Album Review: The Fun Police’s ‘Clown Control’ has Great Tales to Tell

Oh yes, The Fun Police are back with another disc, ‘Clown Control’, weaving their way through a collection of 13 tracks that wander through genres like a journeyman traveller through customs. From punk folk to Asian flavored folk, straight rock to reggae, The Fun Police are blazing trails through music country, with a delicious taste of their flavorful offerings for everyone. Never heavy handed, these gents and one lady (the bad cop?) seem to churn out tune after tune of quality music that never really sounds like the track before it. Add it all up, and that is a delicious recipe for music lovers.

Tacoma Hempfest (June 25th) musical entertainment finalized

One of the biggest musical events of the summer in Tacoma, WA, has finalized its lineup, and after parties. Tacoma Hempfest is being held June 25th, 2011 in Wright Park, just North of downtown Tacoma. You can find all the details for Tacoma Hempfest 2011, here:

Tacoma Hempfest Details

Tacoma Hempfest Issues Call for Performing Entertainers

Tacoma Hempfest and Shock Treatment Management are pleased to announce an open call for entertainers for the 2nd Annual Tacoma Hempfest to be held June 25, 2011. Tacoma Hempfest is a Washington State non-profit corporation which stages an annual full day celebration of the extensive utility of cannabis or hemp, and the social cost of hemp prohibition. The first Tacoma Hempfest in 2010 generated a peaceful crowd of 5,000 in Wright Park, Tacoma on the last weekend in June.

Musical performers of all genres are invited to submit Electronic Press Kits or links to social/musician sites with a selection of sample music.

Variety performers will work in a number of areas throughout the festival site including family, artist and holistic medical areas. Variety performers are invited to send an email of interest, brief description of talent and sample of past work, references, website or other appropriate details. We can imagine face painters, magicians, dance troupes, acrobats, stilt walkers, some of whom would work during stage entertainment, some of whom would provide spontaneous in crowd entertainment during breaks.

Above all, Tacoma Hempfest wishes to portray and include the diversity of cannabis culture. This includes not only arts and entertainment, but also food and merchandise vendors, outreach organizations, healing arts, and industry.

Submission may be sent to Cat@ShockTreatmentManagement.com or Kevin@ShockTreatmentManagement.com. Submissions close on March 24, 2011. Entertainment line-up will be announced April 20, 2011.

Vending information may be found at www.TacomaHempfest.com in the near future.

Northwest Convergence Zone launches regional music fueled NWCZRadio.com

Northwest Convergence Zone Radio (http://nwczradio.com) will officially hit the web at 5pm today, Friday, Feb 18th! They are looking to bring listeners the best northwest artists, local music news, and great, fun programs!

From NWCZ:
If you are a northwest independent artists (solo, band, etc.) or know some, have them contact us at nwczradio@gmail.com. We’ll let them know how to get their tracks to us so we can get them out there for all of you!

Everyone welcome Raymond Hayden to the NWCZradio fold. Raymond will be hosting a one hour program focusing on the coffee house, open mic and lighter side of northwest independent music. His program will start Tuesday, March 1st at 7:00 pm. Raymond is the head honcho behind Maurice The Fish Records! Welcome Kingfish!!!!

It’s official! The Northwest Music Scene show is coming to NWCZ Radio on Thursday, March 3rd at 7pm. Hosted by Glen, Brian and Shawn…They will be bringing you music and all things northwest music related every Thursday night live from 7 – 9 pm!

Everyone welcome Dave Samson, veteran of KBCS and The Mountain 103.7 to NWCZradio! Dave will be hosting a blues show every Monday night from 7 – 10pm beginning Feb. 21st!!!! Be sure to tune in for the best in northwest blues every Monday night!!!

Everyone welcome Q-Dot to NWCZradio! He will be spinning the best in northwest rap and hip hop on Fridays 6 – 7 beginning March 4th! Guaranteed good times with Q-Dot!!

More shows to be announced soon!

http://www.nwczradio.com/

http://www.facebook.com/nwczradio

http://twitter.com/nwczradio

We are gonna blow the top of off Northwest Radio!

Benefit show in Tacoma – Bob’s Java Jive – Keep the Jive Alive! 4/2/2010

As Your Are Entertainment presents four of Tacoma’s hottest indie music acts April 2, at 8 PM show to benefit the World Famous Bob’s Java Jive at 2102 South Tacoma Way. The club is both an icon of Tacoma’s past, serving many roles through the years, and a beacon toward the future providing a home for local acts to sharpen their musical skills.

