21 Aug 13 - Electro Swing

The roaring twenties and thirties lives again ...with a millennial twist, blogspot readers!

Tonight, SouthSide took a break from the rock scene and had a fun-tastic time getting her swing on during Rouge! Chicago's Electro Swing deep within the heart of Lincoln Park at Wise Fools Pub. Happening every third Wednesday (of each month), this FREE event featured danceable swing music with an electro twist by resident DJs Lord Vourteque and Mr Automatic and sultry seduction of burlesque sideshow by the lovely yet mysterious Lady Lenux to tantalize the senses. Besides the music and sideshow, tonight's event also featured some relaxing massaging and random video clips of classic silent and talkie movies from the 20s and 30s shown around the bar. Speaking of the bar, Wise Fools Pub itself had the perfect decor and ambience for Electro Swing's monthly "meeting".

When attending Electro Swing, the first thing will come to mind is that you're stepping back into time when the gents dressed in coats and tails (or kilts) looking rather dapper in their spats and walking canes and hats while the dames dressed in their finest flapper dress and heels. Definitely think of attending a summertime party at Jay Gatsby's Long Island estate when you step through the entranceway of Wise Fools and see the fashionably dressed in their best vintage wear for a long night of Electro swinging. Everyone was in a festive mood tonight, blogspot readers, as many crowded the dance floor showing off a few moves here and there to remixed classic songs like Ella Fitzgerald's A-Tisket A-Tasket and It Don't Mean AThing throughout this event. Lord Vourteque and Mr Automatic provided a night of swing/ragtime music but with a slight twist - the electro sound which will get your toes tappin' to the rhythmic beat. 

The beauty about this event like another SouthSide attends (i.e. NOCTURNA) is that you don't have to feel the urge of "dressing to impress" anyone. She enjoyed the "come as you are" or be comfortable with what you're wearing atmosphere while observing those who decided to come to Electro Swing dressed in their vintage clothes. And it's a friendly atmosphere too. Everyone (must be 21+ to enter) is welcome to come and dance to the music, relax with friends or check out the random clips when movie making was its infancy, blogspot readers. Classic scenes like Fritz Lang's Metropolis to Warner Bros' The Roaring Twenties, Varsity Show and Gold Diggers of 1933 as well as familiar faces who were box office draw like James Cagney, Ginger Rogers, Bing Crosby, Dick Powell - to name a few. There was even a silent French film clips, a new reel featuring King George and Queen Elizabeth I and early Disney and Looney Toons cartoons.

In between the music and fun, the lovely Lady Lenux teased the attentive audience with her mysterious moves of seduction during her two acts of burlesque, blogspot readers, despite missing most of her first act. Featuring some assistance from Lord Vourteque, this artist charmed us with a little hip-shaking dance with him before seductively moving into her routine where she teased the mental and optical senses. Lady Lenux did have one amazing feat ...or SouthSide should say feet since it was her delicate toes expertly removing her thigh-high stockings while dangling upside down on a bar stool and swiveling the hips the electro music. Both times did the burlesque artist's act tease and excite leaving her audience wanting more, blogspot readers. Also there were two CD giveaways of Electro Swing Club vol. 1 Compilation (sorry, it's only available in UK not in the States yet) ...but you must sign up at Do312 site for the giveaways each month.  During the bewitching hour, Lord Vourteque debut a single he recently mastered to get the party moving again after the burlesque show.

SouthSide highly recommends attending the next Electro Swing in September.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

15 Aug 13 - Havok

Metal up your night with SouthSide, blogspot readers!

Tonight's special On The Town adventure had this reviewer getting her metal on with the touring band HAVOK at Ultra Lounge. From Denver, Co, this band since its incarnation has opened for other bands like Forbidden, Anthrax and Death Angel and released two albums - Burn (2009) and Time Is Up (2011) as well as current release, Unnatural Selection. Recently the guys traveled to Montreal, Canada for the Heavy MTL Fest and Bogota, Columbia where they performed in front of an estimated crowd of 45,000 at the Rock Al Parque which also featured Cannibal Corpse and Symphony X. According to David Sanchez, front man and guitarist of the band, their experience in Columbia was "...surreal..." And we're barely touching the iceberg on HAVOK's rising achievements within the music scene thus far, blogspot readers, when SouthSide was granted an in depth interview with David about the band, its music and songwriting process and how much blood there might be during the show.

