What better way to see the bands you want and to get your friends together than to throw a holiday party. Better yet, have it at The Prospector, which is the perfect size to host a few bands and free ice cream and hot cocoa. For our second Ice Cream Man holiday party we invited The Soft Hands, Fast Dragon and The Underground Railroad to Candyland to play while we set up cream and Cocomotion machines in the back. What a night it ended up being.
The Soft Hands got things going first playing songs off their excellent new album, Hours Pass By on local Long Beach label Fidotrust. We like them quite a bit here and they even played Goochs 30th Bday party earlier this year at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown. Its a bit hard to explain their driving music but check out their myspace page where you can rock a few of their songs. Better yet, catch ’em live when you get a chance.
Last year I headed to the other side of the 710 to catch Pinhead Gunpowder near PCH and Santa Fe. The Underground Railroad to Candyland played right before Pinhead Gunpowder and everyone was jumping around and singing along. They might be the best party band I know of and, if were throwing a party, theres gotta be dancing. I jumped around to the few tracks I knew and was happy to see other people dancing too.
Fast Dragon is another Long Beach band we have close ties too. Crew member Mike Garcia is the main singeror screamer so we figured thatd be a perfect way to cap the night. If youre a fan of RFTC or any of John Reis other bands like The Night Marchers, youll dig em.
After their set I took the mic to make last call for cream and hot cocoa. While at the back table I had another cup of hot chocolate then watched Dave Thornton drink a whole pitcher full. Check out the video here. Too bad we didnt get pics five minutes later after Dave paid his bar tab then headed out front to “relieve” himself.
Thanks to everyone for the help. Brigid, Danielle, and others who helped at the table; Nick and Crash for taking Pics; Wade and The Prospector; Gooch for picking up all the necessary goods; All the bands; and everyone who showed up. Def gonna have to do it next year. Happy New Year!
