I truly hope you were one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket for Friday night’s show at The Turf Club. From the music to the sold-out audience to just being back in the gorgeous space that is The Turf Club– everything was just perfect about the night and it just felt right. Although I felt a bit like an outsider as I knew very little about the three bands performing, it was a perfect night and another reminder that life is getting back to normal.
Sass kicked things off right around 9 PM. This was my first time seeing Sass but, within the first song, I was in love. Their music is all over the place. There were parts that had an almost jam band vibe followed by moments of controlled chaos with a garage rock feel. The versatility and creativity of this band had me floored and had their opening set feeling like it was over in just the blink of an eye. Beyond the music was the attitude of this group, much like the music, each of the four band members seemed to bring a different style and energy to the stage which had my attention constantly bouncing between the members as to not miss a single moment. Sass has been a band for five years. I don’t know how they flew under my radar for so long but I see them now and I can’t wait to catch them again!
I had no clue who Honeybutter was when I walked into The Turf Club last night but I sure knew who they were by the time they left the stage. Honeybutter’s music isn’t for me. There, I said it. It’s just a bit too cool, calm, and collected for my personal preference, and Sass had me in a bit of a, well, sassy mood but there’s no denying the sheer power behind this seven-piece band. From three-part vocal harmonies that had chills running up my spine to a few songs that featured a double bass, I found myself yet again completely captivated by a band I had never heard of before. I was clearly the only one. The sold-out audience was singing and dancing along to the set as I leaned against the wall and just took it all in with a smile on my face. Although the entire set was beautiful, it was when the band left the stage that the true beauty of the night got the spotlight it deserved. The audience wasn’t ready for Honeybutter to be done and begged the concert gods for “one more song” and that’s just what they got. The band came up and did a super fun little sea-shanty sounding ditty as the audience sang and did synchronized hand movements along. I felt like I had really missed out on being a member of the super-exclusive club that is the Honeybutter following but, don’t worry, I’m part of it now.
Before I move on to the headliner of the show, I just want to give a quick shout-out to the keyboardist of Honeybutter’s mother. I was standing in a prime spot and I could see her behind me struggling to see the stage so I offered up my spot. After she resisted, I explained that she deserved the spot more than me and explained that I was there to review the show. I don’t know if she was just trying to (honey)butter me up or what but we had great little conversations before the band started and then I caught her checking every once in a while to make sure I was still there and with a smile on my face. Don’t worry, keyboardist’s mom– I was there the whole time and enjoyed myself just like you said I would!
The night had been so great already and we still had headliners Purple Funk Metropolis. I had seen these guys one time before and loved the energy they brought to the table. Sure, their funk style is super outside of my normal metal and pop sounds but there’s no denying the energy and fun that their music provides and Friday night was no different. As soon as this seven-piece group took the stage, the audience was moving and grooving to the infectious beats and there was no stopping either the band or audience. Dazzling trumpet solos to impressive sax solos, this band is full of such talented people that it’s hard to really describe what I witnessed during their set. I found myself constantly shifting focus between members of the band trying not to miss a single beat or note but always missing something. After just a couple of songs, I gave up and gave in to their infectious beats, and grooved along until I was grooving out the front door and making my way back home.
As I was standing at the show last night, I couldn’t help but feel like life had never skipped a beat. From seeing familiar faces throughout the staff at The Turf Club to talking to the keyboardist’s mother between sets to having to squeeze through a sold-out club to get to the bar and bathroom– it felt normal and oh so perfect.
