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An all-star lineup comprises the Father Figures. Check out their first ever concert at the Ruby Room, Saturday, July 18!

July 7th, 2009 Posted by: Dust Devil

Alrighty folks, it is time for the Dust Devil to shamelessly engage in some promotion for a new local band by the name of the Father Figures. Shameless because one of its members is a long-time friend of mine. However, in this case the rest of the cast is very good, and the little bit I have heard most definitely warrants high praise! The Father Figures will be playing their first-ever concert at the Ruby Room in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, July 18, be there or be bummed!

The Father Figures is a three-piece band here in the Valley of the Sun, featuring Michael Cornelius on the guitar, Tom Reardon on the bass and Robert Lerma on the drums. Originally there was some thought about bringing in a fourth member on vocals, but for now the band plans to split those duties. So why am I making such a big deal about these guys, particularly if the Ruby Room show will be the first time the band will be playing out live?

Let’s take a look at the resumes of each member, starting with Michael Cornelius.

Back in 1981 Michael and guitarist Don Pendleton put together what this writer believes is the best skate punk band in history. Jody Foster’s Army, better known as JFA, was an incredible outfit, and the original line-up included Brian Brannon on vocals and Mike Sversvold, better known as “Bam-Bam”, on the drums. This line-up played together on the Blatant Localism E.P., as well as the Valley of the Yakes and Deltitnu albums. Some of JFA’s best output came during this time, including such standout tracks like Johnny D, Kick You, Preppy and of course, Beach Blanket Bongout.

Michael played in a group by the name of Housequake after leaving JFA. Housequake was amazing, combining funk, rock and roll, and punk into a beautiful mix of music. I really miss those guys.

Next up is Tom Reardon. Two bands immediately come to mind when Tom’s name comes up; Hillbilly Devilspeak and the North Side Kings. Both bands deliver intense music, with North Side Kings leaning heavily in the hardcore direction, but still maintaining a punk edge. Hillbilly Devilspeak is a tad more melodic, but still maintain a heavy punk rock edge.

Last is drummer Robert Lerma. Chances are you will not recognize half the bands I will list here, but then again, most of you have not known this guy since the 6th grade:

• The Joke
• Kluged
• Sticky Thang
• The Voice
• Grant and the Geezers
• Jeff Dahl Band
• The Tellers
• 40 Watt Las Vegas
• The Captives

I really miss 40 Watt Las Vegas, the Tellers and Kluged. The Voice was included in the Arizona Republic’s Top 100 Arizona Bands of the 20th Century. I can still remember long-time punk rock fanzine Maximum Rock and Roll giving the Kick, Scream and Shout! release from Kluged a great review back when I was a junior in high school!

My friends, those are some serious credentials this band possesses, and without getting into detail I can promise this band is going to be a force to be reckoned with, as they will unleash a rabid mix of post-punk on the audience the night of the show. Needless to say the Dust Devil is psyched!

Unless things change in the next week and a half, here is the schedule for the evening’s festivities:
8:00pm - DJ Nick Dephinger
9:00pm - DJ Todd Joseph
10:00pm - Father Figures
10:45pm - DJ Bobby Lerma
11:30pm - Grave Danger
Till closing - DJ Rob Locker

Grave Danger is the another in a line of stellar projects from Arizona music veteran Kevin Daly. Kevin SMOKES on the guitar, and previously played in Grant and the Geezers and the almighty Hellfire. You will definitely want to stick around and check out Grave Danger if you never have experienced their brand of cowboy punk. Watching Kevin play alone is worth the price of admission.

Bobby will be DJ’ing after the Father Figures set, and before their set Todd Joseph will be spinning tunes. Todd played with Bobby in The Voice and Sticky Thang, and was also in my second favorite Phoenix punk band, Junior Achievement. JA put out one album by the name of Fade to Black, and years later it was re-issued on CD with bonus live tracks. Look for it, this is a great album, full of mid-tempo punk rock with a horror moniker to it. This disc still finds its way into my CD case, it really is that good. The first track, Dr. Cutthroat’s Revenge, will blow your mind.

This show is also serving as a birthday celebration, but that little tidbit of info I won’t divulge. If you are in the know in regards to that, the occasion becomes even more special.

All this is taking place at the Ruby Room. Located in downtown Phoenix at 717 S. Central Avenue, this cool little venue features some unique artwork adorning the walls, a good sized dance floor, and plenty of tables and chairs if you do not feel like shaking it during the evening. It can be a little tricky to get to, but if you remember that Central Avenue is a one-way going north, and that the venue sits on the SE corner of Central and Grant, you will be okay. If you are unsure how to get there, click this link for directions to the Ruby Room.

A Saturday night, a great line-up of DJ’s and bands and a cool venue to boot. Still not convinced? Try no cover and drink specials during the evening!

Don’t miss out my friends, this is a concert the Dust Devil insists you attend. Cheers!

The Dust Devil

Filed under: Concert Tour Announcements