Monday, December 24, 2012

The 1st Annual Winter Ball! An underground music celebration. Hosted by Infamous Blue Eyes & 1st Lady of the West Coast @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 12/28/12

Friday 12/28/12

The 1st Annual WINTER BALL...an underground music celebration.
Hosted by Infamous Blue Eyes & 1st Lady of the West Coast
Lighting & Stage Design provided by PLM Productions

(w/ LIVE PERFORMANCES)

Rich Tycoon
Prince Lefty
The D-Team
Merk 1
Kobra Abysmal K.O.B.
Dot Goodie
Indecent the Slapmaster
Monikape #TeamLoveLife)
The Infamous Band
Krooked Fam
Alwa Gordon
Giant
Lee Earl/T.O.B.D
(GUEST APPEARANCES)
Melissa Garay
Savage Khan
Lasro
..and more.

Price Info: $5
Age Limit: 21+

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Valerie Austin Fundraiser w/ Grimpire, A Thousand Shall Fall, Deconstruct, & Necrogenic @ The Catalyst Atrium Thursday 1/3/13

Thursday 1/3/13

Our friend Valerie Austin was hit by an SUV and dragged 50 feet while riding her bike in Santa Cruz on Wednesday, November 7th. She broke her spine and ankle, and lost a lot of blood. She's had several surgeries to repair her vertebrae. Thankfully she is slowly recovering!

We are asking for donations from friends and the community toward Val's medical bills and her family's travel expenses. Anything helps.

Thank you!! And please spread the word and share the link!!

Proceeds will be donated toward Val's medical bills and her family's travel expenses. 
Donations can be made to http://www.gofundme.com/valerie-austin. Thank you!! ♥

Death Metal Hobbyists
Santa Cruz

Metal
Santa Cruz

Metal
Santa Cruz

Necrogenic
Grindcore
Santa Cruz

1011 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz

Friday, December 21, 2012

Vampirates - 2013 Ten Year Anniversary US Tour


2/28/13 - Reno, NV - Recycled Records
2/28/13 - Reno, NV - Jub Jub's Thirst Parlor
3/1/13 - Sacramento, CA
3/2/13 - Oakland, CA
3/3/13 - San Francisco, CA
3/4/13 - Santa Cruz, CA - Streetlight Records
3/4/13 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Blue Lagoon
3/5/13 - San Diego, CA - Shakedown
3/6/13 - Los Angeles, CA
3/7/13 - Las Vegas, NV
3/8/13 - Flagstaff, AZ
3/9/13 - Tucson, AZ
3/10/13 - Las Cruces, NM
3/11/13 - Albuquerque, NM
3/12/13 - Lubbock, TX
3/13/13 - Ft. Worth, TX
3/14/13 - San Antonio, TX - Zombies
3/15/13 - Austin, TX
3/16/13 - Austin, TX
3/17/13 - Austin, TX
3/18/13 - Houston, TX
3/19/13 - New Orleans, LA
3/20/13 - New Orleans, LA
3/21/13 - Pensacola, FL - The Handlebar
3/22/13 - Dothan, AL - Jennings Skate Shop
3/23/13 - Columbus, GA - The Plughouse
3/24/13 - Valdosta, GA -Ashley St Station
3/25/13 - Gainesville, FL
3/26/13 - Gainesville, FL
3/27/13 - St. Petersburg, FL - Fubar
3/28/13 - Miami, FL - Churchills
3/29/13 - Lake Worth, FL
3/30/13 - Cocoa Beach, FL
3/31/13 - Jacksonville, FL
4/1/13 - Savannah, GA
4/2/13 - Asheville, NC
4/3/13 - Asheville, NC
4/4/13 - Chattanooga, TN
4/5/13 - Knoxville, TN - Poison Lawn
4/6/13 - Nashville, TN
4/7/13 - Memphis, TN
4/8/13 - St. Louis, MO
4/9/13 - Indianapolis, IN - The Sinking Ship
4/10/13 - Pittsburgh, PA
4/11/13 - Montclair, NJ
4/12/13 - Manhattan, NY
4/13/13 - Brooklyn, NY
4/14/13 - Albany, NY
4/15/13 - Buffalo, NY - The Crows Nest
4/16/13 - Cleveland, OH
4/17/13 - Detroit, MI
4/18/13 - Chicago, IL
4/19/13 - Chicago, IL - 2040 Haus
4/20/13 - Madison, WI
4/21/13 - Stevens Point , WI - The Brickhause
4/22/13 - Minneapolis, MN
4/23/13 - Des Moines, IA
4/24/13 - Omaha, NB
4/25/13 - Denver, CO
4/26/13 - Salt Lake City, UT
4/27/13 - Boise, ID
4/28/13 - Portland, OR
4/29/13 - Seattle, WA
4/30/13 - Portland, OR
5/1/13 - Eugene, OR
5/2/13 - Bend, OR - Horned Hand
5/3/13 - Ashland, OR
5/4/13 - Chico, CA
5/5/13 - Reno, NV


"Then the Vampirates played and proceeded to absolutely beat the shit out of each other and simultaneously amaze and confuse the audience with the ferocity of the music and the barroom brawl vibe they have with each other. Bass player loses his strap and takes a knee mid-song so as to finish playing. Singer sees this and proceeds to barrel right into him with his shoulder and then, just in case that wasn't enough, kicks him while he's trying to play. Guitar player sees it and any rational person would go stop this violent mayhem with his band mates. Does he stop it? No, he runs and jumps right into them with the same abandon one would when one cannon balls into a pool. Only this isn't a pool. It's people and they're in your band." - Ryan Stark

Vampirates started in early 2003 with original members Pat Mayfield (bass), Chris Fox (guitar), Eddie Condon (vocals), and Geoff Huber (drums). From the beginning we have been very ambitious towards creating the music we love. Staying true to our DIY roots, we played our first show in Pat's dorm room, and continued to play as much as possible over the next few months. Roughly five months after we started, we recorded "Shitpanzimps" with A2K as engineer at our practice studio, which also doubled as a Tofu Factory during normal business hours.

