THE SA ROCKS BLOG: September 2008

.08, 10/3 @ Tonic

TDH Promotions Presents 10/3 @ Click's

New stage, new sound, new lights!!! Come check out the new Rock Bar at Click's on Evers Rd. at Loop 410 with RESYN8 rocking two full hours of originals and covers followed by the unique melodic rockin' of Open Chapter!!!

http://www.tdhpromotions.com

The Roq and Ride @ Caliente Harley Davidson; 10/5

*Note: Step Aside will be playing from 7:15p-7:45p

Get the Belt this weekend...

Chill Factor @ Speedway Sportsbar (#1), 10/3

http://www.myspace.com/chillfactorrocks

Rare Tito & Tarantula show, Oct 3, Rock Bottom Bar

http://www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomtitospace

Texxas Traxx, 10/5 @ Scout Bar

The Killing Floor, 10/3

TKF will be 'warming' up Gonzales tonight in Gonzales @ 8pm, gearing up for The Gonzales Thunder Rally on 10/10.

If you're out of area, come show the band some love and please keep Jack in your thoughts.

The man is unstoppable!

http://www.myspace.com/thekillingfloormusic

Delta House @ The Falls, 10/4

Logan's Battle of the Bands, 10/3

Prototype @ The Hot Tin Roof 10/3

http://www.prototyperockssa.com

Dead Ringer

What it is everybody?

Dead Ringer is still alive and well!

We've got the city covered so there's no excuse for you not to party with the Ringerz this weekend!

Friday night we will be at Roxy's by Ingram Mall and Saturday we'll be at Billy D's in Universal City.

Go to http://www.deadringerzone.com for maps and more info. Looking forward to seeing some of you cats we haven't seen in a while. Be cool!

Mario D. Schrute

Soho Lounge, 10/4

http://www.myspace.com/soholoungesa

From: Los Rokmantix

Hello friends across the Interweb!

LRX has two shows scheduled for this weekend with our good friend Andy of Mindframe filling in on bass.

Saturday October 4, 2008 at Blue Bubble Ballroom, 9:30 PM
9315 Broadway
Cost: $3 (minors) and $5 bucks (18+)

We start after Rock for Barack which should end around 9:30ish.

Bands: Accord of Dissonance, Los Rokmantics, Audio Glo Experience, and Espira!

Purpose is to raise awareness for the upcoming Local 782 benefit show on October 19, 2008

(See other blog posting on this event...)

Also on Sunday October 5, 2008 Los Rokmantix will be at Sam's Snack Stand, 5:00PM
5829 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78228

Free for all ages!

Sam's sells all kinds of snacks like Frito Pies, ice cream, nachos, etc. so come chill out and check out some awesome rock en espanol!

http://www.myspace.com/losrokmantix

Drive @ Tonic, 10/4

Stolen Motive, Retilez 10/3

http://www.myspace.com/stolenmotive

Yngwie Malmsteen @ Scout Bar, 10/4

New American MOB and more, Jigger's - 10/3

http://www.myspace.com/emokidsneedlove

The Tex Pistols and more @ Sam's Burger Joint, 10/3

Ledaswan @ The Mix, 10/3

Battle of the Bands @ Rebar, 10/4

Red Sauce Rules; Jason Zimmerman of EZ Street

RED SAUCE RULES!

An interesting name for an interesting band...

You and I have probably seen them listed in lots of places and for good reason!

Saturday night, bored and looking to go hear some live music.

I decided to go check out The Firehouse Pub & Grill on Walzem Rd. It looked intriguing as I have driven by several times before.

As we pull into the parking lot you could hear the band wailing away, there goes the boredom!

Saturday was listed, (and I'm glad I saw it!), as Red Sauce Rules.

We walked in and heard a killer version of “Hey Jealousy” by The Gin Blossoms, got settled into our booth and heard the band talking about props and wardrobe, (ok the boredom seems to be ancient history by now!) and saw the guitar players morph into Billy Gibbons with the hat, cheap sunglasses and long beards.

The band rocked through a mini ZZTop set as they played “Tush” and “La Grange”.

As they were switching costumes between songs a friend of theirs walked in and yelled drum solo!

