Do you have a room or a couch to offer temporarily to a displaced victim of a natural or man-made disaster? If so, Please fill out this brief form and we will provide information on a potential match. You will … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: August 2017
White Supremacists Paying A Price For Hatred
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This gallery contains 5 photos.
Rosendin Electric in San Francisco fired Charlottesville Neo-Nazi rally attendee John Ramondetta, known as Johnny Monoxide on white supremacist and neo-Nazi social media sites. Top Dog Restaurant in Berkeley fired Cole White. Jerrod Kuhn says his life has been ruined … Continue reading
Seattle People’s Party
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THE PEOPLES PARTY OF SEATTLE is a community-centered grassroots political party led by and accountable to the people most requiring access and equity in the City of Seattle. The Peoples Party recognizes the troublesome nature of the current political structure and … Continue reading
The Paradox of Tolerance, First They Came, and ANTIFA
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The Paradox of Tolerance, a concept coined by philosopher Karl Popper: “A tolerant society should be tolerant by default; With one exception: it should not tolerate intolerance itself.” First They Came by Martin Niemöller during Hitler’s Nazi Era: “First they … Continue reading
Racist Facebook Group Label Charlottesville Terrorist James Alex Fields an “American Hero”
As soon as I heard the name of the man driving the car that murdered Heather Heyer in Charlottesville today, I looked him up on Facebook, and although his page had been removed, the page shown above came up in search results . I was appalled, so I clicked the “Report” button for “inciting violence”. But then I thought I would try to learn more about this group, so I joined quickly and was approved immediately. When I got inside I copied all the member names I could get to, because I knew it was about to get taken down. But it looks as though these people joined the group a while back. Was this attack planned? Or did Mike Sicas have another group and only changed the name of it to promote Fields today? I guess that’s a question for Facebook.
‘Mike Sican’ is the admin of this FB Group and he was also involved in the Marines United FB Group that was exposed for ‘revenge porn’. You can view images of his comments on that content here – https://www.google.com/search?q=mike+sican&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjwwejCytTVAhUDwGMKHWJZC4QQsAQILQ&biw=1000&bih=582#imgdii=e4sponF88O_SuM:&imgrc=zZFbG5UiR0xF5M:
Is our military recruiting this type of person, or creating this type of person? The alt-right nazi racists think that their behavior has been legitimized thanks to Trump, so they don’t even try to disguise themselves – A couple users on Twitter – YesYoureRacist and Sean King have made it their mission to identify the alt-right racists marching in Charlottesville with the help of other twitterers.
The guy who founded the Alt- Right is Paul Gottfried. Tell everyone to send him an email in honor of Heather Heyer. You can contact Alt-Right Leader Paul Gottfried by email to gottfrpe@etown.ed
Here is the link to find a local rally through Indivisible Guide to support an end to the terror of the alt-right and racism.
Facebook Group
james alex fields jr. is an American Hero
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LinkedGroup · Group Organizer Mike Sican
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Mike Sican
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MEMBERS 1,013 Members
Note: People on this list that were “added today” may have just been searching up this guy after hearing about him on the news, but I have a lot of questions for people who were already in this group prior to the terrorist attack today.
DESCRIPTION
James Alex Fields Jr. took a stand against ANTIFA and the domest… See More
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Birmingham, Alabama
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Glen Jean, West Virginia
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Members of james alex fields jr. is an American Hero
Tanya Marinelli
Added by Tasha Marroquin on July 17
P3 Social Media Management
July 13
Mike Sican
Added by Robert Burch on July 22
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Frank Wood
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Memphis, Tennessee
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Mike Hutchinson
Added by Mary Pena on May 25
LSU
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November Rain
Added by Mary Pena on May 24
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Monument Removal
May 14
New Orleans, Louisiana
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Colton Jessica Fortner
May 20
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Nicholas Lahris
Added by Mike Sican Today
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Cody Franks
May 3
New Iberia, Louisiana
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Larry Lassley
Added by Daryl Augustine on June 19
Senior Pastor at Self-Employed
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Damon Stallworth
Added by Demetrio Kelly on March 22
Singapore dollar at NBA
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Jasmine VanFelton
Added by Mike Sican Today
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Tom Smith
April 27
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Mary Pena
April 29
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Roxy Brinks
Added by Mike Sican Today
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Lori White
Added by Mary Pena on May 22
Peachtree City, Georgia
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Sam Smith
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April 27
Hell, Michigan
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Chris Lamy
April 27
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Ynic Kp
Added by Demetrio Kelly on February 23
Birmingham, Alabama
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January 2
Hoover, Alabama
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January 7
Factory Worker at Boxes Inc. / Mid America Display
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William Calvin
March 24
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Carlos Santana
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East Central Technical College
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March 22
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Danielle Williams
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Works at Jackson Health Care Facility
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January 2
Sittin on 4th Ave watching shit.���� at Self-Employed
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April 27
Works at Club 214
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December 19, 2016
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Mary Smith
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Shelton State Community College
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Raymond Smith
December 27, 2016
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Curry walker country
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El’ralo James
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Atlanta, Georgia
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September 19, 2016
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May 29
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September 19, 2016
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September 19, 2016
Head Counselor at Maplewood Comp High School
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Manuel Austin
February 20
The University of Alabama
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Marvin Duncan Williams
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School of Hustlers
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Michael Simmons
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Robert E. Lee High School (Montgomery, Alabama)
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Willie Nathan
August 16, 2016
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Dønte Wørld
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May 10
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Chicago, Illinois
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Anniston, Alabama
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August 9, 2016
San Antonio, Texas
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July 20, 2016
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July 18, 2016
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July 7, 2016
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August 9, 2016
Da Headhuncho of Maserati Mob at Maserati Entertainment
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Owner at Self-Employed
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Devin Miller
July 22, 2016
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Reggie Jackson
September 27, 2016
Terry High School
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October 20, 2016
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Brad Bundy
September 21, 2016
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Jane Holine
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Brandy Fukurban
July 6, 2016
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Carter Williams
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Supervisor at None of your Business
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Raymond Smiith
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Machine Operator at Homeland Vinyl Products Inc
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Christopher Lenway
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Kittrell Job Corps Center
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June 2
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July 6, 2016
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March 15
NO ONES BUSINESS at Kankakee County Traning Center (KCTC)
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August 8, 2016
Birmingham, Alabama
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July 6, 2016
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September 25, 2016
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East Lansing, Michigan
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July 8, 2016
Zionsville, Indiana
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July 8, 2016
Works at Getoffmychest.com
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Martin Hector Morales
July 8, 2016
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Angel Brown
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Arnold Padricks Univesity of Cosmetology
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Anderson Whitt
December 8, 2016
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Terry Hughes
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Green County High School
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Kevin Abbott
July 6, 2016
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April 27
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December 21, 2016
William E. Tolman High School
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Malone Renee
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So those are the only members I could copy before FB removed the page. Here is the backstory on James Alex Fields. He was born April 26, 1997) and is a resident of Maumee, Ohio. He is a registered Repulican in Lucas County, Ohio and is the owner of the Gray Dodge Challenger that killed Heather Heyer and wounded approximately 20 more people.
From August 18th to December 11th, 2015, Fields was in the U.S. Army. He is currently being charged with one count of second degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and one count of hit and run attended failure to stop with injury.
Looks like Terrorism should be added to that list if you ask me, and premeditated murder.
Bernie Supporter and Activist, Heather Heyer Killed by Racist Alt-Right in Charlottesville
Charlottesville resident, Bernie supporter and peace activist Heather Heyer was killed by a white supremacist on 8/12/17 while leaving a hate rally promoted by the Alt Right, KKK, David Duke, Vanguard and other racist groups. Her last facebook post right after Trump stole the election by purging votes, stated “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention”. Donald Trump has legitimized the hate groups that organized and attended the rally with his rhetoric of islamaphobia, LGBT discrimination and general racism.
