Showing posts with label The Henry Clay People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Henry Clay People. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2010
Photos: Silversun Pickups, Everest, The Henry Clay People @ Soma, 8/7/2010
It took a really long time for me to post these photos, mostly because I took so many that night and with the LED lights, the ratio of crappy photos to decent ones was very high. Nevertheless, it was such a fun night, even for Soma, because I was with two great friends. Unfortunately my friend Steve brought the wrong tickets so Evan had to drive him back to his car in North Park, but it didn't take long for them to come back to hang out and enjoy the show. And it was a good one. Crowded and hot as all hell, but I think back to shows in my youth where I left a show completely drenched (in my sweat and the sweat of others) and I can handle a good crowded show every once in a while. It was fun catching up with The Henry Clay People, it was awesome seeing Everest slowly win over the crowd, and it was incredible watching Silversun Pickups absolutely dominating the stage.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
This Saturday: Silversun Pickups, Everest, The Henry Clay People @ Soma
I'm really excited about Saturday's Rumble, but before I hit Bar Pink, I'll be at the sweatbox known as Soma for Silversun Pickups, Everest, and The Henry Clay People.I've seen all three bands, SSPU and THCP several times, and this is a stellar lineup. Plan on getting there early and staying through all three bands' sets. I have a plus one if anyone wants to go with me. I wish I had more to say about the show, but at this point you've already bought your tickets or are refusing because you hate Soma, so I doubt I'll really change any minds today. Still, I think this is gonna be one of my favorite shows this summer.
This is a recent video I shot of Everest, when they opened for The Whigs at the Belly Up.
This is a really old (and dimly lit) video I shot, pre-HD camera, of The Henry Clay People playing at the Casbah. I seriously love these guys and hope you make a point to see them. And don't tell anyone that I told you, but they have a headlining gig at the Casbah on September 11. I'll be adding that to the calendar soon.
Monday, August 03, 2009
The Henry Clay People: LaundroMatinee Video Session
There were at least two solid months of events that I sat on for so long that I just never got around to posting. A lot was happening with this site and for me personally, and I just kinda decided to let them go. Maybe one day I'll actually post my Elemental Experience pictures, or Art Around Adams, or my pictures from onstage at Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction, or any of the dozens of shows I went to. Or maybe not. I've been disappointed with Photobucket and haven't found a substantial replacement, so maybe I'll just keep waiting until this site can host photos on it's own (when we actually get to the upgrade).
Anyway, one of the shows I skipped was a really amazing night when I went to Spaceland (for my first time ever) with Swim Party, who were playing with The Henry Clay People and Young Love. It was a great time and I had a blast and The Henry Clay People were finishing up a residency before they launched a tour to start their slow rise to take over the world. I love these guys musically and personally and there aren't enough good things for me to say about them. Aquarium Drunkard (who is behind their label) posted some unreleased tracks and I thought I would pay it forward here. Enjoy!
For the original link, click here.The full 4 song session will be on LaundroMatinee tomorrow, but check out some of the other amazing sessions they've recorded here.
Anyway, one of the shows I skipped was a really amazing night when I went to Spaceland (for my first time ever) with Swim Party, who were playing with The Henry Clay People and Young Love. It was a great time and I had a blast and The Henry Clay People were finishing up a residency before they launched a tour to start their slow rise to take over the world. I love these guys musically and personally and there aren't enough good things for me to say about them. Aquarium Drunkard (who is behind their label) posted some unreleased tracks and I thought I would pay it forward here. Enjoy!
Henry Clay People - End of an Empire from LaundroMatinee on Vimeo.
Henry Clay People - The Good Ones from LaundroMatinee on Vimeo.
For the original link, click here.The full 4 song session will be on LaundroMatinee tomorrow, but check out some of the other amazing sessions they've recorded here.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Writer Tour: SXSW Day 1, Part 1
We drove from El Paso to Austin on Wednesday, got a late start and didn't make it there til 2:30AM. It is a 10 hour drive after all. We didn't have a set place to stay, but serendipitously, Max was at the tour kick-off show at Bar Pink and told me we might be able to stay at his friend Billy's house. Thankfully, Max was right and we can't thank Billy and Max enough for that, I'd owe them my first born, but that sounds like more of a burden, than a gift.
So after a friendly night of drinking at Billy's "modern cabin," and a "comfortable" floor's rest, we woke up to tackle our first day at SXSW. My good friend Riyadh works for Singing Serpent (SD based music company), and they were putting on a showcase with free food, drinks, and bands (including Rafter and Rob Crow). Sounded like a good place to start.
