The JAM will be host UF’s biggest party of the spring this Friday: the Swamp Records Showcase.
Yes, yes, The JAM — the same place that we were all crying about because it was closing didn’t do that, so now on Friday, from 8 to 12, you can check out live performances from some of the slickest artists Gainesville has to offer. Everything from danceable funk to chill-wave EDM, there will be something for every taste. (So you can tell your friends to go wait over there when they’re not feeling the vibes you’re feeling.)
We’ll be there, just a few blocks away from Midtown, taking a break from beating the clock and carrying four drinks at once, to check out the up and coming local artists that, honestly, could make it big one day (however, we might be coming straight from 6-8 at Balls).
Here a few of the acts we’re most excited about.
Via: GainesvilleScene
Bells and Robes is a DJ duo that lays down chill vibes with heavy overtones of hip-hop and digital chip-tune influences. It’s the kind of music you expect to be playing at the coolest bar in the coolest city with the coolest people. You know, the kind of people you look at and you just think, “Wow. I bet they read a lot of books and go on interesting adventures.” Also, great study music.
Not only is Hip-Hop Duke a rapper and the new Mr. Orange-and-Blue at Gator games, but he was also my RA in Broward (shoutout to 4-East 2012-13). Duke raps about his life-experiences and has a cadence somewhere between Kanye West and Busta Rhymes. Catchy beats and clever rhymes, a hella good rapper does make.
Not enough can be said about Savants of Soul. This large ensemble pays homage to the 70s funk from artists like James Brown and Aretha Franklin, but does it better too. If you’re like every other human and like “Uptown Funk”, you’ll be sucked right into their “Downtown Sound.” (That’s the name of their album! Where’s my sitcom contract?!)
Via: Savants of Soul
Southern rockers Grit were the most recent feature in our Scene and Heard series, and Friday is the perfect opportunity to check them out. Needless to say, we highly recommend it.
You ever listen to Florence and the Machine and think “This is meh, but it could be way funkier?” Enter Flatland. Flatland is the band you’ve been missing your whole life. Their radio-ready songs with strong, powerful female lead vocals that accompany the soulful band is as close to perfect as music can get.
So get your ass down to the JAM this Friday night. Doors open at 7:30. The event is free, courtesy of Student Government, so you know at least you’ll get your money’s worth. Trust us, Midtown won’t miss you. Go enjoy live, local music, and support your fellow Gators and Gainesvillains.
Swamp Records Showcase will not be the last you hear of any of these acts.
Feature photo courtesy of: Swamp Records’ Facebook
