First Avenue hits jackpot with inaugural Rock Lottery
by Nikhil Kumaran and Laura Buhman
July 10, 2023
The First Avenue mainroom was bubbling with energy this past Friday for the venue’s first Rock Lottery. After five new bands were formed earlier in the week entirely from local musicians, many people were excited to hear what they’d perform after just two days to write and rehearse. Each band prepared about four songs as well as a cover.
The first band of the night was named Andy Holmaas. The group consisted of rapper Student 1, singer-songwriter and violinist Jillian Rae, Kai Brewster (Lupin, Dark Bunny, General B and the Wiz) on bass, FènixDion drummer Sam Bramble, and guitarist Nate Walker (Aiden Intro, Daphne Jane).
The band played with a lot of energy, which the crowd loved. The band’s theme was the color red, which all the members wore, except for Walker, who instead donned a cherry red Gibson guitar. The music emanated a lot of joy. Student 1 and Rae switched off their roles as lead singer, having the band as a whole brimming with fast-paced and infectious energy that filled the room. When not singing Rae would be playing her violin which served as a unique accompaniment for the show. “Them Changes” by Thundercat was their cover choice.
Another Language was the next group to take the stage. They had an infectious and groovy energy right off the bat. The magnetic presence of roots singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello, jazz drummer L.A. Buckner, Leo Lerner (Odd Prospect), Eric Carranza (Lady Midnight, Molly Brandt, PRINTS), and Kevin Gamble (Goon Tribune, Ty Pow and The Holy North) electrified the atmosphere.
Cutrufello’s rocking personality commanded the stage. The band’s performance showcased jazzy keyboard licks from Gamble and songs that seamlessly shifted time signature, displaying a fusion of diverse musical influences and also the amount of work the musicians must have put into the songs. Buckner’s drum kit included an electronic pad, where he incorporated the classic R&B electronic sounds in the band’s set. They covered Tears for Fears’ hit “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”
In between sets, the venue was filled with conversation, laughter, and shared smiles. Artists who already performed joined the crowd, exchanging embraces with their bandmates — both new and more-regular -- and fellow musicians. It was a heartwarming display of camaraderie and unity, where the boundaries between performers and audience dissolved.
Next, it was the Up N Ups’ time to shine, providing another great example of artists blending different styles into one. Beck Schacht (Room3, RAWTWHYLAH), Seth Duin (Too Short to be Stormtroopers, Faith Boblett, General B and the Wiz), Bad Bad Hats frontwoman Kerry Alexander, Chelsea Oxborough (The Von Tramps, The Bloodies), and singer-songwriter Landon Conrath delivered a captivating performance. The group played a very punk-centric sounding setlist with the exception of jazz bassist Beck Schacht, weaving intricate bass chords beneath Alexander’s vocals. The band exuded sheer enjoyment, radiating excitement and leaving a strong impression on the audience. They worked Blink-182 into their set.
The fourth band was — and get ready — 5 Below FKA Wheat Thick. I wish I could tell you where this name came from, but I honestly have no idea. The band consisted of Reiki Hall, Hillary James (Bathtub Cig), Cindy Lawson (The Clams, Whoops Kitty), Jon Lindquist (Denim Matriarch, Palm Friends, The Happy Children), and Julia Eubanks (Creeping Charlie). Multiple members of this band took a swing at being lead singer, going from Lawson to Eubanks, to James to Hall. James played bass for most of the night but surprised the crowd when she brought out her cello, They covered “Dark Red” by Steve Lacy.
Hall shared that this was his first time playing on the First Avenue stage. He revealed that this had been part of his dream for quite some time, and how he felt grateful for such an opportunity. The band then played an original song called “First Ave” and he encouraged the crowd to never give up. After the song, the crowd chanted Hall’s name, but he corrected them to instead say “5 Below.”
Lastly, Speaker hit the stage, commanding attention with their formidable presence. Jake Hanson (HALEY, the Cactus Blossoms, Mason Jennings), Crystal Maslyjek (IE, Brute Heart), Molly Dean (Dusty Heart), Dave Power (Bathtub Cig, TABAH, Cult Vibes), and Cecelia Erholtz (TABAH) seamlessly blended their talents. The group dug into a deeper and lusher sound that captivated the audience. Power and Dean drew out heavily distorted yet ethereal guitar chords into the venue. Erholtz’s emotion-filled singing washed over the crowd leaving them wanting more.
For one of the songs, the crowd caught on to the lyrics quick, as most in the crowd were singing along with the band, chanting “I gave you my sugar.” The music then began to pick up in tempo and as soon as they hit their final note, they walked off the stage. Meanwhile, the audience cheered them on.
Beyond the exceptional music, this concert served as a unifying community event. An infectious spirit echoed throughout the show, prompting whispers of anticipation for future Rock Lottery events. Enthusiastic attendees pondered possibilities of different artists they would love to see take part in the event — eagerly awaiting the chance to relive the night’s magic.
