Tours, Shows, and Awards for Maren Parusel

Since days off for me are very limited or are a week long.  It is hard to pick and choose the show that I want to attend due to work scheduling and my constant procrastination.  Not to mention the insomnia that occurs since all I can think about is work  and the local music scene.  


This Sunday was like no other weekend night.  Maren Parusel just returned from an excruciating two month tour.  The night before they were in Las Vegas playing the Artifice.  Hours, and I mean hours later they made it back to San Diego.  Right off the van and onto the Casbah Stage.


The line up was Noel Jordan, Maren Parusel and Jesse Malin and St. Marks Social.  With a total of maybe 60-75 people in attendance for the show, this was still a highlight of my weekend.  Walking into Noel as he was in the middle of his set took me back to my teen years of hanging out watching The Classified his voice is recognizable compared to all the vocalist in San Diego.  


With a quick hellos and hugs to Maren and the band.  The drinks started quick flowing.  (this was probably bad idea number #1) It has been so long since I have seen and hung out with Kyle McGee.   (the few stories of Austin, TX were enough to bond us for a while.)


The time came and Maren Parusel introduced her self and the band. With in seconds the sound that exploded from those speakers were undescribable. Not seeing the band since maybe SXSW and a Bar Pink show in between.  It was time to take note of a band that once held a place to my heart.  Playing songs from their debut album Artificial Gardens.  Songs such as "Dont Take Your Eyes Away," "Artificial Gardens," and  "Ordinary Day."   


Although the line up has changed since the first time ever seeing Maren Parusel.  The music being played out and written by this band is extraordinary. Maybe a reason why Monday night they won Best Pop Album for Artificial Gardens at the San Diego Music Awards this year.  Only predicting that this band is just beginning to see the good out of of all the hard work is now finally paying off.  

Do not miss Maren Parusel next time around. Their next show is August 18th at The Belly Up Tavern with Kevin Martin.  

As I wish I can do a full review, I was too intoxicated half way between Jesse Malin set to write an honest review, however the pictures I took were great!

Long Hard Road outta Austin .. SXSW recap

The drive to Austin, TX is not as bad as people say.  It is just a gruesome twenty hour drive if you got it in you to gun straight through each state.  Don't  forget about the check points on the way to Texas.  Dogs sniffing through all the bags and slobbering all over the pillows and blankets.  Sometimes its just well worth all the traveling hell just for the week long music that occurs yearly.

Years ago the recommendation of getting a badge and a hotel room, eat all the fancy BBQ in Texas would guarantee the best time of your life.  Probably also spend over 2000 dollars.  This year was a little different.  Take 300 dollars, volunteer and sleep in a car or find a place to crash.  By the end of the trip I had twenty dollars left.  (It was a budget made specifically for myself in order not to spend more money than I wanted to).  

From the moment the van arrived with all 5 passengers it was game time.  First stop was  The Lustrepearl.  Checking out the San Diego Ho-Down sponsered by Bar Pink, CityBeat, The Loft and Stone Brewery.  This un-official show case had some of San Diego's up and coming musical acts such as The Nervous Wreckords, Tape Deck Mountain, and El Ten Eleven.  Let us not forget your favorite acts such as Steve Poltz, Dirty Sweet and Transfer.  The free show included free Wahoo Fish Tacos and free Stone beer and Trumer Pilsner.  

As the night went on, the walk around the city.  Music was coming from every part of the main drag.  6th street Austin, Texas is the place to be this week.  This unfamiliar city has left everyone in awe.  (For those who have not been to Austin, please do yourself a favor and check this beautiful city out.)  So many shows to catch. So many bands to watch.  Stumbling around the city we walked into the One 2 One Club where The Twalls from Austin Tx was playing.  This band is composed of local musicians.  Dancing the set away, it was getting towards the time that Steve Poltz would be playing at the Hilton Garden Inn on the 18th floor.  

After watching Poltz played we decided to  walk the strip again.  Just to see what was going on.  Food, decided was the best thing at that point.  Beer's in hand, phillycheese sandwiches in the other and Chad (my partner in crime) walked our merry way around.  

Meeting up with the rest of the crew at The Hideout, a local coffee shop that included free WI-FI and nice Italian sodas.  Back to the van and back to the place we were crashing out at.  


The next day was more about checking out the strip and waking from venue to venue.  Seeing who was playing when and what time.  The morning started with breakfast taco.  I do not know what it is about texas but they are big on wrapping food as tacos.  This is however the craze during the whole trip.  Tacos and BBQ.  