Shortly thereafter, we took a break for summer. During that break Eddie decided that punk rock wasn't for him (or something...), so we enlisted Dave Masud (of Reno, Nevada's Painting Gala/Twice) to take over the vocal duties. This line-up lasted for two shows, until Geoff left the band to move to Eugene, OR where he currently resides and rides his bike.

In 2004 Eddie decided that punk rock was again right for him, and became our singer once more. Dave, being the multi-talented bad-ass that he is, took over the drumming duties, and this line-up lasted for one and a half shows (Chris Tufino played half of a set...).

Dave was busy with Twice and school, so we enlisted Chris Tufino (of Reno's Twelve Gauge Facelift) as our full-time drummer. Our one year anniversary show in Yreka, California, was one of three shows we played with this line-up. Then, Eddie again decided that he needed to pursue something else. In turn, Dave rejoined Vampirates as vocalist.

In the Summer of 2004, the Ashland half (Chris/Pat) moved to Reno so we could write and function as a normal band. What resulted was the self-recorded "Summer Ale EP" and a handful of shows around the area. After summer, Pat and Chris moved back to Ashland for schooling, and we played as many shows as possible throughout the school year.

In Summer of 2005 Pat and Chris moved back to Reno to write a new record, "Muffstache," which finally was demoed and released in 2007.

During 2006, the band remained half in Reno, and half in Ashland. The last of a few original line-up reunion shows in Ashland was recorded and released as our first live record titled "Oh Anal! Live at the LFAG." This was a limited split release with two Vampirates side projects, Edepit and Butthak.

In the spring of 2007, we embarked on the Punish Your Body Tour with Reno's Painting Gala, covering Oregon, Northern Nevada, and Northern California.

In the summer/fall of 2007, we began to write some new material for a new full-length. We also played with many great bands including the Adolescents and the Duane Peters Gunfight.

On July 6th, 2008, we entered Pus Cavern Studios in Sacramento, CA to record "Muffstache" with engineer Joe Johnston (Deftones, Cake, Cobra Skulls). The CD was officially released on December 13, 2008.

In 2008, we played shows with notable bands such as the Circle Jerks, the Murder Junkies, and Larry And His Flask.

In May of 2009, we embarked on the Punish Your Buick Tour, covering the Southern US. Busy with school and work, Chris Tufino was not able to tour, so Dave filled in on drums. Throughout the rest of the year, we played regionally with noteworthy bands like the Murder Junkies, Static Thought, MDC, Citizen Fish, and Star Fucking Hipsters. Demoing for a new record continued, as well, resulting in the "Here Ya Go EP" (limited to 50 copies) which featured two new songs and four live songs.

In spring/summer of 2010, we ventured out on a four-month US Tour spanning eighteen states, totaling seventy-eight shows. Chris Tufino was again busy with school and work, so, as a result, Dave played drums for the majority of the tour. In mid-June we recorded in Asheville, NC in a basement for a very limited (6 copies) tape-only release titled "2010 Tape," our only release featuring Dave on drums.

In 2010, we played with famed bands such as Against Me!, Grabass Charlestons, Death By Stereo, Shat, and Static Thought. Our song "Bottom Of The Top" was featured on the compilation "Corruption Of American Youth Volume 2" (Crash Assailant Records), which was released in late 2010.

In 2011, we played a total of 100 shows across the United States. During the tour, we self-recorded and self-released "Shit Summer," which was tracked and mixed in various cities across the US and features nine old songs and three new songs. Another new song called "Eat This Song" was featured on a compilation called "Eat This Tape" (Cocksmoker Chunk Records), which was released on December 6, 2011. We continued to demo and write new songs for "Planet Stupid."

Early 2012 saw the release of the "Bromance" split tape with B.A.C and STuDZ, recorded live in Asheville, NC during the 2011 US tour. On April 21-22, 2012 we returned to Pus Cavern Studios in Sacramento, CA to record the second full-length, "Planet Stupid." Thanks to Joe Johnston's masterful engineering, the fifteen track album was recorded/mixed/mastered in only two days and was officially released just four days later on April 26, 2012. We again set out to tour the US throughout spring/summer in support of "Planet Stupid" playing sixty-six shows in eighty-two days. 2012 also saw our first vinyl release, "Bringing It Back Volume One" (SBS Records/Hell City Records - 800 black/100 red/100 black and gold swirl) which featured a demo of our song "Status Update."

On February 28, 2013 we begin our Ten Year Anniversary US Tour in celebration of ten years as a band. We also have plans for a few more releases in 2013 including "Pizza/Beer EP," "Ten Years, X Number Of Shows - Boxset," "Eat This Tape - Volume Two," "Dick Beard - Split with The Backup Razor," "Split with Third-Seven," and "Bringing It Back Volume Two."

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Animal Super Species, The Fontaine Classic, & Head Casket @ The Blue Lagoon Tuesday 12/18/12

Tuesday 12/18/12

Animal Super Species formed in Santa Cruz, California in 2009. In April 2011, we released our self-produced debut EP, Phobos, as a free download and in May of 2012 we released our 11 track debut LP, Yearbook. Currently we are working hard to build a fan base by playing as many shows as possible and getting our songs played on indie radio stations around the world.

The Fontaine Classic - Portland OR. Two Piece Guitar Drum Indie Dance/Folk Group. West Coast tour to support 'Latest Faith'

Head Casket - Santa Cruz, CA. Three FRIENDS that make Horror Punk approachable and funny. CATCHY, FUN, and ZOMBIE LOVING songs were the main focus of the band. If you cant sing along it's not worth writing.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Crucial Unicorn & Here Kitty Kitty + a very special guest @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 12/21/12

Friday 12/21/12

End of the World Doomsday Bash with CRUCIAL UNICORN and HERE KITTY KITTY.

