From Houston Chronicle (www.chron.com)

Rocker Sammy Hagar, seen in a June 2002 performance in Houston, is one of the stars of the SuperBash, a 5-day series of concerts leading up to the Super Bowl here, Jan. 28-Feb. 1. Hagar will also host the main stage for three of those days.

 

Live music meets the Super Bowl in SuperBash

By MICHAEL D. CLARK

Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

With tickets for Super Bowl XXXVIII impossible to get and many clubs and bars already reserved for private events, the question becomes: Where does the average football fan go to party before the big game?

One answer is SuperBash. Eve 6 is one of the artists booked to play the downtown pre-Super Bowl

party, SuperBash.

On Monday plans for SuperBash, a five-day downtown fiesta of live music and 32,000 square feet of revelry, were announced by Louis Messina, CEO of Houston-based concert promoters the Messina Group.

"This is going to be the ultimate block party," said Messina. "We wanted to coordinate a viable and entertaining event for Joe and Josephine Six Pack. This is going to be a big club for regular guys."

From Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, SuperBash's heated tent and three stages will take over two city blocks, bounded by Austin, LaBranch, Prairie and Capitol. Capacity will be approximately 15,000.

Artists booked to play the two indoor and one outdoor stages include Sammy Hagar and former Van Halen bandmate, bassist Mike Anthony, Eve 6, Deana Carter, Trick Pony, Better Than Ezra, BR5-49, Rev. Horton Heat and Asleep at the Wheel.

At $20 per day or $38 (in honor of Super Bowl XXXVIII) for a five-day pass, the displaced tailgater has a place to call home at a fraction of the price of Super Bowl seat. Ticket-holders will be allowed to move back and forth between SuperBash and other nearby events, including the NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Hagar, a veteran metal-pop solo artist and former Van Halen lead singer, will serve as host of the main stage for three of the five days.

"We're hoping for continuous entertainment and a lot of fun," said Messina, working in tandem with club owner-restaurateur David Edwards and George Ciotti.

"Half of Van Halen will be there. I don't want to start rumors, but I know the guys are talking these days."

A second stage will feature music from local DJs, while the outside stage will be dedicated to dancers, interactive games and more performances.

Other artists that will perform include in-state favorites Roger Creager, Reckless Kelly, Los Lonely Boys, Jesse Dayton and fast-rising modern rock band Blue October.

SuperBash is being thrown with the cooperation of the Super Bowl Host Committee, but its vibe may be more like Hagar's Cabo San Lucas nightclub, Cabo Wabo. With sponsorship from Coors Light and Jack Daniels, the bash is shaping up as an event for the 21 and over crowd.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at TicketMaster locations, including Foley's, Fiesta, FYE and Wherehouse Music. For more information call Ticketmaster at 713-629-3700 or access www.ticketmaster.com.