Funny, we just saw them last night at an outdoor show in Columbia, MO--their next show after Minneapolis.  And though it was near 90 with high humidity, Dave again kept his hat and coat on through the entire show.  I guess that's dedication to one's image or something--I was sweating just standing and watching them!

The "Rocky" song is "Gonna Fly Now," and they opened with it again last night.

They're in Lawrence, KS, tonight--closer to us than last night's show was--but we have other plans.  That's why we made the trip last night. My girlfriend is a big fan and didn't want to miss their tour.

I saw them a couple of times in Minneapolis in 1998--they opened for the Jayhawks and then did a second show next door in the 7th St. Entry, after the main show was over.  I've always thought they were excellent live but I haven't had as much luck with the albums.

Randall Paske


--- On Fri, 6/18/10, floatingunder <underthefloat@msn.com> wrote:

> From: floatingunder <underthefloat@msn.com>
> Subject: Marah
> To: audities@smoe.org
> Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 1:05 PM
> I planned on seeing Marah 2-3 years
> ago when they were on tour and then trouble hit the band.
> The tour was canceled and I believe eventually the lineup
> shifted. They were a band mentioned here previously as one
> to catch live if you had the chance. I know this case was
> certainly made by Bill Holmes. Thanks Bill!!
> 
> Anyway, on Wednesday night I finally had my chance and I
> convinced a friend to join me.
> 
> We walked into the 400 Bar in Minneapolis and it was
> noticeably HOT inside. No air movement at all. I was wishing
> I'd worn shorts. Sticky just standing still. So when Marah
> took the stage with layers of cloths and the lead singer
> (Dave) even wearing a think Russian looking hat..well, I
> initially wonder how quickly they'd be shedding these
> outfits.  It had to be 90+ degrees on stage! I knew
> within three songs this band would be all sweat and no such
> comfort considered.  This was going to be an all out
> sweaty, greasy rock and roll show!!
> They lead off with an a the goofy but fun sounding version
> of "Feeling Stronger"..is that the name of that "Rocky"
> track or maybe it's "Rocky's Theme"?  Anyway, that
> strange cover still managed to impressed me right away,
> tight playing and that song somehow brought a big old smile
> on my face!  
> The band blew the crowd away. Great sounding band as I
> mentioned but man we were impressed with the lead singer. He
> gave his all and I swear looked on the verge of collapse a
> few times per the heat and energy expended during the
> show.  He kills on the slower tracks too. This was just
> one of those shows where my mind never wandered…just
> locked into the performance. 
> 
> He also had plenty of fun asides and a genuine fun banter
> with the female (multi instrument) keyboardist. 
> 
> While on stage he briefly talked about considering
> disbanding Marah a year or two ago but went on to say he has
> not had as much playing on tour in a long time...with no
> plans on quitting now. 
> 
> I know many of you have already seen them live but if
> not…go when you get the chance. Their tour is about half
> way complete and then it's off to Spain.
> 
> The one odd thing to me is there latest release is only
> available on Vinyl or cassette. Downloads will be available
> soon. 
> 
> Again, some of you already love them, others may not. But,
> I can't recommend seeing them live any stronger then after
> the show I just took in. Anyone else caught them on this
> tour? 
> 
> Best wishes,
> 
> Steve D