2014 CVSW May

MAY 2014

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Contents...

Cover Photo by Sherry Keith

Rock Calendar

3

Order in the Chaos; Brien DeChristopher’s Music Blog

14

News You Can Use; Motorcycles...Navigating Gravel

16

Gear the Pros Use Guitarist: Rev from Baby & the Nobodies

26

Drummer: Mark from Baby & the Nobodies

27

Las Vegas Nightlife; Kevin Lastovica

30

News You Can Use; Cars...Eco-Friendly Car Wash

32

CV NorthWest Brew Crew: WhiskeyFest NorthWest

35

Tattoo Gallery...readers send in pics of favorite tattoos

36

Jamie Paulus Pure Sin Photography, always up for bringing us the BEST of the Spokane concert scene, ups the ante this month with Lacuna Coil and Sick Puppies.

Page 28

Sherry Keith Mystic Photography in Concert puts you front and center for some of the hottest acts in the business: this month, LA Story, our SW cover boys from March 2014.

Page 12 CV Southwest Magazine

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They need little fanfare, they make their own noise upon entrance...ADELITAS WAY is a band at the top, an international rock sensation, and have been at the top of the music world for years. Their music is power, their sound gigantic, their place at the top of the rock world all but assured.

Just after the release of their new single “Dog on a Leash”, singer Rick DeJesus took time during a break in the action to share his thoughts with us on many things, including the state of music today...

<CV SW> A band such as you guys really needs no introduction, but indulge us and tell our readers who's in the band and their role. <Rick> I‟m Rick Dejesus, I‟m the singer, Trevor Stafford is on drums, Robert Zakaryan is on Guitar, and Andrew Cushing on Bass <CV SW> Tell us about the beginning, who founded the band back in the day? <Rick> I founded the band in 2006, it began with me selling everything I had, saving every penny I could, and recording the first demo that got us discovered by Robert Reynolds (who manages the Killers), he‟s been my Attorney ever since, and from there we continued our grind, and built the amazing team we have today. I remember handing out 10,000 demos to anyone who would take one in Las Vegas. It was a lot of hard work, but I believed and I never stopped grinding for what I knew could be ours. Our management Indegoot, Robert and Kim Stephens, led to us signing a great deal with Virgin records in 2008 and the rest has been nonstop hard work but also an amazing journey. <CV SW> What were your initial thoughts on creating a band, how did you think you'd fare in a pretty high quality Vegas music market? <Rick> I didn‟t think about anything except the task at hand, I always believed that I was meant to now than ever musically. do this, I knew I could sing, and I was blessed with the ability to turn messages into songs, I love play- <CV SW> Tell us about the name, where did it ing music, it is in my blood. It was very hard but come from? even though I went through almost everything that <Rick> A crazy trip to Tijuana Mexico where I would deter others, I never had that thought pro- got arrested, it was wild! cess; I saw everything as an obstacle I can overcome. Vegas is just starting to get a better music <CV SW> Who do you guys count as your musiscene, when I started in 2006 it was a much tough- cal influences? er place to get started. But a few bands have been <Rick> I am a product of the 90's for the most successful out of Vegas so it‟s more on the map part, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Rage

Against the Machine, but we all just love great music. Our influences range from Metallica, To the Beatles, Incubus, Refused, Zeppelin, all the way to The Offspring. There‟s so many great artists before us, I‟m a big fan of Motown as well. <CV SW> There have been members who have come and gone (Iorio had to leave early, Wallen left nearly a year ago, and others), talk to us about the journey to find the right combination of musicians. <Rick> The business is tough it‟s really hard and the rewards are much more limited than when rock stars were treated like Gods, its gotta be worth all to none. I feel really confident about what‟s going the struggle for people. Financially it can be tough to go down this year, we are going to destroy a lot on everyone, and playing for the fans has to be a of stages. I believe we will be the tightest, and best massive driving factor to what keeps you running. we have ever been live. I myself have grown as a The road life is tough for people as well; it‟s a lot of vocalist, and I really work hard to be the best I can sacrifice to leave your loved ones. For some peo- be and I think it‟s gonna show on this album, and ple the rewards aren‟t great enough in today‟s cli- on our live show. mate. Some just aspire to make their own dreams come true, Keith was great, and I wish him noth- <CV SW> Something interesting I thought I ing but great things. He believes in himself, and saw; you were formed in 2006 but didn‟t work on wants to focus on that and I fully support him, he‟s your debut album until 2008, did I read that a great guy, and I really enjoyed playing in a band right? Why the delay? <Rick> No delay just lots of hard work in bewith him. tween, it‟s not easy to get a record deal, and you <CV SW> What is it about THIS quartet that really have to have something special. It‟s a dog you think works so well? eat dog game in the music business, and you have <Rick> I think we all realize what it takes to play to be strong willed, and driven. It took only 2 music today first and foremost, we just love to be years to create the buzz needed for us to sign to in a band and play. We also have a great chemis- Virgin records, and start building our career into try, I‟ve been playing with Trev for 6 years now, what it‟s become, and we believe we are just getand we just vibe on stage. Writing wise I love the ting started. way Robert plays guitar, it inspires great melodies, and lyrics for me sometimes, and Andrew has an <CV SW> Worth the wait, however AW reamazing humble attitude, and his playing is second leased the first single, „Invincible‟ in 2009, and just took off. Invincible is played on TV shows, it became the official theme song for WWE Superstars, it was featured on SmackDown video game, and even CSI Miami finale; a pretty nice introduction, were you kind of blindsided by all that success so early? <Rick> It was very humbling, I know how blessed I am to play music every day, but I also worked really hard, and I felt like we created a song that was a great fit for partnerships with the WWE, and CSI. Our team went in there and made things happen for us, they saw how hard we were willing to work, and how hard we actually worked on every-

thing, and they were right there with us, pushing given the success of your first album? every day. <Rick> I try not to put that pressure on myself, I am always motivated to take the next leap in my <CV SW> Then, „It‟s A New Day‟ is also used career, and I love challenges, I just want to be an as the theme song for WWE superstars Cody elite rock band and continue to climb, songs come Rhodes and Ted Dibiase, did those guys just call to me at the craziest times, and I‟m very lucky to and ask for permission to use it? Did you think it receive the messages. :) was a prank initially? <Rick> No we had a great relationship with the <CV SW> Well, you knocked it out of the park WWE and they said "you guys wanna do some- with Home School Valedictorian! First of all, thing fun"? We were totally down and it was awe- what was the inspiration for that name? <Rick> We knew a real jerk off who pretty much some! handed us the name for the record, we dealt with a <CV SW> 2009, you released the first full al- lot of egos early on in our career, while it never bum, self-titled, after the success of those two stops, I do believe this person was possibly one of singles, were you worried about the whole album the worst ego wise, so it was kinda a poke fun at itself, were you nervous that it wouldn‟t live up that. to budding expectations? <CV SW> The success gets even bigger: Sick is <Rick> Nope I was more excited for our introduction into the music world, we knew we would con- #1 on Active Rock Radio, The Collapse reaches tinue to grow and hone our craft, but I felt like at #2, Criticize hits #1, Alive reaches #4. Was all the time we did the best we could, and we followed THAT even beyond your expectations? the path we were destined to follow. I love that rec- < Rick> We tried to raise the bar like we do every ord, but I love every record we make, we put a lot time, it‟s not that we expected that success but we of work into the songs, the lyrics, we take connect- certainly went after it with our mindset, and we ing with our fans very seriously, and we try to be as honest as possible. We know who we are as a band, and as artists now more than ever, and we believe it‟s our time. <CV SW> In the end, while all bands WANT to be successful, were you prepared for so much success that quickly? <Rick> I was prepared for anything, in this business nothing is impossible, but you have to be ready for anything to happen, we just kept our eye on the prize and remained focused, we were blessed to have the success we did early, but that was just the beginning we have so many more goals we want to accomplish <CV SW> Scream was featured on the soundtrack for Saw 3 - have you ever seen that movie, are you a fan of those types of films? <Rick> Of course I love the Saw series! I love movies in general; we see a lot of movies on tour together. <CV SW> What kind of pressure did you feel, if any, to produce a successful follow up record,

greets, we built this thing the right way. Our first show wasn‟t on Leno, we aren‟t a overnight sensation, we are the cockroaches of music, the rock bands. No one can kill a rock band who has a loyal army, I see bands whose first show is like Letterman, it‟s crazy. But I wouldn‟t have it any other way, we built a real rock n roll army <CV SW> The list of bands with whom AW has shared a stage with is the who‟s who of music today; Shinedown, Creed, Alter Bridge, Trapt, Papa Roach, Godsmack, and others (we could go on and on), what did you learn in the early days believed in ourselves. We really believed we could from playing with that level of band? do it <Rick> That we had to be great ourselves, we had to set our place in today‟s musical history, bands <CV SW> How did you decide which songs to like that showed us how infectious you must be to release as singles? be remembered in rock music, and I think we are <Rick> It‟s a team effort, we have an amazing doing that. We have an extremely fun and enerteam around us, our management, our label, our getic live show, people get lost in it and I think it radio team, just overall a great smart group of peo- can be quite magical. There is nothing more fun ple around us, that combined with my gut instincts than connecting with your people and destroying a and sometimes the songs pick themselves. I have a stage! few people I trust and let them guide us, and they always kill it for us. <CV SW> How important is it for fans of the headliner to come early to see the opening band, <CV SW> Was it also a bit of a relief to have to support them? that much success after showing so much with <Rick> It‟s very important, you never know who your first album? that band will become, and you could be a part in <Rick> It always feels great, we get to do a lot of helping them get there. The fans‟ supporting us is great things, play great shows, meet amazing fans, why no one can stop us. It‟s a chance to be a part it feels good to connect with your people and have of a great band rising, I‟ve gotten to see so many them understand who you are and appreciate you great bands before they blew up, and I tell people as an artist. We have an amazing loyal fan base "I remember I saw that band open years ago, and and I truly appreciate them, and I love the connec- now look at them" you become part of their jourtion we have. ney. I would recommend everyone to watch the openers, because that can be a magical memory in <CV SW> Looking back with the wisdom of a few years, even though early in the journey you had much success, do you still feel as though you walked the long road playing many local venues, promoting the music, really getting out there personally. You said I really feel we‟ve done it the right way, talk about that. <Rick> We did it extremely grass roots, there was no late night TV, there was no magic button, we did it by playing shows every night and putting on kick ass energetic live performances and winning people over night after night, we do meet and

both lives. <CV SW> Now that you‟re at the top, what would you tell a startup band were they to open for you? <Rick> We are still working towards claiming our spot at the top, but I just try to be nice, and make the journey comfortable for bands, I remember everything that every band did to us coming up that was wrong, but we just dealt with it. I try to treat everyone with respect, and realize that we are all on a journey together. There certainly is a code to the road, and everyone has to follow the code, we just try not to be jerks about it. <CV SW> Is there anything you wished you had done differently early on? <Rick> There‟s a few tours I wish I would have spent time with my family more instead of taking, we toured for 2 years straight on our first album, and we could have done without a shitty tour or two. We lost our asses, and gained very little, but I guess it worked if I am where I am today so I‟m good with it. <CV SW> Are there any moments of Wow, I‟m burned out, let‟s take a break? <Rick> Nope I always miss my family but I‟m very driven, and I know what it takes to get to the top in this game. Sometimes emotionally you get destroyed but you gotta dust yourself off, be realistic, and put any ego aside, and realize that there‟s no life like this. I‟m not too great at anything else and music is what I was put here to do. <CV SW> You‟ve said that life is the inspiration for my music - but it‟s interesting that you write about both positive & negative life experiences, for instance, Sick vs Alive: angry songs are raw and produce big emotions, but isn‟t it nice to sometimes settle down, relax, and accentuate the positive? <Rick> I am human, I have so many emotions and I use them to drive my song writing, even from just seeing others go through stuff inspires me, I am a lover, I love life, but I also have hardships, and angst, I write about it all, there‟s so many sides to this crazy thing they call life, and our albums are a rollercoaster of emotions to get lost in.

<CV SW> Let‟s talk about the music industry today and social media; music distribution is much different now, do you see that as progress?

The ability to market/sell individual songs, does that benefit the industry as a whole? <Rick> It‟s great to be able to connect with the fans always, I love it for that. <CV SW> Social Media platforms, savvy PR tools or necessary evil? <Rick> I love them they give the bands leverage and prove that people want the music. <CV SW> Today, the music world is dominated by the Cyrus‟ (and her tongue) and the Biebers, never one to shy away from controversial questions, do you think Rock has to climb to the forefront again? <Rick> Rock will, if those artists keep putting out the music they are putting out then a takeover is coming soon, they are awful role models as well, they are doing more and more to hand it back over to us. Media tries to make it impossible, but it‟s only a matter of time until the fans speak out, and people want guitars and energy again. A few great albums from a few great bands and the shift will happen. Radio today sounds like one big lion king soundtrack, people will get tired of it . <CV SW> Does it ever get a bit difficult to see people who do it with performances and great althat sort of level of talent (although we DO think bums, and being a great singer. We know who we that Miley has a great voice, she just behaves like are and we will continue to do what we do no matter what. a harlot) being promoted? <Rick> Yea she‟s a great singer but she does not <CV SW> I heard a whisper from a while ago portray herself and let that shine through like Ade- that you don‟t particularly like to do music videle does, she uses controversy, and her brand and os, is that true? Why? If it‟s true, you still procelebrity to sell product. I‟m sure she‟s a great singduced an incredible video for Sick. I heard you er and she should let her voice and star power sell caught on fire there, did I hear THAT right? her records. <Rick> They are long days, but I do appreciate the fact that I get to do them, I‟m honored we get to <CV SW> Is it hard to look at that and stay true shoot music videos but the days are long, and I got to the AW sound? Or do you think they will all set on fire in one, and performed in water and mud fade away and it‟ll be back to old fashioned ass in the cold at 4 am in another. It‟s not that I don‟t kicking rock again? love videos, they are fun to watch, but I love being <Rick> I don‟t even consider us on the same plan- on stage or creating the music much more. et musically, we do what we do ,and the world will shift when the time is right, we are always one <CV SW> Do you guys have a favorite place to song away from being a household name like Mi- play? ley and them. I think she has some staying power <Rick> There is so many memorable amazing but she won‟t be as respected as an artist as the places to play, some venues treat you amazing, but

