The Communique

Issue date: 3/31/05 Section: A&E

Photo Illustration by Paul Adams

The Ipod and RealPlayer have made music so much more convenient in the modern age but there's still no better musical experience for the money than seeing a band play live. True rock can be found in a crowded bar with the sound of the guitar vibrating through the floor and into the crowd.
For those searching for a night of "true" entertainment, the Nikki Lunden Band is the ideal place to start.
A self-described "Rock/Folk Fusion" band from Iowa City, the Nikki Lunden Band consists of singer/songwriter Nikki Lunden, guitarist and former Kirkwood student Mike Fett, bassist Byron Stevens and drummer and former Kirkwood student Joe Burroughs. The Nikki Lunden Band is vigorously active in the local scene and can usually be found rocking every weekend at the Mill in Iowa City or Muddy Waters in Cedar Rapids.
Before attending one of these shows, however, be forewarned: Some are drawn from their seats and compelled to dance. Lunden's bombastic energy and the band's post-funk riffs really make the feet want to move.
Lunden is engaging on stage and appreciative of her fans. "The audience is everything," she said. "There is nothing more gratifying than rockin' out and seeing them rockin' out with you."
What the band gives back to their audience-other than a truly incredible show-is the inspiration of seeing such hardworking local musicians.
Lunden is upbeat about the difficulties of working as an artist in today's economy because "It feels so good that we keep doing it, whether the money is there or not."
The band really cares, and the audience can tell. The music is uplifting because it clearly comes from the heart. Fett offers this advice to aspiring musicians "Never sacrifice feeling for technical prowess."
The Nikki Lunden Band will be playing at Chappey's Safari Lounge on April 9. Biographical information can be found at www.nikkilundenband.com.

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