Please put your party hats on and come out to celebrate our last evening on this planet.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060


Saturday, November 17, 2012

Grind Out Hunger-Holiday Food Drive with: Spinfarm, Noise Clinic, & The Gillbillies @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 12/14/12

Friday 12/14/12

Please come out to the Grind Out Hunger-Holiday Food Drive at the Blue Lagoon Fri. Dec 14th and donate some canned foods and/or donate some coin to the children of Santa Cruz Cnty. So they can have a meal for the holidays. PLUS you get some really killer music too! :)

Rock
Monterey

Monterey bay area band Spinfarm harvests their original home grown sound from their own local Star Studios, fresh to your ears. This trio of dedicated audio ranchers is composed of well known and long time local Salinas based musicians Adam Stafford on drums and vocals, Brendon Ghiringhelli on the bass guitar, and the anonymous Mr X, who drifted into Central California on a southwest high desert wind, playing guitar, synthesizers, and backing vocals. Their eclectic and uniquely inspired music is infused with tastes of nostalgia, psychedelia, and classic and modern flavors of rock that satisfies the hunger of all ages. Year after year, Spinfarm continues to locally grow sounds for your head with Monterey County Pride, and no GMO’s."

New Wave / Psychedelic / Punk
Santa Cruz

Noise Clinic (USA) is:
Taito Reed: Guitar, Vocal
Sayaka Yabuki: Violin, Vocal, Loops, noiseations
Joe Gabent: Bass, Noiseilator
Trevor McClain: Drums, noise machine 
James Feathers: Visual Distortions, Jello Projector

Originally started in Tokyo, Japan, in September of 2006 with Taito, Tabata, Mitsuru and Kawakita, Ayato to much critical acclaim, played many shows in Japan and recorded with the legendary Charlie in Tokyo to make the remarkable unreleased album, 'Mona Lisa has John Coltrane eyes'. Taito is the mastermind behind the old school West Coast, USA noise-rock band Junk Sick Dawn and also plays guitar for Power Strip and Sayaka Starlite (in Santa Cruz, Ca. USA), Oh My Cow! (Kyoto, Japan) and +DOG+ (L.A., California). Tabata is a founder member of The Boredoms and is active in many projects including Zeni Geva, Acid Mother's Temple and Amazon Saliva. Ayato is an incredible engineer and also plays with the Ayato Kawakita Project jazz group.
Taito Reed re-formed Noise Clinic in Santa Cruz, Ca, USA in 2009 after an abrupt and unintentional departure from Japan in 2008. Teamed up with international recording artist Sayaka Yabuki (Sayaka Starlite, Black Cab, Zen Paradox, Memory Geist) and pioneering loop artist and percussionist Rick Walker (Tao Chemical, Lackadaisy, Done Beginner), the trio set out on a flurry of gigs through the SF Bay Area. This led to the induction of Joe Gabent (Exploding Crustaceans, The Gibbs, SA90, The History Lesson) on bass. More songs were added to the set, and drummer Rick exited and Trevor McClain (Fiends at Feast) was brought in and now rounds out the group. Busily writing new material and resurrecting songs from the Japan Noise Clinic's finished but never released album to add to the live show, Noise Clinic is gearing up for a very busy 2011. James feathers, of original Junk Sick Dawn fame, is along doing an insane array of organic light projection known as the Hikari Saru (Bright Monkey) an almost scary primordial acid flash back they keep promising us. With an enormous sonic attack, textural freakouts, hard rock meets noise meets metal, introspective and often dark subjects and taboo tones, sci-fi psychedelia punk rock grindcore and explosive live shows, Noise Clinic is ready to spark the fuse of a Rock and Roll noise revolution.


surf-a-billy, outlaw surf, gothic western surf punk, diesel-billy cowpunk, roadhouse surf
San Francisco

The Gillbillies are a three-piece instrumental outlaw gothic western surf-a-billy cowpunk band
923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

RSVP ON FACEBOOK


City on a Hill Press
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Grind Out Hunger
Holiday food drive at Blue Lagoon
By April Stearns
astearns@cityonahillpress.com
Published December 6, 2012 at 7:37 pm

On Dec. 14, the Santa Cruz community will have a chance to give to children in need. Organized by Grind Out Hunger, the Holiday Grind Food Drive will take place at The Blue Lagoon at 9 p.m., where attendees can enjoy live music and make donations of canned food and money to help local children.
Since its inception in 2003, the organization’s Holiday Grind Food Drive has collected one million pounds of food through community fundraisers to fight the plight of poverty.
Grind Out Hunger empowers youths by appealing to their passion in surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and music in order to fight against childhood hunger and malnutrition. Danny Keith, who founded the organization in 2003, said they use action sports and music to teach kids about advocacy, community and purpose. The organization reaches out to youths involved in action sports or who have faced hunger themselves through events such as “skate jams” and benefit concerts.
“The kids are what really drives Grind Out Hunger and their passion and dedication to the community,” Keith said. “Together they’ve raised almost two million meals for the community of Santa Cruz County.”
Keith, who owns the Santa Cruz Skate and Surf Shop, founded the organization when the Second Harvest Food Bank set up a barrel for donations in front of his shop. Forty-five percent of Second Harvest’s clients are children, and Keith was shocked to find out that children in the Santa Cruz County were hungry and malnourished. He began going to schools to raise awareness among children.
“Our mission statement is to empower the youth by utilizing the passion of skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding and music to take leadership in the fight against childhood hunger and malnutrition,” he said.
Spinfarm, a local Salinas band, will be one of three bands performing at the upcoming event. This is the band’s fourth time performing for a Grind Out Hunger show, which take place more than once a year.
Spinfarm has been playing at local Santa Cruz venues like The Catalyst and The Blue Lagoon for the two years they have been together. The band’s lead singer and drummer Adam Stafford contacted Keith, made arrangements and promoted the Blue Lagoon show as a Grind Out Hunger event.
“I have an interest in [the cause] just because of being a parent,” Stafford said.
Stafford, who has lived in Santa Cruz for 20 years, said in between working as a purchaser/bulk commodities buyer at Sunridge Farms and being a parent, he now plays in the band for fun.
“I’m still young at heart, and I’m going to keep playing,” he said. “I believe in this cause too. I feel like it’s a really good cause.”
Stafford said they call the band’s genre of music lo-fi desert rock, but it can also be classified as hard rock. Two other bands, Noise Clinic and The Gillbillies, will also be performing at The Holiday Grind Food Drive.
Grind Out Hunger raises awareness by selling merchandise such as wristbands, t-shirts and stickers. This merchandise will be on sale at The Holiday Grind Food Drive. Grind Out Hunger works with Second Harvest Food Bank to ensure these proceeds will go to feeding hungry children in Santa Cruz.
“We’re kind of layering in giving back and paying attention to people,” Stafford said.

