The Ride Hard ~ Rock Hard party presented by Sinister and Spiker BBQ had a nice turnout despite record-breakin’ temperatures here in L.A. Is it just my imagination, or does each summer here in L.A. seem to be getting hotter and hotter? Sun“DAY” was definitely one helluva HOT, HOT July day! But that didn’t stop the partygoers, bands, or even Bud of Spiker BBQ from sweatin’ their buns off to make the 1st summer party sponsored by All Access Magazine.com another successful event.
Paladino’s is home to a lot of AAM-sponsored events, and is where L.A.’s rockers, fans and other people just want to come hang out in a cool venue where they can find some of the best live entertainment in a nice atmosphere and have a great time. The club is conveniently located at 6101 Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana, just north of the 101 exit at Reseda Blvd. You’ll find the club’s manager, Brandy, and her staff always busy keeping things running smoothly. Who’s Brandy? She’s the girl with the warm smile who is always cheery and ready to welcome you in from the heat with a nice cold cocktail! And everyone was up for that on this hot, hot Sunday afternoon. Margaritas and other drink specials were offered Sun“DAY” along with plenty of shots! Brandy, you ROCK! Scott, Olivia Green (door girl), Sarah…everyone at Paladino’s made the best out of one hot, hot day!
The Ride Hard ~ Rock Hard event featured giveaways, a chili cook-off, and a scavenger hunt too. John Green of GreenStock Productions and AAM’s editor Debra Stocker were joined later by Vicky (Rockin’ Queen) and AAM’s July Calendar Girl as they tossed out plenty of cool giveaways from the stage between the bands’ performances.
Paladino’s doors opened at noon, and the first activity of the day was the scavenger hunt. Guests were invited to sign up and received a list of things to search for in and around the club. It was entertaining to watch a bunch of grown-ups (all drinking, of course) indulge in this children’s game. Bud of Spiker BBQ kept us well fed by serving up delicious plates of ribs, macaroni salad, and a roll for only $5.00.
Kicking off the musical side of the event was American Aftermath. Armed and dangerous, they made their way to the stage with an aggressive guitarist and a fast-n-fearless drummer. Their sound gave a kind of speed metal side to southern rock, if that’s possible. For some reason, the lead vocalist never made eye contact with his audience. He just seemed to wanna make it through his set and be done — apparently NOT happy about performing here today at all. Sorry about the heat, guys — it was uncomfortable for all of us! Maybe we’ll catch up with you another time under better conditions.
The chili cook-off invited guests to enter their favorite chili recipe for a shot at some really nice prizes. Thanks again to John Green (GreenStock Productions), Joe Walla, and Bobby Richards (WOOD) for donating plenty of giveaways. You bad boys rock!
And speaking of that Joe Walla, no party would be a party without Joe Walla! You Walla freaks out there know that the band has made a few changes this past year. They’re now back to being a trio, which seems to work the best for them. 
Joe Walla took center stage and “kicked some major ass,” throwin’ out songs new and old. It’s always a good time with Joe Walla in the house! Thanks for including your new song in the set list, yet another favorite of mine, you “Wild Guy!” I love it! Heck, I love ‘em all…. Promise us, Joe, you’ll never stop playin’ that “Good Old American Rock-N-Roll! The day that happens would be a sad, sad one in the music world! And Happy Birthday Joe Walla! If you’re a Walla freak, keep up with Joe at www.joewalla.com.
After Joe Walla’s performance, all the “birthday bad boys” were brought to stage: Hawk (WOOD), Franko (WOOD) and Joe himself. The crowd song an off-key version (too many margaritas would be my guess) of “Happy Birthday” to all of them.
WOOD was up next and having a great time celebrating two band members’ birthdays while performing their “old-school, in-your-face metal”! Filling in on guitar was their original guitarist, Mike Breene, because the band’s lead guitarist, Mike Moore, was just blessed with a new son. Congrats, Mike! And thanks to Mike Breene for helping out the band: It was good to see you again. It had been awhile since WOOD had performed here at Paladino’s, and nothing, not even a little heat wave, was gonna keep the hardcore WOOD fans away! Headbanging and all, every one of them was fired up and eager to party with the WOOD boys after the show. Again, Happy Birthday, Hawk and Franko! You could have been a million places and you hung in there with us in this unbearable heat wave. Check out www.thebandwood.com for their next performance.
NOW for the Dust, National Dust that is! I’m not sure if any of you are keeping up with these bad boys or not, but AAM is. We were very lucky to have them stop by today and perform, as they soon will be making their way to one of the biggest bike rallies in the world, Sturgis. These boys are another favorite of mine and many who visit Paladino’s, and being the hot, beer-drinkin’ day that it was, Sun“DAY” was a perfect day for the Dust!
They hit the stage hard and got everyone’s attention clear to the front of the bar by the end of their 1st song. This kick-ass southern rock band takes no prisoners when it comes to their music. 
Everyone gets down with the dust! Eric aka Evil E Dust (lead vocalist, guitarist) knows just how to work a crowd, and is a great frontman as well as guitarist. The best thing is their lyrics, which are about real life stuff. Combine that with good music and you have National Dust. Thanks for hangin’ with us, National Dust. As your song says, “the road will soon be your home,” and we’ll look forward to hearing all about your trip to Sturgis! Read more about the band at www.nationaldust.com.
Again, a BIG THANKS to all the bands, fans, Paladino’s and their staff, AAM’s photographer Mike Cavanaugh, guest participants, John Green of GreenStock Productions, and especially Bud of Spiker BBQ.
Keep cool and we’ll see you all again Sun“DAY” August 20th from noon to 9 PM for “Booties, Beer and BBQ,” a bikini car wash and fundraiser for Linda Blair’s Worldheart Foundation. For more info go to www.allaccessmagazine.com or call 818-833-8852. Please remember Paladino’s is a 21-and-over venue, even on Sunday afternoons. We’re sorry, but rules are rules: You must be at least 21 to go inside the club. C-ya next time!
