Tony Hawk has been a household name in the skateboarding game since I was a little tyke. Back then, he was just the tall, lanky guy with the surfer cut in Animal Chin, but now even my parents know the “birdman.” Over the years Hawk has done it all. He has invented over a dozen
It’s been about ten years since the ill-fated ska explosion of the late 1990s, and it seems that the world is finally willing to give the genre a chance again. Hellcat Records’ ska and reggae roster might be down to only two bands, but when those bands are as good as The Aggrolites and Westbound Train, you really don’t need anyone else. … read more
Driving down 200 South to reach In the Venue only to see a line stretching around the block outside the venue for Serj Tankian was a surprise in itself. The man has fronted System of a Down for years and with the band in hiatus mode currently, it is only natural that an artist that has such a voice as his and is so driven to be heard that Serj would ultimately turn into a solo artist. … read more
How long can one actually stand the sounds of chirping birds blaring out of rock-star amplifiers? It’s a great question (I ponder it daily), and one that was poised upon the opening of Lichens set at In the Venue. Draped in white and sitting in a regular folding chair − a flood of effect pedals at his feet − it was obvious that were was something different about this guy (real name Robert Lowe). … read more
Boston’s defenders of the working class will descend on Salt Lake City this April. The Street Dogs, featuring former vocalist and founding member of the Dropkick Murphys Mike McColgan, hit the road this March with Anti-Flag, The Briggs, and Fake Problems. Their tour stops at In The Venue on April 12. … read more
Ska shows will never cease to be incredibly amusing. No matter what bands are playing, ska kids are quite possibly the most enthusiastic crowds to exist. They might also be the most positive. When I arrived, The Upstarts were on stage, and a lively group of high-school-aged kids were assembled in front of the stage dancing their goofy little hearts out. … read more
