MuchMore Country @ the Bing Lounge-6-14-12

 (Today's word will be in red, and bold.)



KUPL's main focus on music in the Bing Lounge for June features local bands from the region.

This is  the first time local musicians have been featured exclusively in the lounge, not just doing a couple numbers before a national act takes the stage.

 KUPL's first "Locals Only", live performance featured MuchMore Country on June 14, 2012.

MuchMore Country had been a staple on Portland's country music scene for a few years, until splitting up for a time.  Recently, lead singer, Chris MuchMore, regrouped the band with former members, drummer, Matty Botton and Jered Widman on acoustic guitar.  The group is now rounded out with new members, lead guitarist, James Nikolas, and bassist, Eric Phillips.

Judging from their performance in the Bing Lounge, it's safe to say that MuchMore Country has still got it.  They're as polished and professional as they've always been. You'd never guess that there had been a few years down time for the band.

MuchMore Country does a mix of original music and covers of other artist's tunes.  In the Bing one of their best original songs was written by Chris about 8 years ago for a woman in his life.

When it comes to cover songs, one of the band's favorites is Blake Shelton's "The More I Drink".

It was great hearing MuchMore Country in the intimate setting of the Bing Lounge.  It's even more fun seeing them perform at various venues, like Bushwhackers, and Wranglers.

If you haven't had a chance to see MuchMore Country live, be sure to visit their website at www.muchmorecountry.com, and find a show to see.  These guys are well worth it!

Extreme Muzik Mafia Tour—9-17-11

September 16-17, 2011 the Xtreme Muzik Weekend hit the Molalla Buckeroo Grounds in Molalla, Oregon.

Gates opened at 5 pm Friday, with local bands, MuchMore Country, Lock, Stock, and Barrel and Crush playing for the crowd.

Saturday, the gates opened at 4 pm. The same three bands rotated playing the Crown Royal Stage, while in the arena the Bi-Mart Monster Truck was giving rides to concert goers, and Metal Mulisha motocross riders were performing tricks on their motorbikes for the crowd.

Several food and beverage vendors were also on hand, making sure no one would go hungry or thirsty.

The excitement of the weekend culminated with the Xtreme Muzik Mafia Tour featuring Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich.

From the moment the first performer hit the stage, the music was non-stop; with Gretchen, Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy rotating time at the mike to perform.

(Photo courtesy of KD Karin Carroll)

Sometimes when something is billed as “extreme”, or even “big”, it falls short of what’s expected; not in this case.

Not only did Gretchen, Big Kenny and John Rich hit the stage running, they kept the high energy going the entire 90 minutes to two hours that they played. Not only that, you could actually hear the music, and their voices, and understand what was being said. So often that’s not the case at a concert.

Over all, the entire weekend was awesome, and definitely finished on an “Xtreme” high note with the Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich concert.