Describing the band as "...fast, tight, heavy and groovy...", David explained to SouthSide that HAVOK likes to play fast in front of their fans making an effort to be tight and heavy in the music business for distribution. "I'm in it to win it," says HAVOK's front man while being very honest and blunt about the distribution part to SouthSide's question. When briefly touching on the band's Billboard and other achievements, he humbly stated "...it was surprising..." Quite so since the release of Unnatural Selection, they hit #154 on Billboard's top 200, #44 on Billboard Independent and #3 on Billboard Heatseeker and went from opening for other touring bands to now headlining their own tour. Yet, he and the band are taking their good fortune in stride despite noting in the eyes of the music industry, they're still little HAVOK. And what about groovy? Well, in a nutshell, blogspot readers, they simply just are. Even though only chatting with David during the interview, the other members of HAVOK were very down to earth and itching to get on stage to rock out the metalheads in attendance at tonight's show. Speaking of the show, SouthSide asked what could she expect from the band as they rock out the Ultra Lounge stage to which David responded "...[we] hope to send everyone home with a sore neck and lost voice from screaming..." also adding there would be "...lots of head banging ...performing some songs off the current album [Unnatural Selection] and some off the others..." She was told to expect the show to have high energy as well. "...we want to make sure everyone has a good time..." because HAVOK knows people didn't pay money to see four guys standing on stage. And having a good time, blogspot readers, means more than head banging. HAVOK wants you to get rowdy ...mosh ...stage dive (if allowed at the venue) ...rock out during their show.

Overall, HAVOK certainly didn't disappoint in the performance department, blogspot readers. The band did more than just rock everyone's faces off with fast, loud thrash metal music. There was thrilling shreds of guitar riffs, heart-pounding thunderous percussion rhythms and raw animalistic vocals that not only filled the venue part of Ultra Lounge but instantly delighted metal fans to respond accordingly as David expected they would. So beware, blogspot readers. If you're not one for wild pushing, shoving or moshing in front of the stage at a HAVOK performance, it's best you stand near the back and watch the action safely from there. During this show - there were tense moments when the fans were pretty wild. Also, be on the lookout for intense periods of flying long locks of hair swirling and swinging to and fro on stage by band members especially during the hard-hitting instrumental bridges when they  get thoroughly deep within the music. Yet, behind HAVOK's intense thrash metal sound, SouthSide heard the call for "thinking for ourselves" and revolution of "real" change within some of the band's songs for like It's True and Give Me Liberty ...or Give Me Death - two in which David highly suggests listening. "...people need to think for themselves..." quips HAVOK's front man adamantly, "...if the majority of the populous started thinking for themselves, things could change for the better..." David also told this reviewer that he didn't have to go far to find his lyrical inspiration because so much is happening in the news and world these days. "...lots of stuff happening in the world..." However compared to the other two album releases, Unnatural Selection boasts of a more collaborative effort amongst the band members but when it comes down to the composition and arrangement, blogspot readers,  he believes he's better lyricist than guitarist.

As a lyricist, David definitely moved the fans not only rock out along with the band but also did more to incite bouts of fist pumping and head banging from them, blogspot readers. His words did cause some react with rowdy responses of the "Hell yeah" here and there ...agreeing to the front man's point of views about society's need to "...wake up ...and getting their heads out of their asses..." during It's True and during Give Me Liberty (which was dedicated to those who give a flying fuck about what's going on) where his vocals vented such powerful anger and distaste for what's going on with this country today. Within his raw primal state, he encouraged everyone to wake up ...take notice ...get involved by stop turning a blind eye to what's going on around them. Yes, blogspot readers, thrash metal is the best place to get people politically involved and socially aware at the same time. With the electric fury dominating both songs to the point where you can definitely feel the intense riffs melting your face off and ripping the ears, SouthSide noticed many getting serious bouts of whiplash from all of the head banging action going near the front of the stage. This reviewer also suggests listening to Point Of No Return - primal vocals and expressive body language make great stage presence as well as help further your thrilling experience under HAVOK's hardcore electric wizardry and fierce metal sound and off their Time Is Up album, Scumbag In Disguise - where head banging to the max was the rage, blogspot readers, as David violently roars over the mic like a ferocious beast in heat since you are meant to feel every drip of his heated anger. Plus during this particular song, be on the lookout for heart-racing crescendo rises off the guitars and plenty of thunderous drum rhythms designed to keep your head in whiplash mode til the very end before rocking out to D.O.A. and Unnatural Selection. Any time is a good time to mosh during a HAVOK performance but one thing was for sure ...there would be a few stiff necks in the morning. And that, blogspot readers, was one of the band's goals for the night.

