Reverend Shelby Cobra

I know it wasn’t all that long ago, but it seems like forever since the drab and dreary weather of this past early spring gave way to the blistering sunshine of the not-quite-summertime. Though I’d like for nothing more than waiting out the hot summer months in the comfort of my own home, central air cranked to the max, iced tea in hand and baseball game on the tube, I do occasionally find the need to venture out for some fresh air. This past Thursday, I’m actually glad that I did.
As the clamor of the Thursday Night Market raged on, I worked my way over just a half-a-block away from the fray to the usually raucous Riff Raff, which, on this occasion, was soothing by comparision. A few people sat at the bar, and the low lighting, ceiling fans and air conditioning helped turn the rock club into a welcomed oasis.
Reverend Shelby Cobra arrived shortly after I ordered my first beer, slipping in through the front door and quickly taking the stage, tuning his acoustic guitar and getting down to business. Cobra — covered in tattoos, goateed, wearing a mesh baseball cap and strumming a guitar adorned with a floral pattern — has been playing the guitar for eight years, which is how long ago he moved up to Chico from the Bay Area. He embarked upon arduous task of entertaining the late afternoon / early evening crowd (not exactly a bar’s peak time) for almost two-and-a-half hours and did an excellent job of it. Mixing covers — including Garth Brooks’ “Friends In Low Places,” Tenacious D’s “Fuck Her Gently,” Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and television theme songs from The Dukes of Hazard and The Greatest American Hero — with originals like “Rock Star,” featuring a catchy melody and clever lyrics, Cobra displayed a welcoming and laid-back presence and a smooth, beer-and-whiskey-soaked voice. Taking only two short breaks, the solo performer played three entertaining sets of blues, country and old time rock ‘n’ roll which turned out to be the perfect soundtrack for facilitating a blissful three-beer buzz on a hot day.

– James Barone
– Photo by Alyssa Starkey

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