Masters week aka Augusta spring break is always a great time for music in the area but in recent year’s music in Augusta has picked up so much it’s become hard to tell the difference between any given week. Every week in Augusta is a great week for music. What sets this particular week apart though is the annual tradition of Rock Fore! Dough.

Now one thing Augusta peeps have continued to mention when it comes to Rock Fore! Dough is the repeat performers, in particular Hootie and the Blowfish and/or member of Hootie and the Blowfish. Yeah it’s true that the Hootie guys have built a great relationship with the annual event but year in and year out the show is filled with other great performers including up and coming artists and incredible Augusta acts. One of my fondest memories is rocking to one of my fave childhood bands Cheap Trick on my birthday at a Rock Fore! Dough event a few years back that also featured Dashboard Confessional. And while it’s also true that Hootie’s DARIUS RUCKER will be appearing this year, Rucker is now a bonafide modern country star with several top charting non-Hootie hits. Hits that will draw an even wider audience. But even with Rucker and the return of popular college party guy COREY SMITH on the bill this year, for me the big selling point is the rest of this year’s incredible lineup that features 7 Southeastern acts on not just one, but TWO stages! THE FARM INC. is an up and coming Nashville trio made up of three singer-songwriters from across the south. South Carolina is further represented by amazing roots rockers NEEDTOBREATHE and incredible Atlanta singer-songwriter TIM BRANTLEY brings his Springsteen inspired energetic show to Augusta. As if that isn’t enough, two young up and coming Augusta acts go to bat for the home team in country gal JAYCIE WARD and pop rockers FIVE’S A CROWD. Both appeared on last year’s 12 Bands of Christmas CD and look to bring additional energy to what is sure to be a great concert and great cause! More info and tickets at ROCKFOREDOUGH.COM.

So there may still be a couple months left until Mother’s Day but truth be known, we think about the great ladies in our lives every day. With that in mind, I’m proud as a Georgia peach to announce that the RockHer Music & Arts Festival will be held May 11th at Sky City and will have great on stage performances by area acts featuring some great gals as well as lots of female-created visual art on display. To make it even cooler, the event will be free for the ladies (sorry guys…you gotta shell out five bucks) with proceeds to benefit the Lexie’s Legacy Scholarship Fund at ASU. For info on the event on how to take part, contact me, Stoney, by email MOC.SSENDUOLLAKOLnull@OFNI.

I’d like to mention a typo in last issue’s column – my apologies to anyone confused by the wrong posting of the date for the GEORGE LYNCH (Dokken guitarist) show at Coyote’s also featuring a couple area acts rocking your fave cover hard rock hits, PIT BOSS and HELLS 40 ACRES. The date is actually set for March 29th so if you’ve managed to read this before then, get out to Coyote’s and rock your tush off!

Well until next time, get and get your rocks rolled in all the great Augusta clubs pimpin’ great live music and remember to check out the Daily Planner every month in get an earful of what’s happening in Augusta music stop by and listen to me rant with my good buddy Brian “Stak” Allen each on CONfederation of LOUDness which can be found ironically enough at www.confederationofloudness.com and of course as always…

Make it LOKAL, Keep it Loud,
Stoney

In the past early week bookings and day after First Friday shows have been avoided like a Justin Bieber set at a death metal festival. So far this year downtown venues have had statistically higher attendance the first Saturday of each month and a slew of Monday night club shows have done very well, the most recent being a rocking full house at the Playground for a show featuring little known Greek punk rockers Barb Wire Dolls and Augusta heavy-hitters Shotgun Opera. Over the course of a little over one week I ventured out to four different venues over five times out and about (including the previously mentioned Monday night show at the Playground) and each time the venue was well attended, if not totally packed out, including a five-band benefit concert at Sky City the day after First Friday earlier this month.

With well known acts such as MOTHERS FINEST (March 16 at Sky City), GEORGE LYNCH (March 29 at Coyote’s), THEORY OF A DEAD MAN (April 11 at the Country Club), GODSMACK, STAIND, and HALESTORM (April 13 at James Brown Arena), CHEVELLE, SEETHER, and BLACK STONE CHERRY (May 3 at the Lady Antebellum Pavilion in Evans), and LADY ANTEBELLUM (May 22/23 at James Brown Arena) all set to hit the area, Augusta will see its biggest half year of music activity in a long time eclipsing even many full years of music. Toss in shows by lokal to mid level acts at area clubs and bars and Augusta will easily continue the trend started a few years ago of having plenty of choices for lovers of all genres of music. Yes, music is LIVE and GREAT in Augusta, GA!

In the last few weeks music has lost a couple of its finest in the Monkee’s Davy Jones, who passed away February 29th from a heart attack, and guitarist extraordinaire Ronnie Montrose, who lost his long battle with cancer on March 3rd.)
In addition to being an amazing guitarist Montrose also introduced the world to former Van Halen frontman and solo artist/Tequila connoissuer/Cabo Wabo party host Sammy Hagar. Davy Jones of course was the short English guy from under-appreciated pre-fab TV band the Monkees who’s influence would be felt years later via the creation of music television aka MTV. The Monkees performed live in Augusta twice – in 1969 at Bell Auditorium and in 1987 at the James Brown Arena (then called the Civic Center) – both times as a trio.

