Working Class Musicians

For every rock band that's made it big, there's hundreds of others who are still paying their dues: playing smaller clubs, driving their own vans and hauling their own equipment to shows that don't always have a lot of support or revenue. They're usually often working day jobs to support their families and their passions for music. This Wednesday I went to see three bands who epitomize this concept, great people that I call working class musicians.

I left work in St. Cloud and made it down to Pov's on 65 in Spring Lake Park in the Twin Cities suburbs, making it to the venue just in time to see one of the bands starting to unload their equipment. I walked over, and found that it was the band KingShifter. I introduced myself to the guys and offered my assistance. They welcomed the help, and I brought in a couple of guitar cases and pieces of the drum kit inside. I'd become Facebook friends with the drummer, David Steinbach, and I promised him I'd catch them live if they were ever in the Twin Cities area. I didn't know that I'd be helping them unload their gear, but I was glad to pitch in and they appreciated the help.

After the gear was unloaded, I ended up sitting down next to their lead singer Sprout (at over 6 feet tall, his nickname has nothing to do with his stature) and a few locals as the first band Smiling Politely was getting ready to open the show. A Minnesota band, Smiling Politely reminded me of newer alternative rock bands like Alter Bridge and Three Days Grace, and they performed a few originals and covers of Lynyrd Skynrd and Shinedown classics. I thought they did a good job warming up the sparse crowd. I grabbed a guitar pick that was thrown at the end of their set, and even helped them a little bit with their gear after their set.

Not wanting to stand around and just be a spectator, I helped the guys in KingShifter a bit in moving their gear on stage. Their set was full of energy, and it was great finally getting to hear some of the tracks I'd heard online live in concert. I only wished there were more people there to experience it, especially considering the fact that it was a free show.

After they finished their impressive set with a funky cover of Black Sabbath's "Hole in the Sky," I helped the guys move a couple pieces of David's drum kit off the stage, and soon found myself at the merchandise table in the back, where I started a good conversation with guitarist Kevin "Kink" Kinkelaar and bass guitarist Derek Ludewick. I wanted to buy their debut full-length disc 26 Tons, but they were out of the physical CDs. I settled on a digital download card of the album with bonus tracks and Kink gave me a KingShifter sticker and one of his guitar picks as well.

We chatted some more and then I went over to talk with David and some of his friends from the Twin Cities before the final group Matrekis took the stage. I learned that these were the guys I'd been sitting next to and chatting with a bit before the show began! I liked their original songs and classic metal covers. They even invited Sprout on stage to help with vocals on an Iron Maiden cover tune.

Matrekis ended their set abruptly at 11:30 p.m. I think the crowd wanted to hear a little more music, but I still had a fun time nonetheless. I said my goodbyes to my new friends in KingShifter and ventured home for the evening, reflecting on the memories of a great evening. I got to hear some great new music for free, make some new friends, and even got to be a roadie for a day - how cool is that?

Check out these bands on Facebook for more information. You can also find KingShifter's music on Spotify and SoundCloud. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!