Insider Sessions

 

T.U.G.G. playing DG's Taphouse in Ames. Check them out at: www.tuggmusic.com. Check out DG's Taphouse at: www.dgstaphouse.com. Photograph by Stan Brewer

 

Andy "Wordz" - Photograph by Stan Brewer

 

The Insider Sessions are inspired by the emotion, power, and soul that go into one, simple song.  The aim is to get closer and more personal to the music and the art.  The acoustic sound, I believe, is perfect for this. It allows you to hear only instruments, only voice, no background fuzz, and nothing channeling the noise but our own ears.  The artists will choose their own place to play, sometimes in a van, sometimes on a bus, sometimes simply in an alley way; either way each session is authentic and personal.  So take a look at these artists, some are from Iowa, some just passing through, and as you'll sometimes find, just getting started. Listen and enjoy the sounds that erupt throughout our beautiful state.

~ Erika Iverson

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T.U.G.G. is a reggae group from La Crosse, Wisconsin and they came through Ames on a short tour of the Midwest. They played at DG's Taphouse and I met them during set break for a session. They've been a group since 2001 and have lost and gained new members with only two original ones remaining. The group they have now seems to be thriving and their fan base has grown. This is a band I'd like to see at some festivals during the summer, laying in the grass or swaying to the rhythm with a cold brew in hand. Their acoustic versions that they played for me were my favorite of the whole night, though. Something about the reggae sound on an acoustic guitar... there is nothing quite like it.  I hope to see them all again soon!  Thanks T.U.G.G.!

~ Erika 

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Erika Iverson is a Music and Lifestyles reporter for InsiderIowa.com, and is the co-creator of our music project, The Insider Sessions. Some of her old favorite artists include Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Bill Withers, The Who, The Doors, Buddy Guy, Cher, and Stevie Nicks, to name only a few. Other passions include adventure, eating healthy, studying philosophy, backpacking with her dad, and shopping with her mom.