Blown Away by Rubblebucket [Westcott Theater 10/1/11]

Written by Sara Finkle Pictures by Kelsey Barrick

October 1st was the first drastic temperature drop and a blatent reminder of fall.  The pouring rain aided the cold in the termination of summer.  I was one of many who took refuge at The Westcott Theater in the hopes of heating up with a dance party provided by Rubblebucket.  Let me just say they undoubtedly delivered.

Rubblebucket is an eight piece experimental band led by the harmonious couple of Alex Toth, trumpet, and Kalmia Traver, vocals and saxophone.   The fusion of wind, string, and percussion instruments brings a new spice to the sound that when baked together in the studio becomes a delicious treat.  This band has recently sky-rocketed towards the top of the jam band scene and with some indie flavor, Rubblebucket is in a league of their own.  Over the summer they grew in popularity as they toured festivals, promoting their new album Omega La La.

They assembled on the stage behind their equipment, which was adorned in neon ribbons illuminated by black lights. They opened with a fun version of “Silly Fathers” and “Rescue Ranger” off their newest album Omega La La.  They followed with a funkadelic version of “Landing”.  Kalmia Traver picked up her greatest rage weapon – the saxophone, which happens to be almost her size, and slayed the audience with an epic solo.   Kalmia takes over the stage as front woman with her unique style, melodic voice and playful personality.  This horn-driven band knows exactly how to compliment each other and their onstage chemistry appeals to all the senses.

They invited two members of the opening band, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, to dance with them on stage for a song while they wore ghost-like outfits. “Triangular Daisies” was perfect; you couldn’t help but sing along.  For the first time ever, they played an ambient psychedelic version of “Down in the Yards”.  The breakdown had some ska undertones similar to “L’homme,” which got the crowd a little rowdy.  They ended the set with “Came Out of a Lady,” a favorite of mine and certainly a crowd pleaser.

Trombonist Adam Dotson came on stage before the encore and asked the audience if they were “ready for a spanking”.  They played a two-song encore that turned bottoms red as they did an interactive call and return to get the crowd even more pumped.  Throughout the entire performance I did not see one person standing still.  Rubblebucket has such a contagious energy that continued to radiate as people piled out of the Westcott Theater, and the atmosphere they created warmed our spirits enough to push back the thought of fall for at least a little while longer.

[cincopa AwLAmuKUGHb7]

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