The Fun Police with special guests Big Wheel Stunt Show (recently returned from SXSW), The Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel, and Ten Miles of Bad Road will be on hand to celebrate The World’s Famous Bob’s Java Jive’s history which began in 1927. The Java Jive, as it is affectionately known, was originally built as a roadside café on a Highway 99 during its infancy. The Java Jive is what is commonly referred to as a “Duck” or a building in the shape of an oversize object that promotes the business purpose, or in the Jive’s case, a coffee pot for weary travelers.

During the 1950s, Bob and Lylabelle Radernich purchased the business and building and began operating as a bar and lounge. Through the years, the Java Jive has enjoyed a diverse history. Mystery airline hijacker DB Cooper was rumored to have finished a beer on his way to SeaTac for his fateful flight; The Ventures are said to have played the Jive regularly in advance of their top 40 successes; and two chimps named “Java” and “Jive” were at home in the Jungle Room for years. Mention Bob’s Java Jive to Tacoma residents, and you’ll hear coming of age anecdotes, memories of go-go dancers, the TV Theme duo if they have been there, and well intentioned regrets, if they haven’t.

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate and assist the Java Jive and hear four great bands. $3 minimum donation at the door, 21+.

@funpolicemusic playing tonight @omalleystacoma – Saint Patrick’s Day, Tacoma-style

Tacoma’s own musical Fun Police will be patrolling the St Paddy’s Day merriment at 8 PM along with special guests 10 Miles of Bad Road at O’Malley’s Irish Pub (Google Maps link). The Fun Police, bullies in blue, who are known for delivering energetic give-it-all-you’ve-got, genre-bending performance on any given night, promise an over the top show tonight including a traditional Irish set and an extended set of Fun Police favorites. Enjoy the luck of the Irish with some slow-cooked, corned beef and cabbage along with some Fun Police hijinks for St. Paddy’s Day this year.

The Fun Police have been playing the South Sound for approximately two years, released 2 EPs and a CD, and are currently in the studio. They are well known locally for their energetic stage presence and musical variety including fusion styles of blues, reggae, folk, punk and more. Their 3 song Spring Break EP is available as a free download here.

www.thefunpolicemusic.com

The Fun Police Debut Music Video

Follow up to last weeks post. The Fun Police released their first music video at Doyle’s Pub Saturday night in front of a full house. The song is ‘Temporary Lapse of Sanity’ from their debut album, ‘You Better Run’, which was recorded at Egg Studios in Seattle, and produced by Conrad Uno. The video is now available on YouTube, and it would be here, but apparently the only blog that I cannot figure out how to embed YouTube video on is this one. You will have to click the link.

The Fun Police – Temporary Lapse of Sanity Music Video

The Fun Police Debut Music Video Release Party – Doyle’s Pub, Tacoma, Saturday 2/13

The Fun Police are kicking the year off in high gear with plans for a new disc, their first tour, and their premier video release from their 2009 release You Better Run. A surreal adventure that invites existential questions, A Temporary Lapse of Sanity is an appealing, madcap, indie production that is rich in creativity. But hey! Decide for yourself at the video release party at Doyle’s Public House, 9 PM Saturday February 13th. 208 St Helen’s Avenue, Tacoma, WA, or here is a link to a map.

Ever the pranksters, The Fun Police promise good hearted St Valentine’s mischief and if you don’t know The Fun Police, you should know the zaniness is all a part of the fun. Be ready for anything, and keep an eye on their website for future developments on further videos and recording updates.

The Fun Police ‘You Better Run’ Album Review

The Fun Police Website

The Fun Police – Gringo Meringue

[audio:http://www.nwmusicblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/01-Gringo-Meringue.mp3]

All Ages: 5 area bands @ The Wagon Wheel

The Wagon Wheel

Google Maps Link

As You Are Entertainment has lined up 5 area bands for our entertainment with an early start time in South Prarie, WA, (near Puyallup) launching at 4:45PM at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Lounge. If you live in Seattle’s southern burbs, or Pierce County, you may want check this one out.

The Fun Police (http://www.thefunpolicemusic.com)
Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel (http://www.myspace.com/brotherhoodoftheblacksquirrel)
10 Miles of Bad Road (http://www.myspace.com/tenmilesofbadroad)
Blacktop Nightmare (http://www.myspace.com/blacktopnightmare )
Big Wheel Stunt Show (http://www.myspace.com/bigwheelstuntshow)

Tacoma’s First Night NYE Bash with The Fun Police, Blue Thunder Seahawks Drumline

Tacoma’s own good-time band, The Fun Police, kick off the City of Tacoma Main Stage entertainment at 9:30 on the main stage at the city’s famous, family friendly, alcohol free First Night Celebration. With seemingly few in Tacoma sorry to see 2009 quickly fading in the rearview mirror, the hometown heroes of musical public safety will perform their genre defying act in celebration of an upcoming year that, God help us all, has to be better for the Tacoma area than this one.

