Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Whiskey Wednesday w/ Brook & River, Rock Bottom, & The Good Sams @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday January 18th

Wednesday January 18th 2012

Brook And River
Soft Rock
Santa Cruz

Hey world wide web, thanks for checking us out. For up to date posts go to www.brookandriver.tumblr.com.

Rock Bottom
Beer Rock
San Francisco
Hard Rockin Al' - Guitar and Vocals. "Old" Adam Benson - Bass Guitar and backup Vocals Jack Given - Drums and backup Vocals

A rocknroll band influenced by hard luck with women, losing at dice , drinking a lot of beer, and skateboarding.

The Good Sams
Old Time Country
Moss Landing

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Evolove, Cylinder, & Blameshift @ The Blue Lagoon Friday January 27th

Friday January 27th 2012

Pop Core/ Rock
Los Angeles
ENERGY + HONESTY + PASSION = EVOLOVE

In the course of one year, the Los Angeles-based rock group known as Evolove, have made quite a name for themselves. Fronted by the charismatic Lucy Levinsohn with Billy Berman (bass), Colby Jensen (guitar), and Dave C (guitar). The group works hard writing songs and giving it their all at shows, all for the groups dedication to the music.

Last summer, Evolove was thrust in the public spotlight, as Top 4 finalists on the FreeCreditScore.com national band search. The national commercial made its debut during the MLB All-Star game to over 12 million viewers and was followed by an aggressive 2 month campaign and several television appearances on MTV News and a live performance on KTLA News.

Evolove's debut EP: 2012: Countdown to the End was released in October of 2009. The EP was mixed by Brian Virtue of Audioslave, 30 Seconds to Mars, and the Deftones. The EP and gained critical acclaim with HollywoodMusicMagazine.com stating, “Pop inspired guitar riffs and personal yet direct lyrics are what make this album a gem,” (Hollywoodmusicmagazine, October 2009).

Shortly after the release of 2012, the band signed a music licensing agreement with MTV, which featured Evolove’s music on Made, True Life, and Teen Mom. In the summer of 2010 the band placed three songs off the 2012 EP on ABC’s top-rated teen drama Pretty Little Liars. This introduced Evolove to audiences on an international level with 7,000+ digital downloads and counting on sites such as Cdbaby and iTunes.

Evolove’s stage presence and passion are easy to see to concert goers. The band have played some of Los Angeles' most prestigious clubs and stages such as Universal City Walk’s Main Stage, Hard Rock Café, Viper Room, Roxy Theatre, Whisky-A-Go-Go and House of Blues. After playing Hot Topic’s “Shop Till You Rock” tour the band was offered in a distribution deal with Hot Topic and currently have music in over 30 So Cal locations. The band is currently expanding their distribution deal with Hot Topic to go Nation wide and soon will have their new music and merchandise available in every Hot Topic and Torrid store through their Kiosk and websites.

In March the band set sail on the Abolitionist Tour To SXSW and performed all along CA, AZ, NV, and TX. During SXSW the band performed for MusicGorilla Festival and Texas Rockfest. This August Evolove will embark on their first 6 week National Tour (Breaking Heartstrings Tour).

Always moving, Evolove just finished recording their five-song Sophomore EP, Breaking Heartstrings, with producer Michael Eisenstein (Letters To Cleo). The EP is being released through Levinsohn's new endeavor Heartchord Records. The first single, "Wake Up Call" will be paired with a music video produced by up-and-coming Swedish director Iggi Ogard. Evolove’s new EP, Breaking Heartstrings is to be released in July 2011 and the band will embark on The Breaking Heartstrings Tour.

Evolove is sponsored by Audix Microphones, Orange Amps, Line 6, Daisy Rock Guitars, Schecter Guitars, ESP Guitars, Pork Pie Percussion, Rock Me Makeup, and Pip Printing.

Management: Heartchord • heartchord@gmail.com • Lucy Levinsohn

Cylinder
Rock
Santa Cruz

Gimmicks don’t excite us anymore. Trends swell and crest and wash away. Great bands possess power in the intangible space between competing forces—it’s there that Cylinder will take you and leave you for dead--a place where somber tones contrast with an uplifting power. Where raw aggression clashes with technical proficiency and gives rise to a massive sound. A place where lyrics avowing heart come from a voice that is simultaneously willing to tear yours out. In short, Cylinder’s music represents what we need: a complex soul and uncaged spirit....“We’re straight up, no bullshit, hard rock,” says Nick Boyd, guitarist for Cylinder. The Santa Cruz based band, rounded out by vocalist Shane Geslin, bassist Mike King and drummer Will Allen aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather take modern rock to its most dangerous edges— deeper, darker, more defiant. ....

Like fighters in the ring, rock n’ roll bands make their names on stage and Cylinder’s elevating live show has been known to leave audiences punch-drunk and staggering. With fists in the air, heads banging and not an inch of stage wasted, it’s as visually powerful as it is musically. These frenzied performances have drawn a large fan-base, critical praise and awards. Cylinder has been on the rise sharing the stage with bands such as Skillet, Eagles of Death Metal, Taproot, Onesidezero and more in the last year. In July 2010 Cylinder was hand selected by Rob Halford of Judas Priest in a world wide search to open his latest Tour at the San Francisco Regency Ballroom.Their song "Innocence" was also recently featured on Fuel TV's "Nitro Circus Greatest Hits" DVD starring Travis Pastrana. In 2008, they won Northern California’s largest live battle of the bands competition, The "Your Music Olympics" (spanning San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Monterey and Santa Cruz), earning Cylinder the title “Nor-Cal’s Platinum Band.”