Well until next time, keep going to the shows and supporting the area bands and businesses that help in bringing great live music to Augusta. It’s well worth the time and believe me, well appreciated! Also remember to check out the Daily Planner every month in get an earful of what’s happening in Augusta music stop by and listen to me rant with my good buddy Brian “Stak” Allen each on CONfederation of LOUDness which can be found ironically enough at www.confederationofloudness.com and of course as always…

Make it LOKAL, Keep it Loud,
Stoney

WILL “Willie Mac” McCRANIE makes his second Augusta “Winter Acoustic Tour” stop this Saturday at Stillwater Taproom when he presents “Will McCranie & Friends.” McCranie’s “& Friends” shows usually pull out a talented guest list of onstage performers leading to some pretty incredible musical moments at times and after two weeks on the road with guitarist Michael Baideme the guys should have some funny stories. Willie Mac asks that all his hometown buds “join us for a night of drinks to celebrate our survival.”

Now if a couple guys strumming acoustic and telling road weary tales of drunken debauchery ain’t quite your thing, there’s other different show options this weekend including MOTLEY CRUDE (tribute to Motley Crue in case you’re wondering) with G-CITY ROCKERS at the Playground March 2nd and the next night, the Beth Camley Hep C Benefit featuring the stellar lineup of LIVINGROOM LEGENDS, THE HOLLERERS, SIBLING STRING, JESUP DOLLY, and SHE N SHE. Yep, you can always be sure that there’s some kinda rockin’ goin’ on every week in the CSRA.

Speaking of upcoming shows, there’s one in particular coming up that I’m pretty hyped about! Many moons ago, when I was just a music lovin’ early 80’s teen discovering rock radio in Atlanta for the first time after four years of Armed Forces Top 40 Radio in Germany, I got hooked on the catchy tunes of Atlanta pop band THE PRODUCERS and now over 30 years later, on Saturday March 10, not only will they be playing Sky City but they’ll be joined by 80’s Augusta band THE WOMBATS! I don’t think I ever got hits “What She Does to Me”, “She Sheila”, and the marvelously infectious “What He’s Got” out of my head. Make sure you get your tickets early at SKYCITYAUGUSTA.COM.

Now if you’re a young budding musician (or even an old rock & roll warhorse) and looking for a nice, relaxed way to show of your progressing talents without the work of booking a gig then let me be he first to throw out an invite to Big City Music’s Second Saturday Open Mic. Starting March 10th Augusta music store Big City Music (located at 2115 Windsor Spring Road, Suite 16 – just below Sconyers) will present an afternoon open mic series the second Saturday of each monh. Sign up is at 1:30 PM with performances to begin at 2 and open to acoustic performers and poetry/spoken word artists. Store discounts all afternoon during open mic for performers as well as treats, goodies, contests, and giveaways. Hit up MYBIGCITYMUSIC @ YAHOO.COM for more ino.

Now it’s looks like I’m already late getting a start on next issue so before I totally blow my deadline let me offer you a “c-ya” and get the heck outta dodge. Remember to check out the Daily Planner every month in print and online at www.vergelive.com for great live shows to get out and support and to get an earful of what’s happening in Augusta music stop by and listen to me rant with my good buddy Brian “Stak” Allen each on CONfederation of LOUDness which can be found ironically enough at www.confederationofloudness.com and of course as always…
Make it LOKAL, Keep it Loud,
Stoney

Then I walked in on my buddy Jerry Blanchard (who was a couple years older and in my eyes many years wiser) playing this weird record that kinda sounded like Elvis fronting the Troggs after a weekend drinking binge. Then he hit me harder with a record by a new band that sounded like nothing I had ever heard. Fast, fun, catchy, and weird. All of a sudden Kiss was no longer the only band taking up space on the rock & roll altar to which I bowed down to – there was now also two more New Yawk rawk bands – The New York Dolls and the Ramones. Soon I was deep into the NY punk scene and even branching out into the UK scene diggin’ on bands like the Sex Pistols and the Clash. Then New Wave hit and I went back to old my wild rock & roll ways. Punk was dead in my eyes and the new metal out of the UK was it. Some say punk made a comeback to the mainstream in the 90’s but let’s get real…Green Day and Good Charlotte sure ain’t the New York Dolls or the Ramones. Not even close.

These days I’m lucky if I even catch a cool local punk show. Yeah it was fun to share the stage with local rockers Sick Sick Sick a few weeks back but as cool as they were, it’s still that frenetic fast drumming punk that I never really caught on to as a kid. Gimme the Dolls, Ramones, Pistols, yeah.

So when my buddy Mike hit me up to come out to catch this punk band outta Greece called the Barb Wire Dolls and fronted by this blonde chick that looks like a cross between an early still hot Debbie Harry and a semi-sober maybe hot for a sec young Courtney Love, I was immediately skeptical. What would a bunch of young cats from Greece even know about punk. REAL punk. Not that homogenized pop punk (note – I only use this term for reader familiarity. I hate that I even have to use the word punk when describing this drivel) bullshit that brought guyliner back to mainstream music. I mean real from the heart goodness to honest pissed off but willing to have fun being pissed off punk rock. Well turns out that these Grecian rawkers turned out to be at least half schooled.