At mid day my partner in crime went in to Darwin's Pub to check out what seemed to be an LA rock back.  No my mistake.  It was a pop-rock Los Angeles wanna be generic band from Nashville.  This band was not worth seeing.  November was the name of the band.  They had five members, one who looked like an overgrown 16 year old in leather pants and bleached streaked hair.  Their keyboardist was wearing sunglasses and a hoodie trying to cover up the fact that he might have been way to old to play in the band.  Again a band that thought they were too cool for school.  We walked right out.

Right across the road was Leslie and the Badgers playing at another bar.  5 bucks to get in.  Well, we decided against paying due to the fact that they had open windows and you can still hear them from the outside and see their back side.  It was really because we had open containers of alcohol in our hand.  
The night ended on a positive note.

The next day while the boys went around putting up flyers for a record company that they decided to volu volunteer nter for, I went down to the lawn party to check out Dum Dum Girls and Yellow Fever.  This isnt really my cup of tea when it comes to music.  So I just sat and wrote about the experience that i have been going through in two journals.  Mason and I went back to The Hideout to meet up with the rest of the crew.  We left Mason as my partner in crime, the dreamy Ryan Blue and myself went off putting up more posters.  By ten pm Ryan mentioned the Hilton Garden Inn again.  We all walked over that direction to catch the show.  When we walked up the lady at the door said "7 dollars." I mentioned that I would go in as soon as I found out if the band we are here to see is actually playing. She noted that I took out a journal and stared jotting down the names of the artist for that showcase.  She looked over at me and said "You guys don't have to pay.  If you guys wanna come in its free for you."  

We walked in right in time to see Correatown play.  Their set was very folky.  A genre that I normally don't get tired of.  After that set a sweet Julie Feeney from Dublin Ireland get ready.  With the snaps of her fingers her set begins. She starts the first song a-capella.  She has the voice of an angel.  She can whisper a fairy tale with her voice and sing it almost in a rhythmic lullaby with a harp to accompany her beautiful voice.  

I looked at the clock and it was soon to be midnight.  No we were not turning into pumpkins.  However, DANKO FUCKEN JONES was about to take the stage.  I would not miss this show for the world.  With the quickness of our feet we walked right back to the Texas Rock Fest stage right as Danko Jones went on stage.  This is the kind of music that gets me antsy for rockn roll.  They played "Code of the Road, "Lovers Call," and a few new tunes off their up coming release Below the Belt. Once they were done, Broken Teeth took on the stage next to them.  Another great rockn roll band from Austin.  With in a few tunes in, lead singer Jason McMaster called up Danko Jones to help him out with “Viva la Rock, Fantastico!” an amazing rock song that is to debut in Broken Teeths' new album. 


To much rocking and rolling, I dont think so, but it is bed time the next two days will be to die for!  
Wake up the next morning.  (i believe this is day 3.)  By this time all the days are meshed in together the whiskey is no longer taking effect!  Hello Requiemme Showcase!  

The Aquarium is the place to be for the first unofficial showcase for Requiemme, The Call the Office, and Bar Pink conjoined showcase.  Featuring some amazing bands.  The line up (in order they played) Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, Maren Parusel, The Bellrays, Nico Stai, Broken Gold, Darlings of Chelsea, MadJuana and The Zeros.  I, of course am behind the merch table.  With Mario and the Requiemme artist, doing merch for the guys is always fun!  The highlight of this showcase was The BellRays and MadJuana.  Of course my west coast heroes and now friends The Zeros.  Free Beer, loads of friends and a great time ahead.  The BellRays have the energy of a ADD crack baby and its all over the place.  It sounds bad, but infact it is some amazing vibing going on when lead singer Lisa get that microphone in her hand.  Jumping,dancing, swaying, and rockin the day away.  Thats the BellRays way.  

 After this show case, it was time to hit up Alejandro Escovedo at the San Jose motel.  When your intoxicated a mile and a half walk isnt that bad intill you realize holy shit.  We have been averaging a total of 5-6 miles a day of walking.  By this time, I think I hit my "im done" button.  Passed out on the backseat of a car while everyone watched Broken Bells at the Lustrepearl. Granted I was able to hear them since it was only about 100 feet where I passed out for the night.  

