Lotus moves The House

By Jessica King

Bodies shook and swayed energetically Tuesday night at The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway.

Lotus, a band combining jazz, funk and electronica, played while audience members danced to the beat-heavy music.

-Beginning about 40 minutes after its scheduled start time at 9 p.m., the five-piece ensemble got off to an animated start on a cluttered stage with red lights and filled with artificial smoke. A backdrop with an abstract design hung behind the players.

About a dozen people moved rhythmically in front of the stage during the first song, but more people joined throughout the night. Stage banter and vocals weren’t required to engage the audience.

Since its beginning in 1999, Lotus has toured the country and increased its fan base exponentially. It released its debut album, “VIBES,” in February 2002 and its sophomore one, “Germination,” in May 2003.

This is the third time the Philadelphia-based band has taken the stage at The House, said Matthew Clark, who calls himself a “good vibes generator” and handles bookings at the establishment.

“People have a good response to Lotus,” Clark said. “They’re really nice guys, and their energy is reflected through their music.”

Listeners’ reasons for coming to the show varied.

-“I’m just looking for a good experience and excellent music,” senior OMIS major Emily Armea said. “This is a very chill environment.”

Senior geography major Sarah Payne said she came because she didn’t have any homework that night.

“The House brings in good entertainment,” she said.

Matt Roeschley, a first-year law student, said he wanted to see the band because he grew up with Jesse Miller, bassist for Lotus, and Luke Miller, the band’s rhythm guitarist.

“I hadn’t seen these guys for maybe 10 years,” Roeschley said. “Their music blends the jam-band genre and electronic dance music seamlessly.”

Clark said music can make people spin out of reality. While it could be debated, Tuesday night’s music certainly made people spin around on the dance floor.