BABYSITTING THE BISCUIT

The 20th Annual Napoli Pizza Party - 2/11/11 Staten Island,New York

2012-02-11T10:01:00.033-05:00

Invited back to the Napoli Pizza party a second year in a row was an honor for me and it was great to see everyone again. The Dough was flying like usual and many more Pies and Rolls (Calzones, Sausage Rolls, Sfingione*) were created than photo space allows in this column, here are some of the outstanding selections (and my creation this year).

Cellphone camera's (plural) documented the proceedings as Pizza's were posted to Facebook in real time that Bill Gates could only imagine and Steve Jobs only be proud of.

Once again Carol outdid herself with the creation of a KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) Pizza which is (apart from the Pizza dough) made up completely out of KFC materials in this order from the ground floor up. --> Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken "from the bucket" pieces and some shredded Cheddar Cheese to top off the toppings.

Courtenay's Pie with Pear Slices, Balsamic Vinegar and Fig Glaze was the most unique Pie this year.

Jamie's Broccoli Rabe and Fontina Cheese with caramelized Onions, probably the favorite of the day.

Joe came up with The M.O.R. - Meatballs, Onion, Ricotta & Basil over Sauce and Cheese and that's hard to beat, I mean think about it'. Off the menu this is the safest bet.

My creation of the Taco Pie is Pizza Sauce and Mozzarella topped with Ortega Taco Seasoning flavored Ground Beef with pickled/jar Jalapeño slices and Crushed "Nacho Cheese" Doritos.

Jamie and Donna prepared the Pulled Pork & BBQ Sauce Pie which flew off the table.

Sirelle's "Healthy" Pie is a Whole Wheat Pizza topped with Arugula,Tangerine Chunks,Goat Cheese and one I need to taste.

This year the Dough was literally giving "rise" to nipples.

a pizza portrait.

* - properly spelled Sfincione

iPhone 4

2012-02-10T12:44:00.011-05:00

About a year ago I was sitting behind the drums during rehearsal at the Callbox as Dave, Rob and J.C. were all simultaneously buried in their cell phones for a moment to which Mike exclaimed "Well, its 2011 what would we do without our mobile devices" ? I LOL (as they say) and the joke stuck with me, so true and maybe even moreso a year later.

For two years my LG Envtouch served me well being my first touch screen/internet capable mobile device even though I did have major calibration issues and had to send in to get a replacement just a few months into my foray but just the same I too could be seen buried in my mobile device.

I have had my mind set on an iPhone probably since its inception being a fan of Apple products and waited for my contract with Verizon to be up for some incentive savings on my new phone (in my case $30 credit affording me a $70 iPhone) and a slightly inflated data package ($20 monthly increase). After living with this device for a few days I can only sing its praises and I am totally happy with it but it really is just a phone with internet services BUT lets not forget the joy of Apps (a luxury my LG did not support). Forget about Angry Birds (yes I got that one too) the Uber-Geek in me just had to have the RUSH App that I read about on probably the first BLOG I ever read namely RUSH IS A BAND and this was the first app I downloaded as soon as I got home. I don't want to be one that sits playing games on my Telephone but boy it is tempting, at the moment Im liking the Music Trivia but thankfully these apps only hold my attention for minutes at a time, so far.

My favorite "mobile device" yet. I can't wait for the iPhone 7

iPhone RUSH App

White Wedding - Private "SKI" Party - 2/4/12 New York City

2012-02-04T18:23:00.018-05:00

The Crowd Totally ROCKED!!! We Totally ROCKED!!! It ROCKED!!!

White Wedding played here about a year ago to aid a benefit/Ski Party for the homeless to an insane crowd and they just got insanier!!!. Everyone was in lovely spirits from the start and on the dance floor by our first number "The Promise". Springsteen went over BIG tonight!!! and the crowd chanting Born In The USA with us in spirit and key was special.