For more information on Grind Out Hunger and Blue Lagoon events, go to www.grindouthunger.org and www.thebluelagoon.com.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Valerie Austin FUNDRAISER w/ 3 Cards Short, Russ Rankin, El Camino For Real, & Up&Go @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 11/30/12

Friday 11/30/12

Our friend Valerie Austin was hit by an SUV and dragged 50 feet while riding her bike in Santa Cruz on Wednesday, November 7th. She broke her spine and ankle, and lost a lot of blood. She's had several surgeries to repair her vertebrae. Thankfully she is slowly recovering!

We are asking for donations from friends and the community toward Val's medical bills and her family's travel expenses. Anything helps.

Thank you!! And please spread the word and share the link!!

Proceeds will be donated toward Val's medical bills and her family's travel expenses. 
Donations can be made to http://www.gofundme.com/valerie-austin. Thank you!! ♥


3 Cards Short, NERD CORE AMBASSADORs of Santa Cruz, cordially invites you to a night of music and community with:

Trans-Atlantic Nerd Core Core-Core....KOR (i thought i coined this "genre" but then my 13 yo showed me mc chris [like, 4 months ago] and that fucker had been using it already! FUCK that guy!!♥)
Santa Cruz

We are 3/4 American and 1/4 British. WINNING.
A culmination of stagnant House-Wifery and Clandestine Lethargy, the Nerd Age is re-written, Punk Rock Style. Female vocals unlike any in the punk genre to-date, combined with musical composition beyond the skill of your average new-comer, create the gurl-fronted band you always wanted to hear.
3 Cards Short is Santa Cruz's first Trans-Atlantic Nerd-Core endeavor. Created by Brown-Noise Master Doppelganger twins in secret, underground British bunkers, and presented to you by the best friends and players money can't buy, 3 Cards Short in intent on making you poop in your pants. We're totally cereal. Pwn.

Russ Rankin
Rock, Punk, Dissent
Santa Cruz

Punk rock, folk, protest music, torch songs.
Former vocalist for Good RIddance, current vocalist for Only Crime.

Russ Rankin is the lead vocalist for melodic hardcore band Only Crime, Creep Division and former punk rock band Good Riddance. Both bands were signed to Fat Wreck Chords until Good Riddance announced their breakup on April 3, 2007 . Rankin was also a member of Fury 66 and State of Grace. He has also lent his voice to songs by Rise Against, Ensign, Comeback Kid. Additionally, Rankin spends time producing bands. Most recently, he performed a cover of the Johnny Cash song "Walk the Line" for a punk rock tribute album entitled All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash. Rankin appeared in the independent documentary, Meditate and Destroy, that focuses on Dharma Punx author Noah Levine. Along with his band Good Riddance, they can be seen in the film performing at the Catalyst club in Santa Cruz, CA.

Rankin is a member of PETA and leads a straight edge and vegan lifestyle. Rankin holds the position of California/Western United States Regional Scout for the Kootenay Ice, a hockey team that competes in the Western Hockey League.
Accourding to author Noah Levine, Rankin "spends most of his time these days touring internationally and spreading political and spiritual awareness through his lyrics."
He is also a regular contributor to Amp Magazine, where he has his own column.

Rock/Raggae
Redwood City

Pop-Punk, Alternative, Rock
San Jose

With previous experience in bands, the members of Up&Go managed to form a steady and solid sound of Alternative Pop Punk for your listening pleasure.
Up&Go is a Bay Area rock band from San Jose CA.
For those who enjoy bands like: Alkaline Trio, Four Year Strong and Midtown

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Monday, November 12, 2012

Santa Cause Toy Drive w/ The Redlight District, Eliquate, Atomic Aces, Vultures At Arms Reach, Just Breathe, Grievance, A Thousand Shall Fall, Custom Fit, HowDareYou, & Projekt2 @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday 12/12/12

Wednesday 12/12/12

Santa Cause Toy Drive

Come join us and Toys For Tots Wednesday December 12th at the Blue Lagoon for this special event.
10 Local bands all day, starting at 3 p.m. Entry for the entire day requires either a 5 dollar donation, or a new packaged toy. This event was organized by members VAAR, ATSF, & Just Breathe. Support musicians who support our community. The roster is as follows...

