Top Songs on the Jukebox

Now that the jukebox doesn't play automatically, I can see which songs people are really listening to. Comes out two ways: by hits or by kilobytes. Hits would be the number of times people clicked on a song to listen to it, so how many actual times a song was played. Kilobytes would be, well, how many kilobytes of a song were downloaded. This may have to do with the length (and thus file size) of a song, but since mp3's stream (i.e. load as they play) I think it has more to do with how long a song was listened to, which also may have to do with the length of the song, but it may also reflect whether they kept listening to it or switched songs or stopped the player. So, anyway, now that I've confused everyone, and myself, here it is (drum roll please):

Top Five for October

By Hits:

1. The Killing Floor "Voodoo Chile" (cover)
2. Tie between Structure "Like I Should" and Skunkweed "Wasted"
3. El Sancho "Mota-vation"
4. 21BLACK "Take Some Time" (cover)
5. Open Chapter "Remember"

By Kilobytes:

1. The Killing Floor "Voodoo Chile" (cover)
2. Structure "Like I Should"
3. 21BLACK "Take Some Time" (cover)
4. Skunkweed "Wasted"
5. Sexto Sol "Chicken Foot Boogaloo"

Close contenders:
The Groove Movement's "Sparrow's Song"
The Moral Fiction's (formerly Soneida) "Making the X Files Look Like Boy Meets World"

Skindred's Equipment Stolen

from Blabbermouth.net (thanks Dan for passing this along):


SKINDRED bassist Daniel Pugsley has sent the following message to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"The morning after an awesome show in San Antonio with H.I.M. and FINCH at the White Rabbit, we discovered our trailer had been broken into. Both my basses and Mikey's [Dee] guitars were taken as well as one of Arya's Iron Cobra kick pedals. We were totally bummed out, but we managed to get replacements (just) in time to play in Houston the next day. So basically it would be great if you guys could keep an eye out for them for us, especially all you guys in Texas, or if you know anything about this please let us know.

"The first bass that was taken from me was the Musicman Stingray with the Jamaican flag scratch plate that I used in the 'Nobody' video. It's totally standard apart from it's got a Seymour Duncan pickup in it. The second was also a Stingray, but it was strung through body and it had a black headstock with faded gold writing on; it was kinda a one-off. This one also had a Seymour Duncan in it. Mikey lost two left-handed Musicman Axis guitars, one black and one red. Also, if you have any pictures of them, please send them in so we can post them on the website. We'd really like to get them back, for sentimental reasons as much as value, so really, any info you could give us would be great. You can contact us both through the web site or our Myspace page."


I would like to apologize to Skindred on behalf of San Antonio that this happened to them here and I hope it doesn't keep them from coming back to SA. I have looked around on the internet for Skindred pics that show some of these instruments and think I have found some:
Sonic Rampage, Unearthed.com and Florida Entertainment Scene

Soneida - The Moral Fiction

Just a quick note because I had somebody here searching for Soneida. They have changed their name to The Moral Fiction.

Def Leppard, Cheap Trick & Alter Ego

from Steve Elliott of Alter Ego, who opened on the second stage (way to go guys!):

It was great. Since we were on early, like right when the gates opened, we didn't get a HUGE crowd, but it was pretty respectable as people started coming over to get beer and stuff. Being that the second stage is on the far side of the amphitheatre as you come in, most people probably didnt even know we were there. By the time we finished, we had several hundred people watching.

The tie-in with K-ROCK started a little late, so we played for a solid hour before yielding to the costume contest, and then the first act came on...some guy with an acoustic guitar. We got nothing but praise from all the folks who checked us out and even our soundman and security were impressed!

The Pace Concert promotions people loved us and couldn't say enough nice things about our performance, so that was very gratifying. They told us they'll definitely use us again in the future. Plus we got paid $200 for an hour's work AND got great seats for the show!

The show....WOW! Cheap Trick were awesome. Huge sound, especially from the 12-string bass of Thom Peterson and the guitar of Rick Nielsen. And Def Leppard...these guys have still got it in spades. Possibly one of the best shows I have EVER seen. Amazing stage and light show, impeccable sound, amazing vocals and guitar. And it was one hit after another. After a while, it was just a mass of people swaying back and forth and singing along with every song.

For 25 years as a band, Def Leppard still know how to bring it! And to think that some of these guys were just 15 or 16 when the first album came out, all the band members are just in their early or mid-forties!

I honestly don't remember songlists or the order they were played in, but I know that no one was disappointed in either band. They heard all their favorites and the bands were definitely into it, and appreciated the very loud response from the San Antonio audience.

