Manic Monday

The movable holiday; cool indie pop-rock shows early this week

I got just enough green this St. Paddy’s Day weekend but didn’t overdo it so I’m not feeling green-around-the-gills this morning.

On official duty as Surge ambassador I took my assistant (my five-year-old daughter) and headed to the 4^th annual Irish Fest at Valor Park at the Market Common on Saturday afternoon.

Didn't see her at Irish Fest, but wish I did...

It was quite packed while we were there, which was roughly 2-5 p.m.

I had two brews while my daughter and I roamed the grounds handing out Surge pens, coozies and keychains. I had the familiar locally-brewed New South White Ale and before that I had the unfamiliar Highland Brewing Co. Gaelic Ale – both strong enough to give me a bit of a buzz in the bright and sunny afternoon atmosphere so I made sure I gobbled up some kettle corn and chased it with a bottle of water and most of my daughter’s lemonade that she left behind while enjoying the inflatable jump-y rides/activities set up for the kiddos.

In previous years, I’ve done my official duty at Irish Fest because Surge has been a sponsor of the event, then headed out to catch the headliner at the competing head-to-head Ocean Blvd. shindig later that night – such as last year’s headlining performance by Rusted Root, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

But this year’s headliner, Passafire, wasn’t enough to light a fire in me. I’m not a big fan of reggae-rock; I like reggae and I like rock, but not so much mixed together.

Anyhow, come Sunday and another beautiful afternoon – actually St. Patrick’s Day – I was wishing there was a St. Patrick’s Day festival to go to, but the area’s three biggies – Irish Fest, the parade and festival on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, and the Downtown Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Ocean Blvd. – were all held on Saturday.

I understand why these events utilized Saturday for their festivities with St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Sunday and from all accounts they all drew tremendous crowds, but it makes me think of a guy I overheard at Nalu’s Beach Bar in Garden City Beach on Friday night who was complaining that St. Paddy’s Day celebrations should be held on, well, you know, St. Paddy’s Day.  I agree.

I hate it every year when I start getting the inevitable phone calls asking when trick-or-treating is going to be. My answer is: trick-or-treating is on Halloween. Invest in a calendar.

Are we going to start moving Christmas around if we don’t like the day it falls on – if it’s not convenient? Can we move New Year’s Eve, too, while we’re at it? Can I arbitrarily decide when my birthday is?

And speaking of days of the week, when Thursday rolls around and the new edition of Surge hits the streets, we’ve got an in-depth look at college spring breakers spending their vacations by doing more than keg-stands and wet T-shirt contests; there’s also new editions of our Ridin’ with Big E, Beerman, Music Notes and Gut Reaction columns, and all the rest of our usual bells and whistles.

And if you’re anxious and can’t wait until Thursday, check our Website – www.weeklysurge.com – for continual updates, such as Big E’s column which has already been posted this morning, along with a new batch of News of the Weird.

And make sure you check our Party Pix this week as we had our shutterbugs out snapping at the Irish Fest and Ocean Blvd. event.

I’m going to wrap this up quickly because there are a couple of notable rock ‘n’ roll shows to let you know about that are on the docket tonight and Tuesday – and well worth your while if you just want to keep that St. Paddy’s Day weekend rolling (since it doesn’t really matter what day you actually celebrate it on).

TONIGHT

 King of Prussia, a self-described psychedelic indie folk pop band with ties to the Grand Strand brings its 21-date tour in support of new double disc “Zonian Girls & Summer Spooks” tonight at Rockin’ Hard Saloon.

If you want to sample what this quintet is all about, here’s an MP3 link to the original track “Actuary”: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=79fcfbebfa&view=audio&msgs=13d38ea61e6ff6ad&attid=0.2&zw

The show starts at 10 tonight - couldn't find any info on whether or not there is a cover charge, but I'll update with that info when I get it.

Rockin’ Hard Saloon is at 3552 Business U.S. 17 South, Murrells Inlet. Call 651-9940.

 

TUESDAY

 Underground legendary Chapel Hill, N.C. Brit-pop-influenced, shoe-gazers The Veldt, unusual for its predominantly black membership including twin brothers – has been bitten by the reunion bug and will play a gig Tuesday night at Island Bar and Grill near Surfside Beach.

Afropunk.com described The Veldt’s sound as “a three way tug of war between Prince, Echo and the Bunnymen and Jimi Hendrix.”

To judge for yourself, go to: http://www.reverbnation.com/theveldtrocks.

Also on the bill is local guitarist/studio whiz Brian McKenzie’s experimental electronic project Electric Bird Noise, and Brooklyn-based electronic-indie-rock outfit Silas Fermoy.

Show time is 10 p.m. Saturday.

There is no cover charge.

Island Bar and Grill is at 2272 Glenns Bay Road, Surfside Beach. Call 650-3157 or visit www.islandbarandgrill.com.

 

 

Rockin' The D, Pickin' the Pontiff

Heading to Saturday’s Tenacious D show at the House of Blues, I remarked to my buddy Dave that I wasn’t very familiar with the Jack Black-Kyle Gass mock rock project’s material outside of “Tribute,” “Kickapoo” and a “Tommy” medley from the band’s recent tours that I stumbled upon on YouTube. I never saw their HBO show and I haven’t seen their feature film, “The Pick of Destiny.”

Alas, there was no Tommy medley (but a short Beatles mash-up) – as this was not the full rock-band version of The D, but a stripped down affair with simply Gass and Black (yes, THAT Jack Black, the comedic actor) and acoustic guitars.

So, two fat guys with acoustic guitars can fill the beach’s most-prominent concert venue? That somehow boosts my self-esteem.

Black has gone in and out of being in shape depending upon his movie roles, but he looked like maybe he’d been on a doughnut bender again, and Gass, well, he looks like he doesn’t give a fuck and just rolled out of bed and put on some sweat pants and a dirty T-shirt. More power to him.

I must admit that I’m not a big fan of the unplugged format in a big concert hall setting – acoustic sets within a show are OK – and intimate acoustic shows at small listener-friendly settings are enjoyable if the audiences are respectful.

I just like to rock out when I’m going to a concert – that’s what I enjoy - a full ensemble interplay, and I like to watch what the musicians are playing to see if I can steal any licks.

That being said, Tenacious D as an acoustic duo is as energetic and entertaining as any plugged-in rock act. That’s because Black is a manic-motormouth and Gass a furious strumming machine and they kept the action flowing, with not much of a lull, beginning with the show-opening "Rize of the Fenix," the title track of their latest album.

I know it was staged and part of their shtick, but I did enjoy when Gass got mad at Black and left the stage, leaving him to perform “Dude (I Totally Miss You”) from 2006's “The Pick of Destiny” soundtrack, at the end of which Gass came back on stage and finished out the song – and the two embraced and made-up under the spotlights.

There was also a hilarious bit where Black played what looked like an electronic toy saxophone and Gass busted out some comical faux hip-hop dance moves, which got the crowd going.

We got there early and there was a short line to get in, but we headed over to The Gator Bar in the HOB restaurant to meet up with Surge music writer Paul Grimshaw. We came back outside after spending some time at the bar, and decided to go back to the bar as the line mushroomed - we waited until it got close to the announced show time and the line had dwindled and was moving briskly.

