Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Spam Allstars 8/20/10 Asheville 'Downtown After 5'

Free show(s) put on by the city and assorted local buisnesses and breweries. Back in the day these concerts were in the center of town near the courthouse. Now, down towards the 'end' of Lexington Avenue underneath the I-40 bridge. Basically, right 'below' the Civic Center.



The SPAM Allstars were this weeks event. The Latin salsa band Neuvo Montuno Salsa Orchestra opened. They were quite good. People were dancing, the weather was great, the good beer flowed, all was right in the world.

After a hour or so a local community group for children came out and did a percussion demonstration while the Spam allstars set up.




The street had filled by the time the SPAM Allstars stared playing and people were dancing/grooving immediately. It's hard not to w/ the funky latin beats and horns.




The music was great. Although I did notice a few lineup changes. New guitarist (not as good IMO) and the chick who played an assortment of stuff including flute was gone as well. (which I missed)

In Any Case, they were good. I Esp liked DJ Le Spam's ability to handle the low end and his use of breakbeats to really shuffle things up and segue stuff.




After the hour and a half performance DJ Le Spam went to the Emerald Lounge and spun some funk.

Good Night in Asheville.

One 'night' shot.....

Nice review! Love Spam, really dug the chick and sofla's little Jerry. Sorry to see them go. Maybe they will be back, I hear they change it up every so often

Having thought more about it over the course of the day(s) . The guitar situation was sorely lacking. Adam Zimmon fit that band great. That cat had rhythm and could really hold it down....not to mention some cool effects and whatnot. Wonder what he's up to? Dude playing now seemed a ringer.


Mercedes Abal (vocals, flute) was also a no show and I thought her presence was missed as well (vocal wise esp. The band realied more on DJ Le Spam and the horns (for chorus', hooks). The sax player did take a few nice solos though.

But it seemed to me the trombonist (Chad Bernstein?) was the 'leader of the horn section and 'band' more or less. Additionaly he took a solo on a conch shell....which was interesting to say the least. Approached it as if playing a harmonica.