In January 2011 Cylinder Returned from the studio with a new 3 track EP from Producer Larry Elyea (Adelitas Way, Sevendust, Digital Summer) Featuring their new single "Yesterdaze" which recently finished 9th out of over 6,000 songs in Guitar Centers "Your Next Record with Travis Barker" Competition. 2010 marked the release of their debut album "Fueled by Fire" Produced by Tim Narducci, former frontman of the Hard Rock band Systematic (Elektra Records) which can be found on Itunes, Napster, Cd Baby and most major online music Retailers. Cylinder's Unwieldy drums, grinding bass, sinuous guitar riffs and an honest, yet aggressive baritone voice come together in a powerful declaration of the band member’s working class lifestyles. These are songs about life, written by men who have earned their living through blood, sweat and tears.

Rock/Alternative/Hard Rock
Long Island, NY

The four members of Blameshift have been blazing their independent path across the nation over the better part of 5 years, logging well over 150,000 miles of touring terrain. During that time the band could easily have taught a collegiate level course on band survival. With a high powered list of sponsors, their music as a full time job and a tour bus, (a literal bus), powered by vegetable oil, the band headed across the country to Los Angles in the late summer 2010 to record with Erik Ron, (VersaEmerge, Good Charlotte, Panic at the Disco). What resulted was the full commercially driven sound that Blameshift has been envisioning since their inception.

The album, The Black Rose, was fully funded by the bands loyal fans through a site called kickstarter.com. In early FEB 2011 the band decided to return the favor with a free EP download in exchange for a facebook "like." Over 75 related music media outlets supported the bands giveaway, landing them thousands of new facebook "likes" and spreading the music further than they thought possible.

Soon after the release the band shot a music video with director Jay Sansone for their single "Ghost" off the Black Rose. As timing would have it Hot Topic coined the band Unsigned Band of the Month for August 2011 along with premiering the new music video. Within a very short time the band had over 50,000 hits as channels like BlankTV began pushing it as well. As "Ghost" became ever so popular it began climbing the charts into the top 10 at both alternative addiction radio & Ourstage.com Rock charts. MTV featured two of the bands songs on MTV's "The Real World soon after their music video started making waves. To top it all, the youtube gaming world began using “Ghost” in montages for the game Call of Duty, 1.5 million views and climbing. 

The band heads back out January 6 on a career changing journey to the west coast. Highlights include playing the biggest industry event of the year – The Annual Schecter Party at NAMM, a tour spanning the westcoast, 3 weeks in Hollywood, CA recording a new album and dates at 2012’s SXSW.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+
$5

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

$1 PABST NIGHT w/ Predator Flagship, Sketchy Business, Cape Sound, & Eat The Sun @ The Blue Lagoon Monday January 23rd

Monday January 23rd 2012

Bluesurfpsych/Smooth Jazz
Santa Cruz

Sketchy Business
Funky Persian Skazz-Rock
Santa Cruz

Sketchy Business is a Santa Cruz local band. Based off combining Funkable dance grooves with sweet middle eastern/jazz music. Sketchy Business doesn't live to play music like some other bands, they play music to Live.

Cape Sound
Multiple-Personality Freak Prog
Santa Cruz

Cape sound is an ongoing collaboration between Erik Oatman (Hands Mantis) and Jesse Clark (Coda).
Currently (as in this week), we are Erik Oatman, Jesse Clark, and Zephyr Adee.

Originally conceived as an unnamed, instrumental duo and resident band of the Paul Sweet House in 2008, Clark and Oatman were later joined by Alexis Hawks on cello until the recording of "Collabora" in spring 2009.

Between 2009 and spring of 2010, Cape Sound disbanded as Erik moved to Oakland, Jesse traveled through New Zealand, and Alexis joined forces with the group that would become Audiafuana (www.audiafauna.com).

Spring 2010 finally saw the release of "Collabora" after extensive collaboration between Erik and Jesse via email and finally mastering after Erik returned to Santa Cruz. That summer also heralded the release of Coda's "Variations on a Theme" and Hands Mantis' "Greatest Hits!" released together with the support of JS DUBS (www.jsdubs.com) performing as the Safehouse-Era line-up of Cape Sound.

Both Clark and Oatman are currently living in Santa Cruz, rehearsing, gigging, and making plans for future albums, both individually and together.

Fusion Progressive Psychedelic Soul Acoustic Electronic Indie Melancholy Sun
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+
$3

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Hip Hop Showcase Presented By Comprehensive Featuring: YDMC, Proper Nonsense, Valley Gurls, & The Word @ The Blue Lagoon Saturday January 21st

Saturday January 21st

Hip Hop/Rap
San Jose, CA/Jonesboro, GA

YDMC (Young DM aka "Craziness") is quickly becoming known as one of the most driven artists of the new hip hop generation. Influenced by life's trials and turmoil, YDMC continues to blaze a unique trail through our ears and burn real images that we refuse to see in our minds.

YDMC (Young DM aka "Craziness") is quickly becoming known as one of the most driven artists of the new hip hop generation. Influenced by life's trials and turmoil, YDMC continues to blaze a unique trail through our ears and burn real images that we refuse to see in our minds.

