Two weeks after the awesome metal show with JCVTW, Squirrelly Arts, Bad Acid Trip, and Actuary, I find myself here again at The Griffin to see a much tamer musical event. I arrived with my awesome husband as doors were opening and was greeted by the very distinct bar scent, later a couple of friends would meet us there to show their love for local music. After wandering around and deciding on what drink I would buy to quench my thirst, I made my way to a table to meet Martin Coughlin and Dave O’Reily of The Gaffer. Scott Mitchell, another member of The Gaffer arrived shortly after and joined our conversation. We decided to head outside so that I could conduct a before the show interview with them. The interview was fun and hope you will enjoy reading it. I enquired about the fourth member of the band and was informed that he was in the first band The Gift/Curse as well and would not be joining the interview. After getting to know these three high school buddies and sharing a few laughs, we made our way back inside to enjoy an evening of local music. It started off with The Gift/Curse, a four piece rock band signed with Greenbox Records.

          What better night to go see a few hardcore bands than the night before Mother’s Day. I know it was an awesome treat for a mom like me who loves metal. I was invited to come out and see Jesus Christ vs. the World’s last show, possibly ever and boy. So I made my way out to The Griffin, formerly known as O’Connell’s back when I used to play there with the Jefferson Jay Band. Not too much has changed with the venue since new ownership. A few more booths were added and the bar was done up a bit, and they removed the gross couch that people used to love to sit on, but to me it seemed to be how I remembered it. I brought my husband along and my best friend Reverend Stickman because supporting local music is what we do, plus none of us had been to a hardcore show in a very long time. When we walked in, it was semi full and I saw a lot of interesting fans that were all dressed up to show their support for the hardcore scene and Actuary was already on stage. Actuary is a group of six guys from the Los Angeles area that play what they call Experimental/Noise/Grindcore music.