A SNAP HERE AND THERE >>>

Folks who know tattooing history are more qualified to judge the version of American tattooing presented in last night's screening of Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry at the Blue Mouse Theatre, but for a lay person, it was engrossing as hell. It was cool to see Hawaii before toruism ruined it. I thought it was also very funny - but that could have been the free rum talking.

Luke Larsen, guitarist and singer with Pioneers West, performed solo at The New Frontier Lounge. Racing from the Sailor Jerry Film, I only caught his last couple of strums. The reaction from the crowd hinted of brilliance.

I did catch the entire Basemint set with the packed crowd at The New Frontier. The quartet's approach was as tight as a Velvet Underground-gloved fist. When the foursome throws itself headlong into one of its surf-y garage rock whirls, the experience can be downright exhilarating.