Eastern Europe, meet Denver, Colorado...

The first thing I saw at Bonnaroo was among the strangest acts I've ever seen. Which is saying something, given that I've had the dubious pleasure of seeing a band called Anal Pudding at the Blind Pig here in Ann Arbor. But that's a whole 'nother subject.

DeVotchKa (in stark contrast to Anal Pudding) was not only at Bonnaroo, but it was an absolute pleasure to make their acquaintance.

From the unusual instrumentation...

electric mandolin played as electric guitar...string bass...


tuba... ( ! ) ...

Julio Iglesias-style soaring vocals...

...fiddle...

...not to mention trumpet, accordion, drum kit, and guitar...

...and to the subject matter, to the wardrobe choices, all I can tell you is that these folks are worth your time and your ears and your dollars.

The story is that I heard during their introduction is that they are from somewhere in Eastern Europe, but it's certainly possible that I misunderstood. The review of their stuff I just read (see link above) says they are from Denver CO, with eastern European influences. Any and all of which I can believe. Go, click the link, check them out.

If anyone is interested, they will be playing at the Kraftbrau Brewery in Kalamazoo this coming Thursday night (June 29). If you can, you should go check them out...you won't regret it.

I have an audition tonight...wish me luck...(and steady fingers)...!