The guy who founded the Alt- Right is Paul Gottfried. We have asked everyone to send him an email in honor of Heather Heyer. Contact Alt-Right Leader Paul Gottfried by email to gottfrpe@etown.ed . Find a local rally here to support an end to the terror of the alt-right and racism. Anonymous has taken over the site called Daily Storm . com, which was used to promote the rally and the alternative right dot com site is also down as of today.
The day before the rally, a decision to move the rally from the cramped location where the General Lee statue is located, to a larger park, was blocked by a Roanoke, VA judge. The motion to keep the supremacists’ rally at the small park was opposed by John Kluge, Alight Fund, LLC, David Posner, and Hunter Smith, and by the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville according to court records, but the Court would not give them time to prepare briefs.
The Charlottesville City Council voted to remove the Robert E. Lee statue last year because it represents a hero to those who wanted to continue slavery during the American Civil War. The rally was supposed to be in opposition to that decision, but was really just a reminder that the KKK is still alive and no matter what they call themselves, their message is hate and white nationalism.
Since I was born and raised in Charlottesville, I have heard a lot of comments by locals on FB, and some blame the City Council and namely, Vice-Mayor Wes Bellamy, for bringing the issue of the statue into the public forum as cities nationwide have had to re-think their Confederate flags and statues. Most of those comments get shot down by the people I would call “my more educated FB friends” who remind them how many people rioted and died when de-segregation was finally enforced in southern states where segregation lived well beyond it’s legal lifetime and where racism still lives today. For most, the statues are a reminder of who is in charge in these cities.
Some people think that racism is a thing of the past in southern states and bringing up the statue was a mistake that fueled this fire. Others think that Trump and Bannon have stoked this fire and are getting exactly what they asked for.
Charlottesville responded on 8/17/17 with a peace vigil of approximately 1,000 people with songs and a recitation of the poem of Maya Angelou “Still I Rise”.
Posted by Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ Charlottesville on Wednesday, August 16, 2017
More…. (video of the murder)
Si Se Puede – Yes We (the 99%) Can End the Oppression by the 1% – Netroots Nation
Charlottesville News – White Supremacist Car Runs into Anti-Racist Protesters
Courtesy of Trump’s racist rhetoric, home grown terrorists are empowered and committing murder in US towns. This video was made by Brennan Gilmore and shared for public use on twitter.
Video of car hitting anti-racist protestors. Let there be no confusion: this was deliberate terrorism. My prayers with victims. Stay home. pic.twitter.com/MUOZs71Pf4
— Brennan Gilmore (@brennanmgilmore) August 12, 2017
Neck of the Woods Open-Mic
It’s the Wednesday Night Open Mic at Neck of the Woods featuring Satoshi Welcomes Fidelity!
7pm – Open Jam! House drums, house keys, house guitar
8pm – Open Mic! Give it your best in 10 minutes or less 🙂 Performance order determined by random drawing of names from a pitcher.
9:30pm – Featured Performance by Satoshi Welcomes Fidelity
10pm – More Open Mic!
We are a community of musicians, artists, writers, performers, and creative people. We support each other, collaborate, take risks, and we LOVE new songs! (Gong!) Let’s play and have fun 🙂 YAY!!!
2-story late-night club offers cocktails, regular live music, a spacious dance floor & VIP seating.
Address: 406 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 387-6343
www.Neckofthewoodssf.com
Events
Wed, Aug 9
7:00 PM
Open Mic Night
Thu, Aug 10
8:30 PM
In Lights
Fri, Aug 11
9:30 PM
Zigtebra
Bay Area Clubs
Bar, Pub and Club Sites
- 1015 Folsom – located in the heart of the SOMA, 1015 Folsom features three levels of DJs spinning a wide variety of styles.
- Back Catalogue – an industrial club specializing in classic tracks from the 80s.
- Bimbo’s 365 Club – established in 1931. Among those who have performed here: Marvin Gaye, Jewel, Buzzcocks. Includes a calendar of upcoming shows.
- Bondage A Go Go – Wednesday night dance club at the Trocadero for people with open minds who are looking for an open atmosphere to express themselves in.
- Bottom of the Hill
- Cafe Du Nord – located in the basement of the Swedish American Building on upper Market St.
- Club Dread – reggae club. Monday nights at the Endup.
- Dalva – cocktails, happy hour, good music, pleasant vibes, next door to the Roxie.
- Death Guild – gothic, industrial, alternative, electronic dance music every Monday.
- Dylan’s Pub – music, pub grub, theatre and antics.
- Elbo Room
- Hi-Ball Lounge – nightclub for live swing music, dancing and cocktails.
- Hotel Utah’s “Dark Circle Lounge” – Tuesday night music-improv.
- Lucky 13 – motto: “no cheap beers, no sports, no knuckleheads.”
- New Wave City – roaming 80’s dance party presented about once a month at various venues.
- Nightscapes – ultra-phat guide to S.F. nightlife.
- Pat O’Shea’s Mad Hatter – an original Irish sports bar.
- Place Pigalle
- Plough and The Stars, The – home of traditional Irish music; includes calendar of events.
- Roderick’s Chamber – gothic nightclub, located in a cavernous venue, with two dance floors, five rooms, and a blend of gothic, darkwave and industrial music.
- San Francisco Dance Clubs
- SF Night Club Directory – from DJ Michael Onas.
- So What! – an eclectic San Francisco club experience centered around industrial, gothic, electro, ebm, coldwave, darkwave and alternative dancing and live shows.
- Terminator – alternative rock dance club on Friday nights at the Trocadero.
- Toronado Pub
- Trocadero – alternative, industrial, and gothic music, featuring live shows (all ages), and weekly clubs.
- Gold Club – world class gentlemen’s club.
- Mitchell Brothers O’Farrell Theatre – come see sexy babes in this deluxe, multi-themed amusement park for men.
- Temptations – offers private lap, couch and wall dances in addition to a continuous live stage show.
- Ultimate Strip Club List
- DNA Lounge
Museums in the Bay Area
Museum Sites
- Anon Salon – San Francisco – nearly monthly party/event/performance showcasing artists in diverse media.
- Asphalt Museum – Rohnert Park
- Bay Area Discovery Museum
- Bigfoot and UFO Museum – North Beach
- Blackhawk Automotive Museum – Danville – resources, projects and exhibits related to the automobile and automotive art through time. Features highlights from the museum collections.
- Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia – Burlingame – featuring an online exhibit of hundreds of dispensers from the ’50s to the present. Also a source for European and hard-to-find dispensers and accessories.
- C.E. Smith Museum of Anthropology
- California Antique Aircraft Museum – a “flying” antique aircraft museum with educational displays, restoration workshops and resource center.
- Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House – Campbell – historic home and museum showcasing life in Silicon Valley in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose – San Jose
- Essig Museum of Entomology – Berkeley – a 4.5 million specimen entomological research collection with specimens primarily from western North America and the northern neotropics.
- Gold Rush Trail/ Gold Rush Trail Foundation – San Francisco – San Francisco’s outdoor history museum is a walking tour of gold rush era historical monuments, areas and points of interest.
- Golden Gate Railroad Museum – Bayview/Hunters Point – dedicated to the preservation and operation of historic railroad equipment.
- Hall of Health – Berkeley – a community health-education museum and science center, dedicated to promoting wellness and personal responsibility for health
- Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos – scheduled to open in 1998. Includes architectural drawings of proposed museum, as well as an online “walking” tour.
- History Museum of Santa Cruz County – Santa Cruz – local history of the city and Monterey Bay; including info on Native Americans, explorers, Californians, the Missions, early industry, and agriculture.