Briefly during the interview, this reviewer and David talked about using social media to help in band promotion. "...oversaturation can be a problem..." says David but added, "...when a band takes advantage [of it] in the right way, the sky's the limit..." And now for something more lighthearted - what's HAVOK dream concert lineup? Well, it would consist of opening for Metallica, Iron Maiden, Mr. Bungle and more with stand-up comedians in between acts. "...Why hasn't anyone done this?!" wonders David. Good question. It's very interesting concept, blogspot readers, especially since the poor comedian would be pelted with beer cans if the joke delivery falls flat. In parting, David and band would like to thank everyone who has come to the show ...bought a t-shirt or CD and/or told their friends about the band. "...thanks for supporting the show ...without you, we're nothing..."

SouthSide highly suggests feeding your metal monster with HAVOK at their next show at a city or venue near you. Be prepared for some heavy whiplash action, blood (didn't happen during their Chicago appearance) and intensely wild fan reaction in the mosh pits near the stage. This band will melt your faces off before leaving you with a very sore neck and no voice the next day. For more information, visit http://www.havokband.com.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

09 Aug 13

Someone shout "Amen", congregation!

Tonight, the good shepherd of funk, Pastor Funkpleez along with His Pulpit Players preached on the holiness of the funk sound ...to get our souls jivin' to the smooth bass beat and electric rhythms at Elbo Room. To help everyone get down with their bad selves, there were performances by We Are The Sea, Brian Wheat Band and Rumors of War with local band Jesters.

Combining a hot rhythm section and dynamic vocals as well as an energetic sound is what Jesters brought the stage during their performance tonight, blogspot readers. From the moment they stepped on stage until the last note had died, each member of this band was rockin' hard especially in their costumes of the night - the band in white hazmat suits while Barbara was the sexy alien in her sassy skirt and boots. This isn't the first time the Jesters appeared on stage with some sort of eclectic costume. SouthSide remembers when they appeared on stage in matching band uniforms or even furry animal costumes (during one of the hottest nights in summer). Who knows what they will wear at their next show? Yet, do expect them to wear something fun that will certainly enhance your live show experience and excitement. Now ...back to the music, blogspot readers. Throughout the night, Jesters rocked with an energetic upbeat swing as well as fiery spunk and lots of rhythmic gas (provided by the horn section). There were plenty of toe-tappin' moments to get you groovin' along with the band even while slowing down the tempo just a bit to allow Barbara's vocals to shine under the spotlight. As the band's female lead on vocals, she adds sexiness and sultry attitude (especially when expressing it via her body language) besides wowing the audience with her soulfully dynamic voice. For example, during the cover of Joe Cocker's The Letter ("...my baby wrote me a letter..."), she upped the dynamic tone in her vocals to match the band's upbeat and rhythmic sound which rocked out their set more than their cover of Pat Benatar's Heartbreaker. It was valiant effort, blogspot readers, but this reviewer had to note that the 80s pop/rock sound doesn't really work well with the horns. Still with a band like the Jesters, it's all about the fun and making sure their audience has a great time rockin' with them. For when and where the Jesters will hold court at venue near you, visit http://www.jestersonline.com/.