it comes down to the fans energy. The fans make mass media, and I won‟t allow it to be viewed like the memories for us, and there are cities we just that, there are far to many talented bands out there love to always play. for everyone to view our genre like that. I can name 10 right now that destroy everything on pop <CV SW> Have you had any particularly memo- and alt radio that get no respect in today‟s climate. rable shows to date? Why was it memorable; <CV SW> Where do you think you are in the good OR bad? <Rick> Carolina Rebellion was amazing it just journey of AW? had an energy about it, there‟s so many shows that <Rick> We are just starting to make our way, we feel that way, all the festivals are great, Rock On haven‟t made our album that will define us yet, but The Range, Lazerfest, Rockfest, I could be here all I think we are on the verge of becoming elite, and day. Tour wise we always have memorable runs, I‟m ready for it. we did memorable tours with so many great bands <CV SW> What other bands to you guys listen like Theory Of A DeadMan, Shinedown, Three to during downtime and relaxation? days Grace, it‟s just been an awesome ride! <Rick> I love music, I listen to a lot of Audioslave, Nirvana, My Chemical Romance, Foo <CV SW> What is it about your music that you Fighters, Metallica music is a great escape. feel appeals to fans? <Rick> We connect with them, the lyrics, and the <CV SW> You guys are currently working on melodies, and the music all has a vibe that con- the new album, yes? Rumor is that Dog on a nects us together, and the live show is the final Leash will be the first single, to be released now? piece of the connection I love it. <Rick> I‟m very excited about the new album, it‟s <CV SW> Do any of your songs speak to you on a deep personal level? <Rick> Of course mostly all of them do, they are about my life or people I can see through my eyes, our music is my feelings on a disc or the angst I feel for others, I can feel peoples pain sometimes. <CV SW> Even being only what, 5 years old, how has the sound of AW changed? How have you guys grown as a band and as musicians? <Rick> We have found ourselves more and more and just become comfortable being “Who” we are, I know what I‟m capable of and I believe in myself, when you believe you have no fears, there‟s nothing to hold you back from becoming something great. Seeing where rock music is also motivated us to be innovative and grow for ourselves and for rock music. We are coming with the mentality that we want to take back what‟s ours and wipe out the genre of what we think is in our way. We are looking to reach a mass audience and looking to get Rock n Roll more respect than just being the black sheep step brother of music. There are bands out there getting constant love that I‟m 100% sure we are doing something more special than. But for some reason outlets have become almost racist to rock bands. We have become like a plague to the

our time, Dog on a Leash is the first single and the reaction has been so positive it excites me. We have the best fans ever!! <CV SW> With all your success and fame to date, how much pressure is there to produce with every new musical offering? <Rick> None, we just enjoy the process, and realize we are blessed, we make the records for ourselves, and for the fans, I love making music, it‟s a challenge I love every time. <CV SW> What can/will you tell us about the new album? <Rick> It is easily our best effort yet, this album has the potential to be a defining moment in our career, we made a very emotional, very organic, and strong effort. I can‟t wait for everyone to hear our blood, sweat and tears. <CV SW> Okay, aside from a single and album coming (as if that‟s enough), what‟s in store for AW in 2014? What other big projects are in the works? <Rick> A big year, it‟s our time, lots of touring and lots of stages to destroy, and lots and lots of great fans to meet!

Order in the Chaos Helpful Guitar Tip #1 - Utilizing Proper FAN Etiquette Face it, nothing will kill fan adulation faster than being an asshole. Same thing can be said by fans not recognizing and respecting your personal bounds as an artist.

This piece is going to be delivered in two sections... the first, for musicians to read to learn how to mind their fans, and the second for fans to learn about being respectful to their idols. So, without much ado, let's get started, shall we?

For Artists: We've all heard about "that guy" that was such an asshole, he made your chick cry during the show, so you punched him out in the bathroom... or, that singer who slammed a mic into that dude's face at the tavern the other night for calling him a "fag"... or the drummer who beat the crap out of that guy who yelled "PLAY ME SOME FREEBIRD!!!" during the set of your original material.

How about the slut who keeps hanging Yeah, this stuff happens. Fans can be rude, around, like she's your new squeeze? Be nice to insensitive, demanding, and sometimes downright her. If you are, you can easily redirect her attenabusive if they don't get their way. Suck it up, but- tions toward the band if you're smooth enough. tercup...it comes with the territory, especially if Not like an orgy prospect, but to be a fan of your you play clubs. And, if you are going to perform music. for the public, you have to get used to and learn People are people, they come from all walks how to deal with the public's mentality; which is, of life. They are all colors, and from backgrounds most often, not the same as yours. that differ to the extreme. Some can handle alcoIf you are playing clubs and you deal with a hol, and some can't. Some completely lose their drunken and belligerent patron, it is not YOUR job minds at a show...sometimes without any booze at to dispense justice. Be cool, and after your set, re- all. port them to the bar owner or security. Don't take As a performer, part of the job is to recogpub law into your own hands. nize this, and be cool with them. It is not only If a patron becomes physical with you, call the pro thing to do, but it is also a good way not to security and stop your show. Sometimes, drawing get your ass kicked in the alley behind the club afattention to the idiot will defuse him/her fairly ter your set. quickly. But it will also alert security to the probOkay, now with that said, I can move on to lem. And no club wants the music to stop because those people that come to the show to actually see one of their regulars is a dick.

YOU and YOUR BAND. These are "fans" (short

for fanatic). I use this term only for this article. I do that in between sets, there is usually a fifteen minot refer to those who attend my shows as fans as I nute window before the next act performs. That am no-one (in my mind) for them to idolize. fifteen minutes is just enough time for the one band Anyway, these folks are your bread and but- to get their gear off the stage, and for the next band ter, treat them as such. Now, I'm not saying you to get set up and powered up. Don't get in the way should lay down like a mat for them...or to do during this time. whatever they ask of you. I'm just saying be friend3) Respect their gear. Musicians pay a LOT ly, respectful, and if they ask for a picture with of money for their guitars, basses, drums, etc. them, do it. What does it hurt? If a person ap- Please don't think it belongs to you in any way. proaches me at a show and wants to chat, I'm to- Don't place a beer on their amp, or get up on stage tally okay with that. Provided I have the time uninvited and start making a fool out of yourself. available. If we are in the middle of set up or tear Trust me, you won't make them want you around. down, and someone approaches me, I politely 4) Respect the other bands on the bill. One shake their hand, and ask them to hang around a thing I personally despise is when a fan of another few moments as I clear the stage for the next act. band shouts stupid crap at the other bands as they They will understand, and they will more than play. That's a big no-no. Be respectful. Also, don't likely be honored that you care so much as to re- leave immediately after the band you came to see turn and have that conversation they wanted. plays. The other bands work hard too, show them People respond positively to positivity, and some respect. The band you are a fan of will renegatively to a negative response from you. There spect YOU more and will be happier to have you really is no other point to make than that. Be nice at their shows...hopefully. and respectful, and cool...and guess what? They 5) Respect their show. Don't shout songs will come see you again...and if you're cool with from the audience and make an ass of yourself. them on that next visit? That's right...you may Every musician out there has had that done to have yourself a fan. And they will be there for you them thousands of times. You doing it, won't make the next time you play in their area. you special...but it WILL make them not want you But if you act like a jerk...it will get around around. So, unless it's a cover band that's currently faster than a brush fire in dry grass...and your taking requests...don't shout song titles at them. band's days are numbered. So, just be cool with Just enjoy their show. them!