With the steep-for-this-market ticket prices of $50, $90 and $100 I wasn’t sure what the size of the crowd for this gig was going to be, despite Black’s star appeal and Tenacious D’s cult following.

Here’s a comment from reader Rick Wainwright posted on our Web site that sums it up nicely: “I love Tenacious D, but I am not going to pay $50 to stand up at HOB to see them.  I can see a real band for that price and have an assigned seat.”

Full disclosure, I got into the show on a media pass, a practice I only partake in if I’m going to be writing about said event (which I am right now), so I’m not sure if I would have forked over $50 for this show, although I would have hated to miss it – it was most certainly the place to be Saturday night along the Grand Strand.

But I had no special privliges, no opera box accesss, etc. – I pushed and shoved with the masses trying to get a better view – a constant battle for someone who is 5-foot-7 – but it seems there were several of us short guys in the spot where I chose to congregate, and we commiserated. Me and another vertically-challenged fellah decided we were going to start a business selling little step-stools outside of the venue and we could target the other short guys. I’m sure the venue would like that, an army of short guys bringing their own step-stools.

 All in all, Tenacious D accomplished its mission of rocking the Myrtle Beach market, and they seemed duly impressed by the enthusiasm of the audience, perhaps not knowing what to expect since – according to our cover story last week – neither dude had ever set foot on our sandy shores.

I know I’m going to sound all curmudgeony, and I knew I was going to see this since Black has starred in a few kid-friendly flicks including “School of Rock” and a cameo in “The Muppets,” – even my five-year-old knows who he is – but sure enough, there were children at this R-rated show.

Yep, one such individual carried his kiddo on his shoulders sporting a Tenacious D T-shirt up the steps in front of me, a mere minutes after the band performed the fan-favorite “Fuck Her Gently.”

Oh, well…

Moving right along, we’re in the second week of working out the kinks on our new Web site, and feeding the machine because content is updated constantly on the site, so make sure you check back early and often at www.weeklysurge.com – we’ve added entertainment-related wire stories from around the nation, so there’s now a mix of our local-centric original stuff with national lifestyle trends and breaking news.

In addition, we’ve got a stellar lineup hitting our print edition this week, and before that for you e-heads out there who like to check our site before the physical copies are in racks. Our resident libations expert, Colin “The Beerman” Burch has gone on a quest to assemble the perfect Irish brew 12-pack that you can find right here on the Grand Strand as you gear up for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities (it’s Sunday, in case you didn’t know but several parties are set for the entire weekend); and we’ve also got new editions of A Gay in the Life, Living Green, Working for a Living and An Open & Shut Case (which will include info on some local St. Paddy’s Day meal deals).

Oh yes, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Surge’s latest online contest. You don’t have to wait until the NCAA basketball pairings come out to test your bracketology. We’ve got our own twist on March Madness, as you can enter our Pick-the-Pope contest – the Road to St. Peter’s – by following this link: http://myrtlebeachonline.upickem.net/upickem/registration/login.asp?contestid=85906.

Not participating would be a cardinal sin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bowled over in Little River; Hard Rock Battle of Bands up next

My standard response whenever someone asks me about bowling or how my golf game is: If I could reverse my bowling and golf scores, then I might be in business.

Yet, the last time I went bowling, it was at Inlet Square Mall for a friend of the family’s kiddo birthday party, and I was on fire.

Bowling the best frames of my life, racking up strikes and spares…we had to leave early because my infant son had reached his breaking point, was flipping out, and we had to make a quick exit. Damn it!

Disclaimer: I was not responsible for copyediting the signs - that's at least one too many exclamation points.

Fast forward to Saturday’s Striking out Cancer Bowling Tournament at Little River Lanes – an event organized by the Stooge Sisters, the wives and girlfriends of local classic rock outfit the Sick Stooges, which includes Surge contributor Roger Yale.

Alas, the bowling gods did not shine on me on Saturday – I had a great time on a rainy Saturday afternoon with my teammates, but completely stunk it up on the lanes.

I absolutely never found my groove – and you can laugh all you like (my teammates sure did), but I never found my release point. I never got that confidence going – and after the second pitcher of Yuengling, I guess I stopped caring – but even that didn’t help.

But enough about me and my pathetic bowling performance…

We were there to raise money for cancer awareness, most specifically for Relay for Life, a matter that became all the more poignant when cancer survivor Scott Mann, of local classic rock station WAVE 104.1, took to the bowling center’s microphone and got the ball rolling. Check out a quick video excerpt of his remarks here: www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200197920203466.

For more about Mann’s battle with cancer, check out this Surge cover story from 2010: www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2010/08/05/1619847/working-manns-deadhead-local-deejays.html.

I do have to set the record straight regarding Mann’s remarks, where he thanked me and Surge for being a title sponsor of the event. I had nothing to do with the sponsorship and that credit should go to my colleague Diana Zipko, our marketing and promotions manager. I did, however, try to spread the word the best I could via social media, and in our On the Fly report in print, online and on WBTW.

The real, nitty gritty work was done by the Stooge Sisters – and I was impressed by how well-organized it was – you really never know what you’re going to get when you agree to participate in a benefit, especially a first-time event.

Anyhow according to Stooge Sister Tonya Auerbach, the overall winner of the bowling tournament was Bloomingail's Consignment of Calabash, N.C.,  with a combined team score of 1715 – that’s an aggregate score from three, four-person games.

Oh well, maybe next year, Team Surge.

And most importantly, the event cleared $2,400 (after expenses), according to Auerbach.

I’m betting the snack bar and lounge did pretty well, too.

ROLLING ALONG 

I have to post this blog quickly because many fish are frying on my work-related burner, but need to throw out a couple of things to keep the masses sated until another fresh batch of Surge content hits the Interwebs starting today and print destinations (on Thursday).

And speaking of fresh content, this week we’re taking a look at the new unreal reality series set in Durty Myrtle, “Welcome to Myrtle Manor,” and we’ve got new A Gay in the Life and Working 4 a Living columns, along with the best best-bets feature on the beach, yours truly’s On the Fly, and fresh helpings of Becky Billinglsey’s An Open & Shut Case, a new Hot Pour bartender profile and another Happy Hour Heaven exploration.

As for the beginning of this arduous work week (aren’t they all?), here’s a little something to chew on to stay sane.

TODAY

Dining out is entertainment, isn’t it? Hell, with more than 2,000 places along the Grand Strand to grab a bite, it might even be considered a sport. It is my civic duty to remind you that as minutes are ticking off the calendar, this evening is the last Monday that you can take advantage of 2-for-1 dinner entrees at Liberty Steakhouse and Brewery. The deal starts at 4 p.m. today (and also at 4 p.m. Wednesday), so this is your last chance, as the deals expire when February does. Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery is at 1321 Celebrity Circle, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach. Call 626-HOPS or go to www.libertysteakhouseandbrewery.com.

 

WEDNESDAY

I have been rounded up to judge the Hard Rock Rock Rising Battle of the Bands at Hard Rock Cafe again - my slot in the ivory tower perch is not until Friday, but the competition begins Wednesday.

