Javelinas make semi finals of Emergenza - we need the TROOPS!!!
From the Kentland Forum:
JAVELINA-MERGENZA
Ok. So... JAVELINAS were voted into the semi-finals of the Chicago sect of the Emergenza music fest!
WTF???
So here's how it all went down since summer '06: Javelinas had NO shows on the books, way, way back when. We were (and always are) hungry to rock the public. We rec'd the standardized email about getting into emergenza, and despite the fact that we had to pay to get in, held a meeting and said: "What the fuck? We want a gig, and contests are fair game". Needless to say, the JAVELINAS calendar has since filled up nicely... par for the course.
OK, now listen. Not that we need to defend our decision to be a part of the Emergenza music fest, but Javelinas dudes have all been in music for years and know we have the goods to fight for rock and roll Deity. We're not naive to the game on any level, from making records to touring to being a slave to the grind. It's all what makes rock and roll what it is. Shit, Uriah Heep did it in the 70's. Getting into this fest was something we talked about as a band, knew of the laterals, and said, fuck it - let's bear the torch!
This is a good thing, and I've got a bottle of Merlot and time on my side to tell my version of what this EMERGENZA experience is like for a veteran rock and roller and his bandmates. For starters, JAVELINAS get a slot at Chicago's Double Door. Thu. May 24, 2007. 9:30PM. Now for those of you not in the "know"... Double Door is pretty much in the top 5 rock and roll venues in the Midwest, if not nationwide. Despite the fact that JAVELINAS have graced the stage of DD several times before (remember the Dick Dale show?), this is special... it's a CONTEST. And we have a MISSION: Bring Javelinas to the WORLD.
The Contest. So we get into this, and from the first gig, find ourselves amongst several bands who either can't get gigs, are just babies in the rock and roll world, or have to pool paper route cash to get the fee to play in CHICAGO. Now, no disrespect to the bands, hey, it's fair game, and if you're 15yrs old or 65 and you have a band and the cash, you're in. But the funny thing is... Lots of bands who think they're "too cool" to get into a viable, honest contest, opt out. That leaves lots of bands that are hungry, new or used, and have that FIRE to look in the mirror and say, "Shit, we're up for a battle of the bands, no matter the skill level or notoriety or faux notoriety of our opponents". After the first show, we were pretty much sold that we wanted to play by the rules, humbly and respectfully, and just be JAVELINAS kicking out a quick rock show.
I gotta give it to EMERGENZA... they take the shit seriously, and are completely on top of their game. Between several phone calls between pre-show meetings to website updates to knowledge of the staff on all levels- Check this out: Shit, The Booking/co-ordinator knew the specs on the rented amplifiers, as well as how to dial up tones for God's sake! They really stay true to their guns on running a 100% no-scam fest/contest. And in doing it for years... you gotta give props. HAIL Emergenza!
Personally, (Spiv) being subject to soooo many scamy rock and roll contests over the years.. I have to say I respect EMGZA. I go to the meetings. I talk face to face w/ the EMGZA reps... I respect them and the respect they have for their jobs. I'm in this thing for the long run. I won't speak for everyone, but I know deep inside, my bandmates are all competitors by heart. When you're a competitor, and in a band, it's like - TENFOLD.
Enough EMERGENZA patriotism, Spiv. Tell us what it costs...
Reverting back a few paragraphs, what started out as a pay to play, possible scam in our minds has now gotten us three levels deep, and theoretically two gigs away from playing in Germany. No naivete here, we won't be on the front page of Rolling Stone for an Emergenza win, but what the hell? It's like a lil' rock and roll lotto ticket; To potentially, without a phone call, kick ass in a foreign land up close and personal, bearing the torch of your own band? JAVELINAS are ready to rock so hard we tear down that wall!!!
Ooh... Um...yeah... The Berlin wall has been down for awhile. Sorry... I gotta stop reading KERRANG and start reading Newsweek.
Come on SPIV...
Anyway.
Being lifetime rock and rollers, no matter what leads up to any gig, we always promote it and respect and treat it as a ROCK SHOW. And for the Emergenza SEMI-FINALS at Double Door, we're doing just the same.
We need your SUPPORT. Emergenza goes by a voting process, and it goes by who is there in the crowd the night of the show.
Here's my sales pitch: You get to see JAVELINAS at Double Door. We'll be RECORDING the LIVE show for possible future pressing. Buy your tix in advance ($12)... Otherwise you're screwed. It's $18 at the door. Here's a High school one liner: "Cheer your JAVELINAS on to the ROAD TO GERMANY!" Er, at least if we make it past this round at Double Door, we'll be doing a show at the extremely sought after METRO for the FINALS.
Help, Support, and ALWAYS spread the love of JAVELINAS.
Shows:
Sat. Apr 21
RED POP FURY
SPIV/TONY (acoustic)
Cullens on Southport
Chgo IL
TUESDAY Apr. 24
JAVELINAS
Duffy's
420 1/2 w. Diversey, Chicago
FRIDAY Apr. 27
JAVELINAS
The VERVE
Terre Haute IN
Rock on!
Spiv
www.kentlandrecords.com
www.myspace.com/blackmaker
www.myspace.com/javelinas
www.myspace.com/simplesimonchicago
www.myspace.com/thefrostingcollaborative
www.myspace.com/thevibetribe
www.myspace.com/redpopfury
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