Saturday Lounge Stage Preview
I know it’s hard to believe, but fall is upon us and Via Colori 2011 is just around the corner! We are elated to have two jam-packed days of incredible live music on two stages featuring some of Houston’s most beloved bands once again this year. Whether you’re interested in the hustle and bustle of the Reliant Main Stage or the more intimate atmosphere at our Lounge Stage, there is truly something for every musical taste at Via Colori.
We’ll be kicking things off at the Lounge Stage on Saturday, November 19 at 12:30 P.M. with 21 year-old up-and-coming singer/songwriter, Ira Perez. Don’t let Ira’s age fool you; she’s been playing piano and guitar almost her entire life. Her talents earned her a 2010 Houston Press Music award for Best Female Vocalist against some seriously stiff competition. The Houston Press’ Shea Serrano has the best description of her vocal abilities that we’ve seen: “Her voice is bright and vibrant and, without being too hyperbolic, probably what it'd sound like if chocolate made noise.” Don’t miss your chance to see Ira wow the audience at the Via Colori before her career really takes off.
Next up at 2:00 P.M. is the high-energy Houston-based Roots and Americana duo Westbound. The band has been on an extensive regional tour in support of their latest album, Blackjack Road, and we’re so thankful that they’ve made Via Colori one of their stops. When watching Westbound perform, people tend to wonder how two people can create such a full, rich sound. With Rebecca Ferguson’s gorgeous vocals and John Stolls impressive multi-instrumental talent, Westbound is sure to impress all of the attendees lucky enough to catch their Saturday afternoon set. When it’s all over you’ll wonder where they’re hiding their extra band mates.
It’s difficult to express how much the Via Colori team loves Jerk Store but if you read my blog post on them last year, you should know they are a staff and fan favorite. This is Jerk Store’s fifth year performing at the festival and we’ll continue to invite them until they say ‘no’ because they’re just that much fun. Every year, without fail, people ask the band and I where they can see Jerk Store again. If you miss their 3:00 P.M. set on the Lounge Stage, you’ll seriously regret it. And that’s not a threat; it’s a warning! Boasting a seriously diverse repertoire of some the best pop and rock songs ever written, their set is sure to get the Lounge Stage audience rockin’, per usual.
And finally, end your day with DJ Ceeplus Bad Knives who will be spinning the final set of the day on the Lounge Stage starting at 4:45 P.M. Ceeplus is a long-time fixture in the Houston music scene who has been honing his craft for more than a decade. His talent and unique style has garnered Ceeplus with the Best DJ honors from the Houston Press numerous times over his career. And, as if you needed more convincing, annual Austin mega-festival, South By Southwest’s own Matt Sonzala has said of Ceeplus: “He’s one of the foremost experimental DJ’s on the TX scene who’s not afraid to take chances.” Don’t miss your opportunity to dance day one away at Ceeplus’ closing set.
Stay tuned for our Sunday Lounge Stage Preview, which will be hitting the blog on Friday. Needless to say, we’ve got more exciting, free music up our sleeve for you all!
Annie Barrera
2011 Via Colori Entertainment Chair
