Silversun Pickups on St. Patrick’s Day

Posted Mar 20, 2007 by Stephen Hammill

Updated Mar 20, 2007 at 10:45 PM

It’s the night of St. Patrick’s Day. It’s also a Saturday.  The bars couldn’t be happier about this convergence. Walking down 7th Avenue in Ybor, it’s parade time - the floats putt along the blocked-off road, blasting out sounds of once-top 40 songs from their hidden speakers. Hands reach up to catch airborne beads.

This, after all, is Ybor City, the bead-catching capital of the world. I’m keeping hands in my pockets, walking west towards 17th street, toward Crowbar, where Silversun Pickups are playing tonight. It’s sort of a one-off for the band - they’re on tour with Snow Patrol, playing big venues - so this is a chance to see the sounds of native L.A. 90’s-influence indie guitar up close and personal.

It occurred to me on that walk that there is a palatable change taking place in the “scene.” Down here on the ground people are standing around in a will-call line that goes around the block, all to see a rock show. 

This is the same Crowbar, a venue that is almost single-handedly making 2007 a very good concert year in Tampa. Deerhoof played here not long ago, to a hungry and crowded room.  Brooklyn’s Earl Greyhound played the club’s opener here in November and they can’t stop talking about it. On a recent trip back to town, EG bassist Kamara paused during their set at New World Brewery to commend Tampa for rocking so hard.  Tonight it’s Silversun Pickups in town.

If the story of Tampa’s infantile music revolution is a question, then for tonight at least, the answer came in the guise of Giddy Up Helicopter. The five-piece was in great form and they gave some touring bands an idea of what kind of music is percolating here with little outside aid or fanfare.

Hella are playing there on March 22. I might make it.  If I don’t I know many others will, and that’s a nice thought.
Crowbar is located at 1812 17th St. N. in Ybor.