Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: September, 2008 (174) Currently Viewing: 31 - 40 of 174

September 6, 2008 at 8:23am

Freeze and Fur Coat

MATT DRISCOLL: DEAR RECORDS AT THE POT >>>

Freezefurcoat I don’t pretend to have the perfectly crafted hair or ass tight dungarees to fully comprehend or appreciate it, but what I do understand is enough. There’s some really fucking good indie music coming out of Tacoma these days, and the bulk of it is coming out of two camps â€" both of them “record labels.” I’ve gushed about Team Unicorn, and their lineup that includes Mama Loves Daddy, the Elephants, the Drug Purse, Friskey and others â€" plenty of times in the Weekly Volcano. Those who’ve read my work know how I feel about Team Unicorn. Their movement is exciting and their family is the cream of Tacoma’s crop.

But there’s another camp, Dear Records, that people should absolutely familiarize themselves with. Seemingly younger, and â€" if it’s possible â€" even more artistically daring â€" Dear Records is an underground indie tour de force here in T-Town.

Tonight, one of the most intriguing acts Dear Records has to tout â€" Freeze and Fur Coat â€" will play Bob’s Java Jive along with Trans Union, Colin Reynolds and Sammy Swell. While Freeze and Fur Coat may well be the most sonically melancholy band on this eclectic bill, they also just might be the band you should watch most closely.

“It came about out of necessity,” says Freeze and Fur Coat’s Brandon Hughes of Dear Records, which he also helped to create. “We really didn’t expect it to take flight.”

“I hate being melancholy. And I don’t really like being sad for that matter,” Hughes continues. “Nothing ever seems to happen when I get that way. I’m never in a creative place when I’m feeling sorry for myself. I have a bleak outlook on the things that I write about, though. There’s no point in moping, but there’s plenty to feel bad about. The music usually reflects that. But I wouldn’t say that it’s sad or melancholy, just bleak.”

Whether you call it melancholy, sad or bleak â€" one thing is certain. Freeze and Fur Coat’s sound deserves your attention.

[Bob’s Java Jive, 8 p.m., $5, 2102 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.475.9843]

LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment calendar
LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

Filed under: Matt Driscoll, Music, Tacoma,

September 6, 2008 at 8:33am

Point Defiance Music Festival today

MATT DRISCOLL: HERE I GO AGAIN >>>

Thedrugpurse Today, the Point Defiance Music Festival will engulf the area of 51st and Pearl Street in Ruston, and the Weekly Volcano will have its very own stage. Coming to that stage, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will be Starstruck, GE5, Jonny Smokes, 2112 (a freakin’ Rush Tribute band of all things), the Hard Way, Sons of Ivan, the Drug Purse, the Elephants and Jon Auer of the Posies.

Starting with Sons of Ivan, I’ll be the awkward dude with the microphone introducing the bands. If you saw my less than inspiring performance introducing the Helio Sequence at Showcase Tacoma (which can be explained with the mathematical equation: booze + nerves = botched introduction), you know this feat will represent a “getting back on the horse” moment for me.

That’s my fighter spirit, yo!

Why am I getting back on the horse after a horrible experience doing something I’ll probably never be very comfortable with? It’s a worthy question, but one that can be answered succinctly.

Because this show is worth it. Saying nothing of the bands set to play between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., an afternoon lineup that includes Sons of Ivan, the Drug Purse, the Elephants and Jon Auer is a lineup not to be missed. If I can help introduce bands like that to a crowd at the Point Defiance Music Festival, I’d be dumb not to take advantage. Plus, maybe some of the Drug Purse’s indie sex appeal or the Elephants’ humble genius will rub off on me?

Read the full story here.

LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment calendar
LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

Photo of The Drug Purse by Andy Roulston/MySpace

Filed under: Events, Matt Driscoll, Music, Ruston, Tacoma,

September 6, 2008 at 8:59am

Peeking in on Merende

STEPH DEROSA: MERENDE SHOOTING FOR SEPT. 15 OPENING >>>

Merendeopening Ian Lombardi and his mother, Julia Martin-Lombardi, hope to see Merende’s doors open to the public Sept. 15.  That is, “if everything goes OK”, says Lombardi.  “Goes Ok”?  What’s he talking about?

