As we polish off the leftovers and stare down the barrel of December, I hold a lingering gratitude for live music and inventive band names. I had a great time Wednesday night opening (with Your Mother Should Know) Amateur Night at the Sunset. New-to-me Redshift filled out a bill headlined by longtime faves Dead Bars, who had everyone feeling good and shouting along. Emcee Mike Frazier, duetting with Stephanie Bruno, was a delight, leading the audience in an enthusiastic singalong of Woody Guthrie’s “All You Fascists Are Bound to Lose.”

If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. And … hit the subscribe button at the lower right to never miss a post.

Brain Cell Genocide
The result of too many nights at the bar and/or too much time on social media.

Electro Pastel
When soft and sweet suddenly lights up.

Fern Spores
I love it when a band name puts the spotlight–really, the microscope–on a tiny natural wonder.

Flannel Sasquatch
Our favorite local cryptid in our favorite local fashion, ready for chilly weather.

Fricken Chickasee
Like the best Spoonerisms, it’s fun to say and hints at a euphemistic meaning. A perfect fit for a band playing a fun country dance.

Two last things before you go:

1. I run The Rage Brigade, a Facebook group for conversation about fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, and music (and the intersections thereof). If that sounds like fun, come join us here.
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