On a rare outing of this type, Wifey and I took in the “Local Grooves, Local Brews” night at House Of Blues in San Diego’s Gaslamp quarter Oct. 21.
14 bands, 4 songs each alternating between two stages. It has to be a logistical nightmare, but SD’s ace promoter Cathryn Beeks pulled it off again.
I couldn’t last all night — I probably couldn’t have even 30 years ago. The crowd grew thicker, the volume got louder, and it was really a stress-fest as the evening wore on.
I did discover one amazing band — opening group Queen Divas of the Universe had the crowd in the palm of their hands from their first power chords.
Lady Rockers Queen Divas Of The Universe
Low point? Well, I don’t want to name names, and of course it’s all a matter of opinion, but when a group has nothing better to do than make outer-space sound effects, I think they need a little better career guidance. Just sayin’ …
Volume is not an artistic achievement. It’s usually a sign of animmature band or an inexperienced sound engineer. An amped-up audience isn’t a good guide to good sound.
For somebody who doesn’t like crowds — and who usually doesn’t DO crowds — I think I held in there pretty good. The bar was filled to the brim with people more interested in making the scene than with music lovers, so I admire all the performers for sticking out their, uh, necks and putting on a bang-up show.
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WADE
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