With an obvious nod to the likes of the Pistols and other old school punk bands, Barb Wire Dolls wear their punk hearts on their ripped up sleeves. And like the Pistols the band, which feature the previously mentioned blonde chick Isis Queen on vocals, Pyn Doll (guitarist), Voodoo Doll (bassist), Krash Doll (drummer), Barb Wire Dolls are a band with a lyrical agenda which becomes obvious about two and a half minutes into the band’s set when Miss Queen kicks off a night of pretty much demanding that the audience fend for themselves or f**k off. Yeah the rest of the guys held down the fort pretty solid but Miss Queen is obviously the show, a fact clearly made in the headline of the band’s bio…which reads – “Greek Girl-Fronted Barb Wire Dolls Invade America…” It’s clear the hype machine for Barb Wire Dolls is built around this blonde bombshell with tons of energy and a big mouth and it’s cool. The songs are solid, obviously 70’s era influenced punk, fun, and full of energy. Overall the band is a fun watch. Worth the $5 ticket price easily. Unfortunately though a lot of the bands music tends to get lost amidst Queen’s bantering. Yeah I can dig a genuine comment or middle finger here or there but the insulting, cussing, and punk rawk preaching was thrown out so much that after a while it was like catching a cool commercial on TV then sighing after it pops up on every commercial break there after. Don’t get me wrong…I dig a gal who can boldly front a band, and there’s not many out there doing it that way, and yeah I’ll admit when Miss Queen jumped up the bar and knelt down in front of me, looked into my eyes, and sang to me while playing with my hair…well yeah that was cool as shit, but when I go to a rawk show I….I WANNA RAWK! Yeah rock & roll has always been about being yourself and listening to yourself first…so listening to someone scream in your face about how you should be tends to get old after a while…even if it is a punk rawk band doing the screaming. Would I go see the Barb Wire Dolls again? Yeah, why not. The show was fun and like I said, the band was solid and Miss Queen is a helluva frontwoman…I’ll just use the in-between song time to take care of other biz…like ordering a drink, smoking a cigarette, or maybe even a trip to the loo. I was even able to kiss my girl a time or two so as far as I’m concerned, it’s a win-win for everyone.

Besides, you gotta dig a band that closes their set sayin’ “f**k the Pussycat Dolls…listen to more New York Dolls.”

After all the punk rawk madness, Augusta hard rockers Shotgun Opera were left with the task of keeping the energy going for an audience of pumped up punk crazies and while it took the crowd a minute to jump on board, by the time the band kicked into “Vanity”, the title track from their debut full-length CD, things were picking up. The guys have been kicking it hard as of late, this actually being the their third show in four nights, and looked a bit worn out at first but like all true rockers took charge head on and put on the kind of in-your-face set that Shotgun Opera fans have come to expect. Yeah maybe they were an odd choice to share the stage with a band the likes of the Barb Wire Dolls but when it comes down to it, Shotgun Opera does what they do better than just about anybody in the area.

In the end it was a loud and crazy time for a Monday night in downtown Augusta…NOW can we rest up for the weekend?!?!?!

www.barbwiredolls.com / www.shotgunopera.com

John Berret: Tell me a little about yourself.

Scott LaFlamme: I play guitar in Bang Tango and before I made it I was a mailman for 18 years.I started playing guitar and singing at age 2 1/2. By 5 years old I could play Johnny B. Goode and the Dukes of Hazzard theme song. I am completely self taught. I got my first electric guitar at age 9 and wanted to play lead guitar. At age 11 I discovered Randy Rhodes and it was over. Randy Rhodes is my guy. I got to play the song “Dee” that he wrote for his family at their music school. It was the thrill of a lifetime. As a teenager I would jam with my brothers in my basement everyday all day. My mom could not stand the noise coming from the basement. We would play after school from 4-11 p.m. everyday. As soon as we got home we did our homework and went right to the jammin. I played 8-9 hours a day. When I got my first electric guitar at age 9 my grandmother ha d a famous family quote. She said “No one needs an electric guitar at 9 years old!!!” I got discovered by Joel Leste and was brought by Alex Grossi. I got in the band with no audition. Straight off their word I was hired. Along with playing in the band I have a studio, LMI Studios. My company does recording guitar, bass, piano and vocal instruction as well. You can read more about me on my bio at my website in you want. (here is the link www.scottlaflamme.com.)

JB: What has been your biggest thrill as a professional musician?

SL: My “Rockstar Moment” hit me when we were playing with Whitesnake. After tearing it up for over 8,500 people I stepped outside the venue to have a smoke after the show was done. I light my smoke up and look up and about 200 people swarm around me. They wanted to meet and get pictures and autographs.

JB: Did you get to meet every fan?

SL: Yes. I shook every hand, signed everything they wanted, talked to and took pictures with every single one. Myself and Bang Tango, is always for the fans. Without your fans you are nothing. It doesnt matter how many people come up to me. I am talking to every single one.

JB: What is your favorite piece of gear?

SL: I love Les Pauls. I am a Gibson man.I have 23 guitars. I have Les Paul Customs, Studios. I even have a guitar I got from Jerry Cantrell. There is a Charvel thrown in there. Gibson all the way though!!!!