Now, blogspot readers, you're invited to join the congregation of funk featuring the good Pastor Funkpleez and his Pulpit Players as "services" began with some shout outs and band introduction during Pass the Funk. Soon afterward, Pastor and the band had the room swaying to the rhythmic downtempo beat that also had a slight upbeat swing to keep many in the groove while he "preached" about getting Somethin' From Nothin'. This reviewer immediately enjoyed the soothing, groovi-licious sound especially when the band jams during the instrumental bridge ...taking the audience nice and slow or fast and short with its funk flow. Yes, this band was all about the funk and much more. If you listen closely to what Pastor Funkpleez's preaching, there's a message to heard and learned within each song performed only if you're willing to listen. For example, in his ultra smooth voice, Pastor dispensed a bit of knowledge on us during the song Somebody Lied while keeping the basement lounge within the Pulpit Players' funk groove. This reviewer has heard Prince's hits and rarities done in many styles from acoustic to rock but never heard him covered by a funk/soul band like she did tonight, blogspot readers.

During this particular performance, Pastor Funkpleez took the upbeat pop version of Prince's Let's Go Crazy rendering it to sound slow within a downtempo funk beat that had an intense guitar riff work and groove. This wasn't the only time SouthSide along with the audience felt the sanctified intensity of this funk band's guitar groove. Listen to songs such as GoHigher and Bumpskool where Pastor Funkpleez will up the funkified music and tempo for a hula hooper and others to shake the hoop to the beat. However during this performance, this reviewer did notice something was missing - a female vocalist. It would have been nice if Cedric aka Pastor Funkpleez had a dynamic soul sister to add some depth and soul as well as some sexy spice to a couple of songs like GoHigher, Somebody Lied or Dance 4 Meh. A female vocalist who could help the Pastor spread the message to the congregation especially while he jams with the band, blogspot readers. And it seems SouthSide and the band are on the same wavelength with this suggestion since they're currently looking for a female vocalist for backup duties. Overall, this reviewer highly suggests getting sanctified by funk/soul/groove sound by this Pastor and his Pulpit Players when and where they hold "services" again at venue near you. For more information, you can find Pastor Funkpleez on Facebook or follow him on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/PastorFunkpleez.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

02 Aug 13 - Honey Island Swamp Band

Cho! Co! (Cajun dialect for "Wow")

Does this band know how to bring the spirit of the bayou to us Yankees!  And if you weren't in the mood to party, then you were definitely at the wrong show, blogspot readers, because this band not only brought a taste of Nawlins with their music to town but also its energy, fun and excitement of the Big Easy for one night only. 

Whenever a band from Nawlins (New Orleans) tours Chicago, you know they're bringing that Canjun energy and spirit with them. This reviewer has seen it before when reviewing The Revivaliststs last year. Honey Island Swamp Band was no different, blogspot readers. In a nutshell, this band had the crowd inside Martyrs' rockin' to the sweet sounds of bayou within the Americana music from start to finish ...nonstop dancing and having a feel good, toe tappin' time that there were times SouthSide just had to stop writing and enjoy the music too. Currently on tour in support of the band's latest release Cane Sugar, Honey Island Swamp Band deliciously delighted their fans as well as this reviewer to a unique music combination known as bayou American. So what is "bayou Americana" you might ask? Well, cherie, it's a new blend of sound in which the members of Honey Island mix together a little smoky blues, a pinch of Southern rock, a dash hillbilly jamboree from the Appalachian region and a whole lot of that Nawlins vibe and feel. Add a bit of Canjun (and some crawfish gumbo) to spice things up  and volia - you have yourself one heck of performance to rock the night away. As SouthSide mentioned earlier, this band came to party, blogspot readers.

