Ready for Battle

As I've said before, I'm often hesitant to promote a Battle of the Bands, if only because there are so many of them that it can be repetitive. When it's for a good cause, however, the event bears mentioning, and we've got one of my favorites coming up Saturday, Nov. 7, on the TCC Metro Campus.

Last year, Youth Against Multiple Sclerosis (YAMS) held its first annual Battle to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis, and I was fortunate enough to be asked to help judge. It's a cool event, and not just because of the music. Yes, the bands are an added bonus, but the event and cause are what really make it worth supporting.

You see, Youth Against Multiple Sclerosis is a support network for kids and teens effected by MS. Whether afflicted with the condition themselves or touched by a family member who has it, each of the kids is dealing with MS in one way or another. It's a support group and a networking opportunity to help these kids work their way through the trials and emotions that accompany being touched by the disease.

Last year, the group decided it wanted to step out and do something for the MS Society and came up with the idea for a Battle of the Bands. Last year's event went well and featured some surprisingly strong talent, including winning act Keyless Entry, which went on to play the main stage at Mayfest and release a CD this past year.

Granted, CD releases and Mayfest spots aren't promised, but the event provided some exposure for a handful of rising new high school bands. More importantly, however, it provides a forum for teens dealing with MS and an opportunity to raise awareness within the local community.

This year's event will be held at the TCC Metro Campus Auditorium, 909 S. Boston, Saturday, Nov. 7, between 11am and 4pm. It's a free event, though donations will be accepted.

Primarily, however, the event is about raising awareness of MS and support for kids and teens effected by MS -- and providing an afternoon of entertainment as well.

As was the case last year, five bands will be competing, each of which has at least one member who has been touched by MS. This year, however, instead of being primarily driven by Tulsa bands, the entries are coming from across the state. Kid Chicago (Edmond), Negative Zero (Prague), Cutting Edge (Choteau), Infinity's End (Stillwater) and Not Easily Broken (Tulsa) will be facing off starting at 11:45am to compete for prizes as well as support YAMS and the National MS Society. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges including former Caroline's Spine and current Dogsway/New Science drummer Jason Gilardi, with the first place receiving a package of recording studio time and a professional photo shoot, and the runner up receiving a pro photo shoot.

When speaking with Brandi Davidson, communications Manager for the Oklahoma Branch of the National MS Society, she explained the real significance of this event.

"This is something that the YAMS group put together themselves, and I think relates to them on their level," Davidson said. "It really allows them to express themselves and gives them an avenue to reach each other and connect."

Make some time this Saturday to swing downtown and check out the event. It's an easy way to help a worthy cause and support a group of great kids that are all dealing with MS in their own way. Speaking from experience, it's well worth the time spent.hown a gift for both writing big hooks and playing what and where it's appropriate, he also adds strong harmony vocals and an interesting chemistry within the band as brother to lead singer Greg Hosterman.

Cristiano admitted that when Ben was originally suggested after Jay Hunt's departure, he was initially hesitant. It only took a short while before he thought it through, however and told Greg, "We need to do this -- it makes total sense."

Perhaps more ironic and appropriate, however, is the return of drummer Scott Taylor. According to Cristiano, he hadn't see or spoken to Taylor since Scott left the band in 2007, but received a call congratulating him when it was announced that RadioRadio got the pre-McCartney gig. The two followed up by going to lunch to catch up and after talking together, it was apparent that Taylor was ready to start playing again following the dissolution of The Plumbers. At that point, however, Paul Sanders was still in the band, although his schedule wasn't always meshing with the group's, and Taylor was used for a fill-in on a couple of occasions. Eventually, the switch was made and the current lineup finished with Cristiano admitting resolutely, "The truth is, Scott was born to play these songs."

Now, with a refreshed lineup and a remixed and remastered single in hand, it appears that RadioRadio is finally ready to take the next step. The band has developed a top end, deluxe press kit, which is being serviced to essential industry contacts, including 10-12 key Midwest radio markets, in hopes of providing appropriate exposure and breaking the band into those stations' playlists.

The band is also holding a strategic "I, Computer 2009" release party this Friday, Nov. 6 at The Marquee for its local fans. The single will be available, not only on CD, but also on flash drive and with two different mixes (one with a more Euro-mix intro and one as a "Stateside Mix", as indicated by Hill's initial radio feedback), along with a new video produced by Kelly Kerr, all of which is being presented in the press kit that is being sent out to each market. That same press kit will also be made available at the show as a "deluxe fan package" at the shows, including a band t-shirt.

