This trip worked out perfectly because I have seen Impaled everytime they have played Arizona since 2002. The show was a lot of fun, even though the last minute venue change and late promotion seemed to hurt the draw a little bit. Even though it was a small show, the bands still performed with the same enthusiasm they would if the venue had been at capacity This was Ross Sewage's first show playing bass for Phobia and as you can see from the videos he brought a lot of energy.
Right on the Mesa-Tempe border is an awesome little dive bar called the Hollywood Alley. It always has this red kind of tint, old movie posters, air hockey tables, great food, friendly staff, good selection of beer, etc, etc, etc. Basically my favorite bar in the East Valley. I have been lucky enough to have seen and played some really fun shows there. August 23rd 2008 the Hollywood Alley celebrated its 20th Anniversary and is the longest running venue in the Phoenix area . The celebration featured live music of course which i didnt get to see all of being at the Mario Matteoli and Tom Vandenavond show. By the time we got there Pinky Tuscadero's White Knuckle Ass-Fuck was just finishing up, and I was bummed i didnt get footage. Though shortly after I did get to witness the one night only performance of Hollywood Alley regulars who got together to make a new band just for this party. the band was Bourbon Witch consisting of members from Greenhaven, Reverend Doom, North Side Kings, Blanche Davidian, and Pinky Tuscadero's WKAF. HOLLYWOOD ALLEY
Next up was Greenhaven who have been rockin the alley for years now. Greenhaven is a rock n' roll band, who happen to be awesome. Its nice to see a band play good ole fashioned hard rock with a singer that sings and a guitar player who plays sweet riffs. Too bad the video quality is really poor, i was standing in a bad spot.
On my latest trip to Phoenix, AZ, I was fortunate to attend 3 different shows, 2 in one night and scored some decent video. the First show I attended was Scott H Biram, Mario Matteoli, and Tom Vandenavond at the Last Exit Bar in Tempe,AZ. There was already a camera crew present so some the shots having random people walking in front of me, while i try to re-angle.
First up on the lineup was Tom Vandenavond from Austin,TX. This guy probably has the most haunting male vocals I have heard in a long time and sings some great ballads . Its hard to compare him with anyone, he has style thats familiar while also being original. if you like the video posted below you can check out more music at
Next up was another singer songwriter from Austin,TX, Mario Matteoli formerly of the Weary Boys who had percussion and vocal backup by Cayce Marsh. I had never seen Mario Matteoli solo and was really looking forward to it, after seeing the Weary Boys a handful (or maybe 2 handfuls) of times. I would have to say the only thing I found disappointing was how short the set was. It was great to hear songs sound so full when they had the simple ingredients of acoustic guitar, vocals, and feet stomping along with the tambourine. Each video features a song from different albums, if you want to hear more go to
For the past few years, 2 of my buddies have been putting together some of the finest roots/punk infused shows in Phoenix, AZ. Proving that an underground country and blues scene can thrive as long as you work hard to showcase the incredible talent that exists all over the United States. The Hillgrass Bluebilly guys started basically as promoters, then quickly to leaders of a movement. Starting off in Arizona, then on to Louisiana, Indiana, Tennessee, and the new music capitol, Austin,TX. They even recently put together a tribute album to LeadBelly and Hank Williams Sr. entitled "Hiram & Huddie" which features covers by Wayne "the train" Hancock, Possessed by Paul James, and many more produced by John Carter Cash. Below are some rough pictures and video of the first Hillgrass Bluebilly North American tour featuring Bob Log III, Scott H Biram, and Left Lane Cruiser at Doug Fir Lounge in Portland,OR August 16, 2008. To find out more about Hillgrass and some of their upcoming artists go to www.dirtyfootfamily.com
Wednesday August 6th in a little house in the industrial area of SE Portland, Dagor Lad, a new local favorite did what is/was said to be their last show........ for a while as one of the members will be traveling abroad . though the future of this promising new band is unclear, we did get to enjoy them for at least a little while. below is some live footage, notice the pure metal of the Christmas lights in the gazebo and the grapevines hanging overhead.
next up was Knelt Rote, one of my favorite Portland bands. if the audio even came out a little bit, you will see why
