Harvard & Stone: Colleen Green with James V

Way too much time passed since the last time I saw Colleen Green. I noticed that she was playing at Harvard and Stone so off I went. Of course, things didn't go as planned. Her set got delayed, because it appeared that someone forgot their bass. It looked like the drummer took off to get the bass. When he came back, he didn't exactly look happy. Then Colleen Green played for perhaps just 15 minutes. Disappointing, but those 15 minutes were enough to remind me why I love her so much.

Noticed: could help but see the old school cell phone she uses.

Colleen Green

James V opened up the night.

James V

Madame Siam: Zealyn, Talker, Jubilo Drive

It was a holiday party at Madame Siam. Jubilo Drive opened up with some rocking music. One of my favorite musicians, Zealyn, went with some energizing pop. And Talker ended the night with some singer-songwriter jams.

Jubilo Drive

Zealyn

Talker

El Cid/Wild Riot: Vava, Cheer Up Club, Ariel Beesley, New Evil

Wild Riot was putting on an event at El Cid. The highlight for me was Ariel Beesley. She was also the highlight for most people as the venue was packed for her set. Something dreamy about her sets. And her messed up lipstick by the middle of her set made her look like a punk rock star.

Ariel Beesley

New Evil followed up with a their punk/horror style. I have to admit I couldn't get over with lead singer Sophia's eyes. She was using a contact that made her right pupil super small.

New Evil

Opening up the night was Vava and Cheer Up Club.

Cheer Up Club

VAVA

Bootleg: Mating Ritual and SWIMM

I have to say that I've only been to a couple Dr. Martens nights. But I have kept an eye on who is on their various bills. They've put together some awesome shows across Los Angeles. This specific night was no different with Mating Ritual and SWIMM playing the night.

The last time I saw Mating Ritual was a Chinatown Summer Nights in 2016. It was great seeing them again.

Mating Ritual

I saw SWIMM for the first time earlier this year. They definitely have a solid fan base. Got to say that they seemed to play this set with a greater edge than what I remembered.

SWIMM

The Hi Hat: Joshua and the Holy Rollers with Paige Calico and Balto

Joshua and the Holy Rollers told folks up front that they better find some ear plugs. The band then blasted the audience with some high energy. With Al from Cowgirls on bass, it guaranteed the set would thrill. Now they didn't go all out for the full set. Joshua did take time to do a couple solo songs.

There were some funny comments during the set. When the rest of the band left the stage to allow Joshua to do a solo set, Al said something like, "The band is tired. I'm going to get a massage. Our drummer is going to get a haircut. We're getting the f*ck off the stage."

Then when Joshua was switching from guitar to the keyboard, he walked to the back of the stage where the keyboard was and said, "Look, a keyboard. Was this here the whole time?"

Joshua and the Holy Rollers

Paige Calico said she was to be the softer sound in between the more rocking Joshua and the Holy Rollers and Balto. It may have been quieter sound, but it was just as solid.

She also had some amusing comments.

"It's better then just playing with myself . . . now everything I say is going to sound sexual."

"I'm going to steal your face like Game of Thrones."

Paige Calico

Balto open the night with some rocking sounds.

Balto

The Smell: The Aquadolls with Pleo Sharman, The Gems, The Grinns

Mosh pit city. That's what was going on at The Smell throughout the night. It started off with Pleo Shaman and continued on. Pleo Shaman's lead singer kept having microphone problems. I don't know if it was because he was moving around so much or that he just had a defective connection. The Gems might have toned it down, but it didn't stop the crowd from wanting to body slam. They love to dress to impress. The Aquadolls was the main reason why I showed up at The Smell on this night. I've followed this band for years. They always put on a good show. As the show came to a close, there was some riding on an inflatable dolphin. Closing out the night was The Grinns. The band had their fan base showing up. What I found myself getting fascinated by trying to catch a photo of the Rickenbacker brand on the end of the bass.

Pleo Shaman

The Gems

The Aquadolls

The Grinns