Hot is probably not the best of words to describe the atmosphere surrounding the Martyrs' venue, blogspot readers ...especially during an unseasonably cool August evening. Yet, things certainly got off to a steamy and then sweaty start when Honey Island Swamp Band took the stage and it didn't take long for this crowd to feel that toe-tappin' rhythm and upbeat swing. That's how fast Honey Island's music tends to grab your attention. Performing songs like Change My Ways (track 1) or Nerver Saw It Comin' (track 11), you might also get the feeling that songwriters/guitarists Chris Mule and Aaron Wilkinson probably had some sort of "religious" epihanny during the writing process of this album due to the nature of the other tracks featured in Cane Sugar. Somewhere along the way of life's journey, each one of us has had that "oh, yeah" moment. And having that spiritual awakening must have done this dual songwriter team some good, blogspot readers. Because whatever "divine" revelation Chris and Aaron had, it definitely brought out a touch of heartfelt humanity and expression within their vocals to which one (who has experienced what they did especially after Hurricane Katrina) could relate. To be honest, blogspot readers, it was refreshing to hear such emotions being dynamically featured in music so lively and energetic that you tend forget there's a human voice expressing a little remorse, regret and/or lesson learned like in Prodigal Son (track 7). 

Now, SouthSide received a copy of Honey Island Swamp Band's Cane Sugar before going to the show but didn't listen to the CD (or read the press releases) until afterwards thus giving the reviewer a chance to formerly introduce herself with the band, its music and fans within a live setting. And to be honest, blogspot readers, she doesn't know which she liked better - the live or recorded Honey Island Swamp Band but being fair - she highly recommends catching this band live while surrounding yourself with their fans. Something you definitely cannot re-create while listening to the CD. While observing the band interact with the fans and vice versa, she saw there certain moments where those around were having their own private "oh yeah" epihanny throughout the performance to songs like Just Another Fool (track 8) or Cast The First Stone (track 3). What really had this venue jumpin' and jivin' was when they performed the title track - Cane Sugar delighting many sweet tooths to kick up their heels. However, comparing to the recorded side of Honey Island, SouthSide enjoyed listening to the vast music arrangements that contributed to the band's bayou Americana sound from the additional vocals (by Gina and Evelyn) to the harmonica (featured in track 10 - Pills) and banjo (featured in track 5 the recorded version of Cane Sugar). Not saying the live performance of Cane Sugar wasn't up to par, blogspot readers. On the contrary. The CD version had more musical depth featuring that bayou vibe that's highlightig the Americana sound.

SouthSide hopes Honey Island Swamp Band makes a return trip again. Chicago could always use another night of that Nawlins spirit and fun ...especially during Mardi Gras.

For more information about Honey Island Swamp Band and where their tour takes them next, visit http://www.honeyislandswampband.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

August 2013 - update

Hey, blogspot readers, check out these latest additions of shows and events to come SouthSide's attention.

Aug 10 & 11:

Elbo Room - Mystery Street Music Fest 2013

Aug 10:

Metro - dance til dawn with the other beautiful night creatures during this NOCTURNA edition. 

18+ / $10

ELB (Rockford, IL) - Brett Newski comes to this venue as part of his US tour before heading to South Africa. For other dates and cities near you in the US, visit http://www.brettnewski.com

Aug 11:

NorthHalsted Market Days (Belmont stage) - The Handcuffs will be rockin' the stage at 3:30p

AA

Aug 20:

Elbo Room - A Friend Called Fire will be headlining this lineup featuring Los Brazos and The King In Yellow

Aug 24:

Uncommon Ground (Clark St location) - Real Jane Martin performs

$5 / AA

SPACE (Evanston, IL) - Lake Street Dive's tour rolls into town at this suburban venue. For more tour details, visit http://www.lakestreetdive.com

Aug: 25:

House of Blues - Honey & the 45s will be rockin' the stage opening for The Bishop's Daredevil Stunt Club

AA

Uncommon Ground (Clark St location) - Mike Felten's album release "AKA Johnny Lunchbucket" show will feature Victor Sanders and Hannah Frank

$5 / AA

Aug 30:

Livewire Lounge - The Rutabega's Chicago's release show for new album "Brother the Lights Don't Work" will also feature performances by Jet W. Lee, Columbines and Withershins

Aug 31:

Elbo Room - come rock with Hazel and the Grimms Band opening for AutoMagik

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

01 Aug 13 - Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

An open letter to Hollywood...

Before SouthSide begins her review, let's get one thing clear - she didn't see the first Percy Jackson movie but was given a quick yet brief synopsis of what it entailed before attending the screening of its sequel.  Also, let it be known that she detests terrible, poorly scripted movies based on Greek mythology or legends and/or remakes (i.e. the remake of the 80's Clash Of The Titans). That being said, blogspot readers, SouthSide went to this movie screening without any high expectations that Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters would be a fairly decent sequel to its predecessor. 

