This past Saturday night I did something completely different…I went with a good friend to check out a band. Ok, so that is not different for me, but style of music and venue were not my typical scene. I am always up for anything when it comes to live music, so I decided to join my girlfriend on an adventure to Grain Valley, Missouri. I am sure your first thought is, where on earth is Grain Valley? Well, you travel east on I-70 from Kansas City past Independence and Blue Springs, and then you come to Grain Valley. Try not to blink, because you might miss it.
Nestled just south of the highway a short distance east of Buckner Tarsney Road on AA Highway is a club called Longshots. Now, I’ve been to Longshots many times before, but I had never seen a band perform at the venue. As a 3:00 am bar, Longshots had always been a frequent late-night spot when my friends and I decided we were not done dancing for the evening. I was very curious and excited about seeing a band in this setting.
When we arrived, Nolan Rhyne was performing a one-man show for the well-populated room of patrons. It was a very laid back setting with mellow tunes. I have to say I was quite impressed with Nolan Rhyne’s vocals. They were powerful and in tune. In fact, as any musician would tell you, a true test of talent is the ability to perform and sound well when you do not have the amplified resonance of guitars and drums to cover your flaws. Nolan Rhyne proved his skills with just a microphone and a guitar.
Up after the one man band was a group called Red Bordello. When I had seen the line-up for the evening, I was particularly interested in seeing this band based off of a description I had read about them. The band had an intriguing mix of stoner rock, hard rock and psychedelic rock. Their music had an excellent beat and at times a very trippy melody. Red Bordello blew my mind with their cover of Stranglehold by Ted Nugent. I am always intrigued when bands play cover tunes, because you often see a rare variety of influences that you would not necessarily consider. Their entire performance simulated this type of sound. I would encourage others to check out Red Bordello if you like this music styling.
Alice Sweet Alice ended the show with an incredible performance. I did not know what to expect when I read their profile and saw their style: Electropostpunkadelic…but I soon found out. Their music had a funky frame, but was all the same mesmerizing. One minute I was dancing in my chair and the next I was entranced by the sinuous melody. I became so immersed in the music it was almost like a roller coaster in and out of consciousness. The music transitioned smoothly through every tempo change each groovy rhythm. Female vocalist, Ali Kat, had amazing vocals that extended from a soft whisper to a strong forceful sound. Alice Sweet Alice is no doubt a talent group of musicians with their unique Electropostpunkadelic style.
Lonshots is unusual from the typical nightclub you would attend to see a band. It has a metal chain-link fence across the front of the stage, almost like a cage. My only concern about the arrangement was the limited access to the stage for equipment set-up looked a little awkward. There was only one entryway on and off the stage which required going through the main room and dance floor. I felt maybe there should be a side door from the stage to the outside of the venue, which would allow the musicians to move their equipment in and out of the building quickly and easily. Despite the awkwardness of the layout, the transition between bands seemed to go smoothly.
Longshots also presented a lavish VIP area for the bands to relax before and after their sets. Through a door in the back of the room a staircase lined with lights ascends upwards to a room filled with posh leather sofas, big screen television, fireplace, private bathroom and a catwalk overlooking the club. I have to say, Longshot’s VIP is much more elite than any green room I have ever seen. Any band chillin’ in there is definitely kickin’ it in style. On a side note, I was impressed with the purse hooks in the ladies room. This may seem like a silly item to comment on, but the ladies know what I am talking about and appreciate this rare feature.
It was a fantastic night of entertainment brought together by Kansas City Local Artists. I recommend others get out and try something new or out of your normal element. I think you would be surprised at the wide range of talent Kansas City has to offer.
Megan Cervas
Project Backstage
