2008 Your Music Olympicks!  Brought to you by Lyon Entertainment and Your Music Magazine, which is NOW partnered with Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.  Special thanks to our Santa Cruz sponsors: O’Neill Surf Shop, Indigital Recording Studio, Epiphone Guitars, and Coffeetopia with their new location at 15th and Capitola Road.

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Last weekend, April 4th, 5th, and 6th, we had some amazing live performances.  On Friday night the Your Music Olympicks were up at Henflings Tavern with Who’s Holdin’, Ty Oliver, and Slop Opera.  The place was packed as Ty Oliver took the stage with his shred rock guitar and super bassist Bobby who also plays in Misery & Company, I don’t know the drummer but his solid beats kept the whole thing together.  Next up was local favorite’s Who’s Holdin’, a kind of heavier version of Cake would be how I describe them.  I guess I say that because they have a trumpet player.  Who’s Holdin’ took the 3rd slot in the top 6.  Last on the bill was Slop Opera represented by Adam White.  Adam is a true master of the hip-hop craft and with his likable personality he won over the mountain crowd.
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On Saturday we took the party to Coasters Lounge in the Boardwalk Bowl with 3upFront, Asyst, and Blood Print.  The night started on a sad note when the drummer from Asyst received a phone call that his cousin Brian Zorra was killed in a motorcycle accident.  This of course was devastating to the band and our staff as some of us new Brian on a personal level.  Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Brian Zorra.  As they say, “the show must go on” so 3upFront and Blood Print played extra long sets.  Both bands blew up the joint and 3upFront took the 4th slot in the top 6.  3upFront has a great new CD out which is a finalist for best CD event in the 2008 Your Music Olympicks.
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Sunday April 6th was our live performance event for under 21 bands held at The Catalyst.  My Stupid Brother took the stage at 8PM and man, they not only killed it during their set but they also pulled in enough votes to be our #1 band in the current top 6.  Triage followed with a mind melting metal set that either pumped you up or drove you out, depending on whether you like death metal.  The PhaRxmacy is definitely a band to watch in the coming year.  Front woman Carol (I can’t find her last name anywhere!) has an edgy, haunting voice that will draw you in to their powerpop rock.  They are intriguing, and I look forward to checking them out again in a few months when they have a little more seasoning.  Jackie Rocks closed out the night, and they were so impressive they drew in over 50 people from the crowd leaving after the Alkaline Trio show in the big room.  They sounded more polished and dialed in than I’d ever heard them before, and I know that they made some new fans at the show.  Great night, thanks again to all of the bands for playin’ kick-ass sets!

--------2008 Your Music Olympicks Santa Cruz Live Performance Finalists as of April 10th 2008:

Top 6
1) My Stupid Brother
2) Craig’s Brother
3) Who’s Holdin’
4) 3upFront
5) Perfect Flaw
6) Pariah Faction

2008 Your Music Olympicks Best CD Finalists as of April 4th 2008:

Man Automatic – In the Eyes of a Child
The Devil Himself – Pushing the Panic Button
The Moderna Complex – Act as if
Archer - Doomsday Profits
Jade of Days – Gracas a Deus
F.U.B.A.R. – F.U.B.A.R.
EnemyInside – Wings of Devastation
Dirty Penny – Take it Sleezy
My Monster – In Tune with the Voices in your Head
3upFront -  …& Jake
Russ Pettit- The Endless Journey