A Righteous Ruckus

It’s Saturday night and St. Mike’s Spring concert is in session with Jay Sean serenading quite a few students with other songs and than his one hit wonder. I only know this because of the plethora of fliers all around the school and the half coherent text of a friend. Instead I’m up on North campus following the jam band classic rock siren call of live music pulling me towards Turtle Underground. Upon entering I’m immediately amazed not only by the full force of the music, but by how many fellow students are already in attendance – showing their support for some phenomenal local musicians. The first band to perform is a personal favorite – The Big Dirty, seasoned veterans of Turtle who have got everyone in the room on their feet grooving.  Tonight the band is accompanied onstage by a rapper, whose name I don’t know, but who does a good job blending his vocals with the awesome backbeat of the other musicians to create a sound that’s beautifully and truly unique. Everybody’s having a blast and after each song The Big Dirty is rewarded with thunderous applause and cheers. After a great set that leaves many an attendee taking a water break to cool themselves off from dancing themselves thirsty – the second band steps onstage. I had never heard of Japhy Ryder beforehand – but I was completely unprepared for the continued awesomeness that ensued. The band blended mind bending guitar riffs with a trumpet to ignite the crowd into a truly righteous ruckus. True for both bands, I couldn’t help but keep moving my feet -and I wasn’t the only one. The crowds attendance remained absolutely packed during both sets and were rewarded with a phenomenal blend of talent and stage presence that left many desiring more time to vibe. I couldn’t believe that it was already close to midnight and after leaving – voice raw from cheering and feet exhausted from dancing – I found myself in eager anticipation for the next time I get to hear these two extraordinary bands play and to see whatever surprises Turtle holds for next week.