It’s an exciting time in the Driscoll household.



First of all, being able to use the term Driscoll household is exciting all in itself. At this time last year I was unmarried, had no children, and at least three days a week awoke in my own filth, on the couch in front of the tube, with the Playstation still humming and cigarettes still smoldering in an overflowing ashtray. These days there’s a ring on my finger, an alarm clock on my bedside stand, and a 2-month-old baby girl who sleeps between my wife and me that makes concessions from bachelor life like Madden video games and Red Vine licorice seem like ancient history.



Truth be told, my 99 cent value-menu diet was killing me, and as I approach 30, my best days on the Playstation are behind me. Males reach their Playstation peak around 24. After that, it’s all a slow, downhill slide. I think I was able to go out with dignity — and most people aren’t that lucky.



Another reason the Driscoll household is buzzing with excitement is NFL training camp. With the birth of my daughter, there’s now, officially, one more Bronco fan in this world. There’s a Jay Cutler onesie on its way to us in the mail that proves it. The Broncos reported to camp on July 28 and play their first preseason game this Monday, Aug. 13, against the San Francisco 49ers. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN. (Of course, the Seahawks are in camp too, in Kirkland of all places, and will open the preseason in San Diego this Sunday against the Chargers. While I suppose it’s relevant, the Driscoll household could care less about Hasselbeck and Co.)



Finally, the Driscoll household is excited these days because I’ve become less of an asshole. A few months ago, after the closure of a number of local music venues, I found myself frustrated. It seemed like Rock Rhetoric had become a weekly advertisement for Hell’s Kitchen, and, sadly, that made me kind of a prick. Luckily for my family and the South Sound, things have improved. New venue options have emerged for Tacoma and Olympia, thus new column options have emerged for Rock Rhetoric. This makes me a lot easier to deal with at the dinner table. Club Vertigo (at 5240 South Tacoma Way) opens this Friday, with the Atomic Outlaws and Sammy Barret, among others. The Viaduct might open this Friday in the Nalley Valley. McCabe’s has stepped up with a number of rad shows in the coming months. Don’t forget about the Alano Club and Club Adrian. The Manium is back in action in Oly. And Le Voyeur in Olympia may be the best and most eclectic venue in Pierce and Thurston counties. That’s saying a lot for a room the size of Bobble Tiki’s liquor cabinet.



This week, Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and the Pons, a flamboyant bunch of keytar and twe-punk toting Midwesterners, will play Le Voyeur on Friday, Aug. 11. Based out of Madison, Wisconsin — a place well recognized for its music and overall cool vibe — Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and the Pons are self described “theatrical party punk” — meaning like Peelander-Z, they’re a band you’ve really got to see to believe. If nothing else, you should at least check these guys out on MySpace — www.myspace.com/cyncyn.

Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and the Pons are, how do you say, kind of weird. But they’re kind of weird in a good way. My reaction was “Hey, these guys are weird, but talented and creative,” not “Wow, there’s something medically wrong with this band.” It’s a fine line. Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and the Pons fill a blender with punk rock ethos, poor fashion, and a dash or two of keyboard, then hit the switch with celebratory vigor. The result, just as they’ve intended, is a hell of a good time.



The band recently released its second full-length record, Target Heart Rate, on Midwestern indie label Crustacean Records.



As keyboardist Shane O’Neill pointed out in a recent interview with the Weekly Volcano, Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and the Pons have a lot of gimmicks, but that doesn’t necessarily make them a gimmick band … or does it?



“I don’t really think of us as a gimmick band but I’m totally into gimmicks. Maybe you could call us a gimmicks band. Some of my favorite gimmicks we use include, but are not limited to: hand claps, counting, props, costumes, makeup, chanting, androgyny, and gang vocals. None of these are central to us at all times, I guess. But in any case, I’m sure not offended by the term gimmick band. As long as you think it’s a good gimmick,” O’Neill explains.



“(We’re) like a train wreck with beer and a happy ending.”



Pon Pon ponder that one for a moment.



“For myself, I haven’t really gotten any better at the keyboards, but I’m constantly thinking about new outfits to wear. I like themes, and I like them even better when they don’t pan out well, which is a big plus for our band. One time I was dressed as a dead skirt. I don’t think anyone understood it, but I thought it was pretty funny.



“Clothes are fun and I want our band to be fun, so I guess wardrobe plays a pretty big role.”



Screamin’ Cyn Cyn and the Pons will play Le Voyeur this Friday. It’s not everyday a band of this creative caliber rolls through town, but at Le Voyeur, at least as of late, it does seem like every other day.



Good bands from all over the country on a regular basis.



It’s a beautiful concept.



[Le Voyeur, Friday, Aug. 10, 10 p.m., no cover, 404 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.943.5710]

Condomfest

News flash!



CondomFest 2007 is set to hit Olympia this weekend — Saturday, Aug. 11 to be exact.

What in gawd’s name is CondomFest 2007, you ask?



According to www.myspace.com/condomfest2007: “The mission of CondomFest 2007 is to advocate safe sex practices and HIV/AIDS awareness, while developing a sense of community in South Puget Sound.



“We are a group of people trying to promote sexual education and personal safety. We have teamed up with Planned Parenthood and UCAN to put this event on Saturday, August 11th. We’re beginning the day at Sylvester Park in Downtown Oly at 1pm with a DJ, MCs, raffle, silent auction, games & prizes, and 4,000 free condoms! From there, at 7pm we’ll march through the streets of Downtown Oly spreading the message of education and prevention. Finally, at 8pm, we’ll open the doors at the Eagles Ballroom for an awesome benefit show featuring local bands. $5, all ages. All proceeds benefit local non profit organizations.”



Now you know.



And knowing is half the battle.