It was noon, and people were already out-and-about, bands playing venues up and down the street. Click on Keep Reading for the full story Iron Gate, our first stop, was not in the chaos of the storm (6th St.) but in a more residential area which had two bars on every block, unlike 6th St. which had about 5 on every block. The first band, No Kids (Vancouver), didn't have all their drum gear so they asked to borrow ours. In return, Writer got added to the Singing Serpent showcase. Only an hour into SXSW and already got an extra gig, rad! No Kids are what I'd like to call indie-rock R&B. Electronic, dancy, groovy, and silky are my 4 favorites words to describe it. They were really good, but halfway through their set they had to compete with the free BBQ line. Writer performed after No Kids and it was great to see crowd support from local friends Team Abraham, Lights On, and The Fling (Long Beach).
After Writer we stuck around for a little bit, but eventually needed to roam the streets. Ms. Beas, which is 362 days out of the year a biker bar, was an awesome indie all- ages outdoor venue across the street. We stopped in for a bit, but had to keep roaming, our friends' Henry Clay People were playing an Aquarium Drunkard showcase on the main strip of 6th St.
Along with Lights On, we mobbed through the crowded, blocked off st., venue extravaganza called 6th St.
On our way, we were inspired to stop at a beauty salon showcase, when the door girl said "Free Margaritas." Are You Kidding Me! Inside a small area was setup as a stage, and in the back of the salon a full bar serving tons of margaritas and free energy bars was in full swing.
We quickly downed 2-3 margs and jammed up the street to the venue for Henry Clay People. There was a long line for the show, but somehow we kind of weaseled our way in. HCP was in full rock mode and it was great to see our friends getting some amazing attention.
Last year at SXSW was their first time and they were hardly noticed. The bar was totally packed and everyone was getting into it. That's all I got for my write-up of SXSW day 1 for now. I will recap more soon.
Also I will post more photos on my personal myspace page. (www.myspace.com/dagart)
So after a friendly night of drinking at Billy's "modern cabin," and a "comfortable" floor's rest, we woke up to tackle our first day at SXSW. My good friend Riyadh works for Singing Serpent (SD based music company), and they were putting on a showcase with free food, drinks, and bands (including Rafter and Rob Crow). Sounded like a good place to start.
It was noon, and people were already out-and-about, bands playing venues up and down the street. Click on Keep Reading for the full story Iron Gate, our first stop, was not in the chaos of the storm (6th St.) but in a more residential area which had two bars on every block, unlike 6th St. which had about 5 on every block. The first band, No Kids (Vancouver), didn't have all their drum gear so they asked to borrow ours. In return, Writer got added to the Singing Serpent showcase. Only an hour into SXSW and already got an extra gig, rad! No Kids are what I'd like to call indie-rock R&B. Electronic, dancy, groovy, and silky are my 4 favorites words to describe it. They were really good, but halfway through their set they had to compete with the free BBQ line. Writer performed after No Kids and it was great to see crowd support from local friends Team Abraham, Lights On, and The Fling (Long Beach).
After Writer we stuck around for a little bit, but eventually needed to roam the streets. Ms. Beas, which is 362 days out of the year a biker bar, was an awesome indie all- ages outdoor venue across the street. We stopped in for a bit, but had to keep roaming, our friends' Henry Clay People were playing an Aquarium Drunkard showcase on the main strip of 6th St.Along with Lights On, we mobbed through the crowded, blocked off st., venue extravaganza called 6th St.
On our way, we were inspired to stop at a beauty salon showcase, when the door girl said "Free Margaritas." Are You Kidding Me! Inside a small area was setup as a stage, and in the back of the salon a full bar serving tons of margaritas and free energy bars was in full swing.
We quickly downed 2-3 margs and jammed up the street to the venue for Henry Clay People. There was a long line for the show, but somehow we kind of weaseled our way in. HCP was in full rock mode and it was great to see our friends getting some amazing attention.
