The San Diego-based Golden Hill Ramblers opened the show at the Casbah on April 24 with an excellent hour set. The band which has been around for a little over a year and features two ex-members from the defunct Smith's Ranch Boys blends a unique western swing sound that combines elements of Django Reinhardt with intense fingerpicking and slide steel guitar. The four-piece group's dedicated to authenticity to the music and the period are apparent in their musicality and detail. The band features Johnny Maccree on vocals and guitar, Adrian Demain on guitar, David Burzansky on steel guitar and Jim Austin on bass. The Golden Hill Ramblers are one of only a few working western swing bands based in San Diego and are going to be a band to watch in the future.

The Lucky Stars opened their CD release show with the bad news that the new CD did not make the journey down with them. But that didn't stop the band from performing a solid set. The Lucky Stars were in fine form musically, and even brought their signature wagon wheel to adorn the stage. Mid-set, the band celebrated bassist Wally's birthday by ordering up some Coronas. The audience, taking a cue from the band, had his stage monitor lined with more than a six-pack's worth in no time. The band played "Look What The Cat Dragged In", "Hot Potato" and "All Shapes and Sizes" from their previous Hollywood & Western album, and a few tracks from their upcoming new CD to be released soon.