Proud to be a dirtbag
Current mood: chill

We found it interesting that several people responded favorably to the article in the Easy Reader newspaper which most of us took offense to.

One writer claimed she was a former Deadhead who had proudly "moved on," and she called Deadheads "dirtbags." What she was doing at the show is beyond me...unless she was there with Ryan Beachkofski!

Here's the letters:

Words from a real deadhead
Dear ER:
I wanted to let you know that I thought Ryan Beachkofski's article on the Cubensis show at the Lighthouse was hilarious ("Live music review," ER June 19). I am a deadhead — and I was at that show, which was my first time at a cover band performance. I just missed the Grateful Dead's music a lot, so I went. What I realized I did not miss were the hippies. I have seen more live Grateful Dead concerts than most of those folks put together — 399 including the Jerry Garcia Band. I don't look like a typical deadhead anymore and am very proud to have moved on. It's obvious that those other folks just can't seem to do the same.
Anyway, I just wanted you to get a letter of support. Beachknowski was totally right. Deadheads are dirt bags and they don't buy drinks.

'Spoiled children' react to review
Dear ER:
Having read your article ("Cubensis at the Lighthouse," ER June 19) and the dozens of hot-and-bothered responses, I lean in favor of the reviewer. It's a review, people, not a news report of events. A review is subjective. So if what is sought is a recording of the events played back live, this ain't it. Everyone then gets to voice his or her opinion in Letters to the Editor.
Many people responded to the above review negatively. Fine. That's also one's right in our nation.
However, those who called for the immediate firing of the reviewer and (not so) veiled threats about pulling advertising, come off as spoiled children.

8:56 PM - 5 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Offensive review in the Easy Reader newspaper
Current mood: annoyed

By now, most everyone is aware of the highly offensive "review" of a Cubensis show by Ryan Beachkofski of the South Bay Easy Reader. He actually did everything BUT review our show, and he crossed the line when he talked shit about the Dead and about our fans.

I read some of his other reviews about local bands, and he was very complimentary, which goes to show how hypocritical he is; check out some of his comments:

Just for fun, I decided to see if Ryan Beachkofski was capable of writing an honest review, if he ever said anything positive about a band. The following statements in quotes are culled from his write-ups for bands other than Cubensis. The statements in bold are my reaction to Beachkofski's quotes. It's interesting that he saved the journalistic equivalent of hate mail and scorn for us, with the full and willing cooperation of his editor.

Beachkofski consistently criticized Cubensis for the same things he praised other bands for---

"This very entertaining young act must have captured the readers attention as well because the votes for best under-21ers came in droves. Their popularity is clearly rising as well for the brass/ska/rock ensemble. The music is driving and the fans are responding. "
*****Cubensis fans had to line up outside of the Lighthouse to get in because the crowd reached capacity early in the performance, yet Beachkofski was oblivious to this.

"Mixmaster has gained a legion of dance hall regulars that book their weekends based on his attendance. That's the real accomplishment."
 *****Cubensis has done the same thing for years, but it's no accomplishment to Beachkofski. People rearrange their work schedules and days off to be able to attend Cubensis events. Cubensis played weekly for 8 years straight at 14 Below in Santa Monica, and is going on 5 years straight in Huntington Beach at the Marlin.

"This white collar foursome from Palos Verdes can be heard weekly in the South Bay almost everywhere...literally. Their bookings are as much as six nights a month, but it may seem like more from the ringing in your ears after you see them."
 *****In June, Cubensis played 13 shows. Beachkofski is impressed by their mere 6 shows, but our 13 shows a month doesn't count.

"On any given night, Beaches has a room full of beautiful people entwined in dance, rhythm and song. But on a Friday or Saturday night, there may be no other place to be in all of LA that is more fun than the dance floor at Beaches."
***** The same could be said of a Cubensis show, if the reviewer had been fair and impartial. Oh, I forgot... our fans are not beautiful, but instead 'unwashed.'

