@KUPDRadio @TheBlaze971
Arizona Battle of the Bands 2024: A Musical Showdown for the
Ages
Well, folks, this year’s Arizona Battle of the Bands was a
spectacle that could rival the rowdiest saloon brawl or the grandest rodeo in
these parts. From January’s first notes to the thunderin’ finale on 12/21/24 at
the Blooze Bar, bands from every corner of Arizona saddled up and brought their
best, provin’ they were finer than sippin’ aged whiskey by a campfire… with the
stars shinin’ and a coyote’s song in the air.
The Blooze Bar, buzzin’ like a beehive in springtime, played
host to this wild ride of talent. Penny Freeman, alongside her steadfast
husband Trevor, worked tirelessly to corral this year-long hootenanny into
somethin’ unforgettable. Travis lent a hand at the start, but with his plate
full, he had to mosey on, leavin’ Penny to marshal the event to its triumphant
conclusion.
Now, onto the big winners of this showdown!
First Place: Rat Trap (Tucson)
Rat Trap stomped onto the stage with a performance that hit
harder than a mule’s kick in a canyon echo, leavin’ folks reelin’ and hollerin’
for more. Their raw energy and undeniable talent earned ’em the top spot fair
and square.
Second Place: The Toques (Prescott Valley)
The Toques spun harmonies smoother than fresh butter on a
hot biscuit, with melodies that wrapped around the crowd like a warm piece of
Grandma’s fresh-baked bread. Their charm and skill shone brighter than a desert
sunrise, settin’ ’em apart from the pack.
Third Place Tie: 1134 (Phoenix) and Curfew (Tucson)
Both bands stormed the stage with the kind of fire that
could wake the dead and charm a rattlesnake. Whether it was Curfew’s gritty
sound or 1134’s electrifyin’ energy, these bands proved they were forces to be
reckoned with.
Tip of the Hat to the Judges
This year, the judges’ posse was as sharp as a cactus needle
and as steady as a well-trained horse. A special shout-out goes to Del Zachary
Green and Morgan Saoirse, who judged near every event with the kind of
dedication that makes you tip your hat in respect. Joining the roundup were a
slew of talented ears, includin’ Blake Miller, Lucas Fulmer, Hecktor Camacho,
Mark DiCicco, Ikky Stane, Ethan Foxx, Zack O’Meara, George Harlan, Corey, and
of course, Trevor Freeman himself. And let’s not forget Reverend Black Jack
McBride of 2 IN THE CHEST, who lent his discerning eye to three of the events.
Arizona’s Musical Legacy
Throughout this journey, bands came from the north, south,
east, and west of Arizona to throw their hats in the ring. Their melodies were
smoother than fresh butter on a hot biscuit, their harmonies sweeter than honey
on a warm piece of cornbread. They brung their hearts, their grit, and their
talents to the stage, provin’ that Arizona’s music scene is wilder than a dust
devil on a summer afternoon and twice as unforgettable.
Here’s to the bands, the judges, and the fans who made this
event finer than ridin’ a good horse on a clear night with the stars blazin’
above. We’ll see y’all next year for another round of Arizona’s best!
Bryon Mogul
BLOOZE BAR Review
12/02/2023
Last night, The Art Of Metal at The Blooze was a parade
of expert artists, band after band! The Last House Band, whom I had not heard of outside of good
references, absolutely killed it with their renditions of hits from the 70's an
80's mixed with originals. They jumped on stage 20 minutes early because the
room was already filling up, and played an extra-long set and every song was
dope. No kidding, I didn't realize the band had Francis Leon and Mark from Lawless Rocks
along with John the drummer. That singer-guitar combo defines excellence and
support for our music scene. These guys helped open the 44 before a stage
existed, played several of our quasi-quarantine era shows, participated in jams
and always delivered the goods. Their rhythm section was just as skilled, and
you'll see them again on my shows. Their library is infinite, they came first and
stayed till the end. And now the words out, you can expect to hear a lot more
about them. I'm so grateful to you guys.