- History Museums of San Jose – San Jose
- Illumination Project – San Francisco
- Intel Museum – Santa Clara
- International Children’s Art Museum – San Francisco – devoted to exhibiting children’s art from around the world as well as from the local community.
- Judah L. Magnes Museum – Berkeley – collects, preserves, and exhibits treasures of Jewish art, history, and culture from throughout the world.
- Lindsay Wildlife Museum – Walnut Creek – wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that focuses on native California wildlife and natural history.
- Mexican Museum – Pacific Heights/Marina – art and cultural institution located in the Fort Mason Center.
- Mill & Short Gallery – San Francisco – collaboration to introduce the role of curator into the realm of the artist.
- Museo ItaloAmericano
- Museum of the City of San Francisco – San Francisco – preserving the history of the City; on-line exhibits include the 1906 earthquake and a 1965-69 chronology of local rock and roll.
- Napa Valley Museum – St. Helena
- National Maritime Museum Association – San Francisco – operates the USS Pampanito, a WWII submarine and assists with the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
- Pacific Bus Museum – San Anselmo
- Pacific Coast Air Museum – Santa Rosa – dedicated to promote the acquisition, restoration, safe operation, and display of historical aircraft.
- Pacific Film Archive – Berkeley – center for the exhibition and study of cinema.
- Petaluma Historical Museum/Library – Petaluma – dedicated to the history of Petaluma and its environs.
- Petaluma Wildlife and Natural Science Museum – Petaluma – student-run non-profit museum with a saltwater tidepool along with taxidermied and live animal displays.
- Portuguese Historical Museum – San Jose – preserves the culture and heritage of Portuguese immigrants to the US from the time of the discoveries to the present day.
- Randall Museum, The – San Francisco
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum – San Francisco – explore a world of improbabilities located at Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Rosicrucian Park and Egyptian Museum – San Jose – houses several Egyptian-style buildings in a park-like setting featuring exotic plants and the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the western US.
- San Francisco Art Commission Gallery – San Francisco – an important venue for emerging to mid-career artists.
- San Francisco Computer Museum – San Francisco
- San Francisco Craft & Folk Art Museum – San Francisco
- San Francisco International Airport Museum Exhibitions – curates exhibitions that capture the unique culture of the San Francisco Bay Area and humanize the airport environment.
- San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum – Civic Center/Tenderloin – includes both national and international holdings, with special emphasis on the rich heritage of the live performing arts in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- San Jose Center for Latino Arts – San Jose
- Santa Cruz Surfing Museum – Santa Cruz – housed in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, the museum traces over 100 years of surfing history as it relates to Santa Cruz.
- Sharpsteen Museum – Calistoga – dioramas and displays about Calistoga and northern Napa County.
- Sonoma State University Art Gallery – Rohnert Park – hosts exhibitions, public lectures, and educational outreach programs.
- Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – San Francisco – located within Golden Gate Park.
- Vacaville Muesum – Vacaville – center for Solano County history. Features hours, exhibit info, guild and membership information.
- Villa Montalvo – Saratoga – non-profit art center presents shows by world-class performers, funding an Artist Residency Program, Gallery, and outreach programs.
- Western Aerospace Museum – Oakland
- Western Railway Museum – Suisun City
- WORKS – San Jose – contemporary art and performance space dedicated to providing a venue for artists, ideas and images that expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience.
Interview with Soul Divine
![]() Sexy, Smart, Success Spirit intact, they are . . . souls divine |
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While out in search of diversion last weekend, Petra and I happened to slide into the Paradise Lounge. We shot a coupla’ games upstairs waiting for the band to start and when they did, walked over to the balcony to check it out. Not very poetically, I said “Damn, these chicks rock!” and suggested she snap a few shots of them. Funky rock beats, happenin’ lyrics and raw talent in all corners kept the crowd moving as they played “Let It Rock,” “Screaming Love,” and “Break This Heart.” We wanted to go up close for more pics, but had to fight off a complaining guy, whom I thought was the band’s manager since he had paperwork strewn all over the speakers in front of the stage during the entire show. We thought he was acting way wack for a manager and I made a note in my brain to ask “Whassup with him?” if I and when I had the chance to interview them. We managed to get him out of the way , Petra got the shots and we enjoyed the rest of the show. Afterwards, I passed my card to the lead singer and briefly told her before they disappeared back stage that I’d like to interview them sometime. I didn’t know if they were local or just visiting, but figured it was worth a shot.
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Judea Eden called a few days later to schedule and by then I had checked out some reviews and their website. I wasn’t surprised to find numerous quotes regarding the powerful vocals of lead singer Judea, the slick guitar licks from Carrie Baum, the kick ass drumming of Robin Bordow or the jazzy/funky bass of Joan Martin. I was surprised however, to find that I felt as though I knew more about this band from having seen them perform once than I did from reading all the reviews, articles, and bios. I decided that this interview must come up with more than “Damn, these chicks are hot!” and we made a plan to meet at Planet X Studios the following Sunday afternoon.![]() |
Clad in cowboy hat and sunglasses, slim, sultry guitarist Carrie Baum met us at the door of Planet X – she had the reserved, yet confident style of someone who shows their genius to few people and is thus not accustomed to adoration. Running late from our previous photo shoot/interview, we apologized and followed Carrie to the studio where they had been practicing for the past 3 hours. Judea came up with her beautiful smile and her cute chubbiness and introduced herself to us. We then met Joan Martin – bass player with a wide eyed, child-like, twinkling smile that makes you wonder what she’s up to.
Eventually, the drummer Robin Bordow (resembling Long Tall Sally) came over after finishing up what she was doing with the equipment .
I was already curious about Robin, as there was nextunuthin’ written about her, that I could find, and she seemed the mysterious, quiet type. As it turned out, she had plenty to say and it was plenty interesting. Robin has been playing drums with many bands for over 20 years and at age 42, has been with the same lover/partner since age 17. In addition, to keeping up with rehearsals, local and out of town gigs; she works for Hewlett Packard as an engineer of hardware for scientific instrumentation; lives in Petaluma during the work week and has a crib in the City where she spends most weekends. Robin is especially into jazz fusion and found inspiration from such artists as Chic Correa, Tom McLaughlin and Herbie Hancock. She’s played with many bands, but says she’s never been in a band with such great communication and effectiveness to make decisions and actually get things done. Robin came across as the mom in the superstar family – staying back and looking after things while the girls have fun under the spots.
Robin and Judea have been in the Bay Area for a long time, while Carrie and Joan are fairly recent New York transplants. Joan and Carrie were in a band together in New York and both ended up moving to Frisco. Carrie hadn’t been here long when she decided she would go back east as things weren’t really coming together for her here. But then Joan took Carrie to a party, just a week before she was scheduled to leave town and introduced her to Judea. Carrie and Judea fell for each other, so the move back to New York is still on hold.
Carrie Baum played with Venus Humm in New York before coming west 5 years ago, studied with S.F.’s Jim Campilongo, and thinks he’s an excellent guitar player and a great teacher. From what I’ve seen and after having already been labeled “A guitarist with enough skill and creativity to be ranked among the best in San Francisco’s club scene”, she oughtta’ know what good is. Carrie said she’s been inspired by the music of Ann & Nancy Wilson and Led Zeppelin. A quote from their website @ www.slip.net/~sodivine/, “Carrie’s dream is for a group of women to achieve respect with their talent and with what they put forth from their hearts.” – She feels she has finally achieved this with Soul Divine.

Carrie told me a bit about two of the tracks on their latest CD – “Screaming Love” is based on a past relationship and “Alive” was about a very difficult time in her life. She thinks its important to talk about and express pain, but rising above it and working through things enables her to turn it all into a positive. Joan and Judea both say they write songs according to the here and now, much more than about the past and since the present seems to be a very good time for all of them, that’s probably why their tunes come across with an optimistic edge.

