Event Info:

Common Grounds presents:

Oh! Sanders
Laserhead
& Savages

File Under: Indie Rock / Punk

Event Info:
North Central Florida Blues Society Presents:

For more info please visit their website

$10 - General Public
$5 - Students & NCFBS Members


THE MIGHTY LESTER BAND

At almost every gig, somebody rolls up to one of the members of this powerhouse blues and soul octet and asks, "Which one of you guys is Mighty Lester? Is it the singer? Is it the guitar player? Is it the sax guy? Who is it?" As the band explains in the liner notes to their May 2006 release, We Are Mighty Lester: "The truth is that none of us is Mighty Lester. In spite of what some old-timers might claim, it's doubtful that anybody in the band at this point can even remember what he looked like very clearly. When he took off for parts unknown, all he left was his name. But it's a pretty good name, so we decided to keep it. "We are Mighty Lester, and this is who we are and what we're about as we celebrate our fifth year: We are Todd, pourin' out his soul into the lyrics of every song. We are Lenny, wringin' another smokin' lick out of his Silvertone. We are Jon, ticklin' the eighty-eights and takin' us all to church with the B-3. We are Dave, makin'sure his bass stays locked right there in the pocket. We are Rick, swingin' and rockin', always layin' down that monster beat. We are the Mighty Horns-Jeff, Joe, and Alex-blowin' some of the biggest, fattest, hottest sounds you'll ever hear wailin' from a tenor, a bari, and a trumpet. "And we're all about havin' a real good time playin' music that makes people want to get up and dance and have a good time, too."

Mighty Lester Official Site: HERE

File Under: Blues

Event Info:

Rock 104 & Common Grounds present:

NONPOINT
with The Exies

Nonpoint Myspace: HERE
The Exies Myspace: HERE

Nonpoint was formed in 1998 in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. The band has sold well over 500,000 records in the US and has a huge, dedicated and ever growing fan base. They continue to be embraced by rock fans and press, as well as rock radio. Their unrelenting live shows have earned them the reputation as one of the best live bands in rock today. The band has toured with a who's who of metal including Mudvayne, Staind, Ozzfest, Disturbed, Linkin Park and Sevendust to name a few. In an era of one record and over-with careers, Nonpoint is steady and true, growing larger with every year and doing what they do best, crushing with their sound and presence. No frills, no bullshit, just brutality...NONPOINT.

Subject to $2 Under 21 Charge at the door

File Under: Rock / Metal

Event Info:
The Gainesville Roller Rebels Roller Derby Team present the Classic Roller Derby Epic: KANSAS CITY BOMBER

No Cover
Snacks & Popcorn for sale to raise money for the Roller Rebels. File Under: Movie

Event Info:

Common Grounds presents:

THE SWORD
with Torche
& Stinking Lizaveta

The Sword is a retro-metal four-piece hailing from Austin, TX. First conceived in 2003, the Sword really hit their stride about a year later, when founding vocalist and guitarist J.D. Cronise joined forces with guitarist Kyle Shutt, bassist Bryan Richie, and drummer Trivett Wingo, and made a much raved-over appearance at Austin's famed SXSW Festival. National touring stints with everyone from Clutch to indie rock darlings ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead followed, and by mid-2005 the Sword had been picked up by New York-based indie label Kemado Records, with their much-anticipated debut album, Age of Winters, appearing early the next year. Before completing their second album, they released an EP titled Amplified Heat in 2006 and contributed two songs (one original and one Led Zeppelin cover) to a split 12" EP with Swedish heavy rockers Witchcraft in November 2007. Gods of the Earth arrived in Spring, 2008. - Allmusic.com

After the breakup of Floor in 2004, Torche vocalist/guitarist Steve Brooks decided to carry on the thundering tradition of his former band, recruiting guitarist Juan Montoya (also formerly of Floor), drummer Rick Smith, and bassist Jonathan Nuñez. This lineup evolved the sonic template Brooks had created with Floor into a lush and more fully realized sound. In 2005, the Miami, FL four-piece released their eponymous debut on Robotic Empire, introducing the world to a new brand of doom/stoner metal that replaces the bleakness and despair typical of the genre with a more triumphant and anthemic sound: the heavy metal equivalent of Chariots of Fire. Combining de-tuned, droning guitars reminiscent of doom luminaries Earth and Sunn 0))) with soaring, harmonic vocals, Torche created a new take on the genre that is best described as "doom pop." After the album's release, the band began extensive cross-country touring, sharing bills with the Sword, Mouth of the Architect, Jesu, Isis, and Mogwai. In March of 2007, Torche released a remastered version of their self-titled album featuring the bonus track "Make Me Alive." In the summer of 2007, Torche released the beautifully packaged EP In Return on Robotic Empire, featuring a jacket designed by John Baizley of Baroness. Late in 2007, the band announced that they had finished recording their second album, Meanderthal, which was slated for a spring 2008 release. - Allmusic.com

