Emily A. Benton

While the country debated CIA torture memos, I was busy threatening Phil and Bruce at The Fool’s Brigade HQ to give me more information about tonight’s (May 1) benefit concert/swine flu party at The Neighborhood Theatre. The annual tribute concert includes a number of local Charlotte musicians butchering the catalog of The Rolling Stones, all in the name of “charity”.

And as if it wasn’t enough that my boyfriend’s band wasn’t included on this year’s bill, Phil tried to keep me out of the loop even more by ignoring my emails for up to 48 hours at a time, then responding with one word comments such as “poopie” and “dinglebutt.” Bruce, meanwhile, has yet to follow me on Twitter. But we all know he’s just playing dumb.

It wasn’t until I mentioned I had possession of photos taken at a certain public restroom and alley way around Thomas Street that Phil came forth with the information we needed, although his typing was sloppy due to sweaty fingers. Shortly thereafter, my website shut down.

Also, in the past week, I have gone to TWO record stores and to the actual concert venue, and on all ocassions was unable to purchase tickets for tonight’s event. I’ve been given the runaround with vendor replies such as “cash only” and “I don’t have the envelope” (*wink, wink*) and “can we see some ID, please” and “no paper tickets available, call back tomorrow.”

CONSPIRACY?

So, in an effort to be transparent, I present what information I’ve been able to find about tonight’s set list. The show starts at 8 p.m., with bands playing about 10 minutes each. The order is as follows:

The Mangles

The Stellas

Hardcore Lounge

The Virginia Reel

Raised by Wolves

Chocha Loca

Snagglepuss

Black Lashes

BabyShaker

Bo White Trio Select

Yardwork

Trouble Walkers

Lou Ford

Sammies

Noises 10

Houstons

The night closes with the Fool’s Brigade House Band, which includes  members of Buschovski, Bruce Hazel & Some Volunteers, Randolph Lewis, Mike Strauss, Dylan Gilbert, The Black Lashes, Poprocket, The Alternative Champs, The Catch Fire, tenSpeed, Project Bluebird, Nitehawk, Sea of Cortez, etc. :

Jason Atkins
Bryson Avery
Brent Bagwell
Kris Baucom
Molly J. Brown,
Brent Dunn
Shane Elks
Nicolette Emanuelle
Anna Gallagher
Chris Garges
Jay Garrigan
Dylan Gilbert
Darrin Gray
Peter Grey
Bruce Hazel
Chris Johnson
David Kim
Randolph Lewis
Mark Lynch
Shawn Lynch
Karla Marsh
David Massi
Mike Mitschele
John Morris
Jon Phillips
Mike Strauss
Chad Wilson
Trevor Cook

$10 admission, all proceeds benefit Jacob’s Ladder.

So, come if you like, but don’t be surprised if you find me chained to the sidewalk with a bullhorn if I can’t get through security the first 20 times I try.