Big Jugs – The Iron Outlaws – Alligator Dave – Radio Threat – at The Ventura Theatre – Ventura, CA

The Ventura Theatre is often the center of Ventura's night life. Last Thursday and Friday were no exception. Thursday night crowds of bro's flocked out to see Social Distortion, and on Friday night The Big Jugs graced the stage of the Theatre supported by The Iron Outlaws, Alligator Dave, and Radio Threat.

While the venue may not have sold out like it had the night before, for the infamous Social Distortion, scores of Big Jugs and Iron Outlaws fans filled the venue creating a very nice turn out to say the least.

Opening was Oxnard/Ventura locals, Radio Threat. They played with an upbeat Motorhead inspired tempo and were definitely the most punk influenced band of the night. Not only were they a  great way to start the evening but, they also added the Rock  N Roll element needed for this gig.

Next up was Alligator Dave. He is a comedic musician. At first listen, I wasn't sure about whether I could dig his material. But as I made my way through his high pitched whiny hillbilly voice, and actually listened to his lyrics, he was pretty funny. Mixing bluegrass and hip-hop with cleaver dirty jokes, his silly antics made him a decent pick to open for Big Jugs.  

The Iron Outlaws made their way on stage, to the crowds delight. The Iron Outlaws have been through a few line-up changes. Tonight was a treat with 4 out of 6 original members, Danny Garone on vocals, Aj Lopez on bass, Cesareo Garasa on drums, and Paul Cartwright  on the fiddle. New Outlaw ,Bret Cox, kicked ass on guitar and added to the chemistry of the band. They flowed as if there had never been a break.

They started their set with Soul Scar and kept the crowd moving and singing through the entirety of their 30 minute set. The Iron Outlaws are Cow-Punk to the core with a lyrical content that speaks to the masses including the working man, the scorned lover, and anyone who has experienced life as a whole and tried to push through the trial and tribulations that it has to offer.

Stand out songs in their set included Palace of Depression, Die for Love, and Take it or Leave it. For lovers of bands such as Old Man Markley and Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls, this is "the band" to check out.

Last but not least The Big Jugs hit the stage. The Santa Barbara natives have created a cult like following around California's Central Coast, and why not. Who wouldn't love these motor boatin', moonshine drinkin', crack smokin' son's a bitches. I know I do! As always their set was filled with funny-offensive-debauchar-esk lyrics, 3 shots. and a dude in a chicken costume! The played fan favs including songs such as Slumpbuster, Comin' Down, and The 3 Shot Song. The crowd was filled with laughter and dancing through out their time on stage.

Paul Cartwright lent his fiddle playing for a few songs before the Big Jugs retired. And just when you thought the fun was over, they came back on stage to play a 3 song encore including, Fuck I'm Drunk, Wild Turkey, and Tonight We Drink. It was great night of music, drinking, and friends. Can't wait to do it again!

-J.Moncrief-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

http://www.myspace.com/bigjugsmusic

http://www.myspace.com/theironoutlaws

 

 
             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

 

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