Bootie LA at The Echoplex

Petty Cash at The Viper Room

December 5, 2009

By Victoria Joyce
(SugarBuzz Hollywood)

SugarBuzz Magazine

The Holiday Season is off and running in So Cal. Of course, we are talking about the celebrations of Jim Morrison (Dec 8), Keith Richards (Dec 18), Beethoven (Dec 17) and wrapping it up in January with the King and the Thin White Duke (both on Jan 8). And, oh yeah, there's Jesus (Dec 25) for the non-rockers of the world. Bah, humbug!

The monthly club from San Fran that we love, Bootie (brainchild of Adrian and the Mysterious D, DJ's to the World) brings the smashing mash up club to Echo Park, east of Hollywood for the annual Bootie Xmas Show. This is the happiest and most happening music we know and a holiday must. Example: "Get It On My Mind," Marvin Gaye vs. The Pixies by DJ Zebra. Can you stand it? How about "Never Gonna Kill Time," The Killers vs. Culture Club vs. Rick Astley by Hi Brid from London? Deck those halls.

In search of global domination, in 2009, A&D have added Brisbane, Australia to the cities with a Bootie. Completing the list of San Fran, NY, LA, Boston, Munich, Berlin and Paris. Can Tierra Del Fuego be far behind?

This nightclub of musical smash-terpieces is just too much fun with a list of underground star DJ's traveling from near and far. Our fave is still Hollywood's own DJ Paul V, resident DJ, handsome devil and genius. Check out his stuff.

Not played on the radio, the underground mashup scene (fully avail for downloads on line) brings together music of all genres and decades. People too. The crowd at the Echoplex is all over the place with Santa hats to boot. It's like an old fashioned movie to see such a divergent crowd shaking and baking it. Drag queens, gang bangers, shoe gazers, goths, geeks, freaks, punks and popsters. Fear not.

Off to the Strip to check out Petty Cash at The Viper Room. We got the word from The Queen, Dayle Gloria (who was spinning that night) this was an excellent band and up for a regular showcase. Cover bands gotta have a gimmick. I mean, who doesn't smile at the thought of Mini Kiss? And the five guys in Petty Cash have hit gold.

It's a chilly night and the midnight crowd at the Viper is loose and lovin it. The Petty Cashiers are musician's musicians and having nothing but fun (and Pabst Blue Ribbon) with the songs of Johnny Cash and Tom Petty. With the spirit of an open jam session, leader Todd Morse is big with the between-song banter. "I want to give a shout out to some very special guests here tonight, THE BAND PETTY CASH!! Let's hear it for em!!!"

Other dudes are Kemble Walters and Jason Womackon guitars, Emilio Cuetoon bass and Ed Davis on the drums. Beatle-cute and sharp dressed they put on a show that is a treat without tricks.

Petty Cash is reminiscent of the early days of Metal Shop who started out at the Viper years ago before several name and management changes. They are still the biggest draw but not as funny and strictly for the tourist trade. Now called Steel Panther, the metal cabaret act has moved their Monday nights over to the Roxy. And why, you ask? Cuz the Key Club (once the site of Gazarri’s) is closed and the Strip is down one stage.

Local boosters and entrepreneurs like Nic Adler and Dayle Gloria are fighting the good fight to keep a lively and vibrant music scene creative and customer-friendly. In the month of December lovable rockers, Camp Freddy is doing a residency at Nic’s Roxy on Fridays. We are so there.

We can only ask Santa to give us the more Petty Cash at the Viper Room. Support your local rock band is more than a bumper sticker.

www.bootiela.com

www.myspace.com/djpaulv_la

www.myspace.com/pettycashparty

theroxyonsunset.com/

www.viperroom.com

SugarBuzz Magazine