UNIVERSOUL Under The Bigtop Continues …

If you missed the Universoul Circus last week you’re in luck since it will be continue into March in Atlanta.  This is a completely unique experience, with all the classic circus acts from a black culture standpoint. Check it out on their site and get your tickets.  Don’t wait til they hit the road again.  www.universoulcircus.com

There’s Always Something Going on at The Masquerade…

Twiztid, Pot Luck and Kung Fu Vampire, March 1st

POS – Comedy, Music and Getting Real, March 4^th

A Loaded Friday Night – Pick your Music, March 5^th

Next Big Thing Tour, Up and Coming Punk and Alternative, March 6^th

More next week…

www.masq.com/2009_site

Professionals Date and Dash With an RSVP at The Mood Lounge

March 3^rd

This ought to be a blast, speed dating with class for college grads and professionals at the Mood Lounge.  The first Wednesday of every month you can find a new event on the website calendar, educating you on where it will be held, the age group attending and how to register.  This is not just an Atlanta thing, but it is a regular thing in Atlanta, and this week it will be held at the Mood Lounge.  Get on the ball and get registered and get more information about it at www.dateanddash.com/event.php?id=1854.

Tom Rhodes at The Punchline Comedy Club

March 4^th through 7^th

This guy has been around a long time, paying tribute to our Viet Nam vets in his own stylish way.  As always, expect to find the best comedy and the best comedians at The Punchline.  Tickets and your choice of seating can be found at www.punchline.com/index.asp

DJ Talent at Tringali’s Restaurant

March 5th

DJ Talent says you don’t want to miss another one of his parties, so if you’re a fan you oughta be there.  This is in the old Atlanta underground.  Go to www. eventful.com/atlanta/venues/tringalis-/V0-001-000329008-3.

Fresh Fest at the Civic Center

March 5^th

Friday night brings you Salt n Pepa, Biz Markie, Whodini and Doug E. Fresh. Get your tickets at www.atlantaciviccenter.com

Bird Watching and Power Vinyasa Yoga at Piedmont Park

March 6^th

It’s time to take a relaxing, fun yoga class with the Atlanta Yoga Club and you can enjoy the Park at the same time for just five bucks a class.  Bring a yoga mat and your own water.  Or, if you’re into a love for birds, take the bird watching walk, whether you’re a regular at it or just wondering about it.  Get more info at www.piedmontpark.org

Lewis Black at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

March 6^th

Performing frequently and internationally to a sold out house, you know this is a show you don’t want to miss if you’re due for a laugh.  This is your opportunity to vent without having to say a word, as Black eagerly does it for all of us in one fell swoop.  He’s also a regular contributor on The Daily Show.  Get a live view at the Cobb Energy Center, tickets are available at www.cobbenergycentre.com.

Orchid Daze: Tower of Flowers at Atlanta Botanical Gardens

through April 11

Still available to ooh and ahh over is the Tower of Flowers event.  Even if you made it there a week or two ago you still have a chance to get back over to the Botanical Gardens and enjoy the amazing fragrances and colors cascading down around you, and maybe take some folks along who haven’t experienced it.  Check out the website for directions and times. atlantabotanicalgarden.org/site/involvement/orchid_daze

After a long workday, in the midst of Atlanta’s rush hour traffic, there exists a happy alternative to stalling on Interstate 75 or winding slowly down Peachtree Street.  Midtown’s Hotel Palomar, located on West Peachtree Street across from the staple Biltmore Hotel, is the eye of the urban grind storm, offering a complimentary happy hour between 5 and 6 p.m daily.  Including validated valet parking, the Palomar eliminates any possibility of frustration usually associated with parking in the city.

Whether your preference is red or white wine, the Palomar offers generous pours of either, rotating different varieties depending on the day of the week.  A knowledgeable attendant serves the wine, should you have questions about the grape, vineyard, etc.  The hotel restaurant, Pacci Ristorante, listed amongst Esquire’s best of 2009, pairs the tasty hors d’oeuvres placed around the lobby.