6) If you're a chick, where something tight and short. Because, if you want one of the guys to For Fans: talk to you and take your number...Just kidding.

Listen, if it wasn't for fans, nobody would be So, in closing and all joking aside, performplaying live music. But, there are a few things you ing for an audience does not put the musician need to understand about artists/musicians and what they respond to in relation to your being above the audience, but neither does it make them a servant to be demanded attention from. Mutual around them...

1) Respect their time. If you see them talking respect is key. You want more music...the band to someone else, wait your turn. They'll talk to needs an audience. While you cannot control the you. Don't butt in, but politely sit tight and let actions and attitudes of others, if you respect them, them see you, if you make eye contact, be cool. they are more than likely going to be willing to be Don't freak out on them. But they will more than cool with you. It's just basic psychology, really. likely know you want to chat...and if they've read So, it works like this... Keep being a fan, and this blog, they will talk to you. If not, don't take it personal...they have a lot on their minds at a show. I'll keep being cool to you.

And if you DO get to chat, don't hang around too long...you can see them again the next time they play.

2) Respect their space. Crowding the band members is not a good idea. You have to realize

The Grit of Riding Gravel For every street rider, there's a gravel drive, road or campground in your future. From experienced riders to the beginner, gravel invokes formidable dread and big challenges.

We can practice on gravel – find a swath and give it a try, but gravel comes in different sizes...gravel beds are of differing depths...one man‟s gravel drive is probably not yours. Unless you ride the same gravel over and over - your own driveway or a road leading to your business, continuity is a problem.

Here are a few tips to think about and some practice routines as well: Always approach the entry to gravel by heading straight into it; entering from a turn is a gotiating, and it will “shimmy” just a bit, whether good way to have a bad gravel experience. Give you like or not. Let it shimmy. yourself every opportunity to succeed, which be“Speed” on gravel sparks controversy. Some gins with the wheel heading straight ahead. experienced riders like a bit more speed. For most Focus on the center of gravity, which is at of us, too slow doesn‟t work and too fast doesn‟t your hips and the center of your bike. Your center work, either. Assume that “somewhat slow,” in of gravity should be stable but not rigid, on-balance first gear is better. but not unyielding.

Jittery braking techniques are the cause of Clutch your knees around the tank as you most drops. Don‟t use the front brake, in fact, enter – not in a “hang-on and ride” clutch but as a don‟t brake at all unless you must. Use the clutch mechanism for stability. Let your knees work to to slow down and add a light touch of rear brake, keep your hips centered. Gradually release and ex- only if you must. In first gear, with no braking, tend your legs and lower your feet to a position just there‟s a much better chance of traversing the gravskimming the surface of the gravel, or capable of el, upright and healthy. skimming, if needed. “Skimming” adds a measure Look where you want to go. Keep your of confidence -- you will be ready “just in case” you drop. An alternative is to lower your center of head and eyes up - always. Looking down will take gravity by pushing down on the pegs and adding you down. Looking anywhere but where you want to go is a mistake. weight.

Prepping for gravel is a good idea. Practice Keep a light but firm grasp on the handlebars. If you can‟t get away from a vice-like grip, try in an empty parking lot and get your mind around to keep your arms loose and flexible. The front the techniques. One practice session is better than wheel must have some play – not too much, but none when -- Surprise! gravel lies ahead, but persesome – and if you don‟t give it up, the wheel will verance will pay-off. Practice often.

The goal is to get comfortable with the take it anyway. The front wheel should do the ne-

The goal is to get comfortable with the clutch and throttle, and learn to maintain a forward momentum without appreciably increasing speed. Work on the sequence: from first gear, backoff the throttle slightly; when you must throttle-up, do it nice and easy. Work the clutch to find the right blend of the two. The goal is, on gravel, working the clutch-throttle will be basic instinct.

Don‟t use the front brake. Practice feathering the back brake.

Focus on your center of gravity. Note how it feels. Tuck your knees around the tank, then release and lower your feet, and practice skimming.

Try putting weight on the pegs to determine which works best for you. Imagine the feel of the vibration, from the gravel, under your hips and in your arms.

Think about the wheel on gravel. Imagine the “shimmy” sensation and the light touch needed to let the wheel negotiate its course. Loosen your arms and your grip on the handlebars.

TIPS: If you find car tracks, try riding them; the gravel may be harder packed. Take a curve as wide as possible. Avoid a curve, if at all possible.

Scout-out a campground. Look for the shallowest gravel and plan your route in and out. Park where you don‟t have to back-up, and when practicing on actual gravel, take another biker with you.

Written by A. Adams, WhyBike.com

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Blue Blood Metal - Wearable Art

Baby and the Nobodies might hail from the Pacific Northwest, but they sound like they could have come from the So-Cal punk scene in the late 80's early 90's. Rebecca Terry's vocals are reminiscent of the Punk Rock stylings of Blondie and the Runaways; with her bandmates Mark, Kenny, Will, & Rev, BatN aren't just a group of people that make music, they are a band that works hard and takes you on a journey each time you see them perform.

<CV NW> Tell our readers jobs, and we found Kenny on to get out and start playing live; who's in the band and their role Craigslist of all places. We've had our first show, we only had about <BatN> We have Mark on a couple of other guys as well, in 20 minutes worth of material. drums, Kenny on bass guitar Will the very beginning there were a Now that we've been at it awhile, on rhythm guitar, Rev on lead couple different guys that had we have enough songs to rotate guitar and Rebecca on the vocals agreed to do it and then backed the set. Rev has been in a few out, Mark ended up living with band situations where cool things Rev and Rebecca for a little while were starting to happen, and we <CV NW> Tell us about the beso there were opportunities to hope to get there again soon. We ginning, who founded the band, jam and work stuff out. pretty much knew with Rebecca's what was the catalyst behind it? vocals we could meet and stand <BatN> Rev pretty much started <CV NW> Tell us about the up to some of the highest quality the band, kinda built it up based name, where did it come from? music out there. on Rebecca's vocals, put a few <BatN> Well, we wish there was different guys in to help out at a killer story behind it, but there <CV NW> Who do you guys first. Then started writing songs really isn't. Rebecca had a make- count as your musical influthat could be crowd pleasers and up artist that actually came up ences? still complement the vocalist. with it as a joke, since she <BatN> If no one can guess, we (Rebecca) didn't have a band at have tons of influences... Social <CV NW> Talk to us about the the time.

