Filed under: Activities & Attractions, Family Camping, Family Day Trips, Uncategorized

The Monkey Feeders at Taos Plaza Live!

A short time ago, I wrote about my visit to the annual summer Thursday night event, Taos Plaza Live. I write today to profile a local band that was appearing the last time I attended the Plaza event, the Monkey Feeders. The Feeders are not simply a summer band or event. We have seen them live whenever we have had occasion to visit Taos, which we have often done in our camper, staying at the wonderful and incomparable Taos Valley RV Park & Campground (www.taosrv.com).

The name of the group is a takeoff on the name of a New Orleans band, the Funky Meters. The Feeders is comprised of lead guitarist, Omar Rane, bassist, Giles Shelton,  drummer, Norm Cutliff, Jr., but, by far, the star of the show is lead vocalist, Katy Palmier. When watching them on stage, it is impossible to take your eyes off Katy. Sorry guys, but singing, jumping and dancing around on stage, she is a riveting focal point. for any audience. Katy was also chosen in August, 2011 to fly to LA to audition for the TV show “The Voice” from 7000 audition tapes the show received. I can understand why.

This night, the Feeders, and Katy, do not disappoint. They admittedly play without a set playlist, preferring instead to choose their songs on the spot, based on the mood of the audience they are playing to. Their extensive repertoire covers an extensive playlist, from Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder to Bonnie Raitt to Tina Turner to Jerry Garcia. Their stated goal is to find well-written songs and adapt them to their basic rock and roll style. Thus, even though they play mostly cover songs, you will hear their unique interpretations in the mix. When learning a new song, they tend to listen to as many versions and variations as possible and incorporate the parts of each that suit them as a group. Katy is the key; her vocal style has been described as “Edie Brickell meets Aretha Franklin.”

I am treated to a wide variety of favorites: “Son of a Preacher Man”, “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” as well as “Givin’ It Up for Your Love” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” They play feel-good songs with positive messages by design,  their songs are from a wide range of styles, from country and soul to blues and rock and pop. It is a sound and an approach that works. I am thrilled to see them one more time and would encourage anyone with occasion to visit Taos, NM to look for their play dates and check them out. You will not be disappointed.

For more about the Taos Valley RV Park & Campground or other campgrounds near Taos, browse Woodall’s listings of New Mexico camping.

Last 5 posts by Diane Berry

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