I choose red wine and settle in for a read by a couple that is here for a romantic evening away from the kids. Aside from this couple imbibing in their vintage between themselves, there is a gathering of cheerleaders anticipating an upcoming competition.  A group of posh professionals discuss the day in earnest tones before the hotel’s marble fireplace while others, like myself, browsing a magazine or listening to an i-pod, sip solo.

What a lovely indulgence that check-in time also coincides with happy hour!  Guests may drop their baggage at the lobby’s front door and be handed a glass of their preference.  Upon entering the Palomar, one has arrived.

The aforementioned Pacci Ristorante extends to the Palomar’s second-story rooftop bar, Alto-Rex, complete with open-air fire pits and a view of the classic Biltmore.

Eminently gracious, the young wait staff could not have been more unpretentious despite their snazzy surroundings.  Without giving too much away, they dish on celebrity sightings, a personal thrill for this entertainment reporter, and their anticipation of Summertime when the bar will be railing-to-railing with a scantily clad, affluent, and increasingly famous crowd.

Ever accommodating to all visitors, the Palomar staff is meticulous in their event planning, especially when it comes to the holidays.  Valentine’s Day was completely booked, with a preceding week of tarot-card readings for two and a special menu from Pacci.  Keep an eye on the hotel’s website for the forthcoming St. Patrick’s Day if you prefer to down your cocktails in style.

Though saving the experience of a full meal at Pacci for a luxurious date, I can’t keep from sampling their refreshing Avocado Citrus salad as well as their mouth-watering Anson Mills Polenta- made sweet and savory by its combination of mascarpone cheese and honeycomb.  This is definitely a restaurant geared toward the refined palate.

Take an hour for a glass of wine, spend the evening for a few more, or escape for the weekend and enjoy all the Hotel Palomar has to offer.  Oh, and did I mention there’s a Wii in the lobby?  Never has playing it appeared more suave.

Checkout our photo gallery of the place:

As per usual, Luckie Food Lounge is in full swing with a full crowd on Wednesday night.  DJ Infamous and co. man the turntables as the star studded, dudded-up crowd bump n’ grind to Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne, and of course, the man of the hour, birthday boy Gorilla Zoe.

The 2009 album Don’t Feed the Animals of this former Boyz n da Hood member crowned the U.S. Rap Chart in 2009, as every car stereo in Atlanta blared the go-hard anthem, Lost, and the hauntingly rhythmic lament, Echo.  In the style distinct to rappers of our fair city, surrounded by an entourage sporting t-shirts boasting his name, Zoe celebrates another year of the good life – popping bottles of Grey Goose Vodka, posing for pictures, and enjoying the attention of many a lovely lady.

To the Luckie staff members, many of whom are inveterate to the club since its 2007 grand opening, serving such renowned faces as Jazze-Pha is now customary for a Wednesday night at one of Atlanta’s premiere hip hop hotspots.  It is at the same time its exclusivity to the stars as well as its accessibility to them that has culminated the notoriety Luckie possesses today.

Its considerable dance floor expands to an equally-spacious dining room.  The high ceilings leftover from the former Mercedes dealership begets an openness that distinguishes the restaurant/club from other similar concepts around town.  For Luckie, the combination goes hand in hand.  Having sustained respectability in both their Sushi and their American-fare menu, Luckie is equally as passionate about their special events, bottle service, and top-notch wait staff.

By night Luckie’s fish tanks are incandescent highlights to the dark club, and along with the bamboo-lined walls, evoke Luckie’s sleek, sexy style.  By day, the tanks are a subtle reminder to the employees of CNN, World of Coca-Cola, and Ernst and Young who frequent the lunch spot, of the Georgia Aquarium located directly across Ivan Allen Junior Boulevard.

The Sky Bar upstairs, formerly limited to VIP guests only, has recently opened up to the public, and possesses a beautiful view of the city.  Though not pastoral, watching the sunset reflected off the Ernst and Young building while relaxing on the open-air couches is just as sublime to city-lovers as an endless horizon is to beachcombers.  Look beneath you and the glass tile reveals the dance floor from a story below.  Inside the covered area, you can shoot a game of pool over a couple of cocktails from the full bar, or even a bite from the menu.

