LOCALS ONLY

The last Tango

Like many bands, alt-country rockers Whiskey Tango mistakenly thought life would get a little easier when they signed with a record label. But before Philadelphia's Dren Records can go ahead with the planned Sept. 15 release of their album, Off and Running, the band needs to find another name.

“The record is done, in the can and at the manufacturer as we speak,” said bassist Phillip Bensimon. “However, we got a call from the label's legal department that put a stop to the presses.”

When they started out, Bensimon and his bandmates did the usual thing and looked around for other bands already using the name Whisky Tango. They found one but decided to ignore it-partially because they underestimated their own potential.

“We knew there was another Whiskey Tango out there, but it was a cover band out of Missouri, so we thought no big deal,” said Bensimon. “We quite frankly never expected to get out of La Mesa, let alone San Diego.”

Trying to make the most of a crappy situation, the band is asking their fans for some help.

“Rather than arm wrestle the other band over it, we thought we would ask our fans to help re-spell Whiskey Tango in some way, or ad a cool word in front of Whiskey or after Tango.” The winner will get a case of beer and a VIP pass to the eventual release party for the album.

While Bensimon is less than thrilled, he's happy to avoid future legal woes. “We were waiting on proofs when it all got put on hold, so no loss yet. Unless you count our name-brand recognition down the drain.”  www.whiskeytangomusic.com.

The Church lady

Buzzkill Romantics' new album has been delayed until the fall while guitarist Davida Milkes works as part of the all-female road crew for Australian rockers The Church, who perform at the Belly Up Tavern on July 20.

“They are my favorite band, and I've been friends with them for years from going to shows,” Milkes said.

Members of the band and their entourage met in Coronado last week to figure out tour logistics, and decided that Milkes will serve as a jack-of-all-trades assistant-from acting as guitar tech to driving the tour van. She'll also join the band onstage at each show for a “song or two-I'll be as pushy as possible.”

For Church guitarist Mary Wilson-Piper, Milkes was an obvious choice because of their friendship. Plus, y'know-she's not a dude.

“Davida is great, but we always have an all-girl crew,” Wilson-Piper said. “Because there's nothing worse than hanging out with a bunch of sweaty guys after a show.” www.myspace.com/milkwoman.  

Notables...

We don't normally post “lonely hearts” requests, but when it comes from a punk-rock legend, who are we to refuse?

“I fell in love with a girl [named Erika] in San Diego,” said Buzzcocks guitarist Steve Diggle. “But when I got home, we had to make an album and I just kind of lost touch. It was quite a long time ago. She's probably married now, but it would be good to see her if she turns up.” If you're the husband of the aforementioned Erika, we suggest keeping her away from 'Canes on July 23, when Diggle and the Buzzcocks perform. www.buzzcocks.com.

The newly formed San Diego Music Foundation will host “The Business of Songwriting and Publishing,” at the Lafayette Hotel (next to the Red Fox Room in North Park on El Cajon Boulevard) on July 22. It's the first in a series of free artist-development seminars, and will feature panelists from BMI and ASCAP discussing all aspects of music publishing. If you're a musician who likes getting paid for what you do, we strongly suggest going. www.mufo.org.

The second volume of the soundtrack for the TV show Grey's Anatomy is due this fall and will include the song “Miss Halfway” by Anya Marina. www.anyamarina.com.

Guitar virtuosos Fred Benedetti & George Svoboda will hold a CD-release concert for their latest album, Solana, at Dizzy's on July 21. www.odeumguitarduo.com.

Lounge lizard Jose Sinatra is currently making his theatrical debut in a production of Rock and Roll Heaven, at Hollywood's Theatre 68 through Aug. 27. Written by local promoter Jason Mershon, the show revolves around good ol' Satan, who is attempting to prevent Jesus from staging a birthday concert with numerous dead rock stars. Sinatra plays both John Lennon and Freddie Mercury, and while some audience members have singled out Sinatra's part as a highlight, reviews of the play as a whole have not been kind. www.josesinatra.com.

P.O.D.'s “Light's Out” can be heard in commercials for the movie Superman Returns. www.payableondeath.com.

The Fabulous Rudies host a CD-release party for a self-titled disc at the Belly Up Tavern on July 22. www.fabrudies.com.

Jazz legend Jimmy Cheatham will be honored with a tribute concert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on July 22. Proceeds from the event will help establish the Jimmy Cheatham Black Music Education Fund. www.uwaaaa.com.

Kite Flying Society host a CD-release show for their highly anticipated debut album, Where Is The Glow?, at the Whistle Stop Bar on July 20. www.myspace.com/KFSMusic.