MUSIC: Concert Preview: Velour's 4-Year Anniversary Celebration

Corey Fox, owner of Velour Live Music Gallery, has been working with local bands since the early 1990s — longer than just about anyone else in these parts. His venue has consistently provided a quality outlet for Provo’s musicians to play and promote their music in a convenient space right in downtown Provo for four years now. Fox and Velour’s contribution to the local scene is more than monumental — it is absolutely essential to the lifeblood of our little community.

That kind of commitment is cause for celebration — and that’s what we’ll be doing this weekend as Velour celebrates their fourth anniversary with a pair of star-studded, jam-packed shows with great music for everyone — all for the low, low price of seven dollars. Haven’t yet heard about the wonderful things in store at Velour this weekend? Have no fear and keep reading — we’ve got you covered.

VELOUR LIVE MUSIC GALLERY 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Night 1: Friday, January 15th; 8:00 p.m.; $7
Featuring: Neon Trees, Seve Vs. Evan, Location Location, Gypsy Cab

Much like the venue’s popular annual Cowboys and Indies event, the anniversary shows feature both folk and indie rock bands from the local scene. However, unlike Cowboys and Indies where all the bands take the stage together, each genre will have its own night to take the stage this weekend. The rockers go first this weekend with a stacked line-up that is not to be missed.

Local indie band Neon Trees has made a big splash recently — and the ripples are extending far beyond Provo’s borders. After signing a recording contract with Mercury Records last year, the band have toured the country relentlessly with some big names and are currently preparing to release their first major-label album in the near future. Thankfully, they’ve decided to take a break from their busy schedule and grace us with their awesome presence on Friday night — a show which is not to be missed.

But the show openers aren’t shabby either. Local electro-poppers (and Rhombus local compilation contributors) Seve Vs. Evan’s shows are legendary, due to the duo’s crazy antics and insanely fun, danceable songs. I was a little unsure about Seve Vs. Evan — and then I saw them play. Needless to say, I’m converted. Indie rockers Location Location (fresh off a huge show with national act the Bravery in Park City on Thursday evening) and Southern rock throwbacks Gypsy Cab (if you love Lynyrd Skynyrd and face-melting guitar solos, these guys are for you) will open the show and round out a generally excellent night for Provo music fans.

Night 2: Saturday, January 16th; 8:00 p.m.; $7
Featuring: Isaac Russell, Moses, Desert Noises, The Archers’ Apple

I’m a huge fan of Provo’s indie-folk scene, so I am veritably giddy about Saturday’s show. As phenomenal as Friday’s lineup is sure to be, Saturday might be even better (if that’s possible). Teenage folk phenom and Rhombus favorite Isaac Russell (formerly known as RuRu) will headline the night and it’s always a (increasingly rare) treat to be able to see him for such a minimal price and in such an intimate venue.

Russell hasn’t played in Provo much over the last six months, as he has spent much of his time touring the country with the great Pete Yorn and recording his Columbia Records debut with super-producer Dennis Herring (who has worked with Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello and Counting Crows, among others) in Oxford, Miss. Saturday night will be the young star’s homecoming show and, coincidentally, his 18th birthday. If you needed a reason to plop down a measly seven bucks for a night of phenomenal entertainment, Isaac Russell should be excuse enough by himself.

But he’s not the only excellent artist taking the stage on Saturday. Folk rockers (and Velour Battle of the Bands runner-up) Moses will also take the stage to share their carefully crafted harmonies with the crowd. Frontman Drew Capener has long been a Provo favorite as a solo artist, but his heavenly croon is even better when backed by a full band. Rhombus favorites and compilation contributors Desert Noises (reportedly backed by Joshua James on bass this weekend) and the Archers’ Apple (“Bang Bang” is one of the most addictive songs I’ve heard recently) will open the show in style, providing a full folk explosion that may just blow your face off.

Bottom line: you need to be at Velour Live Music Gallery on Friday and Saturday nights. For a small cost, you’ll be able to see a great collection of artists from two different genres, including two major label recording artists that you won’t be able to see at this price or in this intimate of a venue for too much longer. So don’t wait — the opportunity is right in front of you, and there’s nothing better going down this (or any other) weekend. I’ll see you at the shows.

Steve Pierce is editor and co-founder of Rhombus.

(Photo courtesy of Elise Capener and Velour Live Music Gallery)