What was a month-long, kind of drawn-out battle the last time I judged it has been condensed somewhat so that much of the action is taking place this week.

It all kicks off Wednesday as Dreamkiller from the Greensboro, N.C. area, local reggae rockers Below the Bassline from Pawleys Island, and Kid Cool from the Charleston area duke it out. The competition starts at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Then at 8 p.m. Thursday, the second round will feature Pawleys Island's Paperwork, Fallen Child from Florence, and Swain, which includes members from Myrtle Beach and the Fayetteville, N.C. area.

On Friday, when I'm up there being all judgmental, we'll get to see who has the best chops amongst Aunt Polly's Revenge from the Leland/Tabor City, N.C. area, Space Truckers from the Asheville, N.C. area Carl Cordova from the Fayetteville, N.C. area

The winners of each round will square off in the local finals on March 7. The ultimate prize includes $10,000 in new equipment and a slot performing at the Hard Rock Calling 2013 festival in London.

Hard Rock Cafe is at 1322 Celebrity Circle, Celbrity Square, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach. Call 946-0007 or go to www.hardrock.com.

 

A little heart-to-heart; Pitchers of Lily, Rising from the ashes...

Back in the day, I immensely enjoyed painting – you know, when the supplies, instruction and studio space were provided by school.

We dabbled in procuring some painting supplies a few years ago, and my wife actually completed her canvas, whereas mine remains an unfinished masterpiece gathering dust in our storage facility.

And since Surge’s Oct. 18 cover story about the emergence of paint-and-sip (adult beverages) art studios along the Grand Strand, I’ve been trying to arrange a date night with my wife to go get our inner Picassos (and Paul Massons ) on at Paint & Unwined in Murrells Inlet.

The opportunity presented itself last week with that fabricated Hallmark Holiday that everyone foams at the mouth over.

I secured a babysitter first, and began my search for a Valentine’s Day date option – I really didn’t want to do dinner, but was leaning in that direction until I found that Paint & Unwined was hosting a couples night session on Friday (Feb. 15) - a day after V-Day, but no biggie.

So I registered online and tried to keep it a secret from my wife, but when I started telling her what she needed to wear (I was advised not to don long sleeves), I could sense that she really wanted to know what was going down, so I caved and told her Friday afternoon.

It was a mad dash to get home from work, get things squared away for the little ones, instruct the baby sitter, pack some snacks (Paint & Unwined serves wine and beer but not munchies), allow the wife time to primp, and race off to our painting adventure which started at 6:30 p.m., although you’re supposed to get there early to set up your station.

Full disclosure here – I know the owners of Paint & Unwined, but that’s not why we did a cover story featuring the business back in October, it’s because the business model is a national trend that’s trickled down to our lovely seaside hamlet, as evidenced by other similar ventures opening in the Myrtle Beach area, including Wine and Design on the north end. I expressed this concern to my boss back when I first formulated the paint-and-sip cover story idea, and she said, "you can't help that you know people."

That relationship did, however, play into choosing to patronize Paint & Unwined for our Valentine’s Day celebration as we try to support locally-based entrepreneurs when we can – and I knew it would be a comfortable environment for my wife and me.

Friday afternoon, Paint & Unwined co-owner Chris Broome texted me and asked if I had any old sheet music I could bring for the night’s project. I quickly rummaged around our piano bench, which belonged to my wife’s paternal grandmother, and couldn’t find anything, then a light bulb went off. I went to the garage in search of a box of books that used to belong to my paternal grandmother, who was a part-time piano teacher. And bingo, I unearthed a stack of sheet music, some of it so old and weathered, the pages broke off to the touch.

I am so glad that he asked me to bring this stuff,  because it lent a really cool depth and meaning to our work as we used it as background for our painting ala decoupage.

The project for the night involved each couple painting one-half of an angel-winged heart laid on top of the decoupage background, which we Jackson Pollacked (I made up a verb)– and when you put them together, they make one piece. Awww, ain’t that sweet?

Here’s what our finished product looks like:

 

 The hour-and-a-half instruction time flew by – in fact, we were done at a little past 8 p.m. so we headed over to one of our old haunts from the days of yore – the bar at TGI Friday’s outside Inlet Square Mall– where my wife had her favorite house margarita and I had some sort of new craft beer with a number in it - sorry, I tried quickly to look it up but couldn't find anything. (I'll update when I get it, because this was pretty good stuff).

I was pretty sure my wife revelled in the social painting experience because she is quite crafty – and it really did bring us closer together to create something in unison because we had been squabbling a bit prior to the date and even as we got there – and it was confirmed that she did enjoy it on Sunday as she thanked me again and suggested that we gather some friends and book another session sometime soon.

Valentine’s Day does serve a purpose after all, all you haters!

And with one holiday down and another one up today – it’s Presidents Day for all you Constitutional scholars out there – here are a few things to chomp on during the early work week to keep you sated before the next issue of Surge rolls out.

TONIGHT

In the last Beerman column, our scribe Colin Burch told you about a special batch of grog whipped up by local brewery New South, Lily the Great, and tonight the brew will get its official tapping at Mellow Mushroom.

 

Here’s the back story, according to Beerman: "With the first birthday of a little girl named Lily, yet another lady is considered worthy of an imperial stout. At least in the eyes of New South Brewing Co.’s head brewer, Brock Kurtzman. Kurtzman’s beloved daughter inspired the name for Lily the Great, the Myrtle Beach brewery’s first foray into high-gravity beers. Imperial stout is Kurtzman’s favorite beer style, and Lily the Great is a potent one, hitting 11.3 percent. Lily the Great was the product of a noteable collaboration between homebrewers and New South. The beer began as a homebrew recipe by Piggly Wiggly's Mike Byrd and John “Jilly” Garner of Myrtle Beach Craft Beer. The home-brewed version was called Graves of Valor, and apparently it had developed a following among fellow homebrewers."

Mellow Mushroom is at 1571 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach.

Proud papa Kurtzman says the shindig will be from 5-7 tonight, and there's a rumor Beerman will be there, too, if you're looking for autographs.

TUESDAY

And like a phoenix, she rose from the ashes...

Who can forget the Mardi Gras fire last year that destroyed Marsh Walk staple Dead Dog Saloon, and how quickly the waterfront hot spot was built back and up and running again?

Well, Dead Dog is thanking its loyal customer base by throwing a "One Year Past the Ashes" party on Tuesday, featuring extended happy hour and a performance by retro soul/funk/R&B outfit Tru Sol, which is expected to take the stage at 8 p.m.

Dead Dog Saloon is at 4079 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet. Call 651-0664.

 

 

I, God what a weekend...

On Friday night I decided to check out the I,God reunion gig billed as the band’s final show, but I was worried the Hot Fish Club was going to be more like the Frozen Cod Packing Company, as it is a gazebo bar, after all, and temps were set to dip into the 20s.
So I bundled up as I rarely do - toboggan, scarf, undershirt, shirt, sweater, leather jacket and wool socks. Sounds more like an L.L. Bean catalog shoot than a night on the town in usually balmy Murrells Inlet.

This icy blue backdrop seemed to match Friday night's frigid temperatures.