Chevelle Review (kinda late)

from my friend Dan on MySpace:

Last month, Insano and I went to the Chevelle concert at Sunset Station. The 1st time to see a show there for both of us. I hadn't seen Chevelle live. But Insano has seen ‘em 3 or 4 times. She's from Chicago, and saw ‘em there at smaller venues. Bottom line is, they were killer. Surprisingly the sound was clear and strong for outdoors. The drummer was playing a new set, his had gotten stolen in Dallas. He's insane, a huge part. Plays double kick bass, kept everything moving. He might be the heart of this band if it wasn't for his brother on lead guitar and vocals. Dude just works. Bass player and other brother have quit, so the guy from Filter filled in and did a good job. His back up vocals sounded a bit flat but otherwise these guys are worth every dime. I think we paid $19.00 + etc I remember saying I'd go see them 2 or 3 times a week at that price. If you haven't seen Chevelle in concert, do yourself a favor and catch ‘em next time around. The crowd was into it and the guys seemed to work for their appreciation. A few problems up front, but security was right on top of it. We missed the 1st band and the second was to me kinda generic, but I was there for Chevelle. I'll be wherever they play next time.

Preying Mantis at Tiffany Billiards

Since reading Daniel's review of Preying Mantis at Wise Guys and meeting Ron Jarzombek, I have been wanting to go see Preying Mantis and catch local guitar god Ron in action. Finally managed to catch them last night at Tiffany Billiards. I was not at all disappointed. These guys - sorry for the language, but there's no other way to say it - these guys fucking rock!!



First off, the music. I couldn't have picked a better selection myself. AIC "Dem Bones," Ozzy "Mr. Crowley," Seether "Remedy," Foo Fighters "Everlong," System of a Down "BYOB" and "Sugar," STP "Plush," Pantera "Walk," plus Tool, Metallica, Drowning Pool, Godsmack, Jet...after a while (and too many beers - remember I had an extra hour of beer too!) I started getting too into the show and forgetting to write down the songs.

Second, the show. Watching Preying Mantis, you don't get the feeling of being in a bar watching a cover band. You feel like you're at a concert. The fact that Tiffany's is freakin' huge is part of it, but mostly it's just the way the band puts on a show. They've got the moves and demeanor of longtime, experienced rockers. The singer, Jack, reminded me of James Hetfield back in the day when Metallica was Metallica. He's got a great voice, especially for stuff like Pantera and Drowning Pool. Maybe not so much for Ozzy songs...he cracked a little, but then again, Ozzy does that too. Anyhow, when they play Ozzy, the thing to watch is Ron...he makes a Randy Rhoads solo look as easy as "Jingle Bells."



Third, they gave me something I've been waiting to hear since I started doing this SA Rocks thing: a kickass bass solo. (The other is some badass double bass on drums, still waiting for that one.) I know that it's much more difficult to perform a wailing solo on a bass guitar than it is on a (regular?) guitar, so I'm always very impressed by that. Metal Mike's solo goes right up there on my list of best bass solos, along with Metallica's "Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)" and the one performed by the bassist for B.B. King when I saw him at The Majestic years ago.



I was a little bummed that Chris, their usual drummer, wasn't there on drums because I've spoken with him a little on MySpace and was looking forward to meeting him in person, but Jason did a great job filling in and I loved the drum set up! You can't see it too well in the pictures, but there's this really cool glass partition around the drums.

I also have to add that I was impressed by Jack's method of taking a shot of tequila. I've never seen anyone spit a lime straight up in the air and catch it in his mouth before.

Metal Mike was telling me that some clubs in town don't want to book Preying Mantis because they think they're too heavy. I think they're making a big mistake. The crowd at Tiffany Billiards was not a bunch of longhairs in concert t-shirts (not that there's anything wrong with that), but your average bar crowd that looked like they'd had a long week of work and were ready for some fun, and they loved every minute of it. I even saw a couple there who looked like they were in their 50's and they didn't seem to mind the music a bit. So, note to clubs...you might want to rethink that!

If you haven't seen Preying Mantis, you definitely should. You can catch them this coming Friday (Nov 4) at the Hooligan's on I-35 or check Preying Mantis' schedule for future gigs. Many of you probably remember Ron Jarzombek from WatchTower and SA Slayer, but if you don't know who he is and how great a guitarist he is, go right now and check out his stuff at spasticink.com. He's amazing.

If you're a guy, you can stop reading now. This last note is for the ladies. You may have read on here occasionally me complaining about the restrooms at various clubs being tiny, nasty, etc. (You know, when you drink beer, one of the consequences is frequent trips to the restroom, so the quality and size of the restrooms becomes very important.) I have officially voted Tiffany Billiards as having the Best Bathroom Ever...not only is it large with many stalls, but the walls are lined with posters of guys who look like this:



Does it get any better than that?!


ADDED NOTE: I have one more thing to say. To local waitresses: I waitressed at bars for many years and girls, you're making a big mistake when you make the assumption that women don't tip and pass my table by. When I buy a beer, I give you a five and the change is yours. Last night I had at least 8 beers (probably more, I didn't count). That's $18+ that you missed out on. Out of all the bars I've gone to over the last 6 months, checking out bands for SA Rocks, the only bar where I was waited on is Rock City Bar. And they don't even have waitresses. The bartender did it.