YDMC, born David Manson in Indianapolis, Indiana and raised in Jonesboro, Georgia, resides and pulls his inspiration within the city limits of San Jose, California. As one of the original members of Today's News and a sponsored skateboarder, YDMC has been recording music with the group since 2005. However, his beginning groundwork for his hip hop career began when he became a part of the San Jose State chapter of the internationally known Hip Hop Congress. After meeting chapter heads Wes, Temesgen and Warren (2003), YDMC quickly rose up the ranks of the chapter until eventually receiving the honor of leading the group as acting President. Within this time period, several of Manson's friends joined the chapter. After connecting with young San Jose producer B-A-C, YDMC with friends Legend, G.H.O.S.T, Solomon, The Precedence, G-Wiz, and new friend Madman, Today's News began recording tracks for the chapter's first mixtapes "Expressions for Relief, Vols. 1 and 2” (all proceeds went to the Red Cross for the Philippine’s tsunami and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts) as individual artists. Shortly, after Today's News formed and was joined by Am-1, Labyrinth, and Mikhael (formally known as Judah) a little further down the road. 

Some of the struggles that have influenced YDMC in his lifelong road to power and his quest to become a great MC include having to work and hustle to pay for food, bills and studio time, surviving a brutal attack with brass knuckles in 2006 which left him near death (G.H.O.S.T. and B-A-C were also with him), failed relationships, and the unexpected passing of his younger cousin and Grandmother, which still vividly affects him because they were very influential supporters of his beginning music career [R.I.P. Andre Anthony Pittman (10/30/87 - 02/21/05) and Eleanor Miller, who passed 11/22/2008]. 

YDMC has been signed as a solo artist with Bay Area label RonDavoux Records since 2008, where he has released “The Out The Trunk Project” (2009). He will soon drop his major debut album " Under The Radar" in mid 2011 featuring hit Bay Area greats DLabrie (mentor, “big brother” and RDV president), The Jacka , Goldie Gold from The Federation, plus Messy Marv and Traxamillion (both made possible on behalf of Boogie Womack of Thizz Latin). YD is now working on several new projects at the same time with several up-and-coming artists as well as seasoned veterans in the local rap game. He has been entering MC battles, traveling outside of the Bay to promote, and is constantly performing (at both big and small shows), holding the title as the most consistently booked artist in the South Bay, period.

YDMC is determined to bring a new style to hip hop while maintaining a close connection to its roots. With a combination of his self-proclaimed D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) mentality, intelligent, socio-political lyrics, and sharp business etiquette, he is destined to have a flourishing career and we are destined to support him.

Proper Nonsense
Hip-Hop / Reggae / Rock
Santa Cruz

Valley Gurls

The Word

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+
$5

$1 PABST NIGHT w/ In An Airplane, No Jet Left, Silly Creature, & Dixon @ The Blue Lagoon Monday January 30th

Monday January 30th 2012

In An Airplane
Metalcore / Psychedelic / Progressive
Mountain View, CA

No Jet Left
Indie, Punk, Experimental, Pop
Santa Cruz, CA / Culver City, CA / Mountain View, CA

Equal parts shoegaze, doom rock, retro pop, alternative, classic punk, psych-rock and post punk, and even a hint of acid jazz, this is story of how a group of music nerds got together and rewrote history in their image. Their debut full length. Whippersnapper (2011) is available at http://nojetleft.bandcamp.com

No Jet Left have been making a joyous riot of celebratory noise in various reincarnations since 2007. Singer/songwriter/insturmentalist Jordan Schmidt released his first EP under the NJL moniker, "NOW YOU'RE ALL FUCKED" (available on iTunes) in early 2008, and since then has expanded his sound into uncharted territory with George Hauty's melodic, Joy Division inspired bass playing and the progressive, new wave-con-math rock stylings of drummer Drew Dominguez, As they ready the promotion of their first full lenght LP as a trio, entitled "WHIPPERSNAPPER," the band will be playing shows whenever possible, always bringing some fresh material and/or jams to each performance.

Silly Creature
Cosmic / Post Metal / Funk
Santa Cruz

From Santa Cruz, California, there exists a progressive, all instrumental band dedicated to euphoric musical formulations. With Nate Fielding on bass, Keyhan Moini on drums, and Michael Rubino on guitar, the trio combines their metal and funk influences, resulting in a renovation of conventional sounds that has led to the conception of the musical genre of cosmic post-metal funk and the creation of a bold new musical force; Silly Creature.

Dixon
San Francisco / Oakland
Punk / Rock

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+
$3

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Monday, December 19, 2011

Whiskey Wednesday w/ Tater Famine, Dirty Filthy Mugs, Country Trash, & The Thirsty Three @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday February 1st

Wednesday February 1st 2012

Tater Famine
Folk / Punk
Santa Cruz

You ever put a hand gun in the dryer? Acoustic string band with a drummer... Some call it Folk/Punk others say Bluegrass/Rock'N'Rol we just call it music!

Dirty Filthy Mugs
Punk Rock
Los Angeles

There is nothing cute, pompous, or pretentious about Dirty Filthy Mugs. They are here to play aggressive, fun, honest punk rock... And that's exactly what they do!

Not only are the Mugs one of the most insane live bands in punk rock, they've also shown themselves to be prolific in the recording studio. In 2009, they released the E.P.s 'Half Pint' and 'Another Round' as well as a 7" single on their own label, Brrapp Records. These releases and live shows caught the attention of DC-Jam Records, who released the Mugs' first full-length 'All Yobs In' in early 2010. In March, 2011, DC-Jam Records released the band's second album, 'Up In The Downs' which has garnered praise by many as "... An instant classic" and "Best Punk album in years".

