Ned Hill performs with Ned Van Go at the Capitol Arts Center. Photo by Pennman.

The Capitol Arts Center has done it again. They brought some top-notch music into Bowling Green for a very reasonable price, and put them on the historic stage and turned them loose. The result was a night full of rocking, honky-tonkin, bluegrass and roots, and rockabilly music just a step above the rest. If you’re looking to broaden your musical horizons this is the place to be.

Travis Mann kicked off the night a bit before I could get there, but the word was that they had the house jumping. A little research on these boys reveals that they have taken Nashville by storm, playing four nights a week to packed houses in the lower Broadway area. They take country, rockabilly, and swing, add lots of energy and stage presence, and just take over rooms, even big rooms like the Capitol. I’ve been told bassist Joe Fick is definitely one to watch, so given all the advance anticipation that came ahead of this show I’m really disappointed I had to miss them. Bet you are too. You can get all the info on the band and stream some of their tunes at www.travismannband,com.

I was there on time to catch Sunday Valley’s entire set, and what an experience that was. They are a trio of John Sturgill Simpson on guitar, Gerald Evans on bass, and Edgar Purdom on drums. So if your impression of bluegrass and roots music is kind of laid back, acoustic, and folksy, you can throw that notion out the window at a Sunday Valley show. Simpson simply smokes the guitar, playing riffs up and down the fret board with blazing speed and fantastic tone. As with any trio, since there’s only three of them, the rhythm section better be good, and this one is rock solid. Gerald Evans stands out on his own and often becomes a focal point because he’s so distinctive. And Purdom is an absolute dynamo on the skins. Simpson’s vocals are excellent as well. The band hails from Lexington, so you might want to look them up if you’re ever up that way and looking for some good music. Check out Franne J’s write up on the band here for more info: http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2011/05/11/the_amplifier/music/doc4dca955f97020686887224.txt.

Headliners Ned Van Go were up next. This was the second time I’ve seen them, and it just verified my first impression of them; tight, energetic, and real. Many of their tunes exude personal experience, reflecting on life, love, money, and even married life. Ned Hill sings songs about things just about everyone can relate to, and that striking of the common cord is very compelling. The music is also lots of fun too, often with hints of comedic irony. Hill does the bulk of the vocals, plays rhythm guitar, and also plays harmonica at times. Eliot Houser is a very established lead guitarist who had no trouble trading riffs with guest player Greg Martin (Kentucky Headhunters). Viva Becker adds lots of energy and stage presence on bass, completing an awesome rhythm section. It was cool to hear the Government Cheese song “No Sleeping in Penn Station”, plus Van Go favorites like “Charlene” and, perhaps my favorite, “Bedroom Wall”. Simply stated, it was a great set. The band is based in Nashville so look them up when you’re down there.

So once again I saw a great show at the Capitol. And these three great bands were presented for only $10, so how can you beat that for value? Take notice of the next one folks. So far they’ve hit the mark each time. You’re likely to see a great value and a great night of music any time you go to a Capitol show. 

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman