by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer

LONG BEACH (GG) — Every weekend, the east side of Railroad Street in Long Beach transforms into a cultural haven thanks to the Trax Bar and Grill, known for its electric entertainment, cheap drinks, late kitchen, and the friendliest staff. Trax Bar and Grill has mastered the recipe for a good, unforgettable time that will draw you in again and again. 

Saturday, August 9th, was one for the books. The beloved Mississippi-born band Framing the Red came to rock the railroad at their “coastal home,” drawing in an extensive fan base and exposing the crowd to a local Louisiana group, The Pontchartrain Shakers. 

The Pontchartrain Shakers foreshadowed the greatness and intensity of the night, playing the classics like Jimi Hendrix’s hit “Hey Joe.” If it had a thrilling guitar riff, they were sure to play it. 

However, Framing the Red were the stars of the night. The crowd was anticipating their arrival, as evidenced by the lack of parking, which the bar advertised as plentiful. One attendee first witnessed their greatness when they were openers at Brewsky’s in Hattiesburg. Fast-forward today, and they are a chart-infiltrating, national touring force. The band kept the party going until morning, celebrating 15 years of touring when the clock struck midnight. 

Framing the Red began in 2010, born in the heart of the southern United States. Their first year was a whirlwind, featuring lineup changes, recording their first E.P., and touring nationwide. Their debut single, “A.O.,” became a hit in the South, thanks to local Lafayette station Rock 93.7, which played it frequently. Since then, Framing the Red has performed alongside bands like Motley Crue, Sevendust, Black Stone Cherry, Cavo, Rains, Alien Ant Farm, Pop Evil, Hurt, Smile Empty Soul, Lynam, 10 Years, Saving Abel, Black Oak Arkansas, and has played at festivals such as Rocklahoma and Sturgis, among many others. 

It was a great day to spend your last day of hearing. The speakers boomed, lead vocalist Jordan Newman screamed in perfect harmony, guitars blared, and the drums banged. There was absolutely no room for vocal conversation, but there was no need when head bobbing and smiles said it all. An addictive atmosphere captivating all of the senses, from the neon backdrops and strobe lights, to the aromatic food, and feel-good sips. Not to mention the friendly company. Newman said it best, “It does not matter who you are or where you come from, we all came here to escape the real world and have a good time.” A good time indeed. 

As one of their album titles suggests, the group brought the Mississippi Heat! Shirts went flying, or at least the drummer’s did… but who could blame him after a four-minute solo!

Framing the Red celebrates the rich southern culture; they are “southern wild, southern proud” men. Their cool yet humble and inviting demeanor made them more intoxicating than the drinks. They began the night easing into that “good ole Rock N’ Roll” with some classics like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” Still, they truly shone while playing their own compositions, like “Radio Love Song” or “Holy Water,” which pays homage to southern music culture. 

The three Mississippi-born men worked seamlessly together on stage; no one could believe that it was guitarist Levi Culpepper’s first time performing on stage in two years. He masterfully shredded the guitar, showcasing his immense skill as he honored the late and great Ozzy Osbourne during a hypnotic solo on his vintage white phoenix electric guitar.

Of course, drummer Caleb Franklin brought the heat and the beats, with the cowbell becoming an undisputed fan favorite. Finally, the leading man, Jordan Newman, has all the stage presence to make you feel both at the grandest concert and in your own backyard. A true gift in showmanship, and that is not only due to his rockin’ style. His vocals and lyrics are relatable, soulful, and fun, making even the squarest of individuals want to sing along. 

The night came to a bittersweet close, sad to see Framing the Red leave, but so happy to have witnessed their greatness. However, you can count on seeing the “Mississippi Band Man” again. 

L.B.C. got its dose of Rock’ N’ Roll; now it’s time to intensify. On September 20th, Narcotic Wasteland Technical Death Metal will take over the Trax Bar and Grill. The question is, are you ready?

(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)