Dirty Filthy Mugs show no signs of slowing and continue to bring their incredibly addictive live punk mayhem to as many punks, skins, skaters, psychos, mods, rockers, hooligans and outcasts as possible!

alcohol influenced, original tunes
Santa Cruz

Country Trash: We bag your groceries, paint your houses, pour your beer, install your fireplaces, make your pizzas, pick up your trash and sell you your gardening equiptment, we are a working class. We are fathers, brothers, friends and lovers. All of these things influence our music in a way that has driven us to create something not only special for ourselves and the ones we love, but in hopes of connecting everyone that is just like us. Please listen, dance, cry, laugh, love, support and most of all, COME OUT TO A SHOW, after all, this is your music too.

The Thirsty Three
Rock A Psychobilly
Hollister

The Thirsty Three, a trio out of Santa Cruz and Hollister, are part psychobilly, part hillbilly and loud as hell (in a good way). On the speedy “Psychobilly Breakdown,” they meld heavy surf rock and punk into a tasty dish of pure, guitar-driven bliss.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

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Banner Pilot, Dun Bin Had, & The Nielsen Raiding @ The Blue Lagoon Tuesday January 31st

Tuesday January 31st 2012

Banner Pilot
Punk Rock
Minneapolis

Banner Pilot (2005–present) is a punk band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their music is heavily influenced by acts such as Jawbreaker, The Lawrence Arms, Screeching Weasel, and Hot Water Music.

The band was formed by Nate Gangelhoff and Nick Johnson in 2005 following the dissolution of their previous band, Rivethead. The two self-released a demo the same year, garnering positive reviews from both Punknews and Razorcake. The following year they released the EP Pass the Poison and toured the East Coast, drawing the attention of Go-Kart Records.

In late 2007 and early 2008 the band recorded their Go-Kart Records debut full length, Resignation Day. Mike left the band to return to school and Corey was recruited as a replacement for their summer West Coast tour.

In April, 2009 Banner Pilot was signed to Fat Wreck Chords. Their first album for the label, titled Collapser was released on September 1, 2009. Shortly after they embarked on an East Coast tour in support of the album with labelmates Dead to Me and Teenage Bottlerocket that included an appearance at The Fest in Gainesville, Florida.

Fat Wreck Chords also released a remixed version of the band's first album, Resignation Day in 2010.

Punk Rock
Santa Cruz

Punk Rock
Santa Cruz

We are a three piece band ready to take on the Bay Area and beyond. Lyrics and sound inspired by politics, love, drinking, and all sorts of shit to yell about.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

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$1 PABST NIGHT w/ Modern Day Moonshine, Space Labor Union, Malima Kone, & Dude Watch @ The Blue Lagoon Monday January 16th

Monday January 16th 2012

Modern Day Moonshine
Blues / Soul / Rock
San Francisco

Space Labor Union
Telepathic Neurojelly
Santa Cruz

Malima Kone
Acoustic Soul Reggae
Santa Cruz

Dude Watch
Punk Rock
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+
$3

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Eliquate's "Who the F**K is Eliquate?" EP Release Party featuring: Eliquate, Boostive, & Dynamic Truth @ The Blue Lagoon Saturday January 14th

Saturday January 14th 2012

Eliquate
Live Hip Hop/Funk/Party Music with Purpose
Santa Cruz

All of the current members of Eliquate have been practicing independently for most of their lives but finally came together through the initial collaboration of Elliot Wright and Jamie Schnetzler in 2008 to become the live experience it is today. Wright found an interest in writing and MC'ing towards the end of high school and began feverishly recording as much as possible over mostly self-produced garage band tracks. Schnetzler started off playing guitar for a local band High Society which gained some notoriety opening for established locals such as Dub congress and the Expendables.

By spring 2009, Eliquate (then solely consisting of Jamie and Elliot) was being offered shows. But the iPod just wasn't cutting it as back-up. Something was missing. Shortly after, the two began having sit-ins for drums, bass, and dj positions, but it wasn't until late 2009 that a consistent backing of a band finally transpired to write and perform music together.

With the addition of Cosmo Stevens, founder of Oak Park, on bass, Dan Wells, inventor of DMT, on drums, and Tanner Christiansen, specializing in synthesis of sampling and light/visual manipulation, as well as keys and percussion, Eliquate has solidified themselves throughout Santa Cruz and the greater San Francisco Bay area.

In 2009, Wright traveled to Philadelphia to compete in the National Slam Poetry Contest, earning a highly respectable 5th place. Having performed with Del, Souls of Mischief, RJD2, and members of the Living Legends, Zion-I, Nickatina, and Murs, Eliquate brings a flavorful new taste to the hip-hop table. Drawing inspiration from the personal, political, and social consciousness, Eliquate's essence is more than just about the music- it's insightful and intelligent— an agent of change in the midst of a genre that has been largely deluged by emcees who merely spit rhymes.

While the soul of their music is raw and meaningful, their performance is energetic and tangible. To see Eliquate live is to experience what hip-hop can once again be: Live, Tight, and Passionate...

