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  WILD REPORT: LIT STICK OF SMOKIN DYNAMITE May 20th, 2008 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  Chris Sullivan is a man who knows what it takes to establish greatness. All these years, he has never been afraid to work hard and go after it. From the very first time I saw him, Chris made a true believer out of me. I knew instantly he was destined for success. “One artist in particular brings up the end, with class. That would be the lit stick of smokin" dynamite you experience in Front man and Guitarist Chris Sullivan, whose raw magnetism and smooth vocals have the audience practically on their knees, at his feet.” “And to think…It all started with a KISS t-shirt, a few chords and the truth…..” As you read the quotes above, you"re given a piece of “wylder history”..words I wrote about Chris Sullivan in what seems a lifetime ago. Chris was my very first (musician) friend here when I hit the Charleston Rock scene…as I said, many many moons ago. At the time, I was writing music reviews for a Country radio station and while my heart is with the genre, something inside me was longing to rock. I sat at the bar when this intimidating leather-vested, tattooed gent approached and complimented me on my KISS t-shirt. I have to laugh now as I reflect on how menacing I thought he looked. When he took the stage all of that “bad boy image” melted away and the lights shone on a man who had pure, raw, flat-out talent. The whole band did—-I absolutely loved them and we so we began to work together. Time often has a way of separating friends. People get busy. Days and years fly by. Though I haven"t gone to support him in way too long, I"ve been there in spirit. You see, I may slack off but I never forget a person who has touched my life. Especially musically. So this article has been a long, long time coming. Chris Sullivan shed that bad boy image (somewhat) and struck out on his own as a solo act, performing his Rock and Americana original music all over town several nights a week. He traded that mic he once chipped a tooth on (while throwing it all around the rockin" stage).....for a stool and a much more elegant setting…one that is more befitting of him. He is a singer-songwriter who knows all about class. Tonight at the Palmetto Acoustic series he proved that again. His dedicated friend/manager Angie and I took our places in the front row and I tried not to focus on that psychedelic backdrop. It was making me dizzy and if I looked at it too long, I may have gotten hypnotized. But what was truly hypnotic is the fact that after all this time, Chris Sullivan has still “got it”...exactly what it takes. What makes the acoustic series really unique is the way we, the audience, get to see a more personal side to the music. The songwriter tells his or her story of what led to each song. Chris says most of his songs are about relationships…failed ones mostly, he jokes. He says, “I guess that is why we are musicians. We get to get up here and cry and moan about it”..and everyone laughed. But to me, after the many showcases I have seen like this one, I don"t see a whole lot of crying"What I see is what is in the writer’s heart and how it touches people. The three performers treated us to lyrically driven music that was from the heart. Chris opened up the night with an old favorite “Unaware”. I, myself, a usually pretty tough cookie, was reduced to tears TWICE during Sullivan"s set. The first time was when he did “Girl Without a Name”. This is a song written about a small town girl who gets lost in the big city…Truly lost in every sense. New in town, she feels as if she is a “walking ghost…just a face in the crowd…with nothing cool to say….” Any one of us, ever new to town could relate to that tune for sure. The most moving part of the night came later, however. “Coat Pocket” is a song written for his son when he was around six years of age. (His son is now age 20 and serving our country in Korea). The proud father would carry the picture in his coat pocket…right next to his heart. Sullivan explains the song is about memories of people who are not physically there with you. His music gave me some time with my own grown child who is far away now…and yeah, I cried. He continued to remark how nice it was to be in this unique setting—where he is used to smoky bars, this time he had a truly “captive” audience. With his new EP “Devil"s Advocate” due out soon, Chris Sullivan fans will be anything but “captive”. He let the folks in the room preview just one song off the album. They really enjoyed it. He said that “Ride” would show his Springsteen influence. But to this writer, I heard only Pure Sullivan. He said a lot of his songs are about running away….but ya know what I think" I think they are more about running TO something: Running to something that is bigger then his wildest dream. Good luck, old friend! This is Jaden Wylder and THAT"s your Wild Report for what"s cool in the Carolina Nightlife! For more info, please visit www.youngsullivan.com Jaden would LOVE to hear from you!

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  WILD REPORT: a Groovy Scene: PALMETTO ACOUSTIC SERIES May 19th, 2008 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  It is so great that Charleston can be home to so much fantastic musical enrichment and also a perfect second home to our artistic neighbors across this fine country. The Palmetto Acoustic series operates out of the Communications Museum on the C of C campus. After all of my time (in radio), I am almost ashamed to admit I never visited this place. Always wanted to-never did. Last night, I was fascinated with all of the communications gadgets and memorabilia the museum displays. It created a perfect backdrop for the evening of acoustic music. The series brings together singer-songwriters showcasing their original music and all shows are free. It is a very nice, classy alternative to the noisy, chaotic, and often inebriated bar room scene…“The venue is truly unique and intimate and blends well with the museum setting. Each show features singer/songwriters performing an hour of their original music. Artists enjoy this performance space as it allows them to connect with the audience without distraction, says Director Madeline Evans. I visited the Palmetto Acoustic series last night because I wanted to support my extremely talented friend, Chris Sullivan. I left there with two more. Jason Luckett and Teresa Storch impressed me with what is so evidentially solidified in their souls. The room overflowed with an elite bunch: Music lovers, melded together in an intimate setting, surrounded by this other-earthly force…an immediate connection we all felt deep in this small room—as we celebrated the beauty of life, the gifts we were given, and our mutual love of acoustic guitar. The setting was one that can only be described as “groovy”. Fresh baked brownies and a screen that displayed a psychedelic rainbow of rolling amoeba-like kaleidoscope of color provided a good touch to the mood of the room. I have always enjoyed this kind of tribute to the singer-songwriter, for they are indeed the painters whose creative dreams bring to the life the colorful canvas of music. Reminiscent of Nashville or Bourbon Street, we truly need more of that in Charleston. I love girls with guitars.  Teresa, with the voice of an angel, had this uniquely cute way about her on stage. I am stumped for another way to describe her except to say that the woman who repeatedly remarked, “Music! I love my life!!” certainly made the right choice when she put 40,000 miles on her car each year touring the nation to share it with others. Teresa, who earned an engineering degree and was sitting in her physics lab one day when she became moved to begin song-writing, is on a mission. She is delivering her own personal message to the world through her gift: “People can be whatever they want to be” (if they put their minds and hearts to it). While I am sad to see her go, I think the people she reaches are in for a real treat. Go get ‘em Girl! Jason….well, wherever do I start with Jason" There were (at least) three things that amazed this writer about him. 1. For artists who had never met, it was as if Sullivan (largely influenced by Bruce Springsteen) and Luckett were destined to cross paths. His song “Looking for Bruce” was awesome, a song born of a road trip to Asbury Park, the Home of the Boss. 2. The way the whole vibe in the room changed when he broke out that harmonica and played simultaneously with the acoustic guitar. It was quite the sight to see! He rocked the room with “Fortification Street” a really cool story song about family in New Orleans. Jason’s whole aura amused and delighted me.  3. I think the primary thing I noticed was that he has this great smile that never ever leaves his face while he performs. His music and his whole attitude are so positive and uplifting, I wish we all had more time in that room. You"re not the ONLY one with a “crazy curly head”, Jason! “One artist in particular brings up the end, with class. That would be the lit stick of smokin" dynamite you experience in Front man and Guitarist Chris Sullivan, whose raw magnetism and smooth vocals have the audience practically on their knees, at his feet.” “And to think…It all started with a KISS t-shirt, a few chords and the truth…..” Huh"—*Please insert sound of screeching brakes here*—Where is she going with this"" This certainly seems out of place here. Ha-ha, I"m messin" with y"all again. Please read the following article and it will all become crystal clear. For Chris Sullivan is THEE reason I came to the series in the first place. Which is why he gets his very own Wild Report! The Palmetto Acoustic series takes place twice a month from 8-10pm and is located at 59 George Street downtown. For more info on the music of these 3 wonderful people, a schedule of upcoming events or a link for artists interested in possibly becoming involved in the series, please contact me via my page and I will put you in touch!! http:www.myspace.com/sweet_jaden This is Jaden Wylder and THAT"s your Wild Report for what"s cool in the Carolina NightLife! Enjoy!!!

