Arizona State University - Sun Devil Spark / Sahuaro Yearbook (Tempe, AZ)

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for the Brick Wall, guitarist Chuck Hall blazes through another set at Tony ' s New Yorker. The band ' s self- produced album de- buted earlier this year. reggae favorites Azz Izz catered to a largely col- lege crowd, with ap- pearances at such events as MUAB ' s Rock and Reggae Feat . Azz In could al- so be seen frequently at Out Of Water on Sunday nights. Photo Sokol Layout by Darryl Smith 26 esaa

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Layout by him Karr I mitating muscle I men ' s attitudes, Dana Could pokes fun at local fitness gyms. Gould warmed up the audience as the fea- tured act before Tom Parks performed. laughter was the best medicine, then the Improvisation Comedy Showcase and restaurant was a positive addition to the health of ASU students. The new comedy club, which opened in Septem- ber, provided top-notch comedians, usu- ally to a packed house. Located in the Cornerstone mall, the Improv club previously housed the Cin- ema n ' Drafthouse. Poor reception by Tempe residents caused this spot to close. It did not appear that the Improv club would fade out in the same way. With several other locations na- tionwide, the Improv was able to rotate a variety of well-known co- medians. The Improv also had an advan- tage of being one of the only com- edy clubs in Tempe. Many students would visit Seekers comedy night- club in Scottsdale, but the Improv gave them a closer alternative. For the admission price, which ranged from $6 during the week to $8 on the weekends, three comedians appeared during a two-hour show, with the best reserved for last. While reviewing the Improv, Tom Parks, a Tonight Show regular, ap- peared before a full-house crowd on a weeknight. Also scheduled to appear was Skippy, the annoying neighbor from the television series Family Ties. The atmosphere, which included black-and-white checkered floors and glass block walls, suggested a hint of the 1950 ' s. The ambiance and nearby lo- cation made the Improv Club an ideal place for a date or an evening with friends, and a popular spot for ASU stu- dents. BRUCE PETERSON Improv club provides fun and laughs COMEDY STRIKES

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A lice Cooper made it. Stevie Nicks i n made it. Fee Waybill and the Tubes made it. They all got a start here in the Valley, and reached the pinnacle of national stardom. It was this dream that kept the many area bands playing night after night, making the circuit of Tempe nightclubs. Many bars around campus strove to attract local talent. Edcel ' s Attic, located in downtown Tempe, boasted groups such as Walt Richardson, the Strand and Gin Blossom. The club owner, Ed Chiongdian, said the criteria for a band to play there was its potential growth, following and professionalism. We ' re unique in the Valley in that we are cul- tivating the local music scene, Chiong- dian said. Other clubs take mature bands. We ' re more of a training ground. Owners of another nearby spot, the Sun Club, sought a variety of sounds, but mostly college and modem music. According to Joseph Ricci, the booking manager, the club ' s policy was to take a demo tape, and see where else the band had played. Audience appeal was an- other im- p n t CRANKED up Garner- i ng local support was a requirement for any band to make it big. One of the most promising local bands this year was Chuck Hall and the Brick Wall. This group consistently drew large crowds in Valley bars. The Brick Wall consisted of Chuck Hall on lead vocals, Scott Andrews on drums and Mark Riggs on bass and back- OM Hark up vocals. Because the trio had been together as part of an earlier band, the group managed to avoid much of the struggle for a following. Playing in local bars was the way to increase the exposure that the Brick Wall needed, but it could take its toll on any band. We have to make a living, but we don ' t want to play in bars all our lives, Hall said. It ' s a real gamble. The band members hoped to sign on with a record label in the near future. We ' re looking for a situation that will nurture the band and our style of music, Riggs said. Until that magic moment would come with the big break, the lives of many Valley musicians were filled with several bills and few dollars. But in the words of Chuck Hall, they continued to soldier CAROLYN PYE DARRYL SMITH Local bands rock Tempe and ASU old and LP new, Walt Richard- son, one of the longest surviving local musi- cians, plays with the Morningstar Band at Edcel ' s Attic. This pop- ular night spot suited most every taste by booking many diverse acts Into one place.