Skillful musical artists of slice of life tales wrapped in easy to sing and dance along with melodies, The Fun Police, tackling diverse topics including economic hard times, interpersonal relationships, running afoul of the law, and globe-trotting adventures. However, their repertoire shines optimistically with tongue and cheek lyrics, and unexpected rhythm change-ups that will have you dancing and celebrating in the early evening like it was midnight.

Get your pre-funk on and start your First Night adventure with The Fun Police, 9:30 – 10:30 PM on the First Night Main Stage, New Year’s Eve between 9th and 11th on Broadway in downtown Tacoma. Be certain to dress for the outside street venue.

First Night Tacoma Programs
The Fun Police – MySpace
Fun Police – Facebook
FREE FUN POLICE MP3: Rather Be Dead

SEA/PDX/TAC/OLY Turkey Week Notable Shows

Olympia: Tuesday, 11.24.2009
The Drug Purse w/ The Strange Boys + Jetty Cats

8:30 PM @ The Northern – 321 4th Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98501
All Ages

Seattle: Wednesday, 11.25.09
Cunnilynguists, Grieves, Looptroop Rockers, Tunji

Wednesday, 8PM @ Neumo’s
All Ages
$13.50 Tickets Here

Tacoma: Friday, 11.27.09
The Fun Police, Ghostwriter, Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel

(TRYPTOPHAN RECOVERY DAY) Black Friday 9PM @ The New Frontier
21+

Portland: Sunday, 11.29.09
1776, Go Fever, The Whole Wide World

8:00 PM @ Rontoms
600 E Burnside, Portland, Oregon 97212
21+

The Fun Police disc release @ Stonegate Pizza & Rock and Roll Bar in Tacoma

The Fun Police celebrate the release of their debut album this Friday the 13th, at Tacoma’s fledgeling (and rockin’ awesome bar) Stonegate Pizza at 54th and South Tacoma Way. Cover is $6, which gets you a copy of the CD (reviewed by Grandma Cat & sample, below).

Quickly cementing themselves as the working mans band in Tacoma, their great blend of folk and rock seeks to make you dance or perhaps just rock back and forth while sampling some beers and enjoying the tunes. Rootsy folk, bluegrass, a slight bit of funk, rock, and some smart comedy and life-experience-thought make this more than an average band – I have caught their great show a few times now (@ Bob’s Java Jive), and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a night out.

Grandma Cat, a local Tacoma rocker, Rock & Roll Historian, and indie music supporter provides a review of the new disc here, or you can click on the “more” link below.

The Upsidedown and Spindrift blow the doors off Tacoma, prepare for Seattle (3/8, The Comet Tavern @ 4:00pm)

Jsun Atoms of The Upsidedown has a smile that charms for miles, and it’s widely visable as he strides into the room to greet me. A handshake and man-hug later, we find ourselves on a cozy couch backstage at the Roseland Lounge. Upstairs, The Rebel Drones are cranking out their trademark sound, and Sleepy Sun is rallying in the next room as they take the stage next.

Seattle & Tacoma Bands Headed to SXSW

Jessica Lurie, Seattle sonicbids.com/JessicaLurie
Champagne Champagne, Seattle sonicbids.com/ChampagneChampagne
Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, Seattle sonicbids.com/NataliePortmansShavedHead
Barcelona, Seattle sonicbids.com/Barcelona
Ian Moore, Seattle sonicbids.com/IanMoore
Don’t Tell Sophie, Tacoma sonicbids.com/donttellsophie

[audio:http://www.nwmusicblog.com/downloads/sophisticated-side-ponytail.mp3]
Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head “Sophisticated Side Ponytail” from Glistening Pleasure (2008)

[audio:http://www.nwmusicblog.com/downloads/30-days.mp3]
Ian Moore “30 Days”

[audio:http://www.nwmusicblog.com/downloads/vonnegut.mp3]
Don’t Tell Sophie “Vonnegut” from Sand to Glass EP

The Upsidedown and Spindrift invade Tacoma @ Bob’s Java Jive

The Upsidedown and Spindrift (Yes, the same Spindrift in Mike Bruce’s Spaghetti Western ‘The Legend of God’s Gun’) will be playing on March 5th in Tacoma, Washington at Bob’s Java Jive. It’s always a great time at the Jive, so come on down and dance the night away to some Rock and Roll. All the cool cats will be there.

The below audio files are linked from the artists site. These are free downloads.

Silver Wind, an .mp3 from The Upsidedown, off thier latest record, ‘Human Destination’ (available on iTunes and eMusic)
Here is a sample .mp3 of Spindrift, off the ‘Legend of God’s Gun Soundtrack’ (available on iTunes and eMusic)