"Joe's Band - In a category of quality cover acts, including some that play in lieu of the originals, Joe's Band was the clear frontrunner. Joe Middler, founder, namesake and talent coordinator extraordinaire, seems to have a lock on the complete cover scene. He takes the concept of the tribute band and multiplies it by 30. He puts together a stage full of professional musicians (I have seen as many as 12 at one time) who specialize in particular genres..."
*****Apparently cover bands in and of themselves don't upset Mr. Beachkofski, just when they play a type of music he admittedly despises. As far as a stage full of professional musicians, everyone in Cubensis falls into that category. Several teach, and Cubensis guitarist Nate LaPointe is featured in a number of instructional videos.

"Bonfire (1974-Feb. 19, 1980 AC/DC doppelganger), the most impressive tribute band these eyes and ears have ever bore witness to, will be playing at McMurphy's Tavern in Pasadena on the day of your rebirthing. My baptism to the Bonfire was last Thursday at the Lighthouse where I sat in absolute awe of this anachronism."
 *****Beachkofski is obviously capable of writing flattering reviews of bands he likes. His "live music review" of Cubensis, was not a review of the music or the musicianship of the players, but a prejudiced, relentless, insulting attack against the band, the scene, and the attendees.

"Bonfire is a tribute band by which all other similar acts may need to question whether they are actual trib bands, or are they merely covering the songs. Bonfire is objectivity."
*****  Too bad Beachkofski uses the word "objectivity," a concept he knows nothing about. Apparently, being a tribute band was not our "crime" in Beachkofski's view, just the fact that we picked a band he hated (the Dead) to tribute.

"If imitation is the finest form of flattery, Orange County's own No Doubt has been paid the ultimate compliment by a local foursome of talented musicians and thespians that call themselves No Duh."
***** Imitation is flattery except when the band is Cubensis.

"The fan following for No Duh has been relentless for some time and the celebrity sightings don't hurt. Having benefited from covering one of music's hottest international selling acts, and doing it well, the band is in great demand. As such, the Lighthouse was in solid form last Friday with the dance floor full to capacity."
***** But when Cubensis fills the dancefloor to capacity, it doesn't count. Ask manager CJ at the Lighthouse what our numbers are...they must be good...they invite us back once a month.

"I have a great deal of respect for tribute bands that can play up to their mentors' high standards."
***** However, NO respect was shown for Cubensis, who received Jerry Garcia's express permission to play the Dead's music. Stars of the rock world who have sat in with us include Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead, Tubes), Chris Robinson and Marc Ford (Black Crowes), Warren Haynes (Allman Bros, Gov't Mule), Mark Karan (Bob Weir's Ratdog), Barney Doyle of the Mickey Hart Band, and John Molo of Phil and Friends to name but a few.

"AWOL, a group of hired guns who rent their talents out to the best paying or best possible venue, come together often to hone their stage presence and have a little fun at the same time."
******It's ok for AWOL to seek the best pay for their performance, but Cubensis is criticized for doing so. Why didn't Beachkofski publicize AWOL's asking price, like he did for Cubensis?

"... a set list full of classic rock standards is the 'in' thing this season..."
 *****Isn't the Grateful Dead considered 'classic rock'?According to KLOS and the rest of the world, they are.

"This night, however, was AWOL spreading the gospel of classic rock to the smiling sweaty patrons who sat along the long bar and glided across the now-slippery dance floor."
***** AWOL's fan sweat, and Beachkofski praises them, while ignoring the smiles on Cubensis fan's faces while they dance hard in a hot room like the Lighthouse, but of course they aren't allowed to sweat because they might smell too bad for Mr. Beachkofski.

"Everyone needs a good cover band to turn to for nostalgia's sake."
 *****As long as it's not Cubensis. Would the House of Blues invite us back over 40 times if we weren't good?

"A simple song from your youth can take you back to the memories of having a reasonable waistline, having confidence without accountability, and the reminiscence can quite simply put you in a good mood."
*****The Grateful Dead began their career around 1967, when many of us were 'youths'. Beachkofski's law says Cubensis fans aren't entitled to be in a good mood.

"There are a lot of different music styles that try to mimic, and do well in cover band work. With memorizing all the nuances, changes in sound and tone and silly lyrics that people come up with, CMP is four sets of fun."
*****For doing covers, "CMP" is four sets of fun, but Cubensis doing covers is a heinous crime in Beachkofski's book.

"Music is music when it finds its niche."
 *****Cubensis has found their niche, and have been entertaining people for over 20 years, apparently a useless accomplishment to Beachkofski.

