Silopanna: Remember When?

June 23, 2011 by blogger icon

Remember the first year of the Silopanna Music Festival? When it was at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds? When it was only a one day festival? When they only had 20 bands? Remember that first year and the eclectic mix of headliners that rocked the stage with their infectious energy?

	Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have come a long way since their humble beginnings nearly a decade ago. Steeped within the gilded and gritty sounds of gospel, soul and funk, this nine-piece Brooklyn collective has continued to electrify fans, disc jockeys, critics, record collectors, and bloggers the world-over with their authentic, heart-felt sound. As distinguished as their recordings may be, however, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have truly become renowned thanks to their incredible live show, not to mention their relentless touring.The band has appeared on CNN, MTV News, VH1, Conan OBrien, Craig Ferguson, David Letterman and Jimmy Fallon. website
	Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews’ new album, Backatown (Verve Forecast April 20), is the work of a rare artist who can draw both the unqualified respect of jazz legends and deliver a high-energy rock show capable of mesmerizing international rock stars and audiences alike. With such an unprecedented mix of rock, funk, jazz, hip-hop and soul, he had to create his own name to describe his signature sound: Supafunkrock! Andrews is the kind of player who comes along maybe once in a generation, and Backatown is the latest, clearest proof that his artistry is as singular as his raw talent. Shorty’s dream is now a musical reality of potentially game-changing significance, as he and his band prepare to shift the musical landscape in a thrilling new direction website
	Matt & Kim Matt & Kim are a two-piece: Matt plays keys and Kim plays drums. The two met at Pratt Institute. Despite Kim having never played drums before and Matt having never played keyboard, they started the band in 2004. Cameras, was released August 31, 2010 and jumped to the number 14 spot on the iTunes Alternative Chart within the first hour its release. The new album is the follow up to Grand, released in early 2009 via FADER Label. Grand achieved iTunes Top 10 single and album placements, as well as spots on both the Billboard Single and Album Charts. To date, Matt and Kim have been on the Billboard New Artist chart for 78 weeks and the single Daylight is certified gold, having sold over 500K. Their video for Lessons Learned, won an MTV VMA for Breakthrough Video and an mtvU Woodie award for Best Video. website
	Fitz and The Tantrums Fitz and the Tantrums may be the breakout act of 2011. Their monster hit Moneygrabber may very well be the song of the year, and their live show is among the best going. Dont take our word for it, heres what the press is saying: “Fitz and the Tantrums comes around with the chops to back up an L.A. swaggerboth a familiar yet rousing soul-pop sound that transports you back to nostaligic heartache and a live performance which involves the audiencesinging, dancing, clapping, screamingfrom start to finish.” Paste Magazine website
	Harper Blynn Harper Blynn is classic pop reimagined. The band’s instantly hummable music is remarkable not only for its breadth but also its intimacy, ranging from four-on-the-floor dance stompers to near-whispered pleas for understanding. As inspiring as their recordings are, Harper Blynn effortlessly transcends them in concert, delivering three-part harmonies over a smartly-arranged blend of guitar, keyboards, bass and drums that is at once minimalistically modern and timelessly organic. In fact, the bands musical proficiency and on-stage chemistry raise an uncomfortable question: Where did all the real bands go? We may never know for sure, but at least theres one still standing: Harper Blynn. website

Do you remember the first time you heard the word Silopanna? Did you stumble over how to say it [sill-o-pan-uh]? Did you wonder where it came from or what it meant?

Remember when you actual wondered who would come to the event? And how far they would be willing to drive?

Do you remember hearing your favorite band for the first time at Silopanna?