I become more and more impressed as I continue to learn about Tucson’s incredible music scene. I have been to some really great venues, so far none have been bad, but Gary’s Place is by far the one I am most excited to explore. The small venue hosts many local shows and touring bands, and the idea behind it is simply wonderful.
“Gary’s Place is mostly about two things: being a safe space for people of all ages to come out and see awesome live music and being a cool spot for touring musicians to play and make a bit of gas money,” said Cord Boyd, the owner of the building.
Not only is this place completely accessible to all ages with low-priced tickets, but it also promotes the local and national music scene here in Tucson.
This Sunday at Gary’s Place, four bands will play the hole-in-the-wall venue: Alaska, Blueshift Odyssey, Fair Trial and I Thought You Were The Hero. All of them are familiar with Tucson, and some have even played at Gary’s Place before.
Chad Cavender, the vocalist from Fair Trial, said that Gary’s Place is reminiscent of house gigs.
“It’s super intimate,” Cavender said. “There’s not really a stage, so the band is on the same level as you. You feel like you are part of the same thing as everyone else. … You’re all just vibing off each other.”
Chad said he is very excited to play this Sunday, adding that the band plans to play music from its namesake six-song EP, which was just recently released.
Fair Trial is a local band that describes its sound as “melodic hardcore-rock with some metal influences,” Cavender said. The group has been together for over a year now and will post its music on iTunes and Spotify starting next week. Be sure to check these guys out.
From their new EP: “Realist”
Alaska, the main band performing Sunday, also describes itself as a type of hardcore band with a “post-hardcore sound, … with elements of soft-experimental music,” according to drummer Nick Strader.
“We’ve played at Gary’s Place three times before this time I’m pretty sure,” he said. “It’s always been a cool place to come and play. It’s really cool when there’s a venue for smaller local/touring bands to play at!”
Alaska will be releasing their new album, Shrine, on Oct. 2 through Soft Speak Records. Strader said that this new album “includes psychedelic sounds [but] is always changing vibes.” The band will be selling its CDs at its Gary’s Place performance.
Teaser clip for Alaska’s new album, Shrine
The two other bands playing, Blueshift Odyssey and I Thought You Were The Hero, are both expected to lead great shows, as they have played at Gary’s Place before. Boyd reflected on the two bands’ styles.
“Blueshift Odyssey is just ridiculous instrumental music. All of the members are a bit younger, but they play like they’ve been playing their instruments for 20+ years,” Boyd wrote. “Super shreddage. I Thought You Were [The] Hero is really good skramz music. Kind of a newer band but still super solid.”
Boyd said people can expect an awesome atmosphere with great bands at Gary’s Place this weekend. Sunday, Sept. 27, Gary’s Place will be packed with sick jams and good vibes. Tickets are six dollars, and doors will open at 7 p.m. See you there!
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