Murder! Misery! Despair! It all never sounded so good....

Drop in to the Starry Plough on Fri. Oct. 25 for the third annual evening of Murder Ballads and Songs of Misery and Despair. Showcasing a diverse array of bands and performers, this year's show not only features local fixtures such as Ramona the Pest and She Mob, but a few out of town guests, including Los Angeles' Breech, and Olympia's Chris Sand.

Former Ubiquity Recording artist Karry Walker makes a rare appearance. She's been on hiatus working on her new project, Ultralash, with Yo La Tengo producer Roger Moutenot.

Breech's Missy Gibson brings a unique spin to the term Murder Ballads. Before she left the academic life for the rock & roll life, she was studying forensic science at UCLA!

Loretta Lynch will sing of whiskey, unrequited love and drowning in exquisite three and four part harmony. Featuring members of The Hanes Family, Ramona the Pest, Hoarhound and 86, it's a little bit back woods and a little bit front porch.

She Mob brings more grrly garage goodness. Says She Mob's Lisa McElroy, "Misery and Despair are our middle names. Please join our cause to make Halloween a national holiday."

Venison Book features Graham Le Bron aka Golden Graham, who was recently listed in the Best of the SF Weekly.

Vanessa Lowe will deliver haunting tales with equal parts sweetness and darkness.

Ramona the Pest will be sure to pull a few surprises. At last year's show they stunned the audience with their version of Sabbath's "War Pigs". This year's performance promises to be equally unpredictable.

Other artists and bands include AJ Roach, Dandeline and Whore. Fans are encouraged to come early and stay late for a rousing, one of a kind evening of quality entertainment. A true bargain for these pre-war times...11 acts for $6!

The third annual evening of Murder Ballads & Songs of Misery & Despair takes place at the Starry Plough on Fri. Oct. 25 from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am. Cover is $6 and costumes are encouraged! The Starry Plough is at 3101 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley (510) 841-2082 21 + over only please.