Next thing you know Rob Nichols goes nuts on the skins and even wows Fred Koos (bass player/lead vocals).

The band finishes their set on a funky note jamming to “Play that Funky Music” complete with fake afro, pimp hats worn by the two guitar players, John Garza and Jeff Maldonado.

After a short break the people started flowing in and I think the band took notice of this as they rocked out with a version of “Cold Hard Bitch” by Jet.

This crowd was in store for an entertaining evening as there was everything from song negotiations with a girl that yelled Free Bird, yeah! (There is one in every crowd), and settled on Dirty Deeds by AC/DC alll the way to some Spanish lessons from John Garza.

...even followed by himself and Jeff singing some Juanes and Los Lobos.

For me personally the highlights of the evening were “Barbacoa Blues”, also belted out by John which brought house down and “Lights” by Journey sung by Jeff, a song you rarely see a cover band attempt.

Some other tunes that the band nailed were “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner and “Should I stay or Should I go” by the Clash and even an original song by the band called “Broken Man”.

The band closed out their night by giving the girl in the front row some Skynard, playing “Sweet Home Alabama” and closing it off with Mustang Sally which apparently was not enough for the crowd as they chanted encore, encore!

Go check these guys out, and thanks guys for an entertaining evening. It was a blast!

Check out their website and upcoming shows at http://www.redsaucerules.com

ALTER EGO rocks Click's & Rebar this weekend

Saturday at the Mix

Puddy Cat Benefit

Roli's mad skin skillz tonight @ Scout Bar

Roli (Edge of Grace, Exit Stage Left and Stun Method) will be drumming with MINUS ZERO

http://www.myspace.com/roundoval

Nancy Silva Project, 9/27 @ Reptilez

Double Dose of Delta House!

Fake Problems & more @ Warhol Sept. 27

Loved Ones @ Warhol Sept. 26

Roq & Ride at Caliente HD Oct. 5

Mexican Stepgrandfather at SAC Sept. 25

FUZE @ Boozehound's, 9/26

http://www.thefuzeband.com/

Los Rokmantix seeking bassist and graphics designer

Los Rokmantix is seeking a new bassist.

Must have own equipment and transportation. Band experience is a plus but not entirely necessary--more than anything, you must have the desire to learn songs quickly and think on your feet musically. Spanish skills are a plus but not required.

This is an unpaid gig as all the money we've made has gone back into the band: shirts, buttons, repairs, cd-rs of our first demo...and we will be recording our first cd soon.

A majority of our shows are Do It Yourself (DIY), meaning you must be part of a team that unloads all equipment, sets up sound, rocks out the show, and loads up
after wards for shows in SA and Austin.

For the time being, our shows and practices are during the weekends.

Graphic Designer:

We need help on re-inventing our logo, create a website as well as work on our Ep's cover design.

If interested please write to the MySpace or call Alfonso at 830-591-7624 or Martha 210-367-1728.

http://www.myspace.com/losrokmantix

Prototype this Weekend

http://www.prototyperockssa.com

The Black Doves rock Tonic, 9/26

http://www.myspace.com/theblackdovesusa

Slurly and Darkwater in Boerne, 9/27

MTO with Anthony Castilla @ Legends, 9/26

Texxas Traxx @ Scout Bar, 9/28 with Muncy's Nurse, Goodnight Goddess and Pop Pistol

9/27 @ Wild Cardz

TKF's annual benefit for G.O.C., 9/27 - New band line up

We are honored once again to be a part of the annual GOC fundraiser rally around the children. Raffle to win a 2008 Harley, a bike trailer or $500 gift card, bike show, tattoo contest, kids raffle, live auction, food/drink and other family activities.

Also, come on out and give a big holler to our new bass player JANGO.

"New Image" with Larry Rimes, TKF's previous percussionist, will be sitting in as well!