For the moment, Cristiano admits, "We're hyper-focused on the song," preparing it to hopefully make a strong impact on Midwest radio. When combined with the current lineup, he said, "Right now, it feels like the chemistry is just right. I feel like we're really hitting our stride."

Check it out for yourself as the band celebrates the release of "I, Computer 2009" Friday night, Nov. 6. Doors open at 8pm with the show starting at 9pm. DJ Demko will get the evening started, followed by opening act Astellaway and a full set by RadioRadio. It's an all-ages show and admission is $7 at the door.

Connect the Dots

It's not often that I provide a post-show review, but for those of you who missed Brand New at Cain's Ballroom last week, you missed a stellar show.

Although the band has been around for almost a decade now, it's constantly evolving sound and shape-shifting has admittedly left me a little puzzled. That said, I was admittedly surprise when I arrived to find a sold-out show.

Once the band hit the stage, all was explained. Yes, it's still a cacophony and the band veers between styles, but the group truly earned all of the hype it is receiving. It's a phenomenal, high-energy live show that somehow makes a logical connection between emo, hardcore, pop-punk and even singer/songwriter material with the band's more ballad oriented material. The show connected the dots between each genre and even stepped back to connect it all to the early '90s with a few moments that even nodded to the energy and chemistry of Nirvana.

If you're not familiar with the group yet, go out of your way to investigate. I expect to hear much more from the band and see it exploding in the near future.

Weekly Roundup

Halloween is past, and autumn is officially here - and although the temperatures are falling, the local clubs are starting to heat up again. As always, we've got your highlights, so take a peek to get you out the door and in the right direction.

Thursday night is always good for kicking off your weekend early, and this week is no exception. If you're into building your own traditions, then stop in at Arnie's for Cairde na Gael or Eclipse for Dustin and Jesse's Higher Education as each has a standing gig that you can count on. If you're looking for something a little more lively, however, you might want to head to the Cain's Ballroom to check out alt-punk icons The Meat Puppets with local acts Wighead and The pORTRAYL getting a break as opening acts.

Friday, Nov. 6 has a handful of cool shows going on, including the aforementioned RadioRadio release show. If you're willing to bounce around, though, you've got plenty of cool options. Finch and Bless the Fall will be rocking the walls at Flytrap Music Hall, while Wink Burcham lays down a more chill vibe at Arnie's. And if you're just looking for a good night of honky-tonk and rock, you can never go wrong with Brandon Clark Band at Mercury Lounge.

Saturday night is extremely busy with shows of all sizes and styles all around town. The highest profile acts are spread across downtown with Alan Jackson and opener Gloriana serving the country crowd at BOK Center and Rob Zombie throwing down the hard rock at Brady Theater with Necromantix and Cut Clegg and the Night Creatures. Harder to describe is Hank (Williams) III and Assjack at Cain's -- the show that might prove to be the most interesting of them all.

If you're looking for someone to chill out with, you'll do good to check out Turnpike Troubadours at Mercury Lounge or Dustin Pittsley at Arnie's.

We've also got a pair of ABoT Music award winners making their last local appearances of the year on Saturday evening. First up would be "Best New Band" Stars Go Dim, following its sold-out CD release party with a show at Electric Circus (formerly Exit 6C) featuring special guest Ben Kilgore and two local openers for $7.

Just down the street, "Band of the Year," My Solstice puts a cap on a successful year by headlining Flytrap Music Hall with Nothing More and Stone Cold Sober and a pair of opening acts. Solstice has been hard at work for more than two years and will be taking a little break through the end of the year to recharge and hit the studio to work on a new disc, so if you're a fan, you won't want to miss this one.

On Sunday, Nov. 8, Vince Gill is being awarded the "Spirit 2009" award by The Rotary Club of Will Rogers at Cain's Ballroom. It's a fundraising award ceremony and roast with proceeds going to Blue Star Mothers of America, so the money is going to a good cause, but tickets are pricey to get a glimpse of Vince: $125 a pop or $1700 for a table.

Finally, it all wraps up with iconic, costumed, cartoon-metal act GWAR at Cain's with Job for a Cowboy and The Red Chord opening. Yes, GWAR. Need I say more? If you don't know, you don't belong there anyway, so have fun!