Turns out I was a bit overdressed as various heaters kept the plastic-enclosed Gazebo bar plenty warm - as did the the hum of human activity - so I roamed the grounds a few times, getting some fresh air, and checking out the fire pit, and making a few pit-stops at the unbelievably cramped men’s room as well.
There were two notable reunion shows on the Grand Strand during the weekend - and I had to decide on which one to attend - going to both was pretty much out of the question.
I vacillated all week whether I wanted to go check out another reunion by The Drag, the notorious Brit Pop-influenced Myrtle Beach band which had a taste of national fame with its 1996 album “Satellites Beaming Back at You” released by Island Records, or the much-less heralded, harder rocking I,God, dare I say math rock outfit. I pretty much figured I couldn’t go to both shows on back-to-back nights as finances and staying out until the wee hours wouldn’t allow it.
So geography, proximity, the fact that I prefer to go out on Friday nights and because I was able to rope my good buddy Matt into the proceedings, I chose I,God...but was also sitting at home Saturday night scanning the various Facebook posts about The Drag gig at Pirate's Cove in North Myrtle Beach and wishing I was there, too.
Meanwhile, there were plenty of familiar faces at the Hot Fish Club, and I got a chance to schmooze while The Mayor (AKA Brian McKenzie) spun a variety of tracks from a laptop - many heavy on ‘90s-era rock befitting the vibe of the evening, such as The Screaming Trees’ “Nearly Lost You.”
Then local rockers The Shark Legs rolled in, set up quickly, plugged in and pounded through a - I’m going to guess here - 45 minute set, mixing in Ramones-inspired originals, and including a cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.” It had been quite awhile since I’d listened to the band, and I remember ‘em having sort of a throwback to hard rock and cock rock of the ‘80s, but on Friday night I got more of a punk/Ramones vibe than anything - and that's a good thing. And these guys were tight - I was impressed. I especially enjoyed how much energy guitarist Jamie D’ Lux put into the performance, treating his sunburst Epiphone Les Paul like a weapon.
I started to keep an eye on the clock, and when the bar ran out of my signature drink, Pabst Blue Ribbon, I got a little bit worried, but I soldiered on with Yuengling (the instant-headache-maker), and it quickly crept past midnight and I,God hadn’t gone on stage yet - my buddy, Matt, who drove, was getting kind of bored and antsy.

We're not worthy of your supreme riffage, I, God.

 

Then, finally, between 12:30-12:45 a.m. (I think), I, God took the stage - bassist Patrick O’Leary, guitarist/vocalist Bradley Roberts, guitarist Kyle Thrash and drummer Mark Holt - and began blasting into its catalog of riff-heavy, angular, time-signature-changing original rock. Now, I know local bands are out there plugging away playing their own material, but there was just something about Friday night that made me wistful about the good old days when it seemed the live music scene was bursting with creativity. Maybe I’m just old.
I wasn’t overly familiar with I,God’s catalog, but had covered the band in my previous incarnation as the pop culture/entertainment reporter for the local daily paper - but I always knew any outfit that includes Roberts and O’ Leary would have to kick-ass by default - and I think the band was/is regarded as one of those musicians’ musicians guilty pleasures.
And then came the evening’s bit of hilarity - probably a highlight for many - as drummer Jason Hearn, jumped on stage wearing a wig, shades and false buck teeth.
I honestly did not know who he was. But he proceeded to roast the band, one by one, and the scene, in a mock redneck accent, and then jumped behind Holt’s kit to pound the skins. I should have known it was Hearn, who has played in various local bands including Echo 7, Psychward, and The Frownies, and has a keen sense of humor, as well as impeccable chops on the kit.
But he was completely unrecognizable and I didn’t put two-and-two together until the next day when I saw Hearn making Facebook comments about his comedy bit.
At this point it had crept past 1 a.m., and I told my compatriot that I was going for one more brew, closing out my tab, guzzling said brew, and then we could leave.
I finally laid my head to rest around 2 a.m. - with the evening’s music, images and shenanigans dancing around in my head.
As for Saturday night’s Drag reunion - we will have Party Pix photos from it this week, so hang tight and make sure you check www.weeklysurge.com for them to be uploaded.
And that’s not all we’re working on this week for  your Web browsing and ink-fingering pleasure (that sounds much dirtier than I had intended) - we’re cooking up new installments of Ridin’ with Big E, Beerman, Gut Reaction and Working 4 a Living - in addition we’ve got an expert look at the upcoming slew of new alt-TV programs set to roll out in the second half of the TV season which is getting back into the swing.
Also, if you’re not tuckered out from the weekend’s rock ‘n’ roll reunions and yesterday’s Super Bowl extravaganza and its extra half-time - the 36 minute delay due to a power outage - here are some options for getting out of the house and kicking the early work week in the ass:


TONIGHT
Maybe Beyonce’s half-time performance inspired you to pick up a microphone and test your moves in front of the mirror. Well, test your pipes in front of a real audience, why don’t you?
You have the opportunity to do so tonight at a couple of Grand Strand area bars as Cote’s 19th Tee hosts Karaoke with Cheryl Z starting at 5:30 p.m. and Pop’s Place Bar and Grill’s Karaoke starts at 8 p.m. No cover for either venue.
Cote’s 19th Tee is on S.C. 9 in Little River, 734-0758, and Pop’s Place Bar & Grill is at Sixth Ave. South in Myrtle Beach, 448-6033.


TUESDAY
Friday night at the aforementioned I,God show, I bumped into keyboardist Damon Bradley and asked him about his band’s open mike gig at Pine Lakes Tavern, the former Droopy’s. The band - now known as The PTL Band (Pine Lakes Tavern, but I had to ask) -  is the virtually the same as it was, he said, since holding court at the former Stool Pigeons as the ATM Band. Anyhow, if you’re wanting to show off your chops with a live band, then show up Tuesday at Pine Lakes Tavern as the PLT Band hosts Open Mike Nite starting at 9:30 p.m. Pine Lakes Tavern is at 5201 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, and has been completely revamped since its Droopy’s days.


WEDNESDAY
Now that football is officially over and baseball hasn’t yet started, the ol’ roundball has its moment to shine, and you can check out NCAA basketball in the flesh right here in our county seat.
Still fighting to lift its head above the .500 mark, Coach Cliff Ellis’ Coastal Carolina University men’s basketball squad takes the floor Wednesday against Big South Conference foe Charleston Southern at the HTC Center in Conway.  Tip-off is at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are $8, $10, $12, and $15. The HTC Center is at 104 Founders Drive on CCU’s Conway campus, bounded by U.S. 501 and S.C. 544. Call 347-TIXX or visit www.goccusports.com
Personally, I’m pining to get to a CCU game so I can check out the spanking new HTC Center.

A Christmas Legend(s)

Several years ago when I was the entertainment/pop culture reporter for the local daily paper I concocted what I thought was a brilliant idea.

Every year as the winter holidays approached, we struggled with ways to cover the various local professional theater Christmas shows. If you featured one on the cover of the entertainment tab, the others bitched about it relentlessly – regardless of who/what was actually featured in the story.

So, I had a plan…

Each week starting in early November and leading up to Christmas, the plan was to review each one of the shows individually, and that way, everyone would get a fair shake.

