The Locals Pt.2

Well, since this bloggity got a shout out on the radio (Alt Buffalo!..thanks Chelsea), I figured I should continue writing up some stuff about the amazing local bands that we (Ponder) have come across in our time as a band. It's only been just over a year but there's so many great bands out there.

*Disclaimer*

I'm still not very insightful about music, even though this is my second bloggity...I'll get better I promise ;)

I often ask myself not who DJ LaNny Smith is, but what he is. Is he a DJ who can keep a party going through the night, playing modern hits as well as music catering more towards his current tastes? Or is he a guitar deity, sent down to this earth to grace ears with his super-speed melodic shredding? If you couldn't guess between the two, it's both. I know LaNny Smith personally, and invited him to play at Ponder's spot/venue months ago, not knowing fully what to expect. LaNny Smith showed up (fashionably late) prepared with a DJ controller, a computer and program thingy, effects lights for mood, a Marshall Half Stack (that I lent to him), a 7-string guitar, and a lot of overdrive. It was as simple as plug and go, and next thing you know LaNny Smith is melting everyone's faces, puddles all over the floor. His shredding seamed together effortlessly, his solos transitioning neatly with the playlist he brought along for that night. If you get the opportunity to catch this act, you better be ready to party.

Did I mention that he knows how to PLAY GUITAR WITH HIS TEETH.

https://www.facebook.com/TheLaNnySmith/?fref=ts

So Ponder the Giraffe had just gotten to Buffalo for the very first time in April. We had the opportunity to compete in a Battle of the Bands competition held by 91.3 WBNY. Now trust me, every band will get on this blog at some point. Believe me when I say that this show was just absolutely loaded with talent.

Randle and the Late Night Scandles (that name is gold) are the type of band you always imagine being in. With the groove bass and drums supporting a solo trade-off between a top-class blues guitar player and a fantastic saxophone soloist. Cap that off with a superb female vocalist, and yeah...you have a giant pool of talent. And I'll tell you what, as far as getting the crowd dancing goes, I haven't yet seen a band that does it better! They have a great mix of blues, funk, soul, and rock. RATLNS (shortened it) know exactly what they're doing on stage. And this may seem contradicting, but they also improvise most of the show. That's quite a feat, and it keeps the show really entertaining the entire time. I don't know the band personally that well, but myself and the band did get to meet them all after the show, super nice people and they really love what they do! I absolutely will try and catch this band again live. It's an amazing live set. Check them out on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/Randle-and-the-Late-Night-Scandals-214975551874661/?fref=ts

Heyo thanks for reading again. If you guys want I'll do another of these. If not I'll probly do it anyways just not as quickly! But yeah, thanks for all the positive feedback. You're all awesome and I hope you enjoy these two acts!

Keep on pondering.

-Gabriel Birkby