Tonight was one of those shows when I was so proud to be in this band and I am sure it was in no small part to this being our last show with our bandleader and architect Mike (Doc Brown) who resigned his post for the most righteous of duties, namely starting a family with Tawni and their daughter Thora. Not in Any way to belittle the valiant efforts of Mike's understudies Marco or Paul and our new full time guitarist Eric (Who are all awesome players might I add) but a lot of our detailed arrangements are Mike's that Dave, Nancy and myself executed for well over five years and as happens without realizing it, we became organic natural players together so the smoothness of tonights performance in some part was just setting it on auto pilot.

p.s. - the bum leg on the floor tom of the orange school bus drum kit kept collapsing so I played with no floor tom tonight, at one point it became aplasticcupofseltzerstand to which Nancy questioned me about during song but I couldn't answer since I was drumming and all but Nancers had me dying laughing.

In all his Purpleness.

80s SKI Fashion Abounds.

Rob, Nancy & Grand Marnier Globular Drinking Vessel in Crimson.

a.k.a. Billie Jean & Doc Brown. (whats with the cigarette Mike ?)

Me & Dave (what the hell am I playing)

a: the intro to 1999

The Candid J.C.

and Sean and Ginger did our sound and lights again, always a pleasure.
you can find their services here

This Is Show # 154

White Wedding - Resorts World Casino/Bar 360 2/2/12 Queens, New York

2012-02-02T12:44:00.011-05:00

Bar 360 at the Resorts World Casino offered us a most unique stage to perform on offering a three hundred and sixty degree view from stage as well as being our first casino performance. On the grounds of aqueduct raceway in Queens, New York is a slots only gambling "Racino" (I use gambling for lack of a better word all you shriners out there) offering complete smoke-free entertainment until the wee hours, most impressive.

The band delivered three one hour sets to an appreciative and ever changing crowd of onlookers (there were quite a few who stuck around with us most of the night as well) as is the nature of playing a casino since not many are there to watch the band all night, the next step is to build a casino following and before you know it we could be competing with Wayne Newton. After our second set the A/V crew got a handle on what our show is about and Mike the sound engineer was yelling "Billy Idol!!!" at Rob dressed as Billy Idol and then asked me most good naturally "Who are you supposed to be Phyllis Diller ?" after which I replied "I have heard many things in my life but never Phyllis Diller" turns out that was a stock personality for Mike.

Fancy Nancy in her Day-Glo shades.

Dramatis Personae Rob

Eric as The Beast of X-Men fame.

The Coolest Pic of Dave Ever.

J.C. Keys

Your Blogmaestro.

The Green Room at World Resorts Casino was far away enough from the stage that I wondered if anyone gave a second glance at Rob or Nancy in Full Billy Idol or Cyndi Lauper Regalia,... This is Queens, NAH!!!

Jamie had SLOTS of fun taking some photos too, as you can see. Thanks for taking the pics Jamie.

This Is Show # 153

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White Wedding - Zeppelin Hall 1/27/12 Jersey City,New Jersey

2012-01-27T17:50:00.016-05:00

The recurring image in my head of this show is one that I did not even witness for myself. Jamie told me that during the Culture Club segment of our performance her sister Carol shared smiles with a particularly macho member of Zeppelin Hall's Security personnel as he stood shaking his head in bemusement at Rob's costumed and caricatured depiction of Boy George thoroughly enjoying himself yet possibly wondering why.

This is why we are the right tribute band at the right tribute time doing the right tribute things in the right tribute way and rightly so.

Tonight was Eric's premiere performance with us live and we played splendidly together (I just wanted to type Splendidly) and without a hitch considering that we had only "run through" maybe thirty percent of our set together performing many songs together for the first time here tonight onstage, (herein lies a proud accomplishment as seasoned musicians). Unique arrangements to this band were met head on with little Flubbishness by Eric and this ensemble as we barreled through the proverbial 80s Bierhalle Kielbasa Tunes just like always.

a spooky picture with a lot of character.

Between Set Schmoozing.

Our Solid Gold Dancers.

Eric and Rob Rocking Out.

Who goes to a german biergarten and orders a Philly Cheese Steak ? I DO!!! This was a Delicious Sandwich but I ordered too late and got in one bite before having to begin our set.

This Is Show # 152

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White Wedding - Brooklyn Bowl 1/23/12 Brooklyn,New York

2012-01-23T08:50:00.035-05:00

Tonight was our third return performance/engagement at the spacious and lovely Brooklyn Bowl at 61 Wythe Avenue and always a pleasure to appear at.

