My-Tea Kind

      Billing themselves as an ‘obscure folk roots rock' band, My-Tea Kind will kickoff their CD release tour on Wednesday night at George's. The Tahlequah, Okla. band has played Fayetteville clubs for a while now and have perfected their sound and amassed a collection of original songs worthy of a first album.

      The harmonies of the two lead singers--songwriter James Townsend (who also handles lead guitar) and Bonnie Paine--blend into one smooth package. Paine's angelic voice can go from sweet to strong, bringing to mind Grace Slick. The two are backed by Paine's sisters, Sarah Garde on drums and Annie Paine on bass and backup harmonies.

      The music of My-Tea Kind has an earthy, gypsy feel. Think early Jefferson Airplane, without the wild electronics. Townsend is an extremely talented guitarist, with a style that is clean and clear.

      The band comes to the stage to deliver a fun time for its audience. They bring their own crowd energizers--young women in costume, who urge the audience to the dance floor. My-Tea Kind has been known to incorporate gypsy fire dancers and artists into their shows. And, don't be surprised by the occasional kazoo solo by Bonnie or a tune played on a cutting saw by Townsend. If you've never heard a saw played, you are in for a pleasant surprise.

      My-Tea Kind captured the top prize at Battlerusa in Tulsa, earlier this year and proceeded to win the final Battlerusa competition in Lawrence, Kan., which earned them a spot on the Wakarusa Music Festival stage in June and slot on the Wakarusa compilation CD.

Get out and discover one of the region's best kept secrets. $5 cover.