JB: What advice do you have for any up and coming players?

SL:Practice like crazy. Have determination, have the drive and again you got to practice. Start ear training as early as you can. Your ear is the most important thing you have.

JB: Thanks for hangin and talkin and great show!

SL: same here and great show also!

For more on Bang Tango and Scott LaFlamme check out his website at www.scottlaflamme.com

Sheesh! 20 YEARS! Where in the world has the time gone? Well it’s been a wild ride from this first cut n’ pasted xeroxed issue. We started with mini-issues…then went to larger cheaply printed issues…then back to small…then online…along the way we were joined by friends and a wonderful growing music community. So enjoy again, or for the first time, the very first issue of Lokal Loudness warts and all. Yeah. You’ll probably laugh and maybe even roll your eyes…but we all gotta start somewhere.

Make it LOKAL…Keep it LOUD
Your Brother in Arms,

Stoney

FRONTLINE-D. Richards
HELLO AUGUSTA!!!!!!!

Looks like our lokal area is about to build a music scene previously missing in these parts and we’ll be here to tell you every gory, hellacious, sick f’n detail!

Unless you just moved here or have had your head clear up your ass in the past five or so years then you’re aware of the injustices (or chicken shit bands) that have kept lokal rock from broadening it’s musical spectrum to it’s fullest potential. Well the time has come for a change and our lokal musicians are tired of all the drawbacks and aren’t going to take the shit anymore. Not from teachers, clubowners, the mayor or even their own mothers. They realize music is about freedom to be what you want, say what you want to listen to and play what you want. Rock n roll is all about expression and it doesn’t matter if you listen to thrash, punk, glam, hardcore, etc because it’s all just rock n roll and it’s here to stay.

It seems that on a national level that either a recording band is not allowed by our city officials or are just too big a bunch of pussies to come to Augusta and party with us. (With the exception of KISS, Cinderella and David Lee Roth) When bands do come play they play places like the Post office where people under 21 aren’t able to see them and people over the age are too drunk to remember them.

So how do we solve this problem? Well first of all we should learn to appreciate and support those who WILL play for us, our lokal bands. These bands know that the myth of Augustans not wanting to see lokal talent is bullshit. The proof is there. The Coffee Shoppe welcomed all original types of rock bands and in it’s three month existence had quintupled it’s attendance and the benefit concert in Grovetown brought out over 200 people despite rain and a major club or label act. Next we vote out the idiots in office who are trying to take away our music and those too young to vote must petition, protest and influence others to do the same, if not for yourself then do it for the bands who bust their asses to please the faithful die-hard rockers in this God forsaken town. Fighting with each other won’t help either. Work together and soon we will prevail.

COVER STORY-FAMILY JEWELS-AUGUSTA’S NO MORE by NAJ NONNAK
Every month starting with this premiere issue, we here at LOKAL LOUDNESS will feature a lokal artist or band whom we feel has the talent to break out and away from Augusta’s music scene.

This month we take a look at a band that has been playing their own brand of blues stomp rock around Augusta for a little over a year and are now starting their takeover of Atlanta clubs such as PJ’s and the Wreck Room.

FAMILY JEWELS’ roots go back to the spring of ’91 when guitarist/vocalist Fred McNeal and drummer Patrick Turner teamed up to create a vehicle to work on original material. The time together has created a bond of friendship and creativity that has helped FAMILY JEWELS survive and move through a number of obstacles. These obstacles include lokal cover club bands that have criticized them (probably out of creative jealousy) as well as time lost while trying to replace their original bassist. FAMILY JEWELS, which also includes guitarist/vocalist Paul Sieg and recently acquired bassist Brian Stachura, began as a lokal teen favorite and hope to come back and play for the youthful audience again real soon. Not long ago I sat down with Fred and Pat and discussed these and other topics that concern FAMILY JEWELS.

LL – So how’s Atlanta been treating you guys?
PT – Atlanta’s real cool. We get accepted great and people dig us more than in Augusta. People have more access to us there so we can build a better foundation.

LL – What are some of the differences between Atlanta and Augusta?
FM – Atlanta’s a lot more receptive to original music and people don’t expect you to play fuckin’ Pearl Jam covers and no rednecks yelling out “Freebird” every other song.
PT – Just bigger and better. Like us!
FM – The only decent places to play in Augusta are the Post Office and the now defunct Coffee Shoppe.

LL – I hear when it comes to Augusta you prefer playing for the teens.
PT – Money doesn’t matter when it comes to playing for the kids.
FM – They seem to have more of a grip and appreciation for original music.
PT – You’d think it would be the older people who would rather listen to originals.
FM – They close off their ears when they turn 30.

LL – So when are you planning on returning for a teen show and will it be alone or with some other bands?
FM – We’re talking about doing something in April with Tijuana Park.
PT – We definitely want to do something together locally soon for all-ages.
FM – Especially since we have a 4-track bootleg that has been circulating around Augusta without our help.

LL – What lokal bands do you see possibly breaking out of the Augusta scene within the next year?
PT – I think SOUL DAMAGE has the best potential to break out of Augusta.
FM – I don’t know. There are so few original bands around here and those that are original are more concerned with musicianship than songwriting.

