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Tuesday May 27, 2008
Our first visit to 'Abbey Road on the River' ended yesterday with a glow that carried through the wee hours this morning when most of us arrived home from Louisville. For the better part of the last week we lived, ate, played, danced, debated and drank with an international gathering of freakishly talented musicians and dedicated fans. All were drawn to the banks of the Ohio for one reason, to celebrate, recreate and resonate everything Beatles. Hundreds performed, thousands attended and though only a few had arrived in time for our first performance last Thursday, we immediately felt welcomed into what multiplied daily into a large and supportive family. We were followed on stage the first day by Itchycoo Park from Scotland and Lucy in the Sky from Germany, both of whom became good mates. We crossed paths with Pete Best again who headlined on Thursday, followed by the Beatrips from Japan who were just plain fantastic. A stellar cast ensemble of AROTR veterans performed the entire White Album on Friday (featuring newcomer Drew on 'I'm So Tired') and the Love album on Saturday. Acts like The Return, Hal Bruce, Jimmy Pou, Jukebox, The Rigbys, Abbey Road Live, the Apples and the Fab Five had us in awe. Peter was the highest placing male singer in the Oh Darling singing contest and reprised it in a victory lap minutes later during our Sunday set. There were so many great bands and personal highlights that a single voice can't do it justice. Most of the band have individually posted their immediate impressions of the shows here today and I'm sure there will be more to tell and photos to post very soon. Suffice it to say it was a terrific debut for Bruce, a tremendous boost and a moving, nearly spiritual experience for us all. We resurface close to home this Saturday for our next debut at the Black & White ball in downtown San Francisco as part of another stellar lineup that includes Seal, Blues Traveller, Pete Escovedo and many more. Kentucky was fabulous, but gee it's good to be back home. See you soon and to all our new friends, let's do it again next year!
Monday May 12, 2008
The time has come the walrus said... Those of you who saw our recent show at Feather Falls and the mysterious 'Los Paranoias' shows in April are already in the know and now it can be told. Rumours of substitute George Harrisons spotted in the lineup are absolutely true. Bill Zupko, our past and present lead guitarist expressed concerns last autumn about his ability to make every show then being considered for this year. Thoughtful enough to raise the issue before it became problematic, it offered enough time for the band to determine if 1. a player could be found to fill this demanding role on a part time basis and 2. Could we still sound like a tight band with said player. We played with a lot of them and our diligence was rewarded with not one but two strong lead guitarists fluent in George's unique style. Please join us in welcoming Tom Fleming and Bruce Coe, who along with Bill will be performing on lead guitar and vocals, each filling in throughout the season as scheduling allows. Tom debuted with us at Feather Falls, boasts a guitar collection that rivals the original and can also be heard playing lead guitar in the popular bay area rockabilly band Spinout. Bruce is the talent that took root during the Los Paranoias shows in Belmont, brings a shot of positive energy to the stage and will be accompanying us to Louisville this month for a proper debut in surroundings most Beatley. At this point playing with any of them feels as comfortable as an old brown shoe and we think you'll agree that the band sounds intact and ready to hit the ground rocking. In the meantime, Drew is making his way via the overland route to Kentucky. Call it fear of flying or brave of driving, but our Johnny Appleseed will be playing a few gigs along the way to help spread the word. If you should find yourself in Cheyenne, WY tomorrow or Denver, CO this Thursday you just might find him playing at a local club. With another stop next week in Nashville, TN you can track his cross country journey (sorta like NORAD tracks Santa each Christmas) right here. We return from Louisville after Memorial Day ready to dress it up for the San Francisco Symphony's Black & White Ball on Sat. May 31, then home to Alameda with a show at Towne Center on Thursday June 5. Stay well everyone. Next stop, Abbey Road on the River!
Monday April 21, 2008
This band never gets too old for surprises. A couple weeks back we played a sold out show at the Little Fox and enjoyed another fab night in Redwood City. That wasn't the surprise. Looking forward to more of the same, we headed out to Yolo county last Saturday for our second appearance at the Palms Playhouse in Winters. Load in, sound check and dinner all went off as planned. About 15 minutes before show time the lights flickered and then went off in our dressing room. They also went off in the rest of the building, the entire block and who knows how much else of downtown Winters or the rest of the world. No problem, right? We have one of the best trained utility companies in the world working on it. By 15 minutes after show time, still no lights. Hmmm. OK, how about if we fumble our way onstage and do a couple of acoustic numbers until the lights come on? Two and a half hours later there were still no lights and it really didn't matter anymore. It had been a uniquely singular show, the nearly packed house stayed so the entire time and we played acoustic versions of Beatles songs you have never heard us play before. When you can't go electric, get eclectic. House staff and fans directed flashlights toward the stage, the bar was bathed in candlelight, the audience sang as loud as we and it became a night we'll long remember. Our thanks to everyone who remained to hear us stripped of all but voice and spirit yet still didn't feel ripped off. We hope to see you soon, since we couldn't see many of you then. Coming up is a busy and mileage soaked May-load of shows and we'll have more details for you soon so please stay tuned.
