Author: Matt Kettmann

Behind the Benefits

ARIA Global Blends Good Thoughts with Great Art

At a passing glance, the whole concept seems naively idealistic: a for-profit, Internet-based company dedicated to discovering then establishing hand-selected original musicians, writers, and artists while simultaneously-via online song/art/book sales and concerts-raising dough for nonprofit charities engaged in environmental and social justice work. But then you look at the educational and professional credentials of ARIA Global’s founding “mastermind” Brandi Bennitt-which include a completed novel, a master’s degree in business from Antioch, and stints at some of the more impressive marketing firms on the planet-and it’s hard to find the concept whose motto is “You Download, We Donate” anything short of brilliant.

The Reds

Members: (from left) Jonathan Pugh, guitar; Greg Wilson, vocals/bass; Asher Simon, drums
Style: An energy-driven, loud, fun mix of rock and skate punk
Influences: Jawbreaker, Lagwagon, Glassjaw, NoFX, Foo Fighters, Johnny Cash, Journey
Prior Gigs: The Wildcat, Velvet Jones, The Hard to Find, The Barn, Zelo’s
The Skinny: Formed in February 2005, The Reds say that they do take their music seriously, but that the goal at one of their shows is “to create music that is as equally exciting to play as it is to listen to,” said Wilson, the lead singer. “Anyone who has seen our shows before knows that the friendships and eclectic love of music shared by the members is the key to our chemistry on stage.” The Reds are all set to release their debut five-song EP, called Ripping, Shredding, and Thrashing, which they recorded here in drummer Asher Simon’s Santa Barbara garage and are releasing “on our own dime.”
Next Gig: The Reds’ EP release party is Friday, April 29 at Rocks, with support from The Hero and The Victor and Le Meu Le Purr.

-Matt Kettmann

DVD Magazine of the Week

Wholphin

Thanks to the dot-com explosion a few years back, we’ve been inundated with countless new media, almost all related to our ubiquitous friend, Mr. Internet. Downloadable digital music tops the list, but blogging is a close second, followed in no particular order by podcasting, daily e-mailers, vlogging-the list goes on and on into notions sometimes brilliant, but usually half-baked.

Sly and the Family Stone

Different Strokes by Different Folks

(Epic; January 2006)
Who doesn’t like the funk? If this “reimagined” collection of Sly Stone songs by today’s hottest artists from multiple genres is any indication, there ain’t a soul who can’t dig on some of the funky stuff.

Considering the Cannabis Cure

Santa Barbara to Host National Conference on Medical Marijuana

Twenty years ago, the notion that hundreds of doctors, nurses, patients, lawyers, and curious citizens would gather in a drab conference room to see scientists present research papers and hear physicians discuss the therapeutic benefits of marijuana was little more than a stoner’s fantasy. But in 2006, 10 years after Californians started a national trend by voting to allow sick people to smoke, eat, or otherwise imbibe marijuana to ease their pains, this notion is a reality-and it’s happening this April here in Santa Barbara.