Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/18929
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT : MUSIC NOVEMBER 2010 THE BEST OF LONG BEACH 70 THE SOUNDS OF THE CITY WRITTEN BY RYAN RITCHIE AVI BUFFALO Pop trio Avi Buffalo began as a solo project for singer/guitarist Avi Zahner when he was attending Millikan High School, but soon morphed into a full-fledged band that includes drummer Sheridan Riley and bassist Andrew Celik. Earlier this year, the group released its self-titled debut on Sub Pop Records (home to Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney and the Shins) and spent October touring the country. The band plays Nov. 19 at the Echoplex in Los Angeles. INTERVIEW WITH AVI ZAHNER What's the best part about being a Long Beach band? Zahner: "This is a very arts supporting community and a very individual supporting community. We're able to do what we want in a very relaxed, not too bustling environment." What's the worst part about being a Long Beach band? It's a small world. Sometimes it's good to find other people in other places. Is this city missing something that could improve the music community? We need at least one legit, solid all ages venue. Somewhere where kids can put on shows whenever they want. There are places like Pehrspace in Los Angeles, volunteer-run music spaces, and I don't see why we can't get something like that going. What are your thoughts on living in Long Beach? "I like it. I don't live here much now because I'm touring, but in November I'll be back for a long time and that'll be nice." Does the city — and more specifically, being outside of LA and OC — influence your music? "Yes, Orange County is rich and conservative, which no offense to them, totally sucks for art and music. Los Angeles is too much, glossed out and Hollywood-ized and can just be overwhelming. Long Beach is that great balance of neither here nor there." What's coming up? New album? Tour? Local shows? "We're taking a break to write, record and just take some time to unwind and live a normal life. Being in a van for seven months is draining, so I'm also going to city college while I'm home." Snoop Dogg and Sublime put our city on the musical map, but Long Beach's ability to harvest talent doesn't end there. On any given night, local and national acts are banging away at intimate clubs such as Alex's Bar, Que Sera, the Prospector, the Rhythm Lounge, the Blue Cafe, DiPiazza's and the Pike with hopes of becoming household names. Here are a few local acts to catch before they make the leap to the Long Beach Arena. ARMCHAIR GENERALS Armchair Generals formed in 2006 after members Pernicia Jaye, Ray Comer and Aaron Elimelech came together to create a new sound that would challenge people's ears and their minds. The result is a blend of electronic/down tempo/ ambient/house, found on the group's self-titled EP. The trio is slated to follow-up that release with a full-length LP next year. INTERVIEW WITH PERNICIA JAYE, RAY COMER What is your connection to Long Beach? Jaye: "All of us transferred to go to college here and we are still here."