Spark Notes

Composed of Gene on the guitar, Erik on the drums, and Lalo on the Bass, this trio has been playing together for the past 4 years. Described as "obsessively eclectic", Spark Notes has a heavy classical background but is also inspired by alternative rock bands Nirvana and Weezer and rap artist Snoop Dogg. If Spark Notes could play with any artist, alive or dead, anywhere they would be playing with J.S. Bach at the Roman Coliseum. Now, that would be an interesting show! Spark Notes played an all original set including songs "Take You Away", "Florida Keys" and "Blazing Away", a song about trying to "blaze away" from a breakup you don't want to face. Spark Notes is currently working on an album. - Christine Annis

The duo emanates infectious energy, making it hard not to smile. Lalo is both animated on and off stage. Their first tune had a punk vibe to it (I immediately thought of The Matches) and one of its lyrics — "The sun is imploding" — got stuck in my head all night. The next song had a softer vibe and really showcased their abilities to harmonize. Gene added somewhat old school, Flamenco-style touches with his picking and casual strumming. And Lalo — who's got an amazing set of pipes — hit notes I didn't know guys could reach (well, save for Adam Lambert). A song about their hometown, "Sarasota," proved to be a crowd favorite, and got the audience clapping and even singing along to the refrain: "Forever I adore you oh Sara, Sarasota." - KATE CILLIAN