3pm - Projekt2
4pm - HowDareYou
5pm - Custom Fit
6pm - A Thousand Shall Fall
7pm - Grieve
8pm - Just Breathe
9pm - Vultures At Arms Reach
10pm - Atomic Aces
11pm - Eliquate
Mid - The Redlight District

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Dead Remote (formerly The Nielsen Raiding), Thanks Buddy, & Bryan McPherson @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday 11/21/12

Wednesday 11/21/12

Punk Rock
Santa Cruz

It ain't easy being a three piece in a world of music that is processed and overdone so we bring what is real back to a punk rock trio. Oh, and we will bring it.
We are three guys hailing from Santa Cruz, California. Have you heard of it, dudes? We brought you The Lost Boys...that's right...The Lost Boys. Whatchu got? S.C. also has a lineage of punk rock and the three of us are glad to put it back on the map.

Rock
Santa Cruz

Folk Punk Rock N Roll band outta Santa Cruz, CA
Buncha friends playing good ol rock and roll tunes for ya.

Bryan McPherson
Folk / Rock / Punk
Boston

"Bryan McPherson was born and raised in Dorchester, MA, an Irish-Catholic neighborhood of Boston known for its tough demeanor and sometimes narrow world view.  He grew up exploring music through Boston's punk rock scene, which often reflected the values fostered by his hometown.  When it came time to pursue music of his own, however, Bryan found his own road to walk.  While his friends bought second-hand half stacks, he got an acoustic guitar.  Dorchester's Street Dogs and Pug Uglies often sing about the trials of growing up in that neighborhood.  Bryan's lyrics also reflect his upbringing, but from a broader perspective as he explores his place in this world and the struggles of the human race.  Bryan's road brought him to folk music: the music of the people.
On Bryan McPherson’s second album, he finds himself in California continuing the story that started in Boston. In American Boy American Girl, Bryan explores the dark underbelly of the American dream.  From factories to farmlands, riots to prisons, mountains to dark city streets, Bryan explores this narrative and spits rage in the face of those who oppress, those who would have us be afraid, those who control for their own selfish means.  He paints humanity as one group, with "no creed, no class, no nation."  The songwriting reveals his punk rock foundation through a lens shaped by Dylan and Guthrie.  American Boy American Girl displays Bryan's range and talent, and hints at a future of limitless potential. Bryan McPherson's songs are protest music at its best.  He rails against injustice and inequality, and government in any form that would make subjects of its citizens.  Fittingly, American Boy American Girl will be released on April 17, 2012: tax day."
- State Line Records

• Bryan McPherson was a major supporter of the "Occupy" movement. He performed at the protest
encampments for free alongside Amanda Palmer, Michael Moore, NoFX and Anti-Flag.
• Bryan toured with the Dropkick Murphys and did a week-long residency as a part of their  St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Boston where he played to an estimated 24,000 people.
• Bryan played a pivotal role in the New York City "Anti-Folk" movement.
• Bryan had the rare opportunity to open up and perform for Rock and Roll Legend, Chuck Berry.
• Bryan's reach continues to grow; he recently returned from London where he performed a one-off show in
front of a capacity audience.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Mochipet, Matty G, Selector Science, The Pirate, Ruby Sparx, GuR, Ryan J, T Mass, LB & Konfusion, & Fish Finger @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 11/2/12

Friday 11/2/12

Here it is folks, get ready for round two of Euphoric Nights!!! We're really pumped to keep these monthly's rolling along, and we're especially excited because this event is so close to HHAALLLLOOOWWEEENNN!!! So put on some sexual and/or freaky costumes... as they say: "Dress to undress!" or something like that :).

For this second addition of Euphoric Nights, we have a very special crew coming in to collaborate with us. We are pleased to announce that The SC Dubstep fam will be in the house, and they will be getting extra rambunctious for the celebration of SC Dubstep's Anniversary!!! (we're not sure what edition, just count the years since the aliens landed)

Euphoric teamed with up these guys and took special care to make sure this lineup would blow the roof off the place, whisper sweet Bassings into your ear, and keep the dance floor alive with a nonstop undulating sea of beautiful friends and strangers alike. I can't fuckin wait!

See you there my friends...

The Talent:

Mochipet
Matty G
Selector Science
The Pirate
Ruby Sparx
GuR
Ryan J
T Mass
LB & Konfusion
Fish Finger

Also, with the Infamous BOOMTOWN SOUND
&
we'll be featuring some of SC's finest local LIVE Artists as well!!

FIND YOUR HIGH

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Friday, October 26, 2012

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Done Beginner, The Dairy Queen, & The Lady Parts @ The Blue Lagoon Monday 11/19/12

Monday 11/19/12

Come celebrate our first gig with new bassist, Craig Prentice (aka Hermit Convention). The Dairy Queen is on a 9:15, Done Beginner @ 10:15 and The Lady Parts at 11:15 if all goes well. We have some new material and are in the middle of mixing our first album, so we're excited!

Done Beginner
Santa Cruz

The Dairy Queen

The Lady Parts
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Heavy Blazer, Ghosts At Sea, & Vincents Ear @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday 11/14/12

Wednesday 11/14/12

Heavy Blazer
Psychedelic Stoner Metal
Boulder Creek

Ghosts At Sea
Punk / Blues / Rock
Santa Cruz

Vincents Ear
Rock / Psychedelic / Surf
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Bloodmoon, Deconstruct, & Silly Creature @ The Blue Lagoon Monday 11/12/12

Monday 11/12/12

Bloodmoon
Black/Doom/Progressive
San Luis Obispo

Silly Creature
Progressive/Instrumental/Metal
Santa Cruz

Hailing 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.