Last year at SXSW was their first time and they were hardly noticed. The bar was totally packed and everyone was getting into it. That's all I got for my write-up of SXSW day 1 for now. I will recap more soon. Also I will post more photos on my personal myspace page. (www.myspace.com/dagart)
Monday, March 02, 2009
Overdue Recap: The Airborne Toxic Event, Henry Clay People @ House of Blues, 2.14.09
Ok, so maybe I'm not as behind as I thought, I've just jumped around on my posts. In the first week of February, I saw the Fruit Bats show, Devotchka, worked at Bird and The Bee and Obi Best, worked at Greg Laswell and Joshua James, then even hit Blind Lady and the Ken Club for Swim Party, Le Switch and Gray Ghosts but (1), I learned it's not a good idea to spend an entire day at Blind Lady Alehouse and (2) my best friend came to hang out at the Ken and we had a lot of catching up to do. My photos from the night just aren't worth posting though it was a great night (or at least what I remember). I took it easy the next couple nights, then had my computer crisis, lunching with friends, a girls night out with a movie screening and wine ("Confessions of a Shopaholic": save your money), and taking some time out for life organization. By the time Wednesday night rolled around, I was ready for a kick ass show.
I have neglected this post because I had another nightmarish times at House of Blues, but the truth of the matter, despite the hour wasted securing my wristband, was that the show was really great. I went with Alex and Eric from Swim Party and when we finally got in, Henry Clay People had already started and as usual, they were having a blast onstage.
The show was in the Delta Room (on the same night that Elefante was playing in the main concert hall and Lisa Hannigan was playing on the 5th Avenue Sidestage: logistical hell) and it was sold out. The air was already quite swampy as the A/C just couldn't work hard enough, but the tight crowd didn't seem to mind as brothers Andy and Joey held court backed by the newer members of the band. The performance made the whole House of Blues ticket debacle melt away as they played material from their new release "For Cheap Or For Free" as well as older stuff including the crowd favortite, "Working Part Time". They also did a fantastic medley that just has to be seen live.
Henry Clay People were followed by Airborne Toxic Event. I was up front with Chickrawker and we chatted with Mikel as he set up his gear. He vented about his box office issues (they gave his mom a hard time because she wasn't on the right list) but was really cool to engage us until it was time for the band to play. And boy, did they play. From the first note to the last, they owned the crowd and it was apparent from the beginning that it probably won't be likely to see a band like this in such an intimate venue again. It reminded me of the rise of Silversun Pickups, where you only hope they'll play some small secret shows even after they garner some national success.
For more photos and recap, click 'keep on reading'.
More Henry Clay People photos:
The Airborne Toxic Event has the perfect formula for an indie rock band. Aside from the immensely talented band members and the great songwriting, there's the funny and engagin Mikel up front, the cute Anna on violin and keys, Steven, the not so common indie rock Asian, the uber sexy Noah on bass, and Daren killing it on the drums. They are performers in every sense and you really get the sense they're enjoying every second on stage...
Photos in the Delta Room weren't exactly easy as there was some crazy single light right on Mikel's face, that started out bright yellow but after he mentioned it before the set, changed to a deep blue.
Toward the end of the set, the band got really loose and was all over the place using every piece of the stage.
They blew the crowd away with "Sometime Around Midnight" but didn't stop there and even graced the crowd with an encore where they decided to climb the speakers.
For their final song, they invited the audience on the stage, and while initially timid, several people indulged.
Mikel joked throughout the show that a large portion of the audience were related to him (28 cousins?) and gave shoutouts to uncles and warning to the audience ("Watch your wallets!"), but I particularly love that his aunt was one of the people who joined the band onstage. I would love to see what Christmas is like with their family.
The show really blew me away and I was able to grab a setlist at the end of the show. The Henry Clay People were staying with Alex, so we waited after the show and helped unload gear, but while we waited, I had the band sign their setlist and I appreciated that they personalized it, adding a song that was unplanned (Wishing Well), and Daren commenting on "Nowhere", "This was my favorite song to play tonight."
The show ended pretty early but sincce everyone had to be up early the next day, we made our way back to Alex's house and I was on my way. This was a picture of us in the freight elevator at the House of Blues on our way out.
I have neglected this post because I had another nightmarish times at House of Blues, but the truth of the matter, despite the hour wasted securing my wristband, was that the show was really great. I went with Alex and Eric from Swim Party and when we finally got in, Henry Clay People had already started and as usual, they were having a blast onstage.
The show was in the Delta Room (on the same night that Elefante was playing in the main concert hall and Lisa Hannigan was playing on the 5th Avenue Sidestage: logistical hell) and it was sold out. The air was already quite swampy as the A/C just couldn't work hard enough, but the tight crowd didn't seem to mind as brothers Andy and Joey held court backed by the newer members of the band. The performance made the whole House of Blues ticket debacle melt away as they played material from their new release "For Cheap Or For Free" as well as older stuff including the crowd favortite, "Working Part Time". They also did a fantastic medley that just has to be seen live.