Sunday March 23, 2008
It's been over a month since we visited here, but as months go it was probably one of the groovier ones we've experienced. Our return to the Mystic Theatre last month was very well attended, surprisingly so for only our second time there. The URS put on a great show and it was nice to hear that we were no slouches either. A couple of weeks off left us straining at our traces to play again and our debut in Nevada City seemed well received by the locals and some old friends who hooked up with us again. We said happy birthday to Dave along with his friends and family in Folsom on our way home and had a generally lovely time there. Last Friday brought us back to the Kings Head for the first time in ages and we were able to stretch out one of those long 4 hour sets that were such the norm once upon a time ago. Then there was last night's show at Rancho Nicasio, our new Marin favorite. Third time back in six months and our first sold out show there, the joint was brimming with smiling faces, energetic dancing and a vibe that was fun with a capital F. A special shout out to birthday girl Sally, still going strong at 74 and whose very name was the inspiration for a rather incendiary encore. Our deep thanks to everyone who attended our shows over the last month, you make it so worthwhile! This weekend takes us back to Pleasanton and home to Alameda for a special affair with a cause. We hope to see you there. Oh, and Happy Easter everybody.
Tuesday February 12, 2008
Happy Birthday Bill!!
February has been pretty nice to us so far. Earlier this month we had a near capacity crowd braving the elements (water--a lot of it) to bask in the warmth of Don Quixotes and saw a lot of our South Bay/Monterey Bay friends again for the first time this year. Thanks everybody! Last Saturday's Community Concert in Danville was truly a one of a kind event for us. Joined on two songs by the San Ramon Valley High School Chamber Orchestra, we performed 'Eleanor Rigby' for the first time in our career, backed by some pretty stellar string players. Adding some members from the School's Jazz Ensemble, we encored with a fully orchestrated version of 'All You Need is Love'. Reportedly a fab time was had by all. Special thanks to Cheryl Yee Glass for wrangling wonderful performances from her orchestra, Cathy Colman for the love and hospitality, Jim Ocean, Kathy Dupler and Community Concerts for always being so great to work with. Let's do it again soon! Coming up on Saturday Feb. 23, a return to the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma. Once again we're teaming up with our friends in the Unauthorized Rolling Stones for a Sixties submersion and we hope you can join us there. We'll save a space on the dance floor for you.
Wednesday January 23, 2008
Happy Birthday Steve!!
Our little trip up to the Sierras last week was a pretty nice way to kick off the weekend. Getting out of town early in the day, a beautiful drive on a perfect driving day. What's not to love? Even though a couple of us were battling some nasty colds that forced our quarantine during the breaks, the show itself and the audience response was very good. To those who asked, yes we're sure we'll be back again before too long and are glad to be invited. The last week of January will give us a weekend off, which we'll probably treasure in light of the coming months. February brings returns to Don Quixotes and the Mystic Theatre as well as a special presentation in San Ramon with a touch of orchestra. See you then!
Sunday January 13, 2008
January has usually been our quietest month, but 2008 is proving
an exception to the rule. With the euphoria of our sold out New Years
Eve show with the Megatones still clinging in our ears, a cancellation
brought us a surprise show on little notice for
downtown Oakland's First Friday concert series. It began just as a
powerful winter storm was winding down a day of fury. The hearty
souls who braved the elements to get there found it dry inside, though
perhaps nowhere more so than the vocal channels on the sound company's
PA. Even without reverb and that Abbey Road slap echo, the verdict
was that it still worked and was not unlike a good Martini. A connection
more relevant when you happen to play the bartenders favorite Beatles
song.
A couple of summers ago, we opened for the Pete Best band during their
California tour at the 19 Broadway in Fairfax. Last night we returned
for the entire evening and despite not being very timely in getting
the word out the word was quite apparently received. Thanks to all
our Marin and Sonoma county (and Millbrae) friends who came out to
see us, your network is in good working order and your vibe as fine
as ever.