After your next visit to the beluga whales at the Aquarium or for your next ballin’ birthday party, make Luckie your destination and treat yourself to a taste of Atlanta culture and the variety it has to offer.  Who knows?  You may get lucky and meet somebody who’s somebody.

*First part of title is a quote borrowed from the song “It’s What You Thinkin,” by rap master, Tech N9ne.  Mad respect.

If you’re in need of a good laugh, one comedy club is soon to be the most talked about comedy venue in Atlanta.  In fact, at its previous location in the Warren City Club, it won the award for Best Comedy Show in Atlanta in 2008 by Atlanta Magazine.

Comedy Gold is the name, and Sidelounge is the place. Every weekend you can see some of Atlanta’s best up and coming comedians, along with others from all over the country.  Some of the regulars include Gilbert Lawland, Patton Smith, and Karen Hilton.

First created by comedians Jarrod Harris and Gilbert Lawland, this comedy club has something for everyone.  The performers are always on their game, tackling even the touchiest subjects in a way that will have you spitting your vodka tonic out your nose!
It is always a surprise at Comedy Gold.  You never know what the comedians are going to say, or who is going to show up!  In fact they recently had comedian Ron White, of the ‘Blue Collar Comedy Tour’, show up for a secret show!

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the doors open at 8 pm, with shows starting at 9 pm.  Get there early to take advantage of the great drink prices at the bar. Admission is very reasonable as well. In fact, you get in for only $5 with a student ID, while general admission is $12.

Comedy Gold is located at 3652 Roswell Rd on the corner of Piedmont and Roswell Road right next to Landmark Diner, a convenient location from anywhere in the Atlanta area.

Once you have had enough laughing for the night, walk on over to the Landmark Diner to grab a quick bite to eat.  They are known for their extensive menu items and great tasting diner style food.

Once you have been to a comedy show here you will see what all the fuss is about.  They have everything you look for when making your weekend plans- entertainment, good food and great drinks.  Add in the bonus of the funniest comedians in Atlanta, and you have a perfect venue for your next weekend!

Everybody knows you have to belt the blues.  And when the lights grow dimmer, and the mood becomes softer, you have to croon them.  Sue G. Wilkinson, along with her eight member band gets you high when you feel low, and when you’re low they get down with you.

A veteran musician, Sue G. Wilkinson tackles the keys at the Five Spot in a rousing performance, with a spunk equal to any barroom brawl.  But the Five Spot is no saloon, and this band is far from dive-ey.  Rather, they’re lively.  When joined with the bass, guitar, drums, trumpet, saxophone, not to mention the diva-licious backup babes, The Sue G. Wilkinson Band is an experience in jumpin’ and jivin’.

Sue G.’s vocals are as uninhibited as the classic Janis Joplin with the higher, uproarious melody of the more modern Duffy.  The song “Bitter Girl” evokes the 70’s during the era of Laura Nyro’s “Stoned Soul Picnic.”

With their swaying hips and lustrous harmonies, the backup singers, Rachel Nussbaum and Linda Jackson bring R&B, Funk and Fusion themes, and positively seduce with the song “Hold My Heart.”  Johnny Hibbert on sax and Miko (just Miko) on the trumpet, alongside Reese Harris on the drums summon the ghosts of the Big Easy with their New Orleans Brass style in “Work it out.”

The SGW Band brings the house down with “Big Black Woman,” wild and titillating as the after-church-basement-boogie-blues.  Lee Spivey on guitar and Mike Cady on bass both deliver a heavy dose of rockin’ blue-eyed soul.

It seems apt that SGW Band boldly traverses genres in a venue such as the Five Spot, a bar that is also in the business of uniting different elements.  The Five Spot pairs fine beers as well as a full bar with local art displays and live entertainment, performed on a stage backed by a giant movie projector for an engaging artistic experience.

The band attracts crowd of all ages, mostly hip with a significant number of admiring fellow musicians, and left standing room only to see The SGW band even though the performance fell in the midst of an ice storm.  But once The Sue G. Wilkinson Band takes the stage, they light a fire.  And it is hot!

