but otherwise a great night and solid set!

Islands is a decent sized venue, although then tend more towards jam nights than original music, but could be a cool hang out if they open up to more original music. Keep an eye open. And they have Messy Jessie working there so they have to be cool!