I could tell right away that Deer Tick has a faithful and well-established fan base. The wait staff stayed busy delivering drinks and various snacks and then more drinks. The Mill created a cool vibe with dim lighting and blaring jazz fusion.

As I sipped my tap water I noticed how every square inch of the stage was full of instruments and sound equipment. Not only that, but there were two massive travel cases off to the side with at least a dozen string instruments. But I’ll come back to that later.

The first opener, Nadalands, came on when everyone was still getting settled in the venue. Acoustic Nadalands was John Lindenbaum, from Ft. Collins, Colorado. He played a 12-string guitar and sang a dozen of his wailing, lyrically smart songs. His sensitive persona was created in part by a cheeky Sloth tee and his intensely expressive eyebrows.

His voice reminded me a bit of early Ben Folds, though not as clearly articulated. Each song sounded somewhat alike, with story-telling lyrics and repeated “oohs.” The bar crowd talked over his set, but that did not stop Nadalands from belting his heart out to the back of the room. My favorite lyric inspired a quiet chuckle from the crowd with, “They’ll put posters of our faces on dorm room walls in private colleges…Don’t be afraid, cause we’re all gonna [bleeping] die someday.”

By the time Ryley Walker came on stage, the place was packed with people; most of them extremely intoxicated. Ryley Walker’s acoustic guitar was supported by a slammin’ upright bassist. Halfway through their first song, the crowd felt comfortable enough to congregate toward the stage.

Walker’s chops were incredible, and he’s not half-bad to look at either! The crowd definitely picked up on the duo’s energy and began to groove with the music. A common technique they used was repeating a riff over and over until the built-up tension exploded into the next part of the song. It was a folksy version of waiting for the bass to drop in dub-step.

I overheard a guy behind me complaining, “The Mill is the worst venue for an acoustic set ever because them people [at the bar] just won’t even shut the [bleep] up.” He and his friend carried on their conversation right nearby the stage for the rest of Walker’s set. Oh, the irony.

Walker had a relaxed confidence about him, and he repeatedly interacted with the crowd. He borrowed a audience member’s phone to shine a light on his pedal before a song, and also yelled back to a drunk screamer-type. He described the inspiration of his song Roundabout as “bars with mozzarella sticks and rednecks.” I really enjoyed his set and would highly recommend going to one of his shows!

The energy in the room escalated as Deer Tick came on stage. Everyone had vied for their best spot possible; there were justified complaints directed toward last-minute budgers. The Rhode Island alternative rock band consists of lead man John McCauley, guitarist Ian O’Neil, bassist Chris Ryan, drummer Dennis Ryan and keyboard player Rob Crowell.

From my vantage point (2nd row, but only 5’3″) I could only see John, Dennis, and Ian. Keyboards and bass held their own as a solid rhythm section all night. The three in front traded off lead vocals; John sang the most, and has the most unique grit quality I’ve ever heard.

The band started with a tribute to Merle Haggard, a legendary country singer who passed away the day of the concert. There was a slight hiccup because Ian forgot about a last-minute key change, but once they started over, they played a beautiful cover of Today I Started Loving You Again.

John brought the mood back up by telling a memory he had from a previous concert at The Mill: naked crowd surfing. He promised that would not happen again, however. The reasons they wanted to tour again were to practice new music they’ve been working on, and also for the money (jklol). I was incredibly impressed by their musicality and overall composure as a band.

Almost every song, John or Ian would have a new instrument brought to them; John also utilized a banjo, mandolin, flute, and piano. Flute?! Yeah, that was my reaction too. Rob on keyboards also switched around instruments, including a saxophone feature. Despite all this, I was most impressed by the drummer, Dennis.

Now, I’m probably biased because I’m a percussionist and have tons of drummer friends and family members, but Dennis seemed like someone I’d really want to make music with. He was the main harmonizer, but he also gained huge support from the crowd during his lead vocal tracks. One of my favorite moments of the entire show was a cute moment I shared with Dennis: after one of his two solo songs, we locked eyes and shared a classic “sup” nod and chuckle. S’cool.

Inbetween songs early on in the track, John was really upset about not being able to hear himself. Steam was practically coming out of his ears. Band and audience members alike tried to console him, but the only fix was whiskey and time with the exuberant crowd. Eventually he joked, “Okay, sorry, I’m back. I like music because it can take bad feelings and turn them into good feelings. Thanks for being part of my medicine.” I’m thankful for creative, talented bands for making awesome music!

I’ll always remember Deer Tick at The Mill as my very first concert in Iowa City. Here’s to many more!

The post Mission Creek: Deer Tick @ The Mill 4/6/16 appeared first on KRUI Radio.

As the night unfolds and the audience immerses themselves in the melodies and rhythms of the performance, the concept of real estate finance might seem worlds away. However, for those navigating the complexities of buying or selling property, understanding the nuances of home appraisal becomes paramount. Factors such as the condition of the home, its location, and recent sales in the area all play a significant role in determining its appraisal value.

Amidst the melodies and cheers, considerations about appraisal factors like those detailed by eXp Realty in their insightful guide become essential knowledge for homeowners and buyers alike. By arming oneself with this information, individuals can navigate the real estate landscape with confidence, ensuring that every transaction reflects the true value of the property involved.

