Saturday
night brought Mark "Love Man" Pender to the stage. My oh my, this guy just blew
me away. Funny and funky, he's also a great guy too LaBamba joined him for his set and
they ripped through some great soul and R&B. The horns took off through the crowd and
into the lobby, like funky pied pipers. Ex-Juke Stan Harrison joined him for the whole
show. Mark even made him do the solo to Paris for us. Favorite songs: How about every
single one. Time to take your kid out of the box Mark!
Then it was time for the man. This was undoubtedly the best Jukes show I have ever seen.
Three hours plus of nothing but everyone's favorite Jukes song. As Johnny said, "It's
nice playing for people who know what the fuck is going on." He genuinely appreciated
this weekend and was one happy man all weekend long. I don't have a set list but I hope
someone else will post one soon, but favorite songs for me were: On The Beach, Little Girl
So Fine, Paris, I'd Gladly Go Blind, and oh yeah, every other song he played all night
long.
I didn't see much of LaBamba and the Hubcaps but what I did see was excellent. I think I
counted about 100 horns on stage with him including some ex-Jukes such as Mike Spengler. I
definitely want to see the Hubcaps again sometime.
It was great meeting all you people who were previously only names on a computer screen.
Sly (hey roomie), the 2 Danni's (TEQUILA), Jack, Steve, Bill, Stan (OW!) and everyone
else, it was great to meet you all finally.
I think Johnny now realizes, if he hadn't before, the power and influence he has over our
lives. And he also knows the love his true fans have for him. We showed him the love this
weekend.
Debbie, Jane, Maggie and everyone else who helped make this weekend the great success it
was, thanks. Now get some sleep because in a couple of weeks we'll start you on planning
JUKESTOCK 2002.
Sorry I went on so long but, I had to get this off my chest before I wind down for some
Sopranos tonight. I hope every one made it home OK with the crappy weather and all.
Craven Morehead and Sloppy Ballerina
say hi!
Dave Vallee
Long Live The Dukes |
