Thursday, September 17, 2009
Even though Cowboy Indian Bear exchanged the right to their name for a six-pack of beer and the name is derived from a rock, paper, scissors-type game, the music is all business with this Lawrence trio. The band had meetings and practiced their sound for more than six months before playing their first show to ensure they nailed down the direction they wanted to take the band.
Cowboy Indian Bear (from left to right): C.J. Calhoun, Beau Bruns and Marty Hillard are making a splash in the Lawrence music scene. You can hear it online at myspace.com/cowboyindianbear.
Cowboy Indian Bear uses their passion for music to help create some of the surreal pop beats that have Lawrence music lovers talking.
“We really feel passionate about not only our band but about Lawrence music and being part of something that has historically been a good place for music,” Marty Hillard says.
Ambition alone is not enough for a band to be successful, but Cowboy Indian Bear generally cares enough about the music to make the music good, something that has been elusive in the pop scene lately.
“I’d rather be broke and have 2,000 enjoy my music live than have a lot of money and sit at home at night,” says Beau Bruns.
Cowboy Indian Bear recently got a chance to play their largest show as they opened up for Swedish indie band Peter, Bjorn and John. They will also have the chance this month to open up for some other popular local bands including The Republic Tigers and The Appleseed Cast.
Cowboy Indian Bear will be playing live Sept. 18 at Liberty Hall, Sept. 25 at the Beaumont Club in Kansas City, Mo., and Oct. 2nd at the Kansas Union for Tunes at Noon.
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