ROGUE WAVE ON D-TOUR

While updating the Discosalt Shows Calendar, I  saw that Oakland based indie pop band Rogue Wave (formerly signed to Sub Pop, now to Brushfire Records) have a few shows coming up in New York. First, at The Music Hall of Williamsburg on 3/2 and then, The Bowery Ballroom on 3/3.

I caught an independent music documentary called “D Tour” or (Dialysis Tour) only a couple months ago, that follows the bands drummer, Pat Spurgeon as he struggles to cope with a failing kidney, his search for a viable donor, and chronicles his fierce resolve to pursue music and live a “normal” life despite his condition and uncertain future. Not the lightest rock documentary to throw on at a party, but thoughtful and surprisingly inspiring to watch when you have some time alone. Its not only a compelling look at a struggling indie band on the road, but a compelling look at the organ donor system in the US today. It is also  a sometimes uncomfortably intimate glimpse into life’s quiet difficult moments. After I put down the remote, I walked away with such regard for Pat’s amazing, unselfish support network of friends and even more appreciation for the healing power of music. The film also features some really great footage from a benefit show at SF’s Independent in 2006 where the band was joined on stage by friends like Ben Gibbard of Death Cab, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf, and John Vanderslice. You can find the film on itunes now or catch it on PBS’s “Independent Lens” every so often. The band recently recorded their fourth album, Permalight which should be released this Spring and amazingly continue to tour.