Bo Porter & the Dixie Rockits @ 12p
Middle Ground @ 2pm
The Killing Floor will play @ 7pm

The Shade Tree Saloon and Grill
13430 Hwy 281 N.
Spring Branch, TX 78070
830-885-5550

http://www.myspace.com/thekillingfloormusic

Ruben V, 9/27

Saturday, September 27th, 2008
Changos Havana Club
7:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
23535 W IH 10
San Antonio TX 78257
USA
210.698.8922
Price: Free

http://www.rubenv.com

Local 782 BBQ Fundraiser, 9/28

http://www.myspace.com/local782

Lavish Luck @ The Revolution Room, 9/27

Heads up! Girl in a Coma back @ Jack's, 9/26

http://www.girlinacoma.com

Papawood @ Scout Bar, 9/26

40 Wt. @ Frontline BBQ, 9/26

Red Light Sanchas, 9/26 @ Retox Bar

http://www.myspace.com/retoxbarsa

Dragonfly, Wednesdays & Saturdays @ Bombay Ranch

*Note: More awesome graphics by SPADE!

http://www.myspace.com/dragonfly_

TDH Promotions presents...9/25 @ Click's Billiards

Egypt Central
Midnight To Twelve
Seven Perfect
Crimson Envy

FrontGate Tickets
$7+sc - $10+sc
Click here for Ticket Sales:
http://tickets.frontgatetickets.com/choose.php?pl=76&lid=24960&eid=30435

http://www.tdhpromotions.com/

http://www.myspace.com/crimsonenvy

http://www.egyptcentral.net/

http://www.myspace.com/sevenperfectband

http://www.myspace.com/m212live

Become a LEGEND with a great VIEW w/ALTER EGO

Minus Zero, Wednesdays @ Scout Bar

http://www.myspace.com/minuszerosa

Jigger's all ages show, 9/19

http://www.myspace.com/emokidsneedlove

Get the Belt @ Babcock Bar, 9/18 and 9/20

http://www.myspace.com/getthebelt

.08 @ Babcock Bar, 9/19

http://www.myspace.com/point08sanantonio

Margarita Pour-Off 9/20!

$15 advance
$20 at the gate

Tickets are on sale now at all participating IBC Bank locations and will be available until September 20th at 12 Noon; at which point tickets at the gate will go on sale.

2:00pm - 3:00pm Resyn8
3:20pm - 4:10pm Dog Men Poets - set 1
4:25pm - 5:10pm Dog Men Poets - set 2
5:30pm - 6:30pm 4:15 - set 1
6:00pm ANNOUNCE MARGARITA FINALISTS
6:30pm - 6:50pm FINALIST PRESENTATION ON STAGE
7:00pm ANNOUNCE WINNERS
7:10pm - 8:10pm 4:15 - set 2
8:25pm - 9:25pm Papa Wood - set 1
9:40pm - 10:40pm Papa Wood - set 2

Papawood @ Hooligan's, 9/19

http://www.papawood.com

Swan Song, Jokester and Hogg Shedd @ Hemisfair Park, 9/20

104.5 KZEP and Nikita Productions present "A Tribute to Led Zepplin" by the tribute band Swan Song. Jokester will be joining Swan Song and opening band HoggShedd to throw another San Antonio style party at Hemisfair Park.

This is a free show with gates opening at 5pm. Come enjoy some ice cold beer, killer music and the beauty of Hemisfair Park as we blast out new songs from our upcoming CD, tunes from our past catalog and some longtime San Antonio favorites. See you there....

Thank you for the info Jokester!

Kickin' ass @ Sportswest in Seguin, 9/20

http://www.myspace.com/bowlseguin

Blood on the Stage - Steve Wilson, The Black Doves

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Wow.

That's a pretty much all I have to say about last night. Our first impression of The Venue was one of hesitation when we pulled up on Euclid Street. At first glance, it's a "diamond in the rough". Across the street from a rundown hotel/apartment complex undergoing some construction you would never know that a pearl lay inside the rough exterior shell.

When we agreed to play the Pure Fyre Entertainment-sponsored "Battle of The Bands", we had minor expectations. While we knew we'd be playing alongside some relatively "young" bands, we walked in with an enthusiastic attitude. Any opportunity to play in front of a diverse (read younger) crowd, is a good one for us. We arrived to the driving sound of a cover of "Ring Of Fire" (anyone who has seen the sticker on the back of my car knows why this brought a smile to my face). Unfortunately, we didn't get the opportunity to listen to much of the band performing the song as we were loading in. After doing all the heavy lifting (the fun part of being an indie band), we set up our merch table and sat down for some water (*no really, water...Scout Bar the night before took it's toll).

