Humboldt Live

Let the entertainment rain

2008-01-10T10:17:56Z

The winter entertainment drought is finally coming to an end. Every year as the students fly south for the winter and the holidays drive everyone to a level of insanity that makes it impossible for them to interact with other humans in a rational manner, the steady flow of entertainment slows, becomes a trickle and then nearly dries up completely right after New Year's Eve.

With the announcement of a few big shows I can feel the trickle that will soon become a downpour of good music and good times, ending the drought. This weekend reggae fans have two big names to feed them: Eek-A-Mouse and Pato Banton. Ishi Dube is opening for Banton and I still have not seen him perform a show that wasn't packed from door to stage with people ready to skank. In the upcoming weeks we who were hit hardest by the dry spell can look forward to the funk that is George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and the indie rock of Pinback.

George Clinton is performing at the Mateel Community Center.

Pinback was one of those bands that I couldn't stand at first because everyone told me I was supposed to like it. But now that I've given the group a chance, I've realized that the quiet melodies and captivating lyrics hold a sound not worth missing. The show is being put on by HSU’s AS presents.

Indigo's last stand

2007-12-23T11:49:44Z

People trickled into the sparsely populated night club as Strix Vega took the stage. About 75 people lined the walls as the group strummed through a solid set that contained many of their typical subdued songs mixed with some new tracks that were a little higher energy. Unfortunately, Strix Vega's sound works better in smaller bars where the setting is more intimate. With the larger venue, the crowd was too distant to be moved by the music and became background sound as the audience waited for The 3 Heads.

When the Heads finally came on it was to a crowd filled with friendly faces including old friends and family. There was even a group of Heath Francis' relatives who had come from a '70s party and were dressed in full outfits — including afros. Once the set started, the dance floor drew a group of 15 to 20 people and stayed that full until the band's last encore.

Probably the highlight of the evening was when — in honor of their last night being open — Indigo allowed random girls to get up into the silhouette booth and cage to dance. One of the girls in the cage was wearing a tiara but it wasn't her birthday.

"I'm just a prom queen," said the girl who identified herself only as April.

The show probably never had more than 100 people in attendance at any one time but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and all did their part to make sure that Indigo's employees wouldn't have to move too much alcohol when they clean the place out in preparation for the new night spot Aunty Mo's Lounge.

Jonathan Glen/The Times-Standard
Strix Vega opens for The 3 Heads during Indigo's last show Saturday Dec. 22.

Jonathan Glen/The Times-Standard
Heath Francis, left, and Jared Fisher perform during Saturday's show.

Jonathan Glen/The Times-Standard
Pat Cleary plays the guitar.

Jonathan Glen/The Times-Standard
Girls dance in a suspended cage while The 3 Heads perform Indigo's final show.

Twice Lightning tries sing-along style

2007-12-22T02:24:38Z

Psychedelic rockers Twice Lightning are trying something a little different for their show at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Central Station in McKinleyville. They're going to make it a sing-along.

Songwriter and guitarist Rick Sessions went to some shows in Weaverville and Mt. Shasta where people were singing along and it seemed like so much fun that he decided to try it out with his band. The lead singer, Adriana Contreras, is a teacher in McKinleyville and uses flip charts in her teaching an idea that the group adapted for the show.

"The revelers will be able to sing, talk, or yell along with the chorus's, middle eights, call and responses, etc., to our original songs. I realize it is a follow-the-bouncing-ball scenario, but karaoke and church are the only other chances that people get to sing and blend with others," Sessions said.

It's an interesting idea and worth seeing the result. For more information, visit Twice Lightning's MySpace page

Steel Toed Slippers album set to be released

2007-12-22T01:15:27Z

Local teens Steel Toed Slippers are going to release their first album Feb. 2. Mazzotti's is opening its doors on Feb. 8 for the album release show, and it will be all ages. That's good because even if it was 18 and older, a majority of the members of STS wouldn't be able to get in the front door. This group has been improving rapidly and did well in a national battle of the bands on CBS' "The Early Show."

If you'd like to check them out before the show at Mazzotti's, they'll also be playing at Six Rivers Brewery on Friday, Dec. 28. Get out to see this band, these kids are good.

For more information, visit Steel Toed Slipper's MySpace page.

Indigo sold

2007-12-14T19:01:50Z

That’s right, the fabulously trashy Indigo has been sold. The possible good news is, I’ve heard an unsubstantiated rumor that the new owners are planning on keeping it open as a show venue. I have an interview with the current owner scheduled so check out the Northern Lights next week for the whole story.
But, if you always had a soft spot in your heart for Indigo, you only have two more weekends to enjoy it so get out there. The 3 Heads show on Saturday Dec. 22 will be the last night that the building will be open as Indigo.

Introduction

2007-12-14T18:59:09Z

Welcome to the wonderful world that is Humboldt County entertainment. My name is Jonathan and I’ll be your tour guide for the duration of the trip, if you have any questions keep them to yourself because this is my time to shine.
Basically class, we’re here to discuss what’s going on in the entertainment scene that is Humboldt County. However, I’m not going to limit myself to talking about our little neck of the woods. When I feel so inclined I’ll be complaining about celebrities and other random entertainment news. In addition this will be a forum for show reviews and pictures of shows. So if you feel like sharing info about any concerts that you’re interested in or photos feel free to send them over to northernlights@times-standard.com.