Posted on Thu, Jun. 10, 2010

Truth About Seafood is the kind of band name that turns heads.

It dates back to the alternative roots rock band’s beginnings in 1992. While hanging out at the Bay Area home of then-drummer Paul Bostaph’s parents, the band members started flipping through Garbage magazine and stumbled upon an article titled “The Truth about Seafood.”

“The name just spoke to us,” lead singer and guitarist Jeff Minnery said.

“We do occasionally get called by environmental organizations to do gigs,” he added with a chuckle.

Truth About Seafood, which performs July 9 at Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo, recognizes the value of a good gimmick.

With so many bands performing at local parks and plazas this summer, it can be difficult for concertgoers to tell them apart. They need something special — a great sound, groove-worthy songs and, best of all, a memorable name — to stand out from the crowd.

Take Up in the Air, which acquired its name at its first gig nearly 30 years ago in Cambria, founding member John Beccia said.

When the band was asked “What’s your name?” the members simply replied, “It’s up in the air.”

The name seemed to fit the free-flowing nature of the Latin-flavored jam band, Beccia said.

“We tend to balance structure with improvisation,” he said, describing Up in the Air’s sound as “really danceable” and “very eclectic.”

Lately, Beccia said, the Atascadero-based band has enjoyed a fresh wave of attention thanks to the movie “Up in the Air,” nominated for six Academy Awards.

On Sunday, Up in the Air brings its sizzling sound to Ramona Garden Park in Grover Beach.

“It’s just so much fun to play outdoors,” Beccia said.

Just like Up in the Air, the members of Funk:30 love to jam in the sunshine. According to guitarist Terry Cline, the North County band’s name refers to an imaginary time of day — as in “What time is it? It’s Funk:30.”

“It’s time to rock out, time to have some fun,” Cline said. “We’re a party band. We’re a dance band. We want you to have a good time.”

The band specializes in an upbeat blend of blues, funk, rock and rhythm-and-blues. Popular numbers include Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” The Commodores’ “Brick House” and Cream’s “Badge.”

Local fans have plenty of chances to catch Funk:30 in action. The band performs July 30 in Paso Robles, Aug. 11 in Templeton, Aug. 21 in Atascadero and Aug. 22 in Grover Beach.

The Celtic band Hear the Darlings Roar will make its summer concert series debut Sept. 26 in Grover Beach.

According to singer David Foster-Evans, the Oceano-based band takes its name from an Irish poem about a man forced to take care of his sick baby.

“When the darling roars, he’s crying as hard as he can,” said Foster-Evans, who also plays bouzouki and guitar.

Music lovers will roar at the band’s energetic repertoire of Irish and Scottish folk songs — appropriate for smoky pubs and sun-drenched parks alike. Concerts often feature the Irish folk favorite “The Wild Rover” and “A Man’s a Man For A’ That” by Scottish poet Robert Burns.

“The Darlings are like a night at a Celtic (jam) session,” Foster-Evans said. “If you come and see us, you can be an honorary ‘darling’ too.”