THE PROS - Full Backline (sans guitars,keys and cymbals), We are performing at the Brooklyn Bowl which is probably Brooklyn's finest room, aside from a certain bartender (dare I call him anything else) the Brooklyn Bowl has an accommodating and pleasant staff from top to bottom, Proper stage, Proper Green Room, Excellent on-stage monitors/mixes, complimentary hot water for my Theraflu.

THE CONS - I forgot Nancy's wigs which were newly transferred to my living room inside my bass drum/no bass drum/no wigs. This is being remedied tomorrow and we are keeping all the costumes together, Our Drummer (me) is weak and sick with a coldflucough, when ordering a drink a hipster member of the wait staff reminded me that "Gratuities arent included with the drink ticket" the nerve of him as I am working too (to keep people from leaving!!! hence less tips), I would have set his beard on fire but I quit smoking so my Zippo was back home in the drawer.

We perform our newest rendition of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana", OK I Joke, Really. J.C. is our underrated singer, This man can sing.

BONO: A Space Oddysey.

Rob does a great job (and many fan photos are taken as well, usually mid-performance).

One of the finest singers I have worked with, Nancy - signed spike.

Nancy points Dave in the direction of the nearest Indian restaurant but we needed him at the moment.

Dave hands off the 99th Red Balloon, a first for the band.

I had to hoof it (via car service) to the Bowl with gig bag, cymbal bag and bad cold (a common health deficit) so lazily decided to utilize the in house snare drum as opposed to bringing my beloved maple DW snare and I was not disappointed. a wee bit high pitched but then again I didn't attempt to retune it. The Tama Starclassic is my second favorite snare drum on the market (I still haven't tried a Gretsch however) so it was fun all around and lighter to carry as well since I couldn't leave with it and bringing it into the venue would certainly be defying the laws of physics as are currently known.

Nachos - I nursed these in the green room throughout the evening and as far as I can tell the toppings were Refried Beans, Beef (Ground ?), Monterey Jack Cheese AND Corn (sending it over the top). ooo, I see some red peppers I think as well. Either way no explanation needed and no time to decipher, this is Nosh Food.

Soundcheck (HD)

in house schedule poster.

facebook promotion.

online promotion. brooklyn bowl website

This Is Show # 151

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White Wedding - Heritage Bar 1/21/12 Yonkers, New York

2012-01-21T17:02:00.009-05:00

Certainly not one of my better nights performing as I popped the bass drum head just a few numbers into our first (of 3) sets during "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Tears for Fears and Nancy and myself were feeling under the weather causing Nancy's cancellation making it a male 80s band show with Paul and J.C. handling vocal duties between Rob's costume changes, The crowd did not seem to notice and were as raucous as ever. Kudos to Rob for ducking a patron landing on top of him whilst in his Bono lying on the floor guise of which I only heard of after the fact.

I don't see anything from my vantage point.

Diamond Head Dave and his flying V.

Dave and myself perform "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" prior to our set. NOT!!!

My little corner at the Heritage.

Dublin style Fish & Chips served with Baked Beans, Coleslaw and Tartar Sauce in faux newspaper wax paper with Lemon wedges.

DELICIOUS.

This Is Show # 150

QUEEN Unseen by Peter Hince

2012-01-18T10:39:00.003-05:00

What struck me almost immediately about Ratty's (Peter Hince) book was that this is a QUEEN book not so much about our ... QUEEN but about Working for Queen and being part of the road crew (in this case tour manager) which one may find on the surface a daunting and pedestrian task unworthy of recording... on the contrary this is a most exciting subject full of guile, heroism, bicycle races, zeal and swiss chicks giving up their bodies all for the love of Rock and Roll..

Keith Richards - Life

2012-01-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

The Good Yeggs - Beefstock South/The Plastic Beef Variety Show - Freddy's Backroom 1/14/12 Brooklyn, New York

2012-01-14T14:06:00.014-05:00

The Precursor to BEEFSTOCK 2012 was held at Freddy's by the band's with the band's and for the band's appearing this year of which the Good Yeggs will be amongst the roster.

The lineup tonight is below, we were running behind schedule as can be expected at these type of things.