My boss loved the idea, so off I went.

The eager beaver, I headed out to conquer with my notepad and flashlight pen.

In those days, there were at least seven of these Yule-tide productions spread across the Grand Strand, from the “One” show at The Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach to Legends in Concert in Surfside Beach.

About halfway through this marathon endeavor I realized the error of my ways. These shows were all well-produced and choreographed, but a certain sameness and forced cheer began to permeate my jaded brain. If I heard one more rendition of “We Need a Little Christmas” originally from the musical “Mame,” I was going to plug my ears up with rubber cement and go off on a Scrooge-style rampage.

I went from needing a little Christmas to having way too much Christmas and needing a stiff drink.

But I do remember the Yuletide vibes not being rammed down your throat so much at Legends in Concert, when the tribute artist show was housed in its namesake theater in Surfside Beach. It was like the regular Legends show – paying tribute to Elvis, The Blues Brothers, Michael Jackson, etc. – with some Christmas material and staging sprinkled in throughout – and I liked that.

Save for The Alabama Theater’s Christmas show which I attended a couple of years ago on a freelance assignment, I hadn’t been able to stomach a local yuletide production since my fateful experiment.

Since Legends in Concert relocated to the former All-Star Café/former Club Kryptonite in 2011, I had not checked out the new digs, new production, and new backing band – I don’t get out and about as much as a used to, as I’ve got two little ones at home.

 

But Legends band drummer Tommy Tipton kept inviting me to check out the show.

So last week, as my wife professed wanting to take our 5-year-old daughter, who seems to be interested in the performing arts, to a Christmas show, I asked Tipton if his offer still stood.

Full disclosure: We attended Friday’s Legends In Concert Christmas show on Friday via complimentary tickets provided by Tipton. I do not indulge in a regular habit of taking freebies although many are offered, with the exception of gaining access to an event that I’m going to write/report on; and review copies of DVDs, CDs and books which we intend to feature in Weekly Surge – hence this blog entry. I got free tickets, I’m writing about the show.

We were seated front and center on the third row, and the spitting image of Alan Jackson (in the form of Doug Brewin) sauntered on stage in tattered jeans and cowboy hat - and whereas contemporary country is not necessarily my cup of tea, Brewin’s performance won me over, especially since he did some tasty guitar picking on several acoustic axes, deftly switched out by the show’s technicians. And yes, he did play the megahit “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” - as I enjoyed sipping on my $5 24-ounce Shocktop Belgian White. (I have to admit, besides the Las Vegas kitsch factor, I’ve always enjoyed Legends because it has always had a bar/alcohol sales, something that can’t be said for some of the area’s other shows and productions.)

Brewin’s performance made me rethink my virtual ignorance of Jackson’s catalog outside of the previous Jimmy Buffett-inspired ditty and “Chattahoochee” – despite the fact that he hails not far from my hometown in Georgia, and perhaps I should give him another listen.

I was most interested in the four-piece band, as it’s made up of players who have been on the local music scene for several years, including the aforementioned skins-pounder extraordinaire Tipton, bassist/music director Marc Chesanow, guitar wunderkind “Kid” Drew Voivedich and keyboardist Richard Wojeck, who used to plunk the ivories at Crocodile Rocks.

Indeed, they performed with aplomb, tackling various genres and styles while recreating the sounds associated with wildly diverse performers, from the aforementioned Jackson, to The Blues Brothers, to Johnny Mathis and Celine Dion.

I would like for the band to be cranked up a little more – but I know the focus of this show is on the vocalists, so it is what it is, vocals in the forefront, the  music somewhat muted.

Still, I have to think the band really digs getting to rock out a bit with a spot on rendition of Trans Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells,” which I regard as the highlight of the show.

Unfortunately, we had to leave before seeing The King and the finale, because my 19-month-old son needed to be picked up before 10 p.m.

The Legends in Concert holiday show is definitely worth checking out, especially if you haven’t been to the new, 600-seat state-of-the art theater across from Broadway at the Beach (2925 Hollywood Drive). It continues this week at 8 p.m. through Thursday. 

And, to beat those shopping blues and/or get those relatives visiting for the holidays out of the house for awhile, here’s the lowdown on some other professional holiday shows running in the Myrtle Beach area.

 

(Note, if you’re looking for something else to do, check out my most recent On the Fly report which has details on a local songwriters showcase tonight at The Sound Hole, and info on the big college hoops clash as Coastal Carolina University takes on Clemson at The HTC Center on Wednesday. Follow this link: www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/12/12/3218764/on-the-fly-for-dec-13-2012.html)

 

CAROLINA OPRY

The one that started it all, this week The Carolina Opry Christmas Special is at 7 p.m. daily, with 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows on Saturday before going on a short Christmas break.

Tickets range from $24.19 to $51.12.

For more information, go to www.thecarolinaopry.com or call 913-400.

 

 

THE ALABAMA THEATRE

“The South’s Grandest Christmas Show,” featuring The Alabama Theater’s in-house talent (including my pal, fiddler nonpareil Robert Napier) is running at 7:30 p.m. this week through Saturday.

Tickets are $39.45 to $49.45.

Call 272-1111 or visit www.alabama-theatre.com

 

 THE PALACE THEATRE

 

In a kind of cross between The Rockettes and Ice Capades, “Christmas on Ice” is the featured Yuletide production at The Palace Theatre, and it runs this week at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday, with additional shows at 10 a.m. Wednesday and 2 p.m. Thursday.

Tickets are $34.95 to $44.95.

The Palace Theatre is at 1420 Celebrity Circle, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach.

Call 800-905-4228 or visit www.palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WTF is up with Wednesdays?

OK, so I know this is Monday, as the title of this blog reminds you, if you hadn’t already figured that out.

But what I want to talk about is Wednesday.

Yes, the ever-popular Hump Day, the midweek savior that reminds us that the weekend is almost here.

For me, Wednesday is usually a personal catharsis as it is the day that Surge goes to press, and on Wednesday afternoons I breathe a sigh of relief as we send our files to the printer and I make sure everything is posted to our Web site. And then…I start all over again.

But on Wednesday evenings, I often blow off a little steam, whether it be some maxing-and-relaxing with some PBRs, watching a movie at home, or going out for a drink – or  sometimes getting around to a project, such as yard work or other errands that I can’t get to earlier in the week.

As of late, I’ve noticed a curious thing about Wednesdays.

They’ve been packed with entertainment options along the Grand Strand – and it is a sudden shift – it’s been a late-November to now type of thing.

What gives?

For instance, last Wednesday, former “American Idol” finalist/Coastal Carolina University alum Elise Testone gave a homecoming-type performance before a packed house at Wheelwright Auditorium, meanwhile back across the Waterway, nu metal act Saliva rocked Daisy Duke’s Country Saloon – and I’ve noticed in compiling our weekly On the Fly report that Wednesdays have been hoppin’ lately.

Is there a reason? Can we not wait until Thursday to party anymore? Do the holidays have something to do with it?

And where I’m leading to all of this is, there’s a wacky, wonderful Wednesday on tap this week.

