Meet the Dallas Bands Competing for the Title of Wakarusa Winter Classic Champion
There’s a music and camping festival harbored in the Ozark mountains of northern Arkansas called Wakarusa where jam bands, electronic DJs, reggae brothers and stand up bass-pickers alike congregate every summer in the spirit of great music. And every year the esteemed festival, which in 2012 features Primus, Weir, Robinson & Greene and Pretty Lights among others, offers local bands around the South and Midwest a chance to be involved.
The Wakarusa Winter Classic is traveling “battles of the bands,” spanning 17 cities to find the resident locals’ favorite acts. Six groups are playing Dallas’ 2012 competition today, January 27, at 2826 Arnetic in Deep Ellum. Votes from the crowd ultimately decide who the winner is and all winning bands from around the country earn a spot on the festival lineup.
Here is your formal introduction to Friday night’s bill, performing at their respective times listed below. Let’s get ready to rumble!
Dallas Wakarusa Winter Classic 2012 Roster
8 p.m.: We The Sea Lions (The Outsider)
Introducing first, five boys who call Fort Worth their band’s breeding ground —where they’ve cultivated a dedicated fan base and earned a recurring spot on the stage at The Grotto pub. They’re described as an indie rock band spiced with some hard rock essence, good ole country heart and a pop sensibility, all adequately displayed on their 2011 debut EP For Now. They say they’ll fit the Waka lineup best because of their versatility and plan to simply play good music to win the crowd over Friday. No gimmicks people.
We The Sea Lions – Into The End
Stoked to see Primus at this year’s Wakarusa festival is … We The Sea Lions!
9 p.m.: Goodnight Ned (The Sleeper)
Following up second is a band six years in the making — founded by a dude with a couch and dude that slept on that couch in Denton who sequentially became best friends. Since adding a violin, bass and drums, this band’s sound progressed from strictly folk to gritty blues and even rock and roll because, let’s be honest, no one can escape the temptation of electric guitar. Their upbeat melodies will disguise their dark lyrics, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes on Friday.
Goodnight Ned – Make Me Some Money
Ready to rock alongside their idols The Avett Brothers in June is … Goodnight Ned!
10 p.m.: KAPOW (The Newbie)
It’s only been five months, but this next cast of reggae kings has been turning heads. Lead man Grant Braudrick’ inherited Weissenborn slide guitar gives the band the ability to adopt styles outside their genre such as blues and Middle Eastern. Backing him are a melodica, a trumpet, and some dubbed out bass guitar, which firmly establish a roots rock reggae feel. They say their fusion of musical genres deserves a place among the Wakarusa elite and that their positive message will win over the crowd at Arnetic.
Excited to get down with That 1 Guy in the Ozarks is … KAPOW!
11 p.m.: Fatty Lumpkin (The Returning Champ)
Hope you’re hungry because what’s up next is self-proclaimed as a burrito of music — tons of different delicious layers in one sitting. These three guys combine soul, funk, jazz, latin, hip hop and bluegrass in an always eventful and energy filled jam out session. Wakarusa at its core is about musicianship, and that’s what earned the band a spot on the lineup not once, but twice. The trio claimed victory in the 2008 and 2010 Waka Winter Classics and return this year for what is sure to be their best battle. Expect a bunch of new tunes.
Craving the campground and festival vibe is … Fatty Lumpkin!
12 p.m.: Gravity Feed (The Secret Weapon)
Criagslist really worked for five native Texans who just wanted to play music. But be warned, this is not your average jam band. Funky, rocking, groovy tunes slide from jam to cover to jam to original tune — the line they cross is so fine that you hardly ever notice it. As Muddy Waters’ “Band of the Year” and a featured performer at Lights All Night 2010, this band sports a secret weapon in its saxophone player. Yes, he’s “badass” and “totally tearing that shit up,” but his professionalism speaks well beyond this region and back to the ‘70s when he shared the stage with legends like Prince and Elton John.
Ready to get noticed and shake hands with Umphrey’s McGee is … Gravity Feed!
1 a.m.: ishi – (The Favorite)
About 100 years ago in the forests of Northern California lived the last member of the Yahi Indian tribe who called himself ishi, which in English translates to “man.” Rounding out the Dallas Wakarusa Winter Classic is a band inspired by the last tribesman of the Yahi and his ability to withstand the difficulties of nature and civility, especially as they change. The band’s electro-dance tunes embrace the freedom of the moment and dissipate all reservations. That creative ability won them the title of “Best Electronic/Dance Act” by the Dallas Observer in 2010 and 2011, as well as the honor of “Best New Act” in 2010.
Ready to kick it on the schedule with Ghostland Observatory is … ishi!
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