Next morning we started off at Sam's BBQ. Yeah it was about time we tried the very popular Texan BBQ everyone raves about.  It was tasty I will admit.  We went to Over Coffee to check out the handsome Ryan Blues' friend.  Singer song writer Devon Sproule.  Entertaining funny, witty songs.  Folky and with a country twang.   After that set we all took the Austin Metro back to 6th street.  Went into a bar and just relaxed.  This was the last day of the 4 day leg of the SXSW  "Freelance Writers Tour."  What happens when alcohol doesnt have effect on you.  The drinking doesnt stop but your not sure if you want to continue?  You grab some street food and keep on trucking!  The Last showcase of the night.  

The Requiemme official show case.  The line up (in order they played) Transfer, Maren Parusel, Darlings of Chelsea, MadJuana, Lady Dottie and The Zeros.  In this show case Michael Monroe, Ginger from the Wildhearts, Sami Yaffa (who is in MadJuana) all were hanging out while Darlings of Chelsea played.   Sami Yaffa who used to play in bands like Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, and Michael Monroe new band.  Plays guitar for MadJuana, and killed it on their set.  First time ever seeing them play live, however have all ways been a big fan of them. Their music is best described as gypsy folk with balls.  Not exactly Gogol Bordello, however in that similar genre.  Karmen Guy's vocals makes the band a different from what is normally noted for similar bands.  


Again, behind the merch table, I sold out of Maren Parusel ep's.  All of Darling of Chelsea Albums, and  all their shirts except for 2 which Jay Millette said its cool to keep. (Thanks Jay) A few Zero's items.  Once the Zeros finished their set.  They did two more encore songs.  The audience was not wanting them to end.  However, it was over the the club was not wanting them to continue.  The rest of this night has declared off the record due to the adventure in a van and what was an after party with 8 cases of beer.


Recap on this whole adventure :  Unofficial Shows and street food, Breakfast tacos.  Please beware of the Border patrol going to the festival.  Look out for Free Beer shows, they fuck you up! and Make friends with Canadians they are fucken amazing people. Till next year! 

Rockn Roll never looked so filthy....

When reviewing a show at a venue, I normally have my composition book at hand.  Trust me, not matter how big or small my bag is, the notebook is in there with my personal notes on local bands.  It is either a book you want to read or stay away from.  Sometimes it may not make a spit of sense to you.  However, the better the show the harder it is for me to read it.  (Drunken Scribbles make an amazing day worth writing and reading last night show review)   Sometimes due to the scribbling on my journal it takes me days up to weeks to Decipher what was written.  Take this last 94.9 free show.  That was almost a month ago.  I just was able to really figure out my notes. (Well scribbles and writers block kind of makes this a little hard!)

The night started off on the right note.  The line-up:  Nautical Disaster, Boyscout, Heavy Glow (cd release party) and (the return of:) Firethorn.  First off I will have to say that coming into any place and introducing myself to just the bandmates freaks me out.  I don't like to go up to people unless I know them.  Kind of strange right?  However this night was full of surprises.  Met Berkeley from Nautical Disaster and was fun talking to him about music same as meeting Chris from Firethorn.

Nautical Disaster went on first.  They did a rockin job with great guitar riffs and powerful bass.  It was almost punkn' roll.  I have always liked Nautical Disaster.  They are always a pick of the weekend for me.  It would be nice if the guitarist (Berkeley) was not so far off in the corner.  More stage presence from him would be great.  They were sans a harmonica player but still sounded just as tight.  Make sure to pick up their album or catch them on their next show.

Boyscout was next.  Who could not love Boyscout?  I know I can!  Jason Cardenas from Transfer on wailing guitar.  This instrumental foursome of rockn rollers know how to get the audience moving. It seems as though two is the magic number for this band.  Two guitarist and Two drummers.  Normally that would be way to much for me.  However, who would have thought that they would be so enjoyable and fun to watch?  This isn't your normal no vocal instrumental band where they are just ambiance.
 
By this time it seems that Casbah is packed.  Now its time for Heavy Glow.  During their set.  There were a lot of hot mics.  For it being their cd release party I would declare it a not good set.  High energy? Yes!  Good music?  Yes!  Tech problems? Yes!  Over all did they give it their best?  OF COURSE!  Awesome time watching it.  However, hot mics kill it for me all the time!

