Described as an “intimate outdoor space that is a departure from your normal bar room stage” Sophia’s Thai Kitchen hosts a variety of live events throughout the year. Sophia’s provide independent musicians and bands for the Davis community to absorb.
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen spring and summer live music seasons continue into June, with groups ranging from solo artists to larger groups. Each group brings something different to the music scene and Sophia’s has filled up their calendar with emerging and established entertainers.
Although the artists aren’t on the Top 40 of iTunes or even played consistently on the radio, these groups speak their own voices to those open to the indie music experience.
This weekend Sea Of Bees, Breathe Owl Breathe, David Williams, Calling Morocco, The Brothers Young and Hurtbird are all a part of the lineup. These performers originate from places like Salt Lake City, Michigan, Sacramento, Portland and even Davis.
One group from East Jordan, Mich., Breathe Owl Breathe, brings sounds from simpler times. This group got its start not too long ago.
“About 5 years ago, I was in art school and Trevor was visiting a friend. We had a video camera and made a bunch of videos for fun,” said guitarist and singer Micah Middaugh of Breathe Owl Breathe. “Andrea was exploring in the summer time and we ended up making some cassette tapes together.”
Going with the flow and letting life take them wherever is something of meaning, according to Middaugh.
“The best thing about performing is not realizing how things are going to turn out,” Middaugh said. “We’re never really in control but we’ll get inspired by everything leading up to the show and the randomness of the night.”
Although they are laidback with their approach to their music and performances, Breathe Owl Breathe knows what they want their music to sound like. They perform this Friday at 10 p.m.
“It’s like when you’re on a picnic and you don’t want seagulls to take your chips but at the same time you want them to so you can hear the noises,” said Middaugh. “[Listening to our music] is like being in flight. Like you’re inside of a seagull’s beak moving from one picnic to the next.”
David Williams, another indie-folk performer from Salt Lake City, brings a solo experience to Sophia’s Thai Kitchen lineup. In 2009, Slowtrain, a music label and record store based out of Salt Lake City, named David Williams as a top artist. David Williams takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. this Friday.
“Williams writes beautifully understated folk with soul to burn,” said Jaime Gadette, a writer for City Weekly, located in Salt Lake City.
Davis based and an all-male group, Calling Morocco performs this Saturday at 11 p.m.
“We’re a little bit of everything,” said guitarist and vocalist Kyle Olson. “We’re influenced by country, punk rock and some rock and roll.”
Slightly new to the music world, this group gets its name not from a personal experience or a childhood memory.
“A year ago we started getting stuff together for this group,” Olson said. “Our name comes from a documentary called American Movie.”
Unlike some other indie groups performing at Sophia’s this month, Calling Morocco’s music and lyrics are inspired by personal experiences, relationships and memories the group has had together.
“I hope that everyone in the audience has a good time,” Olson said. “Our music is upbeat and I hope people sit down and relate to the music.”
Lastly, Sea of Bees, an indie-folk band from Sacramento will also be performing this weekend. Sea of Bees is centered around Julie Ann Bee, or Jules as many call her. Jules plays many musical instruments, as well as sings and writes the music.
Sea of Bees has set up a couple of trips to New York and London this summer and is performing at 10 p.m. this Friday at Sophia’s.
Also on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. are two groups that originate from Portland, Oregon. Hurtbird performs first, with The Brothers Young performing after.
Don’t miss out on this unique and indie music scene this month at Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, located at 129 E Street, Suite E. To learn more about each band and the rest of the performers, check out the lineup and calendar at sophiasthakitchen.com/live_events.
ELIZABETH ORPINA can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.
