Photo (c) by John Cavanaugh
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You did a
wonderful thing here and you should be extremely proud of your efforts. I was standing
near Debbie as she talked to someone about her reaction to the plaques that were delivered
by Stan and Kim up on stage during LaBamba's set. She said that she was a very tough
person to surprise and that she had no idea that this recognition would be made. Those
ladies deserve all of the accolades possible for pulling this off. They even made Johnny
be nice. The band members were also great the entire weekend.
They were around before and after the shows and were uniformly friendly. I arrived Friday
afternoon and took the shuttle to the rental car facility. When I noticed that my name was
not on the Hertz board I started to worry. Sure enough, I had forgotten to book a car for
the weekend and they wanted $100 per day as a walk-up renter. Went back to the airport and
took the shuttle to the hotel. That was the last problem I had the whole weekend. The
"Cunningham boys" from Cleveland (England) were also on the shuttle.
Met Sly right away at the welcome reception. She was so quiet and demure that I hardly
knew it was her. Later on I convinced her to come out of her shell a little bit and have
some fun. Went to the Professor Crewcut show and had a great time. Started consuming
significant numbers of Yuengling (try pronouncing that after having 10 or 20 of them). Met
Stan and Kim, Brian (the Trivia King) and Lori (former Gophers), Vandalia Dean and Hank,
Ben Beringer and his group, the Danni's, "Magic" Carole, and many others.
Attended Bobby's show and again had a great time (I think). Partied for a while later with
the shy one and several others. Finally went to bed at some ridiculous hour.
Woke up Saturday at 11. Went down for my autograph session. Wasn't feeling my best due to
EFC (Excessive Fun Condition). Johnny graciously signed my picture and I posed for my
8x12. Went back up to my room for a nap. Came down at 3:00 for the Mark Pender show.
Decided I had to have another nap and left. Really wish I had attended that show. Everyone
commented on how much fun they had. Came back down before Johnny's show. Stan had me up to
his room to sign the cards for the plaques. On the way up in the elevator Stan starts
doing his "the elevator is not a coffin, the elevator is not a coffin" shtick. I
was somewhat concerned and ask Kim about it later. She says that it was "normal"
and just part of being the "Knucklehead". We are joined by Sly, the Cunningham
boys, the Danni's, Ellie and Todd, and others to sign the cards. Very jealous of Stan and
Kim for having the idea of the plaques and admiration for the class execution. I also get
to hear about LaBamba and Bobby playing at Stan and Kim's wedding. More jealousy. Stan
comments that I am more eloquent without Mr. Yuengling's help. Line up for Johnny's show
at 8:30 or so. Some confusion and then we are admitted to the sanctuary.
Johnny and the Jukes then proceed to perform a measly 33 songs (thanks for the set list
Jack). I wish it could have been 100 songs. The show was magical, fantastic, wondrous,
fabulous and several other superlatives for 3.25 hours. I wander around in amazement and
watch the smile fixed on everyone's faces. There is no smoke, no crowding, easy to see
(lots of short people in front), great sound system and mix ( not always present at John's
shows). Only bad thing is that Diet Cokes are $2.00 for a small glass and I proceed to
spend $30 on DC (seriously). Stay up until 6:15 reading as a result.
Wake up and attend the brunch. Start looking for Mike Saunders so I can buy his Family
Tree poster that identifies Southside's band members over the last 26 years. I buy Bobby's
double CD re-release Shove It Down Your Throat (don't ask me about the title) and Joey
Stann's new CD which is coincidentally also called Family Tree. I had started talking with
Sharon earlier in the weekend and then Joey walked over and I realized that she was Joey's
wife. Both of them were extremely nice and that is why I bought the CD. GET THAT CD. I
played it in the plane on the way home and could hardly stay in my seat. Unfortunately,
the liner notes have no contact information whatsoever. I imagine Rock Dreams or the
Website might have an idea how to get it.
Attended LaBamba's set and had a great time. Watching the interplay between Richie and
Mark is priceless. Unfortunately, most people had left due to the storm and there was a
very small crowd. The band was still great and didn't complain at all about the size of
the crowd. By my count the band was 18 members strong. Stan and Kim got up to present the
plaques and the ladies all had tears in their eyes.
After the show I went out to a great Mexican restaurant with Stan and Kim, Sly, Maggie P.,
Jane M., Mike and Muddy from the band. Really appreciated the chance to chat with Maggie,
Jane and Muddy. Went back to the hotel to see Muddy and Jarrett Dean (half of the TalkTown
group that was going to play at the Pony that night). I was disappointed that the Stone
Pony outing was canceled due to the alleged storm, but it was fun to see the show in the
bar. Sly played tambourine with the band for the last half of the set and the English guy
that Johnny fired got to sing "I Don't Want To Go Home" when Jarrett took a
short break. Wrapped up the night chatting with Maggie and a father/daughter from PA
stranded due to the storm.
My flight to Minneapolis Monday morning arrived on time, much to my delight after all of
the skeptical comments I had received. The smile is still on my face as I write this.
Peace, Love and Jukes!!!!!!!!!!
Brian |
