Most rock-‘n’-roll historians know San Diego’s Che Underground scene as a mad scientist’s lab for musical experiments at the top of the ’80s.
Named for notable shows they staged at UC San Diego’s Che Café — but active across the region — the bands of the Che Underground brought together artists steeped in punk, psychedelia, garage and more. Throwing their influences into a high-speed blender, bands like The Answers, Hair Theatre, Noise 292, The Rockin’ Dogs, The Tell-Tale Hearts and the original SD Wallflowers provided a soundtrack for Southern California youth culture.
Four decades later, those musicians and artists continue to kick out the collective jams — and on Feb. 29, some of the best minds of that generation will stage a family reunion at the Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Lounge for “A Che Underground Leap Night Showcase.” The night’s lineup of Che Underground supergroups will feature two stars of the scene who haven’t performed in San Diego for more than three decades: Jeremiah Cornelius and Tom Clarke.
Jerry Cornelius was a collaborator associated with The Answers, The Wallflowers, The Morlocks, and related acts. This event marks his fond return after 35 years, working with several dear San Diego musical partners under the title The Cooler Heads.
Tommy Clarke was lead guitarist with The Wallflowers, then a founding member of The Morlocks. He’ll be joining P-Touch All Stars as a special guest.
Other highlights of the evening’s revelry will include:
The Wrecktangle. Originally convened to support Penetrators frontman Gary Heffern, The Wrecktangle includes a heady mix of veteran San Diego musical talent: Ray Brandes, Dave Doyle, Dave Fleminger, Joel Kmak and Kevin Ring.
P-Touch All Stars. Another boffo lineup of old-school San Diego musicianship, P-Touch All Stars boasts Todd Barker, Dave Fleminger, Paul Howland, Hannes Kling and Matthew Rothenberg among its number.
“A Che Underground Leap Night Showcase” will kick off 8pm Feb. 29, 2020, at The Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room (7777 University Ave, La Mesa, California 91942). … Eat, drink, and see Tom & Jerry!
I remember my friend Travis Ryan playing there wearing a beef jerky mask and singing with his band Cattle Decapitation. I understand those were fun times.
Wow, it sounds like I missed a good show. Hopefully video or audio of it will be posted here later.
I’m sure that there’s more posting and commentary to come. I’m hardly rested afterwards, as yet — so any words are brief.
The Cooler Heads did finish their set with a cover of Rolling Soul. With Sergio in front of the audience, I certainly felt an already challenging bar had been raised!