Hump Day is jam-packed this week, so there’s no excuse for not getting off your rump and doin’ a li’l hump-da-bump.

THIS ONE GOES TO 12

 OK, you can stay at home for this one – especially if you’ve got a nice surround-sound home theater set-up.

It’s taken awhile, but a full slate of rock ‘n’ roll/pop A-listers and legends are on the bill Wednesday at Madison Square Garden for a SuperStorm Sandy relief concert dubbed 12-12-12, including Jersey-ites Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, along with Dave Grohl, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and my personal favorite The Who, who most famously rocked the post-911 benefit concert in the Big Apple 11 years ago.

As a sign of the times, the concert will be aired on the following TV channels (excluding MTV): AMC, AXS TV, Bio, Bloomberg, CBS, Cooking Channel, Destination America, Discovery Fit & Health, Encore, Epix, FX Movie Channel, FearNet, Fuse, G4, Hallmark Movie Channel, HBO, HBO Latino, IFC, ION Television, Lifetime Real Women, Live Will Network, Military History, MSG, MSG Plus, MundoFox, Palladia, PlumTV, Showtime 2, Smithsonian Channel, Sundance Channel, Thirteen, and VH-1 Classic.

The broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, and there’s a slew of Websites that are streaming the concert, too, so go to this link and check out the list: www.121212concert.org/broadcast.

I searched the list for any local radio stations broadcasting the concert, but couldn’t find one – if I hear otherwise, I’ll provide an update.

 

YOU CAN’T SPELL SANTA WITHOUT SEX

Alright ladies, if you can’t get enough of that “Magic Mike” vibe, head to Gordon Biersch on Wednesday for the 4^th annual Sexy Santa Contest, featuring buffed up and bare-chested local firefighters strutting their stuff.

The event benefits the Myrtle Beach Fire Dept.

The contest starts at 8 p.m.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant is at 3060 Howard Avenue, The Market Common, Myrtle Beach (on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base).

For more information, call 839-0249.

THEY’RE JINGLING, BABY

What happens when you get a bunch of bartenders together?

I’m not going to answer that, but I will tell you that it’s time again for Dagwood’s Deli/Bumstead’s Pub’s annual Jingle Ball – a party so big, it couldn’t be held at Dagwood’s/Bumstead’s Myrtle Beach or Surfside Beach digs.

Instead, the 10^th annual edition is taking place at Revolutions Dance Club at Broadway at the Beach, featuring a performance by retro R&B/funk/soul outfit Tru Sol, complimentary drinks from 7-10 p.m. and dinner served from 7-8 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance, available at Dagwood’s and Bumstead’s; it’s $20 at the door. Revolutions Dance Club is at 1230 Celebrity Circle, Unit CS5, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach. For more information, call 44-8032.

 HIP-HOP HOORAY

And the day is finally almost here, as a smorgasbord of local rap talent is on tap Wednesday night as Hip-hip-palooza 3 invades The Boathouse, hosted/emceed by Phil “DJ QP” Jackson and Neff.  The lineup includes Shamroc-N-QP, The Fam, Jozart, Critical & Kmill, Exklusive Musik, Precise, Ghani Guatama, PPE, Young Hood, Two of a Kind, and DJ Skerge. The show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $5. The Boathouse Waterway Bar and Grill is at 201 Fantasy Harbour Blvd., Myrtle Beach. Call 903-2628 or visit www.boathousemb.com.

To read our recent cover story about the state of local hip-hop, check out this link:

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/11/28/3193387/microphone-check.html.

Zoo brew; last-minute scares; paint-by-dance numbers

I didn’t step inside the zoo, but I downed a brew or two at the inaugural Brew at the Zoo on Sunday at Brookgreen Gardens.

It was supposed to take place on Saturday, but good ol’ Frankenstorm, aka Hurricane Sandy, prompted organizers to move the event to Sunday instead, when it was projected to be much drier and less windy.

I was pumped for this event for weeks and was disappointed that it wasn’t happening Saturday night because, well, it was Saturday night.

But I decided to show up anyway because Surge was a sponsor and I had a free ticket, so…

This was taken before my crew rolled up at Brew at the Zoo. Photo courtesy of Brookgreen Gardens.

After agreeing to put the little one to bed for the evening, my buddy Matt and I skeedaddled down to Brookgreen Gardens and got there about an hour-and-a-half into the event.

It was held in a big grassy field next to the butterfly pavilion and across the street from the zoo – which we were invited by our greeter to visit, but we didn’t.

Instead, we milled about sampling the various brews that were arranged in a square in the middle of the action, I slinked about trying to find some smiling faces for this week’s Party Pix, and I listened to the mostly acoustic grooves of local act Bullfrog – who sounded mighty fine in the cool, crisp air.

Beer for hobbits?

I’m starting to amass quite a collection of four-ounce sampling glasses having attended a rash of beer-sampling events, so if anybody busts into our cabinets they might think there’s some grog-swilling Hobbits about.

Anyhow, as I said, I’ve been to many beer-sampling events, but have never really kept track of what I imbibed. That changed last night, I felt no shame that anyone would think I’m a nerd, and I carried a notebook and pen with me and kept track of my samples with the handy-dandy program that was given out. This also kept me in check so I wouldn’t over-do it, it being a Sunday night and all, and I also matched by beer intake with about the same amount of water.

Needless to say, I feel great this morning – no ill-effects.

I sampled a cross section of beer styles, most of which I’d never had, except for locally-brewed New South, which I partook in because I wanted to go over and say hello to the brewery’s founder, David Epstein…and because the Myrtle Beach-based brew simply rocks.

In addition to New South’s Oktoberfest and IPA (India Pale Ale), here’s what I had:

Boulder Hazed and Infused (dry-hopped ale); Duck Rabbit Milk Stout (thinner than Guinness); Eel River IPA (English-style IPA); New Belgium Red Hoptober (bursting with hops, like a beer version of Pop Rocks); R.J. Rockers First Snow (the most distinctive of the bunch, an immediate nut meg flavor that reminded me of winter); Sam Adams Verloren (Coriander taste, very strong); Stoudt’s Pilsner (golden hue, golden taste).

It was a nice gathering for a first-time event, I thought…probably would have been a bigger crowd if it was not a Sunday evening, but definitely not sparse.

“We had about 230 guests at the event last night and we were very pleased with the success,” Helen Benso, Brookgreen’s vice president of marketing said via e-mail. “Don't know yet if we are going to do it again. We're still working on the calendar for 2013, but I think everyone had a good time.”

I concur.

I said before, I’m not so sure about the zoo part, but everything else was cool – including port-a-johns underneath live oaks with Spanish moss draping down – I mean where else, but Brookgreen?

HOCUS FOCUS

And that was my weekend entertainment, so it’s time to refocus on the week ahead.

We’re brewing (pun intended) some good stuff for this week’s print edition of Surge, and online, too, of course as the home stretch for this year’s election cycle comes barreling at us. We know you may be sick of politics, but we’ve got a major election going on right here outside of the Obama-Romney knockdown, drag-out. We’ll have more representation in Washington, D.C. as the newly-created 7^th Congressional District will either be taken by Democrat Gloria Tinubu or current Horry Council Chairman Tom Rice, who represents the GOP. For this week’s cover story, we’ve asked both candidates to take a 10-question political, historical civics pop quiz, without the aid of Google, lifelines, or any other form of cheating. Tune into Thursday’s edition to find out the results.