The first band we actually watched was City On A Snowfield. Fronted by a young lady by the name of Marissa with a great voice, the band played their whole set full of heart and poured it out. They'd obviously hustled to get folks there as they sold a "plethora" of tickets for the event. I later met Derek and Jacob as I was getting my guitars ready in the prep room. They told me that they'd caught us at Warped Tour. It was the first time anyone had told me that and I was grateful that they'd stuck around to see a bit of the show that long hot summer day.

The band that played after that was called Arm In Time. A three-piece new to S.A., they played a bluesy, etheral brand of power rock that (although not everyone could appreciate it) showed the talent that these three guys had to offer. There music exuded a maturity that overshadowed their relatively young members. On their MySpace, they talk of combining the 60's with the current decade and I think it describes them well.

Next up was the punk/pop/rock band Given A Chance. They rocked hard with their Green Day-esque performance and lightened the mood with their stage banter. A great band if you're a fan of modern punk. Check 'em out. We caught most of their show, then prep'ed for our turn on stage.

After a quick equipment set up and almost non-existant sound check (which made absolutely no difference as The Venue's resident sound guy worked some P.F.MAGIC!) we went in to our first tune. Now I have to be honest here....we didn't have a whole lot of energy before taking the stage because we were pretty worn out from the night before. Our spirits were down due to a critical "no-show" by someone we'd counted on, and we didn't quite feel at our "best" prior to hitting the first note. BUT IT ALL WENT AWAY the minute I went in to the first riff of Chapter. We decided to roll with a set that required no guitar changes (and for me, that's damn unusual), and it was PURE ENERGY.

Now...to make this story a bit more interesting, I'm going to show you exhibit A. This is photographic evidence proving the difference a day makes.

So..back to the story:
Those whom have witnessed the conclusion to a true Black Doves show, have seen that at times I can get a little destructive. Now we're not talking about Pete Townsend destructive (because we're broke...if we had the money to spend on new amps, guitars, drum heads, etc...we'd break it..believe me), but let's just say a little "amp'ed up" (no pun intended). So, last night was no different. At the end of Eyes Wide, with my guitar held by one hand I decided to throw it. Now, instead of just dropping it, I swung it to throw trying to ensure a "safe" landing but providing my Marshall with a distorted "bang" of a finish. To my detriment, I swung said guitar directly into my face reminiscent of Krist Novoselic at the VMA's. This resulted in what I like to call Exhibit B:

Now these two photos minimize what it looked like last night as the wounds had been washed, and treated. You can see evidence of the black eyes. Picture these two wounds bleeding, along with a nice stream of blood flowing from my left nostril...Now you're getting the picture....:)

Final result: A little blood on the stage and one of the best shows The Black Doves have ever performed. With some excellent work by a good sound man, a little energy from the crown, and some post-Thursday night angst, we threw down. We didn't win the battle and we have some scars. We learned some lessons about trust and responsibility. We met some awesome people and saw a lot of talent...most of all:
We rocked the *&%$@ house and felt good doing it.

For those whom still haven't seen us live, we'd love to see you at the next show. For those that have, keep coming back and tell some friends. We're about to release this long overdue CD and we want you all to be a part of it. Special thanks to Vega and the staff of The Venue, to Jon, Crimson Envy, Ember, Kelly and the friends the night before, and to the bands that put it all out there even if there are only a few people watching. Keep coming back.
Much Love people.

-Steve
Resident Black Dove

http://www.myspace.com/theblackdovesusa

Jar of Flies, 9/25

http://www.myspace.com/jaroffliestx

Wise Guy's, 9/19

Halfway Legal Wednesdays @ The Bitter End

Prototype @ Brook's Pub and Broadway 50/50

http://www.prototyperockssa.com

Crossroads rescheduled 9/19 @ Hemisfair Plaza

http://www.myspace.com/crossroadsrockssanantonio

Delta House @ Silo on Austin Hwy., 9/19

http://www.myspace.com/thedeltahouseband

3 Dollar Holler Show, 9/19 @ The Blue Bubble Ballroom

Rock Bottom, 9/20

http://www.myspace.com/rockbottomtattoobar

Tonic's 1 Year Anniversary with Lavish Luck and Rhyme Mind Theory, 9/20

http://www.myspace.com/tonicthebar

http://www.myspace.com/findthemiddleground

The Warhol on 9/20

This place seems to be doing so well, kudos to the guys who got it open and BOO to the people who have dissed it because of the location!

