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Arena Rock, Part Two
After the Green Day show, an enormous Batman-style projection of the KRBZ 96.5 logo appeared on Kemper Arena's outside wall. Inside, the Blades battled an opponent, reinforcing the fact that on hockey nights, music and Kemper usually are mutually exclusive. However, the excellent Springfield, Missouri-based Domino Kings were able to find middle ground, playing two sets on Friday, January 19, while fans filed in to see the Blades take on the ridiculously named Solar Bears from Orlando. The location (between two concession stands) was optimal, if not aesthetically pleasing, and the group delivered an adrenalized set in front of an impressive number of intrigued hot-dog buyers.
"It was a really good experience," reports bassist Brian Capps. "We got a lot of exposure [in front of] a lot of people who wouldn't necessarily come out to a bar or a club to see us." One such demographic: a pack of golden-voiced Olathe South students, on hand to deliver the national anthem, who dutifully line-danced to such honky-tonk tunes as "Borrow a Lie." "I enjoyed that," Capps says. "I sure didn't expect it, especially at a hockey game."
Though another club gig is likely, the Kings might spend a summer night playing at another sports venue, one fit for royalty. Capps says the president of his band's label, Slewfoot Records, has discussed a before- or after-show gig at Kauffman Stadium.
