Las Vegas Weekly

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April Corbin

Thu, Jun 4, 2009 (midnight)

If you ask, The Remedies will say they are the cure for musical hunger. Then they’ll admit their name stems from the preferred type of inline skates used by one of the band’s co-founders.

Regardless of the name’s meaning and origin, the audience at tonight’s Viva Rock Vegas show sees The Remedies as the prescription for an itching to dance. As the foursome takes the stage at the Henderson Events Plaza, a mini-dance party begins on the venue’s matted-down Astroturf. The reggae/rocksteady band is only six months old, but it draws a modest crowd of devoted friends and fans.

This concert marks a turning point for The Remedies: the last performance with member Zach Flynn (aka Dr. Zacharias). The saxophonist/keyboardist is leaving for Washington to attend college, a decision drummer Jesse “Control” Alonzo says the band fully supports. That doesn’t mean the band isn’t bummed, however—and with good reason.

Flynn embodies what The Remedies are all about: connecting with listeners. Flynn jumps offstage during his saxophone solo, weaving through the crowd to cheers and pats on the back. He even garners a quick kiss on the cheek. “We love audience interaction,” Alonzo says. “That’s our thing.”

As for local audiences craving rocksteady, Alonzo admits the scene isn’t quite developed, but he believes interest is growing. With an expanded audience in mind, The Remedies are looking adapt their sound—to one involving a horn section. “We’re looking to expand into more of a ska band,” he says.

They’re also in the early stages of tour routing. Alonzo, who spent five years with Social Control before joining The Remedies, says planning the tour has been difficult. “It’s the economy,” he says. “A lot of bands aren’t able to help other bands out.”

Nevertheless, The Remedies sound determined to keep performing. “Give us a generator and an empty lot,” Alonzo says. “We’ll play.”