Soul Divine dig playing at Bottom of the Hill, Paradise and Judea says Blue Lamp has good energy & New George’s in San Rafael is a happenin’ spot.
Together for 2 years now, things are definitely comin’ together for this group. A little more time should put them in the big time in a big way. As it turned out, that guy in front of the stage wasn’t their manager – they manage themselves – for now; he was just a fan who follows them everywhere and sometimes brings his paperwork to the club with him and tells photographers where they should be. SoulDivine has an album of songs ready to record and are in the process of locating the best record deal/financing to proceed. With the smart, steady, star quality and their solo and combined funk/jazz/rock experience rolling out the way it does, we picture them hotter than the soup at the Tenderzone’s Thai Noodle and playing in any hood they like within a year. – SFO Sunshine
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Review of The Suicide Machines Concert
photographs and story by J.D. Brumback
plus samples of the new album – “Destruction by Definition”

It was so hot in Slim’s we thought it was raining. The lead singer noticed how much everyone was sweating and was handing out water even before the first song began. The band gave the crowd the go ahead for slamming and diving before ripping into the first song – “Step 1”. The crowd whipped itself up into a hot musty ball of steam. People began jumping on and flying off stage faster than the bouncers could fathom. They resigned themselves to just keeping people from getting hurt and maintaining the sound equipment which was also flying around.
Jay invited the crowd to sing along and even handed over the microphone to fans for little solos. He definitely knew how to work the crowd and everyone seemed to be loving the show and thriving in the energy that was going back and forth between the audience and the band. There was no slowing down for these guys. They came into Slim’s, threw out the high energy with a no-nonsense show, and left the crowd wanting more. It was more movement than we’ve seen at Slim’s all year. All the “No slamming”, “No diving” rules were broken with non-stop action and the show was over before we knew it.


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Review of UK Subs Concert
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The punkrock revival continues!Oldschool legends, the UK Subs, wound up their 20th anniversary U.S. tour with a triumphant return to San Francisco and a fiery performance at the Great American Music Hall. Started by singer Charlie Harper as a London R&B; combo, the band evolved into one of the original great British punk bands. Charlie solidified the lineup with bassist Alvin Gibbs and guitarist Nicky Garratt, but they parted ways after the epic Polish blitz of 1983, and finally reunited this year for recording and the tour, along with ex-Samiam drummer Dave Ayer.
This summer, Nicky’s San Francisco-based record label, New Red Archives, released the 17th UK Subs album “Quintessentials” in conjunction with Cleopatra Records’ release of the 18th title, “Riot” (all their records are alphabetical, y’see). Both records feature the “classic” (plus Dave) lineup. XXX subsidiary Amsterdamned recently issued the domestic version of the 15th Subs record “Occupied” with Charlie and his “Euro-Subs”, the guys he’s been playing with in Europe (including original drummer Pete Davies). European label Fallout/Jungle is putting out the 16th record, the live Peel Sessions, three classic recordings with Charlie, Nicky, Pete, and another early member, Paul Slack. So there’s a bumper crop of UK Subs material out there folks! |
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The Great American gig was a blast, despite the absence of those who chose to attend the Gwar extravaganza at the Warfield instead.Still, a decent crowd showed up, ranging from teenage crusties to wizened geezers like myself. We were disappointed to find that Alvin Gibbs had returned to England to take care of some domestic matters, but merchandise gal Carly was filling in on the last few dates of the tour, and doing a splendid job!
Charlie was in fine form, as good as ever, growling the vocals with his thick London accent. Nicky performed his legendary stage acrobatics, leaping into the air, doing the splits, and at one point hurling his guitar a good twenty feet in the air: I saw it coming down, I blinked, and there he was, strapped in and playing! We heard plenty of songs from the Q/R releases, and just about all the classics we could hope for, including my dance faves “Stranglehold” and “Tomorrow’s Girls”. Nicky threw some of his label’s bands on the bill: Bay Area punkers Accustomed To Nothing opened the show with a hellacious set for the handful of onlookers, minus the kids who were outside drinking malt liquor on O’Farrell; and Pittsburgh anarchy-punks Anti-Flag won the crowd over with their political diatribes and their own not- too-shabby aerobatic guitar playing mayhem. All in all a great night to be a punker in Frisco, oi oi. |
Check out the new album from U.K. Subs (samples below).
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Review of Beth Hart Concert and CD
Beth Hart Band recently played the Fillmore. She gave a powerful, no fluff performance wearing a hip hop stocking cap and a full length backless black dress, looking much different from the record label head shot pictured here. The songs are good on cd, but watching her perform them adds an emotion and intensity that you just can’t get without being there. At only 27, the way she talks with zeal about her life of trials and tribulations, she reminds one of a reformed addict friend that doesn’t quite know how to control herself and act right in public. One might feel a bit sorry for her at first glance, but her out of control energy makes her a true performer of a special caliber. After a few songs, the way she just lets it all hang out becomes admirable and the audience was obviously touched by her vibe as they cheered her and yelled for more.
I overheard a fan telling the doorman “. . .When I saw her on Star Search in ’91, she seemed a little spastic for that crowd, kinda like Joe Cocker, ya’ know….. but I loved her and I’ve kept my eye out for her shows and albums ever since”. And anyone with a love for music that gets deep inside should do the same. This chick has raw emotion that explodes out of some lyrics and drips quietly out of others. Whatever the words, you can tell she’s really felt it and her streetwise demeanor comes through on stage to make the songs feel all the more real. Before begining the acoustic session, she casually answered questions from the audience and spoke openly about drugs, getting lost in them, run ins with bad guys and finding herself again. Her honesty and lack of fear for speaking the truth was refreshing and added to her bold, unhampered quality. The audience could feel her warmth and the excitement running through her as she spoke vibrantly about the happiness she has found in working with this band.
The first artist that came to mind when I played the new and aptly titled Beth Hart cd “Screamin’ For My Supper” was Janis Joplin’s enthusiastic and gut spilling style. Then I learned that she played Janis on stage for the Cleveland Playhouse’s production of Love, Janis. She has received universal acclaim for that performance and is now happy to be playing in clubs like the Fillmore with her “best friends” – the very talented drummer Rocco Bilovski from Cleveland and powerful guitarist Jimmy Khoury from Austin, who back her up in a big way, artistically complimenting her raw style.
– – – Darrow Boggiano
Review of Fiona Apple Concert
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Review by James Cowart and Live Photos by J.D. Brumback from the show at the Luther Burbank Center.
Check out some samples from her new album – “Tidal”
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The long awaited tour of 19 year old Fiona Apple brought us to the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa. The venue itself doubles as a concert hall by night and place of worship by day. The setting reminds me of a place where MTV’s “Unplugged” show could easily take place. The crowd of nearly one thousand people ranging from ftwelve year olds to fans in their mid-forties were treated to an intimate evening on Fionna’s tour of her debut CD, Tidal.
The stage consisted of a baby grand piano, drums, a xylophone, a stand-up bass, numerous guitars, organs and keyboards. Enourmous candles and incense covered the stage, setting the tone for Fiona and her band.
As Fiona made her way on stage, the audience gave her a warm welcome. She sat at the baby grand and instigated the first song of the evening – a slow moving composition that left the audience simultaneously stunned and amazed. The young, sultry musician then moved to center stage to exchange words with the crowd. “You know what . . . Sometimes I just get so pissed off. I mean REALLY pissed off!” Immediately, a drum kick and bass roll-off commenced, which led the audience into the familiar “I tell you how I feel, but you don’t care.”
