Kynd Karma's Summer Shakedown II

The summer heat has been pounding the Buckeye State for over a week now and everyone has been trying to find a way to stay cool. Our pursuit to beat the heat took us south of the Ohio River to the town of Independence, Kentucky and the Kynd Karma Farm. The event was Kynd Karma’s Summer Shakedown II and the line-up was the real reason behind our travels. Scott and Krishna Cecil put together quite an impressive day of music with many of the bands from the Buckeye State. We were already running a little late and traffic was, (well let’s say traffic sucked and leave it at that).

By the time we crossed the river and arrived at the farm we had miss the first band, The Barry Mando Project from Lexington, Kentucky. I was looking forward to seeing these guys and was frustrated to say the least that we missed them. The trio caught my attention in my preparation for the festival, and after watching a couple of videos from their Website, I couldn’t wait to see these guys. Danny Williams (Electric Baritone Mandolin, Vocals), Danny Cecil (Acoustic and Electric Bass), and Paul Deatherage (Drums and Percussion) have a unique blend of Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Nu-Jazz that makes you want to hear more. So if you see The Barry Mando Project coming to your area make sure you leave early and don’t miss them like I did. Our apologies guys, we will catch up with you soon.

We were in time to see the next band, Pharaoh Loosey from Cincinnati. The band was just beginning their set as we arrived, so we got settled in rather quickly and so did Pharaoh Loosey. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing was coming from three guys. The song Lightfoot is like taking a musical journey through space and time. In fact, I found many of the tunes from the band seem to take you on a voyage of sounds and rhythms; including the song “The Great Egg Sandwich”. I know weird name for a song right? But it is a freakin cool tune. The trio from Cincy; Grant Kilgard (Keyboards), Eric Osmanoglu (Bass), and Wayne Kilgard (Drums) spin together a sound that combines Experimental, Funk, and Improvisation into music that is both unique and captivating. You have got to check these guys out; Pharaoh Loosey will be playing at Rootwire, Ohmstead, and The Big Pig music festivals. You'll hear more from this band I promise!

The Ohms came to Kynd Karma after playing a free gig earlier in the day at Superior Hyundai in Fairfield, Ohio, so the guys from Cincinnati came warmed-up and ready to go. Every time I have heard someone describe the sound of The Ohms they refer to the band as a Reggae band. Well don’t let that word fool ya, these guys ROCK. I have listened to their self-titled debut CD several times and as much as I like it, it doesn’t capture the energy the band demonstrates on stage. The strong Vocals and Guitar of David Danforth are unmistakable, as are the thumping Bass of Psycho D and Chet Johnson’s assault on Drums. The trio played several songs from their CD like Run Rabbit Run, Pipe Down and Pushing and Shoving. We were also fortunate to here a new tune called “Vampire” that was one of my favorites of the set. The Ohms are a lot of fun and they will entertain the hell out you. You have got to see this band live; perhaps at the 10^th Annual Ohmstead Music Festival August 26-28 in Petersburg, Kentucky.

The stage was set for the next act, Elemental Groove Theory (EGT) out of Athens, Ohio. I have been hearing good things about this band for awhile now and was looking forward to hearing some horn action. EGT is a powerful seven piece band that features the vocals of Rachel Maxann. Rachel is joined by members; Kyle Slemmer (Saxophone), Dustin Bastin (Trumpet), Mark Meredith (Guitar), Mike Brokamp (Keyboards), Matt Urminski (Bass), Eric Wright (Drums). The band brought their eclectic brand of Soul, Rock, Funk, Jazz, and the kitchen sink. Plus, there is just something about a great horn section and a female vocalist, especially one with pipes like Rachel. One song that proves my point is “Rendezvous at the Station.” The song also features a great Guitar riff from Meredith. Another song that will get your feet moving is called “Live Your Style,” and features the Keys of Brokamp. This is one band I can’t wait to see again. You can get your groove on when the band plays the Adelphia Music Hall in Marietta, Ohio August 12^th.

Boogie Matrix Mechanism made the journey to the Shakedown from Toledo, Ohio and was the final band to perform. Boogie Matrix and Team Crush were represented well at Summer Shakedown; the band even set up in the garage with a full light show and fog machines setting the stage for an epic Boogie Jam. Even with the lights failing a few times during the set, Boogie Matrix didn’t miss a beat. The band featured songs from their fourth CD called “Coaster Ride.” The air was so thick you could cut it with a knife; I can’t imagine what it must have been like in that garage. But it didn’t seem to faze the band a bit, if anything it seemed to inspire the guys. Johnny Kuntz (Guitar, Vocals), Ben Durham (Bass, Vocals), Bob Maltby (Guitar), Jim Kahman (Keyboards), and Seth Kafoure (Drums) were up to Mother Nature’s challenge and proceeded to give the crowd a great show, despite having to turn down the volume. I was stoked when the band played one of my favorites called “Mushroom Hunting” from their CD Animated Reality, another must have for your CD collection. If you haven’t seen Boogie Matrix yet, what are you waiting for? The band is scheduled to perform at Shamy Bash and the Wham Bam Thank You Jam in College Corner, Ohio.

Kynd Karma’s Summer Shakedown II may not be the biggest festivals of the summer, but I dare you to find a finer group of people at any festival. Scott and Krishna Cecil assembled a great day of music and I can tell you, they know how to host an event. Krishna even opened her home to the band and ourselves, providing us with one of the best spreads I have seen. I want to take this time to thank them both for their hospitality, we had a wonderful time. Thanks to all the bands as well as Nocturnal Arts for giving us their all in spite of the heat. And thanks to all the folks we had the pleasure of meeting. Kynd Karma’s Summer Shakedown II was one of the best days of music this summer, I wonder if they have Kynd Karma’s Fall Shakedown. If not it’s not too late to plan, I’m just saying!