For more info on The Sue G. Wilkinson Band as well as show dates:  sonicbids.com

The Sue G. Wilkinson Band’s performs next at Shorty’s on February 19th. Bring your stomping shoes!

Dialogue in the Dark at the Atlantic Station Exhibition Center
(Ongoing until March 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Have you ever wondered what a blind person’s life is really like? In this unordinary exhibition, the blind will guide normal visitors through galleries and interactive environments without any light. This is surely to be an “eye-opening” outlook on how the blind fully use their other senses, and how sometimes valuable things are not appreciated enough. The exhibition center is located at 265 18th St., Suite 4200, Atlanta, GA.
Tickets

Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11^th at 8:00 p.m.)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets

Karaoke Monday’s at the Uptown Comedy Corner
(11^th at 8:30 p.m.)
Special K. from the Ricky Smiley Morning show will be hosting Karaoke this Monday. Come perform a song you may have in mind, or get a kick out of other people singing! Uptown is located at 800 Marietta Street, ATL, 30318.
Tickets

Open Mic at Meehan’s Public House
(12^th at 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
Come prepared to sing acoustic, and compete! If you win over the most people with your performance, you’ll win a pretty great prize; free bar tab, cash, and a cab ride home! Meehan’s is located at 227 Sandy Springs Place, Suite 416, Atlanta, GA 30328.
Reservations

American Idol Viewing Party at the W Hotel
(13^th at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Review season nine’s auditions at the location they started in! There will be food from Jean-Georges Spice Market from 7-8pm and American Idol themed cocktails from Whiskey Park. The W is located in Midtown at 188 14th St. NE, ATL.
RSVP to watlanta.midtown@whotels.com
Directions

The Ansley Park Playhouse presents “A Sunday Afternoon at Loehmann’s”
(14^th at 8:00 p.m. & 17^th at 3:00 p.m.)
Shopping has become a form of fun relaxation, and the Southern ladies in this play will be displaying just that. The story starts off innocent, and then progresses into the dysfunctional standards of everyday living. It’s a very witty show that shouldn’t be missed. The Ansley Park Playhouse is located in the Peachtree Pointe Building on 1545 Peachtree Street.
Ticekts

Shen Yun at the Cobb Energy Performance Centre
(15^th at 7:30 p.m., 16^th at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., 17^th at 2:00 p.m.)
Shen Yun Performing Arts presents Chinese dancing that has been tradition for centuries. You will see the ancient legends and heroes come to life. Along with this, the Shen Yun Orchestra will be playing their original pieces with classical Western and Chinese instruments. Come to Cobb Energy for this uplifting experience at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.
Tickets

The Loft presents Avenue X
(15^th at 10:00 p.m.)
The Loft is going to hold Avenue X – which is a new wave night presented by DJIT and Warholboy. The cover charge is $5 for 21+, and $10 for 18-20. The location is in Midtown at 1374 W. Peachtree St.
Information

Gwinnett Performing Arts Center presents Ralphie May
(16^th at 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.)
Ralphie May has been a professional comedian since the age of 17. He has made appearances on Comedy Central, Craig Kilborn, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, and The Man Show. You may have even seen him on the infamous website Youtube. The Gwinnett Center is at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097.
Tickets

Living Novel at the Relapse Theatre
(16^th at 9:00 p.m.)
The Relapse Theatre is offering something a little different in the arts department. Living Novel is a book that reads itself going along with music, all put together by Trey Duke. The general admission price is $10, but students can get in for $5. The Relapse Theatre is located on 380 14^th street, Atlanta.

Directions

Ghosts of Atlanta Walking Tour
(Every January night at 7:30pm)
Our southern city has been through a lot in its years of existing. In the tour you will experience places where the active spirits are still present. Tours begin at the corner of Ponce De Leon and Peachtree Street at the corner of the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
Reservations

Hip Hop Jam Session at the Apache Café
(5^th at 9:00pm)
The session will include guest DJs and artists, and a chance for everyone to have the mic and jam out with the band. Apache is a very welcoming place, and the cover charge is only five dollars. The café is located at 64 Third St., Atlanta, right in Midtown.
Information