6:30 - PLASTIC BEAST - (hand percussion welcome to sit in)
7:40 -
8:00 - BLACK DEATH w/THE BEER VAMPIRE
8:45 - NOHRMAL
8:50 - THE NOPAR KING w/LITTLE JOE IACONO
9:20 - POWER DROID
9:30 - SOLAR PUNCH
----- iNBAL
10:00 - ADMIRAL PORKBRAIN
10:35 - ERIC MATTINA
10:45 - THE GOOD YEGGS w/TOM ROBERTO
11:30 - THE BLOODY MUFFS
12:00 - THE BEAST
1:00 - OPEN BLUES JAM - (let me know in advance if interested)

Admiral Porkbrain came as a surprise to me being a Captain Beefheart tribute band amongst the proceedings, the opening song was "Moonlight On Vermont".

The Yegg's convened unto Freddy's just before 8 p.m. to check out Brian's Death Metal band BLACK DEATH and held a lengthy evening of wine, scotch, vodka, conversations about Gibson SG's, rolls, cough drops and chocolate covered cherries whilst careening in and out of the back room checking out all of the bands until our turn came. Aside from my count off to "Stranger Coming To Town" being 1-2-3-4 as opposed to the correct 1-2-3-4-2-2-3-4 we performed without incident or error and had a really good gig.

Thanks to Joe Cowell for emceeing our segment and Joseph Filosa for putting this all together.

Well, who's drink is who's ?
there's three yegg's and three drink's

There would have been more of this but my memory card ran out. Narcissistic, Moi ?

White Wedding - Zeppelin Hall 1/13/12 Jersey City,New Jersey

2012-01-13T16:10:00.027-05:00

Ask a bus driver on the corner of 9th & Hennepin what a magnet bitch and get out of free jail card means and the shaman may reply "chicken salad or" ???... the comedian may also reply "when the still sea conspires",... whatever. what is important is that there is a reply. and now about tonight.

The Zeppelin Hall of Jersey City is a Great Room(s) and I can really only imagine what it is like there in the summer months (but look forward to finding out) once again a packed house and we were hard pressed to find a table ourselves pre-show.

By the finale of tonight's performance the crowd was quite appreciative of our musical efforts and showed it with exuberance. Bon Jovi, G n R, Poison, The Ramones and Beastie Boys all went over big time to end the third set with a Bang.

Premiered this evening was Culture Club's "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me", Poison's "Talk Dirty To Me" and "Blitzkrieg Bop" by the Ramones

PROST !!!

Nancy Rose

We Whip the crowd into a frenzy.

Dave caught lying down on the job again, Friggin' Bass Players and their SubSonic Ways (This coming from a SuperSonic drummer).

Nice Presentation even if it looks like a Kielbasa.

This Is Show # 149

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White Wedding - Good Times magazine article

2012-01-06T14:53:00.011-05:00

The Latest Good Times magazine (January 3-16, 2012) is running an article on White Wedding, pick up a copy and watch this spot for the transcript after this issue goes out of print, off the stands and into the aether.

Thanks Sara(h) for the glowing write up.

Good Times magazine has been in circulation in the tri-state area for over 40 years.

my view "down the block" towards Guitar Center.

Good Times Magazine

White Wedding - Two Tiger Studio - Brooklyn, New York

2012-01-04T17:08:00.008-05:00

Sometimes things really come full circle and this was one of those occasions. As soon as I approached the entrance to our new rehearsal space, spied the gas station on the corner and saw the front door (see photo below) I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore. This was the very rehearsal studio where the Airwaves formed (Two Tigers Studio) and where I first ever met Nancy, Tawni, Dave and Mike back when I tried out for a wedding band my good friend Joe (of the Good Yeggs) had passed the audition for and here we were almost a completely different lineup, five years down the road with considerable miles of experience under our collective belts with an heir of new beginnings and starting over, here's to 2012 exceeding all expectations.

Sorting out something or another, this is why we have rehearsal.

Odd lighting effects (of an odd person) as I set the camera up for the video (see below)

IN the same room together which is proof that Eric and Paul are not the same person.

First photo I took on the night, I knew this doorway only too well.