LL – What are FAMILY JEWELS common influences and where do you think they fit in?
FM – Hanoi Rocks, Led Zeppelin, the Stones, Motley Crue, Sex Pistols, GNR, Crowes, KISS, Dolls and anyone else that has a clue.
PT – We don’t just rip people off, we adopt concepts and ideas and apply them to us.

LL – If you had a chance to tour for a major label band, would you and who would you prefer it to be?
FM – Hell Yes!
PT – Hell fuckin’ yeah! Either the Crowes or GNR.

LL – What is the possibility of any FAMILY JEWELS material being released? I heard your tape and I think it’s great.
FM- We’re thinking about putting out some 8-track stuff we did with David Bradberry. We’re already selling tapes in Atlanta and hope to have something in Augusta by March. Since we’ve taped every one of our live shows, we might throw in a couple of very drunken strange thing on it.

LL – Now that the readers know who you are, how about a little band history for those who might not know.
FM – Pat and I started jamming in ’91. We just clicked and started writing songs not too long after that. I think it was November/December when we started to put together a band. We got Stoney (Cannon) to play bass and Pat went to school with Paul and we thought that he was obnoxious enough to fit in. Our first show was a keg party over behind Golden Dragon and we got busted for playing too loud (twice – Rhineharts complained) which seems too happen anytime we play parties. Stoney left in the summer of ’92 and we went through more bass players than underwear. Then we met Brian who shared the same basic influences and ideas as us. So now we have a solid line-up again and we’re just trying to go out and shove it down peoples throats.

LL – What can we expect from FAMILY JEWELS in and out of Augusta within the next year?
FM – We’re gonna try to get and eastern club tour lineup up opening for someone decent.
PT – As far as Augusta goes we’ll just keep trying to put together shows with other bands and putting out tapes.
FM – We’ll either open people’s ears or deafen a few.

LL – I appreciate you taking the time out to chat. Any last comments or advice for any of our readers who may want to tackle the lokal or Atlanta music scene or even just a message for Augusta?
PT – As far as advice goes, stick to your own stuff and believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask advice from people who are a little more ahead of yourself. And try not to make too many enemies (laughs).
FM – Anybody doing good original stuff has our 100% support and we’ll do whatever we can to help em out when we’re in a position to do so. I’d also like to say to any amateur musicians, don’t be so overly concerned with the technical aspects of playing your instrument. Playing 64th scale notes, flams and plegms is nice and fine but the average person could give a shit. I mean, you can say what you want about the guy, but Keith Richard’s songs, or Jimmy Page’s for that matter will sell more records than all of the Yngwies of the world together. Think about the context of the song and your band rather than how to make your instrument stick out.

FRESH FLESH – MOTHER MAY EYE & HEIR TO RUIN-S. CANNON
Every month we plan to show insight into some of Augusta’s younger bands. This month we will explore the intertwining history of MOTHER MAY EYE and HEIR TO RUIN.

Originally a part of CONFUSION, drummer Ricky Garner and vocalist Jason Crowden were eventually joined by Thomas Stark on bass and guitarists Donnie Terral and Darryl Cliett. Together through 1992, they played several parties and the Martinez Community Center to promote their ep release – “Welcome to Reality”.

They eventually split in June 1992 with Ricky, Jason and Donnie leaving to form MOTHER MAY EYE with bassist Jesse Crim in a mixture of funk and metal. Introduced to the public for the first time Augusta 15th at the Coffee Shoppe on opening night of Rockwars ’92 and have appeared on two other occasions as well as opened the Hurricane Relief Concert in Grovetown. Their set in August was hot enough to secure them a spot in round two of Rockwars on October 24, though they will be playing without Jesse who left for personal reasons.

About the same time in August, Thomas and Darryl were joined by former CREMATION members Michael Dinkins and Blaine Prescott on drums and guitar and were set on moving in a heavier, more metalized direction. Spurred on by bands like Metallica, Pantera, Sabbath and the Sex Pistols, they set forth to make music that appeals to their personal beliefs and built a set of 95% original fury. Classified as one of the progressive metal bands, they see their brand as simply metal and nothing else.

HEIR TO RIUNS’ first show was also at the Coffee Shoppe on September 26th with MOTHER MAY EYE and SPLIT DECISION and they also played a blistering set in Grovetown. Now with a new guitarist (Blaine left the band for personal reasons) these aggressive rockers can get back on track. HEAR TO RUIN along with their counterparts MOTHER MAY EYE will eventually grab you and whip you into a state of confusion.

SYMON SEZZ – SEZZ WHO by Delilah Richards
Combine the strong influences of Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Dokken and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and what do ya get? Well according to a recent editorial in the Metropolitan Spirit, the magic mix creates the smorgasbord of rock and roll known as SYMON SEZZ.

Formed in mid-91, the members of this North Augusta quartet consist of guitarist Matt Keenan, bassist Randy Adamek, drummer Danny Neu and vocalist Dale Lewis who have stuck together despite the usual occurances that attempt to stop lokal bands plus a few not so usual obstacles that would halt many a young band on any level. The questions LOKAL LOUDNESS now wants to ask of SYMON SEZZ are: What happened to the comeback show? The magic return? The new conquering of Augusta? For those of you out there that are at odds to what I am mumbling about, well here’s a short summary.

SYMON SEZZ, who happen to be one of my favorite lokal bands were said to be a tight knit group of non-quitters, but I was quite disappointed to go to the Post Office January 27th and find myself watching another group (IN LIKE FLYNN- who did put on a great show but you know what they say about expectation) when I was hyped on seeing the return of SYMON SEZZ. The triumphant return of Matt Keenan, the killer basswork of Randy Adamek and the overall rockfest that Augustan’s call SYMON SEZZ.

LOKAL LOUDNESS is challenging (pleading is more like it!) SYMON SEZZ to contact our rag for an update on one of Augusta’s lokal favorites. Some of the things that have been circulation are: Danny and Dale are fighting (they seemed to be having a pretty good time at the Hellhounds show) Matt’s condition has worsened (we at this rag sure hope not) Randy has been dying to play much more challenging music (what?) Whatever it is we sure hope that SYMON SEZZ gets in touch and lets us know what’s going on.. They are sorely missed on the Augusta scene.

BACKLINE-S. CANNON
In addition to our monthly FRESH FLESH picks, we also try to leave you with a little extra news about some of the rock & roll happening that are going on in the CSRA.

GOOD NEWS AUGUSTA!!!! SOUL DAMAGE is back! After a short vacation from the scene that they had just begun to conquer, the funky rockers have returned and the word LOKAL LOUDNESS got from brothers Brian (vocals) and John (guitar) Panowich is that they are excited and eager to get back to business. During their vacation SOUL DAMAGE (who also include bassist David Kernagan and new drummer Danny Beard) found time to record a few songs and stabilize their line-up. Danny, who come straight out of the band CHILDREN OF EDEN, should be a valuable addition. Good luck to original drummer James Lewis. Speaking of CHILDREN OF EDEN, Tony and Dave were recently seen playing originals at the Post office on open mic night. They are currently looking for a bassist and drummer to complete their line-up. For more info write to LOKAL LOUDNESS courtesy of the address inside the front cover. Other rumors (????) include the formation of FAGAN with former members of VALHALLA. Seems CATBOY are no more. The band that many considered to be the rulers of the Post Office have split and the talk is that Chris Eddinshas reunited with some of his IMPULSE RIDE buds. Kudos to Matt Keenan of SYMON SEZZ who is recovering from cancer surgery. The band was recently featured in an article in the Metropolitan Spirt which talked about their soon to be return to the Augusta scene. Keep rockin’ and fightin’! Last but not least, look for the debut from new band TIJUANA PARK featuring former members of CHISEL. They plan on an April show with FAMILY JEWELS!!!! COOL!!!! The new 3-song release from PEOPLE WHO MUST is out now and just released January 29th, the Haunted Pillar Presents Compilation which includes lokal artists such as SMILE, 100 YEAR SUN, BURNING BUSH, PHIL HAMELTON, COURDEROY DAYS and JOSEPH BRENNAN and soon to come, LOKAL LOUDNESS’ own compilation “Soundtrack for the Newsletter” which will include 10 of the areas newest (within a year old) rock/metal bands. Among those slated to appear are FAMILY JEWELS, TIJUANA PARK, HEIR TO RUIN, MOTHER MAY EYE, TRIPHAMMER and more. Keep an eye out for these and many other releases locally.

Since the day I first met Chuck Williams I have considered myself fortunate to call the guy a friend and ally. Yeah these days Chuck looks a little rougher around the edges than years ago but he’s lucky – it’s suits him well. But even though Chuck looks older, and even though I can barely recall a time since I arrived back in Augusta in the early 80′s that he hasn’t been a part of Augusta radio, it’s still hard to believe that Mr. Williams is 60. Holy cow! Hey Chuck, if you ever get around to reading this…in 15 years when I turn 60…I hope to look even half as good…heck…I just hope I’m even still alive and able to use the can on my own. For Chuck this this year’s birthday has been special not only because of that magic number 60…but also because after months of fighting, Chuck and the crew at 95Rock are back on a strong signal via 95.5. Yeah modern rock fans rejoice…Chuck has made it possible for you to listen to those Nickelback tunes that personally drive me crazy. But Chuck knows you love ‘em and you want to hear ‘em loud and clear. And if ever a man in Augusta worked hard to give the peeps what they want…it’s Chuck WIlliams. But that’s not all!

Chuck had a killer birthday bash (my apologies for missing it….you know I love you Chuck)…he was featured as the cover story in the Metro SPirit…his beloved Patriots are back in the Superbowl (and yes, I STILL love you Chuck despite your love for that evil Tom Brady)…and this morning 95Rock announced a kicker of a concert coming to Augusta April 13th – Godsmack, Staind, and Halestorm…James Brown Arena.

Yeah if anyone deserves to turn 60 in such grand fashion, It’s Chuck WIlliams. I may not have the sway but I am officially proclaiming January Chuck Williams month.

Much Love Chuck,
Stoney

On January 21st Augusta hip hop band Dredneck make their official debut at Sky City as they move to support popular single “Glitterbone”, a track that gained popularity as a track on the band’s previous incarnation Jemani. This has created extra talk for Dredneck who feature four members from Jemani’s final recording lineup. Could this be a final grasp to salvage what was left of Jemani’s popularity or the culmination of moving into a more hip hop direction? Either way what’s important is how Dredneck stands its own musical merits. Tune in January 21st to find out. Until then keep up with the band at DREDNECK.COM.

In this day and age, with music fans able to download not just entire albums but select cuts, it’s easier for a band to get their music out but harder to get fans to take in the vanished art of letting an entire album grow on you. These days music buyers can listen to clips and decide which tracks to purchase letting only the tracks make a quick impression and making decisions before really giving the tracks a chance. South Augusta native Carey Murdock has decided to make the supreme sacrifice to get fans to enjoy his most recent release “Baby Don’t Look Down” by offering the album free through his blog site THEMURDOCK.TUMBLR.COM. If Springsteen, Tom Waits, and just soulful rootsy rock and roll is your thing then here’s your chance to get 11 tracks by this up and coming singer-songwriter free.

As the world waits for a possible James Brown tribute album to come out of the Brown camp Tom Sanders, a 20-year music vet based out of Ripley, Tennessee has decided to release his own tribute. With two self-penned songs Sanders has taken advantage of the lack of effort by name artists to create musical tributes to the Godfather since his passing by releasing his own tribute through Portra Records. The tracks, “You Can’t Touch Him” and “I Got It-On the Good Foot” are available for download through 38 music companies including iTunes and Amazon and a video for “I Got It-On the Good Foot” is on Youtube to check out. Continued proof that the influence of James Brown continues to inspire over five years after his passing.

Speaking of influence, after two months of online voting the end of last year the nominees for the 2012 Lokal Loudness Choice Awards are now up and ready for you to vote on at LOKALLOUDNESS.COM. Once the dust has settled winners of all 17 awards will be announced at Sky City on February 10th, the official 20th anniversary of Lokal Loudness.
Well once again I’ve gone over my allowed space so please remember to check out the Daily Planner every month in print and online at www.vergelive.com for great live shows to get out and support and to get an earful of what’s happening in Augusta music stop by and listen to me rant with my good buddy Brian “Stak” Allen each on CONfederation of LOUDness which can be found ironically enough at www.confederationofloudness.com and of course as always…

Make it LOKAL, Keep it Loud,
Stoney

Speaking of rock & roll, 2011 was filled with some pretty kick ass rock & roll moments and since we just wrapped up the final countdown of 2011, allow me to throw out the first of 2012 – Stoney’s Top Ten Lokal Loudness Moments of Last Year!!!!

10. Metro Music Makes a Comeback – After Metro A Coffeehouse & Pub opened New Years Eve 2000 it quickly became a hot spot for great music particularly for singer-songwriters. After a lull that lasted several years the venue, newly renamed Metro Pub & Coffeehouse, brought back live music 3-4 nights a week in a big way and have been rockin’ Augusta ever since.

9. The Godfather Rocks RockBand 3 – In late July it was announced that classic James Brown track “Superbad” would be made available for download to use with game RockBand 3 along with classic tracks by Heart, Rufus, and the Beastie Boys. No word on if player get fined for missing notes on the James Brown track or not.

8. Willie Mac Wraps Up 52/52 Project – On January 3rd, a year after uploading the kick-off track, Augusta boy turned New York troubadour Will McCranie completed his huge mission of releasing 52 tracks online in 52 weeks when he posted the video for “Brand New Year” on the 5252PROJECT.COM website. Along the way McCranie also released an acoustic CD, joined two new bands, and played two huge Augusta shows – Rock Fore! Dough and the 12 Bands of Christmas concert.

7. Lady A Pulls the Rug Out from Under Graduation – Say you work for 18 years only to be told that your high school graduation plans have been compromised because of the biggest country music act in world? Get over it! Diplomas will be handed out, Lady A will rock, and graduates will have a cool story to tell the grandkids years from now!

6. JB Goes Old School in the UK – What do Deee-Lite, Martha & the Vandellas, Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, Fatboy Slim, Abba, Amy Winehouse, The B-52’s, and Michael Jackson all have in common? All had tracks topped by James Brown’s classic “Sex Machine” in a survey of 2,000 UK festival, club, and dance attendees polled to determined the top track that pulls butts on the dance floor. Who feels good now?

5. Jemani Plays Final Show…Then Returns to Play Final Show – So it was announced that Jemani would play their final show opening for a national act and would return with a new name and sound and then…they played their final show as Jemani a few months later. Any chance a reunion show announcement could be next?

4. Seladora Sign with National Entertainment Group – In May Kaedyn Entertainment announced the signing of Augusta metal band Seladora. The band’s debut single was set for less than a month later and the band was ready to take off…by years end Seladora was down to two members and on searching.

3. Easterlin Jazz Rocks Lollapalooza – On August 6 at noon Davidson Fine Arts alum Julia Easterlin was scheduled to rock the same festival that would feature such names as Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, My Morning Jacket, and A Perfect Circle. What else can I say?

2. M-Tank Roll Van and Return to Rock the House – In August Augusta band M-Tank suffered injuries after an accident while traveling home from a gig in Columbia, SC. A couple weeks later a benefit show at Sky City took place and in November, at the Firehouse, the band was scheduled to make its return. Proof that you can’t stop rock & roll!

1. Laws Leaves Sector 7G – He saw a need, rolled up his sleeves, and with a dingy little building helped make Augusta a hot stop for bands to play all-age shows. A month shy of hitting the six-year mark owner Nick Laws decided to get “out of the game” and though the club has continued under new ownership, the “Law-less” Sector 7G is not quite the same.

Well there you have my top rockin’ memories of last year…Happy New Year, be good to one another, support not just lokal music but ALL things lokal and remember to check out the Daily Planner every month in print and online at vergelive for great live shows to get out and support and to get an earful of what’s happening in Augusta music stop by and listen to me rant with my good buddy Brian “Stak” Allen each on CONfederation of LOUDness which can be found ironically enough at www.confederationofloudness.com and of course as always…

Make it LOKAL, Keep it Loud,
Stoney

Yeah I know it was a sad day in Whoville and all that smack what with having to read a Stoney-less verge but it’s OK, I’m back. Once you’ve recovered from the excitement, please feel free to read on.

So in just a few days friends, family, and neighbors will gather for yet another rousing 12 Bands of Christmas concert. This year’s CD is a doozy and as always the concert, to be held this Sunday December 18th at the Imperial, should rock. Surprising? Nah, the show always rocks.

But all this 12 Bands talk has got me thinking what Augusta-related Christmas tunes I would dig while I was putting up the tree, re-gift wrapping, or even setting up booby traps on the roof for Santa. Yeah everyone’s got their fave Christmas tunes, and normally I could get by with Billy Squire’s “Christmas Is a Time to Say I Love You”, but I’m thinkin’ a bit homegrown.

James Brown – Santa Go Straight to the Ghetto: James Brown’s Funky Christmas is probably the coolest album ever by an Augusta-related artist and even though it’s filled with a ton of funky holiday goodness, “Santa Go Straight to the Ghetto” has gotta be my fave tune of it. Play this one loud, the kids are gonna love you so!

Hellblinki Sextet – Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas: This medley of tunes from the 1977 Jim Henson Christmas television classic somehow manages to be pure Hellblinki while paying proper homage to the original. Andrew Benjamin and his rotating cast of musicians never failed to bring interesting tracks on their appearances on several 12 Bands of Christmas CDs but this may be the best of the bunch.

Brenda Lee – Rocking Around the Christmas Tree: “Little Miss Dynamite” may have gotten her start right here in Augusta but her version of this Christmas tune is well known far outside of the Garden City and is easily regarded as THE classic version. We’ve all heard it on radio, television, and in movies and even now, 53 years later, it still rocks!

48 Volt – Lights on the Boulevard: Ok so maybe I’m a bit biased but how can anyone with a heart not be touched by a song like this one off of 12 Bands of Christmas: Volume 6? It’s touching, beautifully graphic, and contagiously catchy. Yeah I may have a few extra reasons to love this song but take those reasons away, it’s still an incredible song.

Whether on the radio or on CD, there’s plenty of Christmas tunes out there to choose from and they make for great listening when heading out to your favorite Christmas rock & roll event such as 12 Bands of Christmas, Festivus at Sky City, or the 18th Annual Kevin Scott Brown Rocking the Stocking Concert at Metro Pub & Coffeehouse (December 22nd) and now that it’s actually December, you can crank the Christmas tunes without fear of evil stares and comments. If you’re worried about jacked by any Scrooges, just bring along a few candy canes for protection.

Well looks like Augusta and semi-area country trio Lady Antebellum got an early Christmas a couple of weeks ago. Despite the fact that they just hit town not that long ago, tickets for next year’s May 22nd show at James Brown Arena sold out in 3 minutes prompting the band to add a second show May 23rd. Correct me if I’m wrong, but by the time those shows are over the group would have performed in Augusta more times in a two-year span than Amy Grant has the past ten…or may twenty years. Not sure, it’s not like I’m keeping count. But Amy shouldn’t feel bad, Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs/Morse Code/Kansas/Deep Purple) hasn’t been here since the mid-80’s. But that’s o.k., Merry Christmas to ‘em both anyway. Between Lady A, Sharon Jones, and Terri Gibbs we have more than enough big league Augusta love to go around.

Speaking of Augusta love, I’d like to ask that everyone take these last few days before Christmas to bundle up and enjoy a nice brisk walk downtown and check out the lights and sights with someone close. This is a great time of year and even the chill seems to add a little something to the experience. It is a beautiful at night with all the holiday lights and decorations, people walking, sounds pouring out of bars and restaurants, yeah I know that sounds like any other time of the year, but right before Christmas, it’s an even more special feeling.

Well I guess I better finish wrapping a few last minute gifts before those evil zombie elves (or Sprowls) stop by and make off with all the nifty presents I picked up to give this year. But before I go let me extend my wish for everyone to have a beautiful love-filled Christmas surrounded by family and friends, and if you decide you want to get out during the holiday check out the Daily Planner every month in print and online at www.vergelive.com for great live shows to get out and support and to get an earful of what’s happening in Augusta music stop by and listen to me rant with my good buddy Brian “Stak” Allen each on CONfederation of LOUDness which can be found ironically enough at www.confederationofloudness.com and of course as always…

Make it LOKAL, Keep it Loud,
Stoney