Fiona performed her number one hit single, “Sleep To Dream”, with an intense passion that sent a flow of emotional energy into the crowd and back to the stage in waves. Along with the multi-talented Patrick Warren, Fiona and company displayed their ability to create music that can affect an entire culture. These messages are part of a new musical movement that tells us not to be so passive with OURSELVES rather than with government or everyday complaints. Let the light that we all hold, shine and shine brightly. The audience was obviously moved and entertained as Fionna belted out ballads such as “Never A Promise” and Sullen Girl” and then the emotionally powerful songs like “Shadowboxer” and “Criminal”.

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Interview with The Brand New Heavies
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CitySites Interview With Andrew Levy
By James Cowart.
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Hi Andrew, Thanks for taking time-out from your busy schedule to talk with me. Andrew : It’s my pleasure.James : As a bassist, who were your influences? Andrew : I think that it all started with James Brown and Miles Davis. They really influenced me at a young age. That is when I picked up my first instrument, the bassoon.James : What is one of the earliest memories with the original “Heavies” crew – (you and Jan Kincaid and Simon Bartholomew)? Andrew : When we first started playing together, we used to jam a lot in our own bedrooms. After a couple of those “Bedroom Jams” we just knew it was meant to be, and then everything just happened. James : Tell me about the period between the new album “Shelter” and the previous album? James : You seem really enthusiastic about how thing are going with the new album “Shelter”. Did positive change occur with the addition of Siedah Barrett? James : How do you feel about the bands you are playing with at the Smokin Grooves Tour? James : If you weren’t a musician Andrew, what would you be doing? James : Are you familiar with the Internet? James : Thanks again for taking time-out Andrew. Any last words for your fans? |
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Interview with John Mayall
John Mayall was born 11/29/33 in Macclesfield, England. His father was a jazz guitarist with a huge blues/jazz record collection. John began playing guitar at 12 and piano at 14. In 1955 he formed his first group called the Power House Four. In ’62 after moving to london, Mayall formed the band “Blues Syndicate”. Turning professional in ’63 with encouragement from Alexis Korner, the first of the Blues Breakers bands recorded its first single “Crawl Up A Hill”.
Over the next 30 years, Mayall recorded over 40 records and the list of talent he discovered and fostered reads like the who’s who of jazz, rock and blues – Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Joohn McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Aynsley Dunber, Jon Mark, Andy Fraser, Keef Hartley, Harvey Mandel, Larry Taylor, Ernie Watts, Dick Heckstall Smith, Hughie Flint, Jack Bruce, Tony McPhee, John Almond and many others.
Q: You’re known as a strict task master who runs a tight ship; you once kicked out John McVie and Mick Fleetwood for excessive drinking; are you more tolerant these days? A: You’re reading quotes from magazines and articles, you know, which is not really fair. I’m having trouble answering something like that – that’s written and read out off of a magazine. I’m not a hard task master – John McVie and Mick Fleetwood were sometimes too drunk to play – so obviously they had to go for that reason and they would tell you the same thing. It was justified and as for the tolerance these days, that doesn’t really apply because I’ve never been a hard task master. I’m the easiest guy to get along with, providing I have the right musicians and I think that history shows that I have.
Q: Regarding your “Blues Alone” album in 1968, did you really lay down all the tracks in one day?
A: I can’t remember – it probably was a bit more than that. If it says so on the album. It was probably done within a week, anyway but it was a pleasureable experience. Keef Harley came in and did the drumming on it because my timing was terrible when it came to playing the drums. It’s one thing I’ve never been able to deal with.
Q: On “The Turning Point” your recorded a tribute to J.B. Lenoir entitled “I’m Gonna Fight For You J.B.” Can you talk about his influence on your music?
A: Well, I’ve always liked his music; his lyrics always struck me as being a little off the beaten track for a standard blues fare and he had a lot of great musical ideas and his voice was terrific too.
Q: “Blues Breakers John Mayall with Eric Clapton” is one of those classic, seminal albums of our time (a “must have” for all collectors), but it seems to be better known because of Eric Clapton; does that bother you?
A: It’s a great album. It put Eric on the map and put me on the map. (It sure did.)
Q: Your only U.S. charting single “Don’t Waste My Time” reached #81 in ’69, but “Room To Move” seems to be your most requested song – Is it your favorite, too?
A: No, it’s more of a signature tune really. Luckily, it’s translated very well to any particular instrumentation that I’ve had ever since. It started off as a big band number and translated into what we had on Turning Point.
Q: Are there any recordings of Powerhouse Four or Blues Syndicate?
A: No.
The liner notes for your first album were written by Alexis Corner – Can you talk about his influence, and did you ever perform together on stage or informally? A: Did Alexis write the first one? Q: For Klooks Kleek? A: Oh, did he . . . I can’t remember that. . . Yeah, maybe he did . . . obviously, you know about that. We played on the same shows together, but not at the same time. Q: “USA Union” is your best selling album in America, hitting #22 on the Billboard Charts in ’70; are you still in touch with Harvey Mandel (guitar) and/or Larry Taylor (bass)? And how did they come to join your band in the first place? A: It did? (according to my researcher, yes) Sounds very suspect to me. Yeah, Larry lives pretty near me. I see him quite a lot – but Harvey was here at the last gig, but he had to work tonight. I chose them – I’m the band leader, so I pick the musicians.
Q: In ’88 you recorded, remixed and remastered 8 songs from “Back To the Roots” (1971) and releasted it as part of archives to Eighties; Do you have any plans to do this with other recordings? A: No, not right now. Maybe something with the bottom Line if I can ever get my hands on the master tapes, but that particular album – the producer kind of mixed it so that, so . . . . I do remember playing on it, but there’s no evidence of it. I’d like to be able to get that one and hear what is on the actual tracks.
Q: You have guested on albums by Rod Stewart, Eddie Boyd, Albert King and Shakey Jake Harris. Have you played “session man” for anyone else? A: Oh, very few and far between. I think you probably named them all there, I can’t think of any more off hand. (Buddy Guy is another)
Q: You featured a woman – Dee McKinnie on vocals on “New Year New Band and New Company” in 1975 – What brought on this change in direction? A: That was part of the band you know, the band I had then. Dee McKinnie was from Memphis and she worked with Jet Spell who was the keyboardist on that particular outing.
Q: You and Allen Toussaint did an album in ’75 – “Notice To Appear” but there were only two songs that you penned; would you say Allen had more control in those sessions? A: Yeah, he was totally in charge of it. It weas proposed I work with him. So we had to do it his way. It was his studio production entirely. I was lucky to get two songs on it (laughing)!
Q: You released 5 albums on ABC and 3 on DJM between ’76 and ’80, with none of them seeing much action; what would you say was the reason for this? A: It’s hard to tell, I think there was a general recession in the record industry at that particular time. there wasn’t that much interest in blues records – who knows what happens with these things but I know the late 70’s and early 80’s were a pretty rough time for not just me, but for a lot of blues players getting record deals. We were still doing our live gigs with no problem; to get record interest was difficult.
Q: The 1983 audio fidelity release “Casa Blues” featured Blue Mitchell and Freddie Robinson on four long instrumentals. How did this record come about? A:Well, Blue was in my band. Freddy was in my band and Blue had another album to do, so I got ROLLED into that one – it was nice.
Q: Why was there never a record release of the excellent video “Blues Alive”, taken from your June ’82 show at the Capitol Theatre in New Jersey? A: Like I said, That was the time when there was no record interest, so the video was out, so that really tells the story.
Q: “Chicago Line” (1988) featured two superb guitarists – Coco Montoya and Walter Trout. Are you still in touch with them and what do you think of their solo projects? A: Sure, yeah, Coco just released his 3rd album and Walter has about 6 albums out and Walter’s really big in Europe, not so big over here. Yeah, in fact he’s in England (touring) right now.
