The Civil Engineers, Swamp Thing

WORT-FM benefit. $8.

press release: Swamp Thing was a mid-'80s Madison band known for playing danceable songs about animals, food, banana republics, and beautiful Communists. Fronted by Jonathan Zarov and joined by original members Steve Bear and Bob Appel, the band reunited a few years back and have been playing semi-annual shows in Madison. For this show, the Things expand their lineup with horns, backup singers, theremin and assorted other instruments. Their set will be live streamed, as fans outside Madison have pledged to donate if they can see and hear the show: https://www.facebook.com/events/247329542731657/

The Civil Engineers are a seven-piece band from Madison with Molly Fish (lead vocals), Chris Castro (guitar), Garrick Rohm (keyboards), Tim Lopez (bass), Carl Rettke (drums), Jason Buck (sax) as well as various horn players. The group’s music is an upbeat mixture of rock, soul, and funk. The band is working on its debut EP, called Save the Bridge, which will be out this fall. The Civil Engineers have already built a strong following in their home town as well as around the state.

All proceeds from the show, which starts at 9:30 pm, go to support listener sponsored community radio! $8 cover.

Swamp Thing plays one long set, followed by the Civil Engineers.

Facebook event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/458626681257870/

Swamp Thing: Selected Highlights and Defining Moments from the 1980s

• Released two albums: Learning to Disintegrate (produced by Butch Vig) and A Cow Come True

• Set record for amount of beer sold in one night at Memorial Union performance

• Set record for pieces of freshly toasted bread and waffles flung from stage at Memorial Union performance

• Toured extensively: As far south as Austin, Texas, and as far north as Halifax, Nova Scotia (and just not to repeat their mistakes, make a right when you pass through Main going north, not a left)

• Performed trademark guerilla street shows across the country (water dumped on their heads from an apartment in NYC West Village, spit on in Harvard Square)

• Discovered by the Pretenders playing in front of Milwaukee's Oriental Theatre (though that could have been the Violent Femmes, it was a long time ago...)

• Closed the legendary Folk City in NYC—last night before it went out of business—on a bill with the Smithereens, dbs, and others.

• Created Eau de Pain, a unisex fragrance (ask for it at the Soap Opera)

• Created a 3-headed, 3-tailed discus salmon (don't ask for it... if you want one, make your own: salmon parts, picture wire, floral foam)

• Members founded the Knitting Factory, a jazz club in NYC

• Reviewed favorably in People Magazine

• Band members went on to play or work with notables such as Garbage, Willy Porter, Los Lobos, Peter Stampfel, Elvis Costello, The Jazz Passengers, and city Recycling Coordinator George Dreckman