Okay, you have permission to throw stones at this reviewer for pre-judging the movie before actually sitting inside the theatre (with 3-D glasses) to review it.

Given the "quality" of this year's so-called summer blockbusters (so far) only two have been highly recommended by SouthSide ...one, btw, was a foreign film, blogspot readers.  Oh before, she forgets - must EVERYTHING be in 3D or REAL 3 D (what's the difference, can someone explain that to her?)?! She understands it's a cash cow these days but it's becoming so annoying and pas se these days.

Anyway, blogspot readers, you have come to read a review about Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters not hear a rant about the difference between 3D and REAL 3D ...then again, this review will start to feel like a rant once you have finished. Let SouthSide explain. 

This sequel to Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief is a dumbed down version written for today's millennial generation of the Greek myth about the famed Golden Fleece and its healing powers. Instead of Jason leading his crew of the Argonauts in the quest of finding the Golden Fleece, it's Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), his demigod friends - Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario), Grover (Brandon T. Jackson),  camp rival Clarisse (Leven Rambin) and baddie cousin Lucas/Luke (Jake Abel) and half brother Tyson (Douglas Smith) on the quest to find the Golden Fleece in order to do one or two things: (a) to save their Half Blood camp (a magical place where the children of the Gods train, live and etc) or (b) resurrected Kronos (Robert Knepper), a molten-rock looking Titan who was "murdered" long ago by his own children - Zeus, Hades and Poseidon. 

So why does Camp Half Blood (someone could have thought up a better name than that) need saving? Well, according to the voiceover by Polyphemus (Ron Perlman), 4 young children of Gods were trying to reach this place but only 3 made because young Thalia (the older version portrayed by Paloma Kwiatkowski) sacrificed her life to save the others and since she's Zeus' daughter, he turn her into a tree thus creating an unseen barrier protecting the other campers from outside predators (i.e. cyclops) and whatnot. After the camp is attacked by a mechanical Minotaur bull (who's bright idea was it that this thing should be spewing great balls of fire and/or having whirling razor saw blades for a PG movie?!), the campers discover the beloved tree that has been protecting them for so long is *gasp* *shock* *oh, the horror* poisoned! This sparks the the quest for the Golden Fleece given to the camp champion, Clarisse.

However there can't be a quest without an oracle prophecy for our hero, Percy Jackson to solve ...or this would be a rather short movie run time, blogspot readers. So after discovering he has a half brother (it seems if the God of Water mates with a nymph, you get a cyclopetic brother) and a prophecy about two children of Zeus (wait, SouthSide thought Poseidon was his father?! Where's Maury for the DNA results?) fighting over the Golden Fleece to either destroy or save the Olympians, our hero along with his friends and his brother whom he doesn't consider as his brother (just yet) also set off on the quest to find the Fleece located at the Sea of Monsters (aka Bermuda Triangle to us mortals) to stop their cousin Lucas (or Luke depending whichever name he responds to or uses throughout this movie - very confusing) from using it on Kronos to overthrow Zeus and others, blogspot readers.

It's amazing how Greek mythology wasn't this exciting and this adventurous when SouthSide was younger. And yes, she's being very sarcastic for good reason. Besides Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters being a poorly written re-telling of Jason and the Argonauts and the Gold Fleece, this sequel also read like a "woe is me" after school special because each Percy, Annabeth, Tyson and Clarisse learn a lesson at the end of this movie. You add baddie Lucas or Luke (whichever name you prefer) to the list since he learns one too. **Caution if you don't want to know - stop reading now and skip to the end.** Percy learns that he has the right to choose his own destiny, Annabeth learns she must not pre-judge another despite what happened in the past, Tyson learns to accept his one eye self and love who he is and finally, Clarisse learns that champion is not based on self endeavors but on teamwork. Also there's a whole lot of political correctness tossed about in this movie (i.e. it's wrong to call "dead confederate sailors who have given their lives to Hades" zombies but it seems they like that better than the long name) and even Lucas' dad Hermes (Nathan Fillion) has a moment learning that the mistakes made by a father in turn creates a vengeful son.