The Sword Myspace: HERE
Torche Myspace: HERE
Stinking Lizaveta Myspace: HERE

File Under: Metal / Heavy Rock
RIYL: Mastadon, Baroness, Sunn 0)))

Event Info:
Common Grounds presents:

THE HELIO SEQUENCE

The Portland-based duo Helio Sequence is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Brandon Summers and keyboardist/drummer Benjamin Weikel. Debuting in 1999 with an ambient, psychedelic sound that placed as much emphasis on the guitar as Summers' muted vocals, the band issued the Accelerated Slow-Motion Cinema EP before dropping the full-length Com Plex in 2000. Helio Sequence's 100 percent home studio approach allowed for a lot of sonic experimentation, and that aesthetic informed the swirls and layers of their evolving sound. When it did touch the ground, it was at points between My Bloody Valentine, Mouse on Mars, and the weirder side of the Elephant 6 collective. Young Effectuals followed in 2001 before the Helio Sequence jumped from the roster of Cavity Search Records to Sub Pop, releasing the more auspicious Love and Distance in June 2004. The album gave an unprecedented amount of prominence to Summers' vocals, but the singer was unable to keep his throat in shape on the subsequent tour. He returned to Portland, his voice severely damaged, and was forced to relearn the craft through a series of vocal exercises and lifestyle changes. Taking cues from another raspy-voiced singer, Bob Dylan, Summers steadily regained the use of his vocals, and the Helio Sequence returned in 2008 with Keep Your Eyes Ahead. - Allmusic.com 

Helio Sequence Myspace: HERE

Subject to $2 Under 21 Charge at the door File Under: Indie Rock
RIYL: Caribou / Quasi

Event Info:
Common Grounds presents:

KYLESA

Kylesa is, fundamentally, a metal group, but the Savannah, GA-based outfit is otherwise difficult to categorize: elements of hardcore punk, psychedelic stoner rock, technical speed metal, and good old-fashioned Black Sabbath sludge appear in their music. Also, with a front line consisting of three very different singers instead of a single focal point, Kylesa has a musical variety lacking from many of their more monochromatic peers. - Allmusic.com

Kylesa Myspace: HERE

Subject to $2 Under 21+ Charge at the door File Under: Metal
RIYL: Baroness, Torche The Porch: No Cover 21+

Event Info:
Glory Days presents:

MUDHONEY
with Birds Of Avalon & Cutman File Under: Rock / Garage / Punk
RIYL: Nirvana, MC5 & The Stooges

Event Info:
Common Grounds presents:

THE HIGH STRUNG
with The Northernness

Motor City boys Chad Stocker, Josh Malerman, and Derek Berk comprise the exciting rock & roll of The High Strung. Formed in summer 2000, the modern rock foursome has a legacy that stretches back to elementary school. Once in college, the members of the High Strung played in and around the Midwest and concentrated on getting enough material ready for a proper album. A series of EPs and the self-released full-length As Is came and went, as did the High Strung's attachment to Detroit. They picked up and moved to Williamsburg, NY, just as they were supposed to make an album for Tee Pee. In 2001, the High Strung joined producer Jim Diamond (Electric Six, the Mooney Suzuki, the White Stripes) for These Are Good Times. The foxy retro-garage album appeared in summer 2003. Early in 2005, they reunited with Diamond for their second album, Moxie Bravo. Park the Van Records reissued Moxie Bravo early in 2007 and released Get the Guests that spring.


The High Strung Myspace: HERE
The Northernness Myspace: HERE File Under: Indie Rock / Pop Rock
The Porch: Happy Hour Cookout 5-9

Event Info:
Common Grounds presents:

MATT COSTA
with Delta Spirit

Born in Huntington Beach, CA, in 1982, Matt Costa received his first guitar at age 12. While he was always interested in music, even playing in a band in high school, Costa's first love was skateboarding. His dreams of going pro came crashing to an end, however, when he seriously injured his leg in a skateboarding accident at 18. During his year-and-a-half-long rehabilitation period, Costa decided to refocus his energy on songwriting and guitar playing, and began using a four-track to make demos. One of these demos found its way to No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont, who liked what he heard so much that he offered to produce Costa's music, and soon they had recorded two independently released EPs, Matt Costa and The Elasmosaurus, as well as a full-length early version of Songs We Sing. These caught the ear of Brush Fire Records owner Jack Johnson, who was impressed by the young musician's work and signed Costa to his label and invited him to open his 2005 summer tour. In 2006, Costa's official major-label debut, Songs We Sing (slightly different from the 2005 indie version) was released. Unfamiliar Faces followed in 2008. - Allmusic.com

Matt Costa Myspace: HERE

Subject to $2 Under 21 Charge at the door

File Under: Singer-Songwriter / Folk
RIYL: Jack Johnson, Mason Jennings

Event Info:

Common Grounds presents

NEIL HAMBURGER

Despite his appalling comic timing, muddled delivery, and cliched material, stand-up Neil Hamburger nevertheless emerged as one of the most acclaimed and name-checked comedians of his generation; like Lenny Bruce before him, he was a hipster icon whose trailblazing riffs defied conventions at every turn, transcending the confines of hilarity with kamikaze recklessness. Prior to his ascendance, comedians were expected not only to be funny, but insightful as well; Hamburger changed all that forever, in the process earning so much respect from our cultural tastemakers that his records appeared exclusively on only the most rarefied indie-rock labels. - Allmusic.com

Do yourself a favor and search youtube for Neil Hamburger.

