Nightranger: Rotten Display

Whisked Away

With its classy hunting-lodge feel and insane whiskey selection, Seven Grand is definitely one of our favorite downtown bars, but ever since owner Cedd Moses told us he planned to have live music in the space (booked by The Echo’s Liz Garo), we’ve been wondering just what kind of act could plug in and still maintain the ambience. Last week we got our answer as local country rockers Whiskey Biscuit (their name alone is perfect, right?) played under the main room’s stuffed elk heads for the bar’s “Barnburner” event. Their hazy hillbilly-meets–Sticky Fingers sounds included a washboard, a triangle, an accordion and some kind of banjo, though singer Jason Mason (also known as Dub Club DJ Roy Corduroy) said something about it being broken near the end of the second set, which may be why it ended so abruptly. Before that, though, the tunes were quite complementary to the libations, which included $5 specialty drinks (we had the Whiskey Fizz) and other smooth sippers with a past: Master distiller Fred Booker Noe, great-grandson of Jim Beam, was on hand for a history lesson. Though the hoedown was definitely happening (Entourage actor Adam Goldberg seemed to be having fun), Moses tells us live bands won’t be playing there regularly as originally planned — just for special events. Next up for the veritable king of downtown dwellings (his Broadway Bar and Golden Gopher are still goin’ strong in the 213): the reopening of French dip fave Coles Restaurant and a “speakeasy”-style gathering spot that won’t be downtown . . . though, obviously, we can’t tell ya where it will be.

Date to Bare

The bodacious bluegirl art events in Hollywood near Western always had a dark yet vivacious decadence to them — and a dynamic crowd to match. Last Saturday’s event at a new location outside of downtown was no exception, especially with its “Naked” theme. But it was a lot more than exposed breasts and butts (though, yes, both and more were on display). There were dance performances, live sculptures, DJs, and plenty of goth and glam art tarts and freaks of all sorts (Miss Satanica offered a fire dance and Melrose Larry Green held court on a couch bragging about his new rock band to some babes). Yup, ya never know who ya might run into at a blue bash. Here’s hoping curator Heidi Calvert doesn’t wait another blue moon to throw the next one.