Bassett Deli - New Years Celebration 1/2/12 Brooklyn,New York

2012-01-03T02:32:00.006-05:00

Jamie and myself had takeout New Years Day dinner prepared courtesy of Bassett Deli of Avenue X, Brooklyn and some of the finest food fare still being offered in our dwindling choices in this "Brave New World" of homemade food restaurants of yore. Next stop Totonno's Pizza before Everything Is Gone, but in the meantime.....

Meatloaf ($4.95 mini loaf), on the vinegar tartish side but we both loved it, gravy was free flowing and given in a separate 1/4 lb. container.

Spanish Rice and Beans with Pernil or some kinda Meat in there (no time to look), done quite to perfection. no grainy or overdone pieces in here.

I am starting a new diet for the New Year 2012, this was marked SALAD,... Tortellini Salad.

Potato Croquette, LOOK AT IT,....
NO,.... LOOK AT IT!!!!!
Cheesey too.

THE Prosciutto Ball ($3.95 for 6)
(not salty enough to my palette but I could always add some couldn't I ?)

Eggplant Parmigiana.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

White Wedding - Heritage Bar 12/31/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-12-31T16:53:00.024-05:00

I finally learned what an Ulster Fry is, oftentimes on the daily menu specials at the Heritage (but not tonight) this item is listed. I previously surmised that it was a "fried food platter" and that Ulster is "a place" and I was right on both counts (Ulster is geographically located at the top of Ireland and the contents of the plate was rattled off to me so expertly and quickly that I can only remember that there were Beans). This information was provided by members of the wait staff who had ended their shift and were counting out receipts at the very table next to which I set up my Drum Kit and as it was getting closer to showtime I went ahead and set up around them, they were all very sweet but realized once the band "came in" that this was a bit loud and somewhat intrusive. Oh Thats Right SHOWTIME, this entry is about the show.

It being New Years eve the Heritage was its usual lively self with a few extra well wishers 'Round Midnight, this place has fans and a core audience that need no explanation once you have experienced the Heritage spirit.

Tonight there were 2 Michael Jackson's at one point but dont worry I know who the real one is and I aint telling, there was also some breakdancing during "Sister Christian" which was instigated by Rob, Well... at least that sounds right to me, I was in prescription shades in a dimly lit room but I mean who else would do that!!!. This is also the show that I experienced a common drummer nightmare, that of the band being onstage ready to start without you, I was at the bar getting a third set Guinness discussing the band Rush with a patron when I heard Rob introducing the opening number "Anyway You Want It" by Journey.

Thanks Steve for delivering the Stout to me.

The Two Michael's

Is this a Material Girl ?

Welcome to the Jungle.

Note: White Wedding t-shirt

Axlette Rose.

Rockin' The Heritage.

The band played very well and it was nice to have Nancy back in the fold for the evening. Nancy had a blast as well, I was there.

We got there early (Sean drove me) and actually got a seat at the bar along with Nancy & Paul. I purchased a Heritage Bar polo shirt since they treat us so well there (and its a nice shirt) and finally tried their Sliders which were very tasty.

Dave and myself vamped behind MC Rob counting down the new year for the crowd after which I meant to shut off my digital camera but forgot so we get 18 minutes of audio from tonights show instead of five, ALL for the price of a dime.

This Is Show # 148

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The Whisperer in Darkness DVD

2011-12-24T01:23:00.018-05:00

After experiencing the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Societies cinematic take on "The Call Of Cthulhu" (2005) I could only have extremely high expectations for their sophomore effort and a few years ago I was enthralled with the teaser trailer and very pleased that their followup choice would be "The Whisperer In Darkness" a story rich with mystery, intrigue, suspense and of course bat winged creatures from Pluto. Since a majority of the original story is told through the correspondence in written letters a certain amount of padding had to be utilized to create a working finished product as a film and I have not one single complaint from a fans standpoint, sure they removed Akeley's guard dogs and added a biplane replete with aerial Mi-Go's but it all works splendidly and befitting (through the magic of Mythoscope) of a picture from 1931.

The acting is top notch and I do not use this term lightly, in most cases the heart is in the right place (the lost skeleton of cadavra comes to mind) but falls a little short in the thespian arena when it comes to fans making movies for the fans. Barry Lynch (Henry Akeley) and Matt Foyer (Albert Wilmarth) play their roles flawlessly and convincingly. Will Masterson (Caspar Marsh) and new favorite Daniel Kaemon (P.F. Noyes) also get special kudos for their performances but everyone just did an amazing job right down to Brain Cylinder B-67 (portrayed by producer & director Sean Branney).

