Two very different sorts of shows are happening in Tampa tonight, one small and indie, one arena-size and radio friendly. Check out the highlights for this Wed., July 27 below…
Koo Koo Kanga Roo with Harry and the Potters Minneapolis duo Bryan Atchison and Neil Olstad write goofy-fun pop material about juvenile subject matter (ninjas, hopscotch, peanut butter, dinosaurs, unibrows, secret handshakes) as Koo Koo Kanga Roo. They set these ditties against pre-recorded back-tracks during their interactive live show, which finds them directing sing-alongs and generally eliciting much crowd participation. It’s not quite children’s music but definitely appeals to less mature audiences (they’ve called Koo Koo Kanga Roo "a kid's band for adults”). The bulk of the duo’s music is offered on a “pay what you want” download basis via their website, which pretty much means you can get it all for free. This show has been moved from its previously scheduled venue of Epic Problem but is still an all ages, family friendly affair. J.K. Rowling-inspired magician rockers Harry and the Potters open. (Crowbar in Ybor City) –Leilani Polk
Dave Matthews Band Everyone knows Dave Matthews Band is (“Real fans call him Dave!”), which came up in the early ‘90s with an incredibly talented roster of musicians and lush rock sounds fueled by its dreamy namesake. DMB celebrates their 25th anniversary on the current summer tour, continuing to hold true to their promise of playing songs differently each show with skilled musical improvisation. (MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa) –Michael Fritz
ALSO TONIGHT
BBQ Wednesday Acoustic Series w/Troy Youngblood & Dennis Stadleman (New World Brewery, Ybor City)
This article appears in Jul 21-28, 2016.