There were a million things to do in Jersey City this weekend, but you would have been hard-pressed to have found an event more jam-packed with pure awesome than the lineup at The Dopeness on Friday. Not only did the bill boast four different bands, but all of them are from right here in JC! I got a chance to talk with Michael, one of the owners, before the sets, and heard all about how they renovated the entire digs within just a two-week span this past January. Of note was the brand-new stage that he built himself—so impressive!

Kicking off the night on said stage was Drum and a Tantrum, with a set unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. I don’t how this North Americana rock duo manages to create such a full sound with just the two of them! With entrancing melodies and inimitable songs such as “Catfish and Werewolves,” they had the crowd hooked from the first note.

 

Next on stage was Deaf Rhino, who took advantage of the temporary BYOB status at the venue and brought a keg for everyone to enjoy to celebrate their first show in JC. Some might say this move influenced the huge fan base that they had in attendance, but I’m pretty sure it’s the fact that these guys are so cool to hang with. Plus, anyone watching could see how much they love playing together. These guys amped up the energy in the crowd and rolled with the punches, from singing Happy Birthday to a fan to continuing to play when the bass got stuck in the ceiling lights. I walked away with a vinyl pressing of their album Dirt, Rust, Chaos and will be spinning it all weekend.

Big Wake took the stage next, and I was awestruck at how insanely talented each of these guys are individually. Put them all together, and you have some music magic on your hands. Their attitudes were infectious, and there was literally not one person who wasn’t dancing along with them during their set. Their latest self-titled album is now enjoying permanent status on my feel-good playlist.

 

Female-led, guitar-driven rock group Devi closed out the show, and despite all of the tough acts to follow, brought down the house. You may remember Devi from their interview earlier this year. With a self-described sound of “solid rock with elements of psychedelia,” they completely killed it. I grabbed a few minutes with the band prior to the show, and found out that since ChicpeaJC last caught up with them, they’ve played at South by South Orange and are a step closer to releasing an EP this coming fall. Frontwoman Debi’s book, The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu was also for sale at the show—a woman of all trades!

 

All in all, it was a great event with fantastic music, people and (just a hint of) moshing. Band members mingled with music lovers all night, making for a genuinely good time that made me feel like I was hanging at a friend’s house. The Dopeness has some more shows lined up for the next few weeks, so be sure to check them out. The best news? The kitchen will be back open in August with new menu items—and a full bar is on its way!

 

Drum and a Tantrum – www.drumandatantrum.com

Deaf Rhino – www.deafrhino.com

Big Wake – www.bigwakemusic.com

Devi – www.devi-rock.co

Erin