Copper State Tavern is on the north side of Bethany Home Road, just before the intersection of 51st Ave, Grand Ave, and Bethany Home Road (So don’t miss it, because then you’ll have to go though a six way intersection and turn around.) Drive into the parking lot slowly, because the speed bumps are huge.
Unfortunately, there is no sign that says Copper State Tavern on the building. It’s the only building in the strip mall with neon, so you can spot it that way. The decor in minimal and classy southwest, and the tables are amazing (some kind of lacquered collage.)
It’s a little small place, and it’s packed when there are 40 people inside. There is a big screen TV above the bar, and when I took a picture of the crowd there was a fast food commercial on. So, check out the amazing hovering cheeseburger.
First on the stage was singer/songwriter Robin Lore. This woman has a beautiful voice and some very catchy tunes. I really enjoyed her, and you should check her out.
The band I was really there to see was Isle of Essence. I feel terrible that I haven’t seen them in a few years. And, since they were kicking off a national tour, I thought I’d better check them out again.
I remember Isle of Essence as a rock and roll band. I remember them as being good, but kind of raw. I was not at all prepared for what I saw at the Copper State Tavern. Isle of Essence has become a wonderful, jazzy, sort of funky rock band with a sophisticated and original sound. It’s not easy to put into words, but it really is a great sound. They’re still a lot of fun to see too. They really seem to have fun on stage.
Having recently signed a distribution deal, you should be able to find Isle of Essence in stores like Best Buy very soon. But they will still play local shows when they get back from their tour, so make sure to try and catch them.
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