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  WILD REPORT: A WYLD TRIP TO CLOUD 9 May 13th, 2008 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  Ever wonder why the sky is blue" Or what it must be like to be a cloud" To see what only a cloud can see way up there" I think it would be really cool to be a cloud. You could be all scary to people. You could make them wet at your will. You could spend lazy days floating around…just hangin" out while people below look up at you in awe. Gazing upon you or trying to read what your shape looks like in their mind"s eye. Oh! But to be on CLOUD 9!!!!! The Beatles and the Temptations did music about being on cloud nine. Gospel songs and Willie himself have done tunes about the “uncloudy day”.  And now I am here to tell you what an experience with Cloud 9 is all about. There is a caliginous cloud that occasionally shadows Charleston. When it happens, the town is in a true state of elated bliss. Those are the days when dually-based Charlotte and Charleston-frequented band Cloud 9 takes us on a wild trip to their heavenly ground. The group is planning more frequent trips to this area (both as a band and as an acoustic Wade & Stacy duo). When they"re here, it is an experience y"all most definitely want to be a part of! During a recent night rocking downtown Wild Wing, the storm that is Cloud 9 hit us in full spasmodic force. As they took the stage with their anthem song “Word Up"C-l-o-u-d-9”, the night began with a bang. From the first song, the order directed, “All freaks please report to the dance floor”"the crowd obeyed and that is where they remained all night long. They take what they call their Island Brand (hint: new apparel line) of raucous rock & roll and blend it with a sleek dance groove that creates really a thunderous jolt within anyone who goes to see them. Even the shyest wallflower could not possibly sit still in the company of Cloud 9. People love their C-9 fix. If you don’t believe ME, then be sure to ask their good friends in PLANE JANE!! Those boys all came out—strolled on in to Wild Wing—to show their support as well.  As C-9 broke into one song, a woman up front began to scream. Meanwhile, the “star” of the dance floor was Jonathan. He was a break-dancing and pole-dancing King, his pants overflowing with dollar bills. His reign on the dance floor was a funny one. When Cloud 9 is around, it is always so much fun just like this. They are just that good!! Both their original music or the twist they do on popular rock covers are the very finest.  It"s simple to see why front man Stacy Hansen gets more chicks to throw their panties at him then Englebert Humperdink or Tom Jones! I"m just kidding, as he is a married man…but…what is it about him that makes him one of the most terrific performers I have ever seen" Is it his powerful vocal range"" Or is it his intense energy as he jumps around, all hot & sweaty….that makes all the girls want to join him singing onstage" That man has charisma. Or is it Steve Lynch, looking all cute back there on percussions but never ever “the shy one” in the background"" Or could it be….Tim, my fellow “hat freak” ripping’ it up on bass" Perhaps it’s Tommy Phillips on drums….Ya know how we love guys who bang…and Tommy is one of the best drummers out there. OR…is it the unique charm of guitarist Wade Drye who provides the magic that tops it all off" Seriously, though, if you’re a guy, you"ll want to see them just to check out the females this band draws like a baby to the nipple!! Or if you’re a girl like me, grab some of your friends and come out to shake your booties.  Men and women alike can just come out to hear and see for yourself a band who I feel is musically, the absolute Cream of the Crop….Their chemistry blends so perfectly and their talent is so different then a lot of what I have seen. I can see why Tommy refers to them as family. And as their adopted sister, I can tell you this: Our family knows how to party! Come join us. Future Forecast: Totally Cloudy…and that is VERY good news for Charleston. Very good news indeed. This is Jaden Wylder and THAT’s your Wild Report for what’s cool in Carolina NightLife!! Enjoy!! For more info on the band and their schedule: send me a comment…I’d love to hear from you.

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  WILD REPORT: CINEBARRE... May 6th, 2008 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  Quite a few years ago, I had an Irish millionaire boyfriend who had a penchant for alcohol. No, I didn"t drive the boy to drink….he just liked it an awful lot. So anyway, Sean had this “annoying little habit” whenever we would go on a date: He would have me smuggle all the bottles of beer I could fit into the pockets (and under) my long trench coat and off to a night at the movies we would go! It worked like a charm every single time. (Kids please do not try this at home. I will tell you why shortly). From the time the curtains rose and the lights dimmed, we would sit there, happily sipping our beer from a straw—and laughing a bit too loud while we crouched down “being so smart”. Each of us always left with a big ole stiff neck…but oh what a time at the movies!! Jump ahead a decade or so…and now YOU TOO can enjoy such a wonderful date night. Yes, that"s correct right here in Charleston. Lights! Camera! Action! Cinebarre is coming to Houston-Northcutt in Mt Pleasant this summer. The former Regal Theater site is currently undergoing renovations to become the company"s second venture in the United States. This is great news to a beer-loving movie addict like myself. I mean, how peculiar would my leather trench coat look here in Paradise" Snack bars of the past, be gone! Cinebarre will have a full service restaurant with food made fresh to order. They will have a bar with beer and wine. No children under age 6 and no giggly, sometimes obnoxious teens allowed without proper adult supervision. No babysitting here. An adult theatrical playground indeed. Some food items are as follows: pizza made from their own fresh dough and sauce…..hand-made burgers and veggie-style treats…hand cut fries and hand breaded onion rings…home-made desserts….Appetizers or full meals, you are all set to wine, dine, and enjoy the show. Not hungry" Food purchases are not required, of course. The first Cinebarre establishment was opened near the Biltmore in Asheville and is doing well. Along with Mt. Pleasant, a third location will rise up in Colorado. Apparently Charlestonians will be among the first to enjoy this fun new cinematic adventure! I suppose we could have used some of Sean"s millions back in the day and tried this. Darn, this intelligent well-respected entertainment exec outsmarted us!! I think the only thing better would be a Drive-In at the beach!!! Oooh, I feel a blonde lightbulb coming on…..here it comes…blip,blip..flicker…flicker…OUT.. Oops, I forgot about the mosquitoes. Oh well, I guess I should leave the brain-storming to the professionals. But I will say this: A night with Emeril, Nicolas Cage AND the Miller Light Girls""" Well, Cinebarre is definitely going to ROCK!!!! *** THE EXCLUSIVE CAROLINA NIGHTLIFE INTERVIEW *** I had the pleasure of speaking to Cinebarre CEO, Terrell Braly this afternoon and here is what he had to say about the coolest new craze coming to Charleston!! Jaden: We are so very excited to welcome you to Mt. Pleasant. Terrell: Thank you. An integral part of the plan is to bring Cinebarre only to the cool places. Charleston is definitely one of those places. The coolness factor is not an option. Jaden: We think it’s the coolest.  What do you like best about Charleston" Terrell: I love the people. The attitude. This city is 24/7.  You have the nightlife. Progressive thinking. Artistic thinking. Jaden: What"s not to love" That"s why you"re now talking to Carolina NightLife. We"re pretty cool also(laughs) Terrell: Yes, you seem to have your finger on the nightlife. Jaden: We sure do.  What can you tell me about how the interior will look" Terrell: “Envision the auditorium with brand new seats.  Every other row will have a table-bench. A lot more leg room. An uninterrupted line of sight.”  Jaden: How about the bar" Terrell: “The snack bar of the past becomes a wine bar.  We will offer an extensive selection of wine and beer.  Bottled beer in both domestic and imports, as well as drafts focusing on the local area micro-brews.” Jaden: Wow, that sounds very inviting. Tell me more please. Terrell: “We want to give the very civilized mature person the experience of watching a movie the way it was meant to be. No distractions. First class sound and projection. There will be newly remodeled bathrooms. And an up-scale artistic look with our company colors in a black & silver motif. Jaden: Hmm, my two fave colors! I am loving it already. Terrell: “We want it to look like a movie museum.  