The Easy Reader printed excerpts from some of the letters they received regarding the offensive Cubensis review. They received over 75 letters. Click:

http://www.easyreadernews.com/story.php?StoryID=20033718 Part 1

http://www.easyreadernews.com/story.php?StoryID=20033719 Part 2

5:05 AM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Meeting Jerry Garcia--

We were going up to Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR to see the Grateful Dead, with Little Feat opening, June 1990. Our flight changed planes at San Francisco Int’l Airport. My companion spotted none other than Jerry Garcia browsing in the gift shop. She searched for some scrap of paper, anything, to obtain an autograph. She approached him, asked for a hug, so he put down his briefcase and gave her a big squeeze. Jerry autographed a letter she happened to have in her purse.

Other people were coming up to him, saying hi. I had decided that I wasn’t going to bother the man, to give him his space. But then I got to thinking...I might never get another chance to thank him for all the delightful music he had brought into my life, so I walked up to him.

"Hi, Jerry! So, you’re going up to Eugene a day early, I see."

"Yeah," he laughed, "Otherwise, I’d have to travel with ’the band’, you know?"

I expressed my thanks for all the great music and wonderful times the Grateful Dead had given me, and I told him I was in a band called Cubensis. "That’s a good name!" he said, and laughed again, immediately understanding the psychedelic mushroom connection. When I explained that Cubensis played all Grateful Dead music, he replied, in mock surprise, "Oh yeah? So do we!" More laughs all around.

Following that exchange, I asked him about some of the guitar effects he used on stage, and since I was a fellow guitarist he happily launched into a detailed explanation of his setup and the electronics involved. Garcia had designed a system where his guitar signal could either travel unaffected straight to his amplifier, or by throwing a switch he could route the signal through his effects rack and back through the guitar, where he could then modify the sound with his volume and tone knobs to suit his taste. This allowed him virtually infinite control over what the audience eventually heard.

I must admit that some of his tutorial went right over my head, because about that time it struck me that I was actually talking with THE MAN, the best guitarist I had ever heard, who played in my favorite band of all time, whose recordings I had literally slowed down to half speed in order to learn how to play guitar.

The spell was broken when his wife-to-be Deborah Koons finished her shopping, and he said, "Shall we go, dear?" I offered the standard Deadhead salutation, "Have a good show," and then we all got in line to board the plane.

I did manage to ask Garcia the $64,000 question: Was it ok for Cubensis to be playing the Dead’s music? "As long as you do a good job of it," he replied.

Garcia of course was seated in first class, but it was pretty obvious who else was on board when the pilot announced that the flight was headed straight to the Dead shows in Oregon, and the entire compartment erupted in cheers. I’ve always been petrified of airline travel, but that was one of the smoothest, most stress-free and most enjoyable trips ever.

Craig Marshall, Cubensis guitarist

5:19 PM - 8 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

Shows end at 14 Below
Current mood: grateful

The every-Sunday series of shows at 14 Below has ended, so that the band can fulfill an ever-growing demand for out-of-town shows. Thank you for a great 8 years! Cubensis will continue to play in W. Los Angeles on occasion...keep an eye on the website -- click here!

9:28 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Marathon setlists
Current mood: exhausted

For those of you who were at some or all of the 6 marathon shows in a row last week, here are the setlists. If you didn't come to any of the shows, here's what you missed!....

The Marlin Bar, Huntington Beach, CA 11-13-07
set 1
The Race Is On
Simple Twist of Fate
Easy to Love You
Little Red Rooster
Eyes of the World
Me and My Uncle
Peggy-O
Good Times Blues
Hell In a Bucket

set 2
Tore Up
Whiskey In a Jar
Cassidy
Friend of the Devil
Viola Lee Blues
Victim or the Crime
Built to Last
Dancin In the Streets

House of Blues, Hollywood, CA 11-14-07
Eyes of the World>
Loose Lucy
Maggi's Farm w/Joel Gilbert(Dylan)
Black Throated Wind
Tennessee Jed>
The Wheel
Don't Let Go>
Saint of Circumstance
Help On the Way>
Slipknot>
In Memory of Elizabeth Reed>
Franklin's Tower