Our headliner, Dawn Of The Rising, are some of the best friends I have in the music scene. They are
Frankenshred
should be in an arena, they're so top-shelf. I already expected a 40-minute
clinic on perfect metal guitar techniques and songs that you'd never expect to
hear done well done better than the original. And I'm serious. But then, Hunter Storm came up,
and some of us knew this was going to be off the scale! Coming on to the event
to replace a last-minute cancellation, I can't really remember a more powerful
performance. I mean Dio, and Sabbath, and a cascade of great anthems that had
fans hugging the stage. Johnny
Frankenshred II, Hunter
Storm, Rob Erwin,
and Tom Higgins.
Ankh-Alien
performed our Videodyssey show, with my all-original, heavy Neo-Classical
accompaniment to sci-fi and cult movies. Daniel Bueschel nailed
everything we did, with only a few hours of preparation. And I'm the kind of
player who does their best work when experts are present. I haven't checked the
livestream, but I
think it was a pretty good night. And every song was met with resounding
applause. It was sad to perform without Emily Rachel Calvis, who is sick and unable to sing. Our best
vibes and hopes for her speedy recovery.
It's a testament to our metal scene when four headliner
bands like this play a bill. And this was to help out The Blooze Bar, who had
a show cancel. It's my privilege and duty to step up when things like this
happen, and an honor to have these artists by my side to help.
The fans. It wasn't who was there, it was WHO was there. Jack McBride from 2 IN THE
CHEST, Amen Torso
from TORSO, Kenny
James, James
Beauchamp, Mike
Smith from The YETI RADIO, John Roland, Angela Black (who brought us The Last House Band), Melee Bee, and many
more of the highly supportive people who are the strongest base of our music
community.
No regrets for the 120 who people didn't miss this show.
Under the circumstances of little time to promote, competition from other
clubs, and pages of Christmas parties, we all did great. Jennifer Wharton made
street tacos, and we ate it all.
Make sure you don't arrive late to this extraordinary night
of music, where the visuals and sounds will transport you to otherworldly
realms. The event takes place at 43 W. 6th Ave, Mesa, AZ. The show begins at 6
PM and concludes at 11:55 PM. Be there to witness a night of musical and visual
magic that will leave you spellbound.
In addition to the fantastic performances by SHOWMEGOD, 2 INTHE CHEST, and ANKH ALIEN, prepare to be enthralled by two more incredible
bands that will take the stage at CREEPSVILLE in Mesa, Arizona on October 28th.
SHOWMEGOD, 2 IN THE CHEST, ADDICT3D and ANKH ALIEN, will create a HALLOWEEN event that is nothing short of extraordinary. Be
at 43 W. 6th Ave, Mesa, AZ, as the show kicks off at 6 PM and wraps up at 11:55
PM, promising an unforgettable night of musical magic and intense,
spine-tingling performances.
The Rock 'N Horror Film and Music Fest, Visit Event Page which is being held on Friday, October 13th in the historic western town of Prescott, Arizona, will be a unique combination of movies and music all in the horror genre. The film being featured is "Near Dark", a vampire movie directed by Kathryn Bigelow, entirely shot in Arizona. The live music begins after the screening. There will be special guest appearances, meet and greets, bar service, concessions and much more. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Eric Marsh Foundation for Wildland Firefighters. Visit Event Website
🎸🤘 Get Ready to Rock with The Reverend
Black Jack McBride and The Dust Bowl Metal Show! 🤘🎸
Hey there,
all you metalheads, headbangers, and lovers of the heaviest tunes out there!
We've got some electrifying news that's going to make your speakers tremble and
your hearts pound with excitement. The one and only Reverend Black Jack McBride
is BACK, and he's ready to take The Dust Bowl Metal Show to the stratosphere!