It's nice to know that after seven years together as a band,
we're still experiencing lots of firsts. Two of them occur this Friday
when we debut at the Black Oak Casino in Tuolumne.
Not only our first casino show, it's also our first performance above
2000'. High with a little help from our friends indeed! Only then does
our January finally quiet down, though February waits in the wings
and not empty handedly. Stay tuned and we'll see you again soon.
Sunday December 30, 2007
Our best to all who came to last Friday's show at the Main St. Brewery. We wondered (as undoubtedly the fire marshall would have) how all those people could fit inside such a cozy space. It was fun, fun, fun from the first song onward and we hope you all had as good a time as we did. The dancing was spirited and nearly uninterrupted. We thought that Yoko and even Jane Asher were there, although we couldn't be sure without our spectacles on. The Christmas spirit was certainly still hanging around -- afterwards we got it good and plastered, then forced it into the band's truck with broken beer bottles. We of course hoped to capture the spirit and keep it alive through our New Years Eve show. Alas, by the time we got home all that remained was a small pile of sparkly dust and a faint whiff of holly. And our wallets were missing. Consequently, you'll have to bring your own spirit to the Little Fox tomorrow evening where we hope you'll all join us in welcoming baby 2008, who we shall not attempt to capture. Have you seen how fast those guys age? Thanks for sticking with us through another year and may your holidays be merry and bright.
Tuesday December 25, 2007
From Drew, Michael, Peter, Steve and Bill - a very Merry Christmas and best holiday season wishes to you and yours.
Monday December 3, 2007
Huge and copious thanks to all of you who made it out to the Toys for Tots benefit show last Saturday. We had a fabulous time and from the looks of it, so did all of you. Highlights were the kids up against the stage singing along most of the evening, the seemingly nonstop dancing and the tangible sense of affection and warmth in the room which kept the night's chill at bay. The fun continued afterward at Z's, where a few of us and a few of you congregated to close out the party in style. The kind words were many, the monkey joke got an encore, Tania was cuter, Rocko rocked and it was great to hang out for awhile with friends both local and distant. The next gathering for us is Thursday Dec. 13 in Mill Valley at 142 Throckmorton Theatre. We'll be paired with Who Too for a virtual avalanche of music that changed the face of rock and roll and we hope you can be a part of it too. We'll see you soon.
Thursday November 29, 2007
Though the last month has been nearly without shows, the time still seems to have rushed by. During the interim, our offstage lives were touched with adventure, hope, triumph and loss. There is much to be thankful for, not least among it all the chance to play some of the best songs ever written for people who love them. Those who follow our schedule may already know we're not used to this much time off. Consequently, we're all amped to go, like five fully wound up toys just itching for the spring to release. Right in the St. Nick of time arrives our Toys for Tots benefit show this Saturday in downtown Alameda. The hometown crowd has long been our most supporting and welcoming so we're extremely happy to pop the cork so close to home. Tickets are still available from our home page and several local businesses. We'll see you soon for a fab time, friends and neighbors! December dots our calendar with shows at several new venues. Just added is a double bill with Who Too at 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley on Thu. Dec. 13. It's also not too early to plan your New Years Eve. Ours will be at Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre with the Megatones and you're of course invited to join us. Now hurry up and arrive Mr. Saturday, these boys are ready to play!
Tuesday November 6, 2007
There were but a trio of shows in the last month, but as trios go they were pretty memorable and we would be remiss (and more than a little lazy) not to mention them. The Palms Playhouse was a new destination for us. The crowd was appreciative, the steaks were great and unless the drunk we woke up during load out has anything to say about it, we'll be back. After a long road to get to the stage door of Petaluma's Mystic Theatre, our debut there was truly one we will never forget. First there's the theatre itself, ornate and elegant in the heart of downtown. The dressing room was heavy with history, scores of posters hung from the walls describing some of the awesomely talented acts and shows that had preceded us. Randy and Travis manned the PA system masterfully. The Unauthorized Rolling Stones opened the double bill and sounded great, igniting the crowd right out of the gate. In one of those 'show must go on' moments, Peter left a horizontal state for the only time in nearly two weeks of battling viral pneumonia to deliver 100 percent when 10 was all that could have been reasonably expected. He filled us with admiration though not envy and his Purple Heart is presumably in the mail. Meanwhile, the audience response was tremendous and as the show went on the energy seemed to fuse into one gigantic, grooving ball of rapture. Maybe that's why they call it the Mystic. Inspiring to say the least! Extra thanks to Steve Kaiser and Shennon for making us feel special for a night. Last weekend's return to Rancho Nicasio was yet further validation for our fast growing love affair with the North Bay. Many had been to the Mystic show and had come back to Nicasio for more, the staff got more customers and German chocolate cake than they expected and Michael got a birthday party he could remember the next day. Thanks to everyone who talked with us after the show for their kind words and well wishes. Let's do it again soon. The rest of this month finds us in a light hibernation though we kick it up again at the stroke of December. We hope to meet up with all our local friends at the Toys for Tots benefit in Alameda on Saturday Dec. 1 and celebrate the arrival of the holiday season with some loveable music for a lofty cause. See you then!
Tuesday October 2, 2007
The summer season now begins to wind down a little. After eight shows over the last two weeks, it becomes a little hard to remember all the highlights, there were just so many. Alameda and Lafayette made for a great weekend to finish our outdoor shows. Aja Vu was as tight and fabulous as ever in Lafayette and seemed to enjoy our set as much as we enjoyed theirs. Alameda's Best of party exceeded all the planner's expectations and we loved hanging out with our well attired friends and neighbors. Terrence Brewer and Natasha Miller both performed great sets despite the acoustic challenges of playing in an aircraft hangar and a splendid time seemed to be had by all. You can find some performance pics from the event on our photos page. Our debut at Rancho Nicasio was well worth the drive and our thanks for the many kind words from people who hadn't seen the band before. We look forward to returning again soon. Don Quixotes, the Kings Head and Marilyn's were just like returning to old friends houses, seeing many of those we expected while others surprised us with an appearance. Finishing the month was a last minute, late night appearance at Cobb's in SF for a swingin' anniversary party that didn't end until the wee wee hours. Coming up next is a fistful of appearances with Drew dishing out the Lennon at the Larkspur Cafe, Don Quixotes and the El Campanil. Following that, the band regroups for debuts at the Palms Playhouse and the Mystic Theatre before returning to familiar ground round about Halloween. Thanks again for helping make our September so much fun it should be illegal, and we'll look for you again very soon!
Saturday September 15, 2007
The month is only half over and it's already been one of our most enjoyable on record. Last Saturday's show in Alamo was a chance to make our acquaintance with another bay area town and the staff and audience couldn't have been nicer. Once again the high point was a sing along Yellow Submarine, this time with the Alamo Elementary School Choir lending their considerable vocal prowess to the song. Could use you again around Xmas time, kids! We heard that we were wanted back at next years event and the feeling is decidedly mutual. Last Sunday brought a return to Capitola and it was just as much fun as we remembered. JD manned the sound board with aplomb and the many kind words and comments we heard as we hung around the fair after our set were warmly appreciated. Old friends were met and new ones made and you can have us back anytime. Yesterday we played an extended lunch time company party for Esther G., celebrating her 30 years of service at UAS. She is indeed loved and appreciated there and we were happy to be a part of it. We've also managed to upload some new pictures sent in from Kathy and Debi of our Crab Cove and Capitola shows. In just a few hours we'll be hitting the hometown stage for the Webster St. Peanut Butter Jam in Alameda. See you there!
Monday September 3, 2007
Wow, has an entire month really gone by since we've been here last? Summer truly is the fastest season. First, we wanted to tell you about two fans who uploaded lots of photos from July's Foster City show. You can link here to Steve Gaysinskiy or Kathyrn Erb's photo web pages, along with our thanks to them for posting. Most of the August shows were outdoors, so we got a chance to work on our tans. Some took, some didn't. We heard that attendance records were set for our shows at the Central Park Music Series and Concerts at the Cove. The 'more is merrier' maxim certainly held true there. San Bruno and the Main Street Brewery brought out their share of the local fans to say hello and the Larkspur Cafe show was guitars, a grand piano and acoustic interpretation. The kids onstage singing Yellow Submarine were among the highlights. The very first Gilroy Rock n' Ribs was a BBQ lover's delight and a fight to stay hydrated and though we rolled wiltingly into the Kings Head that evening, the perfect balance of fans (human and electric whirring) and 'Night of the B sides' was revival enough to keep the energy crackling. Last Thursday's Music Market Show was a hot summer day that segued into a perfect evening with Beatles music, an amazing sound system and a couple thousand of Concord's friendliest in attendance. That brings us up to date, so we'll quit living in the past. You gotta love these Northern California Septembers, where the festivals just keep on coming. In rapid succession we visit Alamo, Capitola, Alameda and Lafayette, all with something to fest about. Though our Marin fave the Sweetwater sadly closed last week, a couple of debuts increase our North Bay range in the coming months with approaching shows at Rancho Nicasio and the Mystic Theatre. Before the month is out we also visit Felton and Sacramento. Finally, Alameda is having a big party on Thursday Sept. 20 and we're going to be a little part of it. We hope you can too. For more details on any of these upcoming shows, visit our calendar page or join the mailing list and we'll check in again soon. No, really!
Thursday August 2, 2007
Happy Birthday Peter!!
After last Saturday's big show in Monterey some of us stayed and some went home, but all assembled Sunday morning in Alameda for the Art & Wine Fair show. Over the last few years we've played later in the afternoon there and wondered if at 12:30 we might be on a little early for our usual audience. We needn't have worried. Alameda shows always give us a chance to reconnect with old friends, reminiscing about the band's humble beginnings and catching up on each other's lives. The weather for the show was perfect, sunny and tempered with just enough sea breeze to keep it comfortable. Adding one more hour than usual to the set, everyone on and offstage seemed to be enjoying themselves and the 'All You Need is Love' vibe extended through yet another day. Thanks for such a mighty hometown reception. We would've loved to stay and bask awhile, but there were miles to go and one more show before our day was done. Off to Sausalito we went to play for Arne and Mary's wedding reception. Once more, John Cuniberti manned the mixing board, this time in the comforts of his usual studio at the Record Plant. Assembled on the floor of Studio B, we plied the guests with music while they plied themselves with wine, cake and assorted other goodies. The bride and groom were wonderful hosts and the atmosphere was heavy with recorded history. The highlight of the evening for us was when we were approached by Bonnie Raitt, who was very complementary about the band, though she politely declined our offer to sing Beatles songs with us. Our next set even got her up and dancing and she made a point to again come by and wish us well when we had finished. After a weekend filled with more highs than the Himalayas, by Sunday night we were all walking on air. We come back round to earth this evening for an outdoor show at Central Park in San Mateo and we're hoping you'll join us there. See you soon!
Monday July 30, 2007
Now that we have a moment to breathe again we can take care of some
things that have been neglected lately. Like this web site for instance.
The last two weeks were an indescribable whirlwind of activity in preparation
for our 'something completely different' set in Monterey last Saturday.
Rehearsing with an orchestra was something new for most of us and proved
challenging, exciting and ultimately rewarding. Saturday dawned cool
and overcast in Monterey and as the hours ticked away our considerable
nervous energy was devoted to last minute details. We could clearly
hear the music progressing on the main stage from our hotel across
the street and soon made our way closer. When our friends in the RaveUps
finished their set, the stage was quickly struck, the risers for the
strings and horns were moved into place and we all raced to assemble
the gear in our allotted set change time. Sound check? Heck no, this
is a festival, dude. The set was our sound check. We all took the stage
in our new colorful clothes (a lesson learned from last year's Kihncert)
and were off. The set was not without some problems. What Sun Kings
show ever is? On 'With A Little Help', Steve's vocal mic malfunctioned
and Drew briefly reverted back to his former Billy Shears incarnation.
We thought that the newest songs came off pretty well, and by 'Good
Morning Good Morning' the crowd was on its feet (for the first time
that day we were later told-- is that hearsay or heresy?) Throughout,
the Liddypudlians shined. They played beautifully on 'She's Leaving
Home', powerfully on 'Good Morning' and transcendentally on 'Within
You Without You' where we were joined by Steve
Robertson of
the White Album Ensemble on tabla. 'A Day in the Life' was big and
beautiful and as many times as we have played it, this one gave some
of us goose
bumps. As the last piano chord died away we were told that there was
no time for an encore, but the audience had decided otherwise and the
stage manager bowed to the power of the people. Yessss! Way to go,
people! We finished with 'All You Need is Love', a fitting cap to our
set and a respectful nod to the ideal of the original Monterey Pop
Festival. Complete with children and multilingual placards bearing
the message, it was one of the nice little touches (along with waltzing
Henry the Horse) that helped make the show even more special. Thanks
are numerous, but not too numerous to mention. There was a lot of co-operation
and teamwork to make this happen, starting first and foremost with Andrew
Hernandez of
IE Artists. As if envisioning and creating the entire Summer
of Love Festival wasn't enough of a task, Andrew was the spark and
catalyst for the idea of Sgt. Pepper in its entirety, augmented by
strings and horns. It would not have happened without him. Also high
on our praise list are Chris
Solberg and John Cuniberti, the
angels on our shoulder. Skilled sound technicians and Beatles recording
fanatics, they manned the mixing board to transmit a living, loving
audio portrait of Sgt. Pepper under fantastic pressures. Chris finished
his set with the RaveUps and headed directly to the sound board to
continue weaving the magic even as backstage groupies loudly lamented
his departure. Dedication in the extreme! Peter
Penhallow,
leader of the Liddys built the orchestra, scored all the parts, played
second keyboard, sitar and just plain made it fly. Also worth special
mention is our own Bill
Zupko,
who proved an able facilitator between this group of street musicians
and the disciplines of the orchestral world... and no doubt surprised
a lot of people by playing clarinet on 'When I'm 64'. Tara,
Joanna, Liz, Joshua, Lou, Tom, Tim, Nicks I & II, Steve, Chris, Irene,
Marc and
the Liddys we know (and are sorry) we're missing.... thank you, Thank
You, THANK YOU!!
Yesterday's two shows in Alameda and Sausalito were a story unto themselves,
but must wait for another day this week to tell them. Until then...
Wednesday July 10, 2007
Happy Birthday Drew!!
This month has proved so far to be one memorable show after another. Our show at the Sweetwater was a sold out lovefest with a birthday and anniversary celebration thrown in for good measure. We can't wait to get back. Chris and Anna had us again on the fourth for a rollicking good time. We know by now that there's going to be fireworks of one sort or another every year so we just roll with it. Last Saturday's show in Danville was a splendid time. We heard that attendance was around 3,000 and we saw at least that many smiles. We love it when the younger set sings along and credit their parents for a proper cultural upbringing... at least where the Beatles are concerned. We only wish we had more than the allotted two hours to play there. We'll be posting some new pictures later today from our recent shows. Please keep sending your photos. Coming up next is Friday in Foster City which we fondly remember from last summer and look forward to with pleasure. See you there!
Saturday June 30, 2007
You know we can't let a day go by without copious and enthusiastic thank yous to all who attended last nights Fan Appreciation show at the Avalon. With our fans choosing the set list in real time for us, you sent us repeatedly to deep left field to snag songs we hadn't touched on in a long time. Surprises abounded and several of our braver fans came up to join us on some vocals. Jerry led off fronting a fabulous performance of 'Ticket to Ride', Dave chimed in for vocal duty on 'I've Just Seen A Face' and Peggy and Steve led us through the always tricky na-na-na-na section of 'Hey Jude'. There were giveaways, coronations, even a bit of skin and it was good to meet so many of you during the breaks and have a chat. You continue to make us feel that what we're doing is a bit special and we love you for it. For those of you who took photos last night, please some of them to us and we'll post to our photos page. Tonight we merrily roll into Mill Valley, putting the coda to June with a show at the Sweetwater at 9:30 PM. See you there.
Tuesday June 26, 2007
What a treat to stay and play so close to home. Thanks to everyone who attended the Summer Serenade at Alameda Towne Centre last Wednesday. The Centre could not have been happier with the turnout for a first show and we'd be happy to return anytime. On Friday we helped add a little more noise to Rupert and Arlene's nuptial soiree supreme. Much happiness to you both. You really know how to throw a party! We hope we lived up to the hype. Saturday we stayed a little longer at the 'Relay for Life' than scheduled, though nobody seemed to mind. Norma, we hope it was extra successful this year. Tomorrow evening at 6:30 PM we'll be in Menlo Park for their Summer Concert Series in Fremont Park and this Friday June 29 (not July 29) we aim to show you a real good time at our first Fan Appreciation Night at the Avalon. Club opens at 6 PM for dinner service, we start at 8, and there are some fun surprises in store. Print your pass here for free admission to the show and we'll see you there! Saturday closes out June for us in the rarefied environs of the Sweetwater Saloon in Mill Valley and July holds in her hand a bounty of showtimes in venues old, new and amazing. Hop on, it's gonna be some ride.
Monday June 18, 2007
Happy Birthday, Sir Paul! It's been quite the number of shows in the 10 days since we were last here. Redwood City and Novato sparkled with sunny cheer, the Kings Head was a sauna of sound, Oakland Summer Sounds was short and Henry's was sweet. This week we stay very close to home with 2 Alameda shows in the works. Wednesday we play at the (mostly) newly remodeled Towne Centre for a free concert starting at 5:30 PM. On Saturday June 23, we're part of the Relay For Life at Encinal High. Please note that the start time for this show has just been moved from 4 (as previously announced) to 5 PM. We've also posted a couple of new photos to our album and will be adding some more this week. Are you in there? Thanks for your participation and we'll see you around town this week.
Thursday June 7, 2007
With a happy birthday wish to Sgt. Pepper (yes, late here but we rang him up on his birthday and sent a lovely card) our outdoor season begins tomorrow with the Summer Concert Series in Redwood City. After a rest of nearly three weeks and vacations all around, we're chomping at the bit to play. Fortunately, June is filled with plenty of chances to do so here, there and everywhere around the bay area. Just added to our calendar is a hometown outdoor show Wed. June 20 at Alameda Towne Centre beginning at 5:30 PM. We've also got the Sun Kings Fan Appreciation Night, the Monterey festival and much more to yak about in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned.
Thursday May 3, 2007
Just a quick note to let you all know that our Beatle boy's surgical episode from last week went fine, spirits are high and recovery is well underway. We're looking forward to our SF show next week and a long, busy summer. In other news, we have completely revamped our photos page and added lots of new pics. You can find the results here. Though there are links at the top of the page marked login and register, you have to do neither to view the pictures. Many thanks to our recent contributors and please keep sending them in. See you in the city next week.
Tuesday April 24, 2007
Oh, Redwood City! Shows don't come with much more feeling than the one last Saturday at the Little Fox Theatre. Whether it was something in the water or in the air, it was just one of those nights where the energy in the room was tangible and everyone was obviously and completely having a fab time. Steve debuted another lead vocal contribution which got far and away the biggest reaction of the night. A Starr is born! Songs were sang, toasts were made, merriment was had and we're still smiling three days later. After all that hoopla, you may notice a bit of a stretch between now and our next show. One of our own will be going under the knife (and it won't be to make him look more like a Beatle) and needs a wee bit of recuperative quality time. With a little luv, we'll be back hale and hearty in San Francisco next May 10 at Maggie McGarrys, but if you just can't wait that long for something Beatley, there is a bit of Lennon to luv this week here and here. Thanks to all who made this month's shows feel extra special. Can't wait to do it again in May and we'll see you then.
Wednesday April 18, 2007
Contrary to recent popular belief the cat didn't get our tongue, though the Taxman tried awful hard, but an arm and a leg was quite enough thank you. Retracing our steps to close the gap between hither and yon, our Sweetwater debut last month was sufficiently auspicious to warrant a June return. Marin, we love your vibe! St. Paddy's (remember?) at the Avalon was kicked up a notch with the RaveUps helping to deliver a one-two punch of 60's gems to some of our favorite friends. Thanks to Chris Solberg for pulling double duty with a rave up job behind the mixing board. Sacramento welcomed us back to Marilyn's with open arms and a big 'what took you so long?', Erich sat in the high chair and the man behind the curtain was just us. Last Friday the 13th was surprisingly pleasant, with a ballsy (ala bocce) performance and unexpected visits from long ago friends. Which brings us round to last Saturday at the Kings Head. Ably assisted by JP, with Mike O'Brien making magic at the sound board and a passionate throng of familiar faces, everything just seemed to come together. With the debut of two more songs fresh under our belts, we'll be bringing our remaining armload of them to the Little Fox Theatre this Saturday night to top off an extra long evening of Beatles favorites starting at 8 PM. See you there!
Monday March 12, 2007
As we near the mid point of March, the surest sign of spring's imminence (beside the recent weather) is reflected in the new growth of this week's shows, debut venues all. After the exciting and heartfelt returns to Santa Rosa and Pleasanton the last two weeks, we notched a first for the band yesterday. After years of playing around the bay, we took to the bay itself. Bay and Delta charters presented its first 'Live music on the bay series' under ideal sailing conditions with an audience every bit as special, especially where birthdays were concerned. Thanks to Joni, Captain Jerry and the staff of the Empress for making this the very definition of pleasure cruise. Tomorrow morning, we stop by to visit the Greg Kihn show on KFOX 98.5 FM San Jose, just because we'll all happen to be in the neighborhood at 6:45 AM. We'll be playing a few songs live and engaging in our usual ersatz version of witty banter with Greg and Chris Jackson. No doubt we'll mention the rest of this week's shows at Marin's legendary Sweetwater in Mill Valley on Thursday March 15 with Brittany Shane, and Saturday's St. Patrick's Day show at the Avalon in Santa Clara with the RaveUps. We look forward to seeing you there. And on a final note we would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Brad Delp, who passed away last Friday at 55. For all his success as the singer in Boston, he also pursued his passion for Beatles music during the last decade as part of the tribute band Beatle Juice. Man, do we understand that one! Here's to you Brad, the world is a little less melodious without you.