Boostive
Hip Hop / Dubhop / Experimental
Santa Cruz

boostive(boo-stiv) is a 6 piece live collective rooted in santa cruz california.
With a blend of hip hop,world, and heavy dub reggae boostive creates a new sound they like to call dub-hop.
feelin it?
find more boostive music by our producer and bassist Sage at
www.soundcloud.com/sagewisdom

Dynamic Truth
World Music
Oakland

This music was written for everyone. It seeks to open minds and embody an appreciation of the Bay Area's diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and musical genres. Transcending social categories, this music presents a familiar message, one of strength, unity, gratitude, and essentially a love of life. This is the Dynamic Truth.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

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NUMBSKULLSHOWS.COM Presents: Fu Manchu & Dusted Angel @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday January 11th

Wednesday January 11th 2012

Fu Manchu
Rock
San Clemente

Fu Manchu is a Southern Californian stoner rock band, who released their debut single "Kept Between Trees" in 1990. They have been featured on compilations put together by Tony Hawk and ESPN's X Games, and invited to perform on the US television program Monster Garage. They are featured in the video game The BIGS 2.

Fu Manchu originally formed in 1985 as a hardcore punk band called Virulence. The line up was vocalist Ken Pucci, guitarist Scott Hill, bassist Mark Abshire, and drummer Ruben Romano. In 1987 Abshire left the band and was replaced by Greg McCaughey. They recorded their debut LP If This Isn't a Dream... in 1988, which was released on Alchemy Records (1989). In 1990, Pucci left the band and was replaced by vocalist Glenn Chivens, and they changed their name to Fu Manchu. Soon after they released the "Kept Between Trees" 7 inch single on Slap A Ham Records. McCaughey was replaced by Mark Abshire. Chivens also left the band around this time for unknown reasons. Rather than search for a new vocalist, Scott Hill added lead vocalist to his guitar duties. To compensate, Scott Votaw was recruited as lead guitarist. In 1992, Fu Manchu released three 7 inch singles: "Senioritis," "Pick Up Summer," and "Don't Bother Knockin' (If This Vans Rockin')". In 1993, Votaw left the band and was replaced by lead guitarist Eddie Glass, who had previously played drums in the band Olivelawn.
Fu Manchu’s first album, No One Rides for Free (1994), was released by Bong Load Custom Records, an independent label.
Abshire left Fu Manchu before they recorded their second album, Daredevil, in 1995. He was replaced by Brad Davis. The band promoted Daredevil with extensive touring throughout the USA and Canada, and reached a wider audience thanks to an opening slot with Monster Magnet, who at the time were the commercial darlings of the stoner rock genre.
Romano and Glass left shortly after the release of Fu Manchu's third album, In Search Of... (1996), citing personal and musical differences with Hill. They were replaced by Brant Bjork and Bob Balch, respectively. Glass, Romano and Abshire soon regrouped to form Nebula, a power trio that took the jam-influenced side of Fu Manchu and expanded on it. Members of Nebula have commented that "we're all family" to fans wearing Fu Manchu shirts at their concerts.
Fu Manchu went on to release several successful albums and reinforce their reputation as a powerful live act. The band had gained this reputation over the years due to their performance when touring with notable bands such as Kyuss, Monster Magnet, Marilyn Manson, Clutch, Corrosion of Conformity, and White Zombie, among others.
Brant Bjork left the band after their 2001 release California Crossing to pursue a solo career and was replaced by former Sunshine and Smile drummer Scott Reeder (often confused with bassist Scott Reeder, of Kyuss, Unida, and Goatsnake fame). In 2004, Fu Manchu released their 8th album, Start The Machine.
Fu Manchu's ninth album is called We Must Obey which was released on the 19th February 2007. The band has spent most of 2007 and 2008 on tour, playing several shows in North America and Europe.
In February 2008, the track "Mongoose" (from the California Crossing album) was featured in a Super Bowl ad for the Toyota Sequoia.
Their tenth album Signs of Infinite Power was released on October 19, 2009 in Europe and October 20 in North America.
On March 10, 2010, it was announced that Scott Reeder would play drums for Social Distortion for the South American tour dates in April.

Dusted Angel
Doom Rock
Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California has given birth to an ungodly musical beast known as Dusted Angel. Formed in 2008, the band features Clifford Dinsmore on vocals, Steve on drums, Eric Feiber and Scott Stevens manning the guitars and Eliot Young on bass, Dusted Angel’s members are longtime friends from the days when several of the members rolled together in hardcore henchmen Bl’ast. Following that band, Clifford was a member of avant-prog-doomsters Spaceboy, and also helped form the cerebrally crushing outfit Gargantula.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

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$1 PABST NIGHT w/ Death Monk, Grievance, Resistance Is Futile, & Fukstik @ The Blue Lagoon Monday January 9th

Monday January 9th 2012

 Death Monk
Terrestrial
Prunedale

We are the vultures that feast upon the dead and in your dreams we are the beasts inside your head.

Born under the oak tree friar eric had seen no light as bright as the one givin by his master loved but unkown he serches for the bringer of life the dim lite candle is the only visible sign for milles in the dense fog
Friar Geoffery: From Distant time and space was he........appeared from the fog within.....he was just a simple seeker,,, looking for gold he then stumbled upon reality...Searching for the untold he started hearing voices....revealing the new and bold..a light being knew he was......abilities knew he had...a follower of the crows call was he....

