Panama’s Vacation Vibes
Aussies Embark on First U.S. Tour, Play SOhO August 10
WELCOME TO PANAMA: With the dog days of summer fast approaching, it seems like everyone’s trying to squeeze the last few drops out of vacation season. If you’re like me and lurking around without an island to get away to, don’t worry: There’s still hope. Namely, this weekend’s Panama show at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club. The geographically confused trio from Australia hits the West Coast this week as part of their first-ever U.S. tour in support of their brand-new EP, Always. Like their Down Under dwelling buddies Jagwar Ma and Chet Faker, Panama makes the kind of swirly, propulsive piano music that perfectly soundtracks those hot summer nights. On Always, the guys offer up a baritone-laden collection of singles and remixes punctuated with spacey guitars, ’80s-indebted synths, and even a few well-placed saxophone runs. But don’t confuse Panama with the big, bombastic dance pop of acts like M83 — these guys dabble in the computerized but have their feet planted firmly in the world of live musicianship. And if the online videos are to be believed, they’re more than capable of injecting a room with some seriously visceral energy.
We the Beat presents Panama at SOhO (1221 State St.) on Sunday, August 10, at 9 p.m. with Santa Barbara’s own Mango Mango and Mexico City Blondes. The show is 18+. For tickets and info, call (805) 962-7776 or visit nightout.com/events/panama.
POOL PARTY: Thanks to last week’s unseasonable and oh-so-welcome rainstorm, the fine folks ofFolk Steady have moved their monthly poolside soirée to this Saturday, August 10, at the Ojai Rancho Inn. For those who have yet to frequent Vaughn Montgomery’s curated afternoon of music, mark your calendars. This weekend’s lineup features the sounds of Aaron Embry, Gabriel Slavitt, Roger Keiaho, Becca Fuchs, Ryan Fabel, and Montgomery’s own little big here. The jams are mostly acoustic, wonderfully soothing, and always family friendly. And as for the atmosphere, it’s about as laid-back and adorably hippie-dippie as they come. Pack the kids, some swimsuits, and a picnic, and prepare yourself for the best little free backyard jam on the South Coast. The party stretches from noon to dusk around the pool at the Ojai Rancho Inn (615 Ojai Valley Trail, Ojai). For info, call (805) 646-1434.
EAT YOUR VEGGIES: Also this week, on Monday, August 11, Inglewood rapper Casey Veggies makes his S.B. debut at Velvet Jones. The young emcee has been making waves since he left the Odd Future pack in 2007. In solo mode, Veggies has established himself as something of a firecracker in hip-hop world, thanks to an even but furious flow and an ear for whip-like beats. Don’t trust us? Well, he’s got industry backing, too, including features from the likes of Mac Miller (“Can I Live”) and OFWGKTA figurehead Tyler the Creator (“DTA”). Most recently, Veggies signed to Epic Records imprint VIC, on which he’ll release his first major-label album in the coming months. In other words, catch Casey now. Chances are he’ll be playing rooms twice this size by year’s end. The show starts at 8 p.m. Call (805) 965-8676 or visit velvet-jones.com for tickets.
KEEP ’EM COMING: We’re still collecting submissions for this year’s Santa Barbara Bands Issue, which hits stands on Thursday, October 9. If you’re making music in or around the Santa Barbara area, send us your music, websites, and bios for a chance to be featured. Email bands@independent.com for info.
