Signicci Band--It’s Raging Arb’s Redheaded Stepchild

Ventura’s Raging Arb & the Redheads are in no danger of overwork, what with their less-than-relentless one-gig-a-month schedule. Then there’s Signicci, an acoustic group featuring two-thirds of Arb and many others, which is threatening to play more often, but still plan on attracting the usual drinking and dancing Redhead fans. The next window of opportunity for the Almost Arb--that is Signicci--is Friday night at Bombay Bar & Grill in Ventura.

The Redheads of Signicci include John Drury (J.D.) on vocals, John House on acoustic bass, Toby Emery on acoustic guitar and Bill Benson on acoustic guitar. These four are ably assisted by Chris Byrd on acoustic guitar, Jimmy Giannatti on yet another acoustic guitar and Pete Finestone who hits the drums. Sometimes the group will grow or shrink, depending.

“People float in and out of practice--there’s no rules with this band,” said Benson during the band’s practice last week.

Signicci produces great endless, mindless and senseless dance grooves--sort of like the Traveling Wilburys meets the Rolling Stones--actually with several songs by the latter, including “The Last Time,” “Silver Train,” “Not Fade Away” and “Sweet Virginia.” Throw in some old blues songs and some Raging Arb originals and that’s Signicci--with about 25 songs in its repertoire.

“It’s an acoustic cocktail,” said Emery. “The Stones’ influence definitely overshadows the Arb influence in this band; there’s different people, a whole different chemistry. Or maybe it’s a cross between Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Nietzsche; I’m not sure.”

Despite the fact that many people in the city of Ventura own at least one article of clothing with that ubiquitous Redhead mug on it, Raging Arb does not seem to be interested in expanded its fan base. Quite the contrary, they are definitely cutting back after more than a dozen years as Ventura’s favorite band. They have played scarcely 10 times this year. Why? The drummer, Ross Emery, has a bunch of kids, a job and perhaps even a life.

“Signicci is definitely a direct result of Ross wanting to slow it down with Raging Arb,” said brother Toby. “There are four members of Raging Arb in the band and we all still need that outlet.”

The current band got going a few months ago, starting at Eric Ericsson’s (now Seaside Johnny’s) on Seaward Avenue in Ventura. For many years, Chris Byrd (who once upon a time taught the Redheads how to play) and Frank Barajas (veteran of numerous local pop rock bands) did an acoustic thing as the Tijuana Hound Dogs. They performed every Friday night in the tiny bar area where Signicci could barely fit.

“Byrd and Barajas played down there for a long time, and sometimes Frank couldn’t make it and J.D. [Drury] and I would fill in,” said Emery. “At first, it was just a trade deal with Eric. We’d just sign our name for free beer or free food. Gradually ‘signature’ became ‘signicci,’ as in sign your little ‘signicci.’ ”

Last month for their California street debut, Signicci played at Bombay and was clearly a hit--the dance floor was packed. Five guys wailing away on acoustic guitars, approaching a full-fledged frenzy, seemed to work well for almost everybody. Well, with an exception or two.

“It’s not loud enough for me,” said Benson.

The Bombay is at 143 California St. in Ventura. The show starts around 10 p.m. and will set you back about six bucks. Raging Arb & the Redheads will play the following Friday at Nicholby’s. Call 643-4404.

*

The recently reported demise of Joe Daddy’s was overstated. Owner Sandy Smith said the recent Pontiax gig was to be the last hurrah for the joint. But co-owner Ed Warren has a different view, since the venue seems to be booked through the month, and Randy Rich & the Ravens are set for New Year’s Eve. This weekend it’s the Skye Ferguson Blues Band on Friday night with JT & the Zydeco Zippers playing Saturday night. The venue, home to real root beer barrels and great food, is at 211 E. Santa Clara St. in Ventura. Call them at 643-3264.

*

Sundays can be a real drag, what with that hangover from Saturday still lurking, plus no meaningful football on the tube. There are a number of afternoon musical interludes available, however. Blue Stew plays at Hi Cees in the Ventura Harbor, and the Maui Blues Band plays at Seaside Johnny’s at the end of Seaward Avenue in Ventura. Raw Silk, veteran R&B; band out of Santa Barbara, will be at Bombay in the front bar. Up the road in Oak View, the Humble Servants of the Groove kick things off around 4 p.m.--plus who can argue with a free tri-tip dinner? Farther up the road in Meiners Oaks, bikers shoot pool, drink beer and Michael & Mary Ann will do the classic rock thing. They have barbecue here as well, but it costs five bucks. It’s worth it.

*

Poe is back. Not Edgar Allan, but surreal, steamy diva Poe, who canceled her Ventura Theatre show in late October. She will perform Tuesday night. Poe (actually Annie Danielewski until she dressed up as the main character in Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death” one Halloween and shortened her name considerably) has a hit with her debut disc, “Hello.” The songs getting the airplay are “Angry Johnny” and “Trigger Happy Jack.”

Opening for the Princeton grad will be Super 8, but unfortunately no Eels on this tour. This 8 p.m. show will set you back a dozen big ones. Call them at 648-1888.