The Fall Semester Showdown begins tonight at Canopy. While checking out the first of three nights of local music at Canopy Club would probably be a good idea, seeing Thursday night’s show would be more than worthwhile too. Unlike the other two nights, Thursday’s showdown isn’t crammed with short sets from a number of artists. Co-headlining Thursday night are two great student bands; Zmick and Underpaid Packy.
If you’ve ever walked by Canopy Club on a Monday night, Zmick needs no introduction. Their long-time Monday night residency at the Urbana venue has been so well received that it has lead to a large campus following and “Zmick Rules!” graffiti appearing in various bathroom stalls in University buildings. Their blending of on an endless amount of styles and genres leads to shows filled with fantastic lead guitar (thanks to Brad Miller) and great improvisational instrumentation that never grows dull.
Underpaid Packy, another jam-oriented band, draws influence from plenty of artists from Dylan to Sublime to Wilco. Last year the group won “Best Student Band” at the Local Music Awards as a write-in. Their debut album, Tales From a Fifth Street Roof recalls collegiate escapades and good times, and is undeniably poppy. The band is so tight, their songs so well arranged, that their live shows make Canopy Club’s Void Room sound system sound amazing.
Be sure to get there before 9 p.m. and take advantage of the early $5 pricing.