Lombardi and his colorful cast of friends have been doing every job themselves.  From roto-hammering the wall’s plaster for three days straight in order to expose beautiful brick, to tiling all 1,100 square feet of floor themselves â€" they’ve done it all.  A stunning handcrafted bar reflects hours of friend Anthony Iverson’s passionate labor as bright lights and fans hover over in order to dry it’s shiny finish.  As for the “everything going OK” bit Lombardi was speaking of, he means the gas lines and equipment being installed properly.  Yes, they’re doing those themselves as well.

Lombardi shows me the piled up handmade four tops made from reclaimed spalted wood.  They’re amazing, and they’re gorgeous.  Guess what?  Lombardi’s friend Jordan Mosher made them himself.  I hope by now you’re not surprised that this entire Merende entity is self- sufficient and independently developed. Just the way we like it in Tacoma.

Merendefamily Merendeconstruction_2 The highlight of my grand personal tour came when Lombardi showed me the bathrooms.  Yes, they were very nice indeed, but it wasn’t the handcrafted miniature tile laid upon the sink’s table.  It was the fact that he was so proud, and seemed to get just as excited as I did about restrooms.  This guy is a man after my heart.  He’s a handyman, a chef, AND loves restrooms.  What more could you ask for?

I recognized an old wall unit that once housed bottles of wine in Vin Grotto, Merende’s predecessor. “Yes we’re re-using the wine cabinets”, Lombardi stated.  This immediately made me want to know what types of wine I could look forward to, once they were open, that is.  Lombardi satisfied my curiosity be letting me know that Italian wines (40 of them) will be the restaurant’s main focus. 

Merende’s menu focal point are the $6, $7, and $8 small plates, but there will be a few entrees available for the heartier appetite. Lombardi’s vision for Merende reveals that of an upscale family dining experience.  He wants those who visit to have a nice, yet non-snobby place to fill their bellies and create warm, friendly conversation.  “I want people to feel free to wear jeans,” he says as he re-iterates the non-snobby-ness of Merende. I wondered if this place was non-snobby enough to forgive me if I unbuttoned the top button of said jeans in case I got too full.

“So, are you ready for Tacoma?  Are you ready for it all?” I asked Lombardi.  “About as ready as one man can be”, he replied,  “I’m definitely excited!”

So are we, Mr. Lombardi, so are we.

Merende will be open for lunch Monday through Friday, and dinner Tuesday Through Sunday.  Take out will eventually be available.

[Merende, 813 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma]

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide
LINK: Weekly Volcano’s dining section

Filed under: Food & Drink, Steph DeRosa, Tacoma,

September 6, 2008 at 12:24pm

Tacoma Photo of the Day

Filed under: Photo of the Day, Tacoma,

September 6, 2008 at 2:59pm

WTF

MICHAEL SWAN: FREAKING OUT >>>

Turn the lights off, and start wearing clothes made of tinfoil: High frequency voltage transients linked with cancer incidence.

Filed under: Health,

September 7, 2008 at 7:52am

Absinthe update

NATASHA GORBACHEV: IT'S PICKING UP SPEED >>>

Word on the street says that Puget Sound Pizza is now serving absinthe, and Paddy Coyne's is continuing to sell out of it.

I've also heard that the Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe is considering carrying this style of hard alcohol that was forever banned by the Washington State Liquor Control Board until recently.

Those who are wondering if absinthe really will make you go crazy should rest assured that Paddy Coyne's patrons have not yet gone bonkers after sipping on this forbidden treat.

I might have to put that bottle to the test.

LINK: Previously on Spew
LINK: Scene of the Crime columns

Filed under: Food & Drink, Natasha, Tacoma,

September 7, 2008 at 12:26pm

Tacoma Photo of the Day

Filed under: Photo of the Day, Tacoma,

September 7, 2008 at 7:52pm

Dinner with DeRosa

STEPH DEROSA: SUMMER CONCERT CHARACTERS >>>

Dinner97banditoicecream Summer is almost over and the days of outdoor music festivals and amphitheater concerts are coming to an end.  For dinner this week I will be inviting my favorite (and not-so-favorite) music fans that I have run into a few times this summer.  You’ll recognize the habits of these certain people, I know you will. 

