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By CHRIS CONRAD Mail Tribune So what did you guys think of Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonics last Thursday at Johnny B's? Wasn't that something to see Deke shake that place with a long set list of old-time blues standards, rockabilly, surf and cold, hard rock 'n' roll? And what about when he (finally) strapped on that double-neck Mosrite and busted out some of the best Spanish guitar you'll ever hear, gringo? Not to mention Djordje Stijepovic's finger- and ear-blistering slap bass solo. And wasn't that the drummer for Los Strait Jackets joining him on rhythm? How about that show, Rogue Valley? What? You have no opinion? Advertisement BECAUSE YOU WEREN'T THERE. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting U2 or — shudder — Coldplay numbers, but you'd think Deke Dickerson could draw more than 25 people on a Thursday night. This is the same guy who provided the theme song for the Discovery Channel's "Monster Garage"; who had a good tune on the "Sideways" soundtrack and who regularly appears on Bob Dylan's XM radio show and NPR. It was a shame all around, because those who did show rocked like disaffected 15-year-olds attending their little sisters' piano recital. At one point, Dickerson was left scratching his head at the murmur of applause greeting him after a fierce surf epic that would've wrung a tear from Dick Dale's eye. "I don't hear a lot of noise out there between songs," he said. "I guess you guys aren't drunk enough yet." Apparently they weren't. The band took an extended set break and when they returned the crowd was a bit more lively, though a handful had left. What kept people away? An $8 cover? Hardly. Hundreds of people shelled out more than that to see "Hog Wild" this weekend at the Tinseltown Theater. Could it be that Medfordites simply don't go to rock shows? Probably the biggest bar show I've gone to in the Rogue Valley was the Devil Makes Three gig at Johnny B's a couple months ago. The place was packed. But what made this show special? Devil Makes Three is a talented rockabilly three piece out of the Bay Area. Not mind-blowing. Not Deke Dickerson quality, for sure. Ashlanders, though, seem to like live music. It doesn't even have to be good music (thankfully, Devil Makes Three caught on there). A heartbreaking case in point: Check out the crowds that fill Beasy's on the Creek or Tabu for generic reggae bands. Some of them even affect Jamaican accents in a desperate attempt to achieve authenticity. Seriously. It would be offensive if it weren't so ridiculous. However, Ashland music fans won't travel to Medford to see a Deke Dickerson, or the Gallus Brothers, a brilliant ragtime duo who played Johnny B's last Friday. They drew a larger crowd than Dickerson, and would've gone over well in Ashland. The door swings both ways, too. I rarely meet Medford people at Ashland shows. You should see the sneers of disgust when I even mention to each sect that they owe it to themselves to, God forbid, travel the 10 miles between towns to catch a show. Until this unfortunate divide between the valley's two largest towns is closed, we can expect good bands to play even smaller houses. This valley isn't getting any younger, after all. After Dickerson finished his set, the band began loading their equipment into their van parked just outside the door. I staggered by them on my way to the Gypsy Blues a couple blocks away. "You guys were great," I said. "Sorry more people didn't show." Dickerson laughed, shrugged. "It's Medford, man," he said. I wanted to say, "Yeah, but you sure didn't play like it." But I just continued toward the next bar. Reach Chris Conrad at 776-4471 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. 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