Cane's, San Diego, CA 11-15-07
opening for JGB
Let the Good Times Roll>
Feel Like A Stranger
Loser
Good Times Blues
Big River
Shakedown Street>
Bertha
Sugar Magnolia

House of Blues, Anaheim, CA 11-16-07
Casey Jones
Dark Star>
St. Stephen>
Not Fade Away>
Goin Down the Road Feelin Bad>
Not Fade Away
Sing Me Back Home
Cumberland Blues
Greatest Story Ever Told
Eyes of the World*
Hey Pocky Way*
Good Lovin'*>
Drums**>
Good Lovin**
E: Johnny B. Goode*

*=w/ Michael Forbes on sax
**=w/Steve Harris' sons Bryce and Skylar on drums

Moon Doggie's West, Las Vegas, NV 11-17-07
set 1
Cold Rain And Snow
Alabama Getaway
CC Rider
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Tudeloo
Get Together
Passenger
Althea
Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
Might As Well

set 2
Saint Of Circumstance>
Franklin's Tower
Playin' In The Band
Row Jimmy
All Along The Watchtower
Shakedown Street>
Bertha
Me And My Uncle
Terrapin Station>
Lovelight

14 Below, Santa Monica, CA 11-18-07
set 1
Mississippi Halfstep Uptown Tudeloo
The Wheel
Good Morning Little School Girl
China Cat Sunflower >
I Know You Rider
Keep On Growing

set 2
Lazy Lightning >
Supplication
Dire Wolf
Stop That Train
Last Time
Scarlet Begonias>
Drums>
Sugar Magnolia
Shakedown Street

4:49 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Whoa, whoa, baby, back where we belong
Current mood: grateful

Cubensis returns to 14 Below in Santa Monica starting Aug 5, every Sunday at a new time, 7:30pm. Designed so that the working person or student can see a full show, and still get up Monday morning. Corner of 14th Street and Santa Monica Blvd.

2:01 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

HOB Setlist- 7/8/07

MASONS CHILDREN>

TOUCH OF GRAY

CASEY JONES

MINGLEWOOD BLUES

HELP ON THE WAY>

JAM>

SLIPKNOT>

FRANKLINS TOWER

BLOW AWAY

PLAYING IN THE BAND>

JAM>

WHARF RAT>

CHINA CAT>

I KNOW YOU RIDER>

PLAYING IN THE BAND



Encore:

CUMBERLAND BLUES

SISTERS & BROTHERS



(with guest Barney Doyle from the Mickey Hart band on guitar for all but the first two songs)

11:39 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Good news, bad news...plus Lake Casitas followup
Current mood: grateful

Do you want the good news first?

Cubensis will not be playing at the Good Hurt on Sunday, July 8, due to an engagement at the Anaheim House of Blues, which you are certainly welcome to attend (more in a minute).

In our place, Orange County jamband Delilah Jones is scheduled to perform in our place at the Good Hurt next Sunday, so whether you feel like making the trip to Anaheim, or want to stay close to home and see what Delilah Jones has to offer, we've got you covered. Like us, Delilah plays a lot of Dead and Jerry Band material. We'll be back in full force at the Good Hurt on Sunday July 15. I hope you'll join us.

Now, the Anaheim House of Blues show on Sunday July 8 finds us with our friends Hwy 61 Revisited. Doors open at 7pm, music at 8pm, Cubensis around 10pm. It's a free all-ages show if you get tickets from us either at a show or by visiting the Cubensis website . I believe those under 17 need an adult "guardian", but it doesn't have to be a parent. We usually have someone wandering around outside before the show with tickets in hand, as well, but don't depend on it...download your ticket NOW!

Just before we go, a reminder...there's no school or work on Wednesday (July 4), so let's see you all down at the Marlin in Huntington Beach on Tuesday, wadda ya say? Last chance to pick up those free HOB tickets.

--------
Lake Casitas observations

The Lake Casitas Rock Fest was one of the best shows and best setups in years. Once you picked your spot, you were met by a huge stage set in a gigantic grassy park, with shade trees and a majestic view of the lake and surrounding mountains. From your campsite, or whether you were strolling through the large vendors area, your ears were tickled by some of the finest and most diverse musical acts to be found, plus a great stereo light show after the sun went down. The bands played their hearts out. Dread Zeppelin was strangely wonderful. Cubensis closed the show with over 2 hours of music. Security was mellow. We did as we pleased.