Ladies Night at Loca Luna
(6^th at 8:00pm)
Starting off the night, free salsa lessons will begin at 8:00pm. After that, live salsa and meringue music will be played for your dancing pleasure. It is a free event, but you are welcome to take advantage of their tasty tapas dishes! Loca Luna is located at 550-C Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, 30306.
Directions

First Thursday Downtown Artswalk
(7^th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm)
The first Thursday of every month, downtown holds an open walk through galleries at numerous venues for free. You can move at any pace you would like through the cultural and historical downtown.
Information

Christian Finnegan at The Punchline
(7^th at 8:00pm; 8^th at 8:00pm & 10:00pm; 9^th at 7:00pm, 9:00pm, & 11:00pm; 10^th at 8:00pm)
Mr. Finnegan is well known for being a panelist on VH1’s “Best Week Ever” series. He is continuously making appearances on Comedy Central; you may have even seen him on “Chappelle’s Show”. The Punchline strives to present the best working comedians, and with Christian, they are definitely succeeding! The location is 280 Hilderbrand Drive, ATL, in the Balconies shopping center.
Tickets

Improv Act
(8^th at 10:30pm)
The improv act is titled Ask Dr. Frapples. In this act the audience members guide their questions to this psychiatrist, and get possible solutions to your troubles. Dad’s Garage is located inside Inman Park facing Lake Avenue. The exact address is 280 Elizabeth Street, Suite C-101, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Tickets

Behind the Sun plays at Andrews Upstairs
(9^th at 9:00pm)
Behind the Sun is a tribute band devoting their performances to their love of music by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Detroit Mutant Radio will be rocking out with their alternative hip-hop type music as well. East Andrews prides itself as “Atlanta’s most intimate concert setting”. It is located at 56 East Andrews Drive Suite #10.
Tickets

Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11^th at 8:00pm)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets

Kudos to Author’s Apology, truly a band of bleeding hearts, for displaying good form and sweeping their opening act last Tuesday.  Aside from the emo blend and sappy sound, the songs resemble more a prayer booth confession than an apology. Nevertheless, the boys deserve praise for their enthusiastic performance and their oft-expressed gratitude for sharing the stage with such esteemed acts as forgetters and Gentlemen Jesse and His Men.

Luciano Giarrano especially maintains the spotlight when Author’s Apology frontman’s pesky guitar string busted after the first song.  Giarrano banters for the crowd while technical errors are rectified.  With his guitar, keyboard, and tambourine skills, as well as his penchant for letting out an occasional yawp, Giarrano epitomizes the uniqueness and range of a star on the rise.

Gentleman Jesse and His Men, a headliner in their own right, are reminiscent of an edgier, unapologetic Beach Boys.  Blending punk lyrics and rock ’n’ roll doo-wop, these guys have a good-time singing about having a good time.  Atlantans don’t just love Gentleman Jesse’s stuff because of local pride but also because of the band’s relating to the young party set through carefree lyrics such as “All I need tonight is you.”

From their tatted-up bassist onstage, bumming a cigarette off his girlfriend, to their drummer’s inexplicable black eye, this band is the face of Atlanta’s new local hip boy.  Gentleman Jesse is a fresh return to happiness in indie rock, memorializing the good times just as they are in “Xmas Song”: “I’ll be getting over my hangover/on Christmas morn’/ and that’s the way I’ll celebrate the day Jesus was born.”

Before Gentleman Jesse’s star track has risen completely out of your humble native reach, this is definitely a band to get behind—or at least get a date with—if you’re feeling lucky.

The Drunken Unicorn reaches full capacity for forgetters.  The legendary Blake Shwarzenbach, formerly of the so-raw Jawbreaker, and Kevin, Against Me!’s first drummer, teamed up with bassist Caroline Paquita for a powerful new trio.  Gone are the days of Jawbreaker. Gone are the (good) days of Against Me! forgetters, true to their name, leaves little room for nostalgia.

