From 6-11 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 11, Uncommon Denominator “brought the energy,” to The Mousetrap Tavern, according to the band’s website. The funk, soul, pop and rock cover band played various music at their gig. 

Chase Bucheger, the lead singer, said “our band plays songs that we enjoy and cover over five decades of music.”

A group founded initially as a “bar band,” returned to their roots this past weekend at the recent Mousetrap show.  

Uncommon Denominator didn’t have a definitive setlist for the night, according to Chase Bucheger, the group’s lead singer. The majority of times the band will base most of their setlist off of the vibe of the crowd and the event, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to shows, Bucheger said.

The band felt the crowd out on Friday and let that guide them to the right music for the night Lakmann said. 

Uncommon Denominator members met in college with most being music students. They got used to playing classical and jazz but it “wasn’t the music they wanted to play,” Bucheger said.

They didn’t start with the members they currently have. Only three of the current band members were a part of the original group, and formed over a mutual love of music, Bucheger said. 

“The best part of playing any performance is seeing people out at their shows. It is great seeing people come together to have a good time dancing and singing,” Bucheger said. 

The show’s attendees danced and sang alongside the band song after song. 

“A very unexpectedly good time,” Sam Lakmann, the pianist for the band, said.

Their set originally was mainly centered around funk music that Friday evening. But a surprise happened when Sean Smith, a drummer that has performed with Prince, joined Uncommon Denominator.

Lakmann said they shifted focus to some of Prince’s pop ballads since “it only seemed fitting.”

“Their energy after we began to play Prince doubled right in time for the third act of the evening,” Lakmann said.  

According to Lakmann, there was a last-minute cancellation by a drummer. The band had to call upon a professional from Minneapolis. It ended up working out for the best because the whole band got to play alongside someone they respected musically.  

Their next gig is Friday, Nov. 18 from 5-8 p.m. at the Leinie Lodge. Wear an ugly sweater for the chance to win a free beer at Lienienkugels Ugly Sweater Party. There will be giveaways for a stay at The Oxbow Hotel and a dinner for two at The Lakely. Bars open at 5 p.m. and dinner service begins at 7 p.m.

Lindsey Quinnies, a concert attendee, said it’s “always a good time.” 

As well as the Annual Friendsgiving Celebration at The Lakely on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 5-10 p.m. This is a 21 and up event, tickets are sold online for $15 (comes with three beers). 

“Bring energy to us because then we will be able to bring more energy back,” Bucheger said. 

Book the band for events, weddings or any occasion in need of music here, or by contacting Emily Watkins here.

Maxwell can be reached at [email protected].