Saturday night was, I think, for me, the gig of the year. Some Jerks is one of those bands I have been wanting to see for the past twelve months. It seemed like every time they played I had prior commitments that prevented me from going. Saturday night at the Beetle Bar showcased some of the finest musical talent that Brisbane has to offer. Adding to the atmosphere was the great crowd of music lovers who came out in support.

The night opened with the masters of discordant bliss Gravel Samwidge. This time Samwidge is a three piece instead of the usual four piece with a stand in drummer as Sleepy, the usual drummer was on tour in Melbourne with another band. Lead singer of Samwidge, Mark Spinks, tells me a funny story of the preceding practice session Saturday afternoon with "ring in" drummer Stumpy, which involved a pair of chop sticks used as make shift drum sticks keeping time on Stumpy's boot cap as he learned the songs for the gig that evening. Samwidge have a new CD available titled “Gas Girl's Funeral” which compliments their first release “Nonchalance” beautifully. In fact, dare I say, Gas Girl may even be better. Definitely worth adding to your collection, make sure to grab one from the guys at the next gig which is coming up on Saturday June 30 at the Waiting Room, 11 Browning Street. See you there.

The Beetle Bar is a great venue for performers and supporters alike. The night outside is cold but the venue is warm and inviting with quirky, interesting décor. Next on stage is the legendary, Sabrina Lawrie. Active in the Brisbane music scene since 1996 Lawrie is an amazing performer. Powerful, sultry, husky, perfectly sustained vocals teamed with substantial guitarmanship, only just begins to describe what to expect from the powerhouse that is Sabrina Lawrie. The sound is primal, pulsating, hypnotic; the kind of music that entrances the listener, carrying you to another place. Sabrina has recently returned from the States and plans to go back as soon as she can apply for another visa. She has an EP out that I highly recommend, also check out her clip for “Another Language” on You Tube.

Next upThe New Jack Rubies take the stage by storm. Not sure what happened to the Old Jack Rubies but they can stay where they are because the new guys are doing just fine thank you. The Rubies serve it up just the way I like it, hard, heavy, fast and loud. Lovers of the classic hard rock sound mixed with impressive use of pedal effects will find joy in the New Jack Rubies. We should be hearing a new single from their album in a couple of weeks and the album is expected out in August.

Which brings us to the headliners of the night Some Jerks. To put it simply, the Jerks rock. Bright, clean, energetic, good-vibe music. These guys and gal would get any party started with sounds reminiscent of 60's girl bands like the Ronnettes and the Shirelles except The Jerks rock it way harder. Tight, polished sound with lyrics to match describe this tidy three piece. This is to be the last show for the band for a few months as guitarist Will O'Brien heads overseas for a bit, hopefully returning for an album launch in October which will be eagerly anticipated. Here's hoping it won't be another twelve months before I get to hear them again.