I
always realized what great musicians made up the Jukes, but seeing Richie, Bobby, Jeff and
Mark front their own bands really drove home just how talented these guys are.
Living in Atlanta, I have not had the opportunity to see any of the guys solo. (Labamba
and the Hubcaps, The Mark Pender Band, Professor Crewcut, and Bobby Bandiera) But for
those of you in the Northeast, take it from me, Go see any of these guys at any chance you
get! Their shows are full of energy, humor and really great music. Mark had me in
stitches, laughing on minute in awe of his talent the next and lost in the music all night
long. Southside's surprise appearance in Jeff's show was one of my favorite moments of the
weekend.
As stated by others, all the band members were accessible, warm and approachable all
weekend long. It really was a dream come true for me to rub elbows with these guys. And
they seemed to enjoy the recognition. The only thing more that I could have asked for
would have been a slightly better opportunity the see the Jukes show. With 300 "Super
Fans" filling up a relatively small room and a stage that was only elevated by
18" or so, if you weren't in the first three rows of standing fans, the show was a
lot of peek-a-boo shots between all the heads. That doesn't mean it wasn't a blast, but I
have had a much better view of the band and the stage at bigger less intimate venues. The
sound however for all the shows was very very good (Kudos to Sean). Unfortunately the
threat of the bad weather caused us to have to leave after hearing the first three songs
by the "Big Band". Too bad the show started 1.5 hours late. And I guess it
appears that the snow never really made it to NJ! Sorry to bitch...but I have learned from
the best...Johnny!
The other wonderful thing about this weekend was meeting so many of the list members face
to face. Hi to Carol (from CA) , Danni (from NY), Bob (from PA), Jim (from TX), Michael
(from GA), Marty (from NJ), Stan (from NJ) and all of those who's names escape me right
now. It truly was a pleasure meeting each one of you and hope that we can do it again.
Next time maybe in the summer and an outside venue!
Tom Croly
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