civilized ku # 166 ~ it's like a beach party on ice

The Zambonis • click to embiggenHugo dragged the wife and I into Lake Placid this past weekend where the NCAA Div III Frozen Four (national hockey championships) was being held. His interest was 2-fold:

1) buying some clothes (the new bike was just a bonus).

2) seeing his favorite band, The Zambonis - the only band in the world whose two biggest influences are The Beatles and Wayne Gretzky.

The Zambonis were performing as part of the NCAA Championship hoopla and events. At first impression, it might seem that the group is little more than a novelty act but, in fact, they've been around (the world) since 1991 and they have garnered more sports and music industry awards than you can imagine - just read their band bio.

None other than Billboard says:

On paper, it sounds like a novelty: an album of songs that celebrate hockey. But in the hands of The Zambonis (a pop-rock quartet named after the ice-grooming machine), the concept is elevated to an art form that won’t melt under the heat of critics or music fans. Despite the specificity of the album’s theme, The Zambonis rock out like the best power pop units. What’s more, they have a sense of humor about themselves…A timely and surprisingly appealing release.

If you like power-pop music or hockey (or both) and the Zambonis are ever in your area, do yourself a favor and go hear them perform. A good time will be had by all.