Distortion, Blondie, The Runajourney to find the right combiways, Johnny Thunders, etc. Pop <CV NW> What were your ini- Punk, 80's Rock, 90's Alternative, nation of musicians … <BatN> Hmm, well, Rev has a tial thoughts on creating the even some old school Punk. Rerecording studio and Will has a band, how did you think you'd becca grew up singing along to second band that came in and fare in a pretty high quality mu- Selena, Madonna, and Tina Turner songs. The wide array of recorded a few times, Mark and sic market?

Rev work together at their day <BatN> Initially we just wanted influences helps shape the sound

that toured a bit in the 90's. aren't counting on being “Rock Will has been in a couple of dif- Stars” or anything. We just love ferent groups as well, and is cur- what we do and do what we love. rently singing and playing guitar Making music, playing shows, for one of them still called The writing, recording, hanging out and having a good time.

Bangalores.

Kenny has been in a few groups The real message we try to get most notably Saving Arcadia out there is this: You can have who played Warped Tour on the fun at a rock show. Although we're pretty sure most people west Coast.

Rev, well, Rev's been in a few dif- know that already, we just want ferent bands, Local Tacoma to reinforce that. bands Fantastic Four, briefly The Dollarstore Cowboys, the Atom- <CV NW> What motivates you ic Outlaws and the Prophets of to keep improving, to keep exAddiction, with AO he got to see panding your horizons as musia whole lot of the west coast, cians and a band?

Texas, etc, and with POA he got Motivation to improve is always seeing people at our shows. We a lot. The songs can't really fall to go tour in Europe. want to put on a good show for into one category, we've had peo<CV NW> Tell us how you everyone that comes out. All of ple try to classify us and besides came to find Rebecca Terry as us have been working hard, “Rock” you really can't. We your singer. building up to this moment in our aren't punk, but we have some punk qualities, we aren't glam, Rev met her at one of the Atomic lives and it's all for you. The peobut we have some glam qualities, Outlaws shows when he was still ple who read mags like this, peowe aren't alternative, but we have with them. They hit it off pretty ple that like rock music and dig well and she asked him to help what all of us do, not just Baby some of those qualities. her out in the studio, as she was working on writing and recording <CV NW> Have you guys ala few songs. Nothing really hapways wanted to play music, or pened with that project and were there other interests when awhile later, after she kept telling you were younger? him that she could sing, she final<BatN> We have all always ly was hanging out and just startwanted to play music in some ca- ed singing along to something on pacity or another. Even when we youtube. It was decided right didn't have bands, or even pro- there that a band needed to be jects, we all still played and kept put together and they started up with it, always looking for the writing songs that night. right combination of people to get a real band rolling. <CV NW> What do you hope to accomplish with your music, <CV NW> Some of you have what message do you try to conbeen in other bands before this vey? one, tell us about those?

We really just want to have fun, Are we naming names? Ha Ha, and allow other people to listen Mark has been in a couple differ- to us and have fun as well. The ent bands, one was 31 Knots, a music industry has changed, and Math Rock/Alternative band is still changing quite a bit, we

whole lot of pressure, of course we want to be successful, everyone does, no matter what they do in their lives, but we want to produce a record that makes US like it. If we like it, and we're proud of it, then other people will like it too, because we are just like them. Success has changed, the definition of it. If we sell a thousand CD‟s, awesome it's people that have heard us and really want to hear it again; if we sold 100 thousand, we'd want to know what all 100 thousand thought of it, it would blow our minds, but it would be a really amazing experience.

and the Nobodies, but all of the many levels, not just music. local bands that bust their asses every time they get on stage. <CV NW> In the end, while all <CV NW> How will you decide There are so many really really bands WANT to be successful, which songs to release as singood bands out there. Go see are you prepared for the success gles? them, tell them you like the this will bring?

Well, singles are a tough one, we shows, tell them thanks for I think we're prepared for the reall have our favorite songs, and spending all of their time, money, ality. The reality is that as long for different reasons, and not all efforts to do what they love to do. as we can have a good time, alof us have the same favorites. We <CV NW> What is it about low people in our audience to are actually trying to figure that THIS combination that you have a good time, and still re- out right now. Do you have any main a gang, we're prepared for suggestions? We are actually kind think works so well? anything. Let's get busier, lets get of going by crowd response at <Rev> I've been in a lot of more shows, lets go make more shows, we get a great response to bands, with a lot of amazing records, write more songs, see all of our songs, but there are a players, amazing personalities even more people. Bring it on. couple that people remember the and just plain cool people. These We're prepared for that. We don't words to and sing along every guys (and gal) in Baby and the think that success is measured the time we play, we're thinking that Nobodies are truly amazing. This same way it used to be; used to may be the one.... is like a band, like a gang, like be how much money your signfamily. That's what a band really ing bonus is, how many records is. You take on each others trials the record company tells you that <CV NW> We understand you and help them deal with whatev- you sold, limos, groupies, cars, are sponsored by Dirt Bag er comes along in their personal whatever. We'd much rather play Clothing, how did that come lives, most cases, you don't even a show to a thousand people all about, how is that going and are want to hang with your band having a killer time, than to ten there any other sponsors on board? when you're not rehearsing or re- thousand that aren't cool. cording or playing shows, we Rev knows the people at Dirtbag hang out when there's nothing from one of his previous bands <CV NW> What kind of presgoing on except “Hey wanna and said it was a good idea, howsure do you feel, if any, to prohang out”, it's awesome. I look ever we chose to submit to them duce a successful record? forward to getting on the road without his influence and see if with these guys, we mesh on so Honestly, there isn't really a we could get it without saying he

knew them and they loved us. <CV NW> How important is it Dirtbag is a great clothing com- for fans of the headliner to come pany and has supported a lot of early to see the opening band, to awesome artists in the past few support them? years. (dirtbagclothing.com) We feel it's very important for Rev still has ties with several fans to stick around for the whole companies; Dean Markley, Sey- show. We appreciate it when our mour Duncan and Lip Service fans tell us they liked the openers, Clothing to name a few. that's how it should work. A show is a show, not just a few <CV NW> How has the re- bands performing, but a show as sponse been so far from the a whole, and it's important for everyone to experience it that shows you are playing?

