Andy Cobb of Itchy Hearts
1.3.11 At the end of 2010, The Max Canada sent shock waves through the Athens music scene, and has carried great momentum into the new year. Let's give credit where credit is due, and say that The Max Canada hosts the funkiest parties in town. On this peachy Georgia evening they didn't disappoint. When Grinnin' Bear first took the stage I was overwhelmed with beautiful yellow sweaters, baggy kakis, and golden marshmallow Afros. What more could you ask for from one of Athens brightest up-and-coming bands? Their Southern Americana charm won the hearts of everyone it reached. Speaking of hearts, all the way from Brooklyn, Itchy Hearts' journeyman, Andy Cobb, took the stage in soulful style. The lone man with his acoustic guitar, aged fables, and thick boots satisfied everyone's scaly winter itch. Someone give this guy a turkey sandwich. The fresh highlight of the night came from one Athens hardest-working bands, Tumbleweed Stampede. They hit the stage with their thrilling combustion of folk jam goodness. From the moment they began not a body was still. The good vibes radiated off the singlet wearin', birthday havin', shake-what-your-mama-gave-you, bass player, Tuna Fortuna, as the room jumped with a little left over holiday joy. The sweet smell of groove in the air swayed with the dancing people in to the wee hours of the night. The show marked the beginning of Tumbleweed Stampede's 2011 Mean Mugs EP tour, that took them up the East Cost, making stops in Chapel Hill (NC), Richmond (VA), Philly, NYC, and Brooklyn (Whoa!). As for the future, the new partnership between The Max Canada and Wonder.Lab productions is proving to be a much needed asset to the Athens music community.
Andrew K.
Sam Sniper
more pictures and video coming soon!
Liz Faucett; photo by B. Tepper
12.7.10 Tearfully, tonight marked the final late night show of the year for The Max Canada. Thankfully, they were able to take it out with style with a little help from some friends. Liz Faucet made her Athens debut, and opened the night with some of her unique solo stylings. With tasteful songwriting and a hint of youthful angst, she had the crowd closely engaged for the entirety of the set. The highlight of the night, Sam Sniper, played second, and did not disappoint. Their unique blend of country funked jungle rock had the whole house hoppin'! Look for an EP out sometime in February; they will definitely be back with us sometime soon! Lastly, and most importantly loudly, Liars & Lovers closed out the show with a heaping dose of their straight-lace rock. Of course, thanks to everybody who stuck out the cold and enjoyed some kick-ass tunes.
- WonderLab
Tumbleweed Stampede w/ Max Beeching on Trumpet (far right)
photo still from video by K. Dennis & S. Maxwell
12.2.10 Have you heard about this awesome bar slash concert venue on W. Washington Street? No, I’m not talking about the iconic 40 Watt Club, fabulous though it may be. I’m talking about the joint a few doors down, The Max Canada. I first set eyes on this Westside gem on a brisk, early December evening. Lured in by a front-window poster announcing a free show featuring three local acts, I quickly snagged my first of several PBR tallboys and headed over to the bandstand. First up was Bigfoot, a three-piece outfit whose sloppily syncopated (in a good way), fuzz-rock tones got the crowd feelin’ alright. Sunspots took the stage next and provided everyone in the house a chance to bask in all their reverb-drenched, synth-psych glory. But the real show stealer this night was the headlining group, Tumbleweed Stampede, who were supporting their Mean Mugs EP. This band, boasting an infectiously melodic and jangly repertoire held neatly together by some big brass and a booty-swinging rhythm section, is good to the last drop (sorry, Maxwell House). Thank you, Max Canada, whoever you are, for putting this gig together for us. Please do it more often.
-Tepileptic