Getting to a bar at 5pm on any givin day is usually not my bag, but today is different. Harper’s Bar and Grill is hosting a Rock N’ Roll car show. The front parking lot of Harper’s is full of custom street Rods as well as semi stock beauties. The sun was shinning there was music being played over the outside PA system and everyone was in a Rock N’ Roll mood. Dollar tacos and dollar beers is helping along everyone’s RNR attitude. A fifty-seven Chevy takes first place, a thirty-four Roadster and a fifty-four Ford truck tie for second. There was a third place winner and several honorable mentions. And over five hundred dollars in cash prizes were awarded, making the winners very happy.
Another Rock-n-Roll car show is scheduled for Sat. April 7th at 3pm in the front parking lot of Harpers. Following will be “The Bunny Hop” an Easter Charity event benefiting Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. All Access magazine will be sponsoring this event so there will be loads of fun, great bands and plenty of giveaways, even a raffle for a brand NEW autographed Vineyard acoustic guitar, A 4 day 3 night cruise to Mexico, DVD’s, Road Cases By Ludwig Drum and plenty more!
Around eight thirty the bar is already full and the first band Captain Jeffrey and the Chumbuckets take the stage. They are a traditional Rockabilly/Hillbilly style band. All the way up to the stand up bass player and his sweet pink bass. During the set there were a few people that started feeling the music and started swing dancing, making the crowd more enthusiastic. They play mostly originals reminiscent of the throwback rockabilly bands of the fifties and sixties. Think Johnny Rebel or Speedy West.
Second up tonight are Atomic Playboy. Lead singer Joe Manente comes flying out from the side of the stage bare chest with an American flag wrapped around him like a cape as if he was a Rock N’ Roll Superhero. The band looks like they just popped a bunch of Ritalin. Their high energy live set keeps the crowds eyes on them every minute they are on stage. At one point Joe Manente pulls out a picture of Christina Ricci, says a few choice words about her that I could not hear over the noise of the crowd then proceeds to staple the picture to his forehead with a staple gun. He continues to pump staples into his bare chest through out their next song “ Hollywood After Midnight” They are part of a new breed of "Adrenaline Rock" that is emerging in the L.A. Rock scene. Go see them at the Knitting Factory March 31st.
Headliners the Bourbon Saints are next and the crowd is foaming at the mouth like rabid dogs in heat. They start their set off with Fire Breathin’ Preacher Man, a kick you in the teeth full throttle Rock song that would even get a dead man up. The band looks and acts like a veteran band while of stage, making sure to use every inch of it for their own purpose. A few songs in they play another favorite Bullies and Victims, which is off their four song self titled Demo. This song in particular from the Saints will have you singing along with them for sure. Their drummer Nole Eldridge shines on this song with his amazing drumming and powerful backing vocals. All of the Saints are solid tonight in there performances. The crowd is very loud between songs which is always a sign of them having a good time. Singer Arturo continually thanks the other bands on the bill tonight. The rest of the set is balls to the wall. They end with a great version of Misfits, Where Eagles Dare. This band is making huge strides in becoming one of the top Rock acts in LA. With great song writing ability and massive showmanship in there live performances it will not be long before they hit pay dirt. Make sure and see them live at the Knitting Factory on March 29th for the Hollywood Rock-N-Roll Revival with the BINGES, WARNER DRIVE, EVIL BEAVER, and JESSIE DELUXE.
Rounding out the night is HDR! WOW!!! I love this band. This power trio kicks so much ass it is hard not to imagine them taking over. From the first note to the last chord they are on 11 when most are on 10. They play a lot of new material tonight. Photographer Rick Kosick is in house tonight and is snappin pics of the band. Rick also has ties with the boys from Jackass and has also set up some of HDRs shows as well as directed a music video for them. One thing that sets this Desert Rock band apart from others is there ability to just GROOVE. As the title to one of my favorite HDR songs states you will be “MOVIN” when watching them. Towards the end of their set they call Bourbon Saints bassist Elvis up to play a little guitar with them. They do “Thailand and 327” from there Make a Wish EP, then do an amazing version of ZZ TOPS Just Got Paid.
What a great night of top notch bands. Kudos to Elvis for setting this whole day up. I highly recommend you checking these bands out asap! I truly admire the family atmosphere these bands bring to the table when they put on a show. It is refreshing to see bands coming together for a cause. This my friends is what it takes to make a scene.
Harpers is located at 19333 Buisness Center dr. in Northridge Ca 91324 (818) 349-3474. They have the best burgers and a full bar! Beer specials and theres always a smiling face.
www.myspace.com/harpersbar
myspace.com/thebourbonsaints
myspace.com/hdrtheband
myspace.com/theatomicplayboy
myspace.com/thechumbuckets
myspace.com/allaccessmagazine
myspace.com/InTheStreetsJD