Yet, promoter Howard Freiberg lost money, a good deal of money, thousands of dollars, because he wanted to put on the best possible show at the best possible venue at an outstanding price, and despite that, attendance didn't live up to expectations. Another 400 attendees could have made all the difference. Those that were there can stop reading now--you KNOW what a good time we had, and we thank you for your support. If you weren't there, and you assume that you can always attend "next time", you'd better think again. How many times can these bands and promoters take huge losses before they just throw their hands in the air and say, "It's not worth it?"

Come on, Howard gave you ten hours of live music for $16, and you couldn't get off your sofa and drive to Ventura and hang out with your friends under the sun and stars? Howard's already cut his show schedule way back...to our knowledge, there's only one more summer outdoor concert scheduled in Ojai (August 18), and then that's it! In the meantime, the East Coast and the rest of the country gets to enjoy festival after festival. Did you ever wonder why? Because people get off their asses and go to shows and support the scene!

Our local music scene is in danger of dying a slow death because of indifference and apathy. First, we were sending out friendly reminders, but now, we're screaming "help" because we're sliding into the grave, hanging on by our fingernails. Like I said, this is for the folks that didn't make the effort, those that have talked themselves into thinking these shows and these bands will always be around. They won't. My intent is not to berate, but to motivate!!! Support live music!!! Support local festivals!!!!

Yeah, I know, I know...bitch, bitch, bitch...but it has to be said. Cubensis is already in danger of losing our Good Hurt Sunday gig because of lack of sufficient attendance, although this Sunday was a little better. Maybe the word is finally getting out. But what happened to all the Deadheads? They certainly seem to come out in huge numbers when DSO plays. I'll be honest...it always frustrates me to see people happily shelling out $25-30 bucks for Darkstar, and then they cry and moan when we ask for a measley $8 at our shows. I think we've kept it very reasonable.

And believe me, bands like DSO and Widespread Panic doesn't give a F**K about you, they just come once or twice a year and drain all your money away with high ticket prices, and then go on to the next town. Bands like that are buying houses with their profits, and we can barely keep our cars filled with gas. But, we're here for you every week, through thick and thin. Maybe YOU need to reevaluate your support of live music!

1:47 AM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

'07 Summer Schedule at a Glance
Current mood: grateful

Grateful Dead tribute CUBENSIS is pleased to announce the following performance schedule. Support live music!!!


House of Blues, Anaheim, CA -- Sun, July 8, 8:30pm. 18 & over. Free with tickets from band website (www.cubensis.com), otherwise $10. With Highway 61 Revisited.

The Lighthouse, Hermosa Beach, CA -- Sat, July 14, 4-8pm. Free, 21 & over.

Soho, Santa Barbara, CA -- Thurs, August 2, 9pm. 21 & over.

Classic Rock Festival, Libbey Park, Ojai, CA -- Sat, August 18, Noon to 10pm. All ages.

Winston's, Ocean Beach, CA -- Sat, August 25, 10pm. 21 & over.

Blue Cafe, Huntington Beach, CA -- Fri, August 31, 9pm. 21 & over.

Every Tuesday: Marlin Bar, Huntington Beach, CA 9pm
Every Sunday: Good Hurt, Mar Vista, CA 9pm

For directions and more info visit Cubensis Website

Cubensis continues to bring relevance and fresh perspective to Grateful Dead music in 2007, as the band celebrates its 20th year of performing. Dance like no one's watching! Telling other kynd folks about the shows is most appreciated!

7:09 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

This is how we roll...setlist 5/1/07
Current mood: grateful

Setlist, Cubensis, 5/1/07
Marlin Bar, Huntington Beach, CA

Wonderful World
The Harder They Come
Memphis Blues Again
The Way You Do the Things You Do
New Speedway Boogie
El Paso
Cats Under the Stars
Terrapin Station

After Midnight
Big Iron
Mason's Children
Mountains of the Moon
Boogie On Reggae Woman
Dark Star>
Wheel>
To Lay Me Down
Lonesome L.A. Cowboy
One More Saturday Night

11:36 PM - 2 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment