The Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival has some high caliber and house hold acts that are easy to name drop, Lucero, Legendary Shack Shakers, Memphis Belles and Mountain Sprout. These are all must see VOV shows and a chance to see these bands, who normally command large venues and/or festivals, in the intimate confines of Low Key Arts and Maxines is a rare treat. Dig a little deeper in the VOV line-up and you will find a few sleeper acts that I strongly suggest you put on your not-to-miss list. Mike Herrera who was throbbing teenage hearts with his band MXPX during the Blink era, has reinvented himself by taking pop-punk and pouring some good old cow punk gravy all over it and calling it TUMBLEDOWN (3/17 at Low Key Arts). Chicago new wavers Bang-Bang shot out MY GOLD MASK (3/17 at Maxine’s) who’s Siousie Soux meets White Stripes approach make this duo one of the festivals must sees. It seems that all eyes and ears are turning to Brooklyn to watch scenesters turn into celebrities. I doubt Brooklyn’s FANG ISLAND (3/18 at Low Key Arts)

is going to get a good 15 minutes of fame, but the bands super positive and fun sound that is self-described as “everyone high-fiving everyone” is sure to install a perma-grin on all the faces they rock. The VOV has a reputation for hosting international artists with bands from Canada, Brazil and Japan represented this year. UZUHI (3/19 at Low Key Arts) brings its punk/metal/circus sound to life at this years VOV. There will be a whole lotta vintage flesh and flare at Maxine’s on Friday night with The Memphis Belles making there second showing in The Spa, but look for Canadian openers BIG JOHN BATES AND THE VOODOO DOLLS (3/19 at Maxine’s) to lay down some agrressive psycho-billy sounds complete with upright bass and burlesque dancers. Both Saturday and Sunday will be marathon runs at Low Key Arts with 8+ bands playing each day. Don’t miss California’s RED PONY CLOCK (3/20 at Low Key Arts) who bring a very unique approach to indie rock and mariachi music. THE BITTER TEARS (3/20 at Low Key Arts) are back for a second act of their crazy clown vaudville wierdness. GRANDCHILDREN (3/21 at Low Key Arts) are one of the most innovative and versatile songsmiths today. SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION (3/21 at Low Key Arts) open the Sunday show with a old tymey folky string band who circle one old skool condenser mic like to good old days of radio – not to be missed!!

Schedule subject to change.

The Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival relies on the support of an amazing group of volunteers, individual contributions, and grants to provide an outlet for Arkansas to see some super sweet rock from all across the world. It should also be noted that the bands often perform for much less than they would normally be compensated. That sometimes might only amount to some free tacos and some tasty New Belgium beer. Why? Because everyone from the artist, donor and supporter BELIEVE in what The VOV is doing.

CANJA RAVE who can be called Brazils answer to The White Stripes bring their garage rock sound to Maxine’s this Friday, March 12th for a VOV Fundraiser. Also performing are LANDREST who call Hot Springs home. The show is only $5 and proceeds go towards The VOV which will commence just five days later.