Over the past few years, there has been a developing movement towards performing concerts at non-traditional venues. Churches, train stations, museumshell even political rallies are some of the new, eccentric places hosting rock n roll shows. These new venues are giving birth to a new musical experience, creating the dawn of listening to music in not only a different place, but a different way. The reason: these new settings are richening the live music experience by creating a palpable and enhanced intimacy with the musicians.
Recently, the San Francisco-based Dodos performed an excellent set at Los Angeles Natural History Museum, adjacent to the forever expanding USC campus. Opening for The Akron Family, the Dodos ripped through a short, but often passionate 45-minute set that featured songs from their latest album, Visiter. The wonderful melody of Red and Purple and the joyous God? were two standouts, as the band effectively displayed their strong pop and folk sensibilities, falling somewhere between Animal Collective and Rogue Wave.
However, despite a generally entertaining show, one major criticism of the Dodos set was their election to sit throughout the entire set. It made visibility nearly non-existent, reducing ones connection with the musicians and diminishing the impact of their naturally hooky and engaging music. It was doubly frustrating given the potential of the venue. The Dodos blew it in that regard.
The Dodos and The Akron Family show was part of NHMs monthly event, First Fridays. In addition to the music, First Fridays features an educational tour of one of the museums exhibits (it was the Ancient Latin American Hall on this night), an informative scientific discussion (How Does Evolution Build a Complex Brain?), and DJ Sets in African Mammal Hall. Whether or not you decide to partake in the tour and the discussion, the music alone is a great way to spend $9.00 (plus you can booze in the company of taxidermy animals!).
The next NHM First Fridays show will feature music by The Mountain Goats and The Annuals, DJ sets by Dublabs Kutmah and Nobody, as well as a tour of the Marine Hall and a discussion about The Parallel Evolution of Apes and Dolphins.