Gone are the cardboard stands.  We will have very large old vintage pieces in place.  There will be no ads. The pre-show is customized to the movie selection.  We want to provide the very best in a wonderful dinner and movie experience.” Jaden: Sounds like a top-notch place. Ultimate in coolness AND class!  I can"t wait for the grand opening! I will bring all my friends. Terrell: See you there. ***83% of all movie-goers go to a meal before (or after) a movie.  How many of us have gone out, rushing to a movie, stressed from having to deal with parking and making it just in time"  With Cinebarre, it will be combined for one very relaxing and satisfying experience.  I hope y’all will join me at the opening. More news coming soon. *** BIOGRAPHY *** —Meet the Brains Behind the Big Screen and even bigger bar— Terrell Braly got his start in the entertainment biz as a concert promoter.  He brought Roxy Music to the United States. Concert production in the late 70"s included his work with acts such as Aerosmith, Joe Perry Project, the Eagles, The Beach Boys, & Hughie Lewis to name just a few. Interestingly enough, Terrell got into the food industry, on the side.  He started a successful place called Sandwich World which evolved to something we presently enjoy as Quizzno"s. After that, this mover & shaker went on to become a partner in a post-production house in New York.  National Video Industries ran a lot of documentaries.  Most impressive achievement: an Academy Award nomination for "A Great Day in Harlem. Braly left New York in 2001 for Austin, Texas.  He took over a small one-screen theatre that had just expanded to 4 screens.  It seems as if everything this guy touches turns to gold.  As partner and CEO of this cinema-eatery, he took it to the top. 2 and half years later, the expansion had 1000 employees in eight locations. Entertainment Weekly rated his company as the #1 Movie Company in America in August 2005. So WHY stop there" He hasn"t.  He took some time to develop a comprehensive business plan. This enhanced concept of what he"d already done on a national basis.  He teamed up with the largest theater company in the world (Regal).  Their ideas were paralleled. A joint venture formed. V"oila!! Cinebarre was born.  And now the Stork of Cool Times is paying a visit to Charleston. Forget the popcorn.  I"ll take a Miller Light and freshly made pizza please. This is Jaden Wylder and THAT"s your Wild Report for what"s cool in the Carolina NightLife. Enjoy!!! For more info, visit www.cinebarre.com—Stay tuned for more exciting Cinebarre news right here on CNL!! I promise. You won"t want to miss it.

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  WILD REPORT: FIESTA CINCO May 5th, 2008 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  I have a certain disdain for commercialized holidays. Most of the time, that is. When the holiday involves great food and cheap drinks,  I can always be swayed in my line of thinking. While most writers will approach May 5th with a little drill on History, I decided to do something a little different. I mean, sure we know that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico"s victory over the French in battle. But let"s face it, is that what YOU toast to as you throw back the Jose" No way! Not me, amigas. I celebrate all kinds of things today, which we will get to in a moment. I just tend to do it a little bit differently. For as long as I have lived in the Lowcountry, there is just one night of the year where-without a doubt- I make definite plans to abandon ship and get out of Dodge so I can get some peace and quiet. That night is tonight. As I write this, the cantina down the street is packed with festive party-goers. The signs read: “BEER! Cheaper then GAS!” The music beats through the walls of my house. (I am pretty certain “Can"t Touch This” will be stuck in my head for a week!) The DJ"s voice encourages the dancers to tear it up. The unsmiling police glare as I pass by. The smell of delectable grease permeates the air. The roaring bell and the frequent “hoo.hoo.hoo.” of the party siren wails loudly as it carries the party well into the night!! I love it! Gotcha! You thought I was complaining" Don"t be silly: This is the Wild Report and Carolina NightLife after all. CNL NightLifers are about as loco as it gets. C’mon, a little extreme indulgence of sloth-for-fun never hurt anyone… as long as proper judgement is used. Just like St Patty"s and Oktoberfest, the fiesta de Culture tonight is just one more great excuse to get out and blow off some steam. Ah yes, here comes yet another reason to be eccentric and smile alot! All over town, there are food and drink discount specials. There"s salsa and mariachi. Some places have parades. Week-long festivals. Everyone is celebrating something. I am celebrating—in no particular order: Tacos. Enchiladas. Lucha Libre. Ice cold drinks with Lime. The beauty of the Riviera and the reefs in Chankanaab. Nachos. Margaritas. Hot Sauce. Cozumel sunsets. Tijuana shopping sprees. Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse in Mexico. My devilish buddies Jose and Patron. The Border Patrol. Snakeskin boots. Sterling Silver. Sombreros which evolved into sexy cowboy hats. That cute little deceased Taco Bell dog, “yo Quiero!” R.I.P Gidget.  Fond memories. Beating the insides out of the candy-filled pinatas of my youth. Mexican Jumping beans. 120 days until I sit on a pristine Mexican beach, sipping on Dos XX in the oceanside breeze. All the cool music that has been inspired by tequila. Has anyone EVER realllllly actually seen a tequila sunrise" Does tequila reallllllly make a woman"s clothes fall off" If we were in Margaritaville would it be perpetually 5 o"clock"if not, would we even care" I celebrate Santana"s great guitars. And Juan Pablo Montoya"s thrilling race cars, although technically Columbian. The laughter of Cheech Marin. The talent of a young man lost too soon by the name of Ritchie Valens. Oh and of course, Spanish-born actor Antonio Banderas in his role of big, bad El Mariachi in Desperado (a Mexican trilogy). Oh and cute cuddly donkeys! Most of all, I guess we should really celebrate the answer to this next parting question: WHAT IF Mexico hadn"t kicked some French butt"  I mean, on May 5th, we"d be drinking some insane looking fru-fru cocktails and eating Creme" bru lee and Quiche and hollering, “le Parte’ “. How lame would THAT be"" See" And here you thought the holiday was all about booze :) This is Jaden Wylder with your Wild Report on Un Bien Mucho Fiesta in the Carolina Nightlife. Happy Cinco de Mayo. Please be responsible while out having fun. Enjoy and O"le!!!!!!

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  WILD REPORT: KISS ARMY: I WAS MADE FOR LOVIN' YOU April 28th, 2008 Posted by Hunter Wilson

  WILD REPORT: KISS ARMY: I WAS MADE FOR LOVIN’ YOU It’s not hard to figure out how KISS Army earned the title of “Coolest Band in the World”. I am still reeling, asking myself: How is it possible that one woman could be fortunate enough to take a trip to Rock & Roll Heaven, not once—but TWICE—in a week" When we heard of KISS Army’s visit to rock Charleston, the excitement was uncontainable. I thought it would be a night to remember…but what we got from them was much, much more. Expectations were far exceeded, lasting friendships were made, and Charleston was treated to a night of unforgettable music, showmanship, effortless class and the true meaning of what a tribute is all about. In fact, when I think back to that night, there is one word that pops very clearly to mind. That word" It’s very simple: Respect. KISS has always been a part of my life. As a little girl in the 70’s, they frightened me. As a teen in the late-80’s, they fascinated and intrigued me. As a grown woman, they still excite me, my whole world seemingly shutters at the thought of their music, their charisma, their unique animal magnetism. When a band is that much a fixture in music history, it is only natural that a multitude of bands/musicians would be influenced by them….and many would try to be like them, the result an unimpressive mimic. I’ve looked around and have seen the KISS “tribute” bands that are out there. Honestly, many seem to be lacking when it comes to the TRUE understanding of what a “tribute” is all about. Some don’t quite have the sound down pat. Many are off in their chemistry. Some look nothing like the real KISS. Many are hastily unpolished non-replicas. Not so with the four fantastic artists who comprise, the One, the Only, “the Coolest Band in the World”, KISS Army. They understand what it is to do a tribute and have it done RIGHT, with skill, perfectionism, integrity…They eat, sleep, breathe it—They actually “get it”. The others attempt to be much like KISS—and who am I to knock ‘em for trying their best" But I AM here to tell you: Their best cannot touch KISS Army, The very best there is. Just before the show, CNL super-photographer, Mike Bills inquired, “So Jaden, who is your favorite KISS guy and why"” With zero hesitation, I told him, “That’s easy: I love them all EQUALLY”. Men and women dig them all