I raced from NoLibs hoping to catch Nate Wilson Group open the night. I really wanted to catch the set, but was pushing it for time. I should've known... this is the North Star Bar and nothing starts on time. Nate warmed up the crowd nicely with a powerful opening set. The band's been busy this past year touring (including a trip to the Virgin Islands) and punching the clock in the studio recording a new album due out soon. It was noticeable in their playing.
The room filled up by the time Bonerama took the stage. The band played a show at the North Star one week before and must have convinced a lot to come back for more. New Orleans brass funk is not something we get on the reg in Philly. I'm told it was a sellout, which could be due in part to the special guests on this night. Both Kyle Hollingsworth (SCI) and Steve Kimock can sell some tickets in the northeast and were an added bonus.
It was a very organic mixture of musicians with everyone sharing the stage creating some fiery moments. We got two sets packed with originals not only by Bonerama, but the Kimock and Hollingsworth too. The rest of the night was dedicated to playing some great covers NOLA style. My favorite was either Frankenstein to end the first set or the Helter Skelter with Tomorrow Never Knows jam. War Pigs to end the second set is never a bad idea either. The "new" taping spot in the North Star proved to be conducive for taping once again, as these recordings are the best of my three nighter. Enjoy!
Obligatory crappy cell phone shots:
Hi TJ, thanks again for taping, sounds great! Hope to see you at another Bonerama show soon. - Bret
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