But if you’re sick of politics, we’ve also got new installments of our other popular diversions, including Gut Reaction, which takes on the new location of a local Italian icon, Ridin’ with Big E (online now) has a round-up of some regional rides and other biker-related bits, Beerman ponders the growing craft beer selections at local convenience stores, and Music Notes and Working 4 a Living features return, too.

 

Meanwhile, the main thing that’s going on early in your work-week is Halloween-related stuff.

And, before I go any further, here is a public service announcement: TRICK-OR-TREATING IS ON HALLOWEEN – HALLOWEEN IS ON WEDNESDAY.

Here are a few notables if you’re looking to get your ghoul on:

 

NOW THROUGH WEDNESDAY

Get the bejesus scared out of you at a local haunt that’s become an institution – albeit at different spots up and down the Strand. This year, Dr. Scream’s: The 4D Ride of Your Death and Trail of Terror, has taken over the Myrtle Beach Speedway. In last week’s cover story – which is still our main feature online - our scribe Derrick Bracey described this attraction as,  “Part 1970s highway horror, part 1980s maniac in the woods. The visitors/victims crash into a wasteland inhabited with the undead of Dr. Screams’ asylum on an interactive bus where nothing is ever as it seems and you’re never safe.”

It’s open from 8 p.m. – midnight through Wednesday.

Myrtle Beach Speedway is at 455 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach, near Tanger Outlets on U.S. 501

It’s $15 per person and lasts approximately 20 minutes.

For more information, check out www.facebook.com/DrScreams2012MyrtleBeachSpeedway or call 385-0835

A word of warning: This is not for rug rats younger than 7, women with a baby-bump or anyone with heart conditions.

WEDNESDAY

 It's basically a rave where you get doused paint, coupled with a sensory overload of lights and sound – including several deejays and aerial artists akin to what you’d see at Cirque de Soleil - as the Life in Color’s END (Electronic.Never.Dies) Tour returns to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Wednesday, only this time it’s with a Halloween twist (because, you know, Wednesday is actually Halloween). And accordingly, there will be a costume contest. Doors open at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets range from $32-$65, available via www.ticketfly.com or at the door. Myrtle Beach Convention Center is at 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach.

Here’s a link to our In Da Club feature about this party: www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/10/24/3132421/in-da-club-for-oct-25-2012.html.

 

Letting 'em rip; Getting Crafty; America's pastimes (baseball and politics)

I’m not going to say I’m festival’d (made up word) out, but this weekend put my ol’ innards and piping to the test.

First up was the third annual Crafty Rooster Beer Fest in the open-air Farmers Market building in downtown Conway, which I attended on Friday. I was keen to check this event out because I’d missed the previous two, and well, it was a beer festival.

And I have to say I’m impressed.

It was like a cross between the much larger Myrtle Beach Beer Fest held annually at The Market Common and the fledgling Coastal Brew Fest at Litchfield Exchange that I attended back in late April.

I was impressed by the brick-and-mortar exposed farmers market – what a great place to have a party – and by the fact that each beer was described in detail on a laminated placard, so you could read up on what you were drinking while you were drinking, or try to figure out if a certain grog would be something you’d like before committing to it.

I didn’t hang out long because driving from Conway to my Burgess home after some high gravity beers quite frankly scared the bejesus out of me.

So, after mingling with Colin “The Beerman” Burch and sampling a few brewskis – including a couple of inexpensive options (2 tickets each) by Rochester, N.Y.-based Dundee Ales & Lagers that I really liked – I convinced Brock Kurtzman from New South Brewing to fill up a growler I’d brought with me with the Myrtle Beach brewery’s Oktoberfest and headed home to watch Major League Baseball playoffs on my back porch. And I needed that full growler for the unbelievable Washington-St. Louis Game 5 of the N.L. Division Championship Series that lasted past midnight.

The aforementioned Beerman will have more impressions from the Crafty Rooster Beer Fest in his column this week, so you can look forward to that. And more on what else is coming up in this week’s Surge print edition and online in a moment…

Si, Senor, we are here to rip you a new one.

On Sunday, I headed down to the parking lot at Spud’s Waterfront Dining/Crazy Sister Marina on the waterfront in Murrells lnlet to sacrifice my gastrointestinal system for the greater good as I’d agreed for the sixth year in a row to be a judge for the Surfrider Foundation’s 13^th annual Lip Rippin’ Chilympics Chili Cookoff.

Speaking of rippin’, I knew I was in for trouble when I was already rippin’ ‘em on the way to the event. And I’ll spare you the gory details – but having 10 cups of chili didn’t help matters. “You don’t have to eat them all,” my wife says. “You know if you like it after the first taste.”

Well, not completely true, some of these concoctions have complex tastes and ingredients and it does take more than one bite sometimes to determine what’s going on. But she’s right, I didn’t have to finish each and every one – but I did.

Anyhow, it was a glorious day, with live music throughout, multiple vendors and sea of humanity pulsing in and out of the festival site - and this event just seems to keep getting bigger and bigger.

When you walk around the festival with a judge badge on people stop you and ask you which chilis you’d recommend, which is the best, yada yada yada.

I take the integrity of judging seriously, so I never tell anyone what I’ve scored or which I think is the best, however, as I did a few times yesterday, I ask the questioner what types of chili they like – i.e. are they strictly a meat-and-beans type of person, or do they like to challenge their palates, and can they handle spices – then point them in a particular direction.
So, once again, I’m going to keep my ripped-lips somewhat sealed, however I’m going to give you the results of the cook-off, which my judging contributed to.

Here are the winners of the 2012 Chilympics cook-off, courtesy of event organizer  Bruxanne Hein of the Grand Strand chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

Best Theme: Southside Patty's: Pot O' Gold/Pot O' Hot
2nd Place: Dagwood's Deli: Super Bowl of Chili

Best Vegetarian: Palmetto State Rollergirls: Smoky & The Bandit
2nd Place: Greg Norman's Australian Grille: Smoked Tomatillo and Roasted Corn Chili

Best Use of SC Ingredients: Capt. Dave's Dockside: My Cousin Vinny's Chili
2nd Place: Creek Ratz: Caw Caw Plantation Pork & Sea Island Peas

Hottest: Village Bar & Grill: The Ghost
2nd Place: Dead Dog Saloon: Dudley's Dog Gone Good Chili

Most Original: Quigley's Pint and Plate: Bloody Mary Chili
2nd Place: Graham's Landing: Pork and Brisket Smoked Chili

People's Choice: Flying Fish: Lowcountry Seafood Chili
2nd Place: Dead Dog Saloon: Dudley's Dog Gone Good Chili

Best Restaurant: Spud’s Waterfront (John Vereen): Blackened Shrimp and Black Bean Chili
2nd Place: Village Bar & Grill: The Ghost

Best Overall: New South Brewing Co.: Bratoberfest
2nd Place: Dale Prox, Jr. for Gordon Biersch: Dale's Beer and Deer Chili

Look for images from the Chilympics in this week’s Party Pix, hitting the racks on Thursday, and before that online.