for different reasons, however what I find very cool about KISS Army is this: There really isn’t “just one” star on their stage. No spotlight hogs, no show-offs—-It is more like a band of brothers, blood kin complimenting each other so well….working hard at doing what they love: being the only KISS tribute band to excel in every area of their art. 4 true professionals who led us on a fantastic journey of Time Travel to a land of magical darkness lit up by fire and shared passions. When I say RESPECT is in the forefront of my mind, it is because it is extremely evident what KISS Army’s mission is. Their love for the four original members they play each night, shining brightly…in honor, diligence and respect. Gene Simmons himself has revealed a few key ingredients to success and it is apparent the KA boys get that, also. Simmons has said you should be the voice of the fans (because you are fans yourselves.)You should set no limits for your achievements and that way you have zero boundaries in what you are able to reach. Hard work, loving what you do, the strength of firm discipline, he continues. And finally, to be able to connect with the people on some level. KA is the best at what they do because they possess ALL of these things—-and so….Much. More!! The make-up is right on the money, the look identical. Their individual style shines effervescent. The sound is perfection. And the moves are choreographed so well, you’d think they were one and the same. The band is tight and it shows. The CatMan, Steve Clark, with his massive kit and wildly roaring drums, performs like a man worthy of 9 lives. With each thunderous crash he spellbinds his audience. Having driven thirteen straight hours to perform and still never once missing a beat, there I cannot deny respect….Respect for discipline and talent. Standing at nearly 7 feet tall in boots, this giant, this aggressive beast, Marc Shadows, our favorite tongue-wagging God of Thunder, my very own Demon “superhero” is pretty much that: god-like in his skill. Throw in the blood-spitting, fire-breathing antics combined with precision bass and classic Simmons vocals, chilling stares and identical Bat Lizard moves, never before has there been a Gene like Marc. Respect for passion and intelligence. Then we have our Star Child…said to be “ladies choice” because of his sensitivity and rep as a starry-eyed lover, the extremely limber, wiry, and energetic Bryan Angel perfectly nails the role, while generating a much more masculine Paul Stanley then I have ever seen. Respect for greatness and agility. What trip to Heaven would be complete without our very own Space Ace" The silvery creature enveloping Doug Gery’s soul is truly out of this world. His performance sparkles celestial as his guitar smokes and his every move beckons apparitions of Frehley himself. Respect for finesse and excellence. The ancient Mayans got it right when they thought fire-breathing was the key to giving life. With every thrash, smash, riff, growl, stomp, snarl and explosion, KISS Army breathes life into its audience with undeniable distinction. The crowd was loving every minute and never wanting it to end. But as all good things do, it went by way too swiftly for those of us caught up in it all. However, we really did Rock and Roll All Night….until the daylight threatened to send them away. So now we are left saying, “Come back “home” to Charleston—-and the sooner the better!!” “So Jaden, Do you really NOT have a favorite KA guy either"" Mike asks me a day later. Well perhaps I do now. I’ll never tell. Next time, however, come out and experience the phenomenon that is KISS Army and find out for yourself….You’ll be glad that you did. For no matter what town KISS Army chooses to invade next, one thing is very certain: These fine men are out there doing justice to the band we all have loved for so long. That’s right, KA, I was made for lovin’ you—-and because of you: KISS, larger than life continues. KISS always had a goal to be Ageless, Immortal, and Infinite. Because of KA’s hard work, studies, dedication and stamina, their grand legacy lives on. KISS is eternal. This is one “hard luck woman” who is musically enriched because of you…and for that and so much more, I thank you. This is Jaden Wylder and THAT’s your Wild Report for what’s cool in the Carolina Nightlife. ***Coming Soon: My interview with members of KISS Army as they share their magic with us, live, up-close and personal. Stay tuned. ONLY right here on carolinanightlife.com!!! DON’T miss this!!

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