Christchurch Charley Gray’s

Rip It Up, Issue 136, 1 November 1988, Page 36

Christchurch Charley Gray’s

A second Charley Gray's Pictures cinema will open in Christchurch on December 1, at what used to be the Metro cinema, Worcester St. The first Charley Gray's, in Dominion Rd, has widened Auckland's menu of film with a huge variety of movies; quality alternative, classic underground, foreign and local releases are the standard. Christchurch audiences can now look foward to the same fare, "as well as lots of Bobby Bland and Otis Redding during intervals, and no smoking in the foyer!"

Films slated for late 1988 release at Charley Gray's include Sammie And Rosie Get Laid, House of Games, Powaqatsi (the sequel to the Philip Glass-scored Koyaanasquatsi} and the new John Waters smash hit Hairspray, starring Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono and Divine.

Dunedin The promised return of the Verlaines became a reality last month with a Labour Weekend slot packing out both nights at the Oriental. Graeme Downes dusted off his familiar white shirt and introduced the faithful to an exciting new chapter in his songbook (Roger Shepherd rolled in after an 11 -hourtake the back road journey from Christchurch)... Naughty Amoeba played the Oriental a couple ofweeks eadier, but the landmark was reversed: it was their last public gig in the city before drummer Tom Huskinson left for his native Auckland. The band may continue if a new drummer can be found ...Sharing the bill with N.A. was Cactus Club who won an Otago Uni Battle of the Bands despite having to play in the wee hours to a crowd whose alcohol had run out. The unfortunately minimal publicity given the Job Search Tour gig, which changed venues, probably accounted for its limited audience. Snare were impressive again, as were The Puddle and new look Doug The Warlock, looking for a new name to go with their new sound. Not enough members of Animalypse arrived forthem to actually play, butthey got ittogether for a Guy Fawkes gig at Burgundy with Snare ... Snapper's debut EP is due out this month, as is the said to be impressive accompanying video... a walk down the main street "Roll up, roll up" promotion, balloons included, heralded the live arrival of the Danny Kayes, who filled the Empire with their debut gig, supported by the Groovy Brothers. Deciding wisely not to try and compete with the Veriaines, they headed to sleepy Careys Bay the next weekend. People stood on tables and bought litres of alcohol but it was all a bit' much for the publican who is wondering if he ever wants to do it again. The Portage a five-piece who have been together six months playing the Nerve Centre, the Wharf and University gigs, are recording a demo tape in preparation foran EP to be released next year... a new edition of Paul McKessar-edited Allep Oop is due out soon, it will feature a story on Port Chalmers tape label Xpressway and Snapper... meanwhile Xpressway have been busy of late, releasing a live Victor Dimisich band tape (available form 16 Bernica St, Port Chalmers for $7 and $1 P&P) and organising a Dead C gig for early December. Sun Stabbed, the band's new recording, has been delayed atthe pressing plant but will be out before Xmas. Another vinyl release to come is Timebomb' single by A.Galbraith and GJeffries... and the Cycle Salvage practice rooms, home to zillions of bands over the years, have been closed by the council. Sean Flaherty