Sighs - as if this generation of kids need to learn lessons like these in a movie like this...

Sadly, blogspot readers, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters wastes the fine talents of Stanley Tucci (aka Caesar Flickerman of The Hunger Games and Catching Fire / Dr. Abraham Erskine of Captain America: The First Avenger) as the name-forgetting, "always getting water out of vintage wine bottles" camp director - Mr. D which is played as if he's a total dolt and Anthony Stewart Head (aka The Prime Minister in Little Britain / Rupert Giles of Buffy The Vampire Slayer series) as Chiron the Centaur, the camp's chemist/potions. It also has the Graeae witches (the 3 grey witches) starring Mary Birdsong, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Missi Pyle driving (of all things) a high-flying, speed-breaking taxi cab with their one eye adding a bit of comedic relief while giving Percy more details about the oracle prophecy. Speaking of comedy, blogspot readers, it horribly falls flat in this movie. Let SouthSide know if you have heard this one before "...Christians have a guy who can do this reverse (i.e. changing water into wine) ...now there's a God!" Surprisingly, that (and others) drew a few laughs but sadly, not a huge "ha ha ha" from the audience.

Overall, what can SouthSide say or recommend about Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (which is based on the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan - 5 books in all, blogspot readers ...groans)? Nothing much except the ending does allude to a sequel (oh, joy). You can definitely see that most of the production cost went to the fx (special effects) department than developing a decent re-telling about the quest for the Golden Fleece. Her advice - stick to the books, kids! Save your money, parents! Or better yet, rent the 1963 movie - Jason and the Argonauts and the 1981 movie - Clash of the Titans (both featuring the late Ray Harryhausen's stop animation fx). Two great movies ...a bigger bang for your buck. Trust SouthSide, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters wasn't enjoyable ...even in 3D.

She hopes Hollywood generously paid Zeus well for the butchering of his myths and legends...

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

01 Aug 13

Ah, the night is still young, blogspot readers, and this reviewer wasn't really ready to head home. After screening the new Percy Jackson movie, SouthSide randomly ran into her good friend, the mysterious (un)masked Flabby Hoffman taking a break from his latest edition of the Flabby Hoffman Cavalcade show at THE GRANDBAR (aka the former Betty's Blue Star Lounge).  It has been years since SouthSide stepped inside this West Town night spot and was quite surprised of its fresh new look. Gone were the booths, blue-painted walls and dive bar atmosphere with the sound system which made it very difficult to review bands. Instead this bar got a complete makeaover - red lighting to set the mood and atmosphere of its patrons' evening,  a hip bar scene that now fits the type of patrons they want to attract, an upgraded sound system, and standing bar tables as well as elongated booths (located in front of the sound/DJ booth) to relax with friends. Compared to this venue's former self, she was lovin' the new look, blogspot readers, which mostly definitely fit tonight's Flabby Hoffman audience attending the show. And this masked man certainly knows how to attract a modest crowd even on a Thursday night.

This Flabby Hoffman show featured a combination of local comics and musical acts including a performance by singer/songwriter James Moore who during his set performed a cool cover of Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl before continuing with more of his original songs. This reviewer enjoyed the pop-sounding falsetto in his vocal tone that at time became quite expressive whenever he highlighted the vivid pictureseque imagery inside the lyrics. This artist's soothing voice while amidst a rhythmic downtempo acoustic beat had a way of making his audience feel where his mindset was at the time of creating his songs. For example, listen to the closing song Gary Goose (a song written while attending college about pot smoking) allowed everyone to enter his vivid imagination while rockin' the stage with a slight upbeat acoustic swing. This particular song had a toe-tappin' rhythm that you could get into but listen carefully, blogspot readers, to pickup on the pot smoking references laced throughout the lyrics especially during the chorus. It was quite a tale James told which one could easily follow as he sung the song in a more natural vocal range than falsetto. This reviewer highly recommends checking out this singer/songwriter at his next show or you can listen to more of his music at http://www.jamesmoore.bandcamp.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide