Chronicles of Live Shows ~ Punkeroke and Cowpoke!

The legacy of local music continues to be a struggling part of Phoenix Art.  From metal to country to rap, the intense energy for the scene, the passion of the music versus the drive to bring in the dough, is somewhat lacking from the past.  Just like any transient energy, cycles are a part of life: changing from one end of a spectrum to another.  One moment the scene (the whole scene, not just one venue or portion of the scene) is a thriving monster of musical integrity.  The next… clubs and artists alike are struggling in all aspects of the business.  Throwing shows, ticket and concession revenue, and the more recent silly debacles that have been plaguing our most prolific venues.  This in addition to the smaller venue politics and misplaced loyalty, this absolute silliness impedes the path of scene success by a clouded intermission of authoritative power. 

Within this cycle of fluctuating failing and success, there are those who realize the need for a more pleasurable scene.  Simplicity in concept, Eastside Tap is an old establishment with a time tested goal: to create an avenue for the Phoenix Music Scene to start the upswing of scene ultimacy.  Having recently been adopted by new management this south Phoenix newly found venue has been rotting in it’s nest for a long time.  Its in the same area of an old punk scene favorite, Jugheads, which by the way thrived as a punk sanctuary for years until ultimately, to the shock and dismay of myself and anyone having known Sid and appreciated everything he had done for Phoenix punk musicians, having to be shut down.  Though, post the 2006 passing of Sid, Jugheads declined in punk success, however continued the live music on a weekly basis.  So, my newly vivacious establishment of tenacious musical energy, can you carry on the torch that was left by your area’s last successful musical entity?  Time will tell…

The first night I visited this place was last week with two friends of mine.  One you all may know, Glendale Punk, and the other a newly found friend who expands his own musical love to those in front of Circle K and 7eleven.  No, he is not a homeless panhandler, he simply enjoys sharing his talent with others.  In fact, the first time I heard him play he was on his own porch.  You will know him from his video to the left of this post, Robert Fortune.  Anyway, these two boys and I were ready to tear up some music.  Not knowing what to expect at Johnny’s, who is the owner of Eastside tap, we drove down McDowell looking for this place.  Finally finding it on the right side of the road instead of the left, turning around and pulling into the parking lot, we immediately noticed a crowd we were not used to hanging with.  Gangstas and neredowells, walking up we decided that some hardcore definitely needed to be brought to this place.  It was KARAOKE night!  I love karaoke.  The dj spun a copious amount of hip hop betwixt the randomly requested songs of the patrons to be sung.  No rock, no alternative, simply hip hop.  I’m not the biggest fan of hip hop, however the mix of hip hop was enjoyably old school in amidst the newer pop songs. 

*Glendale da Pimp*

A few old timer patrons enjoyed singing songs such as, “Lets get it on”, and other… older… varieties, the rest of the karaoke was the serious individuals singing Alicia Keyes and other pop songs, as well as some more raw old school.  Gin and Juice… sung by the gansta next to me and myself.  Yes, I am a side seat karaoker.  Especially with those I have never met before.  Breaks the ice.  My trio of misplaced punkers busted out classics such as Breakin the Law and a few Weezer staples.  And we can’t forget Motorhead and the Ramones.  An epic night of punkeroke and rap, I have to say that Eastside Tap throws a ghettolicious karaoke party. 

As much fun as the hip hop karaoke is, however, this place is changing.  The second time I appeared at Eastside was two nights later.  Pee Wee Moore, an Austin Texas country artist whose first debut at Eastside was that night, was my first country show.  Delving into this musical project I had no idea I would get so diverse, however as I mentioned in the blog in earlier posts, how can I share the local scene without give love to everyone who plays in town?  Pee Wee actually threw a great set of twangy, complex guitar with his counterpart on the bass.  Who, by the way, played some enchanting primus during a break as Pee Wee changed his broken G string.  Country at its most intimate… no rock influence, no bells or whistles, just simple, pure and from the heart country.  I enjoy country at times, old school shit... Conway Twitty, Hank... ok, even some rockabilly.  If you don’t listen to country, you still should appreciate an artist with an amazing talent with an instrument and voice that can keep an audience of mostly country fans, intermingled with a sprinkle of ganstas and punkers who were equally as enthralled with the musician on stage.  If you are a country fan check out Pee Wee here. 

In conclusion to this new and exciting post, I have to say that I will be frequenting Eastside more on the weekends.  With a new venue opportunity, one with promise and a dream of sharing local music, comes new booking opportunities… Glendale and I are looking for bands on the weekends to fill some slots yo!  Punk, hardcore rock and yes, perhaps even some milder rock.  We have some exciting ideas that are going to put this place on the map.  Send an email to either punkrock77thrutoday@gmail.com or azdivescene@gmail.com.  Don’t miss this opportunity to build another dive experience into one of epic proportions… if you have ever hung out with me, you know that is the WAY. I. Roll. 

Cheers!