Last but not least FIRETHORN!  After leadsinger Chris moved back to the east coast a few years back but still comes to San Diego to play a few shows here and there.  They are of the Punk Rock genre which is very awesome since I was mainly a punk rock kid in LA before moving to San Diego for my better years of punk rock and rockn roll.  By the end of the early night most of the people that were here mainly for Boyscout has left. But you were a fool to have left and not checked out Firethorn.  By the end of the set, Chris belted out "Demasiado has broken up and this is for them!"  Firethorn covered a song by Demasiado.  Now the set was over and it was only Midnight.  Oh whats a girl like me to do on an early Sunday night? GO home and recap this show!


recap: check out all the bands!  and yes Demasiado broke up!  (don't worry I cried as well!)

Man You Ok?

It has been roughly six months since Manuok has played San Diego.  Scott Mercado (ex Via Satellite) has come back to Ruby Room for another exciting show. This time I was able to catch the whole set.

The first time I heard of Manuok.  It wasn't hearing the name, however seeing it in print.  Man-uok is how i thought and every I have heard say the name.  But thanks to Scott in correcting me.  Its pronounced: man-you-oh-kay.   I have seen the many works for Scott Mercado. Being on stage with talent such as Album Leaf, Black Heart Procession, Mr Tube and The Flying Objects. The multi-instrumentalist started Manuok as a solo project that later turned in to a full functioning band and make no mistake that Scott Mercado and his quintuple band mates are just as fascinating as all the other bands they have worked and played with.  

Seeing Manuok after their Oct/Nov tour in Europe was in a way important for me to attend.  Why you may ask?  Being a person of different musical taste.  I have always wanted to get a good feel of Manuok.  Not rushed or looking at my watch to see the time, in order to get to the next show.  I wanted to take my sweet time when reviewing this show.  The wonders of what seems to be an indie rock band with such catchy tunes brought a nostalgic feeling as though I was listening to some of England's' latest indie sounds. The spacey laid back tracks that make it easy listening.  Almost like roadtrip, date night or just ambiance music.   In other words its sounds great no matter what your doing.  I was glad to take my time and enjoy this show.  

recap:  It's pronounced man-you-oh-kay  and completely worth watching!  

Breaking the Chains of Love.....

Holidays are great for parties.  One after another.  Some of the best partiies this year are shows with some amazing bands.  Everyone knows your basic holiday songs sang by some of the greatest artist of all time.  I prefer depressing holiday songs like the Holiday Sampler by Vanguard Records that had artist such as Greg Laswell, Dar Williams and Josh Ritter.  Those aren’t songs to cheer anyone up.  Songs for the Break-up would be the perfect holiday gift for someone like me.  However, seeing Fitz and the Trantrum was the real treat of the holiday season.

Playing the Adreniline party at the Casbah on a Friday night, Fitz and The Tantrums took on the stage with a ravenous energy.  Started the set with “Breaking the Chains of Love,”  Michael’s voice filled the Casbah stage.  Noelle’s voice then took off.  Her soulful voice took the audience in a trans.  They sang songs such as “Winds of Change,” “We Dont Need no Love Song,” and “Darkest Street.”  Also played a new song only for San Diego.

By mid-set, Fitz had the audence dancing and singing along.  The high engery that comes from watching a show such as Fitz and The Tantrums is indescribable.  With catchy soul songs, and amazing lyrics of heart break and aches.  This band is a very special treat for all  those San Diegians with soul in their shoes.

Fitz and the Tantrums released Song for the Breakups in late October as a free download EP through their website. (Which is only available through out the end of '09).  Just like all records of heartbreak the inspiration came from a wound heart left behind and a restless Michael Fitz.  "The girl who broke my heart called me and told me her neighbor had a organ for sell. I told her put the money in their hand and I will pick it up.  From there I started writing "Breaking the Chains of Love."   With a several phone calls made, Fitz and the Tantrums was formed. Preforming shows within weeks of creating the songs and putting the project together.  Fitz has played San Diego three times total.  Two of those being at the Casbah.  "I love playing in San Diego.  Every time we play here we get a great response.  Other places people are a bit stand offish.  However, San Diego people know how to get down."


Recap of the Night:  Great holiday party!  Fitz and The Tantrums is a must check out band.  You don't have to be broken hearted to enjoy their music.  2010 brings two great things for Fitz and The Tantrums.  A full length album and "Breaking the Chains of Love" music video be on the look out!

http://www.fitzandthetantrums.com
http://www.twitter.com/fitandtantrums

Ill Have a Cafe' Au Lait with a half Loretta on the side!

