The Band

Doubletop is one of the local bands playing Club Crawl, and has done so for the past four festivals.

The band always looks forward to playing the event because it loves the atmosphere that comes with it, said singer Sean Aiken.

“”There is a good mix in the music and in the crowd,”” Aiken said. “”Really, anytime you put alcohol out onto the streets with a large amount of people, you are going to have fun.””

The band came together five years ago playing mostly acoustic shows but has progressed to more electric- and rock-driven music, Aiken said.

Its eclectic style allows members to break the boundaries of many genres and create a style that makes the band unique.

Local bars and clubs have set the scene for the growth of Doubletop and it has set the right atmosphere for it to grow.

“”Right now there are a lot of bands playing in Tucson, and it’s really good,”” said drummer Nadim Shehab. “”You make a lot of connections along the way, and the bands help each other out.””

Doubletop recently released its debut album, Firewater. The title track is featured on Club Crawl Volume IV, a CD featuring songs from the festival’s bands that is released every year. Other groups on this album include progressive rockers Mostly Bears and indie-pop group The Swim.

Doubletop is proud to have a place on the album because it shows the band’s hard work is paying off, said bassist Chad Castillo.

“”I dig it,”” Castillo said. “”It took us months to get our CD together, and the product of the work is something that I’m personally proud of.””

With Firewater released, the band hopes to gain momentum by playing shows like Club Crawl.

“”We want to get a base in town and spread the word about us,”” Castillo said.

Doubletop will perform at 9 p.m. on the Bookmans/The Mountain Stage, near O’Malley’s and The Hut on Fourth Avenue.

The Bartender

As you enter Club Congress, you might notice that the bartenders are not only extremely good at what they do but also loving where they do it.

Barb Trujillo (above) is one such bartender and has been working at the club for almost 13 years.

“”I love it there,”” Trujillo said. “”I would much rather bartend than actually go to a bar because you get to see your regulars and it’s really fun.””

Trujillo has been behind the bar for most Club Crawls since she started working at Club Congress and enjoys the atmosphere it brings.

“”The festival is a great opportunity for local bands to be seen by the community,”” Trujillo said. “”It has become such an event that twice a year people can’t wait for Club Crawl to come.””

And the people do come. In recent years Club Crawl has been bringing in about 10,000 people for each event.

“”People can see some new bands or their favorite ones,”” Trujillo said. “”It’s a chance to see what’s going on downtown.””

With the Fall Club Crawl a 21-and-over even, there is a focus on both music and drinks.

“”The most popular drinks are margaritas, jager shots and Bud Light,”” Trujillo said.

Or you can try one of Trujillo’s favorite drinks, “”The Swinger,”” a mix of vodka, fruit juices and grenadine, and garnished with a cherry and a lime.

“”The people are awesome,”” she said. “”It’s like throwing a big party.””

The Venue

Hotel Congress is a hot spot all year long, especially during Club Crawl.

The venue hosts not only an indoor stage in the venue but also an outdoor stage.

Hotel Congress is one of the key components of Downtown music and culture. It’s always booking a range of bands that are so diverse it’s almost ridiculous.

“”We look for good quality acts for both stages,”” said David Slutes, Club Congress entertainment director. “”We want bands that will draw music lovers out.””

Hotel Congress will come through again for Club Crawl with a lineup that includes What Laura Says Thinks & Feels, The Okmoniks and Mostly Bears.

“”Club Crawl brings a ton of people down here, and it is great for a lot of the businesses,”” Slutes said.

Music will begin at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., at 8 p.m. The outdoor stage is behind the venue.

Best of Club Crawl

The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.

8 p.m. – Andrew Collberg

11 p.m. – They Might Be Giants (New York City)

Club Congress (Indoor Stage), 311 E. Congress St.

11 p.m. – What Laura Says Thinks & Feels (Phoenix)

Midnight – The Okmoniks

Club Congress (Outdoor Stage), 311 E. Congress St.

Midnight – Mostly Bears

The District Tavern, 260 E. Congress St.

8 p.m. – Al Perry

9 p.m. – Marianne Dissard and Matt Mitchell

Vaudeville Cabaret, 110 E. Congress St.

9 p.m. – Lovemound

Midnight – Super Destroyer (Phoenix)

1 a.m. – Great American Tragedy

Red Room at the Grill, 100 E. Congress St.

10 p.m. – Fuckin’ Kennies

The Hut, 305 N. Fourth Ave.

10 p.m. – Bread & Circus

Bookmans/The Mountain Stage, North Fourth Avenue

9 p.m. – Doubletop

10 p.m. – Haley Jane

11 p.m. – Luca

Midnight – Sunday Afternoon

Martin’s, 557 N. Fourth Ave.

7-9 p.m. – Salvador Duran

For a full schedule, visit Club Crawl’s official Web site, www.clubcrawl.net