Henry Clay People were followed by Airborne Toxic Event. I was up front with Chickrawker and we chatted with Mikel as he set up his gear. He vented about his box office issues (they gave his mom a hard time because she wasn't on the right list) but was really cool to engage us until it was time for the band to play. And boy, did they play. From the first note to the last, they owned the crowd and it was apparent from the beginning that it probably won't be likely to see a band like this in such an intimate venue again. It reminded me of the rise of Silversun Pickups, where you only hope they'll play some small secret shows even after they garner some national success.
For more photos and recap, click 'keep on reading'.
More Henry Clay People photos:
The Airborne Toxic Event has the perfect formula for an indie rock band. Aside from the immensely talented band members and the great songwriting, there's the funny and engagin Mikel up front, the cute Anna on violin and keys, Steven, the not so common indie rock Asian, the uber sexy Noah on bass, and Daren killing it on the drums. They are performers in every sense and you really get the sense they're enjoying every second on stage...
Photos in the Delta Room weren't exactly easy as there was some crazy single light right on Mikel's face, that started out bright yellow but after he mentioned it before the set, changed to a deep blue.
Toward the end of the set, the band got really loose and was all over the place using every piece of the stage.
They blew the crowd away with "Sometime Around Midnight" but didn't stop there and even graced the crowd with an encore where they decided to climb the speakers.
For their final song, they invited the audience on the stage, and while initially timid, several people indulged.
Mikel joked throughout the show that a large portion of the audience were related to him (28 cousins?) and gave shoutouts to uncles and warning to the audience ("Watch your wallets!"), but I particularly love that his aunt was one of the people who joined the band onstage. I would love to see what Christmas is like with their family.
The show really blew me away and I was able to grab a setlist at the end of the show. The Henry Clay People were staying with Alex, so we waited after the show and helped unload gear, but while we waited, I had the band sign their setlist and I appreciated that they personalized it, adding a song that was unplanned (Wishing Well), and Daren commenting on "Nowhere", "This was my favorite song to play tonight."
The show ended pretty early but sincce everyone had to be up early the next day, we made our way back to Alex's house and I was on my way. This was a picture of us in the freight elevator at the House of Blues on our way out.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Swim Party, Henry Clay People, Writer @ Casbah 6.30.08
A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing some of my favorite bands all in one place at the same time. Not only were locals Writer and Swim Party playing, but it was a little reunion with a bunch of other bands all at the Casbah to show their support. Not to mention, the ever awesome Henry Clay People from LA. That was such a good night and I had a grin from ear to ear. It was especially cool coming off the weekend that we had the party at my house.
The boys of Writer started off the night and blew our socks off. I'm really looking forward to their next album release. (I've subsequently seen them two more times since this particular show)
It was funny while watching the Henry Clay People that Matt Binder came up to me and pointed out that they deliver their music much like The Hold Steady because I had been thinking the same thing- telling stories through their music with preacher-like conviction- and they've become an out of town band that I always look forward to seeing.
For their final song, a cover of "Rockin in the Free World", Joey handed his guitar to Alex (from Swim Party) and Matt (Hotel St. George) took the mic and it was a full on party.
Finally, Swim Party took the stage and sounded amazing as always. I didn't really take many pictures, instead opting to take in the whole set, though I did record some video.
It was a perfect night, one that I didn't want to end, but it was really just a testament to the amazing things happening in our supposedly sleepy little city. And, as this whole summer has demonstrated, there's a ton of local stuff to continue to look forward to.
The boys of Writer started off the night and blew our socks off. I'm really looking forward to their next album release. (I've subsequently seen them two more times since this particular show)
It was funny while watching the Henry Clay People that Matt Binder came up to me and pointed out that they deliver their music much like The Hold Steady because I had been thinking the same thing- telling stories through their music with preacher-like conviction- and they've become an out of town band that I always look forward to seeing.
For their final song, a cover of "Rockin in the Free World", Joey handed his guitar to Alex (from Swim Party) and Matt (Hotel St. George) took the mic and it was a full on party.
Finally, Swim Party took the stage and sounded amazing as always. I didn't really take many pictures, instead opting to take in the whole set, though I did record some video.
