The Belairs — a hard rocking Blues band with great harmony between brothers Dick and Dave Pruitt. Mike Henderson played with them for years and wrote the song “Tough Enough.” I was listening to that song four years before the T-Birds cut it on there now famous first album. If the Belairs are in your town go check them out. You’ll not believe that 3 guys can have such a huge sound, it is amazing!!! Based in Columbia Missouri and playing the Blues circuit from Minnesota to Dallas. Truly a great show! — Clarkson Rollins, Lahaina, Hawaii
Liam and Me is a four-piece, Philadelphia-based pop rock band. Their sound is like no other. Each member draws inspiration from various genres and influences. They’ve recently signed with Thrive Records and will be releasing their album this coming September. Aside from the “undeniably catchy” songwriting, Liam and Me puts on an outstanding live performance that is guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing. Liam and Me is: Matt O’Dowd (vocals, keys, guitar), Dan Larkin (guitar, vocals), Kevin McKenzie (bass) and Jon Briks (drums). I dare you not to fall in love with this band ... music and members. — Maria Coppinger, Wall, N.J.
Nathan Asher and the Infantry is a great band. They combine a unique sound with positive, thought provoking lyrics. — Tevin Giles, Raleigh, N.C.
Mystic Pop is a band I like to see when I go to Seattle. Their music is self-composed and varies from thoughtful to DYNAMITE. The lead guitarist has long hair that appears to be set afire. They like their own music best, but once in a while will emulate Led Zeppelin. Their love of their art is obvious. — Della Tasler, Urbandale, Iowa
Killola is a four-piece rock band from L.A. They put on a VERY strong, intense and vibrant live show. Female fronted! Media snipers (tons and tons of videos on their website and myspace), very friendly (always find time to speak with their fans online). Unsigned and proud (they are about to release their third album, on their own label). http://www.killola.com/. I love them. — Danny Morgan, Los Angeles, Calif.
There’s a band around Indianapolis called Red Light Driver (http://www.redlightdriver.com/). They have a great sound that harkens back to the ’80s alternative acts like The Cure, Love and Rockets and New Order but still sounds fresh (think modern bands like Bloc Party). They’re starting to get some traction and are apparently going to start doing quite a few shows out of state. You should go check out their site. Really good stuff. — Michael Tressler, Indianapolis, Ind.
The Shady Knights from New York — a wicked blend of late ’60s garage rock with a touch of 80’s metal. There is also a strong pop sensibility in all the songs. — John, New York, N.Y.
Drag the River are from Ft Collins, Colorado; they play what we call Country and Midwestern. Two singers who had fronted punk bands back in the day (All and Armchair Martian) now play Country, but don’t call it alt-country. When you go see these guys play live, everyone is singing along to every song and drinking really tall beers. You can’t ask for a better band. Check them out at www.myspace.com/dragtheriver.—Virgil Dickerson, Denver, Colo.
The Possum Trot Orchestra, they are the greatest. Kind of Americana/folk, mostly unplugged but do some electric. They play a lot around the Ft. Wayne, Ind. area, monthly at Borders. They have a huge following of fans. I’m a registered music therapist in Ft. Wayne, so I listen to a lot of music of all kinds. I wonder why these guys haven’t hit the big time because they really are good. Another good band in our area is the Legendary Trainspotters. Sometimes the two bands have played together at shows around town. They both deserve a good listen and nationwide exposure. — Jill Henderson-Coblentz, Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Resident Hero is a great band that used to be from Austin, now they live in LA. They recently did a brief stint with Flyleaf, and Resident Hero was better than flyleaf! That’s the reaction I had when I went to see Flyleaf last year. Resident Hero put on a way better show. They are such genuine good guys. The lyrics really speak to anyone that listens. That’s why I love them so much! — Sarah, Kyle, Texas