Bally Bunion 12/18/10 Brooklyn, NYC

We ended 2010 with a nice casual gig at one of our home bases The Bally Bunion of Bay Ridge who always treat us to an energetic crowd and treat us right with their eager to please staff. Two of us (Billie Jean and myself) had our first ever "Hot Toddy's" and Spicoli nailed the deal by singing the praises of Toddyism to us as he sipped on his, Was it Yummy ? Yes It Were.

It was nice to arrive early enough to enjoy some leisure time speaking with Joey from Music Center and sample some Mozzarella Sticks from the in-house menu before performing 2 sets (sets 2 and 3 were combined) of 80s Classics for Le Crowd.

A Special thanks to The Karate Kid and Marty McFly for coming down and beginning our process of understudies for what is shaping up to be our busiest year yet 2011.



A Drummer's Life Is A Series Of DEVO Hats - Me, 2010









"Dont You Want Me Baby ?"

- Animal

FLICKR

S.O.B's 12/16/10 New York City

After probably decades of hearing about the famed S.O.B's it was a bit of a thrill to perform there for a private function as we played two sets of 80s classics for the (especially by the second set) highly receptive and kinetic crowd of fun seeking dancers. The DJ who was on between our sets played "Dont you want me" so we substituted that with "Jessies Girl". Nice place, Friendly Staff and we even got a gift bag at the end of the night.

I personally dont care for little stairsteps with no handrail (see above) but was able to successfully navigate them without incident.





Stylized seating in the green room but I gravitated towards the couch as I was feeling under the weather.









- Animal

Brooklyn Bowl 12/7/10 Brooklyn, New York

Right from the start there was serious dancing and cheering which almost reached Beatle-esque proportions (on a much smaller level of course) and we were in the rare but fun situation of the entertainer being entertained. The band has played to some receptive crowds but this was by far the biggest of them in the dancing category.

So what was going on ?

Well, we have reached a level of competence that its no surprise people enjoy us but this was a scene out of a musical. What happened was that there was a church group in attendance and they all knew each other so to see several dozen "zombies" aping Spicoli's "Thriller" moves in unison was no cause for alarm not to mention the Love Circle which formed during "Dont Stop Believing".











The Solid Gold Dancers !!!











A lovely Brisket O' Beef flanked by Corn on the Cob and Creamy yet Especially Buttery Mashed Potatoes with the mysterious Salty yet Sweet Gravy for toppers courtesy of the culinary creators at Le Brooklyn Bowl.





FLICKR

- Animal

Napper Tandy's 12/3/10 Miller Place, Long Island

What made this gig interesting was the addition of Sean the sound engineer to fatten and balance the audio distribution over the dance floor at the Napper Tandy and while I could never listen first hand I heard that we sounded just that much better, I for one always love a mic'ed Bass Drum and the low frequency thud that fills the room, likewise the crack and richness coming off of the snare drum when sent through speakers. On the downside I had a keyboard heavy monitor mix for a bit but these things can be worked out after the trial run which is what this was.

The band played great to an intimate crowd and DJ Pacman Pookie declared us his "Favorite Band at the moment"

Song premiered at this gig "Old Time Rock and Roll"





Even though I have had run-ins before it was at this gig that I realized how physically demanding it was to play most of these songs, I know that we are an High Energy Eighties Dance Band but a drummer with Flu-like symptoms does not bode well with
High Energy Eighties Dance Band Music. I got through three sets but barely and from my bandmates reactions I think they noticed. Most Importantly the audience didnt realize anything was amiss and I even got compliments on my drumming from two patrons. I know now that I am capable of playing with my eyes closed and I do mean Literally but I just wish these germs would keep away on show-nights.



A Few hours before the gig Spicoli and myself did our Friendly's sojourn and I ordered a Cheddar Jack Chicken Supermelt Sandwich (Savory Tender Freshly Grilled Chicken Smothered in melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheeses Crisp Hickory Smoked Bacon with Dijon Mustard on Grilled (its toast) Sourdough Bread) which sounds great on paper but was kind of bland in flavor and presentation, add to that now that I think of it I think they gypped me out of my Crisp Hickory Smoked Bacon !!!



- Animal