It was a perfect night, one that I didn't want to end, but it was really just a testament to the amazing things happening in our supposedly sleepy little city. And, as this whole summer has demonstrated, there's a ton of local stuff to continue to look forward to.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Things To Do In San Diego: Monday, June 30, 2008
I'm working on my full listings for the week, but all you need to know about tonight:
Anti-Monday League at the Casbah featuring three of my favorite bands: Swim Party, The Henry Clay People, and Writer. It's only $6 and it is going to be amazing.
Anti-Monday League at the Casbah featuring three of my favorite bands: Swim Party, The Henry Clay People, and Writer. It's only $6 and it is going to be amazing.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Henry Clay People, Ken Club, 4.4.08
Again, I know I've been really brief on my show recaps, but I've been busy. I've been working some overtime at the day job where I have no down time to keep up with things like I did at my last slacker job, and when I get home, I'm usually tired and need to rest up for whatever lies ahead that particular evening. This blog is never supposed to feel like a job or responsibility, yet sometimes I find myself skipping out on things just to keep it updated, so it's times like these when I'm up too late, already thinking about the nap I'm gonna have to sneak in sometime tomorrow.
I didn't write much about the Ken Club show on Friday, but it was awesome and I was glad to have been there, which I briefly mentioned here. Honestly, on this night I wasn't even gonna bring out my camera, but when The Henry Clay People called Alex to the stage and demanded a dance party in the crowd, I had to take it out for just a few snapshots. I love when I get to see a beautiful show in my hood, then just stumble home knowing I have nowhere I have to be and nothing I have to do for the subsequent 48+ hours. It's quite a beautiful feeling.
I didn't write much about the Ken Club show on Friday, but it was awesome and I was glad to have been there, which I briefly mentioned here. Honestly, on this night I wasn't even gonna bring out my camera, but when The Henry Clay People called Alex to the stage and demanded a dance party in the crowd, I had to take it out for just a few snapshots. I love when I get to see a beautiful show in my hood, then just stumble home knowing I have nowhere I have to be and nothing I have to do for the subsequent 48+ hours. It's quite a beautiful feeling.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
A rundown of my last few days
I guess I haven't really posted since the Beto Cuevas show so here's a quick rundown on how the last few nights have been for me.
Thursday, my friend Kristian and I went to the Pearl Hotel in Point Loma for a "Yelp Elite" party. Thanks to Ruggy for the invite. I love the hotel though it's been a while since I stopped by(you can read about the last time I was there here. Booze was provided by Effen Vodka (yay!) and there were some delicious tray passed appetizers. When we got there, we went straight for a cabana- I think a lot of people didn't know they were out by the pool and confined themselves to the bar- and it was great to hang out with other friends...Daye, Aaron, etc.
From there, we went to TNT where Absolut Grapefruit was the sponsor. Excellent. I liked F.U.Z.Z. though I didn't expect to because any band described as "funk" usually makes me turn and run. Then Ex-Friends played and the patio was more crowded. I love TNT and really look forward to some of the summer shows, when it's warm out, the days longer, and more people show up.
I said my goodbyes to Kristian and his friends and made my way to Chaser's, though by the time I arrived, I missed Di Nigunim, and ended up just sitting at the bar with Gene. It was a full on Punkboard night there. Sandra showed up and we ended up at my house after while she waited for Taxi Rob to come get her.
Friday night was a one stop night for me. I met James at the bar so we were on the bar side while Witt played but we got a booth when the Henry Clay People and Swim Party played. There weren't a lot of people at the bar, maybe everyone was at "The Fest" at the Casbah, but those of us who were there got a great show. The Henry Clay people are from LA and their original stuff is great, but I was especially taken by their cover of The Replacements' "Can't Hardly Wait" and they did a fun version of Operation Ivy's "Don't Know Nothin'" and I was finally able to pick up their CDs. Then of course Swim Party rocked our socks off, and I was glad there was an intimate crowd of good friends there for what was their last show in a while since Eric is getting married soon, and Petro's got to take some time to get ready for his late summer wedding.
Saturday was a lazy day punctuated by dinner at Lefty's. I decided to take a nap before heading to the Casbah, but when the time came, I never made it to the Casbah. I was tired and needed the rest, but ended up waking up in the middle of the night and rediscovered my new best friend, Hulu.