Grievance
Black Metal / Metal / Thrash
Aptos

Fukstik
Death Metal / Experimental / Industrial
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+
$3

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First Friday Tequila Party Presented By Infamous featuring: The Infamous Band, Lee Earl, Ghambit, & DJ Stone DaBone @ The Blue Lagoon Friday January 6th

Friday January 6th 2012

Infamous Band
Hip Hop / R&B/Soul / Own Style
Santa Cruz

Lee Earl
Hip Hop / Garage / Old School
Santa Cruz

Ghambit
Hip-Hop/Rap
Watsonville

DJ Stone DaBone
DJ
Capitola

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

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Hip Hop Showcase Presented by Compton Brothers Inc. featuring: Proper Nonsense, Highest Intentions, & Transoceana @ The Blue Lagoon Friday December 30th

Friday December 30th 2011

Proper Nonsense
Hip Hop / Reggae / Rock
San Jose

Proper Nonsense aka, Prop NON Clik was formed in the summer of 2008 when 3 rebelious mcees from the south side of San Jose California, named Obslurrd, C-section sal, and Du Rite decided it was time to finally join forces and let the world feel the wrath of 3 kidz that have constantly been outcasted and under estimated in this fake ass society. We have to create our own scene and our own reality because we don't fit in anywhere.we're the outcasts of the fuckin' outcasts, we're not underground, we are in the depths of hell.we're not artsy enough for the hip-hop heads,we're not hard enough for the real g's,we're not hyphy enough for the bay kids, and we're not commercial enough for the gay kids, ya dig? We love all music from rap to metal, from reggae to punk, and when you listen to our music you will hear elements of everything cuz thats what we are..Everything and nothing all at the same time.If there is a message in our music it's personal freedom.Just be yourself at all cost and dont give a fuck about what people think or what the people around you are doing, just do YOUR thing.Our music is generally about life, and just having a good time while you're here.If you like to party your fuckin ass off and not be pushed around or held down by all the moron thugs in this society then you just might be down 4 the Prop NON Clik.We are just 3 normal dudes that love to live life and won't stand for the norm, we weren't put here to slave a 9-5 and be confined to what's expected.We were put here to do this thing called Nonsense, done Properly that is...much luv. -Proper Nonsense

Highest Intentions
Reggae/Dub
San Francisco

Band formed Jan 1, 2011.
highestintentionband.com
up and coming highest intention!!! soon to be released new dub album featuring Scientist the Dub Legend!

Transoceana
Rock
Santa Cruz

We play a variety of styles from heavy rock to acoustic jams, and most importantly we want to get out there and show the world what we got!
Listen and enjoy!

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

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Saturday, December 17, 2011

$1 PABST NIGHT w/ Hanin Elias, Violent Vicky, & Placentaur @ The Blue Lagoon Monday December 26th

Monday December 26th 2011

Hanin Elias
Pop/Rock/Alternative/Electronic/Wave
Germany

Hanin Elias (born on the 31st of May, 1972 in Wittlich, Rhineland-Palatinate) is a German industrial/techno artist. She was a member of Atari Teenage Riot and is now a solo artist.
After Atari Teenage Riot's non-definitive break in 2000, and the subsequent death of Carl Crack from a drug overdose, the members of ATR split up, and Hanin set up her own record label, Fatal Recordings.

Elias was born and spent 3 years of her early life living in Syria. A member of a conservative family living under an autocratic father when the family moved to Berlin, she ran away from home and started squatting in the city. Elias started participating in the Berlin punk and goth scenes, developing a musical career and ended up helping to found Atari Teenage Riot.

After a brief, unhappy spell with the Phonogram record company, ATR set up their own label, Digital Hardcore Recordings, which became known for its distinctive sound - a hybrid of punk, techno and heavy metal, also known as Digital Hardcore.

After the members of ATR split, Elias' DHR spin-off company, 'Fatal', went independent, establishing itself in Berlin instead of London. Elias has since released several albums, and her Fatal label has boasted such artists as The Vanishing, Phallus Über Alles, Kunst and Tara Delong. Elias has also performed duets and remixes with such artists as Le Tigre, Thurston Moore, J Mascis, Alexander Hacke, Merzbow, and Alec Empire. In 2005, Elias began working with the industrial project Pigface, joining them on their US tour.
In 2006, it was announced that Fatal Recordings was to close. Elias announced on her MySpace blog that she would be taking an indefinite hiatus from the music industry and relocating to French Polynesia with her family. In 2010 Hanin moved back to Berlin/Germany in order to prepare a new album for 2011.

In June 2011, the new album "Get It Back" on Rustblade Recordings was released.
electro-punk
Los Angeles

Violent Vickie is a two-piece multi-media electro-punk band from San Francisco, Calif. Inspired by riot grrrl, experimental electronic music and electroclash, JC started writing songs and performing as Violent Vickie in 2003, recording drum machines, keyboards, samplers, guitars, and vocals onto a four track. Cat joined the band in January of 2011, playing synth, singing backup, and contributing to the visuals. Their lyrics question society and address female stereotypes, TV, addiction and religion. Violent Vickie has played Santa Cruz Pride, Ladyfest Texas, Scutterfest, and toured the NorthWest a few times. Currently, they are getting ready to tour with Hanin Elias and finishing up an album entitled "Monster Alley".

anti-homonormatibity darkwave electroclash riot queer sex electro
Bay Area/San Francisco

if you've ever stolen a rectal thermometer from the free clinic and used it as a butt plug, then you've got a little bit of an oogle in you
923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The Young Rapscallions, Them Guns, & The Phantom Pains @ The Blue Lagoon Friday January 13th


Friday January 13th 2011

Garage Rock
The San Fernando Valley

Christopher Mintz-Plasse may be known for roles in movies like 'Superbad' and 'Role Models,' but lately, he's been setting his sights on music. The San Fernando Valley-based actor and three of his childhood friends are part of a rock band called the Young Rapscallions. The project began when Mintz-Plasse and guitarist Nick Chamian started jamming to songs by their favorite bands, such as the White Stripes. The duo then tried its hand at writing originals and enlisted the help of Jonathan Sanders on vocals and Taylor Messersmith on bass.

