Gone Bananas Over 100 Monkeys
by Lisa Walz
It’s 2 a.m. and I’m sitting outside of Wasted Space at the Hard Rock Hotel just to get a chance to talk with a band, 100 Monkeys featuring Jackson Rathbone of Twilight fame. I heard this band for the very first time this evening and not knowing what to think of another actor turned musician, I found myself pleasantly surprised at the level craftsmanship this particular band has over their music. Each member actively plays every single instrument, and takes turns rotating around the stage for each song; they call it “Monkey Switcheroo.” I can honestly say I have never seen this done before. I was amazed at the level of which they each contribute to this “Funky Rock n Roll” band, as they like to call it. A cross between White Stripes, The Killers, The Doors and Elvis Presley is something that I never imagined would go well together. “Ve seen a switch up on instruments with two members of the band, but never with all five.
To be completely honest, I had never heard of 100 Monkeys until about six months ago. I am an avid fan of Twilight and never in a million years thought that one of the Cullen clan could possibly turn out to be a musician. Jackson “Jasper” Rathbone up on stage with a guitar in hand and singing with such veracity had me mesmerized the entire time. When it came time for the “Switcheroo,” WOW, color me impressed. Of course, I could not spend the entire performance watching only Jackson; the other members of the band captivated my attention as well. They are Ben Graupner, Jered Anderson, Lawrence Abrams and Ben Johnson. All of them have a musical background to attribute to the entire set up of their awesome show.
Now, here comes my chance to possibly sit and interview the band. Here they come, walking up to their vehicle to load in the rest of their instruments, laughing and carrying on and just having a good time. By the looks of it, their evening has been a long one and they are ready to start heading to California as their next performance is in San Diego. I get up the courage to introduce myself to Jackson and “Uncle” Larry, as Larry is taking pictures of the scene outside of the hotel. Jackson was very polite while answering questions from other fans and discussing his life in general. Living in Texas for a short while really brought out the southern gentleman in him as he offered each of the ladies a drink from his beverage of choice. He kept the meet and greet short but sweet and I may not have been able to sit and chat with the band on their own, but listening and watching them interact with their fans tells me all I need to know about the kind of band they are. They are friendly, outgoing and generally, all around a good spirited group of men who enjoy what they do and love to share it with the rest of the world. Hats off to you, 100 Monkeys, you are now in my Top 5 list of favorite bands. Now, I’m off to purchase the CD’s, so I can be prepared for the next show.
To be completely honest, I had never heard of 100 Monkeys until about six months ago. I am an avid fan of Twilight and never in a million years thought that one of the Cullen clan could possibly turn out to be a musician. Jackson “Jasper” Rathbone up on stage with a guitar in hand and singing with such veracity had me mesmerized the entire time. When it came time for the “Switcheroo,” WOW, color me impressed. Of course, I could not spend the entire performance watching only Jackson; the other members of the band captivated my attention as well. They are Ben Graupner, Jered Anderson, Lawrence Abrams and Ben Johnson. All of them have a musical background to attribute to the entire set up of their awesome show.
Now, here comes my chance to possibly sit and interview the band. Here they come, walking up to their vehicle to load in the rest of their instruments, laughing and carrying on and just having a good time. By the looks of it, their evening has been a long one and they are ready to start heading to California as their next performance is in San Diego. I get up the courage to introduce myself to Jackson and “Uncle” Larry, as Larry is taking pictures of the scene outside of the hotel. Jackson was very polite while answering questions from other fans and discussing his life in general. Living in Texas for a short while really brought out the southern gentleman in him as he offered each of the ladies a drink from his beverage of choice. He kept the meet and greet short but sweet and I may not have been able to sit and chat with the band on their own, but listening and watching them interact with their fans tells me all I need to know about the kind of band they are. They are friendly, outgoing and generally, all around a good spirited group of men who enjoy what they do and love to share it with the rest of the world. Hats off to you, 100 Monkeys, you are now in my Top 5 list of favorite bands. Now, I’m off to purchase the CD’s, so I can be prepared for the next show.
Henry Rollins @ Wasted Space
For the first time Wasted Space had a new look to it compare to all the other times I have been there drinking and dancing and having a great time. There was no bartenders, no people smoking and dancing around like fools but people sitting, laughing and looking only in one direction. At the only direction where everyone had there faces turned to was a man who I personally have had a crush on for years and thought of him in only one way, a “badass”. At this moment when I walked in and saw Henry Rollins and everyone laughing and hearing him say “White Power”, I was wondering is this for real? Henry Rollins and his Spoken Words were extremely entertaining and very interesting. I never pictured him as the funny man but only as a buff man who is very serious. Listening to his stories of travel, filming Sons of Anarchy and also guest starring in RuPaul’s Drag Race made me look at Henry in a whole new way. He is kind, funny and very, very smart and full of knowledge. He spoke with such emotion. The crowd was a mixed crowd, old and the young but definitely more of the elder crowd from his Black Flag days. Henry Rollins made a comment towards the end of his Spoken Words, “By me shutting up I will be giving back your ass.” Well Mr. Rollins I wanted to let you know personally that you could have had my ass for another 4 hours! Henry Rollins Frequent Flyer Spoken Words Tour was extremely amazing and I recommend it to anyone with an open mind.
Killswitch Engage
March 3rd, 2010
The House of Blues in Mandalay Bay
Las Vegas, NV
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