Q: A sense of Place (1990) is an appropriate title for your return to the charts – Do you have a perspective on this? A: Well, I don’t know about the charts. As far as I’m concerned, no album of mine has been in the charts since probably “The Turning Point”. I don’t really know. And as far as I’m concerned I’ve never had a gold record, so I don’t have any knowledge of these things.
Q: Your current label – Silvertone has released 3 stellar albums “Wake Up Call” (1993) “Spinning Coin” (1996) and the recent “Blues For The Lost Days” Do you feel that you are finally getting the treatment you deserve from a record label?
A:Well, it’s nice to be able to get support from the record company thiat is behind too, so I’m very happy with that. (Sure is, and it looks like they’re doing a good job for you.) Yeah.
Q: Your guitarist, Buddy Whittington is your latest discovery. How did you meet and what is his background? A: He’s from Texas and we had him in an opening act that we did in Dallas a few years ago. That’s how we came to meet and when Coco left, I contacted Buddy.
Q: I understand that you went to art school and at one time you were involved in advertising graphics. You’ve even had a hand in the layout and design of some of your album covers. Does art still play a part in your life? A: No so much, there’s not much time for anything else but music and family life these days, but occasionally I do some painting.
Q: Have you ever played any solo acoustic gigs? A: No, I’ve never been into that. that’s why I’m a band leader and work with sparking off other musicians.
Q: Fairport Conventions have put on shows where all the members from their various line ups converge and perform on stage in chronological order. Have you ever thought about doing a similar adventure for the Blues Breakers to reunite Clapton, Taylor, Green, Mandel, McVie, Dunbar and countless others from the John Mayall School of Music?
A: Don’t even finish, it’s total insanity.
Q: You’ve played with a lot of people – Is there anyone in particular that you would like to work with in the future?
A: I’ve got it now. This is the line up. This is the right one.
Q: In 1972, Cleve (a small label from Texas) released the album “John Lee Hooker, John Mayall and the Ground Hogs”, recorded in London. How much involvement did you have on this this project?
A: None at all. Somebody put my name on it. Ihad nothing to do with that. I don’t even know anything about it except somebody pretended I was on it, but I’m certainly not on it.
Q: I read that you lived in a tree at one time; can you describe the humble abode you once called “home”.
A: I’ve never been one for humble abodes. I’ve alwaays been one for luxuray. And if I built a tree house it was becasue it was my own building and it would be my own decoration and the place to p;ut all my stuff, but humble abodes have never been part of my life (laughing).
Q: Were you ever able to reconstruct your “library” after the fire in Laurel Canyon?
A: No, I was never able to reconstruct anything, some unbeatable photographs, records, tapes, books, magazines – everything is gone, so it was a big loss and nothing could be retained.
Q: “Blues for the Lost Days” is described as your “the best album of John Mayall’s career” in your record company press statement. How do you feel about that?
A:Well, I hope so, I hope they do.
Q: What was it like to live with Frank Zappa and Canned Heat in the ’60’s? Did you and “The Mothers” or Canned Heat ever jam together?
A: No, I never lived with them. I spent a couple of nights at Frank Zappa’s house once and maybe a night at Canned Heat’s house at the time. No I never played with them.
Q: Your wife Maggie sang with the Harvey Mandel Band before joining your band – Does she still sing?
A: No, she had a band – Maggie Mayall and the Cadillacs and when they started to split up there was no replacing the excellent musicians that sparked that off, so she’s just doing the family life now.
Q: It seems to me that without you, Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, Graham Bond and Long John Baldry there would have been no british blues and rock scene – Just about everybody passed through the ranks of those groups and went on to great success. Would you agree that you guys were sort of the “Blues Godfathers” and forefathers, not to mention a proving ground and training school for talent?
A: Well, that’s how it worked out. We didn’t think of it at the time as being like that. We all had to work and we were all enthused and that’s what happened.
Q: On Blues From Laurel Canyon, you wrote a song “Miss James” about Katherine James from the band “Groupies”. Did you hang out with the Groupies, G.T.O’s or Plaster Casters who were all part of that music scene?
A: Yeah, they tended to gravitate around Frank Zappa’s house so throught them I met everybody.
Q: On “Blues for the Lost Days” there seems to be a lot of songs dealing with tributes and love themes – love for your wife (You Are For Real), love for your mother (One In A Million), love for life and family (I Don’t Mind), loe for old times and friends (Blues for the Lost Days), love for the hate of war (Trenches), love for mentors and heros (All Those Heros) and just an overall love for the blues throughout the album. Any comment?
A: Well, I think you just described the whole album right there (laughing).
Q: How is your current tour going?
A: It’s great as always, we never have any trouble touring.
Q: Your new CD kicks ass – how is the audience reaction to the new songs?
A: Well, you heard it tonight and there was a double encore and they still wanted more, so I think you can say it was totally excellent. (I think so. I can agree with that.)
Q: You’re turning 64 this year; how much longer do you see yourself touring?
A: As long as I’m doing what I’m doing now, you know – kicking ass. (As long as the fans are still there?) Yeah, well the fans will be there as long as I deliver.
Well John, on behalf of CitySites Magazine, I want to thank you for your time and thank Silvertone for this opportunity. We wish you much success with your new CD and the tour.
I have to say that it wa a real pleasure talking with John Mayall and the performance was outstanding. His current killer band of Blues Breakers include Buddy Whittington (guitar), John Paulus (bass), and Joe Yuele (drums) and they all put on one helluva show. I highly recommend that you check out their show whenever you get a chance.
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Review of U2 Concert
The U2 show couldn’t have been held at a better place. Even in the hugeness of the Oakland Coliseum, somehow the audience was made to feel close to the performers. Bono (in white hooded cape) and the Edge mysteriously appeared in the center of the arena to start the show with “Walk Away, I Will Follow” as they went back up the long catwalk to the stage.
It was apparent from the jump that there was a new image being projected by the band, quite different from the rock/leather that we’ve seen in the past. Bono seemed to be loving the photo opps during the first three tunes and was funny to watch when he was jumping around like a mad but happy orangutan, in spurts throughout the evening.
If not close to dragging, he was definitely in a more fashion conscious state than we’ve seen from him in the past. With Adam Clayton clad in a “pop tart” labeled t-shirt and bono in “elton johnish” sunglasses, clockwork orange hat, and super tight spandex, it was rather obvious that a bi-sexual / gay image was being promoted or at least displayed.
The new tune “Gone” from Discotheque sounded beautiful live – the words seem to tie in with what the band has been going through as a “mega-musical corporation”: ‘what you thought was freedom was just greed’.
Bono was somewhat apologetic stating to the crowd: “You turned us into a big rock band. We got kind of scared of the big corporation. You, start a band to make music, it becomes a huge corporation. Then you have to decide if you are going to eat the monster before it eats you.”
The Pop Mart Tour has some oddities, like a segment in which The Edge karaokes to “Cheer Up Sleepie Jean” (Day Dream Believer) and a coupla’ other tunes while old videos play on the enormous screen.
We heard “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, “Only To Be With You” and “Stand By Me”. The new tune “Last Night On Earth” (You Got To Give It Away) was a definite crowd shaker.
The Oaktown Coliseum accommodates fabulous effects for these gargantuan events.
There was a huge lemon balloon floating beside the stage from the beginning that was later transformed into a huge shining disco ball. It floated into the center of the air space and twirled lights onto the entire crowd, making the place a mega disco joint from the 70’s.
There are a few good tunes on the new album, but it’s no “Achtung Baby”. It seems as though the promotions are teeny-bop shopping gimmicks that either the band was “semi-pushed into” or is not totally pleased with. Since they are going along with this utterly commercial crap, (what’s up with the half-a-McDonald’s arch?), I think they decided to say “what the hell” in expressing homosexual nature that they had not previously exposed so blatantly.
