No, the title doesn't refer to the daunting task of me
learning how to play a decent guitar solo. It refers to an event called the
Ultimate Music Challenge, a battle of the bands featuring cover and tribute
acts only.
This is a
first-class production that happens every Sunday from now until June 28 in the
Dreamcatcher Lounge at the Viejas Casino.
I just got
home from emceeing the first show (under the auspices of Jack FM, where I am
heard weekday afternoons...shameless plug).
My wife and
I had a blast, especially because the second band was awesome.
I don't
know why I had never heard of Rolling
the Stones. These guys were so convincing as the Stones, I thought they
were actually better! The singer had Jagger down...the mannerisms, the voice,
and the accent. Their drummer was an older guy, possibly in his late-50s or
early-60s, who bore more than a passing resemblance to Charlie Watts. They had
their Keith and Ronnie clones, a bassist sorta like Bill Wyman, two backup
singers, an older keyboard player, and a sax player.
Their set
included some of my fave Stones tunes, like "Start Me Up," "Live with Me," and
"Brown Sugar."
The crowd
roared its approval when the set ended. The Jack FM crew measured audience
response at 110 dB on the decibel meter! That's as loud as a jet taking off, or
some such analogy.
The cool
thing is that the Ultimate Music Challenge has a panel of three judges, like on
American Idol.
The judges
for this season's competition include a couple of names familiar to readers of
the Troubadour - singers Anna Troy
and David Patrone. The third judge is Edwin Decker, who writes the wonderful "Sordid Tales" column in San Diego CityBeat magazine.
The sound
and production values are first class at Viejas. The shows run like clockwork -
five bands per night, each performing a 20-minute set, followed by a 20-minute
intermission. Shows begin at 6:20pm every Sunday and end by 10pm. It's the
perfect time slot for a Sunday evening's entertainment...catch a few bands and
get to bed before 11pm! Of course, you must be 21 or older.
Here's the
coolest part...there's no cover charge!!!!!
I hope to
see you there.