It doesn't surprise me at all of the success of these free Tuesday night shows at downtown Orlando "hipster bar" Bar BQ Bar. They brought them back late 2008 after a four/five year old hiatus. One of my old bands played there in 2002-3 and it was one of the most fun shows we had. I've attended several of these shows this year as well as played one earlier this year as Hot Hands. It's fun because it's a steady albeit random crowd coming and going, being seen as well as drinking-aged friends all hanging out.

Downtown Orlando was a bit nutty this night due to the NBA Finals in which the Orlando Magic were playing the Lakers right across I-4 several blocks away. All the bars downtown were packed with patrons hooting it up. As the end of the game neared Tres Bien had already started playing. By the time the game ended Bar-BQ Bar was getting more and more filled. In fact, it ended up being quite packed for a Tuesday.

Longtime Kick Bright Zine favorites Tres Bien arrived to Orlando on yet another east coast tour. They transplanted from Clearwater, Florida to Pennsylvania last year. I don't know why this band keeps getting weird low-key shows here in town. Last tour they did a house show at the Lo-Fi House..... and before that...... another house show. I'm not counting FMF. They seem to play bigger places up north. Did you watch that reality show the Next Greatest American Band? If you had not seen or heard about that show, it was basically American Idol but with whole bands instead of a vocalist. Tres Bien lasted pretty long (longer than Rocket). They were tagged as a retro band. Well, I'm not to sure what that means. If a band has an energetic sound and dresses nice (and similar) does that really make them retro? Uhhhh no. It means they have an energetic sound that translates into a fun live show.

Tres Bien played, for the most part, newer material that I either have seen before. The rousing "Knock You Out" was dedicated humorously to the Lakers. They followed that with a slower soulful song that just killed. They did that Martha and the Vandellas cover "Heatwave" which I thought they performed on the show. I looked it up and it wasn't. Good rendition. The only older songs were "Your Graceful Soul" and closed with "Heard No More" from their first full length, recorded when they were in high school. This band is great fun.

Orlando band Mumpsy closed out the night righteously. I've seen them..... three or four times in the past month or two and this show edged out as one of their best shows. Band leader Jeff was in true showmanship form running around with his guitar. I think this band is now in the running for the most oddest-looking band in town. Look at those guys! Weird! Haha. I have "Question Mark" stuck in my head and it won't go away!

Did I mention the Magic won the game? Orlando was in party mode for sure.

Pictures:

Tres Bien. Mikey and Cody.

Tres Bien. Ryan would later rack up some serious points on Galaga.

Tres Bien. Michael and Ryan.

Mumpsy: Chris, Jeff, Waylon, Al.

Mumpsy.

Videos:

 
Tres Bien "Your Graceful Soul"

 
Tres Bien. Another song.

 
Tres Bien "Heard No More" -- last song.

 
Mumpsy rocking out.

Links:
Tres Bien: myspace.
Mumpsy: myspace.
Bar BQ Bar Myspace