Maybe when all people (are you listening, “Mr. Don’t ask/don’t tell.”; give me a break) understand that bisexuality would be common practice if society and religion didn’t tell us to refuse it, then the superstars won’t have to bother getting over a rainbow that’s been camouflaged by a golden arch. Props to them anyway, for adding some positive to this project that seems to be much more about “mega-money-media-madness”, than music.
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Interview with George Thorogood
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by Frisco Floyd Van Gogh
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FF: yes!
G: Right, (chuckles)
FF: Thank you for your time, and welcome to my phone line.
GT: Pleasure, San Francisco Bay Area. .. the giants, the giants man, the giants are doing it.
FF: Of course, they are a great team.
On to the interview . . .
FF: So this is your 20 year aniversary since your first release. What was the name of that first label?
GT: Rounder records. they were a blue grass label. They mostly featured bluegrass, kind of old time music. Some how we hooked up w/them,…
(On the track “Liven with the shades pulled down” – new album, you can hear George’s blue grass roots sort of creeping through.)
GT: ……we did a couple albums w/them, and then moved on to EMI American in 1982 and put out the “Bad to the Bone” album..
FF: Which is still an awesome album . . .
GT: Thank you, and now we’re doing this “Rockin’ My Life Away” thing.
FF: Yeah, it’s (the record) something else. You’ve had lots-o-road time, “pluggin the ol’album” scene?
GT: Well,…that’s what it’s all about, i mean stayin’ with it. That’s pretty much what the story has been about,.. uhmm perseverance
FF: Tell me about the “fifty days, fifty states”.
GT: Well that’s kind of interesting and humorous history of the “Destroyers”. There was this guy working with us on a tour, and he said, “Why don’t you play all fifty states?” . . . I said yeah that sounds like a good idea, so we lined it up as all fifty states in fifty nights with no time off. So we were like two days into it, and the guy says “Ya know I really admire you playing all these staes right in a row….every night,…
I went “Huh? . . .is that what you meant? . . . all in a row?…”
And Bill Grahm, God rest his soul, asked us if we would like to play at Madison Square Garden with the Stones (during that tour). I said no, we gotta play these fifty states, we’re comitted to that…. real wise management move on my part.
FF: You did later tour with the Stones, correct?
GT: Yeah, that was about as good as it gets.
FF: Hey, the new record/album – this is a very nice compilation of songs.
GT: Thank you.
FF: starting w/”Trouble every day”, great job mahhhn’. That was wonderful.
GT: Yeah, that’s a Frank Zappa classic, kind of a tribute to him.
FF: and “The Usual”, John Hiatt’s tune?
GT: that was actually done first by Bob Dylan of all people, that’s supposed to be a movie… but Hiatt is realy an exteme lyric writer. He’s out there, we picked up on the lyrics, and tried to make it into a rock song.
FF: Fabulous.
GT: Well you can thank our producer, Watty Watell for that. He put together all the music for that.
FF: and “Rock and Roll Man” is every bit as hot . .
GT: That’s us, thats the destroyers.
FF: So, that’s your tune.
GT: More or less a follow up to “get a haircut”.
FF: That was alright!
GT: You got it man.
FF: Then there was “Jail Bait”, the tune had me giggling.
GT: That idea was kind of a tongue in cheek wording there. Sometimes i’d say, “oh this one’s a little too serious for me….”, uh kind of a Randall Patrick McMurphy.
FF: Now you have said that the rock and roll of today, is not as fun as it once was. Sort of a Life and Death mood now vs. the “fun” of rock in years past.
GT: It might be that everything might have been more fun. The word fun comes from the word funny, and it’s seems to be kind of lost. Sometimes when you go to see a comedian, and you walk out feeling worse than you did when you walked into the place. So i say, lets get these people up on their feet, get ’em laughing and dancing for about ninety minutes or two hours. Let ’em know that there is still a good time to be had.
FF: Right on, was it you that said all of the good songs have been written?
GT: No, I didn’t think that i did (write all the good songs), . . . i was not talking about other artists. I’ve never fancied myself as any kind of song writer. When I made that statement, I was only talking about myself, in particular. I was not qualified to do that (write any more good songs). However, something must have rang true with that statement. I said that in 1978, and if you listen to rock classic radio, about 85% of the stuff they play, is all stuff that came out before 1980. So I must have had some kind of insight to that thing. I was only talking about myself….
FF: ..the 1-4-5 blues riff?
GT: Exactly, that’s what i do, and in that bag, most of the good songs have been done. The peple who are the qualified good writers,..MaCartney, Dillon, Niel Young, Paul Simon, even those people, the bulk of their stuff, all happened before their time.
FF: Now how was the three week’s w/ZZ top?
GT: Great.
FF: Do you have any plans to come back through this way?
GT: Always, nothing firm, but when it is, you’ll be the first to know.
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Descendents Concert Review
DESCENDENTS BONUS CUP EXTRAVAGANZA by Gary X. Indiana
Live Concert Photography by J.D. Brumback
plus samples of the new album:

And who the hell are they, newbies might ask? Only one of the most kick-ass punk bands of the early-to-mid-’80’s Southern California scene, one of the all-time classic favorites whose stupendous comeback to sellout crowds proves that their popularity didn’t wane over the years.
On the contrary, their legend continued to grow, with bands such as SUBLIME dropping Descendents covers into their sets, and continuous college radio airplay of their classic records.
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The Descendents were never a bunch of hardcore jocks; rather, led by the lanky, spectacled singer Milo Aukerman, they were the nerds of punk, playing beach-pop inflected tunes about adolescence, insecurity, girls and the inevitable heartbreak, and fishing.
In sum, songs that just about anybody can like. Despite their popularity, Milo realized that the life of a rock star can’t compete with science, so he dropped out in ’82 to study biochemistry at UC San Diego while drummer Bill Stevenson hooked up with BLACK FLAG. The band re-formed in the mid-80’s and released more classic records, until Milo left in ’87 to pursue his Ph.D. Bill and the boys continued as the band ALL, while Bill also established himself as a record producer.
’96, however, was the unofficial 20th anniversary of Punk Rock, and with its resurgence still chugging along, the old heifer was being milked for every drop. Milo, apparently bitten by the punk rock bug again, returned to the fold and the Descendents recorded their brilliant Epitaph release “Everything Sucks”.
Fans proclaimed it an instantly classic Descendents record, singles (such as the title song, also “I’m The One” and “She Loves Me”) swamped radio and MTV, and the band packed clubs worldwide in the Winter and Spring.
Their show at the Trocadero last December was full to the rafters with rabid Descendents fans singing along to the tunes both old and new. Their June 2nd return was eagerly awaited, and once again it was sardine city.
Fashionably late, I arrived in time for GUTTERMOUTH, who struck me as too damn dorky. Watching the singer, I kept having these weird mental images of Buddy Hackett.
The perfect party band LESS THAN JAKE got the big E for effort, doing the ska thing with dancing horns and the whole bit while simultaneously being covered in Silly String. Of course Milo and the boys, what can I say, they were at least as great as the show in December, blasting through a slew of old and new songs, everything any Descendents fan could want to hear, only slowing along the way for their goofy ceremony of reciting the “All-o-gistics” creed, complete with commandments (“Thou shall not commit hygiene/Thou shalt not partake of the dreaded decaf” etc.) written on a duct taped scroll which was chucked into the mob afterwards.
Last time their encore included guest vocals from the guitar roadie and one of the SWINGING UTTERS; this time they topped that when they all switched instruments, Bill on guitar, Milo on bass, and a mysterious guest singer came out and out-Henryed HENRY ROLLINS on a medley of Black Flag songs (I lost it completely at that point) including “Six Pack”, “Wasted”, “Nervous Breakdown”, and “Jealous Again”. Awesome. A very, very happy crowd was left in their wake.
