It’s a week later since the Rockin’ The Wharf Festival and I’m still trying to get over this nasty cold I picked up the day before the show. I wish I could blame it on the Yeastie Boys or something, But I’m fairly certain I picked it up from one of my co-workers who insists on coming in when he’s hacking up a lung. On top of that, I managed to give Jadine the same cold so we’re a household of cold med’s right now. That’s alright, though. Gives me a chance to write out how it went.

When Tim from the Doll Hut told us about the show, I jumped at the chance but I was a little confused on our way to the show – where exactly was the Queen’s Wharf? I just moved out of Glendale, people. I thought it was the Wharf where they kept the Queen Mary. No, it’s actually a restaurant which is a good thing to find out on the way there (as opposed to after spending an hour looking for the thing.) A few texts to key people and we were all on track. We did a rare version of our only Spanish song, "Los Bastardos del Americas" which I tried not to butcher too badly with my Taco Bell gringo Spanish.

When you’re playing a Festival, it’s really a great chance to check out some bands you never would’ve heard before and hopefully get a chance to hang out with and socialize. Naturally, we spent a lot of time hanging with our friends, The Yeastie Boys (those f’in’ clowns), and of course Don Pie, the king of Reno (I think Don Pie needs an action figure, with kung-fu grip and removable pants), but we also got the chance to meet and see some new folks too. The Fork-Tailed Devils out of Huntington Beach were some real cool guys and I’m going to try and get another show booked with them before the end of the year (Ya hear that, Mig?? MAKE IT HAPPEN, BRUDDAH!) Booby Trap and DMF were also great. Did you catch the new Yeastie Boys short bus, by the way? Like these guys need more exposure to impressionable kids. (nyuk nyuk nyuk)

I find I’m a big fan of novelty acts which is probably no surprise. Of course bands need talent, but I like it when they go that extra edge and do something I never would’ve thought of. Novelty’s probably not the right word, I like a bit of a gimmick from time to time, how about that. The Yeasties of course fall into that category, but I also saw some brand new bands that fit that bill. Tartar Control, for example, is sheer genius. Part of me doesn’t want to ruin the spectacle of Tartar Control by trying to explain it. How about saying their angle is they are Mormon missionary fresh from Utah, play heartwarming ditties like Sodomy Basket and Child Molester. That really doesn’t do them justice, but their lead singer indicated they do comedy shows frequently, and I guarantee that’s something I want to see if their “musical show” falls into that bill as well. Fancy Pants and the Evildoers also became fast favorites of my buddy Bob and I – their cover of Salt and Pepa’s “Push It” only showed how mighty the Mr. Pants truly is. Plan 9 from Anaheim are also a very mighty band you should be acquainted with. We like the idea of any band having an emergency trombone solo at any given moment, JUST IN CASE IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN!! I didn't catch the band with the zombie, mohawked lead singer, but it just goes to show if you missed the Rockin' The Wharf Festival, you missed something weird, wild and probably contagious. (cough)

Next week, Action 45 goes back into the studio and with any luck, we’re going to be done with the new album (Bastards of America) by mid-September and a new CD by early October. Wish us luck, if I can only get over this damn cold, (he whined.) But once again, thank you to Timm of the Doll Hut for adding us to the bill, we had a great time as usual.

Wow, another gig where I neglected to take a photo of the setlist. I’m getting sloppy. How about a picture of me with a wooden sea captain instead? This smart looking fellow was part of the Sea Wharf ambiance, and I just needed to take a picture with a man who's brave enough to smoke indoors. (Photo courtesy of SalsPhotos.net who always gets some of the best live concert shots in the OC.) More photos will be added to band website this week, so come by and check it out when you can.