http://www.myspace.com/thewarhol

South Texas Destroyers, CD release party @ Sam's Burger Joint 9/19

http://www.myspace.com/southtexasdestroyers

http://www.sacurrent.com/music/story.asp?id=69315

Double shot of FUZE, 9/19 and 9/20

http://www.thefuzeband.com

The Bob Bass Band @ Harmon's - next show 9/19 @ Rolling Oaks

THE BLUES!
By Jason of EZ Street

NEXT SHOW:
Sep 19 2008 8:00P
Rolling Oaks Sports Bar and Grill

This may not be a ROCK review but if you want to find out the roots of ROCK keep reading.

Hmmm. Where do we start. It’s Saturday night in small town called Cibolo. You can smell the brisket and slabs of ribs on the pit as you pull into Harmon’s BBQ parking lot. Once you get out of your car it all hits you. The smell of good BBQ and the sound of good BLUES. Kind of takes you back to the days of the old Juke Joints.

When we were walking into Harmon’s the band had already been playing for awhile so they were already warmed up and ready to wail.

The band was in the middle of a classic blues song Killing Floor by Bo Diddley and we were greeted by friends who looked to be having a great time and enjoying the band.

Tonight it was the Bob Bass Band. I saw these guys about 2 months before at the very same place.

The band played on and only got stronger and tighter. They played the classic Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix and a tune called Slide Thing where the band shows just how tight they really are as there are precise breaks in the middle and end of the song.

They continued to shine as they displayed each member’s talents in solos. The band is made up of Clay Miller on drums who has a very good hold on blues drumming.

Dave Meisner on bass who knows how to lay a mean bass line down.

Bobby Fin on guitar, if you want to see someone play guitar check this guy out. He will make you tired just watching him and you see the love for music that he has on his face as he plays.

I think they had to call the Cibolo Fire Dept. after one of his solos.

Last but not least the showman Bob Bass. You can feel the blues come out of this guy either by his soulful voice, his feeling in his guitar playing or the goose bumps you get when he plays the harp. He also keeps the show moving and keeps the other band members on their toes. Grab your drinks fast guys or Bob will start without you. It is a thing of magic.

Well the set was almost over and they decided to play a couple of my favorite songs. Merry Go Round and Hideaway. They did not disappoint as they played both to perfection. Look for more shows by these guys. They will play the blues like it should be played. Another enjoyable evening with The Bob Bass Band and friends, always a good time.

Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/thebobbassband or http://thebobbassband.com/.

Back to Back "From the Ground Up" CD release parties for Dark Water, 9/19 and 9/20

http://www.myspace.com/darkwater

Boxcar Satan's last show before their Fall Tour, The Mix - 9/20

2008 - Trouble All Its Own - Artwork by James Cobb

10PM - Come out and raise a glass with BS’s last local gig before the October Tour!

http://www.boxcarsatan.com/

Obituary @ Scout Bar, 9/19

http://www.myspace.com/obituary

Structure, Open Chapter, and Jobber @ Wildcardz 9/20

Heather Go Psycho, 9/22 @ Rock Bottom

http://www.myspace.com/heathergopsycho

Finch, Scary Kids Scaring Kids and more. The White Rabbit, 9/19

http://www.sawhiterabbit.com/

NSP and When Words Attack @ The Mix, 9/19

http://www.myspace.com/nancysilvaproject

Seven Perfect and Forty Weight @ Tonic, 9/19

Battle of the Bands, 9/19 @ The Venue

Blowing Trees, 50 Dollar Dynasty and Cord, Jack's 9/19

http://www.blowingtreesmusic.com

Texxas Traxx, 9/21

Circle of Fifths @ Wiseguy's, 9/24

The Blue Bubble Ballroom 9/21 tonight with The Bob Bass Band

We spill fresh blood tonight, with a new band, The Bob Bass Band.