Because I care so much about my dinner guests this week, I will only be serving the finest culinary cuisine.  I’m talking about ice cream.  More specifically, we’ll be having the ice cream that melted and landed on Bandito Betty’s toe yesterday at the Point Defiance Music Festival.  Yummy!

Dinner97bartendertine Serving up some stiff drinks this DWD is bartender Tina of The Cliffhouse at the Gorge Amphitheater.  Actually, I have no idea what her name was.  I had forgotten what she told me a few drinks into my pre-concert festivities.  If you ever have the opportunity to acquire Cliffhouse passes to a Gorge show, do it!  Better than any VIP Lounge pass, the Cliffhouse gives you and amazing cliff and side stage view, outdoor seating, indoor air conditioned seating, a flat screen TV for concert viewing, and REAL indoor restrooms.  On top of that you have yummy food, cold beer, and the only liquor serving bar at the Gorge. Just steps away from our 12th row seats, the Cliffhouse came in very handy.  Plus, like I said, the drinks were stiff as all hell.  Mango vodka is my new friend.

Dinner97assholethatwork It used to be that simply being a member of a band’s “fan club” gave priority in venue seating arrangements.  Not anymore.  Since the purchase of the Gorge Amphitheater by Live Nation, it’s the Live Nation members who get seating priority.  And by “Live Nation members” I mean scalpers.  Seeing as how I’m nothing over 5’4”, concert viewing can sometimes be a challenge and obstructions are common thus pushing us to buy certain (expensive scalper) seats for better viewing.  Specifically I like floor seats, up close, and on the aisle.  Being in an aisle seat also means no one is standing in front of me.  That is, until I met this summer’s biggest concert asshole.

Mr. DeRosa is very gentleman-like when it comes to asking people to move out of my way so his wife can see.  Especially if they are standing in the damn aisle, not in any specific seat, and clearly obstructing my view.  For the most part the people apologize and move. Not this asshole.  He simply turned to us and said, “I don’t care.  I work here.”  Fuck you, asshole.  Because you work at the Gorge Amphitheater means you have the right to forget all common decency and respect for others?  I immediately threw my camera in his face and gave him the Steph DeRosa “what for.” (I read him a verbally abusive riot act.)  As he turned and walked away we both gave each other our respectful middle fingers.  Apparently Live Nation not only has a strong hold on its floor seat ticket sales, but it’s also cornered the market on employing Washington state’s biggest asshats.

Dinner97bitchicanrespe Next guest is a personal favorite of mine.  She was obnoxiously drunk, loud, and bitchy.  She sat a few rows back and found herself creeping up front quite a few times during the show.  At one point she was standing in front of me (blocking my view!) and I had had enough.  I told her to get the fuck back in her seat and out of my way.  She immediately did so, but the followed up with a bellowing, “Ok, I’m here in my seat … what now, BITCH?!?”  I immediately fell in love.  Oh hell yeah, she was my new best friend.  Any girl with that kick ass attitude is a girl that I can respect.

Unfortunately I got busted taking pictures before I could complete my list of DWD concert guests.  Sneaking in my camera ala bosom cleavage is good for getting into the venue, but when you’re obnoxiously taking pictures of creepy concertgoers, you’re bound to get busted. 

Regardless, I had every intention of including the following people on this week’s dinner guest list:

Puker the party pooper: Yeah, getting wasted in the parking lot was a ton of fun, I’m sure, but how does spending money on concert tickets to a show you don’t remember seeing feel?  It’s gotta hurt worse than my foot up your ass.  Thanks for ruining my shoes, douche bag.

Dinner97tomsawyerguy Rick Dees: This isn’t a Top 40 radio request show; stop yelling out songs.  They have a set list and very rarely do they waver away from it.  Shut up already.  Oh, wait, I did get a picture of this guy yelling out, “Tom Sawyer!” at yesterday’s 2112 (Rush Tribute Band) show at Point Defiance Music Festival.

