This show was the opener to the Gallivan Twilight Concert Series–a host of free shows every Thursday put on by the Salt Lake Arts Counsel. These things haven gotten so damn crowded that you need to expect to get there an hour early just to be able to see the stage. And if you are a drinker, you better plan on long beer lines. I made that mistake for the last time. As your attorney, I advise you to drink before you leave.

The Knux

The Knux came on stage with a boom and kept their energy up the whole set. They are touring on their latest release, Remind Me in 3 Days. This duo recently evacuated New Orleans after Katrina and exiled to Hollywood. Self-proclaimed as Mars-born Garage Hop, these guys are known for their nerd-rap style. They rocked big frame glasses and had the crowd jumping to Cappuccino, their single featured on HBO’s Entourage. By the end of that one, I really felt like I needed “a fresh cappuccino with a mocha twist.” Listen to the song and you’ll see what I mean. I was entertained. Check these guys out if they come your way.

The Roots

The roots are one of my favorite hip-hop groups to see perform live. They have a reputation for being one of the greatest live hip-hop groups in history. The funky guitar jamming of Captain Kirk sounds like a mixture of Hendrix, The Kinks, and I dunno… Chris Isaak? They are backed by the smoooth cadence of ?uestlove on drums and F Knuckles on percussion. The Roots are talented musicians and lay down their tracks with live instruments…No samples here. MC master Black Thought can flow like liquid mercury or rock like Jack White.

As I said, this show was packed. A free Roots show in the middle of downtown…I guess it make sense, but It still means I didn’t have a great view of the stage. A few people got so sick of not being able to see, they climbed the rafters above our heads. I was able to get a picture of that (below)! It was great to hear them play live, but seeing them would have added to the whole concert experience.

They ended their set with one of my all-time Roots favorites, the one with some very classic lines like “If she dropped a baby girl tonight, I would name her Rock N’ Roll…” Recorded with the help of Cody Chestnut… Trying to think of the name of the song… Ah yes. The Seed 2.0. No Cody Chestnut, but it was still good to hear it live for the first time.

Lesson learned: If you are going to see a free concert with a good line up, get there early. More specifically, I will be at the Gallivan at 6:00 next Thursday to see De La Soul! See Ya there!

Peace to the trees broooh.

Next review: Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival