Well, as December (and 2005) closes, here's a look at how things went in December on SA Rocks.
This month was up about 1,000 hits from November. December saw around 8,500-8,800 hits. Somewhere around 5,000 people visited the site, and it looks like we're up to about 1,500 regular visitors. So we're definitely moving forward and I can't wait to see what happens in 2006!
Ok, the fun stuff. For some reason I'm not getting stats on the last 6 days of December when it comes to the jukebox plays, but from the rest of the month, here are the Top 5's:
Top 5 Songs by Hits:
1. El Sancho "Mota-vation"
2. The Killing Floor "Voodoo Chile" (cover)
3. Skunkweed "Wasted"
4. Amplifyd "Sun and Moon"
5. Structure "Like I Should"
Top 5 Songs by Kilobytes:
1. The Killing Floor "Voodoo Chile" (cover)
2. 21BLACK - "Take Some Time" (cover)
3. El Sancho "Mota-vation"
4. Amplifyd "Sun and Moon"
5. Skunkweed "Wasted"
Close contenders: Monkey Blood and Sexto Sol
And the top outside links clicked on in December:
Top 5 Band Links:
1. Spastic Ink
2. Failsafe
3. Rok Candy
4. Chris Boss
5. Jawbreaker
Top 5 Club Links:
1. Q Bar
2. Atomix
3. Babcock Bar
4. Hooligan's
5. Rock City Bar
I hope SA Rocks has helped bands and clubs in 2005 in getting people out to hear all the great local music. Any comments on how/if we've helped you would be great to hear! Hope to do some new and fun things in 2006...SA Rocks parties for one thing. And I really am working on getting some CD reviews up there! Been busy, busy, busy!
Happy New Year!! Thanks to everybody for everything!!
San Antonio's Music Blog - Est 2005
December 31, 2005
PunkFest at the Sanctuary
from an article by Jim Beal:
PunkFest 2006
When one thinks of tradition, one often thinks of things formal, or stuffy, or staid, or all three. However, PunkFest, the New Year's Day/Night celebration of punk old and new, is indeed a tradition. And it's in no way formal, stuffy or staid.
This year, the 24th annual PunkFest, spearheaded since 1988 by Tony Chainsaw, is set to take over The Sanctuary, 1818 N. Main Ave., Sunday from 7 p.m. until it's over. Cover charge is $8 and it's an all-ages show.
Back in the day — OK, a year or two or three ago — Chainsaw attempted to keep the lineup down to a manageable seven bands or so. This time around there will be two stages at The Sanctuary and a dozen bands: Denied Rights, Rat Salad, Total 13, Left Hand Lucy, Scum Allegiance, The Cutthroats, So Unloved, Complete Control, Lower Class Brats, The Perturbed, The Dispicables and The Bent Gents, roughly in that order.
PunkFest has proved to be durable indeed, outliving venues, bands and promoters. The gathering has been staged at the Bone Club, the DMZ Clubhouse, Brazakkas Reef, the Last Stand, the Meeting Place, the Showcase, SIN 13, Taco Land and even some places still going in their original incarnations, such as White Rabbit.
Part of the reason for PunkFest's longevity is the fact that it's virtually unchanged since night one. The people who put the thing on have resisted the urge to bring in high-dollar touring headliners, relying instead on the steady draw of local and area bands that have hard-core followings and know that PunkFest is a big-fun party of the punks, by the punks and for the punks.
And another part of the reason is Chainsaw, sometimes by hook, sometimes by crook, sometimes at the very last second, actually promotes PunkFest. Other so-called local promoters could take a tattered page from the man's book.
Bands run the gamut from young groups such as Denied Rights and Total 13 (just off a Texas tour with the Briefs) to the grizzled vets who staff Lower Class Brats, The Dispicables, The Bent Gents and, of course, the lovely, the talented, the "yes, they're still standing" The Perturbed, going as strong as possible after 15 years.
Even if punk is the furthest thing from your thing, you've gotta love a live-music event that can last for 24 years.
PunkFest 2006
When one thinks of tradition, one often thinks of things formal, or stuffy, or staid, or all three. However, PunkFest, the New Year's Day/Night celebration of punk old and new, is indeed a tradition. And it's in no way formal, stuffy or staid.
This year, the 24th annual PunkFest, spearheaded since 1988 by Tony Chainsaw, is set to take over The Sanctuary, 1818 N. Main Ave., Sunday from 7 p.m. until it's over. Cover charge is $8 and it's an all-ages show.
Back in the day — OK, a year or two or three ago — Chainsaw attempted to keep the lineup down to a manageable seven bands or so. This time around there will be two stages at The Sanctuary and a dozen bands: Denied Rights, Rat Salad, Total 13, Left Hand Lucy, Scum Allegiance, The Cutthroats, So Unloved, Complete Control, Lower Class Brats, The Perturbed, The Dispicables and The Bent Gents, roughly in that order.
PunkFest has proved to be durable indeed, outliving venues, bands and promoters. The gathering has been staged at the Bone Club, the DMZ Clubhouse, Brazakkas Reef, the Last Stand, the Meeting Place, the Showcase, SIN 13, Taco Land and even some places still going in their original incarnations, such as White Rabbit.
Part of the reason for PunkFest's longevity is the fact that it's virtually unchanged since night one. The people who put the thing on have resisted the urge to bring in high-dollar touring headliners, relying instead on the steady draw of local and area bands that have hard-core followings and know that PunkFest is a big-fun party of the punks, by the punks and for the punks.
And another part of the reason is Chainsaw, sometimes by hook, sometimes by crook, sometimes at the very last second, actually promotes PunkFest. Other so-called local promoters could take a tattered page from the man's book.
Bands run the gamut from young groups such as Denied Rights and Total 13 (just off a Texas tour with the Briefs) to the grizzled vets who staff Lower Class Brats, The Dispicables, The Bent Gents and, of course, the lovely, the talented, the "yes, they're still standing" The Perturbed, going as strong as possible after 15 years.
Even if punk is the furthest thing from your thing, you've gotta love a live-music event that can last for 24 years.
New Years Eve with DMP at Rebar
from Dog Men Poets:
Celebrate New Years Eve with Dog Men Poets (No Cover!!!)
Rebar (No Cover / 21+up)
Where: 8134 Broadway, SA
When: New Years Eve Sat 12/31th (10:00-2:00)
***free champagne***guest appearances***contests***
Celebrate New Years Eve with Dog Men Poets (No Cover!!!)
Rebar (No Cover / 21+up)
Where: 8134 Broadway, SA
When: New Years Eve Sat 12/31th (10:00-2:00)
***free champagne***guest appearances***contests***
December 30, 2005
Psychoholics New Years Eve
from the Psychoholics:
NEW YEARS EVE
PSYCHOHOLICS LIVE
NO COVER
That's right folks, most clubs around town tomorrow are going to have cover charges of $20 and up. Not at the Irish Pub. No cover and our usual affordable drink prices. Not to mention, the return of the Psychoholics who are getting ready to celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2006. This should be a show for the ages.
Who? The Psychoholics
When? New Years Eve
Where? The Irish Pub 9726 Datapoint @ Wurzbach
NEW YEARS EVE
PSYCHOHOLICS LIVE
NO COVER
That's right folks, most clubs around town tomorrow are going to have cover charges of $20 and up. Not at the Irish Pub. No cover and our usual affordable drink prices. Not to mention, the return of the Psychoholics who are getting ready to celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2006. This should be a show for the ages.
Who? The Psychoholics
When? New Years Eve
Where? The Irish Pub 9726 Datapoint @ Wurzbach
Sneakers Re-revisited: LoKey et al
Sorry that it has taken me so long to get this review churned out. Between the holidays (boy, you have a lot of Christmases when everyone in the family is divorced!) and being sick...well, those are my excuses.
Anyway, so last Monday I headed up to Kristal/Sneakers (sick as a dog, but I was still there!) to check out their second Monday of live music with When Words Attack, Meek, LoKey and Get the Belt. This time I was forced to go alone because Staci wrecked her car (not her fault and she is ok, don’t panic). So, being all alone and knowing no one there (shame on all of you who didn’t go), I actually paid more attention to the music this time. (OK, I did run into Ron Jarzombek, but I only talked to him for a second...and that’s my last parentheses...oh, who am I kidding?)
Let me mention now that my pics are lacking because I could not get my computer to unload my Christmas pictures from my camera before I went, so I only had a few left on there to take. I think I need a new cord. I finally, after about 10 tries, managed to get my camera to unload on a different computer and e-mailed the photos to myself.
Also, I would really like to get straight on the cover charge and specials, because I was told it would be $2 cover and $1 domestic beers until 11:00, but I was (again) charged $3 cover and $2 for a beer. Is Michelob not a domestic beer? It’s made by Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, MO. Now, I don’t keep up with the news like I should, but I believe Missouri is still part of the United States...
Anyway, on to the music. When Words Attack went on first. My first thought was that they would be perfect for a soundtrack to one of those sexy vampire movies, maybe an Anne Rice flick. Heavy but slow, dark, gothic melodies with great vocals from lead singer Cindy. The closest singer I can think of to compare her to would be Amy Lee of Evanescence, but not quite. Anyway, after reading their description of their band on their MySpace page, “kind of like Tool, Motley Crue, & Black Sabbath having their way with Blondie after dosing on a strong hit of acid,” I like their description better, especially after hearing them do Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf.” So, let’s go with that one. Extra points for giving away a free Scary Manilow CD (the former name of the band, or at least 3 of the members were in it), just for signing up for their mailing list. Free stuff is always good.
Now, a note on the next two bands, Meek and LoKey. I have wanted to catch both of these bands for such a long time. They both played at Sneakers in the later days and at the same location when it was Odyssey Nightclub, but during that time I was working down the street at the Midnight Ho-de-ho and could never make it on live music nights. So I was thrilled to finally get to catch these bands and in the same night as a bonus!
Meek is a little hard for me to describe (I’m not good with all these fancy music terms reviewers use - post-this and progressive-that and alt-the-other-thing). Basically I would say modern alternative rock. The sound is fairly heavy but slower, not in the same sexy goth way as When Words Attack, but in the way of the great storyteller rockers or (I hate to use the word ballads, cuz it always sounds cheesy, which Meek is not) great hard rock ballads. They even mixed it up a bit with some rapping thrown in, courtesy of the bass player.
LoKey
Now, I usually take notes when I’m checking out bands, because my memory sucks. This was the extent of my notes for LoKey: “What I’m talking about.” Honestly, that’s all I wrote. As in “THAT’S what I’m talking about.” Cuz this is the shit that I love. Heavy all-balls-out, in-your-face metal, but with some goddam MELODY! Or what they call nowdays “alternative metal,” I guess. Or to use a word from their website “Beautality.” I like that word. Sure, heavy speed-metal power chords are great. Barking, growling and demonic voices are cool, but when that’s all there is, *YAWN* !! These guys do all that plus they SING and play cool guitar riffs, incorporate changes in rhythm, etc. Plus, they just ooze stage presence. Terry is a dynamo, and damn hard to get a picture of because he doesn’t hold still long enough. And I loved the crazy faces bass player Jimmy Bell makes; kinda reminded me of Wes Borland’s faces without the freaky contact lenses (I’m assuming Wes’s eyes don’t really look like that!). Seriously. LoKey. What I’m talking about, folks.
Last up, and probably a brilliant move, putting a cover band last on a Monday, when the crowd is starting to thin out, was Get the Belt. But you wimps should have stuck around longer, because they did a great job. Myself, being the trooper that I am (and not having an actual paying job), I stuck around till the end. (Coming across two free beers didn’t hurt. One was just from standing next to the right guy at the right time, the other from attempting to whip out a credit card to pay for one beer, lol!) Anyway, singer LL has a great voice. They started out with a medley that went from Nine Inch Nails’ “Hand That Feeds” to “You Really Got Me” to Smashing Pumpkins’ “The End is the Beginning is the End” (or “The Beginning is the End is the Beginning” - I always get those two mixed up). Very cool. Then Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Danzig, 3 Days Grace, Godsmack, and one of my very favorites, Weezer’s “Hashpipe.” Great harmonies. Great job. This is a new cover band in town and definitely one to check out.
Also, I want to mention that I really enjoyed the videos the club was showing between sets...Pantera, Rob Zombie, Motley Crue, Slipknot. And I wasn’t the only one. There were quite a few people, including Cindy from When Words Attack, hanging out near the monitors jamming along. (Which brings me to another point...I love the way these bands and last week’s bands all stay around and support each other. Very fuckin’ cool!) Good job, guys. Please keep it up! No word yet on who’s playing next week, but I did hear that there was enough of a turnout this week to keep going, so I’ll let everyone know as soon as I find out.
Anyway, so last Monday I headed up to Kristal/Sneakers (sick as a dog, but I was still there!) to check out their second Monday of live music with When Words Attack, Meek, LoKey and Get the Belt. This time I was forced to go alone because Staci wrecked her car (not her fault and she is ok, don’t panic). So, being all alone and knowing no one there (shame on all of you who didn’t go), I actually paid more attention to the music this time. (OK, I did run into Ron Jarzombek, but I only talked to him for a second...and that’s my last parentheses...oh, who am I kidding?)
Let me mention now that my pics are lacking because I could not get my computer to unload my Christmas pictures from my camera before I went, so I only had a few left on there to take. I think I need a new cord. I finally, after about 10 tries, managed to get my camera to unload on a different computer and e-mailed the photos to myself.
Also, I would really like to get straight on the cover charge and specials, because I was told it would be $2 cover and $1 domestic beers until 11:00, but I was (again) charged $3 cover and $2 for a beer. Is Michelob not a domestic beer? It’s made by Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, MO. Now, I don’t keep up with the news like I should, but I believe Missouri is still part of the United States...
Anyway, on to the music. When Words Attack went on first. My first thought was that they would be perfect for a soundtrack to one of those sexy vampire movies, maybe an Anne Rice flick. Heavy but slow, dark, gothic melodies with great vocals from lead singer Cindy. The closest singer I can think of to compare her to would be Amy Lee of Evanescence, but not quite. Anyway, after reading their description of their band on their MySpace page, “kind of like Tool, Motley Crue, & Black Sabbath having their way with Blondie after dosing on a strong hit of acid,” I like their description better, especially after hearing them do Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf.” So, let’s go with that one. Extra points for giving away a free Scary Manilow CD (the former name of the band, or at least 3 of the members were in it), just for signing up for their mailing list. Free stuff is always good.
Now, a note on the next two bands, Meek and LoKey. I have wanted to catch both of these bands for such a long time. They both played at Sneakers in the later days and at the same location when it was Odyssey Nightclub, but during that time I was working down the street at the Midnight Ho-de-ho and could never make it on live music nights. So I was thrilled to finally get to catch these bands and in the same night as a bonus!