Friday nights normally consist of me being at Casbah or Bar Pink, or Ruby Room depending on the line up of the shows.  Casbah had Le Soup.  Not sure if i was in the mood for anything that night.  So i took the night off from heavy rocking and went straight to Cafe Libertalia for some coffee shop music.  To my surprise It was Jackson Price, Gayle Skidmore and Kevin Martin and Issac Cass (Half of Get Back Loretta).  I actually showed up during sound check.  Which was a preview to something I was about to see.   This is my first coffee shop show in years.  I believe prior to turning 21.  Maybe longer.

Kevin Martin starts the show.  Sitting on keyboards; he goes into a melodic tune to set the mood.  While playing the first song.  I was expecting a really mellow night.  As Kevin went into the second song, The tempo changed.  This was more of the boogie woogie style.  It is best describe  as  the sounds of Nina Simone and Ryan Adams' love child.  The vocals that Kevin exludes to the audience are very Ryan Adams.  Country and whiny with some slight "im kinda high on something"  melodic gestures.  The sounds coming out of the keyboard was just genuinely warm with fast and slow beats.  Issac and Jackson would randomly come up on stage to either do backups.

For this cramped space, its a full house.  I believe this place can only hold about fifty people maybe a little more if we cramp up like sardines in a tin container. 

Jackson Price is now taking the stage.  The first song he plays is a mix between Jack Johnson and Damine Rice.  Two very different artist however it is possible to mash up very well.  By the jangly sounds of guitar and the mellow voice that is being used to sing the tunes.  With his music I feel as though i should be relaxing on the beach not at a coffee shop.  Jackson then brings the mood back down to a melodic slow flow guitar melodies after just the first song.  At this time I believe it was very much needed for a smoke.  Might wake me up a little bit.  Walking in to take my seat again, Kevin and Jackson are both playing and singing together.  What a great collaboration.  Jackson on guitar and doing back up vocals while Kevin is on keys and singing his heart out.

After their mini set, Gayle Skidmore is next on stage.  Its all very free flowing.  There is no set times, or who plays next.    Now Gayle was more of a treat than a surprise.  She got on the stage with a banjo on hand and a flower in her hair.  She tuned up and started playing.  Great Vocals, unlinke anything i have heard before.  Its a great soul voice mixed in with the twang of banjo.  A girl you can certainly relate with musically speaking.  Gayle is played the RRNLSG: Dia De Los Muertos show at Ruby Room.  Her band at that show was just unbelievable.  Once her mini set was over. 

Next on the rotation was Issac Cass.  The first song started on the left foot.  A few errors were happening, however it became more of a comical thing.  As Kevin and Issac enteract with each other on and off stage.  As the song progressed a few more comical errors from Issac.  This now seemed to be more of a shtick.  When the song was done.  Kevin was asked to go back on stage.  It has now become the Kevin and Issac show at Cafe Libertalia.   Issac's voice  is a combination of Greg Brown and Bob Dylan sans cocaine and booze.  Making it a jangly, loose, and twangy for his music.   As his last song finished, he had finally bloomed on stage.  While both Issac and Kevin played together it the tempo of the music changed and became more jazz and rag-time inspired.  The comedy kept growing and the entertainment was keeping the audience happy. 

By this time, It was time to go home.  Leaving the cafe with a feeling of warmth and happiness.  I knew that taking the night off of Rockn Roll for a mellow cafe show was a great choice.  Recap:  Half Loretta worth seeing.  Great line-ups.  It was worth my 5 bucks.

Music Things?

Last year it NPMT was called NxNP. Due to the similarities to SxSW the name had to be changed. What is NPMT you ask. It is a full weekend event that started at the Casbah and ended at The Casbah. It is 3 days of music, 2 days of conference where you get to learn about the music business through panel discussions , and a morning trade show. The money made during the NPMT benefits the San Diego Music Foundation.

I only did two and a half days. Started off with the kick off show at Casbah last night with Thin Man and Midnight Rivals. Which was an absolutely fabulous show thanks to Thin Man and the San Diego Super band that is Midnight Rivals. Followed by a late show of Static Static, Gram Rabbit, and Quintron and Miss Pussycat.

