"Diver Down" by Tim Grobaty

Press-Telegram (Long Beach, CA)
October 8, 1999
Section: LOCAL NEWS
Edition: AM
Page: A2
Column: What's up

WHAT'S UP: LAVA AT JAVA
by Tim Grobaty

Photograph: Ruby Diver is calling it quits tonight. The group's last
appearance will be at the the Lava Lounge at Java Lanes, 3800 E.
Pacific Coast Highway. The festivities get under way at 9 p.m.

DIVER DOWN:

Longtime Long Beach rock fave Ruby Diver is calling it quits tonight. Paula, the band's lead singer, is scampering off to Hawaii, which spells the end of the alt quartet that's been a regular draw at the Blue Cafe and other venues around town.

The Divers are playing their swan song, as a matter of fact, at Long Beach's current hottest rock venue, the Lava Lounge at Java Lanes, 3800 E. Pacific Coast Highway.

"They came to me in a panic looking for a place to play their last show, because Paula's moving on Sunday,'' says Lava boss and famed local restaurateur Mark diPiazza. ``I said sure, but it's going to be a weird show.''

Weird because the bill includes Rock Griffith, a 6-foot, 8-inch Elvis impersonator, and smarmlord Wink Musselman & His Quartet of Shame.

The Lava Lounge has been enjoying the limelight since diPiazza opened it adjacent to the Italian restaurant that bears his name. Earlier this year the lounge was used in the video for the Anaheim alternative band Lit's hit, ``My Own Worst Enemy,'' and later this month it will be used for a Touchstone production called (we think) ``Coyote Ugly'' with John Goodman.

Tonight's show starts at 9 (with the giant Elvis guy), and carries a $7 cover. You need to be 21 to get in.

Copyright (c) 1999 Press Telegram