Desert Bloom at Gangplank

Most concerts separate the crowd and performer. The stage and seating are purposefully spaced apart, and the drawbacks are immense. Yes, the band may feel safer, but they don’t truly connect with those listening. Nothing can really be exchanged, and there’s no way the audience could influence the musicians.

Desert Bloom was nothing like that. Staged at Gangplank last night, Desert Bloom’s mix of acts showed that there is some serious musical talent hiding in metro Phoenix. Some of the musicians were great, most of them were entertaining and ALL of them should be commended for showing up and displaying their craft.

We heard beatboxing and white-boy rap, a mix between Kid Rock and Dave Matthews and a list of DJs I’d be happy to hire for any party.

Sure, there were a few kinks, as the long set-up between sets made me wish they had some ambient or house music playing, and there were a few equipment malfunctions (most notably during John Dudley’s set, after which he showed obvious frustration), but well worth the time and the drive.

ButterAndMe provided the tasty birthday treats for Francine Hardaway and 24 Carrots dropped some healthy stuff.

The visual art wasn’t as impressive, but only due to there being so little of it. There was some great stuff over by the food, but that’s all that seemed to be available. Rumors abound that Tyson Crosbie was upset over having to share a room with another artist and declined to show his pieces. Weird, but hey, artists are fickle. It happens.

This is it. Yesterday was the day Gangplank and its community became more than a cowork place, more than a collaboration studio or even a place to geek out. Gangplank became THE place to be a creative, and to create, in the Valley.

Rock on.