Interview: Eric McConnell

Ran into Eric McConnell over there on MySpace and he was kind enough to agree to do an interview with me, so here it is!

OK, let’s start with the basics. Tell me about your music.

Haha...you say "the basics" and hit me with the hardest question first....I'm a Blues, Funk and old R&B guy with a guilty pleasure for Rock..haha. During a live show we play a mix of everything. From Stevie Wonder and Al Green to modern rock and my original stuff. When I write, it's a bit different. I'm very aware of song structures and the importance of getting your point across quickly. My first solo album that's in the works now is actually more Rock based with some Blues highlights. I'm actually planning on covering two songs on it also: 'Old Love' by Eric Clapton and 'I Wish' by Stevie Wonder.

As for influences? Well I'm never too far from one of these guys/bands CD's: Philip Sayce, Richie Kotzen, Joe Bonamassa, Gov't Mule and Jeff Buckley.


You started playing in public at a young age, 14. At what age did you pick up the guitar and what influenced you to do so?

I picked up my first guitar when I was 13. I remember answering this question once when I doing an interview when I was 17 and I'm gonna answer it the same way yet, updated...I started playing for the girls! And if any other musician says that they didn't start playing for attracting the opposite sex (or same sex...gotta be PC nowadays..) they are lying to you. It wasn't untill later that I realized I had something to say and that it takes more than a guitar to get a date...haha.


By the time you were 18, you were in the finals of The National Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition. How did that happen?

My brother and I used to make trips to the big chain CD store in Buffalo NY (my old hometown) and it was always the same thing. We'd split up at the door and meet up at the cashiers with our spoils. I had seen an ad for The Hendrix Competition in Guitar Player magazine and just knew that I had to do it. There was only something like 2 weeks till the deadline so I was making phone calls as soon as I got home. This is actually where I met the members of the Project R&B Revue. I made the recording with some of them and they liked my playing so much they asked me to join the band.

Almost a year after the semi-finals in Cleveland, the finals happened in Seattle. A huge chunk of my family flew out there, I bought leather pants...haha...and I felt like a rockstar. There I was with Slash (I got a great story about him getting ID'd in the hotel bar) Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) Kim Thyall (soundgarden) Gary Hoey, Keb'Mo, Chris Duarte and Hendrix's Band of Gypsies. It was night I won't ever forget. Getting compliments from my idols and having breakfast with some of them before they left that afternoon...Very cool for me.

With Buffalo-based Project R&B Revue, you opened for some pretty big acts, including Robert Cray and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. That must have been pretty amazing to find yourself playing along with the blues guitar gods so early in your career. Did you find it humbling or ego-boosting?

I was scared shitless! I know I shouldn't curse but to look out and have a sea of people in front of you, dancing and singing your songs let alone having Kenny Wayne and Robert Cray watching and listening to you? That to me was both ego boosting, humbling and the biggest thrill I've had. I consider myself blessed to have it the times that I did.


When you were 21, you left Buffalo and moved to DC to study music. How did your education and the change of location influence your musical style?

This is a great question. I can't lie but going from clubs and venues to early morning classes and homework, sucked...haha. Yet, it was the best thing I've ever done. I went from this blues rocker guitar guy to a much more educated...blues rocker guitar guy...haha..seriously though, I found out that music wasn't all about the rippin guitar solo. Don't get me wrong, a rippin solo still gets me off but when you hear guys like Jeff Buckley or Nick Drake just craft a song...it hits you in a different place. Though I can only pray for that kind of ability, the thought wouldnt have even occured to me if I hadn't changed the path I was on.

How did you end up here in San Antonio?

When I was in The Hendrix Competition I met Jake Owen. Those of you that don't know Jake, you're missing out. He does some great improv/new Jazz. Anyway, he and I hit it off and have been friends ever since. I had visited the area a few times over the years. When things kinda dwindled in DC, Jake made the suggestion I move here...so I did.

San Antonio, sitting in the shadows of Austin, often gets overlooked as a great town for music. As something of a newcomer here, what is your impression of the local music scene and what do you think SA needs to put it on the musical map?

More Original Music! And more reception for original music. San Antonio has some of the best musicians I've heard. If it was possible for all of us to just say "screw covers" and go all original, we'd have an extremely powerful 'Tiny Mecca' on our hands.

I'm going to tread lightly and I don't know how to really bring this up. I've noticed something rather disturbing and frankly insulting to the bar goers, bar owners and musicians alike here in San Antonio. Bands that use tracks. If you don't know what this is, it's when they use something pre-recorded in a "Live" show. Now true, if its a Piano, Sax or a Kazoo that's extremely important to the song and no one on stage can cover that part..I can see the practical use. But when guitarists or bassists aren't playing and singers aren't singing and you hear guitar, bass and vocals, it's insulting. You're lying to the crowd.

