Shwayze Gives a Thrilling Show
Hip-Hop Artist Poured Patrón and Thrilled Audience at Velvet Jones
Shots of Patrón streaked down the chins and breasts of the screaming fans, the whites of their eyes widening as the rap star waterfall-ed the liquor into their mouths. “We’re going to be pouring shots all night!” Shwayze exclaimed from the Velvet Jones stage. On Thursday, July 16, Shwayze staked his claim in Santa Barbara as the official “King of the Summer”; the title also happens to be the name of his new album.
The show kicked off at 9:30 p.m. with some exciting and talented opening bands. Good Deeds from Agoura Hills got the crowd on their feet with a unique beach rock style that was passionate yet playful. Zac Garfinkel, frontman for Good Deeds, had an energetic delivery that combined alternative rock, hip-hop, and California reggae melodies to create lively and fun music. The young bands lyrics were about chasing girls, heartbreak, and hanging out with friends at the beach, the perfect summertime tunes to melt away your worries.
After Good Deeds, Carlton took the stage. Carlton is another L.A.-based band; they are on tour with Shwayze, and double as his band. I’ve seen Carlton play before at On the Rox, a small club above the Roxy and they are an amazing band. The guitar player has an essentialist pedal board that generates hi-fi and sharp tones with different undulating effects. The bass player had an afro and a massive frame that almost took up half of the stage, his grooving dances and stomping kept time with the beat and held the audience’s attention. The drummer proved himself to be very tight during Carlton’s set and later he demonstrated his hip-hop skills during Shwayze’s set.
Shwayze put on an awesome show. The whole crowd sang along to hits such as “Buzzin’” and “Corona and Lime.” His new album took a different style, propelled by intricate beats and the guitar influence of Carlton. At the last drop of Patrón Shwayze played an encore request of “Butterfly” and then took his leave. The crowd hooted, hollered, and stumbled as a testament to the “King of the Summer” and to another thrilling summer night in Santa Barbara.
