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Heading to Rock The Ship this weekend and thinking you might somehow end up with some spare time on your hands? Well, no worries... Jason from Charger was kind enough to share some tips about where to go for a drink or something to eat in between shows by Cock Sparrer, Subhumans, CJ Ramone, Street Dogs, The Old Firm Casuals and of course, Charger.
PRT: What made you first fall in love with the city?
Jason: I started coming to Oakland in the mid 90's when warehouse shows and house party's were in full swing. The second rendition of the Punx with Presses warehouse was my favorite place to hang out and see shows. East Bay Menace Records also operated out of there. When I was 19 I was able to move in the recycling room while looking for a place to live. I remember waking up one afternoon after a long night hearing about a band from Norway called Turbonegro that was going to play in the show room that evening. The show was incredible. There must have been only 20 of us there, all going nuts. I'd also see other fantastic shows there like His Hero is Gone, Talk is Poison, El Dopa, Mans Recovery Project and tons more. It was a magical time to be in Oakland at least from my point of view.
PRT: If you had to come up with a marketing slogan for the city, what would it be?
Jason: No comment
PRT: Best place to play?
Jason: These days I think Eli's Mile High Club and Golden Bull are doing things right.
PRT: Best place to go for a late night drink after the show?
Jason: A friends house, my house or the Avenue
PRT: Best place to go for a late night snack after the drink after the show?
Jason: Tuk Tuk serves Thai food until 1am, but that's in Berkeley
PRT: Best touristy thing to do in the city?
Jason: Taking a boat plus a six pack out on Lake Merritt
PRT: Best hidden spot in the city?
Jason: I'm not telling
PRT: One thing you would like to see changed in the city?
Jason: Corrupt officials removed
PRT: What's your best memory about the city?
Jason: The time before E scooters
PRT: Where in the city did you get your heart broken?
Jason: Don't wanna talk about it
PRT: Is there a historical fact about your city that makes you chuckle?
Jason: Charles Crocker's tomb in the Piedmont Cemetery looks like the giant cock that he was
PRT: Favorite song about your city you'd like to share, either yours or someone else's?
Jason: My old band Enemies had a song called East 14th. Been many years since I've heard it