ZZ Topless got a nice mention in the San Francisco Chronicle’s Pink section last weekend, in a feature about local tribute bands. Thanks to Cat People for the tip.
Smoking Section and SF Thrash Funk Retrospective
Catching up on things, I was contacted by local comic, commentator and podcaster Nato Green for an interview about the good old Thrash Funk scene. We conducted the interview at Au Cocquelet, the most appropriate place for a discussion about the origins of the Smoking Section.
Shows, Autumn 2013
For my own records, a retroactive list of shows from this Fall. Makes this slow Winter seem less idle.
- October 4: ZZ Topless, Starry Plough, Berkeley, with Cat People and Physical Graffiti
- October 5: ZZ Topless at Oaktoberfest in Oakland’s Dimond District
- October 11: Curtis Bumpy at Jupiter, Berkeley
- October 20: Curtis Bumpy at Bernal Heights Fiesta on the Hill, San Francisco
- October 26: Curtis Bumpy at Sonoma Raceway, private function
- November 17: A Secret Rose, Craneway Pavilion in Richmond
Also, on 11/8 I had the honor of sitting in with Will Bernard and his Motherbug reunion at Jupiter. Which was great fun and also pretty funny, because the Motherbug rhythm section was Keith McArthur and Jan Jackson, along with Josh Jones and a keyboardist whose name currently escapes me (sorry, he was great). Also present were Scott Jensen and David Agretelis. And Jerry Kennedy. And Omega Rae. Basically, Curtis Bumpy. For a few songs it was a bit like Will was sitting in at his own gig. Of course, Will melted faces in due fashion. Special thanks to Len Patterson for letting me use his rig.
A Secret Rose
A few weekends ago I had what I’d have to call a peak experience. I wanted to share and try to do it some justice although, as the recorded version of this event will probably pale in comparison to the actual performance, my notes will only paint a small part of the picture. But I’ll do my best.
Earlier this year a friend gave me a tip that a local organization, Other Minds, was soliciting applicants for an ambitious musical piece to be performed at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond this fall. The event would be the West Coast premiere of a composition by Rhys Chatham, the third time the work has been performed world-wide. Chatham is a well-known minimalist composer who has mixed it up with members of the musical intelligentsia ranging from Glenn Gould to Terry Riley to the Ramones. The piece – called A Secret Rose – is written to be played by 100 electric guitar players. Continue reading
Summer shows, June-August
Usually summer is a slow time for a part-timer such as myself. Strangely, I seem to be semi-busy with gigs this summer so far. Catching up:
- ZZ Topless hit Pine St. Bar & Grill on June 22, benefiting the Tri-Valley Roller Derby Girl Association. That was a hoot.
- Curtis Bumpy played in Corte Madera at Minke Park’s Piccolo Pavilion on July 14 as part of the summer concert series there.
- Thursday night, July 18, ZZ Topless will play with the Blackout Cowboys at Peri’s in Fairfax.
- Friday night, July 19, Curtis Bumpy hits the Jupiter stage once again for good vibes and greasy grooves.
- Saturday August 24, ZZ Topless brings the noise to 50 Mason in San Francisco.
- Saturday August 31, ZZ Topless will break much sweat for the Vacaville Art, Wine & Brew Festival at 12:30.
Heh. Indeed.
Curtis Bumpy, 5/24/13, Jupiter
Rolling Stones, San Jose, 5/8/2013
Jacki and I managed to score a couple of decent tickets to the Rolling Stones show at HP Pavilion in San Jose. Below is my review — I’ll try not to sound like a rock critic.
March 2013 ZZ Topless/Curtis Bumpy shows
This blog is more of a record for myself than much of a promotional outlet… which is fine, I guess, so here’s what I forgot to mention.
- ZZ Topless strutted down to Gilroy for an intimate performance at the 9 Lives, appropriately with Cat People. 9 Lives was a great venue, by the way. March 8.
- Curtis Bumpy closed out Michael Parayno’s bon voyage party at his excellent speakeasy/party pad, Birdland Jazzista Social Club on the night of March 15. We were in the 1AM-3AM slot, and had a total blast. Ag had a race the next day so he was represented by Henry Hung on trumpet, who we hope to work with again. Some video of the event can be found on a playlist of mine on YouTube. Here’s a piece of it.
Fun with ZZ Topless, 1/31/13 @ 50 Mason
Never really officially rolled this out, but I’ve been playing with this fun ZZ Top tribute thing called ZZ Topless. Had a really fun time playing at the East Bay Rats’ clubhouse/birthday party for a Rat friend (11/3/2012). It was like being a 19-yr old rocker kid again. Electric Sister played after we did, and were everything you could hope for in a hard rock/metal band. Have to check them out again soon.
Anyway, we’re playing at 50 Mason in SF Thurs, Jan. 31. Was supposed to be with Cat People, a Bowie tribute thing, but a death in the family has forced them to cancel; not sure if there will be a replacement band. Trouble with Monkeys opens.
ZZ Topless
Trouble with Monkeys
Thursday January 31, 2013
50 Mason Social House
50 Mason St., SF CA 94102