Hey guys, it’s Sam. I don’t usually contribute posts but tonight’s show is too good to pass up. So here goes:

Harley Poe has a special place in my heart. Singing about such delightful subjects as transvestites, cannibalism, zombie apocalypses and more of the strange horror and macabre that we all love, Joe Whiteford takes these dark subjects and puts delightful melodies behind them (a previous reviewer put it well: a mix between the Violent Femmes and The Misfits). You will wonder why you are walking around all day humming such frightening lyrics. The answer is: you can’t help yourself.

I’m excited to see the full band, who I have not seen yet. I can attest to how entertaining Joe and Christian are to see live. Joe’s dry humor and tiny stature are paired perfectly with Christian’s hearty laugh and impressive frame.

Homeless Gospel Choir has come up again and again as a band worth checking out and even better to see live. The lyrical content of Harley Poe and HGC are both full of wit and sharp humor pointed at society. Derek is also an impressive performer who can capture the room with his guitar and voice alone.

I would say that I love Lincoln County War even if the band members were not good friends of mine. Great lyricism and high energy are the highlights of this two piece band who explore dark themes in a raucous fashion. Sofia’s violin sweetly cries behind Benji’s strained and powerful voice.

Arms Akimbo is a long-time friend and fairly new transplant to Kalamazoo. They say that art comes from pain, and Topher Twiggs has broken my heart since the day I met him. The world is lucky that the kid learned how to play guitar and can write some decent lyrics.

I’m headed down to Milhouse around 9PM. Looking forward to hanging out in a living room and enjoying some solid acoustic acts.