Since forming in 2007, the Young Rapscallions have been catching the attention of music fans across the United States and internationally. According to Mintz-Plasse, the foursome considers itself a garage-rock band, due to their unadulterated rock sound and the fact that rehearsals take place in Mintz-Plasse's parents' garage.

In an exclusive interview with Spinner, Mintz-Plasse says he'd love to make a living touring the world and performing with the Young Rapscallions. He also discusses buying his first drum set after receiving his paycheck from 'Superbad' and explains how a sex show led to the title of the band's debut album.

You started out by jamming with your buddies, but what made you decide to take it a step further and form an actual band?

I don't know if there was ever a moment where we actually made a decision to take it step further. We started jamming and then started to write songs shortly after that. Granted, they weren't good songs, but we wanted to write originals.

What made you decide to start playing the drums? Was it something that you had always wanted to do?

I have always loved music, but after I got my first paycheck for 'Superbad,' I wanted to treat myself to something nice. I always played Nick's drum set in his house, so I figured why not start and learn on my own?

Was it hard for you to pick up, or did it come naturally?

It was extremely hard! I would just take my iPod and play to music in my garage. I remember 'Hand of Doom' by Black Sabbath being one of the first drum beats I really wanted to learn.

How would you describe the music that you guys make?

That's a tough one. I always say we are a garage-rock band, since we play rock music out of a garage, but have been told that's not exactly true. I have heard from people it could resemble a bit of '70s stoner rock with more melodic vocals. This is the hardest question for me. I can tell you a few bands that really inspire us, and if you dig, please listen! Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, Pinback, John Frusciante, Incubus, My Morning Jacket, Kyuss, the Melvins ... just to name a few.

How often do you guys practice? Is it hard to find time with everyone's busy schedules?

Right now, we practice about three times a week. When we have shows coming up, about four, hopefully five. Not too hard. The only times we have to move them are for me really. If I have meetings, ADR or anything film-related, we move it around.

And you always practice in your parents' garage? When did you guys first take it over from them?

My parent's garage is the place! They never really had it. It was just filled with a lot of garbage and things they didn't use anymore. I feel like we did them a favor! We cleaned it up and made it something useful.

Do they park their cars on the street, then?

They park in the driveway. I didn't kick my parents to the curb quite yet.

Is it true that the debut album, 'Everything Vibrates,' was named after your friend description of a sex show?

[Laughs] Oh man, he was just telling me he was up late one night watching some weird sex show, where they had a bunch of toys. He told me that everything in that show vibrated, and I thought the name 'Everything Vibrates' sounded cool. So lame.

What is the best and worst part about being in a band with your good friends?

Best part is how honest you can be with everyone. The worst part is how honest you can be with everyone.

Tell us about your song writing process. Do you all contribute equally?

We have written all our songs in many different ways. Some took 15 minutes; others took three weeks to write. Mainly Nick will come in with an idea he wrote, and we will work around that idea for a while. Jamming mostly. Also Taylor will bring in bass riffs, which always turn out to be our heavier songs.

You've said that your song titles have absolutely nothing to do with the lyrics. Can you give us an example of one of those?

My favorite so far is our new song titled 'MuMuMuyYou.' We named it that because the first notes Nick plays on guitar sounds exactly like "mu-mu-muy-you." So silly and stupid, and I can promise Jon's lyrics have nothing to do with guitar notes.

Your music has progressed a lot since your debut album. What kind of songs can we expect on the forthcoming EP?

We all are very excited to release this EP, I can tell you. Our first album has some songs we still love and play live, but the producer we worked on that didn't know exactly what he was doing. Not bad mouthing him by any means, but it was his first attempt making a full record, so it was far from perfect. This EP, we got together with Keith Armstrong, who has been working under the wing of Chris Lord Alge for a very long time. He had the idea of making this EP conceptual and combining all the songs to flow into one another. Very Floyd-y of us. Honestly, it is something I am extremely proud of and think people are going to love it. All the songs have very different feels, opening with a grungy, heavy, fast-moving song, closing the CD with one of the more beautiful songs we have written.

When will this be released?

I believe right now, we are hoping to release it in January.

Nick named the band after a nickname that he gave to his dog. Were there other suggested band names that didn't make the cut?

If I can remember correctly, that was always the band name. We never really have a meeting discussing other options. It just stuck from the beginning. Nick and I had a White Stripes cover band prior to the Young Raps, and tried to write a few tunes as well. We were called the Rude Mackenzies. Always thought that was cool.

What can people expect from a Young Rapscallions live show?

I just concentrate on not messing up and having a good time with my friends onstage. But I can tell you we all have a lot of fun energy on stage -- jumping around, dancing, giving good vibes. So I guess people can expect a lot of energy and good live, extended jams.

Where does the band rank in terms of your current priorities?

