Columnist Spencer Patterson: At 60, Huntridge still knows how to rock

Spencer Patterson

Friday, Jan. 10, 2003 | 9:11 a.m.

Spencer Patterson covers music for the Sun. His music notes column appears Fridays. Reach him at spencer@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-2309.

When the Huntridge Theatre reopened its doors in November after going dark for nearly a year, more than a few snickers could be heard around town.

Some reasoned the historic theater would be hard-pressed to reclaim its niche in a Southern Nevada music scene now dominated by casino venues such as The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay and Rain in the Desert at the Palms.

Operating without a liquor license, the Huntridge's chances of attracting adult audiences appeared in doubt. And the building's location -- at the corner of Maryland Parkway and Charleston Boulevard -- doesn't exactly place it at the hub of activity.

But less than three months into its new phase, the Huntridge is already silencing its doubters, filling its calendar with quality shows during winter months that see most local venues sit empty.

As had been its practice before closing, the nearly 60-year-old theater continues to draw an array of punk and hardcore rock bands to Las Vegas, with several filling the 1,200-person hall to capacity.

Now comes this week's news that indie rockers the Breeders and hip-hop outfit Insane Clown Posse will headline shows at the hall in February, serving notice that the Huntridge is looking to expand its offerings and pack its schedule even tighter.

The Huntridge's new-look website -- thehuntridge.com -- even features a bulletin board with a place where locals can suggest acts they would like the venue to pursue.

Recently the Huntridge also acquired a liquor license, an essential component for a music venue hoping to succeed in Las Vegas. Young fans need not worry, however, as the theater's operators will keep most shows all-ages, dividing the space to keep drinkers and nondrinkers separate.

Music notes

The band will begin its upcoming winter tour with a Feb. 14 appearance in Ingelwood, Calif., before arriving in town for its sold-out Feb. 15 and 16 shows at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Reports from critics and fans had the band in fine form despite its time apart, with the four musicians sprinkling songs from their new album, "Round Room," with older material.

Also, early reports that actor Tom Hanks took the stage during "Wilson," to play off the volleyball/character from his movie "Cast Away" were later proven false. Turns out it was actually keyboardist Page McConnell's brother, Steve.

The former Judas Priest singer, who resides in England, was stopped at the border when authorities determined he did not have the necessary paperwork to come into the country for shows in Las Vegas and in Anaheim, Calif.

Testament and Exhumed, scheduled to open that show, are also on the bill this time around.

Tickets for Dec. 29 will be honored at the Feb. 1 concert. For those unable to attend, refunds are available at original points of purchase. Additional tickets for Halford's show are on sale now at the House of Blues box office or through Ticketmaster.

Quick hits

A look at a few of the shows scheduled to hit Southern Nevada in the next week:

On sale

Tickets for the Insane Clown Posse's Feb. 15 show, which will also feature hip-hop acts 2-Live Crew and Anybody Killa, go on sale Saturday at noon. Tickets for Huntridge events are available through Ticketmaster or at Balcony Lights record store, 4800 South Maryland Parkway.