Meek is a little hard for me to describe (I’m not good with all these fancy music terms reviewers use - post-this and progressive-that and alt-the-other-thing). Basically I would say modern alternative rock. The sound is fairly heavy but slower, not in the same sexy goth way as When Words Attack, but in the way of the great storyteller rockers or (I hate to use the word ballads, cuz it always sounds cheesy, which Meek is not) great hard rock ballads. They even mixed it up a bit with some rapping thrown in, courtesy of the bass player.
Now, I usually take notes when I’m checking out bands, because my memory sucks. This was the extent of my notes for LoKey: “What I’m talking about.” Honestly, that’s all I wrote. As in “THAT’S what I’m talking about.” Cuz this is the shit that I love. Heavy all-balls-out, in-your-face metal, but with some goddam MELODY! Or what they call nowdays “alternative metal,” I guess. Or to use a word from their website “Beautality.” I like that word. Sure, heavy speed-metal power chords are great. Barking, growling and demonic voices are cool, but when that’s all there is, *YAWN* !! These guys do all that plus they SING and play cool guitar riffs, incorporate changes in rhythm, etc. Plus, they just ooze stage presence. Terry is a dynamo, and damn hard to get a picture of because he doesn’t hold still long enough. And I loved the crazy faces bass player Jimmy Bell makes; kinda reminded me of Wes Borland’s faces without the freaky contact lenses (I’m assuming Wes’s eyes don’t really look like that!). Seriously. LoKey. What I’m talking about, folks.
Last up, and probably a brilliant move, putting a cover band last on a Monday, when the crowd is starting to thin out, was Get the Belt. But you wimps should have stuck around longer, because they did a great job. Myself, being the trooper that I am (and not having an actual paying job), I stuck around till the end. (Coming across two free beers didn’t hurt. One was just from standing next to the right guy at the right time, the other from attempting to whip out a credit card to pay for one beer, lol!) Anyway, singer LL has a great voice. They started out with a medley that went from Nine Inch Nails’ “Hand That Feeds” to “You Really Got Me” to Smashing Pumpkins’ “The End is the Beginning is the End” (or “The Beginning is the End is the Beginning” - I always get those two mixed up). Very cool. Then Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Danzig, 3 Days Grace, Godsmack, and one of my very favorites, Weezer’s “Hashpipe.” Great harmonies. Great job. This is a new cover band in town and definitely one to check out.
Also, I want to mention that I really enjoyed the videos the club was showing between sets...Pantera, Rob Zombie, Motley Crue, Slipknot. And I wasn’t the only one. There were quite a few people, including Cindy from When Words Attack, hanging out near the monitors jamming along. (Which brings me to another point...I love the way these bands and last week’s bands all stay around and support each other. Very fuckin’ cool!) Good job, guys. Please keep it up! No word yet on who’s playing next week, but I did hear that there was enough of a turnout this week to keep going, so I’ll let everyone know as soon as I find out.
December 29, 2005
Rockin' New Years Eve with Alter Ego
from Alter Ego:
Still haven’t come up with a plan for New Year’s Eve partying yet? Then let us invite you out to HOOLIGAN’S at 13920 I-25 NORTH (off Loop 1604 and Pat Booker Rd., next to the Live Oak Cinema) on DEC. 31, 2005 to celebrate the coming of 2006 with ALTER EGO! The music starts at 9:30 p.m. and goes until the last partygoer leaves the building!
The club is planning on having a great night … and there’s NO COVER! The management is asking that it be a "Black and White" attire night, which pretty much means anything from black jeans and a white T to a tuxedo! We’re going to have a lot of stuff to give away and toss to the crowd to help you get your party on. So why battle miles of traffic to head downtown, when you can make your own fireworks at Hooligan’s I-35!?! Get there early and enjoy some football on the giant screens, and some truly delicious food, served by some of the friendliest people in Texas!
If you’re looking to warm up for the big night a bit, ALTER EGO will also be at MAIN STREET at 13477 WETMORE (just off Thousand Oaks) at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30. This is a great place on the North side to relax, enjoy some great service and drinks and catch some tunes!
Thanks to everyone who has supported ALTER EGO over the years and we’re looking forward to an even better 2006! See you out there!
Still haven’t come up with a plan for New Year’s Eve partying yet? Then let us invite you out to HOOLIGAN’S at 13920 I-25 NORTH (off Loop 1604 and Pat Booker Rd., next to the Live Oak Cinema) on DEC. 31, 2005 to celebrate the coming of 2006 with ALTER EGO! The music starts at 9:30 p.m. and goes until the last partygoer leaves the building!
The club is planning on having a great night … and there’s NO COVER! The management is asking that it be a "Black and White" attire night, which pretty much means anything from black jeans and a white T to a tuxedo! We’re going to have a lot of stuff to give away and toss to the crowd to help you get your party on. So why battle miles of traffic to head downtown, when you can make your own fireworks at Hooligan’s I-35!?! Get there early and enjoy some football on the giant screens, and some truly delicious food, served by some of the friendliest people in Texas!
If you’re looking to warm up for the big night a bit, ALTER EGO will also be at MAIN STREET at 13477 WETMORE (just off Thousand Oaks) at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30. This is a great place on the North side to relax, enjoy some great service and drinks and catch some tunes!
Thanks to everyone who has supported ALTER EGO over the years and we’re looking forward to an even better 2006! See you out there!
Blue Cactus Thursday
from Mark Monaco:
We will be playing our last show of the year tomorrow night, Thursday, Dec. 29th at the Blue Cactus Café at 7 P.M. There is no cover and this will be an intimate acoustic show on the inside stage. If you’re in the area, come on out! For more info, visit www.thebluecactuscafe.com or call (210) 490-7330.
Take care and have a happy new year!
We will be playing our last show of the year tomorrow night, Thursday, Dec. 29th at the Blue Cactus Café at 7 P.M. There is no cover and this will be an intimate acoustic show on the inside stage. If you’re in the area, come on out! For more info, visit www.thebluecactuscafe.com or call (210) 490-7330.
Take care and have a happy new year!
New Year's with Skunkweed
from Skunkweed:
This Saturday night Skunkweed will host the New Year's eve party of the Millenium...or at least of the year. It's at Jack's off 1000 Oaks and its going to be off the hook. There will be a champagne toast, lots of crazy contests and best of all...IT'S A PAJAMA PARTY! Ladies, this is the greatest excuse for you to dress like a slut without people thinking you're a slut. Show starts at 9PM so get there early.
This Saturday night Skunkweed will host the New Year's eve party of the Millenium...or at least of the year. It's at Jack's off 1000 Oaks and its going to be off the hook. There will be a champagne toast, lots of crazy contests and best of all...IT'S A PAJAMA PARTY! Ladies, this is the greatest excuse for you to dress like a slut without people thinking you're a slut. Show starts at 9PM so get there early.
December 27, 2005
Interview: JCM of The Killing Floor, by Anthony Castilla
Thanks Anthony and JCM for doing this great interview!
JCM
Anthony: What made you pick up the guitar? Was it a song or artist, and how long have you been playing?
JCM: Music has been in my blood ever since I can remember… My dad is a percussionist/drummer and my mother would see my father perform during the weekends while she was pregnant, so I guess I was doomed to be a musician…
I’ve been playing guitar for about 20 years and it still brings me tears of joy and frustration…
Was the guitar your first instrument of choice?
No, drums were my first instrument of choice, and I played drums during my early teens in middle and high school. My mom couldn't afford or didn't have room for a drum kit. I happen to think she couldn't handle me beating on drums 24/7, and she was also thinking of our neighbor’s sanity.
Where did the nickname "El Diablo" come from?
My parents used to call me that when they'd see the videos I used to watch on MTV's Headbanger's Ball, and my album collection didn't help either. I still get teased about AC/DC “Highway To Hell” .
I do remember also way back someone mentioned to me that I play like the devil himself. I guess I should have taken that as a compliment. But the devil always loses…
But more recently Darren, a good friend of mine, is so knowledgeable in everything from music to history from any era, time and just anything, I stuck that name on him… But I think Darren is Cartaphilus, too much knowledge for one man is kinda scary and plus he doesn't age…lol!
I might be speaking out of turn but I think we both come from the hard rock to metal to shredder era, when players like Yngwie and the Racer X type guys came out did you automatically say, "I have do this stuff"?
…Yeah I did… I am guilty of coming from that kind of schooling. I was in my mid to late teens and it was great and healthy in a sense of discipline to strive to be a virtuoso. It took so many hours of my teenage life that I missed my high school's prom and a teenage social life too. I basically became a hermit, recluse for a while…lol
I was guilty of that but learned how to write songs instead practicing from sun up to sun down-haha. I found Jimmy Page and the Edge from U2 to be my turning points after the shredder era, but it helped my dexterity out practicing a lot, how about you?
I still noodle every now and then with picking, three-notes per-string runs, hammer-on and pull-offs, and legato licks, and blah, blah, blah, exercises.
But I see that as just that - exercises. When I pick up a guitar now, it’s more of a writing process on how I feel that day or trying to experiment on different compositional things. But when I get bored, then theory or combining different scale exercises to get out of a rut of sounding the same always seems to work. My goals are to create without thinking, to be spontaneous without prediction as an entertainer, writer, singer, and guitarist. I still have to work very hard in all four areas to keep proficiency. As far as performing I just let it flow but most important to me is to be musical and entertaining.
I feel that the shredder era was the best because thereafter it got really boring. If it wasn't strumming at 120 miles an hour, reckless, sloppy or d-tuned to B-flat then you weren't cool. Now I understand that trends come and go, but there has to be a balance too and I've never let radio decide for me what was in or out. I love to listen to Nirvana and Steve Vai, then maybe Dream Theater to Freddie King and not have a problem with any styles or era of music. There’s a band that I heard on the radio, Avenged Sevenfold, that I was totally blown away. So I think guitar solos are coming back. But it will come back different as trends usually do.
I notice you play bluesy rich stuff nowadays. Since when and why?
Texas, Chicago and all style blues I've been always into… In the radio waves back in the ‘80’s were SRV, Jeff Healey, and Eric Gales to name a few and then early ‘90’s came Ian Moore, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Johnny Lang. At that point in time I had made up my mind that I had to learn to sing and be a front man if I was to create and express my own material in my own way. Till this day it’s been the hardest thing I've ever had to learn to do and I'm still learning. To sing and play guitar at the same time without losing the in sync thing was the first challenge. Then writing lyrics and coming up with original material and then presenting them in front of an audience was the next.
Blues and true Alt Rock/Blues Rock (not industry-labeled alternative rock) seems to have lost its place in this overprocessed sounding music these days. What would you like to change about this? Or would you change anything?
There soo much talent out there that will never see the light of day on radio because it doesn't sound like today’s trends. I think that is really sad. It’s not like that in Europe, Japan and other countries. There are a couple of friends of mine that have been asked to tour Europe because they are still well known and received but that's not the case here.
I would love to see a radio station that would play signed, unsigned, unknown, local and regional acts. But that would be a big risk and I know it’s all about paying the bills. .
There are other ways to promote and spread your music. Internet sites like this one and public access TV shows and college radio stations do the underground and local music scene a big service and justice. So with that being said… Thank God for the internet sites and public access TV shows that promote local music. You talk about a labor of love that we, the music scene, need to help, support, sponsor and show the love right back.
What is next for your band The Killing Floor?
We are going to the studio in mid to late February and hopefully a release by March ’06. We have a couple of gigs lined up in January 2006..
Sam’s Burger Joint Jan. 7th
The Rox Room on Jan. 27th.
Your personal performance live with TKF is something to be seen. I hear you take cell phones and make your guitar talk and have sex with it, do you just go for it?
LOL having sex with my guitar?? It was safe sex btw… The guitar was plugged but I wasn't stepping barefoot on a puddle of water. Anyway all kidding aside, it's just a moment thing that I get into the zone and I'm proud to say that not all of The Killing Floor’s performances are ever the same good or bad. I do have bad nights too. There's something about being spontaneous. It's kinda like flirting with danger that can sometimes backfire and trust me it has…
What would be a dream gig for you?
mmm… I wish my bro Anthony Castilla, from Spitfire, would come and see a Killing Floor show. That would be the first one… Yep I put you on the spot now, lol! It’s all brotherly love.
What was your best and worst show?
The best: A gig at Broadway 50/50 and meeting one of the drummers from Toto and his compliments on us not to change our sound and to keep doing our thing. Rick Sanford, of Legs Diamond, as a special guest for The Killing Floor and doing six tunes with us was the next.
Now the worst… There were quite a few of those too…lol! Let me see… A gig in College Station… The drive back almost killed us… We were all dead/beat tired and we had to wait until 2:00am to get paid. Then the four hour drive back to SA was so grueling. I remember being very sleepy to the point of passing out while driving on the highway and it was freaking cold too…
But the worst was an Austin booking gig that failed to happen. What was strange was five days before the gig our cars were breaking down and we counted fifteen different bad things happening to all of us that would prevent us from not making to Austin. Up until the day we had to leave we were still having problems. When we finally made it, they cancelled the whole show because of lack of promotion. Then to add salt to injury we landed a last minute plug and play gig a few streets down and then David’s bass amp takes a shit and fries on the third song. What a nightmare and after that happened... I felt I was in the Twilight Zone...
What bands have you been in since you have been playing guitar or bass?
I played bass for Double Clutch and I just recently quit. I play guitar and do oldies but goodies for The Psychedelic Jukebox w/ Mark Carrillo and of course I sing and play guitar for The Killing Floor.
What guitar player or guitar players Alive or Dead would you like to trade notes with? Like a Jam session vibe?
Oh man… Jimi Hendrix, SRV, Eric Clapton, Eric Gales, Ian Moore, too many to list here… I think Jimi would be my first choice.
Steve Vai too… But I would need a week to get my chops up to par. So hermit, recluse state here I go again and let's relearn all the bags of tricks of shredding licks. I would also have to dust off my Ibanez RGs and get used to playing 9-46 strings again too... Shit life can never be that simple right…lol.
Where can we get more info on you ( what website)? Where can we buy your CD’s?
http://www.thekillingfloor.net/
www.myspace.com/thekillingfloor
http://www.thejcmexperience.blogspot.com/
What advice would you give a new guitar player starting out?
Nothing in what you are learning or doing is in vain. But you have to keep proficient and always reinvent yourself, for nothing worth having is ever easy. Play from your heart and let your mind guide you and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Always record yourself for there’s nothing more humbling than hearing the playback, and listen. Listening is the key to your answers.
You're stuck in a Biodome for one year. What gear would you take with you?
For one year??… That's an easy one.. Give me an acoustic steel string guitar, a box of compositional notebooks and blue Papermate pens, and twenty packs of GHS 11-50 guitar strings (I break a lot of strings), and I'm ready… Now take me to your leader…lol!
JCM thank you for your time. You rock, brother.
…Thank you Anthony and Rowan of SA Rocks…
Anthony: What made you pick up the guitar? Was it a song or artist, and how long have you been playing?
JCM: Music has been in my blood ever since I can remember… My dad is a percussionist/drummer and my mother would see my father perform during the weekends while she was pregnant, so I guess I was doomed to be a musician…
I’ve been playing guitar for about 20 years and it still brings me tears of joy and frustration…
Was the guitar your first instrument of choice?
No, drums were my first instrument of choice, and I played drums during my early teens in middle and high school. My mom couldn't afford or didn't have room for a drum kit. I happen to think she couldn't handle me beating on drums 24/7, and she was also thinking of our neighbor’s sanity.
Where did the nickname "El Diablo" come from?
My parents used to call me that when they'd see the videos I used to watch on MTV's Headbanger's Ball, and my album collection didn't help either. I still get teased about AC/DC “Highway To Hell” .
I do remember also way back someone mentioned to me that I play like the devil himself. I guess I should have taken that as a compliment. But the devil always loses…
But more recently Darren, a good friend of mine, is so knowledgeable in everything from music to history from any era, time and just anything, I stuck that name on him… But I think Darren is Cartaphilus, too much knowledge for one man is kinda scary and plus he doesn't age…lol!
I might be speaking out of turn but I think we both come from the hard rock to metal to shredder era, when players like Yngwie and the Racer X type guys came out did you automatically say, "I have do this stuff"?
…Yeah I did… I am guilty of coming from that kind of schooling. I was in my mid to late teens and it was great and healthy in a sense of discipline to strive to be a virtuoso. It took so many hours of my teenage life that I missed my high school's prom and a teenage social life too. I basically became a hermit, recluse for a while…lol
I was guilty of that but learned how to write songs instead practicing from sun up to sun down-haha. I found Jimmy Page and the Edge from U2 to be my turning points after the shredder era, but it helped my dexterity out practicing a lot, how about you?
I still noodle every now and then with picking, three-notes per-string runs, hammer-on and pull-offs, and legato licks, and blah, blah, blah, exercises.
But I see that as just that - exercises. When I pick up a guitar now, it’s more of a writing process on how I feel that day or trying to experiment on different compositional things. But when I get bored, then theory or combining different scale exercises to get out of a rut of sounding the same always seems to work. My goals are to create without thinking, to be spontaneous without prediction as an entertainer, writer, singer, and guitarist. I still have to work very hard in all four areas to keep proficiency. As far as performing I just let it flow but most important to me is to be musical and entertaining.
I feel that the shredder era was the best because thereafter it got really boring. If it wasn't strumming at 120 miles an hour, reckless, sloppy or d-tuned to B-flat then you weren't cool. Now I understand that trends come and go, but there has to be a balance too and I've never let radio decide for me what was in or out. I love to listen to Nirvana and Steve Vai, then maybe Dream Theater to Freddie King and not have a problem with any styles or era of music. There’s a band that I heard on the radio, Avenged Sevenfold, that I was totally blown away. So I think guitar solos are coming back. But it will come back different as trends usually do.
I notice you play bluesy rich stuff nowadays. Since when and why?
Texas, Chicago and all style blues I've been always into… In the radio waves back in the ‘80’s were SRV, Jeff Healey, and Eric Gales to name a few and then early ‘90’s came Ian Moore, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Johnny Lang. At that point in time I had made up my mind that I had to learn to sing and be a front man if I was to create and express my own material in my own way. Till this day it’s been the hardest thing I've ever had to learn to do and I'm still learning. To sing and play guitar at the same time without losing the in sync thing was the first challenge. Then writing lyrics and coming up with original material and then presenting them in front of an audience was the next.
Blues and true Alt Rock/Blues Rock (not industry-labeled alternative rock) seems to have lost its place in this overprocessed sounding music these days. What would you like to change about this? Or would you change anything?
There soo much talent out there that will never see the light of day on radio because it doesn't sound like today’s trends. I think that is really sad. It’s not like that in Europe, Japan and other countries. There are a couple of friends of mine that have been asked to tour Europe because they are still well known and received but that's not the case here.
I would love to see a radio station that would play signed, unsigned, unknown, local and regional acts. But that would be a big risk and I know it’s all about paying the bills. .
There are other ways to promote and spread your music. Internet sites like this one and public access TV shows and college radio stations do the underground and local music scene a big service and justice. So with that being said… Thank God for the internet sites and public access TV shows that promote local music. You talk about a labor of love that we, the music scene, need to help, support, sponsor and show the love right back.
What is next for your band The Killing Floor?
We are going to the studio in mid to late February and hopefully a release by March ’06. We have a couple of gigs lined up in January 2006..
Sam’s Burger Joint Jan. 7th
The Rox Room on Jan. 27th.
Your personal performance live with TKF is something to be seen. I hear you take cell phones and make your guitar talk and have sex with it, do you just go for it?
LOL having sex with my guitar?? It was safe sex btw… The guitar was plugged but I wasn't stepping barefoot on a puddle of water. Anyway all kidding aside, it's just a moment thing that I get into the zone and I'm proud to say that not all of The Killing Floor’s performances are ever the same good or bad. I do have bad nights too. There's something about being spontaneous. It's kinda like flirting with danger that can sometimes backfire and trust me it has…
What would be a dream gig for you?
mmm… I wish my bro Anthony Castilla, from Spitfire, would come and see a Killing Floor show. That would be the first one… Yep I put you on the spot now, lol! It’s all brotherly love.
What was your best and worst show?
The best: A gig at Broadway 50/50 and meeting one of the drummers from Toto and his compliments on us not to change our sound and to keep doing our thing. Rick Sanford, of Legs Diamond, as a special guest for The Killing Floor and doing six tunes with us was the next.
Now the worst… There were quite a few of those too…lol! Let me see… A gig in College Station… The drive back almost killed us… We were all dead/beat tired and we had to wait until 2:00am to get paid. Then the four hour drive back to SA was so grueling. I remember being very sleepy to the point of passing out while driving on the highway and it was freaking cold too…
But the worst was an Austin booking gig that failed to happen. What was strange was five days before the gig our cars were breaking down and we counted fifteen different bad things happening to all of us that would prevent us from not making to Austin. Up until the day we had to leave we were still having problems. When we finally made it, they cancelled the whole show because of lack of promotion. Then to add salt to injury we landed a last minute plug and play gig a few streets down and then David’s bass amp takes a shit and fries on the third song. What a nightmare and after that happened... I felt I was in the Twilight Zone...
What bands have you been in since you have been playing guitar or bass?
I played bass for Double Clutch and I just recently quit. I play guitar and do oldies but goodies for The Psychedelic Jukebox w/ Mark Carrillo and of course I sing and play guitar for The Killing Floor.
What guitar player or guitar players Alive or Dead would you like to trade notes with? Like a Jam session vibe?
Oh man… Jimi Hendrix, SRV, Eric Clapton, Eric Gales, Ian Moore, too many to list here… I think Jimi would be my first choice.
Steve Vai too… But I would need a week to get my chops up to par. So hermit, recluse state here I go again and let's relearn all the bags of tricks of shredding licks. I would also have to dust off my Ibanez RGs and get used to playing 9-46 strings again too... Shit life can never be that simple right…lol.
Where can we get more info on you ( what website)? Where can we buy your CD’s?
http://www.thekillingfloor.net/
www.myspace.com/thekillingfloor
http://www.thejcmexperience.blogspot.com/
What advice would you give a new guitar player starting out?
Nothing in what you are learning or doing is in vain. But you have to keep proficient and always reinvent yourself, for nothing worth having is ever easy. Play from your heart and let your mind guide you and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Always record yourself for there’s nothing more humbling than hearing the playback, and listen. Listening is the key to your answers.
You're stuck in a Biodome for one year. What gear would you take with you?
For one year??… That's an easy one.. Give me an acoustic steel string guitar, a box of compositional notebooks and blue Papermate pens, and twenty packs of GHS 11-50 guitar strings (I break a lot of strings), and I'm ready… Now take me to your leader…lol!
JCM thank you for your time. You rock, brother.
…Thank you Anthony and Rowan of SA Rocks…
Twist of Faith and Many More
from Twist of Faith:
We're playing on the 29th at Graham Central Station with bands such as Lions In Cages, Threat, Anomik, Where I Stand, Erzebet, Fallout, Overide, Sinthetic, Goi, Demize, Muerte Villa, Omnipotent, Blessed Agony, High Risk, Namrepus, Blood of our enemies, Twist Of Faith, Emissary, Lacination, Amalgam Mode, InGodWe. And there will be speacial performances by Plague, Kaos, Heather Leather, and A Fall Farewell (from California). Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 7pm. It's only a 18+ Event.
The winner of the Battle of the Bands will get $1000 Cash Prize.
We're playing on the 29th at Graham Central Station with bands such as Lions In Cages, Threat, Anomik, Where I Stand, Erzebet, Fallout, Overide, Sinthetic, Goi, Demize, Muerte Villa, Omnipotent, Blessed Agony, High Risk, Namrepus, Blood of our enemies, Twist Of Faith, Emissary, Lacination, Amalgam Mode, InGodWe. And there will be speacial performances by Plague, Kaos, Heather Leather, and A Fall Farewell (from California). Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 7pm. It's only a 18+ Event.
The winner of the Battle of the Bands will get $1000 Cash Prize.
Johnny Drama New Years
from Johnny Drama:
Join us for the NEW YEARS EVE BASH of all time with Johnny Drama at WISE GUYS. Only a $5.00 cover...that's right, only $5.00!!!!!! You will be able to order up your favorite drinks along with some great appetizers all night long. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. Music will begin around 9:45 PM and we will rock you through the new year and into the night. You can reserve a table for you and your friends by calling Sal at Wise Guys (210) 798-0750. The cost of a table reservation includes a bottle of champagne, appetizers and some party favors. All of that for only $50.00. Wise Guys is making New Years Eve a real bargain for all the Johnny Drama family so you guys be sure and take advantage of it. Call Sal now and reserve your table. We'll see you out there this Saturday night.
Join us for the NEW YEARS EVE BASH of all time with Johnny Drama at WISE GUYS. Only a $5.00 cover...that's right, only $5.00!!!!!! You will be able to order up your favorite drinks along with some great appetizers all night long. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. Music will begin around 9:45 PM and we will rock you through the new year and into the night. You can reserve a table for you and your friends by calling Sal at Wise Guys (210) 798-0750. The cost of a table reservation includes a bottle of champagne, appetizers and some party favors. All of that for only $50.00. Wise Guys is making New Years Eve a real bargain for all the Johnny Drama family so you guys be sure and take advantage of it. Call Sal now and reserve your table. We'll see you out there this Saturday night.
St James at Kennigan's Friday
from St. James Infirmary:
This Friday at Kennigan's. (5251 Timberhill) Be there.
St. James will be playing about 8:00pm - if you love anything whatsoever in this vast world - you will come.
If you don't, well then all we can do is pray for your lost soul.
The choice is yours.
This Friday at Kennigan's. (5251 Timberhill) Be there.
St. James will be playing about 8:00pm - if you love anything whatsoever in this vast world - you will come.
If you don't, well then all we can do is pray for your lost soul.
The choice is yours.
December 23, 2005
Lesti Huff Trio at Cementville
from Lesti Huff:
Hey there, just a quick reminder that the trio will be playing @ Cementville tonight so if you don't already have plans come on out & see us. We'll be starting @ 8:00 & play until 12:00. They're located on Jones Maltsberger across from the Quarry Mkt. & next door to Stonewerks. Hope you're all having a great holiday, god bless music lovers! Take care, Lesti.
Hey there, just a quick reminder that the trio will be playing @ Cementville tonight so if you don't already have plans come on out & see us. We'll be starting @ 8:00 & play until 12:00. They're located on Jones Maltsberger across from the Quarry Mkt. & next door to Stonewerks. Hope you're all having a great holiday, god bless music lovers! Take care, Lesti.
St. James Gig Correction for Tonight
from St. James Infirmary:
Alright, I am human. I know this, I am just as capable of mistakes as the next guy. I hope, in the unimaginable mercy that is the general public - you all can find it in your hearts to forgive a poor man such as myself.
I posted the wrong location.
We will NOT be playing at Ye Olde Kennigan's as I have so misguidedly stated.
We will, in fact, be playing at Senor Willie's once again.
Yes, the bountiful Senor Willie's where men are men and women, well....sometimes look like men!
KIDDING!!!!
It's located on 1025 South Presa.
Thanks y'all - Merry Christmas and whatnot.
Alright, I am human. I know this, I am just as capable of mistakes as the next guy. I hope, in the unimaginable mercy that is the general public - you all can find it in your hearts to forgive a poor man such as myself.
I posted the wrong location.
We will NOT be playing at Ye Olde Kennigan's as I have so misguidedly stated.
We will, in fact, be playing at Senor Willie's once again.
Yes, the bountiful Senor Willie's where men are men and women, well....sometimes look like men!
KIDDING!!!!
It's located on 1025 South Presa.
Thanks y'all - Merry Christmas and whatnot.
Reminder: Tonight at Rebar
The Groove Movement will be opening up tonight (12/23) for 51 Acres at Rebar from 10-2. The Groove Movement will have two special guests performing with them tonight: Zelle 32 from Austin (freestyle voice) and Bob on congas.
NO COVER!!!! GREAT DRINK SPECIALS!!!!
NO COVER!!!! GREAT DRINK SPECIALS!!!!
Lokey, Meek & More at "Sneakers"
Lokey, Meek, When Words Attack and Get the Belt at the old Sneakers Monday. Please make it out if you can, if only for a little while. The turnout on this show may determine whether or not they keep having live bands at this location.
I hear people all the time saying how much they miss Sneakers and wish it would reopen, but when they try to do just this, these people don't show up and support the effort. I also hear bands complain about how there's not enough support for local music, but where were they last Monday? If I can show up and support when I'm broke and sick, you can too! What's it gonna cost you? With $2 cover and $1.00 beers, if you stay and have two beers, you're out a whole $4.00 (plus tip, hopefully), and maybe a wee bit o' sleep. In the words of someone we all respected and miss, "Don't be a pussy!"
It's located at 11431 Perrin-Beitel...that's the intersection of Perrin-Beitel and Naco-Perrin. The old Sneakers, now officially known as Club Kristal. BE THERE!!
Unsure Listings for Friday 12/23
Some listings I'm not sure about, so haven't included in the calendar up top:
Ragdoll at Roxy's Sports Bar - as far as I know, Ragdoll no longer exists. You might want to call Roxy's and find out before you head out there: 521-0410
Texas Radio at Lucky's - I heard Lucky's was closing down, but no exact date was given. Again, you might want to check: 650-9933
Who's at Wise Guys? Their site says Structure. I've also seen a listing for Blowing Trees. Neither Structure's nor Blowing Trees' sites list this gig. Call Wise Guys at 798-0750
If anyone knows about these gigs, please post the info in the comments or send it to me.
