CONCERT REVIEW
by Jared Curtis
Dead Larry, Omega Dog and Roster McCabe
Jan. 7, Vaudeville Mews
I’m continually amazed at the dedication of local music fans who attend shows in droves even on the coldest nights of the year. A staple in the Iowa City scene, Dead Larry opened a show at the Vaudeville Mews last Thursday after arriving late due to road conditions, but it was worth the wait. A great jam fusion sound, the band wafted in and out of rock, funk and psychedelic-inspired tunes. The group was tight, and the harmonies between leader singer/guitarist Mark McGuiness and bassist Joe Scarpellino added to their funky sound. This one was my first time experiencing Dead Larry, but it won’t be the last. Rising local band, Omega Dog, graced the stage second and continued the good vibes. The four piece tore through an eclectic set which included a few covers, “Tom Petty’s “Last Dance with Mary Jane” and Bill Withers’ “Aint No Sunshine.” Every time I see this band, they get better. They added a light show to their bag of tricks, a sensory overload to their swelling sound. Closing the show was Minneapolis’ Roster McCabe. The group, led by singer/keyboard player Alex Steele, whose voice is smooth with hints of Stevie Wonder, meshed reggae, rock, funk, soul, hip hop and jazz into a unique sound. The band rolled through a set that included a great cover of “Regulate” by Warren G and a great original called “The Traveler.” The band’s sound covers such a wide spectrum of genres, but they made it all work while bringing the funk to Des Moines. CV — Jared Curtis