We all know big name national acts that do this and I can understand why: rigorous schedules, little sleep and piles of money at stake but I don't condone it. But the bands that are doing this in this city..with cover material? These people that came to see YOU play and you give them overblown karaoke with props..?...Well that's just wrong. I won't name names, because Karma is a bitch and you should be ashamed of yourselves. You are the ones holding this city down from being great.

What are your plans for the future? And tell me more about these interesting side projects of yours...a novel and a video game?

Well, I mentioned before my first solo album which is gonna have a few friends on it. But the side projects kinda just happened. The novel is a suspense/thriller about a serial killer. A twisted "whodunit" and when I say twisted..let's just say due to fear of being disowned, I wont let my Mom read it.

The videogame is really cool. My brother had a job for Playstation and made some good connections there. I had told him about an idea for a Zombie game (I'm a B-movie and Romero fan). After a few different pitches about it and trying to find a way to stick with that genre, while still being fresh, we came up with a great idea. Once again, I can't get too much into it but it's not your normal cliche themed zombie tale. I'm really excited about both these projects.

Ok, bonus fun question: If you could organize the ultimate jam session, with musicians local or world-renowned, live or dead, who would you pick to play that jam?

Hmm...Well I'd take my good friend, Ron Bryant of local band Inertia (killer guitarist), Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dimebag Darrell, Keith Moon, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Cliff Burton, Allen Woody, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin and jam on Sweet Home Alabama (Okay bad inside joke on the song between Ron and I..haha)..but honestly I think if it were possible to take all of the people that influenced me that have passed on and sit'em down to just talk over a few beers, coffee, cigarettes...that would be cool.

That would be very cool. Thanks for the interview, Eric, and I've got to hear that Slash story sometime!

You can catch Eric McConnell live:

Thursday, Nov 3rd with Dave Fennley at Stone Werks Café

Wednesday, Nov 9th at Hooligan's on I-10

Wednesday Nov 23rd at Hooligan's on I-35

Wednesday Nov 30th at Broadway Bar

Sol Patch Halloween

from Sol Patch:

Just wanted to let you all know that we'll be gettin' our Monster Mash on at The Ol' Waterin' Hole in Kerrville this Saturday night for their annual Halloween Party! There will be killer drink specials and a costume contest beginning at 11pm. First place wins a $50 dollar bar tab and second place, $25. So, dust off that GI Joe garb or wave that magic wand and come on out! There will be other prizes as well. Last we heard was that they're already recieving calls for reservations which NEVER happens, even for this event! So, we'd suggest getting there as early as you can to grab a seat or table! The place is already full and they're expecting a lot more! There is no place else to be in the Hill Country because EVERYONE will be at The Hole!
Music starts at 9:30 -1:30 and remember, we'll have an extra hour to raise Hell! Have a SAFE and Happy Halloween and keep supporting live music!

IRIS Halloween Party and more

from Iris:

Put your costume on, pass out the candy, and get ready for IRIS. Its Halloween time and you know what that means!? It means that IRIS is playing this Saturday night at the Guadalupe river club in Kerrville, TX. The GRC is throwing this party and none other than IRIS will be the night’s guest of honor. There will be costume prizes so be sure to show up in full regalia. IRIS will be donning costumes but we’re not telling you what they’re going to be…you’ll have to show up and see for yourself.

Speaking of this Saturday – did you know it’s time to set your clocks back one hour? That’s right at 2 am this Saturday set your clocks back one hour and stay and party at the GRC with IRIS an extra hour – that’s five hours of music, dance, and Halloween fun.

James and Jeff want to let everyone know that they appreciate all the support they received from the guestbook and e-mails. Both are doing well and will be ready this Saturday. James’ voice is back and better than ever. Jeff is only a week out of surgery but he’ll be ready with all the energy you would expect from our favorite double-bass king.

Our own Jim Freeman is an official published rock critic. During KISS’ last tour Jim was contacted by Mike Brandvold (web-master to KISS’ official web-site). After talking and getting details worked out Jim got to meet the band back stage and review the concert from more than a fans perspective. His two page review of the 2003 Selma, TX concert made its way to the editors of Kiss quarterly (an international published rock magazine) and ended up being published for the entire world to read. Jim was unaware of the actual publication date until he received a sign copy from the members of KISS. Congratulations Jim!

IRIS has added another date at the Trap. December 16th IRIS will be back at the Trap so make sure you book your calendars. Bring a Santa hat if you want James to take your X-Mas wish ;).

Be safe everyone and we’ll see you this Saturday at the GRC!