This will be their first ever swing nite & hopefully not the last, while normally they are an awesome rock'in blues band, they've put together a special play-list for us.

Come & experience the wonder of an almost unlimited dance floor, the biggest you'll find in SA.

Plus premium sound & talent with The Bob Bass Band -
http://www. myspace. com/thebobbassband

Lessons start @ 7pm sharp with the SA Swing Dance Society, the band goes on about 8-ish.

Also if you feel the need for a change of atmosphere your welcome to stroll back into our swanky ultra-lounge & patio bar (aka) The Heights, 21 & up only please
see you there!

If you haven't been to the Blue Bubble yet, then you're missing out. The place is Gi-normous, we have a full bar & plenty of on-site parking & probably one of the best sound systems in SA.(or so the bands have been telling me)

You can find it by heading down Broadway, outside the loop, 3 lights, a half a mile, right past the speedy-mart on the left hand side. Yep that's us.

Be one of the kewl kids & go to www.myspace.com/bluebubblesa .. & be one of our friends:)

The Offbeats and more, 9/21 @ Rock Bottom

http://www.myspace.com/offbeats

The Expendables @ Rock Bottom, 9/24

http://www.myspace.com/theexpendables

The Heroine's tour kick-off @ Rock Bottom, 9/18

http://www.myspace.com/theheroinerock

Crimson Envy, The Black Doves, Ember and Jar of Flies - Scout Bar, 9/18

1997 @ Rock Bottom, 9/18

http://www.myspace.com/nineteenninetyseven

Egshan and The Rafiki Project @ The Mix, 9/18

http://www.myspace.com/egshan

Texxas Traxx with Tungsten Coil 9/14 @ Scout Bar

Eric Laufer Tribute & Benefit at The Mix 9/14

September 4, 2008
Austin American Statesman
Police investigate fatal motorcycle crash

Austin police are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that shut down parts of U.S. 183 this morning in the 8400 block of Research Boulevard.

Police said that officials received a call about the accident at 4:18 a.m.

The motorcyclist, whom police identified as 27-year-old Eric Laufer, was found on the upper deck of U.S. 183 near North Lamar Blvd. Investigators think that Laufer was driving northbound on Research Boulevard when another vehicle struck his motorcycle and fled the scene.

Laufer was found on Research Boulevard when officials arrived and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he had been wearing a helmet and full protective gear at the time of the accident.

The motorcycle was found about a mile away on the east frontage road. Officials later found a blue GMC pickup they believe may have struck the motorcyclist, according to Lisa Cortinas, a police spokeswoman. Investigators are looking for its driver.

Northbound U.S. 183 was closed for a few hours while police investigated the accident but the road re-opened at 7:30 a.m.

Police ask that anyone with more information about the incident call vehicular homicide detectives at 974-4724. This accident is the city’s 38th traffic fatality in 2008.

9/14 @ The Warhol

http://www.thewarhol.com

Drowning Mona and Flawless Escape, Retox Bar 9/13

Pat Heiserman @ Legends, 9/13

http://www.myspace.com/patheiserman74

Yoshimoto @ The Mix, 9/13

http://www.myspace.com/yoshimoto

The Sea Monkeys @ The Oasis, 9/13

http://www.myspace.com/theseamonkeyss

The Rad Radio Junkies 9/13 @ Wise Guy's

http://www.myspace.com/radiojunkiessuck

Evil Come, Evil Go @ Rock Bottom, 9/15

Drive's 4th Anniversary @ Wise Guy's, 9/16

Rare Emporium show @ The White Rabbit, 9/13

http://www.myspace.com/emporium

By All Means Necessary, Tonic Bar, 9/13

http://www.myspace.com/byallmeansnecessary

Get the Belt @ The View, 9/13

http://www.myspace.com/getthebelt

Dead Ringer @ The Martini Ranch, 9/13

Well, it looks like Ike won't hit SA that bad after all. So come on out
to Martini Ranch on West Avenue and hang out with the Ringerz on Saturday
night. Hope to see you there.

Late!
Mario Von Nostrand

http://www.deadringerzone.com/
http://www.myspace.com/deadringersa

Martini Ranch
4904 West Ave, San Antonio, TX - (210) 341-1717