Portugal. The Man, Earl Greyhound, Wintersleep Jacksonville Florida 10/24/08

It’s been about a week and half since I went to this show, but I finally have a chance to do a write up on it. I was originally super siked about this show. My sister introduced me to this band close to 2 years ago. Once I found out they were coming…it was on. Off I went and bought two tickets for my little sister and I to go hang. Well she bailed 30 min. before the show….way to drop the ball little lady. Sad…that’s what I was. My friend Christina ended up coming through for me and keeping me company for the evening. Thanks Christina!

Jack Rabbits is the little venue that hosted these fine bands. It’s a typically small venue. It has a pool table, a couple arcade games, a bar, and of course a small stage. Most of the bands equipment is set off to the side of the stage and next to the bathrooms (this is just to give you an idea of how small the place is). The employees are cool, and most of the patrons are just there for a good time and not to cause trouble.

Wintersleep Jacksonville Florida Jack Rabbits 2008
Wintersleep Jacksonville Florida Jack Rabbits 2008

Wintersleep was the first of the three to go on. I didn’t know anything about the band…and sadly I don’t remember much about them. I do remember enjoying them and no point was going….oh God! just end it already.

Earl Greyhound Jacksonville Florida Jack Rabbits 2008
Earl Greyhound Jacksonville Florida Jack Rabbits 2008

Earl Greyhound was an awesome surprise. I really didn’t think I was going to like them, but they were great. I consider them a throwback to the amazing days of 60-70’s rock. I would say the front man is great, but there isn’t one. All three characters in the band all have their own presence without taking away from each other. The woman that plays with them stands out, but I think it’s only because of the other two on stage and vice versa for them. The drummer is animated and fun as hell to watch, as is the lead guitarist. If you have a chance to see these guys…just go for it.

Portugal. The Man Jacksonville Florida Jack Rabbits 2008
Portugal. The Man Jacksonville Florida Jack Rabbits 2008

Oh…Portugal. The Man got all setup. The first thing they did was cut the lights and setup a color globe in the middle of the stage. I figured this was to help establish a theme for their new album, Censored Colors. I have never seen this band. I have been listening to them for almost 2 years, but really never knew much about them outside of their CD’s. They seem to be a young group of guys who just enjoy playing. They all work really well together and the main front man
John Baldwin Gourley liked to interact with all of them. Their bassist, Zachary Scott Carothers, was great as well. He was really into the show and got the crowd pumped up! Ryan Neighbors, their keyboard, percussion, backing vocals, was all over the place. He was just itching to get up and go wild. John Gourley almost seemed to laugh at him at times by how excited Mr. Neighbors would get on the keyboard.

In the end it was great show. All the bands were excellent and everything seemed to go as planned….Great Job Fellas. Thanks for a great evening!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wintersleep
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Greyhound
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal._The_Man