Dec
05
2009

Stephen Ashbrook @ Martini Ranch

(Add / View Comments) (0)PhotosSaturday, December 5, 2009 - 10:09:59 pm
(Posted Under: Tempe Music Scene Tempe Music Scene, Music Music, Live Shows)
On the way out to Martini Ranch, we dropped in at Tempe Marketplace to catch what we could of Los Guys. Walking in, it was pretty cool seeing PC on such a huge stage - as it was of the rest of the guys, but PC was the first person I saw. It was also cool to get the whole way in and seeing Josh on right of stage. Which poses the question, is Josh the newest member of Los Guys? It'd be pretty cool if he is!

It was quite cool seeing the guys on such a big stage (with little kids dancing around in front of them), and it was actually unfortunate that we could only stop by for a little while before heading up to Scottsdale. I don't know that I would figure it as a good gig, but it actually seems like a great one. We'd planned to hit the road at 7:45pm, but we pushed it back to closer to 8 because of how cool it was. Hopefully we can catch them playing at The District again in the not to distant future.

Photobox ImageWe got to Martini Ranch a little bit late, and Shelby was already playing. It was certainly cool getting to see Shelby play a venue other than Rula Bula. It was actually also cool that Stephen's crowd were quite receptive to the opening set. A lot of the newer numbers, and to my delight, the Scarlot Harlot / Mr. Brownstone medly that we witnessed for the first time a few weeks ago. Hopefully the circumstances that prompted Shelby to do it tonight were different. After his set, he said hi, and that he wished he'd had my number. I figured because he had some more work to be done - but no, so that he could have put us on the guest list! That would have been sweet.

On showing up, I noticed that Curtis' drum kit was set up, implying that he and Thomas were probably backing him up again - which I was hoping for. [smile] The crowd was a little smaller than it was when we came out two months ago, which was kinda appreciated, and meant we comfortably got closer to the stage.

Photobox ImageWhile I love the venues and shows that we see on a weekly basis, they do make you appreciate that somewhat bigger deal shows that come around, like Ashbrook at Martini Ranch. The bigger stage, the cooler lights, etc., it's cool to get to do here and there. The set list rocked from track on, Ashbrook putting out the poppiest of his stuff one after the other, opening with Bar Star and then right into Geronimo.

Throughout the night we got Blue Christmas, which was a cool one to get to hear live. Being the night that it was, it was additionally appreciated that he played Railroaded.

Being closer to the stage made for getting some really good photos.

We hung around a little bit and said hi to Thomas, before taking off, both to avoid the craziness that is the Rock Lobster crowd, and because we had much more to do before the night was out.
Dec
05
2009

Every Color In The Sky Rejoices To Be Seen

(Add / View Comments) (0)Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 06:06:44 pm
(Posted Under: No Category)
Early December on the other side is somewhat of an adjustment. I'm used to bleary sunny days, summer having just kicked in by the time December 5th rolls around. In contrast, today, headed towards winter in the southern hemisphere was fairly gray and cold. Much better than in other parts of the country I'm sure, but still, an adjustment for me somewhat.

Another one is being amp-less for the ritual jam that I normally have at this time of year. Though, I'd hardly let that stop me, and played for a good two hours on the electric without any amplification. You do what ya gotta do. It was definitely good, and in general is probably the most I've played in quite a while. That's definitely got to change! Anyways, surprisingly, you can still rock Hold Me Down without anything but a strait if you put your mind to it.

Having a smoke afterwards there was an appreciated change in the sky, and when we headed out to pick up a candle, the desert sky had changed from the drab day - to a perfect rendition of every color in the sky rejoicing to be seen as we headed over to Food City. It was kinda perfect, and just what I needed.
Dec
05
2009

No More Ruby Room

(Add / View Comments) (0)Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 12:10:21 pm
(Posted Under: Tempe Music Scene Tempe Music Scene, Music Music)
So it was only last Friday that I saw my first gig at the Ruby Room (Sugar High). One of my first comments on walking into the dark, ruby red bar with naked paintings posted around the walls was "This is a cool dive. Tempe needs a place like this!" It's a bit out the way for us (being in downtown Phoenix), but it was such a good vibe and was somewhere that I totally imagined seeing more shows at. So much so, that I didn't bother taking a photo of the exterior or 'Ruby Room' sign, or the mureal in the parking lot, because we'll be back.

Reading the Up On The Sun New Times blog today I learn that the Ruby Room closed 4 days after we were there (last Tuesday)! Urgh!

Is it really that hard for Phoenix to keep cool live music venues open?!?! At times like this I have to question moving halfway across thee world to live here!

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