Good Taste
WMNF's Listener's Choice Show at Skipper's features acts 'MNFers said were "their favorite bands from this year's Tropical Heatwave and/or Led Zeppelin tribute show." The lineup proves that 'MNF listeners and Creative Loafing have more in common than being labeled a bunch of bleeding-heart liberals — we also share good taste in music. Several months back, CL ran a cover story on pop rockers The Ditchflowers; Senior Editor Eric Snider called their debut album "exquisite." Indie faves Giddy-Up, Helicopter! were featured in our music issue highlighting Tampa Bay's Top 10 women musicians. And my profile of jazz/bluegrass/fusion quintet Poetry 'N Lotion is slated to run next week. Neo-classic rockers Roppongi's Ace and surf/lounge/jazz stylists The Vodkanauts are also on the lineup. WMNF Presents: Listener's Choice Show w/The Ditchflowers/Giddy-Up, Helicopter!/Poetry 'N Lotion/Roppongi's Ace/The Vodkanauts, Sat., Aug. 25, 8 p.m., Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa, $9/$12 day of show. —Wade Tatangelo
Indies Rock
We're not sure if dropping the Harry Dash moniker in favor of Tenspoke Indies was the smartest move but, you know, whatever. These guys still rock in a very catchy, power-poppy, smart-but-sinewy kind of way. This show celebrates the band's new CD Blinded by the Sound, which, judging by the tracks posted online, just might rank as one of the best local releases of the year (hey fellas, send us a copy). Joining Tenspoke in the revelry is The Dead 50s, a high-energy trio from Harrisburg, Pa., offering an interesting brand of what, for lack of a better term, I'll call pop-punk. Another out-of-town act on the lineup is GNR-channeling Chicago rockers The Black Choral.
Tenspoke Indies w/The Dead 50s/The Black Choral/Thoreau/Civil Tongue, Sat., Aug. 25, 8 p.m., Bourbon St. Nightclub, New Port Richey, $8. —WT
Global Menagerie
Fusing elements of jazz, funk, jam-oriented rock and what we will simply call experimental, local organ trio Worldwide Zoo offer forward-thinking sonic explorations that mesmerize on the headphones and should also work on the dance floor. Bandleader Michael Zabrek operates on stage behind a cubicle of several keyboards, augmenting his piano and synthesizer work with thoughtful trombone and trumpet solos. Joining him is electric bassist Santiago Rodriguez and drummer Jason Stander. Bands such as this are often prone to self-indulgent noodling, but WWZ plays with a sense of purpose, taking the listener around unexpected turns that prove both surprising and pleasing. Take note: This show is free.
Worldwide Zoo, Fri., Aug. 24, 9 p.m., Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin, free. —WT
This article appears in Aug 22-28, 2007.
