Racket

The pavilion folks are mum on the subject. On June 27 they deflected Racket's phone call to concert behemoth SFX, which likewise at first had nothing to say. Racket was then steered to SFX's PR firm, which a day later issued a statement. Dated June 28 and bearing the name of Bob Roux, SFX co-president of booking, the statement skirted the issue altogether, but pledged $1 per ticket to The Stevens and Pruett Ranch (which benefits abused children and animals, perhaps including pincushioned deer) and another 50 cents per to the National Child ID program. It also urged a "positive concert experience." Racket knows his household implements when he sees them, and this one looks an awful lot like a broom. Even the local LULAC chapter didn't return phone calls, perhaps embarrassed over its local chapter's all-too-public boycott/extortion attempt, and the state chapter had no comment.

So there you have it, Houston. Under the First Amendment, Nugent is entitled to those views; SFX is entitled to bring him to town; and The Woodlands is also entitled to put him on stage, though one wonders if the venue would do the same for, say, Rage Against the Machine or an early-'90s Ice-T, acts whose political leanings are just as explosive though much less "law and order"-oriented and Limbaugh-approved.

Racket is also entitled to share Nugent's views with you, and what you do with them is your own business. If you don't like what he has to say, go to The Woodlands and tell him so. He's certainly not shy about telling you what he thinks.

Scuttlebutt Caboose

Houston folk-rocker Jeff Boortz has announced plans to release two new albums this summer. First out of the chutes will be Let's Open the Bad Drawer, Live with the Jeff Boortz Band, which was recorded at the Sidecar Pub. A studio release will follow hard on its heels. The John Jackson-produced This Year's Comebackwas recorded in Nashville. Music City ax legend Jackson has toured with both Lucinda Williamsand Bob Dylan…Scott Gertnerwill be hosting a weekly talent competition at his Skybar every Wednesday at midnight. Budding jazzbos take note: Gertner is seeking vocal, instrumental, and single and group talent. The winner each night, determined by audience response, will receive $100. Gertner will also be scouting talent for his house band. All contestants must sign in by 10 p.m. and pony up the $7 cover charge…Houston rap duo Bloodline has just released its self-titled debut on local label All Out Records…Humorous Package Tour of the First Half of 2001 Award goes to "The Short End of the Stick Tour," composed of Simon Says, Darwin's Waiting Room and ünloco. The trio of hard rockers was miffed about being left off the Ozzfest bill and responded by launching this DIY response. At $5 a ticket, attendees of this Engine Room show on Sunday, July 8, can't say they were given short shrift.