Time to rock some misconceptions.
Misunderstood, Bristol’s VFW. While the venue has long been a local home for those who love live country music, its walls can rock, too.
Find out more during the Bristol Rock Fest at the VFW in Bristol, Tenn., on May 9. Local rockers 10,000 Flames and the Sean McCurry Band will shake the foundations of the venerable VFW as best they know how.
Lynn Weaver, events coordinator for the VFW, said she hopes the event will also shake a series of misconceptions about the VFW.
“We are stereotyped as country music and being for a bunch of old people,” Weaver said. “It’s hard to break that.”
James Salyers of rock group Citizen Kane, plans to attend and help shatter those stereotypes connected to the VFW. First of all, the VFW may appear tiny from the outside.
“It’s a big room,” Salyers said. “It’s bigger than any other club in the Tri-Cities. Plus, it gives you a rock venue feel, has a nice big stage and a lot of room.”
A death in the family of Citizen Kane drummer Myron Steffey will prevent the band from appearing at the show. Salyers will be on hand, but as support and not to entertain.
“Citizen Kane can’t play, but the show will go on,” Salyers said. “As for the show, it’ll be a kick-butt show.”
Time for another widely held misconception regarding the VFW.
“Some people think the public can’t come in, but the public is welcome,” Weaver said. “If (Bristol Rock Fest) works out, we want to do this every six weeks.”
And boy, are they in for a show, Salyers said. Local bands, yes, but they are local bands who rock with aplomb and accomplishment.
“10,000 Flames is awesome,” Salyers said, “and the Sean McCurry Band is outstanding.”
While 10,000 Flames has built a loyal following in the region, the Sean McCurry Band is still in its infancy as a band. Regardless, though the current lineup only has played together for only about three months, they already have a CD available.
“It’s called “Starting Now,” and it’ll be for sale at the show,” McCurry said. “It’s a 10-song album and costs $10.”
As reflected on such songs from the album as “Naughty Girls,” McCurry’s fluid style draws heavily from the mainstream.
“It’s pop-rock, Top 40 style,” McCurry said. “Hearing us the first time, I’d say (we compare with) Matchbox 20.”
Not exactly what most people would associate with the VFW.
“They’re excellent,” Weaver said. “They do a lot of original music. They have their own sound. It’s not like anything I’ve heard.”
Nary a note sounds country. Now McCurry is set to play the VFW, which long ago earned its reputation as a country bar. With more shows such as these, Salyers said, that reputation should slowly drift away.
“A lot of people think the VFW is a redneck, boot scootin’ boogie kind of thing, but they’re trying to change that,” Salyers said. “They’re trying to change it into a rock and roll venue and really get it thumpin’.”
IF YOU GO
What: Bristol Rock Fest featuring 10,000 Flames and The Sean McCurry Band
When: May 9, 8 p.m.
Where: Bristol VFW, West State Street between 16th and 17th streets, Bristol, Tenn. n Info: (423) 764-0381 n Web and audio: www.myspace.com/seanmccurryband
And: www.myspace.com/10thousandflames
TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at features@bristolnews.com.
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