Tuesday February 27, 2007
This weekend's winter storms did little to deter a determined band of music fans from gathering en masse at Don Quixotes last Saturday for a night that just seemed to connect. If indeed all you need is love than there was nothing lacking, except perhaps more space on the dance floor. Our Sunday was spent in the company of some talented peers at the KFOX Last Band Standing showcase. Crimes of Passion rocked like only young rockers can, Juliana has got some serious guitar chops and we loved that you let Dad sing too! Full Throttle had the most vocal supporters in the audience and we tried to distill the fervor of 100 Beatles songs into 45 minutes. Speaking of throttle, ours has now kicked in as we roar into March like a lion. Without paws (ouch) we begin the month in Sonoma county with a live appearance on KRSH 95.9 FM at 8 PM March 1 on 'Thursday Night Live'. Friday March 2 brings us to the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa on a triple bill with Petty Theft and the Unauthorized Rolling Stones. Marin beckons the following week with an Ides of March show at the Sweetwater and an SF bay music cruise out of Sausalito. We'll be wearing the green at Santa Clara's Avalon club along with the RaveUps on St. Patrick's Saturday and hitting Sacramento before month's end. It's a lot of getting around so we're bound to see you somewhere along the way. Until then...
Monday February 12, 2007
Happy Birthday Bill!!
We've had a couple people asking if they had missed any band mailings lately. The answer is no. We're in the midst of changing over to a sleeker, more secure mailing package and testing it to make sure it performs up to spec. Hopefully, we'll be finished this week and back in the information business before you know it. In the meantime we've had a few shows recently added for March, including for you north bay fans, the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa and our debut at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley on the Ides of March. Please stay tuned.
Saturday February 10, 2007
Our 2007 return to the stage was warming for body and soul; enough to dedicate an elastically soulful thank you to everyone who helped make last night's show at the El Campanil Theatre a sold out affair. Jim and Kathy Ocean's Community Concerts always have class, Rick and the staff at the El Campanil did a first rate job and Chris Solberg manned the mixer with Emerick aplomb. We saw many friendly and familiar faces and talked to a number of you who were gratified to see us back in action. The feeling is decidedly mutual. For February, Felton and Fremont follow as we make it back to Don Quixotes on Sat. Feb. 24 and the Saddle Rack on Sun. Feb. 25 for the KFOX Last Band Standing showcase. Just added to the calendar is a date with the airwaves live on KRSH 95.9 'The Krush' in Santa Rosa on Thursday March 1 at 8:30 PM for Thursday Night Live, hosted by Andre de Channes. This appearance comes a day ahead of our return to the Last Day Saloon on a triple bill with Petty Theft and the Unauthorized Rolling Stones March 2 at 8:30 PM. More to follow soon.
Tuesday January 23, 2007
Happy Birthday Steve!!
This month seems to be going by a lot quicker than it looked on paper. Far from being idle, there have been rehearsals, tuneups and gear purchases, Drew and Peter are hitting the books and soloing at Speisekammer, Michael dragged Steve into the studio to help work on some original music and Bill is minding the store. However, February is just over the horizon and all the pieces come together again on Friday Feb. 9 when we appear at the El Campanil Theatre for our first show of 2007. After that the weekends begin to slowly fill in and by March the dates will be popping up like wildflowers. We look forward to sharing another year with you and hope to see you again soon!
Monday January 1, 2007
Happy New Year everybody!! With the bustle of life amid the holidays now in the rear view mirror, there's now time to slip a word or two into our little blogosphere. We could devote a couple hundred of them just to last night's NYE show at the Little Fox Theatre. Sold out days in advance, this show seemed as eagerly anticpated by you as it was for us. The Little Fox always makes us feel welcome and besides that, the place just plain rocks. Ably assisted by opening act Tin Man's energetic set, we swam in a sea of love from the moment we hit the stage until well into 2007. We believe the energy in that room was as close to a fountain of youth as exists in nature and wonder if it could possibly be bottled. Thank you everyone who helped cap our best year ever in fine style and especially that handful of loyal fans who managed to hit all of our December shows. Stockton's Empire Theatre, the Main Street Brewery in Pleasanton and the King's Head in Campbell, we'll be back again! January will be a quiet month for us as we take a break from the stage to gear up for what already appears to be another busy year and we invite you to stick around for the ride. On behalf of the group and ourselves, we hope your holidays were merry and bright and wish you all the best in the new year.
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