Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Zooropa

Here in the People’s Republic of Jam Bands, we take our grass, both blue and new, very seriously. So, a band claiming to trade in an offshoot of an offshoot — of an offshoot, really — such as “zoograss” could be met with no small degree of wiggle-stifling skepticism ’round these parts. However, we’d caution you not to overlook Massachusetts-based quartet Hot Day at the Zoo. The group brings a, well, animal intensity to its performances that has led to approving nods — and wiggles — from the likes of Ryan Montbleau, State Radio and moe., all of whom Zoo have recently appeared with in concert. This Thursday, they set the stage for another group of hot-pickin’ up-and-comers, the Montana Slim String Band at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge.