Last night was rockin’ at St. Paul’s Hat Trick Lounge.

The evening kicked off with AnaKata — a talented group made up of McNally-Smith graduates, who played a full set of their signature brand of progressive lounge rock. Their first show of 2006 was definitely one not to miss.

Following was local surf rock guitarist Ronnie Lake.

As a big fan of California’s psychedlic surf trio, The Mermen, I instantly dug Ronnie’s surf sound, blues licks and instrumental prowess. In addition to her instrumental originals, she tore through Hawaiian and Californian surf standards and even the James Bond Theme without missing a beat. Her trio played a full-on high energy set. I’ll definitely seek out another Ronnie Lake show.