SpitFire at The Trap Tonight

SPitFire at the Trap - we finally get to play a Friday at the Trap, Alot of people think the trap is not a great place to play. But let me tell you something! The Trap is one of the best places to play in San Antonio if your an established band or not. Bands like SpitFire,Iris, Alter Ego, all agree that the trap is always a blast !!! and we have all played just about everywhere lately.

We always get love and support from the gang at the Trap. SpitFire is going to tear it up tonight and show everyone what a good time is all about. (( its not where you play its how good you are )) so come on down to the trap and party down with some Heavy Hitters and slam Drinks make some noise Most, importantly Rock and Dance your ASS's OFF with us tonight!

Can you tell we are pumped!

The Trap
(210) 533-3060
4711 Pecan Valley Dr
San Antonio, TX 78223

21BLACK at Just 1 More & Malt House

Come out and join 21BLACK this weekend. We greatly appreciate your support !

Oct 28 Fri 9:30pm-1am
Just 1 More
3354 Lasses Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78223

Oct 29 Sat 9:pm-2am
Malt House Cafe
115 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, TX 78207

Please check our calendar at http://www.21black.com for our list of all upcoming appearances. We hope to see each of you soon ! We thank each and every one of you for the tremendous support and positive vibes.

RMW and Danzig

from Robb's Metal Works:

I am compelled to write all of you this afternoon after working the Blackest of the Black show last night. I left the show feeling quite high, despite being drug free since 2003. It was a euphoria I don't quite often experience in working with bands. However, after almost 9 years, as the man behind Robb's MetalWorks & having conducted hundreds of interviews,....last nights conversation with Glenn (& Doyle) will go down in my history as one of the most memorable, honest, spontaneous and insightful interviews of ALL time.

The highlight was asking Glen about the possibility of a reconcilation with Misfits bassist, Jerry Only. His response,...."ask Doyle how he feels about it, he's right there, ....ask him". Of course, Doyle in his soft spoken tone responded,... "Glenn I'll do whatever you want to do." Glenn made references to that response that someday we may see the Mighty Misfits reform in its original line-up,...but not now. It was a glimpse,...a peak, at what lies at the heart of this issue & the man. I believe when you see this interview, it will give us all hope of the true possibility that the Misfits will reign together again someday.

Many of you asked last night about when I may air this interview. After some thought, I am committed it to air in March 2006. I hope all of you will be patient enough to catch it then. With the fact that we were the only video medium last night to get an interview with Glenn, I feel very fortunate,....& my fortune I greatly look forward to sharing with all of YOU.

I thank the many of you who came up to me & the Crew last night with your kind regards, support of our hard work & a cold brews. It is because of nights like last night that we continue to do what we do.

Alter Ego at Hooligan's I-35

from Alter Ego:

We're back at one of our favorite places tonight (FRIDAY, OCT. 28) at HOOLIGAN'S, 13920 I-35 NORTH, just off of Loop 1604 and Pat Booker Road. This is THE place if you want some excellent food, great drinks and service, pool and darts, and just a great night overall! We'll start about 10 p.m. and there's never a cover!

On SUNDAY, OCT. 30, we're honored to be part of a great show at the VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE, 16765 LOOKOUT RD., SELMA, TX., as we've been selected to play on the second stage before the Def Leppard/Cheap Trick "Halloween Hysteria" concert. A big thanks out to Pace Concerts for calling us and 102.7 K-ROCK for giving us a glowing recommendation. We'll be playing from 5-5:45 p.m. as the gates open, and then from 6:30-7 p.m. In between, K-ROCK's morning DJs, Free Beer and Catfish, will be holding a costume contest and have plenty of other things going on. So if you're out for the show Sunday, stop by the second stage!

Huff & Bard Gig

from Lesti Huff:

Just wanted to let all of you folks who live around the bulverde area that Jim & I will be doing a duo @ the Honey Creek Cafe this Fri. the 28th from 6:30-10:30. Love to see you all out, we've got some new songs we're gonna do. If you don't happen to live out that way & you like a nice scenic ride, great food & live music then Honey Creek is a great destination. A straight shot out 281 N. & about 5 miles west on 46. Their # is (830)438-3190 for more info.

Houston St Fair

Sexto Sol will be performing a free show this Saturday, Oct. 29th at 2pm for the Houston St. Fair. The performance will be downtown San Antonio in front of the Alameda Theater (318 W. Houston St.). Other artists appearing will be groups such as The Swindles and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales.

GWAR at Sunset Station

Just found out about this upcoming concert:

GWAR, A Dozen Furies and Mensrea at Sunset Station

Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Lonestar Pavilion
Doors: 7pm | Show: 8pm
Tickets - Advance: $12 | Day of Show: $15

Ska Punk & Pirates

Tonight at Sam's

Six Months

It has been six months now since I started SA Rocks and I just want to say how much fun it has been! I started this blog on April 27th (the About Me page looks like it was posted on April 26th, but I actually made it later and gave it that date to put it at the beginning - seemed like a good spot for it). Back then I was getting my listings only from The Current and writing every band I could find online to get put on their mailing list so I'd have stuff to post. Now I am kept crazy cool busy and I love it! SA Rocks is getting close to 24,000 hits according to the counter (over 25,000 if Google AdSense is correct)! Plus SARocks.com has gotten over 600 hits this month so far (up from 400 last month). I've added so many things...the jukebox, the free ads, the forum, the MySpace page...

