Preview: Wed ZepWeen, Wanyama / April 24 / Jackie O’s
By Chris Reinbold, Staff Writer
Jackie O’s / Friday, April 24, 2015 What do you get when you cross timeless rock legends Led Zeppelin and eclectic, odd-ball rockers Ween? This sounds like the start to an unbelievably lame riddle, but it isn’t--this is the lineup for Friday at Jackie O’s.
Wed ZepWeen, hailing from Cleveland, is the only Led Zeppelin and Ween tribute band in the area, quite possibly the country. How do they combine the sounds of these monstrous and vastly different acts? Not entirely sure, but the way the band executes these sounds is bound to be mind-boggling. In addition to the oddity that is Wed ZepWeen, Cleveland’s Wanyama will also take the stage. “We've never played with Wed ZepWeen, but we've played with some of Eric Turner's [Wed ZepWeen guitarist and vocalist] other bands, which has always been a blast. The guy really knows how to perform and put on a show. We're excited to see how they blend the two groups together,” says Whiskey TomCat, guitarist and vocalist for Wanyama.
Wanyama is a six-piece hip-hop infused funk band known for their positive vibes and good-time attitude. “Every time we're on stage our main goal is to reach a connection with people,” explains TomCat. “We really want to at least make a connection and have the crowd feel like they are part of the show simply because they are the biggest part.” The crowd is central to a Wanyama show, whether they are throwing back a few drinks or dancing at the front of the stage. “We won’t stop until we can get every last toe tapping,” continues TomCat. This is not Wanyama’s first rodeo in Athens. “We've played Athens once every couple of months for the last three years,” says TomCat. “Most of our shows have taken place at either Jackie O's or the Union. However, we did play in a backyard during one of the Palmer Fests, the one where a house caught fire.” Wanyama has had an incredibly positive reception in Athens, as their set always ends with a crowd “dancing like they never have before.” “Our favorite thing about the Athens scene is the pure energy. People like to have fun there, which goes perfect with our attitude towards live music. It's also a great place to spend the day. Everyone is very laid back until night comes around, then its time to party,” said TomCat. The night kicks off at 9 p.m. at Jackie O’s. The doors are $5.
