Earth Day Gets Rock Options

By JOHN ROOS

April 22, 2000 12 AM PT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Could the timing for Earth Day 2000 be any better for Orange County? After all, our coastline has recently become a receptacle for toxic pollutants, with last summer’s forced closure of Huntington Beach being the most disturbing example.

Organizers for the Fullerton Earth Day 2000 celebration hope to raise the awareness of environmental issues during today’s marathon free concert featuring Save Ferris, Reel Big Fish, Zebrahead and about 15 other local musical acts.

Nonprofit organizations such as Heal the Bay/Mojo, Community ReLeaf and the Newport Arboretum, among others, will be on hand to share their views.

Only don’t expect a pep rally or much fist-in-the-air sermonizing on behalf of our fragile ecosystem. For this celebration, taking place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in the parking lot of the Hub Cafe (and continuing into early Sunday morning on the Cafe patio), the emphasis is on music and fostering a spirit of community.

“Certainly we want to draw attention to our planet’s needs, but at the same time, these are sharp kids who don’t want it rammed down their throats,” said co-organizer James Barnum, a promoter for Impact Concerts.

“What we’re doing is getting a bunch of stylistically different bands together to give them more exposure. We’ve put all the egos and business concerns aside for the purpose of mixing together crowds and bands that wouldn’t otherwise be at the same concert.”

The musical offerings are indeed eclectic, ranging from pop-laced ska (Reel Big Fish, Save Ferris), emo-pop (Square, Tom Racer) and power pop (Bikeride, the Relatives) to alt-and-art rock (John Easdale & the Newcomers, the Killingtons, the Autumns), garage rock (Busstop Hurricanes), rap-rock (Zebrahead) and rockabilly (Billy and the Starliners) to acid jazz/funk/Afro-Cuban dance music (00-Soul) and even electronica (Uberzone [digital mix]). Oh, and for sheer silliness, let’s not forget the always-entertaining Moseleys.

While the term “alternative rock” has meant little over the last few years, several participating musicians see the return of an indie-driven movement fueled by a liberating open-mindedness. Their message: Conformity and divisiveness be damned.

“A lot of fans . . . were strictly into seeing ska or swing bands, but now there’s some crossover and a lot of interest in aggressive-edged pop and rock bands,” said drummer Michel Bravine of the Killingtons, a Long Beach-based alt-rock band that released the three-song EP, “American Made,” in 1996. The band’s much-anticipated, full-length debut is slated for release in May or June on MeG/Vegas Records.

“Earth Day is a great time for togetherness,” he added. “It’ll be nice to see Reel Big Fish again. They’re cool guys who let us use some of their equipment when we played with them in the past. Some of today’s bands are on major labels, some aren’t . . . but I don’t think there’s animosity or weird feelings between any of us.”

R. Scott is soaking up the vibe. The keyboardist in Long Beach’s 00-Soul, the ultra-funky, multiethnic octet that plays the first Saturday of every month at the Foothill in Signal Hill, says the communal atmosphere feels right.

“When Carlo [Terranova, co-owner of the Hub] called me and asked us to play this Earth Day gig, man, I didn’t even hesitate,” he said. “You’ve got to take care of your mother [Earth]’, and I’ll do anything to help raise awareness. Plus, the Hub is an all-ages venue that presents a variety of live music that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. There’s good music out there . . . sometimes you just have to look for it.”

How does Scott feel about sharing a bill with alt-rock, ska, emo, pop and electronica acts?

“I think people are at the point where they want something new or different, and creativity--at least underground--has become important again,” he said. “Music isn’t as pigeonholed, and the diversity of styles is bringing a true alternative back to the music scene. Who knows--maybe we can turn some people on to 00-Soul who have no idea what we’re about.”

Square might be the new kid on the block, but the power trio is nevertheless making a splash. The band--featuring lead singer/keyboardist/synthesizer player Sean Beste, guitarist James Valentine and drummer Ryland Steen--relocated to California from Lincoln, Neb., just two months ago, but it already has generated a buzz with its string of impressive O.C. appearances at the Hub, Back Alley, Linda’s Doll Hut and the Gypsy Lounge.

Southland fans have embraced Square’s potent live act and distinctive sound, which is kind of a mixture of Ben Folds Five, Jamaraqui and a revved-up Steely Dan. The threesome is shopping its demo to major labels with hopes of recording a full-length debut this summer.

On why the band chose Orange County, Valentine said, “We were intending to land in L.A. for all the usual reasons--only we wound-up renting a place in Anaheim from a folk singer we know. Believe me, it’s a lot more affordable than anything in L.A.”

“As it turns out, we couldn’t be happier here. We got a lot of positive feedback after our first gig, and things have just snowballed. We’ve actually had to turn down shows because we’ve been so busy.”

According to co-organizer Terranova, production costs will run about $10,000 to stage the Earth Day event, now in its sixth year. Presenting so much talent for free wouldn’t be possible, he says, without the support of other club owners and numerous sponsors.

“The spirit of cooperation has just been tremendous,” he said. (Chain Reaction’s) Tim Hill and (the Doll Hut’s) Linda Jemison have helped out by letting us advertise on the back of their own concert-listing flyers--and Linda will be managing one of our two stages. The Mix radio station (95.9-FM) will be broadcasting some live band interviews, and Launch.com will be filming action on the main stage and feeding it to their Web site. Everyone’s getting involved.”

Despite all the good will, though, potential problems linger. For example, nearby parking on city streets will be harder to come by than an L.A. Clippers victory. Also, Hub parking lot capacity--we’re talking concert-goers, not cars--is estimated at 5,000. Does overcrowding, traffic and noise--the antithesis of Earth Day’s theme--threaten to spoil an otherwise positive get-together?

“Because the live music is spread over such a long period of time, there should be a natural ebb and flow to the crowd,” said Barnum. “People can come and go as often as they please. It’s not like you’ll have to buy $3 bottles of water just because you’re thirsty and a captive audience. I’m confident people will behave politely.”

“We in no way want to dampen the warm glow of Earth Day,” adds Terranova. “We’ve acquired the proper permits from the city for the day . . . we’re not anticipating anything that might upset our neighbors.”

* Fullerton Earth Day 2000 is at the Hub Cafe, 124 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. 11 a.m.-7p.m. (Hub parking lot); 7 p.m.-2 a.m. (cafe patio stage) Free. All ages. (714) 871-SHOW or www.impactconcerts.com. Scheduled to appear (times approximate):

11 a.m.: The Frank Falupa Trio

11:30: Billy and the Starliners

Noon: Square

12:45: Tom Racer

1:15: The Killingtons

2: The Moseleys

2:45: Zebrahead

3:15: 00-Soul

4: Save Ferris

5: Uberzone (digital mix)

6: Reel Big Fish

7: John Easdale and the Newcomers