PLAY
stage presence // THE ATOMIC BLUES
local musicians. feel free to swoon.
When you see The Atomic Blues live, you're sure to have a hell of a time dancing.
Tom Ashe, Lawrence junior, and Lawrence residents David Liston and Nick Blessing formed the band in 2005. Citing a balance of influences that include Styxx, Van Halen, The Beatles and many others, the power trio's sound could be described as progressive rock, although Liston wouldn't call it that. "We're more a rock band with a radical flare," he says.
The Atomic Blues, who just signed with independent label Red Hot Records, also show a
good balance when writing their own material. Both Ashe, who plays guitar and sings lead vocals, and Blessing, who plays bass, bring ideas to the table and everyone works to piece it together.
"Nick can see the larger idea — he has, like, our next three albums planned out. Tom is a little more explosive. So it's all there, and we just glue everything together," Liston says.
But their live show is a whole other beast. "It's intense and fun on stage. It's there and it's raunchy and it's good." Listen says. Listeners
Contributed photo
should come expecting a rock show and leave exhausted from all the dancing.
The Atomic Blues will perform at 8 p.m. Oct.17 at the Granada,1020 Massachusetts St.,and at 8 p.m.Oct.30 at Duffy's,2222 W 6th St.
A rock band with a radical flare' The Atomic Blues put on an energetic live performance.
// SARAH BLUVAS
because those CSI marathons are getting old. PRESERVE
this weekend // TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL
Venture out of the Lawrence bubble and into the great open prairie — the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, that is. Located in the Flint Hills in northern Chase County, the Tallgrass Prairie was established in 1996 and is the only National Park dedicated to preserving the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. With more than 10,000 acres, the park offers five trails, ranging from one to four miles long. Visitors can also explore different landmarks, including a ranch house and barn, that speckle the prairie.
Katie Oberhaler, Wichita senior, explored the preserve when she hiked one of the frontcountry trails in May. Oberhaler believes the Tallgrass Prairie is a great place for students to go to escape Lawrence for a day. "Students
— especially those from Kansas but not rural towns — drive through that area and never stop to realize how beautiful it is," Oberthaler says. "It gives you a better appreciation of the Kansas landscape."
Of course, you may want to check the weather before you head into the prairie; Oberthaler and her friends unknowingly hiked around during a tornado watch. "I'd like to go back," she says. "Without the tornadoes."
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, located near Strong City, is an hour and a half southwest of Lawrence. The park is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
// SARAH BLUVAS
Contributed photo
Pranelaxing. Katie Oberthaler, Wichita senior, takes a break from exploring the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Tallgrass Prairie is the only national park dedicated to preserving the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
THURSDAY
GIRLTALK: SOLD OUT!
FRIDAY
18+ PARTY | 21 TO DRINK
$3 COVER
$1 NIGHT
Lawrence's Hottest
18 & Up Night Club
ABE & JAKE'S
8 EAST SIXTH STREET • LAWRENCE, KS
LANDING
abejakes.com • 841-5856 • 18 to dance • 21 to drink
11
10
01