ION INDIE MAGAZINE August 2014, Volume 3 | Page 15

Music by TRICUS “Strong” Tempe Center for the Arts Story by Kiki Plesha/Photography by J.B. Bridges ION Indie Magazine on hand for the EPIC MUSIC STORE “Anniversary Show” on Saturday, June 14, 2014. The gorgeous TEMPE CENTER FOR THE ARTS served as an exquisite backdrop for this electric and “epically” entertaining evening of some of the finest Rock/Metal bands from the Phoenix area and surrounding communities. Our friends, store owners GEORGE CONTRERAS and LORRAINE KEITH were our gracious hosts and emcees for this exhilarating event. After a warm greeting and words of gratitude from George and Lorraine and some history on Epic Music Store and its evolution…the stage was lit and the party kicked into full throttle! The night’s lineup was an impressive one—on the roster were DEATH AWAITS, JERRY ROBISON PROJECT, TRICUS and ST. MADNESS (June 2014 Issue/ION Indie Magazine). First up was Death Awaits—slinking out of Avondale, Arizona. This is a high-energy and aggressively animated Death Metal group that is equally pleasurable to listen to and WATCH. They had a playfulness about them that was meshed with mosh-worthy lyrics; melded with great musicianship. DA’s vocalist/guitarist GABE VASQUEZ was a memorable figure— both in stature and vocal abilities. Besides having a running banter with the audience, he made great use of the stage! Along with Vasquez, Death Awaits is: Andy Lister (Guitar), Brian Imberi (Bass) and Salvador Barragan (Drums). They will remain a group for ION to have their eyes on! http://www.deathawaits.co