It really fits in with everything. Right now, it is not my job. It is not paying the bills. So when movie business comes along, that takes first step, so I can raise money to support my family. Not really, but that will be first for now. But my band is a close second. I truly believe in our music, and I think people out there can learn to enjoy it as well.

Where do you hope to see the band going in the future?

I would love it if we could make a living off playing music and just touring the world, playing shows everywhere.
Posted on Dec 7th 2011 4:05PM by Nicole Pajer

Young Rapscallions' Upcoming Shows:

Jan. 5: Glendale, Ariz., at Donna Jean Libations w/ Raina-Fire

Jan. 6: Scottsdale, Ariz., at Chasers Nightclub w/ Raina-Fire

Jan. 7: San Diego, at The Stage

Jan. 9: Santa Barbara, at The Sandbar

Jan. 10: San Luis Obispo, at The SLO Brew w/ Barefeet

Jan. 12: San Francisco, at Thee Parkside w/ Them Guns

Jan. 13: Santa Cruz, at The Blue Lagoon w/ Them Guns

Jan. 19: Las Vegas, TBD

Jan. 20: Las Vegas, at The Cheyenne Saloon

Jan. 28: West Hollywood, at The Roxy w/ The Shakers (Hometown EP Release)

Taylor Messersmith-Bass
Jonathan Sanders- Vocals
Chris Mintz-Plasse-Drums
Nick Chamian- Guitar

Them Guns
Rock & Roll
San Francisco

We are a group of very talented people brought together by fate to make music that inspires.

The Phantom Pains
Surf / Garage
Santa Cruz

THE EXOTIC SOUNDS OF LOWER OCEAN

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

The Cliches 831, Sinister Minister, & Recluse @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday December 21st


Wednesday December 21st 2011

The Cliches 831
Rock and Roll from your shitty garage
Santa Cruz

We are two brothers that love to play rock and roll. You may ask yourself, wait those guys don't look like brothers. Well then you're a racist asshole. We have different dads. The power of East and West combine.
Sam and Jas were raised in the slums of Santa Cruz and their only salvation was listening to Wu Tang and Stooges albums. Obviously their record collection expanded with age, but they would never forget where they came from. One day in 1996 the two brothers were walking down Ocean street and found a brand new set of drums, guitar, and halfstack on the side of the street. They immediately started playing ear splitting rock and roll. Did they invent the garage style? No, but they could have. Fuck your yankee blue jeans.

Sinister Minister
Real Rock and Roll
Aptos

Recluse

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00
21+

Monday, November 28, 2011

Messiah Sing-Along @ First Congregational Church


2nd Annual
Messiah Sing-Along

Conducted by Cheryl Anderson
with Cabrillo Symphonic, Chorale & Cantiamo Choruses

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

7:00 p.m.

First Congregational Church
900 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA

General admission: $20

Bring your Handel's Messiah score. Limited number of scores available for event-only use.

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Order tickets now available online via Eventbrite:

Sunday, November 27, 2011

K1ng, Anthony, Katz & Nobe, Cleetus Kasidoy, Da Guttah Boiz, & DJ Smokie @ The Blue Lagoon Saturday December 10th


Saturday December 10th 2011

K1ng
Hype - Hop/ Club
Santa Cruz

Anthony

Katz & Nobe
Rap / Hip Hop
The Bay Area

Cleetus Kasidoy
Hip Hop / Rap
San Jose

Da Guttah Boiz
Rap / Hip Hop / Reality
East Palo Alto

DJ Smokie
Trance, House ,Drum and Bass, Dubstep, Breaks
San Jose

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00

YDMC, DLabrie, Addam Antium, J-Blaze & Apparatus @ The Blue Lagoon Saturday November 26th


Saturday November 26th 2011

YDMC
Hip Hop
San Jose

DLabrie
Hip Hop
East Oakland

Addam Antium
Hip Hop
Santa Cruz

J-Blaze

Apparatus

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00

Requiem For The Dead, Based On A True Story, & Doors To No Where @ The Blue Lagoon Friday December 16th


Friday December 16th 2011

Requiem For The Dead
Audio Porn
Santa Cruz

Punk rock kids at heart with the love and passion for industrial, pop rock, and metal. We do not follow any scene. We write and play because we love doing it...

We sing. We hit guitar and bass strings. We smash drums. We melt faces...

Steve- Vocals
Ty- Guitar/Programming
Fin- Bass
Bobby- Guitar
Chris- Drums

Based On A True Story
Heavy Rock
Ben Lomond

Based on a True Story is

Michael Wiggins- Vocals

Joe Sakoda- Rythm guitar

Gabe Luboff - Lead guitar

Jeremy Shriver Munch- bass

Gevan Snavely- drums

Doors To No Where
Rock
Santa Cruz

In a time where the music world is run by money, image and commercialism. Where it is more important how you look then how your music sounds. What ever happened to music that actually meant something? Music that has a message? Music that is truly empowering? Doors To No Where is not pretty, they are not hip or gangster. They are not fashion icons or VIP’s in clubs. Doors To No Where is an old-school band from Santa Cruz, California that believes music comes before image. The blend of punk, desert rock and metal make for a dangerous combination that is constantly on the verge of explosion. Doors To No Where’s music channels danger, energy and passion. Their influences are life, love, joy, sorrow and anger.

Marc Lewis, Sean Sanford, Peter Testorff

The Blue Lagoon
923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Show at 9:00

RSVP ON FACEBOOK