Waking up early in the morning on Saturday to make it towards Lafayette Hotel. The "trade show" (it was really more like 5 booths) was very informal. Taylor guitars, City beat, Piratepods.com, Ego ID Media, IAmHype.com and a few more. The first panel I went to was "Publicity and Promotion: Creating The Buzz " with panelist: Seth Combs, Amanda Kagen, Albert Ching and Wendy Bryford-Jones. This q & a's were good, if you were in a band that didn't know how to self promote. Combs kept cracking jokes here and there to keep us from killing ourselves with boredom. Like I said, the panels are for bands and people who are interested in getting into the music business who do not know what their doing. Maybe some promoters around town should have gone to this. I did see a good amount of people from bands members, promoters, writers and so on and so forth.

Following the last panel I walked into "The Big Gig: Playing Live." The panelist included Tim Mays, Andrew McKeag and Rob Hagey. I went in thinking I was going to learn something about booking shows. I've worked as a promoter so I knew a good amount for booking shows. However, if people would go to websites and check out FAQ; I am pretty sure the questions asked would have been more thought out thoroughly.

After going to about 2 more panels, I realized i didnt have to be there. The panelist were either bullshiting their answers for lack of preparation or not giving a logical response that might help the people asking the questions. I left after the "Indie Label Music" panel.

If you think the panels where a headache. Do not forget about the 200 acts in 20 stages. That alone was something to be stressed about. Best suggestion is to either find one bar and camp out there the whole night or run around like a chicken with your heads cut off trying to make it to see every band on your agenda. I did something better. I avoided the night. Instead Tower Bar was having their own music thing with Beaters (a NPMT artist) and Thin Man. You know where I was that night. Main reason the 2oo acts around NP didnt tickle my fancy was the fact that the majority of those bands where playing with in days of NPMT for either free of 5 bucks. I saw about 10 of those artist with in that week. Trust me I don't want to see 200 acts in less than 6 hours.

I learned my lesson last year when walking all over NP drinking and smoking and show after show after show. A headache to be avoided.

Sunday again back to the panels. This time I skipped it. Went to the Musicfest out doors. Checked out some bands. Then realized again. In three months im going to see EL Vez. Night Marchers are playing the Casbah soon. I understand this was an all ages event, however the majority of the people there were obviously over 21. Most people wondered into Livewire for drinks and shade. While there I was able to talk to the guys from Mr Tube and the Flying Objects, Scott Mercado, Steve Rodriguez from The Dragons and many more. It seemed as though Livewire was the Green Room for all the bands to relax after a long day in the sun.

A few beers deep and away I went. If this night was going to continue; a quick nap was in the works. Following the nap. I went towards downtown for their Cityfest. Saw a few bands then quickly went to Casbah for the end to a semi perfect weekend. Lights On, Apes of Wrath and The Growlers. All great bands, expect to see a few posting of these bands.

After the Growlers played it was the end of a very long weekend.

So a quick RECAP - NPMT - great idea; money goes into a great cause, however the panels need to be more thought out. The questions should be filtered or only go if you really do not know about the music industry.
NPMT Showcase - That should be spread out between the entire week prior to the big outdoor music festival.

City Heights Music Thing - FOR THE WIN! it was fun!

To all The Strange Rockn Rollers.....

"...You know your doing all right! So hold on to Each other, So Hold on tonight! "
The crowd sings along; this being the staple song on where the band got their names. Midnight Radio.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a John Cameron Mitchell stage show gone film. The fictional East German Rock band that is fronted by a transgender goes off trying to follow rock icon Tommy Gnosis who is playing an adjoining venue through out the tour. This movie sets a great message aside for everyone. Finding your other half. Either male or female. Not allowing people to take a piece of you with out getting anything in return; then finding out the the good stuff is really inside you.


Midnight Radio did a great performance. Doing small quotes and songs that were featured in the film.Songs such as "Angry Inch," which got the crowd going in a frenzy. "Sugar Daddy" a mellow almost western song about founding a man to bring the sweets home. Of course who can forget their staple song "Midnight Radio."

If they were not covering songs from the film. They would go into songs that influenced Stephen Trask. Songs by such artist like Lou Reed, David Bowie, and T.Rex. Also covering bands like Kiss and Black Sabbath. Each song got the crowd riled up for singing along and dancing to a great performance. This San Diego Tribute band also played Pride on the streets of Hillcrest.

The one down fall about Midnight radio was the costumes that were worn by the lead singer acting as "Hedwig." His outfits were more Bowie-esque than Hedwig. As the change of outfits would appear; I would stand in the front shaking my head and saying to myself "Hedwig wouldn't wear that outfit." Other than that the show was amazing. No doubt about it; this is a wonderful tribute band to watch. Especially if you are a Hedwig and The Angry Inch fan.