Trotsky Icepick – photo from the artist’s MySpace page.
It’s time for another afternoon of free music and good cheer at the Redwood bar And Grill courtesy of your friends at the Beat.
Prior to a handful of reunion shows last year, Trotsky Icepick (6pm) haven’t been seen in these parts for about twenty years. Formed by ex-members of the Urinals/ 100 Flowers, Leaving Trains and the Last, Trotsky was an exercise in contrast, fragile music from heavy players. While lightness of touch distinguished this band from its members’ previous efforts, it found a sympathetic home on SST Records at a time when Angst, Alter Natives and Slovenly were taking a wrench to their jangly guitars. We don’t know how long they’re planing to stick around in the ‘teens, so don’t miss this set.
Regular Beat-goers will remember Lawndale (5pm) from our editor’s birthday show a few months back, where they had the Redwood hopping with their amped up instrumentals. Fellow veterans of the SST community’s less abrasive contingent, they made a big impression on me back in ’87 when I played them regularly on college radio. They added complexity to feel-good Duane Eddy riffs and produced two of the label’s most distinctive works. After a couple decades of on-again, off-again activity – mostly off – they seem to be back for the long haul, having played a series of great sets in the last two years, mostly at drummer Dave Childs’ fine westside cocktail destination Liquid Kitty. We’re proud to welcome them back.
Kicking off the proceedings at 4pm will be Jon Wahl & The Amadans, featuring two ex-Claw Hammers (including this writer) and recently added bass player Bill Tutton of Geraldine Fibbers, Glue and Green Jello infamy.
Please note that the Chuck Dukowski Sextet – who had hoped to be here & appear in some of the listings submitted weeks ago – will not be playing this one. We hope to have them back in a few months.
We hope to see you all there! As always, LA Beat Presents shows are free and all ages are welcome.
The Los Angeles Beat presents at the Redwood Bar & Grill, 316 W 2nd Street, Downtown LA, on Sunday July 29 from 3pm – 7pm. Free admission, all ages welcome.