The response has been great so way. far, everyone that's heard us live has good things to say. We love <CV NW> Let‟s talk about the to see people standing up front music industry today…and sowhen we play, it's encouraging to cial media…music distribution say the least. When they start is much different now, do you forms…savvy PR tools or necessinging along with the choruses see that as progress? The ability sary evil? of the songs by the second time to market/sell individual songs, through the chorus, that's very does that benefit the industry as Both, while they give you the ability to get your music heard encouraging that our songs are a whole? keepers. We're starting to see a The music industry has changed and give you a platform to prolot of familiar faces in the crowds quite a bit, it's more grassroots mote shows and records, they now, that lets us know we're do- now than it's ever been. It's a have also become the necessary evil. Sometimes all you can do is ing something right. whole lot easier for bands to get promote shows on social media, their music heard, but a lot more and that seems almost lazy, type difficult to garner the attention of a few lines, add a picture and inthe industry as a whole, because vite your friends. It used to be a it's so spread out. It gives opporlot harder especially if you were tunities to bands that would nevfrom out of town, the other bands er have them, but at the same you were playing with used to time makes it so you have to have to promote the show the old work even harder promoting fashioned way, making flyers, yourself. You may have tons of calling radio stations, passing out friends on your favorite social handbills, and the out of town media site and they may “Like” band just hoped they did a good your band, but that doesn't necesjob, now you can kind of target sarily mean they like your band. the area you are playing and try it The club scenes are changing a on social media. lot as well, sometimes you have to actually be friends with a club owner to even get to play, and if <CV NW> Today, the music you're not, then you don't, which world is dominated by the Cymakes it really tough for bands rus‟ (and her tongue) and the Biebers…never one to shy away that are new and starting out. from controversial questions, do <CV NW> Social Media plat- you think Rock has to climb to

are our favorites to play. the forefront again? pect to see at a show?

Rock has always dominated a Expect to see a Rock Show. We certain part of the industry and it <CV NW> Have you had any don't sit there and stare at our always will. You don't see particularly memorable shows shoes, we are all really into the Beibers and Cyrus' performing at to date? Why was it memorable; music that we create, we enjoy the clubs, that would get really good OR bad. playing it live more than anyboring really fast. People want to There have been a couple, one at thing. Expect to see and hear go to clubs to see and hear musi- a little tiny dive in North Seattle, some emotion, some power, and cians performing, not lip-syncing, place holds maybe 50 people el- expect to start shouting some lyrwhen they want to laugh at peo- bow to elbow, the stage is no big- ics. “I say Gimme Gimme, you ple they go to karaoke. Every- ger than a drum riser, a couple of say ROCK AND ROLL”. thing kind of goes in circles, us are on the floor in front and we've seen it many times before the people were going crazy like <CV NW> Do any of your in the music industry, Rock will a punk show. It was quite cool, songs speak to you on a deep climb to the forefront again, just having to dig in to keep your personal level? realize, it's never really in the place as people are crashing into As songwriters, it would be hard background. you, everyone having a really not to have personal meaning good time, harmless fun, but fun within your songs, we have one <CV NW> Is it hard to look at none the less. song called “Fade Away” that that and stay true to your core questions the validity of a relasound? Or do you think they <CV NW> What is it about tionship, we've all been there bewill all fade away and it‟ll be your music that you feel appeals fore, it focuses on being true to back to old fashioned ass kick- to fans? yourself and really, truly living ing rock again?

We seem to have a familiar feel- for yourself.

Though it is painful to watch the ing, people seem to genuinely We have another song called Grammy‟s and see what the pop- like our songs, our lyrics, our mu- “Loved by You” that's about the ular music has become at times, sic. Baby and the Nobodies is the few minutes before you go on it's also easy to see who has stuck type of music that you can pop stage, the weird feeling of being around and who has already fad- into your car stereo on a Satur- cut off and alone, but knowing in ed. Not saying that all of those day afternoon in the summer just a few minutes you're going to artists are destined to fade away, time and listen to it over and over no longer be alone, but quite the but it's easy to look and see who and never get sick of it. opposite. has actually stuck around. There All of our songs speak to one or will always be popular music, but another of us on a personal level.

Rock is moving back into the <CV NW> What can fans exforefront of that genre. <CV NW> Do you guys have a favorite place to play?

There are some really great local clubs in the greater Seattle area, and some really great little dives, we love to play all of them. I think some of our favorite things to play are the festivals, Car Shows, things like that. We will be performing at the Bite of Seattle on July 18th in Seattle Center, shows like that we'd have to say

freshing to know that if one of us Amongst the five of us, we listen is down for some reason, there to a vast array of music, from 80's are four others that will build us pop, to 60's garage rock, 70's areback up. na rock, 80's metal and punk, pop Musically we're constantly grow- punk, grunge and alternative ing and learning, we all come from the 90's, even some of the from different musical back- newer rock from the last few grounds for the most part and we years. are learning that we mesh quite well. Writing new songs, making <CV NW> How much pressure them better and better as we go is there to “produce” with every along. new musical offering?

With the way music is today, you <CV NW> Where do you think kind of have to put your all into you are in the journey of Baby it. There probably wouldn't be And The Nobodies? any difference with us anyways, <CV NW> How have you guys We're just starting out. We will we all give it everything we've got grown as a band and as musi- be around for awhile. We have a whether we're playing a show at cians? whole lot to give and we've bare- a new venue, playing a place We've definitely grown as a ly scratched the surface yet. we've played before, writing band, we've learned to rely on songs, recording, or even just reeach other, and learned to let the <CV NW> What other bands hearsing, we're all going to break personal barriers down, we are do you guys listen to during a sweat, we're all going to give it really like a family, it's really re- downtime and relaxation? everything we have.

looking at the release of the new <CV NW> We understand that record, lots and lots of club you are currently working on shows, a couple of festival shows your first album. What can/will like the Bite of Seattle. Rebecca is you tell us about the new ala Pin-Up model as well, so we bum? may have a couple of car shows We recorded 12 songs in the stuthis summer too. We already dio, right now it's in Los Angeles have a couple of new songs in the being mixed by Phil Soussan, works, and we could release one who has worked with many artor two as B-Sides of the singles ists including Billy Idol, Ozzy, that we put out. Rev owns a reSteve Lukather, as well as several cording studio and has been film scores. We will be releasing working with a lot of local bands, 10 of those songs on the record and is planning on releasing a which is going to be called compilation of the bands he's “Satellite Highway”. We are hopworking with, we will be on that ing for a late May early June reas well. Look for that around lease date. We will have CD's for Christmas. sale on our website, as well as at shows, and will have all of the tunes available on iTunes and <CV NW> What are your plans <CV NW> Any final words you Amazon. as far as touring, anything in the would like to convey to your fans? works? <CV NW> It‟s still very early, We are working on booking a If you haven't heard us yet, visit w e b s i t e a t where do you see the band in 3-5 small west coast thing, just a few o u r www.BabyandtheNobodies.com small gigs with friends from other years? Idealistic and realistic?

We hope to just still be doing it, places, to get out and meet some and let us know what you think.

If you like it, come out to a show obviously we'd love to be a new people. and see us live, and again, let us household name, but realistically, we just want to keep writing, re- <CV NW> Okay, what‟s in know what you think. Introduce cording and playing shows, meet- store for the remainder of 2014? yourself. We like meeting new ing fans, reaching people. We What other big projects are in people. aren't trying to “Make it Big”, we the works? truly love what we do and want 2014 has been a busy year al- And Thank You to Sherry and to keep doing it. ready, and it's only May. We're CV NorthWest.

:

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Gear the Pros Use! Rev from Baby and the Nobodies

My first guitar was a Les Paul Copy, there's always been something about the Les Paul style guitars that I've always loved. Currently I have three main guitars that I bring and use pretty much everywhere we go.

