How would you like to spend three months on the road, touring every state in the Union?
That’s exactly the plan for the four bands that make up the Fat Tour 2005, a showcase for punk label Fat Wreck Chords that includes headliners Against Me!, with The Epoxies, Smoke or Fire, and The Soviettes.
Not only will the bands gain a new respect for the vastness of the interstate highway system, but they’ll each add a different regional flavor to the tour.
Against Me! hails from the hot swamplands of Gainesville, Fla., but the band’s recently-released album, “Searching For a Former Clarity,” folds a gritty Western twang into its punk-rock chords. The Epoxies formed in Portland, Ore., where fearless leader Roxy Epoxie whipped the band into a stylized hybrid of retro punk and synthy new wave. Smoke or Fire started out in Boston and relocated to Richmond, Va., for the Southern-fried punk scene.
Rounding out the lineup, The Soviettes consist of three girls and a guy who huddled together to create sparkling pop-punk during the frosty winters in Minneapolis, Minn.
Fortunately, the Denver date is an early stop on the tour. The bands won’t have the road-weary attitude that is almost inevitable by the time the tour ends in December.
Catch the tour Sunday at the Gothic Theatre (3263 S. Broadway), 7 p.m., $12, all ages, TicketWeb.
Sample this
Denver musicians haven’t forgotten about the plight of the people whose lives were devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The benefit events are still rolling out, including tonight’s Rocky Mountain Bayou Benefit at the Soiled Dove (1949 Market St.) This party showcases the artists in an intimate, relaxed setting, with longtime Colorado favorites The Samples headlining.
“I wanted to put together a substantial fundraiser for the hurricane victims, but this is the first time I’ve tried to promote a show,” said organizer Evan Elliott. “So I contacted The Samples hoping they would agree to drive out from Vermont, and they did. I think the opportunity to perform for this crowd, where they essentially got their wings, that had a lot to do with it.”
Denver locals The Trampolines are newer to the Colorado music scene, but have already gained a significant fan base, making for a great evening of mile-high acoustic rock. Add Denver comedian Chuck Roy and you have a homegrown night on the town. Best part? They’re keeping ticket prices low – this benefit will only set you back $20 – but you’ll still be helping the continued efforts of the American Red Cross.
Get your groove on
It’s a good week to hit the dance clubs for some serious, ear-shattering, booty-shaking body workouts. Brad Roulier, who books a regularly rotating cast of international DJs for Regas Christou’s hottest nightclubs, has a stellar lineup scheduled. Tonight, groove to progressive tribal rhythms when Club Vinyl (1082 Broadway) hosts underground house duo Saeed and Palash for the Basement Sessions.
On Saturday night, Vinyl thumps again with Christopher Lawrence’s American-style trance vibes. Next Thursday, Steve Lawler brings his Brit-based international party mix to The Church (1160 Lincoln St.).
Stomp your feet
Here’s an alternative to the typical wine tasting; Balistreri Vineyards is throwing its third annual Denver Vineyards Harvest Party this Sunday. The highlight of the event is the Children’s Grape Stomp, and the winery uses the stomped grapes to create its Little Feet Merlot. Part of the proceeds go to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Adults can sample more than 20 new wines from Balistreri and from Spero Winery. There are also cheese tastings, wine education classes, and a bona-fide pig roast. Can you drink to that?
Tickets are $30 advance or $35 at the door; contact Balistreri Vineyards (303-287-5156, 1946 E. 66th Ave.) for details.
Kat Valentine writes about nightlife Fridays in 7Days. Reach her at kat@kingproduction.com or call 303-820-1568.