Bobbie Brown: I love your dance moves, really I do, but unless you’ve introduced yourself to me and made somewhat of a personal connection, stop fucking hitting me with your flailing arms and hippie dancing. Usually, I’ll dance right along with you and my body knows no limits, but not when you present yourself as a pretentious ass that is too good to make eye contact with me even though your elbow is in my appendix.

Mangiamo!

September 8, 2008 at 9:42am

Video: Trouble with DeRosa

STEPH DEROSA: I SMELL LIKE FISH >>>

Gal Pals Stinky Pinky, Bandito Betty, and myself (no nickname for me, how boring) took a tiny road trip up to Pike Place Market up in Seattle last week.  While we were there I fixed a frisky interview with two fishmongers for this week’s Trouble with DeRosa.  You can find the full interview in this Thursday’s print version of the Weekly Volcano.  Of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to catch a fish amongst the some of the hottest men in Seattle:

We also thought it was time for another installment in our Tappa Tappa* video collection.  Actually, our friend Willson who said, “You guys should do a Tappa Tappa Pike Place Market,” suggested we do it.  So we did.

Just in case you never saw the original Tappa Tappa* video Bandito and I made, here it is:

*Tappa Tappa is a Steph DeRosa and Bandito Betty trademark.  Bandito Betty created this dance and Steph produced the videos.  Bandito’s influences include past drunken dancers she has witnessed in her career as a Tacoma bartender.

September 8, 2008 at 11:08am

They'll sing to animals

TONY ENGELHART: SHAKE IT AT THE FAIR >>>

The first time I heard The Black Crowes I thought they were an obscure band from the early ’70s. Unlike anything that was going on at the time, the band had a Stonesy vibe with a Faces-era Rod Stewart swagger. Competing with the Grunge movement was difficult in 1990, but somehow they managed to pull it off. With Chris Robinson’s whip thin body and Hendrix-like garb, classic rock fans could totally identify with the Georgia quartet.

Catch them tonight at the Puyallup Fair beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $55 at Ticketmaster.

Their first record, Shake Your Money Maker, was a bluesy boogie masterpiece chock full of archetypal guitar riffs and heavy rock beats. But critics slammed it for being a carbon of Jagger and Richards. But by the time they released the second disc, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, they found their own unique groove. While they still possessed a classic rock timbre, they added some Southern strut to the mix. Subsequent albums followed the prototypical second outing.

They received a huge endorsement in 2000 when Jimmy Page invited them to perform Led Zeppelin songs at the Greek Theatre.

This past March, Chris and company released a seventh studio record, Warpaint. While the lineup has changed, they are still sounding fresh as the buds they smoke.

Filed under: Concert Alert, Music, Puyallup,

About this blog

News and entertainment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s most awesome weekly newspapers - The Ranger, Northwest Airlifter and Weekly Volcano.

Recent Comments

Walkie Talkies said:

Thanks for posting! But I want say that Walkie Talkies are really required while organizing fun...

about COMMENT OF THE DAY: "low brow’s" identity revealed?

Humayun Kabir said:

Really nice album. I have already purchased Vedder's Album. Listening to the song of this album,...

about Eddie Vedder’s "Ukulele Songs" available today - and I don’t hold a candle to that shit

AndrewPehrson said:

Your post contains very beneficial content. Kindly keep sharing such post.

about Vote for Tacoman Larry Huffines on HGTV!

Shimul Kabir said:

Vedder's album is really nice. I have heard attentively

about Eddie Vedder’s "Ukulele Songs" available today - and I don’t hold a candle to that shit

marble exporters in India said:

amazing information for getting the new ideas thanks for sharing a post

about 5 Things To Do Today: Art Chantry, DIY home improvement, "A Shot In The Dark" ...

Archives

2024
January, February, March
2023
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2022
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2021
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2020
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2019
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2018
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2017
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2016
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2015
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2014
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2013
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2007
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2006
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December