Online Feature

Time for Recess

by Don Garcia

Man, I just barely got my tan going! What can I say? School’s back and it’s pissed off and looking for vengeance on freshmen. I suppose we can hit the books so we don’t fall behind this semester. Or maybe start that research on the midterm paper so we don‘t have to rely on Wikipedia this time around. I know, how about we bake cookies and have a study group?

I got something just a little bit better for you. Ravenous. No, not the hunger pains and not one of the many thrash bands that carry this name (google it if you don’t believe me). I’m talking about local-band-extraordinaire with front babe Raven Gutierrez. This girl is incredible, with a following to match, especially if you like bikes, bandanas and…never mind. She can play with the best boy bands in this town and tantalize you with love songs from the waaaaaay past. I’m talking Etta James/Janis Joplin past. Rare to associate the two, but she can do it. What cookie bin has Albuquerque been keeping her in? This girl needs her own cable show. She’s talented and entertaining. Check her out at Wiley’s Place, 2509 San Mateo Blvd NE on September 5th and 6th. This recess period will definitely last all weekend long.

Speaking of taking breaks with bikers, I got another little sleeper club for you, Knuckleheads Bar and Grill at 3230 Coors Blvd NW. And I’ve got just the group of guys you want to play kick-the-ball with on September 19th and 20th. Surface is a group of very talented musicians who have toured with tons of metal bands, not as musicians, but as technicians and sound engineers. These guys have always had the chops but never the time to show them off. Mike Araiza and John Fenol school us on the melodic value of metal guitar while James Wood on bass and Frank Wildman (yes, he is) on drums teach us the pounding value of keeping the pace. It all comes together with local favorite Jeff Sandoval on lead. Hey, you can learn a little some-some on the playground as well.

If you don’t want to stroll too far from the dorm dungeons, you might want to try Sauce/Liquid Lounge/Raw at 405 Central NW. Every once in a while this place throws out some local cookies so we can taste their more-than-morsel talent. Or we can stay home, bake cookies and wonder why we have to take Math 120 when we’re theater majors.

Don Garcia is a freelance writer and playwright.