Various Artists

In the current business climate for live music venues here in the 'Nix, a three-year anniversary is definitely something to celebrate. Last Exit, the rock and Americana club at Priest Drive and Southern Avenue in Tempe, is throwing a third birthday party for itself on Saturday, May 13, with Dramarama,...

By Brendan Joel Kelley

May 11, 2006

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In the current business climate for live music venues here in the 'Nix, a three-year anniversary is definitely something to celebrate. Last Exit, the rock and Americana club at Priest Drive and Southern Avenue in Tempe, is throwing a third birthday party for itself on Saturday, May 13, with Dramarama, the BlackMoods, Vayden, and Mink Rebellion. But more ingeniously, the proprietors recently released a full-length CD of live songs from the venue's stage. The BlackMoods, one of the Valley's rock mainstays of late, turn in a typically solid performance on "Sick in Bed," and in the country vein, troubadour Andy Hersey lays down an intense version of his song "A Diamond Won't Cut It." Some of the playlist reads like Long Wong's redux -- Ghetto Cowgirl, Pistoleros, Stephen Ashbrook, Los Guys -- but that's not a bad thing. These guys are still playing out and drawing crowds because they've got the talent to do so. Cheers to Last Exit for its birthday, and here's hoping its longevity continues -- as well as the Live at Last Exit series.

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