I just want to thank all the bands, clubs, promoters, etc. and all the SA rockers who have put up with me and given me their cooperation and support to make SA Rocks the place it has become. I especially want to thank my sponsors, Rok Candy, The Killing Floor and SpitFire for helping me out covering the costs I incur keeping SA Rocks going. Thank you so much, guys!!

And a special thanks to Kel, DJTazz and Alfonso for being my guest bloggers and friends and helping SA Rocks by contributing reviews, interviews and more, as well as my friends from MySpace who have let me use their concert reviews on here. Kel, I'm so happy I met you...not only have you helped me out here immeasurably, but we've become pretty good friends in the meantime and I'm very thankful for that. DJTazz...without you I would never make it to half the shows...thanks for being my partner in crime in this (and designated driver!). Alfonso, thank you so much for offering your help and great writing skills to SA Rocks. Your reviews and interview are so good (and probably the most popular on here)!

I can't wait to see what's going on here in 6 more months!!! Thanks everybody!!

The Agony Scene Off the Tour

Word has it:

The Agony Scene, the opening act for the "Blackest of the Black" tour, had to cancel the remaining dates of the tour. One of the band members had a death in the family. Asesino will join Danzig for the final three shows of the 2005 "Blackest of the Black" tour with Chimaira, Behemoth, Himsa, and Mortiis.

WC Clark Blues Revue at Luna

For all you blues fans (and I know there are a lot of you out there), from Luna Fine Music Club:

WC Clark Blues Revue
Saturday October 29th

People that know of or have heard WC know that the man is a living legend and every opportunity to see him perform is a true honor. He has played along side with every big name in the Blues world including Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Albert King, Eric Clapton & Robert Cray. He's known as the Godfather of Austin Blues and this Saturday night he will move into LUNA for one of his rare performances in San Antonio. Admission is only 8 bucks and I can personally atest to that WC and the band play extended sets with very short breaks. Needless to say he always shows up to entertain. Cathch him up close @ LUNA this Saturday night!!

Ruben V at Rebar Friday

from Ruben V:

Just letting y'all know we'll be at Rebar in San Antonio this Friday, October 28th from 9:30pm to 1:30am. Come on out if you can. Rebar is on Broadway just south of 410.

Echoes in the Soul

At the VN Lounge on Perrin-Beitel tonight

Papa Wood Back at BoozeHounds

from Papa Wood:

We're excited about our show this Friday the 28th at Boozehounds. We played there once already, and we had a blast. Everyone I talk to agrees that it's a great new rock club.

Boozehounds is located at Perrin Beitel and 410E right next to Lack's furniture store (look for an orange sign with a cartoon dog on it). They have a very cool bar staff, sitting and standing room, pool tables, and darts too I believe. Of course, we will be jamming hard for you, and we even have some newer stuff we just picked up.

Papa Wood hopes to see you there...we'll start between 9:30 and 9:45.

Tomorrow Night at Rock City

I didn't get the info about Slick Dickens and Girl in a Coma at Rock City until after I put the nightly listings up, so I'll just post this here:

NOTE: Actually this should say tonight at Rock City - it's for Wednesday 10/26

This one is for San Antonios finest!!! SLICK DICKENS will be performing live at ROCK CITY BAR tomorrow night along with 3 other ass kickin bands. Show begins at 9:00pm, should be like $3, and ends at 2:00am unless you decide to after party it up with SLICK DICKENS. SLICK DICKENS will be heading out to L.A. the next day for a small trip so they are trying to PARTY BIGG! Give us a shout if your down. Check the schedule:

A Jam Band. 9:00pm
Robo Trumble. 10:00pm
Doom To Bloom. 11:00pm
The Public. 12:00pm
SLICK DICKENS. 1:00am

It will also be the last show that GIRL IN A COMA will hold at Rock City Bar before they head out on tour. So come wish them a San Antonio farewell as well. SHOW SOME LOVE MY PEOPLE!!!!!


ROCK CITY BAR
115 General Kruegar........ off Blanco inside the loop.

* blunted promotions *

More Halloween Fun

Rok Candy Demo

New cover band Rok Candy has just put their demo up on their web site. It's a sample mix of some of the songs they play and it sounds great! (I didn't want Santeria to stop!) I haven't had a chance to see them live yet, but I can tell I want to! They're playing November 4th at Just 1 More. Listen to their demo here!

Some Upcoming Concerts

This weekend, October 29th - The Fabulous Thunderbirds at Gruene Hall - Tickets are $20. David Holt opens, show is at 9pm. Get tickets here or call 830-629-5077.

December 4 - Powerman 5000 at Graham Central Station

Also, word has it that Lynyrd Skynyrd will be playing at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Saturday, February 18, 2006 at the SBC Center. (They haven't officially listed the entertainment lineup, but it should be up tomorrow, so I can verify it.)

Halloween Rock Bash

Here's one I forgot to add the to Halloween post below - Halloween Rock Bash at Rock City Bar with Sintense, Tension Speak, Deveat and Fallout 10/28.

Halloweenie Stuff to Do

Looking for something to do for Halloween? Here are some ideas:

1) Go to Nightmare on Grayson

I hear it's really cool this year (isn't it always?) and as a bonus you can check out some bands really cheap.

Tues 10/25 - Girl in a Coma
Wed 10/26 - Kevin Goes 2 College
Thurs 10/27 - You Be the Star Karaoke
Fri 10/28 - Lucid Dementia
Sat 10/29 - Open Chapter
Sun 10/30 - Krybdus
Mon 10/31 - Scary Manilow

2) Hang out with The Scene

Tues 10/25 - Halloween Hellfest at Rock City Bar. The Scene will be featuring the episode with Hate Eternal & Into Eternity, plus live music from Lions in Cages and Deceit.

3) Deja Boo

Wed 10/26 - Deja Vu will be at The Coast in full costume this Wednesday the 26th. Sexiest costume contest!

3) Blackest of the Black Tour

Thurs 10/27 - Check out Danzig with special guest Doyle von Frankenstein, plus Chimaira, Behemoth, Himsa, Mortis and The Agony Scene at Graham Central Station

4) Get Some Weed

Fri 10/28 - Join Skunkweed for their Hallo-Weed Bash at Revolution Room. Costume contest, cool prizes, grub and plenty of surprises. Those not in costume will be seriously ridiculed.

5) Go pretty much anywhere on Saturday

Derringer at the Medina Lake Halloween Costume Party at Oasis Bar & Grill - Judging by Celebrity Judges, Cash & Prizes For Best Costume, Great Music, Food & Cold Drinks

Monster Mash Jam Show with Humanimal at Wise Guys Bar & Pizzeria - Costume Contests

KISS Masked Ball at Graham Central Station - Join Randy Bonillas and the KISS Krew at Graham Central Station as KISS broadcasts live on location from the KISS Masked Ball. Enter your costume in the KISS Costume Contest for your chance to win over $2500 in cash prizes!

All Saints Night at Bonds 007 Rock Bar with Ancient Malus, Miscarriage, The Tyranny & Acid Monkey.

Headbangers Halloween at Ampus Rehearsal Studios with Grind, High Risk, Half Empty & Demise - Only 5 bucks if you come in a costume, but you'll have to dish out 10 dollars if you suck and come plain. Besides, you'll have a better chance of getting laid in costume.

Halloween Metal Show at Rock City Bar with In Death of Me, D-Railed & By Any Means Necessary

Halloween Bash with The Psychoholics at Smitty's Pub

Halloween Party with Iris at Guadalupe River Club

Halloween Party with Hearts Fail at Atomix

6) Celebrate Devil's Night

Sun 10/30 - At Senses Mega Club with 414 Productions - Emily's Gone Mad, Chant, Bombs Over Berlin, Bizarre Musik Machine, Hollow & more

NOTE: This event has changed venues...Devil's Night will be held at ATOMIX

7) Halloween Live #5

Mon 10/31 - At The Sanctuary - Desdemona, Forever is Never & more


So there are some possibilities. If I've missed anything, feel free to add more fun stuff in the comments.

Halloween Hellfest

Mark Monaco: KJ97 Broadcast at Hooligan's

from Mark Monaco:

Tuesday night we are returning to Hooligan’s (IH-10 @ Huebner) for the Texas Music Series hosted by KJ97. KJ will be there for a live remote broadcast, so we really need as many of our San Antonio friends as possible to come out to the party. Also, tune-in to 97.3FM as we are being featured in the advertising spots for the show. Hooligan’s has poker upstairs, a full-service kitchen, and they will be running drink specials all night long. I hope to see you there!


Tuesday, October 25 @ 8pm
Texas Music Series with KJ-97
Hooligan’s Bar & Grill
10855 I-10 W @ Huebner Rd.
San Antonio, Texas
(210) 558-3288
www.hooligansbarandgrill.com

Rock City Halloween

Deja Boo!

Deja Vu will be at The Coast in full costume this Wednesday the 26th! Come hear the new songs and hey, just see what they're wearing, if nothing else. Drink specials include domestic longnecks, wine, and wells for $2 all night long!

They'll also be sportin' Halloween duds at Firehouse on Friday and Just 1 More on Saturday! Sexiest costume contest all three nights!