Deconstruct
Metal
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dun Bin Had, Sic Waiting, Utter Failure & The Gutz @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 11/9/12

Friday 11/9/12

Punk Rock
Oceanside

In a story that’s been told and retold time and time again: four friends in Southern California that drink a lot, love to travel and love to play music come together to drink a lot, travel and play music. It would be easy put Sic Waiting in the same category as all the other bands that fit this profile. However in over a decade of making hangovers, pushing records, playing sweaty bar rooms and riding in stinky vans, Sic Waiting has become much more than the standard SoCal punk band you expected.
Citing everything from punk rock to metal to doo-wop to James Taylor as influences, Sic Waiting has a melting pot of knowledge and experience from which they craft finely tuned skate punk and rock songs laden with dynamic melodies, fills and changes reminiscent at times of the punk rock of the late 90’s, yet un-recycled. Their live show is sweaty, loud, drunken and simply put, a damn good time. No one has more fun during a Sic Waiting show than the band themselves.
Touring in support of their previous eps as well as full lengths Your Name In Lights and Anchors Astray has taken Sic Waiting all over the USA. SW has played everything from street corners to clubs to festivals such as Warped Tour, Punk Rock Bowling, LiskFest, Way Out West Fest and Oyster Fest, and has played with icons such as Strung Out, H2O, Ignite, No Use For a Name, the Vandals, A Day to Remember, Against Me!, the Flatliners, A Wilhelm Scream, Death by Stereo and many more. Their national tour in 2011, aptly named the ‘Liver Die Tour,’ hit 32 states in just under 2 months, and those states are still recovering. Here are some tall statements by some charmingly misguided individuals:
"Have you ever felt that you’re in the presence of something big? Like when you listen to a band and say, “This band is going to go places”? I do. I will go on record and say that Sic Waiting is the next big thing in punk. Whoa! That’s a pretty big statement for me to make, right? Well, hear me out…"
- Sergio Pereira, MusicReview (Feb 2011)
"So if you’re looking for something old, something new and something fresh then look no further. “Anchors Astray” has got it all covered. I wish I could be transported back in time once again to add this to my Top 10 list of 2010. Their next record is going to be one of the best of that year, whatever year that may be.”
- Jamie Reinhart, Dying Scene (Feb 2011)
The summer of 2012 has Sic Waiting back in the studio recording their follow up to 2010’s Anchors Astray. It’s slated for an August release and the band, being the gluttons for punishment they are, is planning a fall 2012 10 week national tour to support it. So clean out ya’ ears and stock up ya’ bars, Sic Waiting is coming to town…

Punk Rock
Santa Cruz

We have been rockin since 2004. We have two records out Ill Timed Shananigins, and Booze Train, as well as a hand full of split 7 inchs and one self titled 7 inch. DBH is also no stranger to the road with five US tours as well as many west coast runs under their belts. Currently they are working on a new record as well as planning the next a few split 7inchs. So keep your eyes peeled for some big things coming real soon.

Utter Failure
Punk
San Jose

Krupted Peasant Farmers (KPF) were the lynchpin of the early 90s Southbay (San Jose) punk scene. They played fantastically hook-laden melodic punk that brings to mind Screeching Weasel, Articles of Faith and the great, but unsung German band, Neurotic Arseholes. Despite KPF's pop punk leanings, they band was fiercely political. Their lyrics were sometimes a bit goofy (Skyscrapers are the Erections of Corporations Fucking The Sky from "Society is Puking") but they were sincere in their disdain for capitalism, guns, meat, the military industrial complex, and the raping of the earth, and they wrote absolutely infectious dual-guitar harmonies.

The Gutz
Punk
Santa Cruz

Members of The Crutch/Tater Famine/Fire Whiskey.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

La Plebe, The Old Firm Casuals, The Forgotten, & Custom Fit @ The Blue Lagoon Saturday 11/3/12

Saturday 11/3/12

La Plebe
Punk
San Francisco

...Somos la plebe; pero no la plebe de los faraones, mústia y doliente; ni la plebe de los césares, abyecta y servil; ni la plebe que bate palmas al paso de Porfirio Díaz. Somos la plebe rebelde al yugo; somos la plebe de Espártaco, la plebe con que Münzer proclama la igualdad, la plebe que con Camilo Desmoulíns aplasta la Bastilla, la plebe que con Hidalgo incendía Granaditas, somos la plebe que con Juárez sostiene la reforma. Somos la plebe que despierta en medio de la francachela de los hartos y arroja a los cuatro vientos como un trueno esta frase inolvidable: "¡Todos tenemos derecho a ser libres y felices!"
--Texto extraido del libro "La Revolución Mexicana", página 12, Ricardo Flores Magón. Julio de 1907.
***
We try to be a hard working independent band...
We play different places...
Please see our "Events" Section...
AND please come to a show...
Somos una banda independiente...
Tocamos seguido...
Por favor visiten nuestra sección de "Eventos"
Y Nos vemos en los toquines...
MUCHAS Gracias!!! Blagodarya!!! Mutzumesk!!! Hvala!!! Fala!!! Merci!!! WE Thank you!!!
Salamat!!! Salúd!!! Cheers!!! Prost!!! Na zdrave!!! Noroc!!! Ziveli!!! Na zdravje!!!

The Old Firm Casuals
Punk
San Francisco

"The Old Firm Casuals" are an American street punk band from San Francisco, Ca. They have released 7" eps on Oi! The Boat Records and Randale Records. The band members are: Casey Watson (bass & vocals) who was in Hardcore bands "LOOK BACK AND LAUGH" & "NEVER HEALED": Paul Rivas (drums & vocals)drums from "NEVER HEALED" : Lars Frederiksen (guitar & vocals) Who's currently in "RANCID" (and always will be) & LARS FREDERIKSEN AND THE BASTARDS"

