Two CD Release Parties that are not To Be Missed
In honor of our annual-and nearly all-inclusive-Santa Barbara Music Guide, it seems only fair to give a proper shout out to not one but two S.B.-based artists who are dropping new albums this week. And, in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion, they’ll be throwing some killer bashes to jump things off properly. For the uninitiated, the CD release party is much like a right of passage for musicians. It often entails a night of live music, headlined by the guest of honor and supported by all of his or her musician friends. As an attendee, you are guaranteed a first glimpse at the newest tunes-and usually a discounted deal at the merch table, not to mention a great introduction to a band at their best. (Trust us, after months in the studio, a newly recorded artists wants to rock out-hard.) So gather your most music-loving of friends and spend a little time on the town this week. We promise you’ll appreciate it just as much as the artists will appreciated having you there.
1) Cat OK at the Mercury Lounge: The brainchild of frontman Rob Taylor, this straightforward guitar, drum, and bass trio knows how to rock. After a solid stint in the studio, Cat OK has finally emerged with a stellar little gem of an album called Cropdusting. The tunes range from the melodic (“It’s In Us”) to the upbeat (“Abyssnia”) to awesomely guitar driven (“Crash”). And the supporting acts are some of the best Santa Barbara has to offer. Sharing the bill are another group of similarly minded alt-rockers, Hoover Dan. Also a three-piece, these guys know how to pen and play a catchy tune. And rounding out Saturday’s lineup is Silk Hedge. Signed to Beehouse Records and the artists behind last year’s Late for the Launch Pad, these five friends are known for the mix of modern progressions and classic rock riffs. The showcase starts at 9 p.m. and the Mercury Lounge is located at 5871 Hollister Avenue in Goleta.
2) Delaney Gibson at Zoey’s Cafe: The party may be a bit off the beaten path, but it’s one that’s definitely worth the drive. Well on her way to conquering the pop music scene, Ventura’s Delaney Gibson has got a lot going for her. On top of a brand spanking new and beautifully produced new album, Worst Kind of Way, Gibson has a set of chops that border on country crooner. (Think about mixing Christina Aguilera’s chops and Jenny Lewis’s bashfully endearing delivery and you get the idea.) Armed with her acoustic and, for this very special engagement, her very own backing band, Gibson’s big album debut is sure to spark quite the shindig. The show starts at 7:45 p.m., and Zoey’s Cafe is located at 451 E. Main St. in Ventura.