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Rooster Concert Review
Impressions by Petra Arnold on camera
and Darrow Boggiano on pencil.
CitySites checked out Rooster in San Jose a couple weeks ago at the downtown block party and again this weekend at Slim’s. Some true hip-hoppers; they are comprised of James D’Angelo (left)who writes about 70% of all their tunes; Smash (right) mo’ than backs up on vocals and adds an energetic stage show to their soulful rap vibe; Ben Eastman booms on drums keepin’ things live and Mark Casqueiro is found on the thumpy stand-up bass. Sean Moody is guitarist and co-song writer who does a cool sounding “Dobro” thing with the guitar in his lap. Yes, I know I spelled dobro wrong (they left that one out of the spell checker). James calls himself an ‘indignant civil rights child who tends to get motivated “in the here and now” to write about either a current news story or more often, his sex life which he labels ‘unrequited’. D’Angelo has received numerous rave reviews over his writing for the band “Goats”, which he led back in Phillie.
He has recently hooked “Rooster” up with a publishing contract at Chrysalis even though they don’t have a recording deal just yet. Chrysalis must think they are pretty special, since the publisher usually only steps in after the record deal has been signed. They got in with Chrysalis after James sent a copy of his tape to his brother in L.A. who was playing it so loud that his neighbor heard it. She had just gotten a job at Chrysalis and liked it so she brought it in to her boss and voila! . . . they were signed.
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D’Angelo and Sean Moody started putting Rooster’s tunes together a couple of years ago, after Moody came down to Frisco from Oregon. Their lyrics are sharp, political and often funny – “I met a Ho’ at the Virgin Record Sto’. . . ” “The guy’s say her love for me is phony, but her ass is so fine, it’s worth the palimony”. “You be the cornish hen, I’ll be the rooster; if you’ve had a tetanus shot, I’ll be the booster”. D’Angelo told us he finds excitement in women he can’t have and says the best cure is to tickle them a lot and cook them pasta fungill.
On the ride to San Jose we asked James what it is he raps about. He puts on this “heavy, homey, brotha’ rappa” voice and says “’bout politics. . . ’bout people tryin’ to keep white folks down in the suburbs. . . and people tryin’ to confuse da issues ’bout bein’ real wit’ yo’self or playin’ wit’ yo’self and I’d just like to say that I wanna’ play wit’ myself, but I don’t wanna’ stay wit’ myself. So keep it on da’ real.”

James butts in to say “We’re into fractions, not ratios.”
Q: “A lot of brothas’ and sistas’ consider it to be defecting if they go out with a white guy or girl. Do you date white women and if so, do you feel pressure from others because of that or because you are in an otherwise “white boy” hip hop band?”
A: “I don’t buy into the theory that one black person can speak for an entire race and you can date whoever you want, even guys – right. Folks who choose to be involved in whatever way interracially are not defecting from their race. Let me put it this way . . . right now, black pussy is exotic!”
Q: “What are some of your best or favorite lines?”
A: “She might be asian, but that don’t make her less fun, cuz when it comes to dumplings, she’s all that and dim sum” and “I’m the freckled face rooster, cruisin’ in my limo; pullin’ up to the curb and hangin’ panties out the window.”
Next time you hear about an upcoming show – check out Rooster – we think they’re all that AND a bag of corn meal!
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Spearhead Concert Review
![]() and the “Chocolate Supa Highway” Album Photographs by Petra Arnold Words & Digitization by Darrow Boggiano |
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Franti has a stage presence that mesmerizes. With him under the spots, its hard to notice the rest of the group, but listening to the CD confirms that the variety of voices and musical talent is a big part of why he comes off so impeccable on stage and in the studio. Phunky rasta style from Ras I. Zulu, bumpin’ bass and keyboard from Carl Young who writes with Franti on 7 of the 15 songs on “Chocolate Supa Highway”. and glorious vocals from Trinna Simmons add a refined touch to the straight-up messages of Spearhead.
We played hell getting in to the show, but after missing just a few songs, I was able to get the feel of what the latest from Spearhead is all about. Drifting up to the balcony during “Tha Payroll” I saw some sisters nodding to each other and I could actually see pride gleaming in their faces over a brotha’ standing up for them rather than rappin’ bout “bitches, hos and when I dip, you dip, we dip”. Most of the songs discuss injustices by government, individual, and corporate oppressors. The casual wisdom of his words, and numerous ear-catching phrases are not only fun to listen and dance to, but should inspire people to be more conscious of what is really going on around them. The tunes on the new album take you many places. . . from love of family “it stops with the flowers in your own backyard”, to a society that makes money from imprisonment and doesn’t take their kids with them on vacation.
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David James plays guitar on much of the new album, and although she’s not mentioned on the CD I’m pretty sure Dawn Penn was the other voice/guitarist on stage at the Fillmo’, since they did a taste of her jammin’ tune “You Don’t Love Me” (no, no, no).After listening to the CD more than a few times, it makes one realize the shit that brothas and sistas are still dealing with and dying from, on a daily basis.
The song “Gas Gauge” is about a brother who gets stopped for no reason and killed by a cop on his way to a job interview because he was reaching for his wallet in the glove box where someone had left a gun. The story is told in a fairy tale manner as though he’s talking about a woman who lives in a shoe and it takes a while for the truth of it all to ring through. But when it hits, it’s a powerful blow. Definitely makes you think about how many times you’ve gotten away with having shit in your glove box, but the cop didn’t stop to check you out if they saw you as ‘non-threatening’. “Food for the Masses” epitomizes the album focus and rocks with a supaphunky dance beat. It sounds like they are warning the world that the protest will continue against all forms of oppression and government control. The food is “truth”, and if that’s what the masses are buying, Spearhead oughtta’ make a bundle. The CD’s layout is comfortable as that song slides into “You Can’t Sing R Song”, which starts with a melodious Marvin Gaye style that melts into a soulful rapbeat; smooth as buttah. |
“Madness In Tha Hood” is melodic and peaceful even though they are singing about hookers on Leavenworth Street, Johnny Cochran, the SFPD and crack freaks. Listening to the soothing instruments combined with vivid words picturing harsh realities sends your emotions up, down, east and west. The variety in both tone and lyric between Zulu, Simmons and Franti on this track make for a fresh combination.On the non-political front, “U Can’t Sing R Song” is more of a romantic, love song – Sensitive rap is hard to come across, but it sounds easy here. . . “long hot kisses and summer wishes. . . I mistook all your lovin’ for captivity . . . I still want you and I’m sad we had to let it go”. | ![]() |
“Comin’ To Gitcha” may be referring to an addiction to a lover or to dope, but since they aren’t much different, I guess it doesn’t matter. Franti sounds like he’s soothing an addict who’s coming down. Trinna Simmons and Marie Daulne add sultry and dramatic vocals that are so real, they take you back to sometime and place where you felt the same lonely desperation. Michael’s sexy ‘I’m here for you’ tone reassures that there is hope and sends chills. On “Why Oh Why” you get some autobiographical look at Franti and his basketball days. It gives a few more hints as to why he’s pretty pissed off at the world some times.. . “These memories be chasin’ me”.
Chocolate Supa Highway is a megabyte of intellect and musical masterpiece packed in to one little CD.
The beats will keep us dancing and singing along while the power of the word comes through to help Frisco and Franti lead the way in looking at whassreallyup’ in the areas of police brutality, bigotry, false imprisonment, and
“Hey – the herb’s a gift ya’ll”.
“Rock, Rock on Chocolate. The Supa Highway”
“Gotta’ go. Stay solid.”
Spearhead knows how to get people moving and maybe that’s a step toward a better world.
D. Boggiano
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