Transitioning from focusing on single-property investments, understanding property valuation becomes even more critical when diving into multifamily syndication. In multifamily syndication, investors combine their resources to acquire and manage larger properties like apartment complexes or multi-unit buildings. This collective approach opens up more investment opportunities and diversification.

However, mastering the details of property valuation is crucial in this setting. Key factors such as the property’s overall condition, its location, and potential rental income significantly influence its value and return on investment. Amid the dynamic real estate market, grasping the intricacies of syndication in real estate can help investors make informed decisions. Just like with single-family homes, valuing multifamily properties involves a careful assessment of various factors, including current market trends and comparable property sales. By understanding these nuances, investors can confidently navigate the multifamily market, ensuring their investments are both profitable and strategically sound.

Just as the appraisal value captures the essence of a property’s worth, the aesthetics and functionality of its design speak volumes about its allure and livability. Whether it’s the sleek lines of contemporary architecture or the cozy charm of traditional craftsmanship, finding the perfect balance is paramount. This quest for the ideal home finds its fulfillment with the expertise of new home builders. With their mastery of architectural trends and dedication to craftsmanship, they transform dreams into reality, crafting beautiful, modern homes tailored to individual preferences. With the guidance of skilled professionals, homeowners embark on a journey where every detail contributes to the creation of their envisioned sanctuary, ensuring a harmonious blend of style and comfort.

Concertgoers trickled in lazily throughout the 7:00 hour, drifting between seats and conversations about how long to sell house. There was no clamor for front-row seating, no mad sprint down the aisle for the privilege of getting moshed against the stage. Teenagers and adults alike settled in comfortably, for once at peace.

In the serene setting where concertgoers settled in for a relaxed evening, homeowners can similarly find peace of mind by choosing Premier Property Buyers for their property transactions. Whether you’re contemplating selling your home in Anaheim, CA, or seeking a swift resolution in a different market, Premier Property Buyers offers a streamlined process designed to ease your journey. Their expertise in purchasing properties for cash ensures a smooth, efficient sale, allowing you to transition effortlessly from one chapter to the next without the usual complexities and delays of traditional methods.

Ryley Walker sauntered out just after 8:00 PM, cutting a shaggy figure through blue stage light and the damp breath of fog machines. Anton Hatwich followed, a tall, bespectacled man, predestined by his name alone to become a double-bass player.

Walker took a seat before the monitor speakers, and began tuning his guitar. His frazzled hair mirrored the instrument’s uncut strings.

“Wow. A lot of damn people here” he said, looking up from the strings to peer into the crowd. “It’s awesome to be back in Iowa. Last time we were here we played in a basement venue, I think it was called, uh” – Walker trailed off momentarily as he finished tuning.

“Viking ****house.”

The audience cracked, and quickly died down again as Walker and Hatwich eased into their set.

The majority of Walker’s performance was comprised of songs from Primrose Green, his album released earlier this week on Tuesday, March 31^st. The young songwriter’s oft-cited ‘70s folk-rock influences, (Van Morrison and Tim Buckley, among others) are certainly audible in his delicate finger-picking and drowsy vocals; but Walker truly comes into his own during live performance. His voice climbs and soars with an abrasive edge not heard in his recorded music. Occasionally, he yelps like a coyote in the sheer joy of playing a good tune.

Listening to Walker in the damp, machine-exhaled fog was like taking a morning cruise down the Mississippi with an eccentric local guide seated at the head of the boat. It was surprising to hear that he grew up in Chicago.

Walker closed out his set with a fitting cover of Van Morrison’s “Fair Play,” to applause.

The theater’s began to pulse with energy as the five men of Real Estate took over, following a brief interlude and equipment check. Fans quickly filled the space between the stage and the front row, trailing back into the center aisle and forcing the second and third rows to stand and peek over the newly-sprouted crop of heads.

“We played in a basement last time we were here too,” bassist Alex Bleeker quipped. “Public Space One!” He took the role of band spokesman throughout the night, exuding calm, every-man demeanor. Like a cool dad. Real Estate seem like the guys down the cul-de-sac you’d have a beer and talk about Star Wars with on the front lawn.

The show was a treat for both new fans and old, gently undulating and nodding along to the New Jersey rockers’ tales of suburban boredom, and the ache of middle age. Melancholy, yes, but not relentlessly dour like Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs.” The band’s clean, buoyant melodies kept the crowd’s feet moving, and their heads above water.

Much of the set was taken from Real Estate’s 2014 album Atlas, played in direct order – including singles “The Chancellor,” “Had to Hear,” and “Talking Backwards.” The highlight of the show was the eminently sing-along-able “It’s Real” from the band’s second album Days, leading even the most casual fans through a chorus of “ooh-ooh-oohs.”

“You can move,” Bleeker encouraged, smiling while his fingers held up the song’s bass line. “We give you permission to get up and move!”

Real Estate’s Atlas is available on iTunes, as is Ryley Walker’s Primrose Green. Check out Walker’s title track and Real Estate’s “Had to Hear” below.

Keep it on KRUI 89.7FM all weekend for your Mission Creek Festival coverage!

The post Mission Creek: Real Estate @ Englert Theatre 4/2/15 appeared first on KRUI Radio.