Sound and the Fury

A week on the scene

Holiday fare

Buttercup's two-year run of weekly gRacKle mUndY shows will come to an end on Monday, December 20 with a special Christmas gig that also features Chicago instrumental band the Dirty Rugs (including ex-Swindle John Aselin).

Beginning in January, the Cup will scale back to monthly gRacKle shows in San Antonio (every second Monday) and Austin (every third Wednesday at an art space called Church of the Friendly Ghost), to allow them more time to record their vast catalog of quirky gems. The group's much-anticipated, 13-song debut album, tentatively titled Sick Yellow Flower, recently received its final mixes from producer Mark Rubinstein, and the group anticipates a release in early 2005.

On December 20, Buttercup's first set will be comprised of Christmas carols, with holiday treats available for attendees. As per usual, the show will be held at the Wiggle Room (2301 S. Presa).

Along the same holiday theme, Casbeers hosts its annual Christmas/Customer Appreciation Party on Saturday, December 18. The holiday bash will feature a performance by guitar hero Chris Duarte and a free buffet. Donations of blankets and warm clothing will be accepted, and gifts will be passed out. Showtime is 9 p.m., and admission is $10.

Miscellanea

The Esquire Tavern, one of the city's most beloved institutions of inebriation, recently turned 71 years old, and an anniversary celebration was planned for the bar on Wednesday, December 15. The longest continually operated bar in Texas, the Esquire was expected to host a series of all-day activities, including a commemoration of previous Esquire owners George Georges and his family, an unveiling of a mural by local artist Jenny Abbett, continuous serenades by mariachis, and a free evening set by Mitch Webb & the Swindles...

The 1902 McCullough site that has housed goth and alt-rock haven Sin 13 will soon enter a new era, reopening on New Year's Eve under new ownership and management as AtomiX Underground Lounge and Dance Club. More details will follow in S&F...

Compiled by: Gilbert Garcia