Published on January 3rd, 2013 | by Ballard Lesemann
Wild Vibrations: Far-Out Stuff from the Mike Dillon Band and Co.
Circus McGurkis at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Circus McGurkis at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Circus McGurkis at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Circus McGurkis at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
A message from Circus McGurkis at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Circus McGurkis at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Mike Dillon Band at the Pour House (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Wild-eyed percussionist Mike Dillon might be most familiar to Charleston music fans as a member of the noisy jazz/punk trio Dead Kenny Gs, alongside sax player Skerik, and bassist Brad Houser (all three are also members of Critters Buggin). The trio has dazzled audiences at the Pour House on numerous occasions over the last five years. Dillon made his return to the Pour House on Wed. Jan. 2 with a new group featuring members of the trippy/funky New Orleans-based combo Yojimbo.
After an early-evening deck show by popular local Grateful Dead cover band Reckoning, a small but lively crowd wandered into the venue’s main room to check out the zany instrumental band Circus McGurkis, the late-night show’s opening act. Led by keyboardist Todd Walton at center stage and guitarist Elliot Vanotti at stage right (behind Dillon’s arsenal of percussion instruments), the quintet delivered a short set of freaked-out explorations and oddly orchestrated groove therapy pieces. Dillon repeatedly cheered for them from the middle of the room.
A slightly larger crowd gathered for Dillon and his crew, with included trombonist/keyboardist Carly Meyers, drummer Adam Gertner, guitarist Cliff Hines, and a mysterious guest on keys and accordion. Dillon handled a well-battered vibraphone, double mallets in each hand through most of the set, occasionally switching to timbales, toms, bongos, and tablas. From the sophisticated funk patterns to the reggae/ska-styled beats, the rhythm section locked together nicely. Hines used pedals to make the tone of his six-string sound like a bass guitar. Gertner’s fluid style kept the grooves flowing. Jumping and dancing like a pixie punker, Meyers matched Dillon’s aggressive technique and style with a show-stealing performance throughout the set. The terrific chops, raw power, and wildly dynamic shifts made for a killer show.
There was talk of the Mike Dillon Band coming back to the Pour House in February for an opening set with Fishbone. If it comes through, I’ll come be back for more for sure. Visit facebook.com/TheMikeDillonBand for more.
Photos by Ballard Lesemann.
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About the Author
Ballard Lesemann is a musician and writer. Born and raised in Charleston, S.C., he spent years playing in bands and working for Flagpole Magazine in the bustling music town of Athens, Ga. He returned to his hometown and served more than seven years as the Charleston City Paper's music editor. He's better at drumming than he is at playing guitar.
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