The Bleeders

The Bleeders • Throw Rag 
• The Bell Rays 
May 13, 2000 @ Club Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA
By: Mary Jane Parker
Pics by: Scott Wulfestieg

Of all the weekend nights to get sick, it has to be the one with the killer line up of Throw Rag, The Bell Rays, The Bleeders, and The Condors. Luckily though the show was at Club Mesa, where they have the greatest staff in the history of punk shows, and I felt right at home. Due to being sick I missed most of the set of The Condors, but while entering the club overheard a final song that included a harmonica and the singer reminded me of John Cougar Mellencamp. Sorry I missed you guys. 

After a short recess The Bleeders took the small stage. These guys are full of fucking energy, and know how to get the crowd going. The singer Ruben nicknamed The Karate Elvis for his high kicks, suave karate moves, and Elvis persona during his songs, is quite entertaining to watch. This 5 piece band is a melting pot of previous talents. They are a tight, fun, "greaser-punk" band. They make it look so easy to just get out there and rock. You can check these guys out at The Galaxy with X coming up soon. 

Next up was The Bell Rays. I've seen this band several times now, and they always give it their all. Fronted by Lisa Kekaula, she belts out soulful tunes from the depths of her being. Her voice is emotional and powerful and a compliment to the rest of the band members high energy way of playing their instruments. Definitely a band one should see and experience, although their set was a little too long for my taste. 

And before too long the highlight band of the evening got on stage, the one and only Throw Rag. These guys can really pack a room and get them all moving. These six rockabilly/country/cowpunk guys have been entertaining audiences for quite some time. Equipped with a washboard player and all the main stay others, this band has a kick-ass set. The singer "Captain Tae-Bo" is oddly seductive and hypnotizing in the way he moves his body around the stage, at some shows you may just get a peek of something you may or may not want to see. Throw Rag is sleazy and wicked and all over good fucking rock-n-roll. You must see this band!!!