Skunkweed's Hallo-weed Bash

from Skunkweed:

Skunkweed will be hosting the ultimate in Halloween throw-downs this Friday night. The full band will be at Revolution Room this Friday, October 28th at 9:30 pm for our annual Hallo-weed gig. We're gonna have a costume contest, cool prizes, grub, and plenty of surprises. You're also going to hear new Skunkweed songs that are guaranteed to rock. So, be at Revolution room off Broadway (inside the loop) for a drunk-fest you won't soon forget. And WEAR A COSTUME. Those not in costume will be seriously ridiculed.

Big Soy record release party

Friday night was the night for Big Soy, San Antonio’s answer to everything indie rock. At the Lounge, the drum and guitarist/singer duo, Adam White and John Edds, celebrated the release if their first full-length CD on the House of Sod label, Putting the ______in______ (which Edds would later announce from the stage as “Putting the Blank in Blank”). Although far from the biggest bash of the year, the band characteristically kept things modest and invited the music community as well as two other performers for a night of characteristically incredible music.

The Lounge itself is relatively small. But what it lacks in size, the club more than makes up for it in charm. Yes, there’s a bar and a pool table, a television and plenty of places to sit. There’s even an awesome jukebox that carries everything from rap to alternative to classic rock. But what I like the most about the Lounge is the closeness you feel with the performers on the stage. The only thing that’s miked to the PA is vocals (which are mixed behind the bar) and the stage itself couldn’t be more than a foot off the ground—giving any performance an at “at home” feel.

Druggist
Plugged in and alive with sound, Druggist set the evening off to an incredible start. Led by singer/guitarist and overall nice guy, Blake Cormier, the band was able to effortlessly transcend any concrete musical definition or style. Of course, indie rock would probably be as good a label as any, but there was so much more to their sound. Listening to them go from strength to strength, I heard elements of (good ol’) rock and roll, alternative, and even a hint of country. My favorite song of the set, “I’ve Been Going Crazy” shows that they’re also fans of a good pop song as well. Lead guitarist Zach Dunlap was also a lot fun to watch as he effortlessly weaved his leads and counterpoint rhythms throughout each song.

k.o.confetti
k.o.confetti was next and I was simply blown away. A train wreck (as in “Love Rhymes With…”) of visual and musical styles, the band played a chaotic mix of punk, indie rock, and threw in the proverbial kitchen sink (I even thought I heard manic drummer Roberto Scamado play a rumba beat for a couple of seconds). And as if that weren’t enough, the band kept the casual listener on their toes by switching rhythms, tempos, and styles mid-song and between choruses, making things hard to describe and sometimes a little hard to follow. But singer Skokibot knew the way and perfectly rode the wave of chaos beneath her (I like her best on that song where she ranted for a verse or two) and traded vocals with bassist Evil Ed, who was dressed in true Psychobilly fashion.

Big Soy
It was finally time for the band of the hour, Big Soy, to take the stage. Smartly dressed, the duo was obviously thrilled at the support of their fans and friends alike that came to cheer them on. Wasting little time throughout the evening with needless bantering, singer/guitarist John Edds (a rock and roll antihero if ever there was one) and drummer Adam White played a majority of songs off the new CD. They don’t have a bass player. But with Edds’s open, droning chords played through a semi-hollow (completely hollow?) bodied electric guitar, he seemed to fill up the musical spectrum nicely enough on his own. White was more than imaginative behind the kid as he kept the beat steady only to toss in at will some tasty fills in sync with the guitar, making for a very infectious sound.

The big finish...
There were several highlights throughout the evening. My favorite song, “Papasan” had an infectious mix of droning guitar and rock beats, coupled with Edds’s singing his own private revelations about the world. I would go so far as to say this song clearly defines the unique sound of Big Soy (let’s agree to disagree). A song that really seemed to strike a chord with the audience (among others) was “The Noise You Make,” where a small but very dedicated number of audience members sang along with the middle verse with much enthusiasm and glee. I missed the title of the final song (I don’t think it’s on the CD), but it underlined Big Soy's flair for subtle dramatics. The song, starting off as a lofty dreamscape punctuated with the bells of White’s cymbals, quickly segued into a monolith of distorted guitar and feedback. With White flailing about the drums but keeping time, Edds stepped onto his (small) amp and let the tensions build before he leaped back onto the stage. He then haphazardly dropped (and broke) his guitar, signaling the end of the song and the show.

Show dates:

Druggist: November 1 at the The Sanctuary, November 15 at Carousel Lounge in Austin

k.o.confetti: Evil Ed told me they're playing this Friday at the Lounge and another gig on Halloween, but you best write them to make sure where and when.

Big Soy: November 1 at The Sanctuary, November 5 at Atomix, November 15 at Carousel Lounge in Austin, December 8 at Atomix