Also coming up in this week’s edition (and online): Gut Reaction checks out the food and ambiance of a new Mexican joint in the Inlet; Recliner Reviews rates whether at-home movie releases “Sound of My Voice” "4.3.2.1” and “Hysteria” are worth watching; and our cover story takes a look at the trend of creating artwork as a social experience.

 SETTING THE TABLE

 And now we come to the part of this blog where we set the table for the first part of the week – that time when you’re getting back into the work groove, but don’t necessarily want to rot on the couch.

Here are some early-week options.

TONIGHT, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

Major League Baseballs’ post-season has been riveting so far with unreal comebacks and tremendous heartbreaks. It’s down to four teams now – the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants in the National League and the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers in the American League – battling it to see who will advance to the World Series.

The Cardinals and Giants square off in Game 2 at 8 tonight on FOX; Game 3 is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, also on FOX.

Meanwhile, the Yankees and Tigers lock horns for Game 3 at 8 p.m. Tuesday on TBS; Game 4 is 8 p.m. Wednesday, also on TBS.

As I always do when mentioning a televised sporting event, you don’t have to sit at home and watch – grab some buddies and help stimulate the local economy and catch the game(s) at a local sports bar, pub or restaurant – there’s plenty to choose from up and down the Strand.

 

WEDNESDAY

Don't be a Hader - the real James Carville is coming to the beach.

Is it sport – or entertainment – or a little bit of both?

Whatever you want to call it, politics has come to the forefront with the November elections on the near horizon.

No matter your political stripes, you should be aware that there’s an opportunity to see the political process in person as the first of two local debates between the candidates vying for the newly-created 7^th Congressional District is slated for Wednesday at the Myrtle Beach High School Auditorium.

The debate features Republican Tom Rice going-toe-to-toe with Democrat Gloria Tinubu, but for political junkies, it’s also the opportunity to see big-time political consultants James Carville (a Democrat strategist) and his wife Mary Matalin, who is a Republican strategist.

The event is free and non-ticketed, so I assume that means the auditorium will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the program starts at 6:30 p.m. and the debate will begin at 8.

Myrtle Beach High School Auditorium is at 3302 Robert Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach.

 

 

 

Bier, ballin', bye-byes and Bubba

With an overabundance of festivals happening here over the weekend that was, I had visions of snarfing down some Moussaka and baklava, guzzling down a Marzen or other German-style bier, maybe picking up a hand-crafted item from a local artisan in an attempt to start stock-piling Christmas shopping.

Alas, my family is severely broke and pinching pennies until payday - and although even many of those festivals were free – they really aren’t FREE, especially when you have a kid that’d want face-painting, to jump in the bouncy-house, eat kettle corn, and in the case of the Myrtle Beach Greek Festival – mama and daddy would’ve loved to gorge on gyros, Greek salads and the like.

So, the only festival I hit during the weekend was the fifth annual Oktoberfest at Valor Park at The Market Common on Friday evening. And I went solo as I was officially working, handing out Surge swag, mingling, shaking hands and kissing babies.

Oh yeah, and had a few biers, as well, including Victory Fest Bier, Foothills Oktoberfest, and New South’s Oktoberfest.

The clear winner of my palate was New South Brewery’s Oktoberfest, brewed right here in Myrtle Beach. It was ice cold, and a mid-range of darkness, darker than amber but much lighter than, and not as thick as, a porter or stout. I highly recommend it as it will be available throughout the month.

It was a diverse crowd, illustrated by the vast array of people I ran into and chatted with – my church’s pastor, my doctor, a recent ex-Surge employee, a local dentist, a guy with a Macaw on his shoulder, and festival promoter, Mike Shank.

 

A brew with a view.

And the band – the Josh Brannon Band – played country tunes all night.

The general consensus seemed to be “oh, well, this is Myrtle Beach…why wouldn’t there by country music at a German festival?”

Myrtle Beach’s other Oktoberfest, along Ocean Boulevard, is coming up Saturday, and you can read all about it and other buzz-worthy events in this week’s On the Fly report, posting Wednesday online, and in our print edition hitting streets on Thursday.

As for the rest of this week’s Surge, we’re brewing up some good stuff, including a cover story looking at one of the Strand’s most enigmatic and interesting young entrepreneurs/philanthropists, biker columnist Big E returns questioning whether there’s anything going on for the area’s fall bike rally, Beerman also returns, and so does Gut Reaction, which samples the food and ambiance at a new seafood place at the southern waterfront edge of Murrells Inlet.

Meanwhile, to tide you over until our Web site is refreshed and print edition rolled out, I’ve rounded up a few happenings to get you out of the house and to beat those early-week blahs.

 

TONIGHT

Couldn’t get enough football? With the real zebras back on the field, play has stabilized somewhat in the NFL, and two of the league’s more popular/iconic teams square off tonight as the Dallas Cowboys (2-1) host the Chicago Bears (2-1) at 8:30 on ESPN. Yes, you can sit at home with your six-pack and bag of chips, but why not stimulate the local economy and patronize a local sports pub?

For some ideas, browse our weekly Happy Hour Heaven reviews by following this link: www.myrtlebeachonline.com/weeklysurge/Happy-Hour-Heaven/

 

 TUESDAY

Sadlly, one of my old hangouts, Stool Pigeons at Broadway at the Beach, is joining the past tense.

I haven’t frequented it much in recent years, but back in my single/childless days, Stoolies was the place to be. It always felt like a normal, everyday pub in the midst of the glam and neon of the more touristy joints at Broadway at the Beach. And when I was broke/single/childless, those $1.50 draft beers came in handy – as did the parade of women that ushered through the joint at roughly 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays before they headed over to Celebrity Square dance clubs.

While Stoolies closes, the Tuesday night open mike jam hosted there by The ATM Band will live on and has found a new home at Pine Lakes Tavern, formerly Droopy’s.

The first jam is set for Tuesday night at 5201 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach.

According to the ever-reliable Facebook, things get started at 9 p.m. Tuesday, and if you've got an instrument and want to jam, just bring it.

WEDNESDAY

The Boathouse’s Fall Wednesday Night Concert Series continues with a hip-hop flavor.

Who you callin' Bubba?

And it’s hard to believe it’s been more than a decade since Bubba Sparxxx teamed with Timbaland and broke through the Dirty South mud scoring the hit single/video “Ugly,” and the rural rapper – best known for the 2005 hit “Ms. New Booty” – is still vigorously laying down the rhymes and returns to the Boathouse on Wednesday. Unlike the venue’s Sunday Summer Concert Series, these shows are indoors and not on the stage overhanging the Intracoastal Waterway. However, as with those Sunday concerts, Wednesday’s show is free.

If you want a good laugh, check out his video for "Ms. New Booty" which parodies infomercials: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znUS2KqPYCw.

Also on Wednesday's bill is local hip-hop duo Shamroc-N-DJ QP. The party starts at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Boathouse Waterway Bar and Grill is at 201 Fantasy Harbour Blvd., Myrtle Beach.

Call 903-2628 or visit www.boathousemb.com.