Make A Wish

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, The Drake Hotel enlisted a few local bands to play on Thursday. Seeing some band members noshing on complementary burgers, steaks, etc., this was probably a nicer gig than usual.

Female duo Ice Cream was up first. Their beats were amplified through an 80s boom-box and the synths looked equally old-school. One of the singers played bass so their music had quite a groove to it. Combined with short repeating phrases in most songs and heads were bopping along. Regina of Light Fires wasn't as satisfied with minor movements. Her upbeat dance songs required fuller participation. To that end, she strutted the small stage, exhorting the crowd to dance. Most dudes hung back but the women weren't as reticent. Her gyrations by the front windows must have given some of the taxi drivers parked out front a heart attack. In contrast, Cruelty Party was all about fast and furious Green Day-esque punk-pop. The lead singer sweated so much into his mic that they had to replace it halfway through the set.