Neil Hamburger Myspace: HERE

Subject to $2 Under 21 Charge at the Door

File Under: Comedy
RIYL: Tony Clifton

Event Info:
Common Grounds presents:

MASERATI
with Summerbirds In The Cellar

Yet another of the Athens, GA, experimentalists, Maserati picked up where bands like Tortoise, Macha, and Labradford left off with complex, warmly textured instrumental music straying from the confines of rock to explore the ambient, jazz, and even modern classical traditions. - Allmusic.com

Maserati Myspace: HERE
Summerbirds Myspace: HERE

Subject to $2 Under 21 charge at the door. File Under: Indie Rock
RIYL: Tortoise, The Mercury Program The Porch: No Cover 21+

Event Info:
Common Grounds presents:

THE SHODDY BEATLES
MORNINGBELL
with King Of Spain File Under: Indie Rock
The Porch: Happy Hour Cookout 5-9 / No Cover 21+

Event Info:
Common Grounds Presents:

BORIS
with Torche & Clouds File Under: Metal / Heavy Rock

Event Info:
Common Grounds presents:

The Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo '08 featuring
HARRY & THE POTTERS
with Math The Band
& Uncle Monsterface

Subject to $2.00 Charge for Under 21 at the door

Harry and the Potters are an indie rock band and pioneers of wizard rock formed in Norwood, Massachusetts in 2002 by brothers Joe and Paul DeGeorge. The band was inspired by the J.K. Rowling book series Harry Potter. Harry and the Potters music is simple unpolished indie rock with the Harry Potter books inspiring the lyrics, usually from the point of view of the fictional protagonist, Harry Potter.

After Harry and the Potters founded the wizard rock genre, many similar bands that also took on the persona, or dressed as a Harry Potter-themed character - began to appear at Harry Potter fan conventions. The band prefers to play in libraries. Though most fans of the music are previous fans of Harry Potter, some bands have attracted listeners outside of the Harry Potter fanbase. Harry and the Potters and wizard rock, in general, have grown into an international phenomenon.

Since the band's formation in 2002, they have released three full-length studio albums, three extended play, one compilation album and appeared in a further three compilation albums. The Boston Phoenix has called Harry and the Potters the "Pink Floyd of Potterdom." - Wikipedia.com

 

File Under: Indie Rock

Event Info:
Common Grounds presents

THE BLACK ANGELS
with The Warlocks

The Black Angels:
From deep in the heart of Texas, armed with the home-grown mantra "Turn On, Tune In, Drone Out," The Black Angels ring real and rugged like a crimson full moon-lit night. Formed in May of 2004, the band's sanctified holy racket was breech-born out of life-long friendships drawn up in blood and sealed with a kiss. Their self proclaimed "Native American Drone 'N' Roll" genre has progressed from communal living and the members' eclectic upbringings. Bassist Ryan was born on a cult compound, guitarist Bland is the real deal son of a Texas preacher man, and drummer Bailey and vocalist Maas believe a little girl in a red linen dress haunts the group's home.

Taking their name from the classic Velvet Underground tune "The Black Angel's Death Song," these Angels are far more than classic revisionists with extensive record collections. This is heavy-duty psychedelic rock with an incessant primitive beat that echoes the spirit of the 13th Floor Elevators and early Stones. -Bio

The Warlocks:
In many respects, the style-tombs this LA band plunders exist in the underground's collective subconscious. Rhythm guitar and organ combine like nothing but mid-period Velvets; gentler lead flourishes are pure extensions of the Angelino Byrds/Love/Rain Parade tradition; the pulse's slow-moving inevitability and the shimmering, staggering wall of heavy drug imagery are classic Spaceman 3. These building blocks have been utilised by entire generations of sullen youths. But the way the Warlocks assemble them makes it all sound new, loud and ripe. The band's considerable size (they're an octet) gives them a natural sonic width that skinnier combos lack. And their twin drums can conjure up either the 68 Dead or the 78 Cramps (two truly Platonic ideals). But for all this name-checking, the Warlocks' raunch is unique, thuggy and essential. - Byron Coley, MOJO

The Black Angels Myspace: HERE
The Warlocks Myspace: HERE

Subject to $2 Under 21 Charge at the door File Under: Psychedelic Indie Rock
RIYL: The Velvet Underground / Clinic The Porch: Happy Hour 6-9 / Bad Moon Rising spinning at 10