A week on the scene
Seeing red
Delphine Gunning spent the last several months going to see her favorite musicians perform in Austin because they never played at local venues. “Finally, I decided I didn’t want to go there anymore,” she says. “I decided that I was going to find a room.”
Gunning found that room in South Town, and in a span of five weeks she’s pulled together a space that promises to combine “Mediterranean bohemian” decor with a warehouse art-space vibe and intimate live-music setting. Audiences will be limited to 70 and attendees will be discouraged from engaging in frat-boy-like chatter while musicians are playing. Gunning is bringing a highly creative approach to the project by breaking down standards of what a music club should be. She talks of offering interactive music-instruction nights for kids (and even having kids perform), bringing in guest speakers, and showcasing local art.
Gunning’s creation, the Red Room, opens this weekend with a gig by Billy Harvey on Saturday, April 1, and a performance by Lanky the following night. Both shows begin at 8:30 p.m., with a $5 cover charge. The Red Room is located at 1903 South St. Mary’s. Call 218-3442 for more info, or go to redroomsa.com
Hallowed be thy names
Connoisseurs of American roots music have undoubtedly marked their calendars and plunked down their plastic for the upcoming Bob Dylan-Merle Haggard show, but in this heaviest of all heavy-metal meccas, the truly big news is the recent announcement that The Iron Maidens will make their maiden visit to San Anto. You read correctly: That wasn’t Iron Maiden, it was The Iron Maidens, self-proclaimed as the only all-female tribute band to the British thrash pioneers.
If you’re not sold by the fact that this group is fronted by someone who goes by the name of Aja “Bruce Chickinson” Kim, there’s little I can do for you, but just to sweeten the deal, the band will include Eddie, Iron Maiden’s graphic-art mascot, in their stage show. The Iron Maidens will bring their folklore-rock homage to Club Kristal on Monday, April 10, with presale tickets going for $10 (tickets will be $13 on the day of the show). Call 651-7575 for more info.
Compiled by Gilbert Garcia
