Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Live Music Happens

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Relax if you’re among those who think live music just happens, because you’re in a comfortable majority.  Unheradled as they are, there’s a producer behind every live show.  Shows can be produced by the venues that host them, a featured band might be the producer for a night, or one of a waning number of independent producers might be the power behind the show.  Tanoa “Samoa Boy” Stewart, T. R. Hunt and Shelby Ash are three independents who are making music happen in deference to the common wisdom that the best way to make a million in music is to start out with two. (more…)

Hicks with Sticks on KALX

Sunday, May 29th, 2011

Update,6/4/11: This is the playlist from the KALX show described below.

“Emmitt” – Don Burnham
“Life of the Party” – Belle Monroe and her Brewglass Boys
“Straight and Narrow” – Jesse Jay Harris
“16 Chicks” – Midnight Trio
“South of Eureaka” – Whisky Pills Fiasco
“Redneck Barbie” – Jinx Jones
“Man Who Comes to Our House” – Shut-Ins
“Broken Heart Records” – Harkenbacks
“Red Lights” – Axton Kinkaid
“Woman (Sensuous Woman)” – Plain High Drifters
“I’m Gonna Leave Here Shoutin’” (live) – Red Meat
“Tall Pines” – Laurie Lewis
“Smoke, Smoke that Cigarette” – Lonestar Retrobates
“DeMarco’s 23 Club” – Hi-Rhythm Hustlers
“(Got Thrown Out of the) Waffle House (for Makin’ Out in the Booth)” – Truckstop Honeymoon
“Cold, Cold Heart” – Stiff Richards
“Ringo” (live and drunk) – Chase Gowdy and the Rusty Nails (more…)

Viva Las Vegas Diary

Friday, April 29th, 2011
Deke's Guitar Geek Show

Crazy Joe Kickin' Out the Jams Behind Deke the Geek's Guitar Collection at VLV 14

The Silver Minx summed it up by calling Viva Las Vegas an ADD delight.  Lack of cloning technology prevented everyone from attending all the concurrent shows and events they wanted to see, and it was challenging to walk from one place to another without running into someone to talk about going someplace else.  Growth in attendance, bands and events did nothing to diminish VLV #14; growth only made things better as those who packed the Burlesque Competition, Tiki Pool Party, the main stage area and other events can confirm.

The B Stars, Midnight Trio, Stompy Jones, Thee Merry Widows and Jinx Jones and the Kingtones were on hand to hold up the Bay Area’s end, but of course the surprises for Bay Area twang fans came from bands that don’t usually play here.

Li'l Mo & the Dynaflos

Li'l Mo & the Dynaflos Doo-Wop on the Main Stage

Li’L Mo and the Dynaflos opened the first evening on the main stage and bowled everyone over.  (more…)

VIVA LAS VEGAS AT PUBERTY

Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Deke's Guitar Geekapalooza

Crazy Joe forgot his guitar so Deke Dickerson let him borrow half of his.

Fourteen years, and my how she’s grown.  She’s  Viva Las Vegas, the annual Easter weekend gathering of greasers, Bettys and their pals at the Orleans Hotel in the real City of Lights.

Back in ’98 Producer Tom Ingram brought together a few bands and approached the Gold Coast, a C-list Vegas hotel with his idea for an American version of similar events that are popular in Europe.

VLV #1 drew 1200, mainly from California, but well-rounded by other Americans looking for an alternative to a mid-90s annual rockabilly event in Denver that was on its last legs.  Some came from Europe and Japan and some crossed the desert in their vintage rides.  Two vendors and a handful of DJs rounded out the mix. (more…)

NEW BANDS / SOAP OPERA RADIO / HAIGHT HOPS

Sunday, March 6th, 2011

The Mighty Slim Pickins have wasted away, but the Patsychords, Rumble Strippers, and a band to be named later are fattening up for the thrill.  Why Katharine Cole killed Kitty RosePirate Cat Radio doesn’t broadcast a soap opera, but has plenty of drama.  Milk Bar in the Upper Haight features a rockin’ new record hop on first Fridays.

NEW BANDS

Mighty Slim Pickins

MSP's Mighty Tighty Whities

There have been several attempts to derail the Mighty Slim Pickins, usually in the form of personnel changes, but lead singer Leigh Crow says this time it’s over for sure, as in really, really.

Three other bands have sprung from the MSP’s ashes. (more…)