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Tricia and I went out last night, a celebration of two years together. We ate dinner and then headed over to Jovitas for the Blues Mafia CD Release Party. The Fireants, The Daze, and Blues Mafia played.

First, The Fireants

Dancing:
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Music:
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We caught the last 30 minutes of their set. I had never heard of them before going to Jovitas and was not impressed when I first walked in. It was way too high energy for my taste and way too loud. However, it was only the finale to a song and the next song was much better. As I listened, I also started to pay attention to the band. They are all high school kids playing what they describe as Bluegrass/ Rock/ Roots music. The description fits. There was only one song we danced to, but the music was amazing. They were very talented, much more than I expected.

Only today did I take the time to look them up. They have won a few competitions, including the talent competition at The Old Settler's Music Festival last year. Check out their MySpace page and prepare to be impressed.

Second, The Daze
Dancing:
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Music:
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They describe their music as Rock / Psychedelic / Folk. I describe it as Emo Angst with some Folk influence. Mostly they lashed out in their singing, full of angst and not sounding very good. I thought it was an odd band to have before Blues Mafia. Switching them with The Fireants would have been a much better fit.

Their music kinda sucked. I have listened to quite a bit of what I call Emo Angst music, and while it is not in my taste, I can at least recognize good musicians. These guys really did not fit into that category. We did not dance at all during their set and had to fight the urge to leave and give up, not seeing Blues Mafia. Except for the parents of the kids and their friends, and a few Emo kids I saw, most comments I heard about them were not positive. I think they would have been better placed at a different venue.

Sandra joined us during this set. I think Tricia and she would agree with this critique.

Finally, The Blues Mafia
Dancing:
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Music:
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I have heard the Blues Mafia before. Last time I heard them play, they were a bluesy Rock/ Soul mix. While their MySpace page describes them as a Blues/ Rock/ Roots Music band, I would have to say that they have moved to a Soul/ Funk/ Rock band, with some Blues and Roots influences. I would no longer consider them a Blues band. Their set last night was nothing like I expected. They were good (even though the vocals were often drowned out by the way overpowering keyboards) and energized the crowd well. I think they have a good future if they keep on their current path.