Had to feature this venue, and give a little sentimental background: I used to come here almost every weekend in high school (1996-2001) to see ska and punk rock shows with my buddies. Bands such as Jeffries Fan Club, The Hippos, Link 80, and The Pharmaceutical Bandits often played here, directing a grand and vibrant subculture of young skankers and punks towards self-knowledge, open mindedness, and of course, the pursuit of good times. The music created by the bands of this time and place could be described as viral (or perhaps enticing), and despite its sometimes “goofy” external appearance (think The Aquabats), these were very serious sounds and messages for the entire community. We (Jay Dee Queue) played here on November 5th with Motor Gun Hotel, Rodeo Drive, and The Originalites; though we played with three extremely talented bands, I regret to report that the same vibe just wasn’t in the air. Perhaps it was because we do not yet pack out the place like the so-called “third wave ska” bands do in my fancifully decorated memories. Maybe it was the fact that the same 100 t-shirts are pinned to the wall: trophies and unsold testaments to the youthful giants that we were fortunate enough to witness here. Then again, perhaps it was because almost every employee over there still seems overworked, underpaid, and jaded with the music community that they are so integral to, without any of the cotton candy positivity of the ska kids to balance out Chain’s current social equation. Anyhow, enough drivel: here’s what the show looked like!

P.S. I do hope that we, along with the many talented and hungry groups out there, can help to revitalize the many tired musical anodes (such as Chain Reation) that exist out there; I know that everyone out there that has any interest in music has that one place where they saw that one band that set them off on a personal and communal musical exploration. These subcultural foci are integral to the health of the youth, and the community as a whole. Let’s bring ‘em back!