Taking lessons The second anniversary of the Station fire BY BOB GULLA

We said we’d never forget. In the weeks and months following the Station fire, which happened two years ago this week, we said we’d never forget those 100 victims and their families. How could we? That heartbreaking night helped us reclaim the original definition of the word "horror." Around here, where we saw it firsthand, we’ve stopped bandying that word about as carelessly as we used to. But have we truly remembered the dead? Do we keep the memory of those who died with our most intimate possessions? We said we would in the late winter of 2003. So many said they would.

When you go into a club these days, do you still look for the exits?

I’ve gotta be honest. I don’t. Sure, when I see those red EXIT signs illuminated, my brain registers: "Go there to escape trouble." In a club between bands, do you still wonder like you used to about what it was like for those music fans inside the Station that night? Do you wonder, like you used to, what you would have done had you been there? I’ll bet most folks don’t think twice about those things anymore.

Agreed, two years is a long time to keep a painful memory around. As a people, Americans aren’t real comfortable with pain — we want to live our daily lives freely, without being weighed down by the saddlebags of tragedy.

Certainly, the folks in Buenos Aires prior to December 20 didn’t remember much, or at least think much, about the Station. Like those people in the Pacific who were caught unaware by that first wave of the tsunami, those innocent kids at that Buenos Aires club probably didn’t think twice when they saw folks send those flares up. Fireworks indoors? Foam catching fire? Smoke and toxic gas raining down? Please don’t tell us that our 100 friends and family died in vain. Did the music community have to learn another miserable lesson? Why couldn’t they have remembered? Are there any other clubs around the world that should be remembering the Station — and saving lives — right now?

Great White visited Larry King last week, insisting they haven’t forgotten the fire. They said there wasn’t a day that’s gone by they didn’t think about that night. I believe them. They were dumb, yeah. They were reckless, too. But do you blame them?

Elsewhere in the rock world, where the operative word is simply "me," money-laden superstars have essentially ignored the Station fire victims. Yes, there’s a show at PPAC next weekend sponsored by the Station Family Fund with Tesla, Shinedown, Pat Travers, and Vanilla Fudge. It’s called "Wake Up to Love," which is a pretty appropriate theme, especially for those who live oblivious to the pain that still surrounds us. Speaking of money-laden, I watched the Grammys the other night and saw how the music industry continues the art of self-congratulation by spreading its acclaim around to those who already have so much. It’d be really nice if at least one of those diamond-studded stars stepped up and remembered. But then that would probably kill the buzz.

They say time heals all wounds. Living with pain makes us stronger people. Put it this way: You can live with the pain, flex it, and embrace it as a part of you, or you can dismiss it, shoo it away, and essentially pretend like that awful night never happened. It’s up to you.

Wandering Eye. On Saturday (the 19th), Otis Read, Phil Edmonds, and friends will gather for an evening of original, Celtic, and Scandinavian music. It’s at a nice new place called the Nirvana Lounge at 520 Main Street in Warren, right above India restaurant. Call 245-4500 for info.

Sounds like trouble over at Club Therapy this weekend — the good kind of trouble, of course. On Saturday, 30 DJs from all over New England will be spinning for 10 hours. "Electric Paradise" is the third of the club’s "Paradise" parties, following "Reclaiming Paradise" and "Return to Paradise." What to expect? You’ll get massive dancing intensity, a true swing vibe, and an impressive array of talent —Osheen, Tym Ryan, Ede Armand, Paul Dailey, Kevin Cliff & Amanda Hug’n’Kiss, and many others. It’s an 18-plus event, with a full bar until 2 a.m. and music until sunrise (7 a.m.). The club’s at 7 Dike Street in Providence, and if you need directions head over to Tweak magazine’s website (www.tweakmagazine. com).

A huge weekend is planned at Giza. The WBRU Rock Hunt Finals take place on Friday night, featuring finalists Sasquatch and the Sick-a-Billys, Fungus Amungus, and Bad Larry, plus appearances by last year’s winners, the Lingo and a special guest. Congrats to all; it’s a real accomplishment. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9. The show is 15-plus and admission is free. The semi-finals last weekend drew more than 1000 people, so get there early. On Saturday at Giza, Rattlehead Records presents Big Top Vertigo, Ellis Ashbrook, Shryne, and Dagnabbit.

For something a little more down to earth, you can hit the Ocean Mist on Saturday to help the Jason Colonies Band celebrate JC’s birthday. The band will be laying down more live tracks for their upcoming live recording. And Jason is hosting a new open mic at Daniel B’s in Wakefield every Thursday. If you’re looking for a place to play in South County, contact him at jason@jasoncolonies.com.

AS220 will host Cirque Du Singe Brisé ("Circus of the Shattered Monkey"), a presentation of eclectic artistry held monthly in various cities throughout the Northeast. You can check out an array of musical performers, filmmakers, and spoken word artists. The Circus come to town on Saturday at 9 p.m., with Ryan Fitzsimmons, Marcy Lang, Rod Webber, Ari, Ben Blanchard, Eric Fontana, John Fuzek, Rev Bob & the Darkness, films by RISD students and ringmaster Joe Bellamy. For more information check out www.theshatteredmonkey.com.

Also on Saturday at Sh-Na-Na’s on Airport Road in Warwick, you can catch a good rock bill with Routine 8, Heretic’s Fork, and Smart Bombs and Apple Pie. It’s a 21-plus show and it’s cheap to get in.

After quite a long break, the Twang-Roots Rock-Americana concept "Your Roots Are Showing" reemerges this Friday with its first show of ’05. Lucky 57 is again hosting the series at the Century Lounge, with sets on tap by Paul Edelman & the Jangling Sparrows (from Philly) and the Wrinkle Neck Mules (from Richmond, Virginia).

On Saturday the Living Room hosts a raucous show, starring the Gobshites, with Darkbuster, the Ducky Boys, the Bloodshot Hooligans, and Big World all bringing the noise. The show starts at 8 p.m. and it’s all-ages. Call 521-5200 for info. The Living Room has a new heating system and better stage lighting and has made some structural improvements as well. And check out those auto-flush toilets!

E-mail me with your music news: big.daddy1@cox.net.