Magic Beans make their return to The Upstairs Ithaca on Monday, October 24th, 2022!
Magic Beans
When the pandemic hit, Magic Beans had dozens of shows cancelled, so they hopped into their studio in Denver, CO and started recording songs. Produced by Magic Beans – and Mastered by David Glasser (The Grateful Dead’s long time Mastering engineer) – Funk, soul, live electronica, and even bluegrass music find their way into this songbook from 4 band members that each bring their own flavor to the project. The different feels in the double record coexist harmoniously as the listener is slowly ramped up throughout the record. By the time you hit the second vinyl, the organic sounds of B3 organ and acoustic guitar give way to synths and drum sampling almost as if you’re descending into night.
The inspiration for the title “Slice of Life” is just that. A random and unplanned snapshot of the band in this time and place, a self portrait done unknowingly. “Throughout our days as a traveling band, we’ve encountered many a situation that is unexplainably surreal in its abnormality, but at the same time indicative of the location, culture, and context we find ourselves. “A person partaking in an activity you didn’t know existed wearing an outfit you’ve only seen in a dream, or a collision of occurrences just rare and unusual enough that you think you’re living in a simulation just to be in that place, sounds of B3 organ and acoustic guitar give way to synths and drum sampling almost as if you’re descending into night.
The band’s rule was to have fun making music and the record reflects that. Even the home-made and hand-cut collages for the album artwork were created by the Beans’ tour manager and collaborator, Austin Koontz. What you got here with “Slice of Life” is a good time and a reflection of Magic Beans love for creating art. As the world returns to some semblance of normal, and Magic Beans hop back onto the road these songs will feature prominently in the sets from night to night, but until then this album will serve as a small Slice of of the last year in the Life of Magic Beans.
Amongst The Monks
Amongst The Monks is a three-piece funk rock trio formed in Upstate New York. The band has been performing in clubs, festivals, and theaters throughout the Northeast US since 2013 and has opened for numerous national acts including Driftwood, Sophistafunk, and Brandon "TAZ" Niederauer. They were also the winner of the 2019 Southern Tier Battle of the Bands earning them a main-stage performance at Corning's GlassFest. The band has three full-length albums under their belt and an arsenal of songs that span multiple genres. They released their third album 'Infinite Alternate' at the beginning in 2020 which set the course for a new and evolved sound with a heavier focus on instrumental prowess. Their songs make you dance against your own will and get you lost in a moment of deep thought and reflection. One thing is for certain; Amongst The Monks will give you an impressionable and unique musical experience!
THE BAND:
Phil Way - Guitar/Vocals/Keys
Jeremy Bussmann - Drums/Vocals/Keys
Ian Kull - Bass/Vocals
The Upstairs Ithaca
106 S.Cayuga St
Buffalo, NY 14203
Doors: 7:30pm
Show: 8:00pm
Ages: 18+
Tickets: $15 ADV/$20 DOS