In fact it is greatly due to their diminutiveness in number and in name (the “f” is purposefully lower-cased) that this band oozes understated swagger.  Mahon’s gangster trills and punctuated beats are the punch behind Shwarzenbach’s gravelly declarations.  When united with Paquita, who more than holds her own on the bass alongside two of modern music’s greats, forgetters pumps out one finely crafted punk anthem after another.

forgetters plays a respectably lengthy set, but the crowd still craves more.  Shouts of “When’s the album coming out?!” are finally met with a hesitant answer of February. Until then, this was not a show one could easily forget.

The Red Light Café presents the Atomic Rockets and Psycho Devilles
(21^st at 8:00pm)
Located on Amsterdam Avenue, the café is full of art work from locals, giving it an artsy feel. Both bands are in the rockabilly genre. Grab an after dinner drink at The Red Light, and spread your musical horizon wings a little farther.
Information

The Soul Shakers playing at Blind Willie’s
(22^nd at 9pm)
In Virginia Highlands there is a Cajun restaurant by the name of Blind Willie’s. They have been infamous for years for being one of the best blues clubs around. The Soul Shakers are a rhythm and soul rock and roll band. They are very influenced by the 50’s and 60’s. Come get some Cajun food and listen to The Soul Shakers for $5.
Information

Cavalia in Atlantic Station
(22^nd at 8:00pm; 23^rd at 3:00pm & 8:00pm; 26^th at 3:00pm & 8:00pm; 27^th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm)
Cavalia is not something to miss in your lifetime. It takes place in the huge white tent you may see in your peripheral view while driving on the highway. Come be amazed by the strong and magical bonds that are held between these acrobats, dancers, and the 60 beautiful horses.
Tickets

Day Before Christmas Eve Jam at The Five Spot
(23^rd at 9:00pm Doors Open)
The Five Spot is very diverse, on other nights they feature live art, animations, and many genres of musicians playing. The jam will be featuring Uprise, Charlie P, and EP3 PA Set. If you can make it before 10:00pm, you’re free!
Information

Halo Lounge holds the Matzo Ball
(24^th at 8:00pm)
This will be a high-energy night full of matchmaking and networking. The Society of Young Jewish Professors has been presenting this ball for 23 years now. They encourage Jewish singles to come out, but all nationalities are welcome! It is surely to be a crazy night full of partying at the magical Halo Lounge.
Tickets

Ice Skating at Centennial Park
(24^th at 10:00am – 5:00pm; 25^th at 5:00pm – 10:00pm)
Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink is in the middle of Centennial Park! It’s the thirteenth year of their holiday tradition, which includes their extended holiday hours. At only $7, this is definitely a fantastic holiday event.
Information

The Laughing Skull Lounge presents comedian Dan Mengini
(26^th at 8:00pm & 10:00pm; 27^th at 7:00pm & 9:00pm)
In the back of the Vortex Bar and Grill is where the Laughing Skull Lounge settles. They are the smallest full-time comedy venue in the world, but bring some of the bigger names in. Dan has been on Adult Swim, One Tree Hill, and has over 35 television appearances. This is a great chance to experience both great comedy and an atmospheric restaurant in the heart of Little 5 Points.
Tickets

Atlanta Botanical Gardens presents Holiday Nights
(26^th - 30^th at 5:00pm – 10:00pm)
Take a relaxing walk through the magical gardens full of lights and take a look at the model trains chugging along. Take advantage of their extended hours! There will be holiday music accompanying you through your journeys, along with a cash bar!
Tickets

It was a cold Saturday night in Atlanta on the 12th of December, but don’t tell that to anybody who was downstairs in the Masquerade that night. A hardcore punk show was getting started and the audience was ready to burn some of the energy that they had stored inside of them. The Street Dogs were headlining the show, with the billed guests listed as Radio Nowhere, Stigma and Roger Miret & The Disasters. There were also two Marines staged directly inside of the door, collecting toys and money for the Toys For Tots drive. When I arrived, they already had a stack of toys sitting next to the door, so that was a pleasant thing to see.

Radio Nowhere came on around 7:45 and immediately went into their set. Looking online, I was unable to find anything of a discernible nature that detailed their progress through the punk world. They reminded me of a more organized Ramones, but the band did not seem as though they were very comfortable on the stage. They obviously loved what they did, as it came through in the passion with which they played, but my feeling was fear of rejection by the audience hindered their ability to play to the crowd as well as they could have. I assume this is easily fixed through continuing to work on their craft and play in front of larger and larger crowds. Good things will happen for this band and they played a very solid half hour set. Looking back in the merchandise area, I was unable to find anything available with their name on it.