Hulu is a site that hosts tons of tv shows and movies. Watching is free if you don't mind a few commercials. I watched half of the third season of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, then shut down and went back to dreamland. Now I'm home and scratched my plans for that Vegan BBQ to hang at home. I think James and I are going to Habitat House in a little while but until then, I'm signing off. If I don't sign back on, don't forget to check out 91X in the morning. Mat Diablo makes his morning show debut. He's a great guy and has shared some of his plans for the show and I think people who enjoy some talk and music will be pleased. I hope.
Thursday, my friend Kristian and I went to the Pearl Hotel in Point Loma for a "Yelp Elite" party. Thanks to Ruggy for the invite. I love the hotel though it's been a while since I stopped by(you can read about the last time I was there here. Booze was provided by Effen Vodka (yay!) and there were some delicious tray passed appetizers. When we got there, we went straight for a cabana- I think a lot of people didn't know they were out by the pool and confined themselves to the bar- and it was great to hang out with other friends...Daye, Aaron, etc.
From there, we went to TNT where Absolut Grapefruit was the sponsor. Excellent. I liked F.U.Z.Z. though I didn't expect to because any band described as "funk" usually makes me turn and run. Then Ex-Friends played and the patio was more crowded. I love TNT and really look forward to some of the summer shows, when it's warm out, the days longer, and more people show up.
I said my goodbyes to Kristian and his friends and made my way to Chaser's, though by the time I arrived, I missed Di Nigunim, and ended up just sitting at the bar with Gene. It was a full on Punkboard night there. Sandra showed up and we ended up at my house after while she waited for Taxi Rob to come get her.
Friday night was a one stop night for me. I met James at the bar so we were on the bar side while Witt played but we got a booth when the Henry Clay People and Swim Party played. There weren't a lot of people at the bar, maybe everyone was at "The Fest" at the Casbah, but those of us who were there got a great show. The Henry Clay people are from LA and their original stuff is great, but I was especially taken by their cover of The Replacements' "Can't Hardly Wait" and they did a fun version of Operation Ivy's "Don't Know Nothin'" and I was finally able to pick up their CDs. Then of course Swim Party rocked our socks off, and I was glad there was an intimate crowd of good friends there for what was their last show in a while since Eric is getting married soon, and Petro's got to take some time to get ready for his late summer wedding.
Saturday was a lazy day punctuated by dinner at Lefty's. I decided to take a nap before heading to the Casbah, but when the time came, I never made it to the Casbah. I was tired and needed the rest, but ended up waking up in the middle of the night and rediscovered my new best friend, Hulu.
Hulu is a site that hosts tons of tv shows and movies. Watching is free if you don't mind a few commercials. I watched half of the third season of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, then shut down and went back to dreamland. Now I'm home and scratched my plans for that Vegan BBQ to hang at home. I think James and I are going to Habitat House in a little while but until then, I'm signing off. If I don't sign back on, don't forget to check out 91X in the morning. Mat Diablo makes his morning show debut. He's a great guy and has shared some of his plans for the show and I think people who enjoy some talk and music will be pleased. I hope.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sunday Recap: The Henry Clay People, Swim Party, Writer @ Zombie Lounge
After uploading my pictures from Saturday, I suspended myself from taking pictures (and from drinking) when I headed to the Zombie Lounge on Sunday night. This is a move I regret now, but I just couldn't bring myself to take pictures and ruin a whole other crowd's night with my flash. Still, I can't not write about the amazing bill that played at the Zombie.
Unfortunately I missed Mia Valentine. I still have this stupid obsession with the show "Cold Case" and once I started watching, I had to be there to find out that it was the cousin who shot the Elvis wannabe. So I watched and then headed to the bar and for a minute wished I had arrived either 5 minutes earlier or 5 minutes later because I was almost caught in the middle of a hooker fight.
I parked on the northwest corner of 35th and El Cajon, got out of my car and walked to the crosswalk. Me and two hookers on the corner, just as the "walk" sign turned green. We began to cross as three other ladies of the night came our way and suddenly some shit talking went down. "You the bitch fucking my baby's daddy? You fucking my man? You fucking whore!" Then the response, "Nah, Bitch, you got the wrong Ho, I don't know your shit. I ain't fuckin yo man!" There's stupid me just walking across the street as they're about to fight in the middle of the street, just minding my own business but kinda laughing inside about the almost fight happening as I cross 35th relatively early on a Sunday night. It will never cease to amaze me that this kind of shit is happening less than a mile from my neighborhood; less than a mile from the home of Mayor Jerry Sanders and Mr. 91X, Chris Cantore.