Ragdoll at Roxy's Sports Bar - as far as I know, Ragdoll no longer exists. You might want to call Roxy's and find out before you head out there: 521-0410
Texas Radio at Lucky's - I heard Lucky's was closing down, but no exact date was given. Again, you might want to check: 650-9933
Who's at Wise Guys? Their site says Structure. I've also seen a listing for Blowing Trees. Neither Structure's nor Blowing Trees' sites list this gig. Call Wise Guys at 798-0750
If anyone knows about these gigs, please post the info in the comments or send it to me.
December 22, 2005
Rok Candy in Need of Vocalist
Rok Candy have begun their search for a lead vocalist. If you're interested, contact Ernie Cruz at 210-522-0315 or email ernye@sbcglobal.net.
Sneakers Revisited
Naturally, when I heard they were having live local rock bands at Club Kristal (the old Sneakers), I had to go. When Sneakers was around, they had local bands every Monday night and I saw so many bands there, I can’t remember a quarter of them now, but I loved Mondays! Now Kristal is starting this up again and I’m very excited to have a venue like this again on the North side of town (i.e. right by my house). Especially with cheap cover ($2 for 21+ and $6 for 18+) and cheap drinks (.75 Coors Light ALL NIGHT, $1 Domestics, $2 Imports, and $1.50 Well till 11pm). Plus good music...can’t beat that!
Having never been to Club Kristal, we weren’t sure what to expect. When it was Sneakers, there were cool band logos painted on the walls and a drum kit sticking out of one wall, with Peter Criss (and later Tommy Lee) behind it. When it was Odyssey, the walls were decorated with psychedelic alien landscapes.
Odyssey Walls
Now the walls are decorated with contour drawings of people dancing. It still retains the important features...a large dance floor, a large stage, large bathrooms, good service...
Now, forgive me if I don’t have a lot to say about each band. I was so distracted by the fact that I was once again in my old home away from home that I didn’t focus as closely on the bands as I usually do. I kept looking around to see what was the same and what had changed, who was there, etc. But they all sounded great and it was just an all-around awesome show!
The first band up was Brothers Keep. I hadn’t heard of them until I found the listing for this show, so I’m unfamiliar with their songs. But what impressed me the most were the guitar melodies...very beautiful but still with a heavy beat. Loved it.
Brothers Keep
Next up was Muncy’s Nurse. What I liked most about them was the hypnotic rhythms. All of their songs are very rhythmic, making you want to move and groove. The singer is very hyper, all over the stage; he seems to be having a blast! The highlight of their set was when they pulled out a vihuela and played a very mariachi-oriented, but still very rockin’, number. Highly impressive.
The Only Decent Pic I Got of Muncy's Nurse
My only complaint about their set was the overuse of the fog machine, because (a) I only got one decent picture...all the rest just looked like a bunch of smoke, and (b) I’m recovering from a pretty severe case of bronchitis where for a week I felt like there was a boa constrictor wrapped around my chest and they were killing me!
Open Chapter
Great performance from the third band, Open Chapter. I saw them before at Rock City Bar, but I think this show really proved what they can do. The larger stage may have had a lot to do with it. Emanuel on vocals was much more animated and talkative. I absolutely love his voice. If I had to describe it, I’d say it was a cross between Sully Erna of Godsmack and Chris Cornell, if you can picture that - he can hit the deep booming notes and move into the high gritty sounds with no problem...never a foul note. Also, great drum solo, reminiscent of the solos Neil Peart used to do with Rush - all hands, no sticks - sounded great!
Open Chapter Drum Solo
Headlining was Structure. I’ve been wanting to check these guys out for a long time now. They’re one of the first bands I contacted when I started this blog, because I had heard their stuff and wanted one of their songs for my jukebox, and they were kind enough to comply. Their sound was thus no surprise to me...straight-forward rock-n-roll, very tight, very talented. What impressed me the most was their professionalism. Despite the fact that the club had emptied out somewhat due to it being a weeknight, they treated the crowd as though it was a huge crowd at a big amphitheater. They knew just what to say between songs and had all the moves of seasoned professionals.
Structure
They were just so in sync with each other and passionate about what they were doing that their enthusiasm couldn’t help but spread to the audience as they moved around the stage in perfect harmony with each other and with the music. Great rhythms, great guitar, high energy. What crowd remained was riveted. They definitely deserve a larger audience and have the potential to “make it.”
Structure Again
Awesome show, and I’m looking forward to more of the same. Next week at Club Kristal (I still want to call it Sneakers) will be Lokey, Meek, When Words Attack (formerly Scary Manilow) and Get the Belt (or G.T.B.). Please, if you can, come out and show your support for a great new venue for local music in San Antonio!
Having never been to Club Kristal, we weren’t sure what to expect. When it was Sneakers, there were cool band logos painted on the walls and a drum kit sticking out of one wall, with Peter Criss (and later Tommy Lee) behind it. When it was Odyssey, the walls were decorated with psychedelic alien landscapes.
Odyssey WallsNow the walls are decorated with contour drawings of people dancing. It still retains the important features...a large dance floor, a large stage, large bathrooms, good service...
Now, forgive me if I don’t have a lot to say about each band. I was so distracted by the fact that I was once again in my old home away from home that I didn’t focus as closely on the bands as I usually do. I kept looking around to see what was the same and what had changed, who was there, etc. But they all sounded great and it was just an all-around awesome show!
The first band up was Brothers Keep. I hadn’t heard of them until I found the listing for this show, so I’m unfamiliar with their songs. But what impressed me the most were the guitar melodies...very beautiful but still with a heavy beat. Loved it.
Brothers KeepNext up was Muncy’s Nurse. What I liked most about them was the hypnotic rhythms. All of their songs are very rhythmic, making you want to move and groove. The singer is very hyper, all over the stage; he seems to be having a blast! The highlight of their set was when they pulled out a vihuela and played a very mariachi-oriented, but still very rockin’, number. Highly impressive.
The Only Decent Pic I Got of Muncy's NurseMy only complaint about their set was the overuse of the fog machine, because (a) I only got one decent picture...all the rest just looked like a bunch of smoke, and (b) I’m recovering from a pretty severe case of bronchitis where for a week I felt like there was a boa constrictor wrapped around my chest and they were killing me!
Open ChapterGreat performance from the third band, Open Chapter. I saw them before at Rock City Bar, but I think this show really proved what they can do. The larger stage may have had a lot to do with it. Emanuel on vocals was much more animated and talkative. I absolutely love his voice. If I had to describe it, I’d say it was a cross between Sully Erna of Godsmack and Chris Cornell, if you can picture that - he can hit the deep booming notes and move into the high gritty sounds with no problem...never a foul note. Also, great drum solo, reminiscent of the solos Neil Peart used to do with Rush - all hands, no sticks - sounded great!
Open Chapter Drum SoloHeadlining was Structure. I’ve been wanting to check these guys out for a long time now. They’re one of the first bands I contacted when I started this blog, because I had heard their stuff and wanted one of their songs for my jukebox, and they were kind enough to comply. Their sound was thus no surprise to me...straight-forward rock-n-roll, very tight, very talented. What impressed me the most was their professionalism. Despite the fact that the club had emptied out somewhat due to it being a weeknight, they treated the crowd as though it was a huge crowd at a big amphitheater. They knew just what to say between songs and had all the moves of seasoned professionals.
StructureThey were just so in sync with each other and passionate about what they were doing that their enthusiasm couldn’t help but spread to the audience as they moved around the stage in perfect harmony with each other and with the music. Great rhythms, great guitar, high energy. What crowd remained was riveted. They definitely deserve a larger audience and have the potential to “make it.”
Structure AgainAwesome show, and I’m looking forward to more of the same. Next week at Club Kristal (I still want to call it Sneakers) will be Lokey, Meek, When Words Attack (formerly Scary Manilow) and Get the Belt (or G.T.B.). Please, if you can, come out and show your support for a great new venue for local music in San Antonio!
December 21, 2005
Papa Wood's Holiday Bash
from Papa Wood:
Hello music lovers, I'm spreading holiday cheer as well as info. about Papa Wood's next show this Friday the 23rd at Tiffany Billiards. It will be our last show of '05 as we go into a short hibernation. We look forward to rockin' out with you at one of the most seasoned SA rock venues, Tiffany Billiards (7011 San Pedro, inside 410). Live rock starts at about 9:45 pm.
Hello music lovers, I'm spreading holiday cheer as well as info. about Papa Wood's next show this Friday the 23rd at Tiffany Billiards. It will be our last show of '05 as we go into a short hibernation. We look forward to rockin' out with you at one of the most seasoned SA rock venues, Tiffany Billiards (7011 San Pedro, inside 410). Live rock starts at about 9:45 pm.
Chris Boss Live Tonight At Sherlocks
from Chris Boss:
Last minute booking at this great venue! Forget the Xmas shopping for a while and come have a drink or two!
www.sherlockspub.com
Last minute booking at this great venue! Forget the Xmas shopping for a while and come have a drink or two!
www.sherlockspub.com
Monkey Blood and Rok Candy
So many of my reviews start like this! But here goes. Saturday night, this was the plan: Staci and I were going to stop by Lucky’s to catch the first set of Monkey Blood. Then we were heading to BoozeHounds to spend the rest of the night with Rok Candy. Their singer, Duke, has been called to duty in Iraq and we wanted to hear him sing before he leaves in February. Well, as usual, that’s not quite what happened. As poet Robert Burns said, “The best laid schemes of mice and men go oft awry.” Well, Staci and I are neither mice nor men, but our plans oft go awry. Here’s what happened.
Things started off as planned. We went to Lucky’s. So far, so good. As we walked up to the bar, the members of Monkey Blood were outside having a pow-wow. We stopped to say hi and I suddenly realized that I knew one of their band members from probably 20 years ago. Some of you old-schoolers might remember a band called Eliminator. One of their guitarists’ name was Steve Yates (the other was David York). If I remember right, their singer’s name was Rick. Well, standing in front of me was Steve Yates. Surprised the hell out of me.
Can’t believe I still have these pictures (I really had to dig to find them):
Anyway, we left them to their band meeting and went in, grabbed a beer and sat down. Here I have to say one thing about Lucky’s. We got some of the best service we’ve gotten in a bar. By men. They had a waiter (not waitress) and he was great, and even the bartender came out and checked on us regularly. THAT’S what I’m talking about. (Too bad, according to what I’ve heard, Lucky’s is closing. It figures.)
So then the band comes on. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Monkey Blood is made up of three of the members of Skunkweed: Jay Brown (vocals), Dave James (bass) and James Cervantes (drums), plus the aforementioned Steve Yates (guitar) and a guitarist I’m not familiar with - Rick Rodriguez. If you’re not familiar with Skunkweed, their songs are very irreverent, funny, bordering on gross sometimes. Their songs range from country to rock to rap to Scottish/Irish drinking songs and who knows what else!
So, second surprise of the night: Monkey Blood is all about the rock. Their first set started off with a cover of a Skunkweed song, “Long Time Ago” that was originally written for Monkey Blood. Yeah, it kinda confused us, too. Then some STP, Steppenwolf (the rockingest version of “Born to Be Wild” I’ve ever heard), Seven Mary Three, Metallica, Goo Goo Dolls, Bush, Alice in Chains, more Monkey Blood originals (got a demo, you can hear one of their songs now on the jukebox above).
We thought it was all very good and we were ready to follow our plan and spend the rest of the night at BoozeHounds. We told Dave how much we enjoyed it and how we’d come catch them another time when we could stay all night. And (here’s where things went awry) he said, “Yeah, you should...in the last set we play one whole side of Sad Wings of Destiny.” For those of you who don’t know, this is vintage Judas Priest. Their second album and in my opinion, overall their best. There are other songs by Priest I like better, such as “Desert Plains” and “Beyond the Realms of Death,” but this album as a whole I feel was their greatest. I used to, I’m sure, annoy the aforementioned Debbie by playing it over and over, day after day. That said, you can see how this totally threw the plan awry. We had to come back for the last set.
So, we did make it to BoozeHounds for about an hour and caught some Rok Candy, but we didn’t stay as long as we had planned. We also didn’t get to actually watch as much as we wanted to because we got waylaid at the bar by a guy who called himself “Danger Dave” and wanted to show us all his scars (some hellacious ones). But I finally managed to extricate myself from this conversation and find a place to sit and check out Rok Candy. Great job. They played some Eve 6, ZZ Top, STP, Foo Fighters, Audioslave, Lit, Jet, Sublime, and the highlight of the night for me was when guitarist Ernie Cruz went to town on Joe Satriani’s “Crush of Love.” Ernie is a great guitarist and the somewhat subdued crowd up to this point went nuts on this song. Ernie is also a sweetheart and totally understood that I just had to go hear some Sad Wings. And Duke sounded great on vocals - good luck in Iraq, dude. Hopefully we’ll be outta there soon. (Don’t get me started.)
So, back to Lucky’s and some more Monkey Blood. This set really showed the meddle (or should I say metal) of Monkey Blood. Serious old school awesome stuff. Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” and “Flight of Icarus,” Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” and “Fuel,” Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” and, as promised, the first side of Sad Wings of Destiny. If you are familiar with this album, you will know that on the song “Dreamer Deceiver” Rob Halford’s voice gets so high, it’s damn near supersonic, and they pulled it off. Plus the great songs like “Victim of Changes” and “The Ripper.” I was in Heaven. And I wasn’t the only one. They damn near had a mosh pit about to happen. Note to bands who are afraid to play songs that are too heavy...they had people dancing most of the time. Guys and gals alike.
The highlight: a mutual solo between Steve and Rick that started off with Steve playing something that we finally recognized as a metal version of “Silent Night”
and ended up with both of them cutting heads on the dance floor. Between the Satriani at BoozeHounds and this, it was definitely a night for awesome guitar action. I already knew Steve Yates was good, and I was very impressed with Rick Rodriguez...he is a very accomplished guitarist with a habit of just sitting down on the stage and jamming.
I also left with a new appreciation of the versatility of Jay Brown. This guy can sing everything from downhome Texas country to heavy metal. I believe he could pull off just about anything.
So, I don’t know what will become of either band...Rok Candy now that they’re losing their singer, or Monkey Blood if Lucky’s is closing, but if you get a chance to hear either of these bands, my recommendation would be: TAKE IT!
Things started off as planned. We went to Lucky’s. So far, so good. As we walked up to the bar, the members of Monkey Blood were outside having a pow-wow. We stopped to say hi and I suddenly realized that I knew one of their band members from probably 20 years ago. Some of you old-schoolers might remember a band called Eliminator. One of their guitarists’ name was Steve Yates (the other was David York). If I remember right, their singer’s name was Rick. Well, standing in front of me was Steve Yates. Surprised the hell out of me.
Can’t believe I still have these pictures (I really had to dig to find them):
Anyway, we left them to their band meeting and went in, grabbed a beer and sat down. Here I have to say one thing about Lucky’s. We got some of the best service we’ve gotten in a bar. By men. They had a waiter (not waitress) and he was great, and even the bartender came out and checked on us regularly. THAT’S what I’m talking about. (Too bad, according to what I’ve heard, Lucky’s is closing. It figures.)
So then the band comes on. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Monkey Blood is made up of three of the members of Skunkweed: Jay Brown (vocals), Dave James (bass) and James Cervantes (drums), plus the aforementioned Steve Yates (guitar) and a guitarist I’m not familiar with - Rick Rodriguez. If you’re not familiar with Skunkweed, their songs are very irreverent, funny, bordering on gross sometimes. Their songs range from country to rock to rap to Scottish/Irish drinking songs and who knows what else!
So, second surprise of the night: Monkey Blood is all about the rock. Their first set started off with a cover of a Skunkweed song, “Long Time Ago” that was originally written for Monkey Blood. Yeah, it kinda confused us, too. Then some STP, Steppenwolf (the rockingest version of “Born to Be Wild” I’ve ever heard), Seven Mary Three, Metallica, Goo Goo Dolls, Bush, Alice in Chains, more Monkey Blood originals (got a demo, you can hear one of their songs now on the jukebox above).
We thought it was all very good and we were ready to follow our plan and spend the rest of the night at BoozeHounds. We told Dave how much we enjoyed it and how we’d come catch them another time when we could stay all night. And (here’s where things went awry) he said, “Yeah, you should...in the last set we play one whole side of Sad Wings of Destiny.” For those of you who don’t know, this is vintage Judas Priest. Their second album and in my opinion, overall their best. There are other songs by Priest I like better, such as “Desert Plains” and “Beyond the Realms of Death,” but this album as a whole I feel was their greatest. I used to, I’m sure, annoy the aforementioned Debbie by playing it over and over, day after day. That said, you can see how this totally threw the plan awry. We had to come back for the last set.
So, we did make it to BoozeHounds for about an hour and caught some Rok Candy, but we didn’t stay as long as we had planned. We also didn’t get to actually watch as much as we wanted to because we got waylaid at the bar by a guy who called himself “Danger Dave” and wanted to show us all his scars (some hellacious ones). But I finally managed to extricate myself from this conversation and find a place to sit and check out Rok Candy. Great job. They played some Eve 6, ZZ Top, STP, Foo Fighters, Audioslave, Lit, Jet, Sublime, and the highlight of the night for me was when guitarist Ernie Cruz went to town on Joe Satriani’s “Crush of Love.” Ernie is a great guitarist and the somewhat subdued crowd up to this point went nuts on this song. Ernie is also a sweetheart and totally understood that I just had to go hear some Sad Wings. And Duke sounded great on vocals - good luck in Iraq, dude. Hopefully we’ll be outta there soon. (Don’t get me started.)
So, back to Lucky’s and some more Monkey Blood. This set really showed the meddle (or should I say metal) of Monkey Blood. Serious old school awesome stuff. Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” and “Flight of Icarus,” Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” and “Fuel,” Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” and, as promised, the first side of Sad Wings of Destiny. If you are familiar with this album, you will know that on the song “Dreamer Deceiver” Rob Halford’s voice gets so high, it’s damn near supersonic, and they pulled it off. Plus the great songs like “Victim of Changes” and “The Ripper.” I was in Heaven. And I wasn’t the only one. They damn near had a mosh pit about to happen. Note to bands who are afraid to play songs that are too heavy...they had people dancing most of the time. Guys and gals alike.
The highlight: a mutual solo between Steve and Rick that started off with Steve playing something that we finally recognized as a metal version of “Silent Night”
and ended up with both of them cutting heads on the dance floor. Between the Satriani at BoozeHounds and this, it was definitely a night for awesome guitar action. I already knew Steve Yates was good, and I was very impressed with Rick Rodriguez...he is a very accomplished guitarist with a habit of just sitting down on the stage and jamming.
I also left with a new appreciation of the versatility of Jay Brown. This guy can sing everything from downhome Texas country to heavy metal. I believe he could pull off just about anything.
So, I don’t know what will become of either band...Rok Candy now that they’re losing their singer, or Monkey Blood if Lucky’s is closing, but if you get a chance to hear either of these bands, my recommendation would be: TAKE IT!
December 20, 2005
Christmas Eve Eve with Alter Ego
from Alter Ego:
Get crazy, get funky on Christmas Eve Eve (that's not a typo, it's Fri. 12/23) with ALTER EGO at Hooligan’s I-10!
Looking for a cool way to kick out the jams before settling in for the holiday weekend? Want to get out and get some cold, frosty adult beverages before you’re trapped with the relatives sucking down eggnog? Need to cut loose after that holiday traffic and craziness down at the mall?
ALTER EGO can help, because, well … that’s the kind of people we are! Join the holiday jocularity at the I-10 location of Hooligan’s (10855 IH-10N), located on the northbound access lane, right next to Ancira Nissan. This is a great spot on the North Side, with incredible food, a very friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Hooligan’s knows how to treat their customers AND their bands right, and that’s why we love playing at both locations!
Coming up we’ll be at Main Street at Wetmore and Thousand Oaks on Friday, Dec. 30, and bringing in the New Year at the I-35 Hooligan’s on Saturday, Dec. 31.
Get crazy, get funky on Christmas Eve Eve (that's not a typo, it's Fri. 12/23) with ALTER EGO at Hooligan’s I-10!
Looking for a cool way to kick out the jams before settling in for the holiday weekend? Want to get out and get some cold, frosty adult beverages before you’re trapped with the relatives sucking down eggnog? Need to cut loose after that holiday traffic and craziness down at the mall?
ALTER EGO can help, because, well … that’s the kind of people we are! Join the holiday jocularity at the I-10 location of Hooligan’s (10855 IH-10N), located on the northbound access lane, right next to Ancira Nissan. This is a great spot on the North Side, with incredible food, a very friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Hooligan’s knows how to treat their customers AND their bands right, and that’s why we love playing at both locations!
Coming up we’ll be at Main Street at Wetmore and Thousand Oaks on Friday, Dec. 30, and bringing in the New Year at the I-35 Hooligan’s on Saturday, Dec. 31.
Rock Box Online
Some notes from a post by The Rock Box on The Edge's Yahoo Group:
The Rock Box is now online.
www.the-rock-box.com
You can now shop online for your favorite rock titles. We have just started adding titles and our website will be constantly updated with new and older titles. Save your time and energy and order you titles from us with no shipping fee. Simply pick them up from our store once they come in.
The Rock Box is working with the EDGE Magazine to create a Texas local rock section. If you are in a band in Texas and would like to have your CD's listed in our store (both online and Physical) give us a call 210-650-9095
Bands: Make sure to add us as a flyer drop for all of your shows. You can even mail us your flyers and we will place them out for you. You can also pick up The EDGE Magazine every month at our physical location.
The Rock Box
11829 Perrin Beitel
San Antonio, TX 78217
210-650-9095
The Rock Box is now online.
www.the-rock-box.com
You can now shop online for your favorite rock titles. We have just started adding titles and our website will be constantly updated with new and older titles. Save your time and energy and order you titles from us with no shipping fee. Simply pick them up from our store once they come in.
The Rock Box is working with the EDGE Magazine to create a Texas local rock section. If you are in a band in Texas and would like to have your CD's listed in our store (both online and Physical) give us a call 210-650-9095
Bands: Make sure to add us as a flyer drop for all of your shows. You can even mail us your flyers and we will place them out for you. You can also pick up The EDGE Magazine every month at our physical location.
The Rock Box
11829 Perrin Beitel
San Antonio, TX 78217
210-650-9095
The Swindles at Casbeers
from The Swindles:
This Friday at Casbeers its your last chance to see the Swindles in 2005. Swing by and enjoy the wonderful hospitable staff of Casbeers and their delectable exotic menu featuring cold beer.
We start at 8:30. Amazing.. Yes, I know! You won't be there for the first set. But at least try to get there before they close at 12:00 this time!
This Friday at Casbeers its your last chance to see the Swindles in 2005. Swing by and enjoy the wonderful hospitable staff of Casbeers and their delectable exotic menu featuring cold beer.
We start at 8:30. Amazing.. Yes, I know! You won't be there for the first set. But at least try to get there before they close at 12:00 this time!
Rebar December 23rd
from The Groove Movement:
Friday, Dec. 23rd Groove Movement will be opening up for 51 Acres at Rebar off of Broadway. We most defiantly will want to show Rebar that we got the funk and know how to party. This gig is sure to be a wild one with some tripped out jams. So, be sure to mark your calendars and help Groove Movement kick off Christmas break with some fun, dance, drink, and best of all, Jams!
Friday, Dec. 23rd Groove Movement will be opening up for 51 Acres at Rebar off of Broadway. We most defiantly will want to show Rebar that we got the funk and know how to party. This gig is sure to be a wild one with some tripped out jams. So, be sure to mark your calendars and help Groove Movement kick off Christmas break with some fun, dance, drink, and best of all, Jams!
St. James at Kennigan's
from St. James Infirmary:
Just in Time for the Holidays St. James Infimary will be out at Kennigan's this Friday doing what they do best (well, at least what they do best that people will pay them to do in public!)
So come out, take a break from shopping (no one needs that much crap anyway!!!) and come have a last blowout before the crazy weekend.
21 and up as always. 9pm - 1am. NO COVER. LOTS OF FRIGGIN ALKAMAHOL!!!!
AND DIRTY, ROWDY, FILTHY BLUES!
Just in Time for the Holidays St. James Infimary will be out at Kennigan's this Friday doing what they do best (well, at least what they do best that people will pay them to do in public!)
So come out, take a break from shopping (no one needs that much crap anyway!!!) and come have a last blowout before the crazy weekend.
21 and up as always. 9pm - 1am. NO COVER. LOTS OF FRIGGIN ALKAMAHOL!!!!
AND DIRTY, ROWDY, FILTHY BLUES!
Archer Avenue at Jack's PLUS New Album Coming Out
As mentioned on here in an interview with Archer Avenue, the band has a full-length album coming out, entitled We Watched the Headlights, We Watched the Stars, recorded with Pete Anderson at Dog Bone Studios in Burbank, CA. Well, save some of your Christmas money, because the album is coming out January 3, 2006 and will be available to order online at www.archeravenuemusic.com. You can get a preview of some of the tracks at www.myspace.com/archeravenue.
Archer Avenue is also preparing to embark on a New Mexico/Texas tour starting December 26th, in support of the new album. They'll be playing here in San Antonio January 1st at Jack's Patio Bar, so you'll get a chance to check 'em out live if you haven't already. For other tour dates, go to www.archeravenuemusic.com/archtour.htm.
Archer Avenue is also preparing to embark on a New Mexico/Texas tour starting December 26th, in support of the new album. They'll be playing here in San Antonio January 1st at Jack's Patio Bar, so you'll get a chance to check 'em out live if you haven't already. For other tour dates, go to www.archeravenuemusic.com/archtour.htm.
December 19, 2005
Go to Sneakers
Everyone please try to make it out to Sneakers (Club Kristal, whatever) tonight for Structure, Brothers Keep, Open Chapter & Muncy's Nurse. It would be so awesome if they'd open that club back up for local live music! We have no large venue over here on the North side for shows like this anymore...so come out and help support!
ADDED NOTE: By the way, I meant to add that it's at the corner of Perrin-Beitel & Naco-Perrin, for those who don't know...
ADDED NOTE: By the way, I meant to add that it's at the corner of Perrin-Beitel & Naco-Perrin, for those who don't know...
December 18, 2005
Mark Monaco at Hooligan's
from Mark Monaco:
Due to scheduling conflicts, we will be at the I-35 Hooligan’s Tuesday night for the KJ-97 Texas Music Series instead of I-10 as originally scheduled. The show starts at 8pm and there is no cover for this show. Hooligan’s is located at 13920 I-35N, adjacent to the Live Oak Cinema on the access road. For more info, visit www.hooligansbarandgrill.com or call (210) 654-4444. So, come on out and close out the Texas Music Series with us Tuesday night.
Due to scheduling conflicts, we will be at the I-35 Hooligan’s Tuesday night for the KJ-97 Texas Music Series instead of I-10 as originally scheduled. The show starts at 8pm and there is no cover for this show. Hooligan’s is located at 13920 I-35N, adjacent to the Live Oak Cinema on the access road. For more info, visit www.hooligansbarandgrill.com or call (210) 654-4444. So, come on out and close out the Texas Music Series with us Tuesday night.
December 16, 2005
Channel 20 Update
Thankfully, it looks like San Antonio is not going to lose its Public Access channel. According to San Antonio for Public Access, "It was a very long day. Some individuals waited 14 hours to speak in favor of Public Access Channel 20."
Here's the outcome of yesterday's city council meeting, according to the Express-News:
Read the whole article here.
Hopefully they'll have it back up and running quickly.
Here's the outcome of yesterday's city council meeting, according to the Express-News:
Public, education and government access channels offered via Time Warner Cable won't fade to black next year, despite pending expiration of the company's local franchise agreement.
But the public access channel will go on hiatus until probably February under a plan unveiled Thursday by city staff.
Read the whole article here.
Hopefully they'll have it back up and running quickly.
Name Change
Hey, some of you may have noticed that I changed the name of this blog from "San Antonio Rocks" to "The SA Rocks Blog." I found out that there is a local magazine called "San Antonio Rocks." They're very strictly Christian, listing no secular bands or venues that serve alcohol, etc. I figure they probably wouldn't want anyone to think they're associated with me and my beer-drinking, foul-mouthed ways! So I changed it before I get my ass derrière sued!
Also, if you have a link to this blog on your site, you might want to change it to "The SA Rocks Blog." New graphics with SA Rocks instead of San Antonio Rocks are available here.
Also, if you have a link to this blog on your site, you might want to change it to "The SA Rocks Blog." New graphics with SA Rocks instead of San Antonio Rocks are available here.
Monkey Blood and Skunkweed
from Skunkweed:
Skunkweed's evil twin Brother "Monkey Blood" will be playing this Saturday night (Dec 17th) at Lucky's! They are located on the corner of Thousand oaks and Nacogdoches near Perrin Beitel across the street from the Midnight Rodeo.
Also, Start making plans to see Skunkweed live at Jack's on New Years Eve! Come ring in the New Year with Skunkweed! It's gonna be BIG!!!
So after you've run yourself ragged trying to buy Christmas presents for all of your loved ones, Come on out this Saturday night and Rock out with Monkey Blood. Click the Lucky's link for directions and details.
We really need everyone to come out and support us for these last 2 gigs of the year. We really hate to drink alone. But we will if we have to! So wont you join us this Saturday for Monkey Blood's Final show of 2005 and then the 31st for Skunkweed's
New Years eve Bash? Please?
See you all there! Happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and a Merry New years to all of you from us here at Skunkweed and associates Inc.
Skunkweed's evil twin Brother "Monkey Blood" will be playing this Saturday night (Dec 17th) at Lucky's! They are located on the corner of Thousand oaks and Nacogdoches near Perrin Beitel across the street from the Midnight Rodeo.
Also, Start making plans to see Skunkweed live at Jack's on New Years Eve! Come ring in the New Year with Skunkweed! It's gonna be BIG!!!
So after you've run yourself ragged trying to buy Christmas presents for all of your loved ones, Come on out this Saturday night and Rock out with Monkey Blood. Click the Lucky's link for directions and details.
We really need everyone to come out and support us for these last 2 gigs of the year. We really hate to drink alone. But we will if we have to! So wont you join us this Saturday for Monkey Blood's Final show of 2005 and then the 31st for Skunkweed's
New Years eve Bash? Please?
See you all there! Happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and a Merry New years to all of you from us here at Skunkweed and associates Inc.
Sexto Sol at Rosario's Tonight
from Sexto Sol:
Sexto Sol will be at Rosario's TONIGHT (Fri, Dec. 16th) starting at 9pm....get there early so you can grab a table, a cold margarita and some fantastic food! THIS WILL BE OUR LAST SHOW THIS YEAR.
Check our site for more details: http://www.sextosolsa.com/dates.html
Sexto Sol will be at Rosario's TONIGHT (Fri, Dec. 16th) starting at 9pm....get there early so you can grab a table, a cold margarita and some fantastic food! THIS WILL BE OUR LAST SHOW THIS YEAR.
Check our site for more details: http://www.sextosolsa.com/dates.html
Preying Mantis Needs a Drummer
Preying Mantis needs a drummer to fill in for Chris, who has to work, on New Year's Eve at Tiffany Billiards. If you're interested and available, send them an e-mail at erotomaniac777@yahoo.com.
December 15, 2005
Mixed Up Listings
There are some confusing listings out there concerning The White Rabbit, Bonds 007 Rock Bar and Rock City Bar for tomorrow night, Friday December 16th.
M.T. Productions assures me that this is the lineup at The White Rabbit: Losa, The Destro, Underground, D-Railed, Awaken the Fallen, Americult and Enormity.
Bonds' website lists Losa, The Destro, Awaken the Fallen, D-Railed & more for this night.
D-Railed is also listed as playing at Rock City Bar with Deadpool. I think they're playing two shows (their website lists gigs for Bonds and Rock City for the 16th).
According to The White Rabbit's phone recording and Thirteen Muses' website, the lineup at The White Rabbit is Thirteen Muses and Gabba Gabba Sabba.
I called Bonds and the guy who answered checked something and said D-Railed, Awaken the Fallen and Losa were playing.
So there you go. You figure it out. I give up.
If anyone has more info on these shows, please post it in the comments. Thanks.
Added note: Here's more confirmation of the Losa show at the Rabbit, from Losa's site: "Please note that the San Antonio show has been moved to the White Rabbit." So we're going with that...no idea who's playing at Bonds though...
M.T. Productions assures me that this is the lineup at The White Rabbit: Losa, The Destro, Underground, D-Railed, Awaken the Fallen, Americult and Enormity.
Bonds' website lists Losa, The Destro, Awaken the Fallen, D-Railed & more for this night.
D-Railed is also listed as playing at Rock City Bar with Deadpool. I think they're playing two shows (their website lists gigs for Bonds and Rock City for the 16th).
According to The White Rabbit's phone recording and Thirteen Muses' website, the lineup at The White Rabbit is Thirteen Muses and Gabba Gabba Sabba.
I called Bonds and the guy who answered checked something and said D-Railed, Awaken the Fallen and Losa were playing.
So there you go. You figure it out. I give up.
If anyone has more info on these shows, please post it in the comments. Thanks.
Added note: Here's more confirmation of the Losa show at the Rabbit, from Losa's site: "Please note that the San Antonio show has been moved to the White Rabbit." So we're going with that...no idea who's playing at Bonds though...
Win Twisted Kissmas Tickets
from the KISS newsletter:
Get your tickets for A Twisted Kissmas featuring KoRn, Mudvayne, Sevendust, Drowning Pool and 10 Years, rocking the Freeman Coliseum this Saturday night! Presented by Bud Light and San Antonio's Concert Authority...99.5 KISS!
Stop by Alamo City Harley Davidson this Saturday, 12/17 from 11am – 4pm and have your picture taken with Santa! It's your last chance to win Twisted Kissmas tickets. Plus, check out their new 35,000 sq. ft. facility with hundreds of bikes in stock!
Get your tickets for A Twisted Kissmas featuring KoRn, Mudvayne, Sevendust, Drowning Pool and 10 Years, rocking the Freeman Coliseum this Saturday night! Presented by Bud Light and San Antonio's Concert Authority...99.5 KISS!
Stop by Alamo City Harley Davidson this Saturday, 12/17 from 11am – 4pm and have your picture taken with Santa! It's your last chance to win Twisted Kissmas tickets. Plus, check out their new 35,000 sq. ft. facility with hundreds of bikes in stock!
Lesti Huff at Devine Wine Bar & Texas 46
from Lesti Huff:
This weekend Jim & I will be playing @ The Devine Wine Bar on Fri. from 7:30-10:30. They're located in New Braunfels @ 367 Main Plaza & you can reach them @ (830)626-6131 for more info.
On Sat. the band will be performing @ Texas 46 from 8:30-12:30. Hope you all can make it out. They're located just 2 miles east of 281 on Hwy. 46 & their # is (830)885-4605.
This weekend Jim & I will be playing @ The Devine Wine Bar on Fri. from 7:30-10:30. They're located in New Braunfels @ 367 Main Plaza & you can reach them @ (830)626-6131 for more info.
On Sat. the band will be performing @ Texas 46 from 8:30-12:30. Hope you all can make it out. They're located just 2 miles east of 281 on Hwy. 46 & their # is (830)885-4605.
M.O.B. Update
from Mark Odom:
The Mark Odom Band will be out at the Radisson Sea World Hotel tomorrow night from 6pm to 10pm. This is a very cool place to come hang out with us. Sit by the fire, or sit by the bar, grab a handful of margaritas and chill out. You deserve it.
For those of you that don't know, or haven't seen us lately, we are utilizing a new bassist, helping us out with new material as well. His name is James, so come out and give him a nice welcome to the band. Izzy is trying out a new project, and we wish him the best of luck.
As always, keep up to date with us at the website, mobmusic.50megs.com. Until next time, have a great Holiday Season. See you at the next show.
The Mark Odom Band will be out at the Radisson Sea World Hotel tomorrow night from 6pm to 10pm. This is a very cool place to come hang out with us. Sit by the fire, or sit by the bar, grab a handful of margaritas and chill out. You deserve it.
For those of you that don't know, or haven't seen us lately, we are utilizing a new bassist, helping us out with new material as well. His name is James, so come out and give him a nice welcome to the band. Izzy is trying out a new project, and we wish him the best of luck.
As always, keep up to date with us at the website, mobmusic.50megs.com. Until next time, have a great Holiday Season. See you at the next show.
Hard luck Christmas for Music Gear?
Recommendation from Anthony of The Guitar Zone and SpitFire:
Hard luck Christmas for Music Gear? Try this site:
http://www.americanmusical.com/
This place allows you to make payments even with bad credit, etc.
I am not endorsing this site just seems to be a cool deal.
From The Guitar Zone Anthony. Merry Xmas. Hurry!
Note from Rowan: I looked and it does look like they have some pretty good deals. And they advertise easy payment plans with "no interest ever," 45 day money back guarantee, they'll match prices before and after sale and free shipping on orders over $99. Worth checking out. Hadn't seen this site before. Thanks, Anthony.
Hard luck Christmas for Music Gear? Try this site:
http://www.americanmusical.com/
This place allows you to make payments even with bad credit, etc.
I am not endorsing this site just seems to be a cool deal.
From The Guitar Zone Anthony. Merry Xmas. Hurry!
Note from Rowan: I looked and it does look like they have some pretty good deals. And they advertise easy payment plans with "no interest ever," 45 day money back guarantee, they'll match prices before and after sale and free shipping on orders over $99. Worth checking out. Hadn't seen this site before. Thanks, Anthony.
December 14, 2005
Alter Ego - Booze and Oysters
from Alter Ego:
While 2005 is winding down, the ALTER EGO calendar is winding up to be pretty good for the rest of the year and into 2006! Coming up on Friday, Dec. 16, we're at one of our new favorite bars, BOOZEHOUNDS, over at 8531 Perrin-Beitel, next to Lack's. If you've never ventured over to this place on the North Side, then you really owe it to yourself to check it out! Great atmosphere, lots of pool tables and a fantastic staff always makes us look forward to playing there! We start at about 10 p.m. and there's no cover!
We recently got some great news from Debbie at Spectrum Booking as well ... we're booked on the main KISS/Miller Lite stage at the 2006 Oyster Bake from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2006! We don't even know who the headliner is yet, but we're really excited about this great opportunity.
Rounding out the rest of the year, We're also at Hooligan's on I-10 on Friday, Dec. 23, at Main Street Friday Dec. 30 ... and wrap up the year in style at Hooligan's I-35 on Saturday Dec. 31. We're looking forward to bringing in the New Year in a big way, and Hooligan's is the perfect place to do it. The club will have lots of specials and the band will have lots of giveaways to toss out!
Thanks for all the great work you do for the San Antonio music scene, Rowan!
While 2005 is winding down, the ALTER EGO calendar is winding up to be pretty good for the rest of the year and into 2006! Coming up on Friday, Dec. 16, we're at one of our new favorite bars, BOOZEHOUNDS, over at 8531 Perrin-Beitel, next to Lack's. If you've never ventured over to this place on the North Side, then you really owe it to yourself to check it out! Great atmosphere, lots of pool tables and a fantastic staff always makes us look forward to playing there! We start at about 10 p.m. and there's no cover!
We recently got some great news from Debbie at Spectrum Booking as well ... we're booked on the main KISS/Miller Lite stage at the 2006 Oyster Bake from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2006! We don't even know who the headliner is yet, but we're really excited about this great opportunity.
Rounding out the rest of the year, We're also at Hooligan's on I-10 on Friday, Dec. 23, at Main Street Friday Dec. 30 ... and wrap up the year in style at Hooligan's I-35 on Saturday Dec. 31. We're looking forward to bringing in the New Year in a big way, and Hooligan's is the perfect place to do it. The club will have lots of specials and the band will have lots of giveaways to toss out!
Thanks for all the great work you do for the San Antonio music scene, Rowan!
Annual Crawdaddies X-Mas Party
If you're ready to start celebrating Christmas early, head out to The Cove this Friday, December 16th for the annual Christmas party with Los Crawdaddies. The party starts at 9:00 and the cover is only $3.00. Los Crawdaddies assure me it's always a blast!
Los Crawdaddies
Los CrawdaddiesNew Article on The Guitar Zone
Great new article on Anthony Castilla's The Guitar Zone over on sarocks.com. It's by Ernie Pena, talking about a riffing technique where you slap the strings instead of picking, or "the hammer-on from nowhere" technique. Check it out!
RMW Press Release: Dec '05 (STUF TV)
from a press release put out by Robb Chavez of Robb's Metalworks:
It seems that our November episode was the last you will ever see of RMW on Public Access Channel 20. I am proud to announce that starting January 2006 we are now contracted & thus, moving to STUF TV - Time Warner Cable Channel 50 (http://www.gosanantonio.com/stuf/). The show will also leave the 2-hour (every other month) format & adopt a 1-HOUR episode EVERY month format from January on out. So what does this mean for our viewers? Obviously, RMW will continue to bring you the best & biggest names in METAL through interview work, videos & live shoots. In addition, we will also continue to bring you the HEAVIEST artists, as we will not be compromising the intensity of the bands/music we air & promote on the show because we will always love black, death, thrash & power metal. Our integrity will NEVER change!
Our PREMIERE episode on STUF TV will air on SUNDAY, JANUARY 22nd @ 10pm,....& we will continue to air the 3rd Sunday of every month at 10pm. I will have air dates for the entire year coming soon & we may even throw in a 2-hour episode every once in a while (for example, in support of all the footage shot from the '3rd Annual RMW Showcase'). On the January episode plan to see features on 2 killer bands: QUEENSRYCHE & SOULFLY.
It seems that our November episode was the last you will ever see of RMW on Public Access Channel 20. I am proud to announce that starting January 2006 we are now contracted & thus, moving to STUF TV - Time Warner Cable Channel 50 (http://www.gosanantonio.com/stuf/). The show will also leave the 2-hour (every other month) format & adopt a 1-HOUR episode EVERY month format from January on out. So what does this mean for our viewers? Obviously, RMW will continue to bring you the best & biggest names in METAL through interview work, videos & live shoots. In addition, we will also continue to bring you the HEAVIEST artists, as we will not be compromising the intensity of the bands/music we air & promote on the show because we will always love black, death, thrash & power metal. Our integrity will NEVER change!
Our PREMIERE episode on STUF TV will air on SUNDAY, JANUARY 22nd @ 10pm,....& we will continue to air the 3rd Sunday of every month at 10pm. I will have air dates for the entire year coming soon & we may even throw in a 2-hour episode every once in a while (for example, in support of all the footage shot from the '3rd Annual RMW Showcase'). On the January episode plan to see features on 2 killer bands: QUEENSRYCHE & SOULFLY.
December 13, 2005
Mingo Fishtrap at Sam's
from Mingo Fishtrap:
12/16/05 Fri
Sam’s Burger Joint
9:30pm – 2am (Doors at 9pm)18+
330 E. Grayson St. SATX
210.223.2830
Join us for our big New Years bash in San Antonio again this year!
12/31/05 Sat
NEW YEARS EVE @ The Hangar
9pm 21+
Call for advance tickets: 210.573.5369
Broadway St.(Just south of 410) next door to “Revolution”, SATX
12/16/05 Fri
Sam’s Burger Joint
9:30pm – 2am (Doors at 9pm)18+
330 E. Grayson St. SATX
210.223.2830
Join us for our big New Years bash in San Antonio again this year!
12/31/05 Sat
NEW YEARS EVE @ The Hangar
9pm 21+
Call for advance tickets: 210.573.5369
Broadway St.(Just south of 410) next door to “Revolution”, SATX
December 12, 2005
Edge Article Online
The Edge Magazine's December issue is now available online. This is the one with the article on SA Rocks. So anyone who didn't pick up a copy but would like to read it, you can go check it out online at http://www.theedgemagazine.com/. (Click on "issue" and then the article "Woman on the Web." You need Adobe's Acrobat reader to read it.)
Sneakers and The Black Lion
Came upon a couple of surprising listings today.