Gibson Les Paul Studio. Black with chrome hardware. I swapped the bridge pickup with a Duncan JB and left the neck pickup stock. The studios are a little heavier than the normal Les Pauls which gives them a little more tone. I've had this one for quite awhile and have used it on many projects.

Tokai Love Rock Les Paul. This is an amazing guitar, I swapped the pickups out with Duncan Slash Alincos. It has a pink paisley paint job, but still has the classic Les Paul look, feel and playability.

Mountain Dragon Goldtop Les Paul. This is a guitar that I found online and took a chance on based on looks alone. I'm not disappointed. It has such great tone and sounds amazing through my amps. It has Mountain Dragon pickups in it and was custom built by someone that I don't know, but I'm glad they did it.

Amps

Marshall, that is all. I use a 78 JMP 50 watt head as my primary amp, I've had the caps and tubes swapped out, and that's it. It has such an amazing tone, I absolutely love the way it sounds with my Les Pauls.

I have an 83 JCM800 that I use as a backup head, it's also 50 watt and is the definitive of Marshall tone as well.

I play the heads through a Marshall JCM900 4x12 cabinet or my Soldano 4x12.

Pedal and Effects I don't use many effects as I like the tone that my amps get by themselves, I use a Boss TU-2 Tuner Pedal, a boutique pedal called an Ego Boost, which is designed to boost the midrange tones for solos, but I use it backwards and actually scoop out the mids a little bit while I'm playing cleaner tones. Dunlop Crybaby Wah pedal, I use it for leads mostly, and I really should use it more.

I use an Audio-Technica wireless system if the venue is big enough, Island cases for the amps and an MV enclosures pedalboard case.

I use strictly Monster cables, they last the longest and hold up better than any other cables I've used.

Jim Dunlop Picks, nylon Grip Picks .80 gauge.

Island cases for the amps.

Gear the Pros Use! Mark from Baby and the Nobodies

Mark is the timekeeper for Baby and the Nobodies, The Human Metronome.

I use a pearl export kit from the 80's, I picked it up from a friend when I was living in Chicago where I grew up. I've had it for a long time and it's never let me down.

Drums 13” Rack Tom 16” Floor Tom 22” Kick Drum 14” Snare Cymbals Zildjian A Custom Earth Ride Zildjian A Custom 18” Crash Zildjian A Custom 19” Thrasher crash Zildjian New Beat Hi-Hats Zildjian 14” China Boy Pro-Mark American Hickory 747 Sticks

The Local Music Scene in Vegas is starting to heat up right along with the temperature. Summer Concert Series‟ are beginning to be announced, Fremont Street is bumping up their schedules and new venues across the valley are experimenting with Live Music.

Another SouthEast Bar starting to bring in some bands happens to be right around the corner from Babe‟s. Legend‟s Bar & Grill hosted Gypsy Road getting things started for Dave & Ty from the Driver & Redline bands that lit up the stage at Redhawk back in the day. Tim Mendoza joined the show and belted out some winners. Redline will be playing the „First Friday” Arts Factory, the first Friday in May. Speaking of the old Redhawk, another crazy SOB that rocked that stage, Jimi Hicks took his band „Kill Jimi‟ over to the BB‟s Clubhouse stage. Good to see them out playing again.

Out on the west side of town, Barley Pops is bringing bands in for 77 released their debut album as their „ B i k e Count‟s well as being honored with April 29th Night‟ Fridays. being proclaimed as Count‟s 77 Day in „Three Blind Las Vegas. Zia Records was the place to be to see the band and get a signed copy Mice‟ is the lat- of the CD. est band to take the stage there and it will be interesting to see how things go now that the bikes are rolling.

Brazen and Threedom Rock took their respective shows down south with us to Bike Week & the Laughlin River Run and rocked out to huge crowds in the Colorado Belle.

Johnny Roxx added some heavy hitters to the ROXX lineup with Danny Robert pounding the skins, David Lee Williams out front, Next month things should start getting loud and „Animal‟ on Bass. The new lineup took the make-shift stage at a Strip Club of all places, for Johnny‟s wife Dana‟s Birthday Par- and a lot of bigger shows are already in the ty. Babes down on the SouthEast side seems to want to be a new works. With Memorial Day approaching, there player in the game, bringing bands in to play the Sports Bar side will be a number of shows breaking in the newof the building. With a little consulting from the right people „in the know‟, they could have a decent venue. I believe I even saw a ly constructed outdoor stages. wheelchair, just in case Animal turns it up to 11.

To get things started, the only Dokken Tribute around, „Mr. Scary‟ blew the roof off of Vamp‟d for Yours Truly‟s Birthday Weekend. Pulling out all the Classics and lighting up a packed house, the amazing reproduction is at times, better than the originals. Special Guests Children of the Grave and Junkhead opened the show with a hellacious performance that got everyone‟s blood flowing.

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“Jackson” Black Mouth Cur 2 years old Male 53 pounds

Legends Bar & Grill Tim Mendoza & the members of Redline

The right, eco-friendly way to wash your car How to keep your car clean and looking good without hurting the environment or the vehicle's paint job.

Preserving the environment is a major concern these days, especially when it comes to automobiles. This even applies to something as seemingly mundane as preserving your vehicle's appearance. How and where you wash your car does make a difference. The matter is never more critical than in spring, when most proud car owners are busy washing off the effects of winter's unrelenting assault before it takes a toll on their pride and joy's looks, integrity and mechanical well-being.

Making a habit of keeping your vehicle as clean as possible, inside and out, will reap great Automatic car-wash systems even get the benefits. A sparkling-clean car will not only flatter the eye and the owner's ego, it will also help the nod from car-care professionals, especially when it vehicle last longer and stay in better shape, thus comes to routine cleanings. David Lee, owner and operator of L.A. Detail, based in Toronto, offers improving resale value.

The question here is: What is the best and thorough detailing services, but he freely admits to most eco-friendly way to achieve and sustain ve- using commercial car-wash systems for his personal vehicle and says he finds them both useful and hicular cleanliness? practical.

Routine Cleaning However, Lee is also quick to point out that Dirt, road salt, tar and various other forms not all systems are equally safe and effective. He of gunk, goo and residue are your car's worst ene- favors the high-pressure, no-contact systems and mies. Keeping them off your vehicle's bodywork, warns against using systems with rotating brushes year-round, is the basic challenge. Hand-washing a or moplike, moving felt mats. It's hard to assess car remains the best and most effective way to do how well-maintained these systems are, and your this, but it must be done the right way, and even car's paint finish might be at the mercy of the grit then it is not the most environmentally friendly that was scrubbed off the crusty old jalopy that way to go. passed through the wash just before your car. And These days the "greenest" way to wash your paint could be at risk even in the best-maintained car is to run it through an automatic car wash. systems because of the friction generated by the Studies show that a session in the car wash uses brushes and mats. roughly half the water the average owner would High-pressure systems also are useful in performuse while washing it at home with the traditional ing the most difficult of tasks: cleaning off as much bucket and hose. Commercial car-wash systems dirt and salt as possible from your vehicle's underare also required, by law, to contain and collect the carriage, fender liners and rocker panels. The operwater used during the wash. So are professional ation is entirely worth the extra couple of dollars, detailers. The waste water is then cleaned and, in Lee says. "The best approach is to run your vehicle most cases, used again. through a car wash regularly to keep the dirt from

High-pressure systems also are useful in performing the most difficult of tasks: cleaning off as much dirt and salt as possible from your vehicle's undercarriage, fender liners and rocker panels. The operation is entirely worth the extra couple of dollars, Lee says. "The best approach is to run your vehicle through a car wash regularly to keep the dirt from building up and digging into the surface," he says.

