Cadillacs and Bob Cats

Rockabilly is one of those underfed and unusual genres that happen to tickle my fancy. I have always been a lover of rockabilly fashion: the 1940s and 1950s-cinched wasted-a-line-looking-bowling alley shirt-swing look. It’s a fashion style that was born out of a music movement. And believe it or not, Buffalo has a subculture of rockabilly cool cats. Think early Elvis Presley. Think Buddy Holly. Think Bill Haley & The Comets. Considered the “launching pad of rock ‘n’ roll,” Rockabilly is a timeless genre, whose roots lie in the gritty country/grassroots/blues sounds of the early ‘50s. It's probably confusing to youngins who don’t know the history of rock ‘n’ roll, who think it dropped from the sky and hit them in the head with a heaping pile of sex and drugs. Ironically though, 20-30-somethings are the ones who are reviving it today. Among the groups that are keeping the sound of the ‘50s alive are The Royal Crowns straight out of Canada and Buffalo’s own Blue Ribbon Bastards.

Wine Drinkin’ Woman

Now as a newly formed trio, The Royal Crowns are one of Toronto’s favorite party bands. Their first album, 32 Miles from Memphis made it to the National Post’s Top Canadian Albums of All Time list. Remember the 2000 Disney Channel original movie, Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (oldie but goodie,pre-pre-puberty Hannah Montana and J Biebs takeover)? The Royal Crowns made their TV debut and performed three songs during the film. After much success with the movie and gigging, their 2005 album After Dark was released and their classic blue collar sound thrived on with entertaining track titles like “Three Dollar Cologne” and “Lady Pomp Gal.” Their latest album, VOLUME THREE, contains a signature and nostalgic blend of blues, jazz, and big band swing suitable for any dance floor.


A Good Ol’ Fashioned Boot Stomp

The 5-piece Blue Ribbon Bastards are just as fun. Formed in September of 2009, the group began playing around with material. In 2010, while searching for a drummer, the group debuted their first EP, “Songs to Rob Trains To...” and in April 2012, they recorded a 16-track album titled Fire It Up. The guys just don’t perform rockabilly; they drive in style, too. Each member has a classic car from 1955 or earlier. Beer, hot rods, high fives, and dance parties are among their favorite things.


The Downtown Shakedown

The Royal Crowns and the Blue Ribbon Bastards will be playing at the Tralf Music Hall tonight at 8 pm. Tickets are $12. Don’t be late, and wear your best rockabilly swag.