Structure, Brothers Keep, Muncy's Nurse & Open Chapter at Sneakers at 11431 Perrin Beitel on December 19th!
Also Open Chapter, Muncy's Nurse and Pop Pistol at The Black Lion on December 17th. Evidently it's a fundraiser for The Black Lion - to reopen, I hope?
I would love to see both of these places back open for business and doing well, so PLEASE show your support and try to get out to these shows!
Structure, Brothers Keep, Muncy's Nurse & Open Chapter at Sneakers at 11431 Perrin Beitel on December 19th!
Also Open Chapter, Muncy's Nurse and Pop Pistol at The Black Lion on December 17th. Evidently it's a fundraiser for The Black Lion - to reopen, I hope?
I would love to see both of these places back open for business and doing well, so PLEASE show your support and try to get out to these shows!
Inertia Guitars Stolen
from an e-mail from Eric McConnell:
This is an email I prayed I'd never have to write or ask to be forwarded. My dear friend Ron Bryant from the band Inertia here in San Antonio has had his three main guitars stolen. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. The descriptions are as follows:
Custom Ibanez "Jem Clone" This guitar has a purple curly maple top, a silver Ibanez logo at the headstock, Blue pickups, locking Floyd Rose Tremolo, and the stand Stevie Vai rout/"monkey grip" near the upper horn of the guitar. This guitar was custom made by Ron.
White Jackson/Girlie Guitar. This guitar can be viewed in a picture on my page with Ron and I playing together. The guitar has a reverse headstock, a white finish featuring pictures of his Finacee`, Gwen Stefani, Allyssa Millano and many others. There is a large black spot on the back of the neck by the 1-4th fret, a Floyd Rose Tremolo with the trem arm broken off inside of it, a routed off neck pocket(where the body is attached to the neck on the back of the instrument) and once again this guitar was custom made by Ron and is the most sentimental to him out of the lot.
See Through Green Hamer "stratocaster copy". This guitar has a maple fret board, locking tuners, a piezo bridge, pearloid pickguard, and a black Seymour Duncan "dual-rail-styled" pickup in the bridge. The guitar also has two input jacks; one on the face (near the lower right of the instrument) and one on the bottom( its an off centered rout that is below the other input jack).
If anyone has any information about these instruments please contact me through my myspace account, www.myspace.com/ewik129. These instruments are Ron's main source of income so, any information at all, would be forever indebted to him.
Thank You,
Eric McConnell
This is an email I prayed I'd never have to write or ask to be forwarded. My dear friend Ron Bryant from the band Inertia here in San Antonio has had his three main guitars stolen. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. The descriptions are as follows:
Custom Ibanez "Jem Clone" This guitar has a purple curly maple top, a silver Ibanez logo at the headstock, Blue pickups, locking Floyd Rose Tremolo, and the stand Stevie Vai rout/"monkey grip" near the upper horn of the guitar. This guitar was custom made by Ron.
White Jackson/Girlie Guitar. This guitar can be viewed in a picture on my page with Ron and I playing together. The guitar has a reverse headstock, a white finish featuring pictures of his Finacee`, Gwen Stefani, Allyssa Millano and many others. There is a large black spot on the back of the neck by the 1-4th fret, a Floyd Rose Tremolo with the trem arm broken off inside of it, a routed off neck pocket(where the body is attached to the neck on the back of the instrument) and once again this guitar was custom made by Ron and is the most sentimental to him out of the lot.
See Through Green Hamer "stratocaster copy". This guitar has a maple fret board, locking tuners, a piezo bridge, pearloid pickguard, and a black Seymour Duncan "dual-rail-styled" pickup in the bridge. The guitar also has two input jacks; one on the face (near the lower right of the instrument) and one on the bottom( its an off centered rout that is below the other input jack).
If anyone has any information about these instruments please contact me through my myspace account, www.myspace.com/ewik129. These instruments are Ron's main source of income so, any information at all, would be forever indebted to him.
Thank You,
Eric McConnell
SA Blues Rock - Alive and Kicking
21Black, Right Road Lost, The Killing Floor & St. James Infirmary
Sam’s Burger Joint, Wed., Dec. 7
Well, I’m going to do this review a *little* differently, by offering the allmighty myspace comments between the bands before and after this gig.
As a patron, fan, and admittedly have a metal heart, I sometimes see and hear things differently than others do, so it’s cool to hear from the ones on the stage!
You don’t need an account to see their comments, I don’t have one myself, and what I read was very cool. Ok, I'm TOO lazy to show it all, but you'll find their myspace links here :)
Anyway, what a HEAVY HIT (literally) of a line-up, and also a lovely, supportive gig. (I am so sorry for the lack of photos, as I’m still awaiting Santa for a replacement camera. Dammit!)
First, thanks to Dee of Deemand Entertainment, for her trust in these bands working together and their professionalism. I really think it’s important, not to mention a burden lifted from promoters, to this town to see more of the same, regardless of the venue.
That night, as predicted, had the first hard freeze of the year, mid-week, oh man, iced over roads and cars, freezing rain – 28 degrees, no bueno!
The doors opened at 7:30, and everyone was there, and had already expressed their sincere interest in one another’s music.
So, voila’! The back door was unlocked and all, although shivering and wet, starting hauling their gear in, smiling and laughing at the irony of it all. (Sam’s is a pretty big deal to some bands, so it seems to me…)
The slots chosen primarly BY the guys, the one-hour sets, moved like a silk glove in terms of timeliness and definitely sound quality.
TALK ABOUT A NIGHT OF LOCAL GUITAR GODS ALL AROUND, sincerely.
21Black is a trio of hard-rocking blues ROCKERS, who are so evident in their admiration for artists such as Indigenous, Los Lonely Boys, Robin Trower, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Deep Purple.
The bassist, Miguel…well I’ve always loved seeing a musician jump up on the drummer’s area and show some energetic interaction, VERY kick-ass.
“Take Some Time” was their first tune, and I loved it...
Right Road Lost, to me, are becoming quickly directional, smooth and tight in their music, and I really loved the song written for the singer’s girlfriend, “In Your Room”.
Influences: Anything from Miles and Gillespie to Mofro and Yes. . .The fellas dig it all and put it to good use.
Fr: myspace
Sounds Like: It sounds like US.
YEAH BUDDY!...I like that.
The Killing Floor. Next up, ok, now I won’t comment much as I might be biased, but yet I CAN stand back and say I’m really not; another kick-ass show guys!
St. James Infirmary
Wow, by this time, (I have no idea how many people actually attended, and it really doesn’t matter, now does it?) I'd had a few Kahluas and Jaegermeisters to keep warm, so it gets vague, however…
Sam’s by now was full of some fine, clear, 'move-around' creative music, whether it be cover or originals.
St. James Infirmary were so impressive. How’s this for a description, if you will, from their myspace influences:
Texas Blues, Delta Blues, Gospel, Soul, Funk, Dirt & wailing...
Wailing, INDEED! Throw in some perfected melodic trumpet, harmonica, keys, and you truly have a band that shows contemporary blues and rock.
On a night like that, if you can get people slow-dancing or mid-headbanging (diversity!), a garter belt toss ceremony after a wedding (Congrats AJ and Catherine!), it was just a job well done by all.
This kind of genre I’m seeing (unfortunately not on many occasions), is something very awesome to see live.
If you’re interested in the bands comments, please visit their myspace links.
Sam’s Burger Joint, Wed., Dec. 7
Well, I’m going to do this review a *little* differently, by offering the allmighty myspace comments between the bands before and after this gig.
As a patron, fan, and admittedly have a metal heart, I sometimes see and hear things differently than others do, so it’s cool to hear from the ones on the stage!
You don’t need an account to see their comments, I don’t have one myself, and what I read was very cool. Ok, I'm TOO lazy to show it all, but you'll find their myspace links here :)
Anyway, what a HEAVY HIT (literally) of a line-up, and also a lovely, supportive gig. (I am so sorry for the lack of photos, as I’m still awaiting Santa for a replacement camera. Dammit!)
First, thanks to Dee of Deemand Entertainment, for her trust in these bands working together and their professionalism. I really think it’s important, not to mention a burden lifted from promoters, to this town to see more of the same, regardless of the venue.
That night, as predicted, had the first hard freeze of the year, mid-week, oh man, iced over roads and cars, freezing rain – 28 degrees, no bueno!
The doors opened at 7:30, and everyone was there, and had already expressed their sincere interest in one another’s music.
So, voila’! The back door was unlocked and all, although shivering and wet, starting hauling their gear in, smiling and laughing at the irony of it all. (Sam’s is a pretty big deal to some bands, so it seems to me…)
The slots chosen primarly BY the guys, the one-hour sets, moved like a silk glove in terms of timeliness and definitely sound quality.
TALK ABOUT A NIGHT OF LOCAL GUITAR GODS ALL AROUND, sincerely.
21Black is a trio of hard-rocking blues ROCKERS, who are so evident in their admiration for artists such as Indigenous, Los Lonely Boys, Robin Trower, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Deep Purple.
The bassist, Miguel…well I’ve always loved seeing a musician jump up on the drummer’s area and show some energetic interaction, VERY kick-ass.
“Take Some Time” was their first tune, and I loved it...
Right Road Lost, to me, are becoming quickly directional, smooth and tight in their music, and I really loved the song written for the singer’s girlfriend, “In Your Room”.
Influences: Anything from Miles and Gillespie to Mofro and Yes. . .The fellas dig it all and put it to good use.
Fr: myspace
Sounds Like: It sounds like US.
YEAH BUDDY!...I like that.
The Killing Floor. Next up, ok, now I won’t comment much as I might be biased, but yet I CAN stand back and say I’m really not; another kick-ass show guys!
St. James Infirmary
Wow, by this time, (I have no idea how many people actually attended, and it really doesn’t matter, now does it?) I'd had a few Kahluas and Jaegermeisters to keep warm, so it gets vague, however…
Sam’s by now was full of some fine, clear, 'move-around' creative music, whether it be cover or originals.
St. James Infirmary were so impressive. How’s this for a description, if you will, from their myspace influences:
Texas Blues, Delta Blues, Gospel, Soul, Funk, Dirt & wailing...
Wailing, INDEED! Throw in some perfected melodic trumpet, harmonica, keys, and you truly have a band that shows contemporary blues and rock.
On a night like that, if you can get people slow-dancing or mid-headbanging (diversity!), a garter belt toss ceremony after a wedding (Congrats AJ and Catherine!), it was just a job well done by all.
This kind of genre I’m seeing (unfortunately not on many occasions), is something very awesome to see live.
If you’re interested in the bands comments, please visit their myspace links.
Rok Candy at the Pour House and BoozeHounds
from Rok Candy:
Rok Candy did really well this past weekend at Legend's Sports Bar (Cool Place) to play; and also Main Street was also a sweet gig. The staff were great and so were the patrons.
This weekend we'll be at The Pour House on Friday and BoozeHounds on Saturday.
Rok Candy did really well this past weekend at Legend's Sports Bar (Cool Place) to play; and also Main Street was also a sweet gig. The staff were great and so were the patrons.
This weekend we'll be at The Pour House on Friday and BoozeHounds on Saturday.
Papa Wood Holiday Bash
from Papa Wood:
Feliz Navidad everyone, from all the Merry Gentlemen of Papa Wood. The year is winding down, but we still have a few gigs to let you know about. FRIDAY Dec. 23rd will be our BIG Holiday Bash at Tiffany Billiards (7011 San Pedro inside 410). It's Christmas Eve EVE, so maybe I'll wear a santa hat or elf stockings or something ridiculous like that.
Friday, Dec. 16th and Dec. 3oth Papa Wood will be at Lucky's (12289 Nacogdoches Rd at Thousand Oaks) with our guest singer Guido. This of course is due to my (Nathan) previous commitments which will expire at the end of this year. So, come cheer the guys on as they make their triumphant return to Lucky's...where everyone gets lucky :)
Feliz Navidad everyone, from all the Merry Gentlemen of Papa Wood. The year is winding down, but we still have a few gigs to let you know about. FRIDAY Dec. 23rd will be our BIG Holiday Bash at Tiffany Billiards (7011 San Pedro inside 410). It's Christmas Eve EVE, so maybe I'll wear a santa hat or elf stockings or something ridiculous like that.
Friday, Dec. 16th and Dec. 3oth Papa Wood will be at Lucky's (12289 Nacogdoches Rd at Thousand Oaks) with our guest singer Guido. This of course is due to my (Nathan) previous commitments which will expire at the end of this year. So, come cheer the guys on as they make their triumphant return to Lucky's...where everyone gets lucky :)
December 11, 2005
Flashback Update
from Flashback:
Howdy fellow classic rock fans! Here's the latest from Flashback...
Saturday was our best gig at Tripp's yet! We had a great time, and the crowd really enjoyed themselves. The place was packed, and we made some new friends - one of whom even took over the mic as we backed him up on "Keep Your Hands to Yourself". Thanks Dennis - you rocked it! We want to thank everyone who came out and danced, drank and showed their appreciation. That's what it's all about.
We were planning on taking January off to regroup and refocus, but the folks from the True Blue Roadhouse happened to be at Tripp's and really wanted to book us for their place in January. We couldn't refuse, so we'll be there at the end of the month. It should be a great show - we're looking forward to it.
Meanwhile, for the rest of December... we will be at the Firehouse Pub and Grill on Friday the 16th, and Billy D's in Universal City for our New Year's Eve show with the Sirens on... New Year's Eve (of course) - Saturday the 31st. Additional information for all our gigs is on our schedule page at http://www.flashbacksanantonio.com. Hope to see you there!
Howdy fellow classic rock fans! Here's the latest from Flashback...
Saturday was our best gig at Tripp's yet! We had a great time, and the crowd really enjoyed themselves. The place was packed, and we made some new friends - one of whom even took over the mic as we backed him up on "Keep Your Hands to Yourself". Thanks Dennis - you rocked it! We want to thank everyone who came out and danced, drank and showed their appreciation. That's what it's all about.
We were planning on taking January off to regroup and refocus, but the folks from the True Blue Roadhouse happened to be at Tripp's and really wanted to book us for their place in January. We couldn't refuse, so we'll be there at the end of the month. It should be a great show - we're looking forward to it.
Meanwhile, for the rest of December... we will be at the Firehouse Pub and Grill on Friday the 16th, and Billy D's in Universal City for our New Year's Eve show with the Sirens on... New Year's Eve (of course) - Saturday the 31st. Additional information for all our gigs is on our schedule page at http://www.flashbacksanantonio.com. Hope to see you there!
December 10, 2005
Chris is Boss
Staci and I actually headed out EARLY for once last night. We went up to Wise Guys Bar & Pizzeria to check out Chris Boss. We got there around 9:00. The band wasn’t there yet, but that was ok, because we wanted to eat first anyway. An appetizer of artichoke parmigiana (excellent!). Staci ordered the lasagna, which also comes with a salad. The salad was so big that, between that and the appetizer, she was so full she barely touched her lasagna! After consulting with the waitress on exactly what stromboli was (isn’t that the bad guy in Pinocchio?), I decided to give it a try. Turns out it’s pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella and some other stuff inside a sort of twisted bread...crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. You break it apart and dip it in marinara sauce. Great stuff! I ate about half of it and I was absolutely stuffed!
As we were eating and chatting about how much we liked the color of their plates and how much I wish I had their jukebox at my house, the band came in and set up and Chris Boss worked the room, chatting with some regular fans, etc. Which brings me to something I probably shouldn’t say, but I’m going to anyway. I went to see Chris Boss because he’s a new sponsor of SA Rocks. I wasn’t sure I really wanted to because of comments on the “Favorite Band” post on here. “Sounds like every other band in town,” “very into himself and rude to the audience,” “watered down version of any cheesy 80's band,” etc. We planned to eat, sit through a set, then head over to The Falls so I could check out this waterfall I keep hearing about.
Well, we never made it to The Falls. The waterfall will just have to wait. Because I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HELL THESE PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT! They must have seen some other Chris Boss. Maybe he has an evil twin running around town pretending to be him, being rude and playing cheesy music. I don’t know. But the Chris Boss WE heard and met was not only very nice and funny and all about pleasing the audience, but also very talented and versatile. Chris is an awesome guitar player and has a very distinctive voice and a good range. And yes, they did play some 80's songs. They also played songs from every decade from the 70's on up to now.
The thing that impressed me the most was that they would play almost anything the audience requested. Chris would say, “What do you guys want to hear?” Somebody would shout out a song or the name of a band, and they would (almost always) play it. So, as you can imagine, they played quite a variety of music. The thing that impressed Staci the most was when Chris Boss played an entire guitar solo with the guitar behind his head, then swung the guitar around front, still soloing, never missing a note.
They started off with some White Stripes, “Seven Nation Army.” Then moved on to The Clash, with “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” At this point, someone shouted out “Rock and roll!” so they played Led Zeppelin’s “Rock n’ roll,” complete with the drum solo at the end. Then someone yelled out, “Jimi!” Chris Boss mentioned that it was funny how with some artists, all you have to say is their first name and everyone automatically knows who you’re talking about...then he started playing some Jimmy Buffett, ha-ha! The guy yelled, “I was talking about Jimi with an ‘I’” and Chris said, “I know exactly who you were talking about,” and launched into “Voodoo Chile.” Next up was “Sweet Home Alabama,” then (on request) some Beastie Boys “Fight for Your Right,” Sublime’s “What I Got,” and Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun.” He then asked if we minded if they played some blues, which of course we didn’t...and unfortunately I don’t know the name of the song they did, but it sounded great, awesome guitarwork. Then they finished up the set with Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.” Tell me “every other band in town” does THAT song!
As a good band should, the guys went out between sets and mingled with the audience. Chris stopped by our table to make sure we were enjoying the music and that we were going to stick around for awhile. To tell the truth, we got a little bored between sets because, well, I guess Wise Guys is kind of a “neighborhood bar,” where everyone knows everyone else and they all move around talking to each other. We didn’t know anyone so we pretty much just sat there waiting for the band to go back on.
Which they did, starting out with Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Then a song I just refer to as “that damn 80's song,” because I can never remember who did it or what the name of it is! More Sublime with “Santeria.” Someone shouted out, “Paradise City,” and they didn’t play that, but they did play “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Some Blink 182 “All the Small Things,” Weezer’s “Beverly Hills,” and Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy.” A great medley of The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” and “I Wanna Be Sedated,” with the bass player on vocals (great job!). Green Day’s “American Idiot.” A girl requested Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” because it was her favorite song. Chris Boss said they didn’t know that one but they would try since it was her favorite...then they played it perfectly. Then they totally switched it up by playing “You Never Even Call Me By Name,” with everyone singing along. They finished the second set with Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”
I’m a little fuzzy on the middle of the third set, because at that point I actually did run into someone I knew and whom I’ve known since Junior High and haven’t seen since his band used to play at Sneakers, so we had a little catching up to do, but I’ll give you what I got and hopefully it’s right. They started off with “You Really Got Me” - the Van Halen version, complete with “Eruption” at the beginning. The Killers’ “Somebody Told Me,” Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out,”Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker,” Led Zeppelin’s “D’yer Maker.” Here’s where I ran into Darwin, but I know there was some Metallica and The Darkness. Then AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” Radiohead’s “Creep,” and Green Day’s “Basket Case.” And they ended the night with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Jimi-style.
I hope I didn’t bore everyone with all the setlist details, but I wanted to set the record straight on the variety these guys play. It all sounded great. And Chris was very nice to come sit with us afterwards and chat - about the movie “Crossroads,” (NOT the Britney Spears one...the GOOD one!), Steve Vai and guitar-throwing. So don’t believe the critics in the comments...these guys are very good, very versatile and very nice. But hell, don’t take my word for it...go check ‘em out tonight at The Falls (226 W Bitters).
You can learn more about Chris Boss at their website at www.chrisboss.com. They also play original music. You can hear some right now at http://www.cdbaby.com/chrisboss and they have a full album coming out soon, so keep an eye (and ear) out for that.
As we were eating and chatting about how much we liked the color of their plates and how much I wish I had their jukebox at my house, the band came in and set up and Chris Boss worked the room, chatting with some regular fans, etc. Which brings me to something I probably shouldn’t say, but I’m going to anyway. I went to see Chris Boss because he’s a new sponsor of SA Rocks. I wasn’t sure I really wanted to because of comments on the “Favorite Band” post on here. “Sounds like every other band in town,” “very into himself and rude to the audience,” “watered down version of any cheesy 80's band,” etc. We planned to eat, sit through a set, then head over to The Falls so I could check out this waterfall I keep hearing about.
Well, we never made it to The Falls. The waterfall will just have to wait. Because I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HELL THESE PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT! They must have seen some other Chris Boss. Maybe he has an evil twin running around town pretending to be him, being rude and playing cheesy music. I don’t know. But the Chris Boss WE heard and met was not only very nice and funny and all about pleasing the audience, but also very talented and versatile. Chris is an awesome guitar player and has a very distinctive voice and a good range. And yes, they did play some 80's songs. They also played songs from every decade from the 70's on up to now.
The thing that impressed me the most was that they would play almost anything the audience requested. Chris would say, “What do you guys want to hear?” Somebody would shout out a song or the name of a band, and they would (almost always) play it. So, as you can imagine, they played quite a variety of music. The thing that impressed Staci the most was when Chris Boss played an entire guitar solo with the guitar behind his head, then swung the guitar around front, still soloing, never missing a note.
They started off with some White Stripes, “Seven Nation Army.” Then moved on to The Clash, with “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” At this point, someone shouted out “Rock and roll!” so they played Led Zeppelin’s “Rock n’ roll,” complete with the drum solo at the end. Then someone yelled out, “Jimi!” Chris Boss mentioned that it was funny how with some artists, all you have to say is their first name and everyone automatically knows who you’re talking about...then he started playing some Jimmy Buffett, ha-ha! The guy yelled, “I was talking about Jimi with an ‘I’” and Chris said, “I know exactly who you were talking about,” and launched into “Voodoo Chile.” Next up was “Sweet Home Alabama,” then (on request) some Beastie Boys “Fight for Your Right,” Sublime’s “What I Got,” and Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun.” He then asked if we minded if they played some blues, which of course we didn’t...and unfortunately I don’t know the name of the song they did, but it sounded great, awesome guitarwork. Then they finished up the set with Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.” Tell me “every other band in town” does THAT song!
As a good band should, the guys went out between sets and mingled with the audience. Chris stopped by our table to make sure we were enjoying the music and that we were going to stick around for awhile. To tell the truth, we got a little bored between sets because, well, I guess Wise Guys is kind of a “neighborhood bar,” where everyone knows everyone else and they all move around talking to each other. We didn’t know anyone so we pretty much just sat there waiting for the band to go back on.
Which they did, starting out with Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Then a song I just refer to as “that damn 80's song,” because I can never remember who did it or what the name of it is! More Sublime with “Santeria.” Someone shouted out, “Paradise City,” and they didn’t play that, but they did play “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Some Blink 182 “All the Small Things,” Weezer’s “Beverly Hills,” and Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy.” A great medley of The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” and “I Wanna Be Sedated,” with the bass player on vocals (great job!). Green Day’s “American Idiot.” A girl requested Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” because it was her favorite song. Chris Boss said they didn’t know that one but they would try since it was her favorite...then they played it perfectly. Then they totally switched it up by playing “You Never Even Call Me By Name,” with everyone singing along. They finished the second set with Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”
I’m a little fuzzy on the middle of the third set, because at that point I actually did run into someone I knew and whom I’ve known since Junior High and haven’t seen since his band used to play at Sneakers, so we had a little catching up to do, but I’ll give you what I got and hopefully it’s right. They started off with “You Really Got Me” - the Van Halen version, complete with “Eruption” at the beginning. The Killers’ “Somebody Told Me,” Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out,”Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker,” Led Zeppelin’s “D’yer Maker.” Here’s where I ran into Darwin, but I know there was some Metallica and The Darkness. Then AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” Radiohead’s “Creep,” and Green Day’s “Basket Case.” And they ended the night with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Jimi-style.
I hope I didn’t bore everyone with all the setlist details, but I wanted to set the record straight on the variety these guys play. It all sounded great. And Chris was very nice to come sit with us afterwards and chat - about the movie “Crossroads,” (NOT the Britney Spears one...the GOOD one!), Steve Vai and guitar-throwing. So don’t believe the critics in the comments...these guys are very good, very versatile and very nice. But hell, don’t take my word for it...go check ‘em out tonight at The Falls (226 W Bitters).
You can learn more about Chris Boss at their website at www.chrisboss.com. They also play original music. You can hear some right now at http://www.cdbaby.com/chrisboss and they have a full album coming out soon, so keep an eye (and ear) out for that.
Sintense Live in London!
London Sub and Pub that is!!! Corner of Bandera and Guilbeau
Tonight, Saturday December 10th at 9:00pm
Featuring El Sancho (www.myspace.com/elsanchomusic) and Tension Speak (www.tensionspeak.com)
21 and up, NO COVER THIS SHOW IS FREEEEEE
This may be our last show of the year so come check us out before our new stuff comes out!!!
www.myspace.com/sintense or www.sintense4.com
Happy Holidays and come rock with us!!!
Tonight, Saturday December 10th at 9:00pm
Featuring El Sancho (www.myspace.com/elsanchomusic) and Tension Speak (www.tensionspeak.com)
21 and up, NO COVER THIS SHOW IS FREEEEEE
This may be our last show of the year so come check us out before our new stuff comes out!!!
www.myspace.com/sintense or www.sintense4.com
Happy Holidays and come rock with us!!!
December 9, 2005
Public Access in Danger
from San Antonio for Public Access:
"With the looming expiration of Time Warner Cable's franchise agreement with the city and a new law requiring state-issued franchise agreements, the city is facing the possibility of contracting production services for public, education and government access channels at the first of the year.
Senate Bill 5, passed in the Legislature's second special session this year, replaces local cable franchise agreements with state-issued deals between cable and video providers and the Public Utility Commission.
This means the providers are no longer responsible for supplying production services for public, education and government access channels and are now responsible only for transmitting and distributing the signals for those three channels.
Time Warner has managed the public access channel and has provided limited production assistance for the education channel and partial production assistance for the government channel, which airs City Council meetings and other public programming. The company's franchise agreement with the city expires Dec. 31.
In the short term, the city could discontinue the channels, maintain the same level of programming through an agreement with Time Warner or a production company, or modify the level of programming with the use of a production company...
...Councilmen Kevin Wolff and Richard Perez said temporarily discontinuing the channels may be necessary to ensure that the city makes the right decision, given that the council must decide on something by Dec. 15, its last meeting of the year.
The city could then lose the channels and have to reapply for them, without the guarantee they would be reinstated on the basic tier of channels, Gorzell said.
Perez said he wanted to focus on strengthening the government access channel, where residents can watch city department programs, "Our Part of Town" talent shows and the council members' district shows..."
Translation: due to a senate bill, we are in danger of losing our public access channel. This will be decided at the city council meeting on December 15th.
How you can help (also from www.sa4pa.com):
The last day of production support for all channel 20 broadcasts may very well be on December 31, 2005.
How to make a difference:
1. Contact your District Rep today! Information is provided on this site.
2. Don't let channel 20 "go dark!" Urge your District Rep to avoid disruption of programming and vote in favor of retaining Time Warner's current level of service in 2006; until the council decides on what to do about public access.
3. Tell everyone that supports your programming about this issue and request that they do the same right away.
4. Leave a message in the Guest Book on this site to share your thoughts and voice your opinion.
5. Attend the City Council Meeting on December 15, 2005. It may be the last public forum on this matter for discussion.
"With the looming expiration of Time Warner Cable's franchise agreement with the city and a new law requiring state-issued franchise agreements, the city is facing the possibility of contracting production services for public, education and government access channels at the first of the year.
Senate Bill 5, passed in the Legislature's second special session this year, replaces local cable franchise agreements with state-issued deals between cable and video providers and the Public Utility Commission.
This means the providers are no longer responsible for supplying production services for public, education and government access channels and are now responsible only for transmitting and distributing the signals for those three channels.
Time Warner has managed the public access channel and has provided limited production assistance for the education channel and partial production assistance for the government channel, which airs City Council meetings and other public programming. The company's franchise agreement with the city expires Dec. 31.
In the short term, the city could discontinue the channels, maintain the same level of programming through an agreement with Time Warner or a production company, or modify the level of programming with the use of a production company...
...Councilmen Kevin Wolff and Richard Perez said temporarily discontinuing the channels may be necessary to ensure that the city makes the right decision, given that the council must decide on something by Dec. 15, its last meeting of the year.
The city could then lose the channels and have to reapply for them, without the guarantee they would be reinstated on the basic tier of channels, Gorzell said.
Perez said he wanted to focus on strengthening the government access channel, where residents can watch city department programs, "Our Part of Town" talent shows and the council members' district shows..."
Translation: due to a senate bill, we are in danger of losing our public access channel. This will be decided at the city council meeting on December 15th.
How you can help (also from www.sa4pa.com):
The last day of production support for all channel 20 broadcasts may very well be on December 31, 2005.
How to make a difference:
1. Contact your District Rep today! Information is provided on this site.
2. Don't let channel 20 "go dark!" Urge your District Rep to avoid disruption of programming and vote in favor of retaining Time Warner's current level of service in 2006; until the council decides on what to do about public access.
3. Tell everyone that supports your programming about this issue and request that they do the same right away.
4. Leave a message in the Guest Book on this site to share your thoughts and voice your opinion.
5. Attend the City Council Meeting on December 15, 2005. It may be the last public forum on this matter for discussion.
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