The Forgotten
Punk
Campbell

The Forgotten is an American punk rock band based in Campbell, CA. The Forgotten have toured the US, Canada, Europe and Japan numerous times and continues to play locally and tour abroad. Currently The Forgotten are playing locally and writing new material for the next full-length record. The Forgotten appear every year at Punk Rock Bowling Tournament/Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. All current members of The Forgotten belong to the SKUNX.
The Forgotten started in 1997.[1] The band started by singer Gordy Carbone, guitarist Craig Fairbaugh, bassist Ken Helwig and drummer Shea Roberts was signed as the second band ever to TKO Records where they currently have 4 full lengths and 3 EP's.[2] The Forgotten has also have releases on BYO records[3] (CA, USA), Knockout Records (DE), Coretex Records (DE) and People Like You Records (DE) and have appeared on numerous compilation and tribute albums. Dave Kashka joined in 1999 on drums, Johnny (Bleachedjeans) Gregurich joined in May 2000 on bass. The band toured heavily throughout Europe, the US and Japan from 2000-2003 building a loyal and growing following. After guitarist Craig Fairbaugh left the band in late 2003 and moved to the Los Angeles area to pursue a solo music career, Johnny shifted over to guitar after many unsuccessful guitar player tryouts by the band. Nick (Ugly) Schuneman joined in November 2006 on bass.
The current line-up since late 2006 consists of Gordy Carbone, Johnny Gregurich, Dave Kashka and Nick Schuneman. The Forgotten have 4 full length albums, 4 EP/LP's and two versions of a Greatest Hits compilation. Rancid's Lars Frederiksen has produced three works by The Forgotten: Class Separation EP, Veni Vidi Vici LP and the Self Titled CD 'The Forgotten'. Gordy Carbone also plays and records with Lars Frederiksen in Lars Frederiksen & the Bastards[4]
The Forgotten has played shows and/or toured with Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, The Unseen, The Casualties, U.S. Bombs, GBH, Oxymoron, Agnostic Front, The Business, Madball, Cock Sparrer, Anti-Nowhere League, The Adicts, Nashville Pussy, Demented Are Go, Slayer, Anti-Heros, Bouncing Souls, Hot Water Music, Ignite, Misftis, Sham 69, Cro-Mags, Earth Crisis, U.K. Subs, One Man Army and Stiff Little Fingers.

Custom Fit
Oi!
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Aggression, Public Nuisance, & Can Toker @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 10/26/12

Friday 10/26/12

Aggression
Nardcore
L.A.

Public Nuisance
Punk
Southern California

Public Nuisance is an American hardcore punk band from Sylmar, California, formed in 1981 by Jon Vang and Dennis Pilkinton. Also of note is the band Bad Religion, who hailed from the western San Fernando Valley and were only marginally associated with hardcore punk rock from the South Bay area. The punk scene in the eastern San Fernando Valley was closely tied in with that of nearby Hollywood and produced bands such as The Dickies, Fear, and The Angry Samoans.The band Iconoclast, Public Nuisance, and some members of Circle One also hailed from this area. Public Nuisance were affiliated with a gang of punk rockers known as the Circle One Family. Numerous punk shows in the 1980s, including shows by Circle Jerks and Black Flag, took place in a warehouse on the old site of Devonshire Downs in Northridge. In more recent years, the post-punk-inspired band, She Wants Revenge has been based in the San Fernando Valley. The late 90s brought about label Ibex Records where there was a punk revival with the two bands Nonetheless and Soapbox Revolt who frequently played in Reseda at the American Legion Hall.

Can Toker
Punk
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

The Devil Himself, Dimidium, & Doors To No Where @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 10/19/12

Friday 10/19/12

Alternative Metal/Hard Rock
Santa Cruz

The Devil Himself is a high energy alternative metal 4-piece, featuring Dave Christensen (lead vocals/guitar), Dan Burnham (guitars/vocals), Mike King (bass/vocals) and Jason Goldberg (drums). Formed in 2006 in Santa Cruz, California. We have been waiting for you. Check us out on iTunes or Reverbnation.com

Metal / Melodic / Rock
Morgan Hill

Dimidium is a melodic metal band that is carving it's way through the scene with a passion. Formed in 2005, Dimidium has played numerous venues all over California including the world famous Whiskey a Go-Go in Hollywood, to The Avalon is Santa Clara. With musicianship and technicality to match their unrivaled energy and emotion on stage, the band is primed for the mainstream. Mixing aspects from genres like hard rock, jazz, funk, blues and metal, their signature style has permeated to fans of most every type of music.
Dimidium has released two LPs to date: Passive Aggression, released in 2007, and Beneath The Surface released in 2011. Both albums have been well received by fans, and have drawn attention from local/college radio stations, newspapers and magazines. With an already established presence online, and a strong fan base throughout central California, Dimidium will stop at nothing until their brand of metal has been brought to the masses!

Rock
Santa Cruz

Doors To No Where’s Marc Lewis announced that the bands forthcoming album will be Titled “Lucky You”.  The album, which is due to come out soon, will feature eleven tracks and also is the bands first effort with rock drumming legend Pete Testorff. (Vincent’s Ear)  We recently caught up with Marc to get some of his thoughts on his bands new record.
What can we expect from DTNW’s new record?
You can expect a balls to the wall rock album. Big guitar riffs, big drums and driving bass.  I’m really extremely proud of this record!  I think right now the band is firing on all cylinders and the infusion of Pete on drums has really taken us up a level.  We had a album written with our previous drummer, but he bailed.  We got Pete to fill in on some live shows and things just clicked.  Next thing you know we are writing new songs and got in a studio to record “Lucky You”.
What’s next for you and the band?
We will go out and support “Lucky You” with some blistering live shows and get that record out there. It’s a great album full of great songs. I want to get this record herd. But I’m always writing and tinkering with new riffs.  I’m currently writing material for an acoustic EP.  This project is going to be very fun. We are going to have special guest musicians & producers involved with us. I can’t wait to say who those guests are.  We got some big names and very talented people on board.   I hope to have that out sometime mid-summer. I’m also going to be working with my friend MacJar on some stuff for his solo record.  I will be laying down some bass and guitar.
How proud are you of your buddy Chris Rene?
I could not be any more freaking proud!! Like I said on the X-Factor, Chris has become a voice and inspiration to so many people! I honestly think that some people are born to be Super Stars.  Chris is one of those people. He has always had the talent! There is no doubt about that. All he needed was to focus and lead a healthy life style. On April 20th it will be one year clean and sober!  I cannot tell you enough how special that is!

