Dramarama Rocks Stage Red, An Impressive Newcomer to the IE Concert Scene

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George A. Paul Freelance entertainment writer Riverside, CA *covering entertainment since 1990*

George Paul Sat at 3:42 PM 102 views 0 Comments 1 Like 0 Reviews music alternative rock Inland Empire venues Southern California

Stage Red, among the Inland Empire’s newest concert venues located in Fontana, officially launched in June 2024 with a concert by Sammy Hagar. His branding agents partnered with officials from his hometown and local musician IZ Avila to open it (Hagar’s name adorns the marquee). I finally had an opportunity to check out the impressive establishment on July 11 when Dramarama headlined.

The intimate venue, with a capacity around 350, is owned by the City of Fontana. Originally built as a 1937 Art Deco movie house, it more recently served as the Center Stage Theater until closing in 2022 for major renovations.

Ticketing options include general admission/standing room pit, premium general admission and the VIP balcony level which overlooks the stage. There is a bar on the main GA level and some food is available. I spotted some early arrivals sharing a pepperoni pizza. Entering the parking garage located behind the venue was easy with an attendant present ($10; a total bargain these days).

In the merch area, various live photos and posters of Hagar adorn the walls. Patrons can buy copies of his and Guy Fieri’s book Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits, plus Red Rocker shirts, hats and bags. The sound and lighting systems were good; the spacious stage is positioned high enough for decent vantage points around the general admission area.

Dramarama kicked off the high energy, 75-minute set with frenetic rocker “Some Crazy Dame” (off debut album “Cinema Verite” – marking its 40th anniversary this year). Fans were excited from the get-go. Sporting three original members (singer John Easdale, guitarists Mark Englert and Peter Wood), plus long-serving drummer Tony Snow and bassist Mike Davis, the alt-rock band proved it still has plenty of firepower.

The exciting “Spare Change” and “Out in the Rain” were early highlights. It’s always fun to watch how newcomers react to the lyrical list of retro shows Easdale sings about during “70’s TV” (from 1989 gem “Stuck in Wonderamaland”), where Wood’s guitar work was prominent. Englert, laser focused as always, delivered riveting sounds amid “Ain’t It the Truth,” the harrowing “Prayer” and “It’s Only Money.” The latter track and a fierce, mildly politically minded “Up to Here” are both off 2020’s exceptional “Color TV” album. Meanwhile, Snow often held down the beat and Davis, the bottom end, with furious intensity.

At one point mid-set, a concertgoer apparently yelled out for the band to play its rousing signature song and KROQ-FM fave “Anything Anything (I’ll Give You).” Easdale replied that it was too soon.

“I did that when I was 14,” he joked, meaning that they save the most vocally taxing tune in the catalog for last. Another time, the singer quipped to diehard Dramarama fans, “You might have noticed I’m not drinking Tab” cola (his usual onstage beverage of choice) tonight – “or maybe not.”

Elsewhere, modern rock radio hits like “Haven’t Got a Clue,” the socially conscious “Work for Food” and rave up “Last Cigarette” had many people singing along loudly. Finally, it was time for the careening “Anything Anything (I’ll Give You)” and fans came through vocally again, matching the musicians’ energy.

Orange County Darkwave group Felix & the Foreshadow opened the Stage Red show. Engaging mohawked singer Felix Duenas continually prowled the stage and prompted audience interaction. “To Live and Die in L.A.” (not the Wang Chung song) came across like a spikier Placebo, while “Spell’s on Me” was somewhat reminiscent of Ministry.

The best part of its set though came when Duenas strapped on an electric guitar for a chance of pace because their regular axe man was absent. Then they concluded with cool covers of B-Movie’s “Nowhere Girl,” plus bits of New Order’s “Blue Monday” (also recorded by Duenas' cited inspiration Orgy) and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' “Heads Will Roll.”

Selected upcoming Stage Red shows:

Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel, July 19

Julian Marley, July 24

The Village People, Aug. 1

The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Aug. 2

Steve Earle, Aug. 10

Judy Collins, Aug. 30

Shawn Mullins, Sept. 4

Pablo Cruise, Sept. 12

The Nelsons, Sept. 20

Reverend Horton Heat, Sept. 21

Drake White, Sept. 26