Ah! Youth! They are the future and I believe I saw a glimmer of hope last week when I trekked to Seattle to witness Tacoma's own Mechanism open for Devin Townsend Project. Mechanism blasted through an incredibly pro-sounding set as the venue filled to uncomfortable levels. Headbanging and horn salutes greeted our hometown boys, along with thunderous cheers at the end of every tune. I was amazed at the amount of youngsters in attendance. It had to be three to one in favor of the minors! This show crushed.

In more all-ages news, Lonnie Local has split with The Conquering Lion venue. More on this development next week.

Speaking of all-ages shows, Hell's Kitchen is joining the fray once again. You may remember that Hell's Kitchen was THE place for all-ages gigs back when T-Town had nothing else for the kiddies to do but roam the streets - bringing just about every legendary old-school punk band through our fine city. Nov. 18 brings stoner-metal godz High on Fire along with Indian, Bloodhunger and Unhailoed. I strongly suggest getting your tickets now. 

And in even more all-ages news ... rumor has it local faves Girl Trouble might be playing a free, acoustic set at the Occupy Tacoma at 21st and Pacific Ave. It's possible Cody Foster's Army Disarmed and Looking For Lizards may join this bill. More info next week!!!

Argonaut mastermind Matt Sader is starting to book some gigs locally, bringing kick-ass out of towners into the light that is Tacoma. Last Friday Sader brought Portland's White Orange and Seattle's Ancient Warlocks to Hell's Kitchen, along with grunge legends Sleep Capsule(!) and Sleeper Cell (who delivered yet another mind-blowing set!). The volume was turned to 11, as every band brought the hammer down and took no prisoners. Too bad most of Tacoma was AWOL!!!!!

Saturday I found myself surrounded by tattooed flesh of every sort at the 7th Annual Tattoo Extravaganza at Hell's Kitchen. Besides the eye candy, C.F.A. kicked the crowd in the teeth with the band's epic power ballad, "Dude Mallet." I actually shed a tear - it was that incredible. Mike Pike's kick-ass punk band Neutralboy headlined with a new lineup and some new versions of the classic hits. The song "Dick to Cry On" had every single person in attendance on their feet and screaming along ... the way punk rock outta be!