… The Street Dogs were headlining the show, with the billed guests listed as Radio Nowhere, Stigma and Roger Miret & The Disasters …

Next, it was a band that was billed as Stigma, but they called themselves New York Blood. The lead singer, Vinnie Stigma and the bassist, Mike Gallo, are also members of Agnostic Front and their experience on the stage came through during the show. They started their set around 8:45 and continued to play for forty-five minutes, jamming as much New York hardcore as they could into that time and upholding the sound of Agnostic Front and other bands that came before them. They seemed very gracious to be asked to come along for the show and play along side of the other bands. Most of their set came from their CD, New York Blood, which was also available at the merchandise booth in the back. A lot of the crowd seemed to be into the show, with the circle pit beginning to come together and with Vinnie Stigma egging them on, it didn’t take long for others to join. At the end of their set, they thanked the crowd again, as well as the Marines and the other bands that were there.

… The spectators were asked to go to the back of the venue, with the rest of the crowd invited to throw down in the circle pit. Only a handful of people stayed in the back …

Right around the time that Stigma finished their set, the crowd was starting to grow in size. What had started out with around fifty people when I walked in had quickly grown to two hundred plus people and there were still more coming through the door.

Next on the bill was Roger Miret & The Disasters. Roger is also the lead singer for the punk band, Agnostic Front. Their set was marred from the start, with heavy feedback coming as soon as Roger Miret went to the microphone. It was tough to hear them at times and there seemed to be some sort of argument arising between Roger and the lead guitarist, Rhys Kil. They flew through the rest of their set, with Roger making no attempt to play to the crowd while he was on stage with his solo band, whom he called Possessed. Around 10:15, he called up Vinnie Stigma and Mike Gallo, handing each of them their particular instruments. The rest of The Disasters were chased off the stage and immediately, the Masquerade exploded, they knew that they were experiencing something special. Three-quarters of Agnostic Front had come together and they were going to play for the crowd. From their entire set, this is the part that stood out for me. The three of them obviously loved playing together and just before leaving the stage at 10:30, Roger told the crowd that Agnostic Front would be coming through in May.

… “You are all brothers and sisters, through music. You can make a friend or an enemy tonight. Just make it easy, all of you here are friends…”

The headliners of the night, the Street Dogs, came on around 10:45 and immediately jumped into their first song. The Street Dogs are an Irish-punk band founded in Boston and this shows through their musical talents. The rest of the band’s current line-up is from the mid-west, but seem to sincerely enjoy playing along side Mike McColgan, former lead singer of the Dropkick Murphys. They played a variety of music from their four-deep discography, including a cover of a Pogues song that they dedicated to all of the punk bands that came before them. Mike seemed to be sincerely happy the entire night. Inviting everybody in the crowd to meet them after the show, thanking the Marines for all that they do, as well as thanking the rest of the Armed Forces and wishing them a safe trip home. The energy that had been building all night came to a head when they started with the song Two Angry Kids, when Mike told the crowd that there were two types of people. Spectators and those that feel the music. The spectators were asked to go to the back of the venue, with the rest of the crowd invited to throw down in the circle pit. Only a handful of people stayed in the back, with the crowd all coming together to show their camaraderie for the punk world. They finished out the show and had a one-song encore, thanking the crowd for coming out and once again inviting them to visit them at the merchandise table.

… Four hours of live music, for less than the price of dinner and a movie. Energy and fun came together …

An energetic, fun show came to the Masquerade that cold December night. But, through music, everybody came together as one. Mike McColgan said it best, towards the end of the set, “You are all brothers and sisters, through music. You can make a friend or an enemy tonight. Just make it easy, all of you here are friends…” Four hours of live music, for less than the price of dinner and a movie. Energy and fun came together, including a momentary visit to the past with Agnostic Front. Punk shows are always a great experience and this one definitely did not disappoint.