For those of
you who haven't had the pleasure of tuning in before, let us introduce you to
the legendary DJ himself – Reverend Black Jack McBride. He's been a force in
the radio show scene for years, and while he's taken a little hiatus, his
passion for promoting unsigned talent has never wavered. That's right, folks –
he's dusting off his microphone and cranking up the volume once more!
🎙️🤘 Bringing You the Best in Underground
Metal 🤘🎙️
Reverend
Black Jack is on a mission to unearth the hidden gems of the metal world, and
he wants YOU to be a part of it! Bands, listen up – he's opening his studio
doors wide for music and interviews, so get ready to share your passion, your
sound, and your story with the world.
But this
show isn't just about the music; it's about the community, the spirit, and the
unbreakable bond that is metal. The Dust Bowl Metal Show has always been, and
will always be, FREE for bands to feature on. That's right – no barriers, no
paywalls, just pure, unadulterated metal goodness for all to enjoy.
🤘🚀 Let's Take This Show to the Next Level! 🚀🤘
Reverend
Black Jack McBride isn't stopping at just music and interviews. His band, 2 in
the Chest, is gearing up for some EPIC performances in the coming months, and
they're on the hunt for like-minded bands to join them on stage. So, if you've
got the passion, the energy, and the talent, this could be your big break!
But that's
not all – to make The Dust Bowl Metal Show even more colossal than before,
we're reaching out to sponsors who share our love for heavy riffs and
skull-shattering drum beats. Together, we can elevate this show to new heights
and make sure that the world hears the incredible music you've been crafting in
the shadows.
💥🤟 Join the Metal Movement! 🤟💥
So, bands,
sponsors, and metalheads of all stripes, this is your call to action! The
Reverend Black Jack McBride and The Dust Bowl Metal Show are ready to ROCK, and
we want YOU to be part of the chaos. Let's create a community that thrives on
pure, unfiltered metal – a community that supports, inspires, and ROCKS!
Stay tuned,
keep those horns held high, and let's make some METAL MAGIC together! 🤘🤘🤘
REVEREND BJ MCBRIDE
January 22nd 2023
Reigniting the DUST BOWL METAL SHOW flame.
After a prolonged absence, I am excited to announce my
return to the Arizona metal scene. Despite the challenges of life changes and
navigating the current climate, my love for this community remains steadfast.
The continued support I receive from the scene is truly inspiring and has
reignited my passion for the DUST BOWL METAL SHOW.
As a national truck driver, my career often keeps me away
from my beloved scene. But rest assured, whenever I am in town, I am front and
center at local shows, supporting the talented musicians and bands that make
this scene so special.
In addition to my support for the scene, I have been busy
working with my own band, 2 IN THE CHEST. We have been putting in countless
hours to create an even more impressive audio and visual performance for our
fans. And our upcoming release party for our brand new record, “HEROES BLOOD”,
promises to be a truly captivating event. The party will be held on March 18th
at the 44 sports grill and night life at 44th avenue and Peoria in Glendale
Arizona.
Tickets are now on sale at the 2 IN THE CHEST website, as
well as at the 44, ADDICT3D and BRYON MOGUL. These custom-designed
commemorative tickets are sure to be a collector's item, so don't miss out!
In addition to my plans for the DUST BOWL METAL SHOW, I am
also working to bring back the Dust Bowl Metal Show fest once a year. So be
sure to keep an eye out for updates on that as well. If you're in a local
Arizona rock, hard rock, punk or metal band, don't hesitate to send me your
tracks. When I do fire up the show again, it will be broadcasting worldwide.
Keep coming back for more updates, and I can't wait to see you at the CD
release party on March 18th.
![]() |
Left to right: Noel O'Shaughnessy, Bibe Boanna Darby, Mary Ella O Sullivan, Velvet De Blonko, Reverend Black Jack McBride, Brewster Scolfield Hutchinson, Jameson Jack Coburn |