Monday Recap: Dissimilars, Rat City Riot, Hell On Heels

I have to admit that I've never been uncomfortable at the Ken Club like I was when I first walked in on Monday night. All the made up rockabilly chicks and the punk rock boys and all I could think some of those punk board shit talkers were present. But whatever, I found my friends and a spot at the bar and Todd treated me to a shot and I was all good. When I got there, Rich White Males were playing in the other room. Apparently the drummer from the Postals was sick and they had to cancel, but I didn't make it over there to catch them. I did, however, make sure I went to see Jimmy and the Dissimilars. I hadn't seen him which was a definite indication that there was a special costume waiting besides his typical tighty whities. And the thing about the Dissimilars is that they're not just gimmick...they're really freaking good.








The bar was packed, especially for a Monday night. I actually considered staying home for the night but I'm glad I didn't. I hadn't seen Rat City Riot in a very long time and they killed it, too. I like the interactivity of the punk bands, jumping in the crowd, letting the crowd sing. Takes me back to the House of Suffering days in Mitch's garage/basement. And it makes me wanna punch something, and lately, that's kinda the release I need.





Here's a picture of Jimmy- not in a dress...


I didn't really plan on staying but Jim and Sandra were there, and then former Ken Club bartenders Bryant and Junior (the discopunk) showed up and it all reminded me of good times. So I stayed. It was Pete's 32nd birthday, so there was a special appearance:





And Tony said he doesn't read my stupid blog, so I thought I'd post a picture of him so Rob will send him the link... then maybe he'll glance at it.



The night closed out with a show from the Hell on Heels burlesque troupe and I wasn't gonna take pictures but everyone else was and some dude had a gigantic flash at the stage so the lighting wasn't as abyssmal as it usually is. For the record, I've told Brett at least two times that half the stage lights are out. And red bulbs suck. But whatever. At least they painted the busted up wall...









I was actually glad I saw Hell on Heels, because my last experience seeing them was at the crappy Honey Bee Hive. I took some out of town friends there after a House of Blues show. The sound sucked, there was a $10 cover, and the stupid ass bartender decided that since there were so few people there, he was going to close the bar early, swiping our cover charge and booting us out after being there less than an hour...so I was a bit bitter. Anyway, I can now appreciate what these girls are doing and from the reaction of guys around me ("that is the most amazing thing I've ever seen!"), clearly people appreciate the flirty dancing and strip teases the girls do.

Anyway, it was a good night and I think Pete had a good time, despite the fact that he was working. It was also indicative of the crowd a bar can pull any night of the week if there's the right reason to go out. Pyles learned that with Anti Monday League and hopefully other bars get it together on nights other than just Friday and Saturday. I was told the Beauty Bar is going to start hosting Monday night open jam sessions and while I'm happy they're trying, I just don't see that being a lucrative night for that kind of venue. But I guess time will tell. It would just be nice if there were more early week options instead of just karaoke. Tonight, of course, is an exception with people ready to let loose pre-4th. I'll be at the Ken again, this time for Transfer and Apes of Wrath. Maybe I'll see some of you out...