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Lonely Kings, Requiem For The Dead, The Backup Razor, & Horseneck @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 11/16/12

Friday 11/16/12

Rock
Sacramento

Live loud rock and roll since 1994!

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...

Punk Rock
Santa Cruz, California

Driven by a genuine passion for expression, TBR has a resume that would put some of the most tenured bands to shame. Sharing stage with literally hundreds of artists and myriads of venues, the rebel quartet has become an established entity across the region as a member and driver on the local scene.

Horseneck
Rock / Metal / Doom

All we want to do is drink and rock. We have one goal and that is to write the music we write and have a fucking good time doing it. We all have played in a bunch of other bands but who really cares. We just hope you like what we do now. Listen to us hopefully we will play for you, and if we do, lets drink and party together.

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

A Band Of Orcs, Fiends At Feast, Short Fuse, Necrogenic, & A Thousand Shall Fall @ The Catalyst Friday 11/9/12

Friday 11/9/12

A Band Of Orcs
Metal
Hirntodia

Fiends At Feast
Blackened Death Metal
Santa Cruz

Short Fuse
Melodic Death Metal
Redwood City

Necrogenic
Grindcore
Santa Cruz

A Thousand Shall Fall
Metal
Santa Cruz

1011 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz

A Band of Orcs will play our first show in Santa Cruz since June of 2011 to celebrate the release of our new album, "Adding Heads to the Pile" Both A Band of Orcs and Fiends at Feast have new albums coming out and we have joined forces for a dual CD release show at the Catalyst in the Atrium, ages 16+. Also performing will be fellow Battle for Mayhem (along with A Band of Orcs) winners Short Fuse, local heathens A Thousand Shall Fall and Necrogenic.

$7 at the door.
Doors at 8:30
FIRST BAND AT 8:45

Hail Gzoroth!!!


You can watch the lyrics vid for the first single "In the Keeper's Chamber" off A Band of Orcs' upcoming album.

Preview some tunes from the new Fiends at Feast album "Towards The Baphomet's Throne" here:

You can pre-order the new A Band of Orcs album "Adding Heads to the Pile" here:


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Messenger Of The Covenant, Kings Of Hate, Alighieri, & Hard Of Heart @ The Blue Lagoon Tuesday 11/6/12

Tuesday 11/6/12

Messenger Of The Covenant
Deathcore / Hardcore / Heavy
Fresno

Kings Of Hate
Hardcore
East Oakland

Representing the East Oakland, Ca. Kings of Hate is a monster, a rare form of Oakland Beatdown Hardcore. The band has never followed the hype or trends that other "hardcore" labeled bands classify themselves as. Kings of Hate, the hardest style.

Alighieri
Death Metal, Hardcore, Avant-Garde
Northern California

More or less, everyone has given some thought to the music they want played at their funeral. Whether it’s a slow, dismal dirge to accompany your coffin down the aisle, or a rollicking, aggressive tune for your “Irish wake,” it’s one of those details which seems all-important (never mind the fact that you won’t be there to enjoy it.) Californian progressive deathcore quartet Alighieri and their latest release, The Malignant Pulse, provide a stellar, unique, albeit brief mix of doom-laden, down-tempo hardcore and shredding, hard hitting death metal and grind to create a crushing EP which would turn Ghandi’s funeral into a primal mosh-fest.
Amongst all of the unique weapons at Alighieri’s disposal, the most effective is the hard-hitting, down-trodden sludge that surrounds their sound. Whether it’s propelled by droning, pounding drums in “Offering Gown” or the muddy, anti-ethereal guitar that keeps “Slave to Lust” anchored firmly in the gruesome, The Malignant Pulse is a consistently heavy and guttural effort. The sheer crushing nature of the doom-tinted, slam-influenced deathcore that Alighieri supply is destined to leave the listener’s eardrums battered and flattened, as the bulldozing percussion and crown-clearing guitar combine to leave little in the way of survivors.
The icing on the filth-encrusted cake that is The Malignant Pulse is the vocal attack which creates an auditory finishing blow to the listener. Filled with gut wrenching anger and pure, volatile misanthropy, Alighieri’s harsh yells and guttural bellows provide perfect company to the heavy, brutal music which serves as their canvas. “Slave to Lust” and “A Ravenous Climax” both feature climactic, spine crushing, skull-splitting breakdowns which serve as idyllic culminations of vocals, lyrics and instrumentals functioning together as one, planet-devouring machine, establishing a dynamic as unique as the blend of genres from which it sprang.
Alighieri’s unique dynamic is one of ferocious, visceral aggression and dragging, down-tempo dirge-like segments. When the drums aren’t roaring alongside the vocals at a breakneck pace, the doom-influenced heavy hardcore segments are meant to serve as a rest or reprieve. However, even this “rest” is hardly a relief, as rather than being smashed against concrete, the listener is instead treated to a slow drag through a bed of nails and broken glass. In this sense, Alighieri simply transition between two different kinds of heavy, rather than giving the listener a break from the brutality altogether.
If you’ve given any thought to the music that will keep your family company while you’re being hoisted into the ground, put Alighieri’s The Malignant Pulse on your list. While it’s a tad shorter than one might like, it is still twenty minutes of non-stop skin-rending,ear-gouging, skull-splintering doom-laden deathcore which will leave the battered and broken listener begging for more.
For Fans Of: Curl Up and Die, Gaza, An American Shootout

Hard Of Heart
SOME SORT OF METAL-CORE
Atwater/Merced

We're Hard of Heart from Merced, Ca. Group of 5 friends from different bands coming together to make sexy music. Formed in November 2011 and performing continuously since February 2012.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060