I quickly found sanctuary in the Zombie Lounge, as The Henry Clay People were mid set. People had told me about the band but holy shit, they are so good. I was thinking of Dusty Rhodes and the Little River Band in their presentation (though the music is very different)- the way you feel like the band is preaching to you, enlightening you of some secret they've learned with the hand gestures and emphatic expressions but in the meantime you're listening to the music and wondering how these young guys have it all figured out...and why they're playing the Zombie Lounge on a Sunday night?? They closed their set with a song dedicated to everyone who is "broke and poor but continue the rock 'n' roll". Then there was the acknowledgement that being broke and poor is redundant, but rock and roll anyway! And as Joey jumped in the crowd and knocked my shoulder and the crowd rocked along with them, you knew that everyone was right there with them. (This is a pic from their MySpace since I didn't take any.)
After The Henry Clay People, Swim Party took the stage and what else can I say about these guys. If I had a label, Swim Party would be the first band I'd sign. I took some heat because Petro shaved his beard after I posted a pic of him with his gigantic beard here but it was all in good fun. Anyway, the boys did their thing and seriously, if Swim Party hasn't been on your radar then you are sleeping.
Unfortunately I missed Mia Valentine. I still have this stupid obsession with the show "Cold Case" and once I started watching, I had to be there to find out that it was the cousin who shot the Elvis wannabe. So I watched and then headed to the bar and for a minute wished I had arrived either 5 minutes earlier or 5 minutes later because I was almost caught in the middle of a hooker fight.
I parked on the northwest corner of 35th and El Cajon, got out of my car and walked to the crosswalk. Me and two hookers on the corner, just as the "walk" sign turned green. We began to cross as three other ladies of the night came our way and suddenly some shit talking went down. "You the bitch fucking my baby's daddy? You fucking my man? You fucking whore!" Then the response, "Nah, Bitch, you got the wrong Ho, I don't know your shit. I ain't fuckin yo man!" There's stupid me just walking across the street as they're about to fight in the middle of the street, just minding my own business but kinda laughing inside about the almost fight happening as I cross 35th relatively early on a Sunday night. It will never cease to amaze me that this kind of shit is happening less than a mile from my neighborhood; less than a mile from the home of Mayor Jerry Sanders and Mr. 91X, Chris Cantore.
I quickly found sanctuary in the Zombie Lounge, as The Henry Clay People were mid set. People had told me about the band but holy shit, they are so good. I was thinking of Dusty Rhodes and the Little River Band in their presentation (though the music is very different)- the way you feel like the band is preaching to you, enlightening you of some secret they've learned with the hand gestures and emphatic expressions but in the meantime you're listening to the music and wondering how these young guys have it all figured out...and why they're playing the Zombie Lounge on a Sunday night?? They closed their set with a song dedicated to everyone who is "broke and poor but continue the rock 'n' roll". Then there was the acknowledgement that being broke and poor is redundant, but rock and roll anyway! And as Joey jumped in the crowd and knocked my shoulder and the crowd rocked along with them, you knew that everyone was right there with them. (This is a pic from their MySpace since I didn't take any.)
After The Henry Clay People, Swim Party took the stage and what else can I say about these guys. If I had a label, Swim Party would be the first band I'd sign. I took some heat because Petro shaved his beard after I posted a pic of him with his gigantic beard here but it was all in good fun. Anyway, the boys did their thing and seriously, if Swim Party hasn't been on your radar then you are sleeping.
The last band of the evening was Writer. They're a San Diego band I'd never heard of but who came highly recommended, and the second the singer, Andy, opened his mouth, I got a little pissed that this band isn't playing every other week in San Diego. In their live performance, there's this natural thing to connect them with The Smiths crossed with Wilco, and I would never take either comparison lightly. Is it too late to book them to open for Rocky Votolato at the Casbah next week? Can we make this happen? They were amazing onstage, and later, offstage, they were so nice, even after two of the three were bitten by a couple dogs running loose on El Cajon Blvd (unless it's edited, see my CityBeat column on Wednesday for more info on that). Anyway, Writer is playing some benefit show at a gallery or boutique or something in November, but I'm working on getting them seen around town sooner than that only because I don't think I can wait that long.
I couldn't be happier that the Zombie Lounge is diversifying and allowing more bands to take their stage. There was a time when you could only see rockabilly or punk bands but the shift definitely works for me.
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