Friends in Fun Places

I've known Michael Papenburg for quite some time now. I've seen him in a buncha different bands. I even got to play with him once (STERNUM!!!). He and his wife Tina are 2 people that I feel lucky to have had in my life over the years. Sometimes it's hard to find the time to hang out, but I try to get to his shows when I can. Last year they started a movie club. It's a great excuse to hand out with them and some new friends like Jeff Hansen (see below).

Last Tuesday A and I went to go see Michael and Jeff play at the Hotel Utah. 3 bands on the bill and Jeff was in two of them! He started off with his own band Here at Home. Nice songs. The keyboard player looked like he was still learning them! Sounded great though. Testament to good players.

As if that wasn't enough, he then ripped through a set with another band (the name of which escapes me, sorry Jeff). I guess they asked him to join after he booked this gig with his other band. They had a fun sort of Social Distortion ibe. Here's a pic of him shredding:

Finally Michael got up with his new band Sebastian. Pretty pretty pretty. I guess that's always been my experience with Michael's bands. I missed the early "hair days" and the Cocteau Twins effects. By the time I met Michael he was playing with Penelope Houston (which rocked my world). Over the years I've seen him apply his style to a couple of different projects. He's very good at creating cool sounds that add too, but don't interfear with the overall song. This was no exception. The lead singer was kinda soft spoken so there's not a lot of room for Michael to fit under. But still he got to use some of his favourite effects (fade in chords anyone?).

Thanks to Jeff and Michael for a fun evening. 3 bands and we knew someone in every one. We're sooo cool!