Deep Ellum has long been heralded as the home for outstanding up-and-comers in Dallas, Texas, and this weekend was no exception as the Liquid Lounge played host to some incredible bands spanning many genres of music from acoustic to metal, funk to country. It was exactly the type of diversity that I love to see at an Emergenza show! Thursday, March 22th Thursday started off hot as hell with the sexy, jazzy, funky sounds of M. Jelani Brooks. This group was tight and super pro. What a great collection of talented musicians! The Justin Ross Band took the stage next, bringing the fullest three-piece sound that I have heard this season. The effects that he used on guitar and vocals were tasteful, and the drums and bass complimented the sound perfectly. The songs were filled with great hooks, and I’m looking forward to seeing this band in the next round! Only In Texxxas roused the crowd at Liquid Lounge. Their blend of country and rock definitely satisfied this Texas crowd. The vocals took you into the sunset on horseback, and the band left nothing but dust on the trail. Our next band, The Embassy, put on an outstanding set of original modern rock. The vocals took us to peaks of rockdom, and the guitars and rhythm section blew down the walls of contemporary new rock. Stellar set! From the Woods blasted the crowd at Liquid Lounge with a set of progressive hard-rock that melted the walls! I liked the dedication to Darren, the Emergenza manager with his “Infidel” shirt! HA! Balls out set from these guys, no holds barred! Fugi777, despite losing the 777 for the night put on an outstanding set of original rap. He is the hypest lyricist while the others are like, “What type of beer is this?” – MC Paul Barman. Steady phat beats and intricate speak was the pinnacle of his performance, and he did it RIGHT! The Freshbeets finished off the night with an eclectic mix of punk, indie and rock that put the bottles in the air and the stomping feet on the floor. The vocals were a mix of all styles; I can’t pin him down. The organ and keys were a perfect compliment to the guitar, and the drums and bass kept the backbone straight and rockin’. Friday, March 23th Friday night kicked off with the grunge revival brought to us by Original Formula. Original formula is right. No frills to this Nirvana influenced grunge-rock band. The vocals were abrasive and strong, and the three-piece got the crowd on their feet early. The Inspirado took the stage next, and these young cats rocked the house with a blend of modern alternative and Texas style rock ‘n’ roll. The vocals were solid and the band was tight! Ocean Terrace Eve’s bassist wins biggest hair award of the night, and I think it looks that way because he plays in this band. This hardcore act really tore into the crowd and got them on their feet. The vocals were fierce and the stage presence was stellar. Mmm… tasty sounds came from the stage next with the power of Liquid Bounce. Sexy grooves flowed like expensive champagne underneath the silky vocals and smooth sax of the lead singer/rapper. The lyrics were prompt and articulate, and heads were nodding all over Liquid Lounge. The heavy yet melodic sounds of The Raven Charter graced us next, taking us on a new rock expedition. The level of talent across the board is really top notch with this band! We wrapped with the Celtic rock energy of The Blarney Street Hooligans. A sound truly unique to the night, and honestly to the Texas side of the festival so far, they drew every last little bit of energy out of the crowd and closed the night in style. In the style of greats like The Dropkick Murphys and The Pogues among others, they took us to new heights. Simply outstanding. Saturday, March 24th Saturday saw a lonely three bands take the stage, but it was a good show<