Bowery Ballroom
6 Delancey St.
Tuesday, May 4, $16, 8:30
212-533-2111
www.myspace.com/hahatonka
www.boweryballroom.com
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources describes Ha Ha Tonka State Park as “the ideal place for the adventurous.” They could just as easily been talking about native sons Ha Ha Tonka, the four-piece Ozark band consisting of Brett Anderson on keyboards and guitar, Lennon Bone on drums, Lucas Long on bass, and Brian Roberts on guitar. Originally called Amsterband, Ha Ha Tonka has made a name for itself with its unique take on southern music on their two fine albums, 2007’s BUCKLE IN THE BIBLE BELT and 2009’s NOVEL SOUNDS OF THE NOUVEAU SOUTH, both released by Bloodshot Records. The group investigates the South’s “horrific past” while celebrating its reputation for “enormous hospitality” on gospel-tinged pop songs such as “Hold My Feet to the Fire” and “The Outpouring,” in which they proclaim, “We bled it out.” You might have missed the pride of Springfield, Missouri, on May 2 in Brooklyn, but they’ll be at the Bowery Ballroom on May 4, playing with Murder by Death and Linfinity. Check them out for a novel musical journey through the New South.