40! TODAY!

Thursday, Sept. 1 is my birthday party at Hell's Kitchen. What does it mean? The chance to bear witness to powerfully loud-ass bands like Bremerton's Out, Sleeper Cell (featuring John Purkey of Subvert/Machine infamy), Eroder and Regional Faction. Also, come out and see the great changes in floor space and sound at Tacoma's premiere rock venue (Hell's Kitchen recently re-opened after a brief renovation) while partyin' down to some true-blooded RAWK!

As far as Tacoma venues go, add a big one to the list! A brand spankin' new all-ages spot located in the old Viaduct location (5412 South Tacoma Way) by the name of The Conquering Lion will be holding its grand-opening Saturday, Oct. 1 with a HUGE hardcore show. The venue is being operated by some big names in the local scene. Good ol' Lonnie Local (of NXNW Metal Fest and Black Ice/Freedom Records) and Patt Lucas (of the new band Spidervain - and formerly of almost as many old Tacoma metal bands as yours truly) are taking the helm and are out for blood! In a recent conversation with Lucas, he expressed to me that he longs for the days (daze?) of the Community World Theatre and vows to bring in as many huge shows as he can. With occupancy of 550+, the Conquering Lion will be able to do just that.

"It'll take a few months of smaller, more local bands to get the ball rolling, but after that we are shooting for big name, nationally touring artists to draw attention back to the scene," Lucas says. 

I know from experience that the better the all-ages scene, the better the 21-plus club scene becomes shortly thereafter. I can't wait!!!

NOTES: In other news, I actually saw a hip-hop group that kicked ass. Grieves and Budo at Grit City Music Fest -- jazz influenced awesomeness. Very refreshing! ... Blood and Thunder play stellar "Viking Metal" with dual shred guitars. More please! ... Some band with awesome videos by the name of Red Fang is playing a "Secret Show" this Sunday, Sept. 4th at The Sunset in Ballard. Oops. The Fang is out of the bag now! ... Finally, The Devin Townsend Project is coming your way soon. Take a deep breath, Tacoma, this fall is going to be a doozey!