Lee adds that brush-free systems are at their best when only a light wash is needed. Frequency then becomes the key. Their weak point is glass, "so I always use the squeegee on glass surfaces before running my vehicle or etching the finish. Make sure your car is cool and parked in the shade. You should also wash in through," he says. the shade to keep the surface from drying out instantly and leaving soap streaks and scratches.

The Dirty Job Fill two buckets with tap water. The first For really dirty jobs, the best and most effec- gets the soap, with the right dilution ratio, and the tive way to wash a vehiclestill involves elbow second is for rinsing dirt and particles off thoroughgrease. That's how pro detailers do it to this day. ly as you go over the car, section by section, movIt's the only way some dirt and residue can be re- ing from top to bottom. Leave the rocker panels moved. Clay, for instance, can leave a hazy, and wheels, always the dirtiest bits, for last. Otherbrownish film that will resist a high-pressure brush- wise, the grit from these areas will get stuck in the less car wash. cleaning rags and scratch the finish off your car as While hand-washing might get your vehicle you rub it clean. the cleanest, it can be far from environmentally Your first step it to give your car the best friendly. The main culprits are the excessive use of possible rinse to remove as much of the dirt, dust water and the release of harmful substances such as and grime as possible. Pressure washers do a good soap residue, oil, acid and metal particles into the job. Lee's team uses and recommends them. "They sewer system while washing and rinsing. Some cit- get dirt out of the nooks and crannies and save a ies and states have banned home car washing for lot of water, too, since pressure does most of the these reasons. Others do so indirectly by forbidding job," he says. all use of tap water outdoors to preserve dwindling You should use two soft mittens or natural supplies during hot spells. sponges for washing. The first only touches the If you plan to wash at home, your first move painted surfaces and the second only the wheels, is to get automotive soap and cleaners that are bio- tires and other dirtiest bits. Rinse them in the sedegradable and nontoxic. Even then, you should cond bucket as much as needed to get rid of the avoid washing over pavement, which would let the slightest grain of sand or dirt. Work in sections that wash water drain into a sewer, storm drain or ditch you rinse with the hose as you go. Turn the water that would then let it seep into the water system. off between rinses to avoid waste.

Make sure to wash over grass or gravel that will Lee gives the nod to the traditional chamois, absorb the water into the ground to reduce or elimbe it natural or synthetic, to dry the car afterward. inate the environmental impact.

Let the chamois soak thoroughly before use and rinse it frequently. Another pro tip is to use the Hand-Wash the Right Way moist chamois to wipe hazy deposits from the inThe golden rule for hand-washing, Lee says, strument panel and the inside of the windshield is to be "as gentle as possible" to avoid scratching once the exterior is done.

A good spring cleaning should also include the floors, where a lot of grit, grime, salt and water has accumulated, often leaving a nasty crust where it dries. An excellent tool for this operation is a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. First, vacuum up as much of the dry stuff as you can. If deposits remain, scrub them with a brush, hot water and some vinegar, but do so sparingly. Then vacuum again quickly. Do not use too much water; it will dissolve the salt, and the resulting mixture will seep under the carpet and never dry. The result might be a rusted floor pan. The door jambs and sills should also be cleaned, this time with lukewarm water and soap.

Additional Steps Once your car shines after that spring clean-

ing, you will want to wax it for protection against the elements, including the scorching summer sun.

Lee says that the two-stage approach of applying a pre-cleaner compound first and then a protective wax is worth the extra effort.

You can also use "dressing" products on your tires. "Use the clear, petroleum-based type that seems to 'nourish' the rubber," Lee says. It is best to apply it with a cloth instead of spraying it on to avoid getting the stuff on your alloy wheels, where it becomes "a dust magnet." And you should wipe off the excess after a few minutes. Indeed, if the oily liquid mixes with brake dust and spins off onto rocker panels and fenders, it can permanently damage the paint.

These additional steps will help preserve the long-term appearance and value of your prized possession. And a clean car always runs nicer, doesn't it?

Contributed by Marc Lachapelle, MSN Autos

Vincent Carnera & Zach Merryfield

The CVNW Brew Crew is doing a little side step away from beer this month to check out Whiskey Fest NW, in Portland, Oregon. This is an event organized by The Luna Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to facilitate opportunities otherwise unavailable for children and families affected by illness or poverty through the promotion of the arts, music and events in the NW. It runs From Saturday May 3rd to Saturday May 10th. There will be a number of great local bands and different kinds of whiskey infused events at WFNW including a four course meal one evening at Morton‟s Steak House that will be paired with Japanese whiskey; who knew the Japanese had their hand in making whiskey?

For tickets, they vary in price from $25 to $140 and other event information use your browser and look up Whiskey Fest NW. We thought that WFNW sounded fun but also realized that we don‟t know much about whiskey, so decided to do a little research and came up with some interesting facts. Whiskey has strong historical ties to our nation. Our country‟s founding father, George Washington founded one of the country‟s largest whiskey distilleries at the time that turned out 11,000 gallons of Whiskey in 1799. Sir Winston Churchill lead our nation through WWII on a breakfast that consisted of whiskey and water; hair of the dog possibly! In the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 farmer‟s fought to protect their liquor livelihood; whiskey was a favored form of currency in the United States.

Whiskey, in moderate consumption is good for your health! It is low in carbs and fat free, unlike vodka. Research and science says whiskey can protect you from cancer and lower your risks of ischemic strokes, heart disease and dementia. We plan on doing some of our own research on this!

Some of the best rock bands in history wholly support this caramel colored liquid of life and have expressed it through their music. Lynyrd Skynard, ZZ Top, Alice Cooper, Metallica, AC/DC, the Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson and Van Halen are just a few of the famous bands to rock us the whiskey drink.

There are 18 flavors of whiskey; we had no idea! The traits vary by kind. Irish whiskey traits are single malt, pure pot still and blended. Canadian whiskey sports rye, single malt and blended. The Scottish whiskey has some interesting traits (some we have no idea what they are), Lowland, Speyside, Islay, Highland and blended. As for the American whiskey, well these we do know; rye, bourbon, wheat, corn, Kentucky straight bourbon and of course the American favorite, Tennessee Whiskey.

I think we will have a great time trying all the different kinds. We may even find something other than Jack Daniels Whiskey to drink on the few occasions that we drink the hard liquor as opposed to our beloved beer.

Remember to drink in moderation, and if you don’t have that designated driver, stay where you are until sober or call a cab!

Hope to see our CVNW fans at Whiskey Fest NW. Happy whiskey sampling. Please feel free to email CVNW with your Whiskey Fest NW experience.

The Brew Crew