Horror Fans, Sci-Fi Fans, Strange Fiction Fans, Fans of the Fantastique and H.P. Lovecraft Fans should all be most pleased with this proper adaptation to the screen of the twentieth centuries greatest, most important writer and architect of All the genres mentioned above.

Teaser Trailer (2007)

Trailer One (2011)

Links

H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society

The Whisperer In Darkness Blog

The Whisperer In Darkness Press Kit

The Callbox - We hardly knew ya'

2011-12-21T16:33:00.024-05:00

The Callbox Lounge (which is really a sports bar nestled betwixt the Kingsland & Meeker avenues in Williamsburg) was a unique place from an "ensemble" (band) standpoint where WE could watershed songs and arrangements without the pressures of being "on the clock" in a rehearsal studio proper, We could be casual AND this place SERVED BEER.

THIS WENT ON FOR FIVE YEARS !!!

In the beginning, we were performing as The Airwaves (Mike, Nancy, Tawni, Dave, myself and our singer also called Mike) The thing Was Mike (Doc Brown) lived two blocks away from the Callbox and once we had a handful of songs prepared he offered them a show gratis which was accepted and became our first "gig". We played to a handful of people and strictly for experience but we officially became a performing band that night. Afterwards the owner of the establishment offered us the opportunity to rehearse there once a week at our leisure which we accepted and exponentially with time we grew as musicians, performers, people and collaborators in many ways, we gained So Much and that is mostly why I will miss the Callbox, so much learning and growing went on in that room.

Speaking freely for White Wedding / The Airwaves during its creation and fruition I can only give thanks towards the Callbox and its owner Freddie for affording us Hundreds of hours rehearsal time, our first "gig" proper (and a few after that too), storage of equipment, allowing us to load gear at unimaginable hours, and most of all... The Experience.

Nancy watches her step.

The Call Box Awning.

Mike's yellow school bus Ludwig drum kit which has served well under many a performance (12/12/07).

The Airwaves outside of the Callbox (left to right) Mike, Steve (our second singer), Nancy, Dave, Tawni, Spike (7/19/07).

CALLBOX WEBSITE

It was 30 years ago today - RUSH - Moving Pictures Tour Brendan Byrne Arena 12/21/81

2011-12-21T02:42:00.009-05:00

Christmas Cookies 12/20/11

2011-12-21T02:42:00.007-05:00

Not since my Nana was alive has there been fresh baked homemade cookies in my midst to make the holidays that much more festive. I didnt so much get to make the cookies from scratch or even get a chance to see that done but I am that much closer and less hesitant when my turn comes soon at making Butter Cookies. I got to use the Zester to collect some Orange Zest and helped shape the cookies for the sheet (and dropped some in the case of the Drop Cookies) and of course enjoy some. Here are Chef Jamie's words (copied and pasted off of Facebook) to describe each cookie.

Greek, Kourabiedes (Walnut Sugar Cookies).

Italian Anginetti (iced lemon cookies).

American Vanilla Drop Cookies.

Candied Almonds.

White Wedding - O' Flanagans 12/17/11 New York City

2011-12-17T17:23:00.026-05:00

Once Again,

Quite the Frenetic and Energetic crowd out on the dance floor from our opening "A Little Respect" to the closer "Fight For Your Right", We have learned to expect a certain degree of AWESOMENESS from the O' Flanagans Saturday night patrons but this being Pre-Christmas weekend "Weekend" there were a few parties being held on the premises adding to the fun and if any night was going to have the crowd yelling "WHITE FU**ING WEDDING !!!" then tonight was it !

Those Rowdy Drunkard's certainly let us know,.... Beer, Sports, Gyrations, Rock Music and use of the "F" word where applicable and

WHITE FUC**ING WEDDING !!!!!

I was entertained by the audience's reaction and playfulness in front of a capable band but also by the bands reaction towards a capable audience. Thanks to my blonde bartender friend for all the Bass Ale Pints.

This audience knew what they were in for as soon as the DEVO hats came out.

Robert Smith contemplates.

What might they be chanting and was the "F" word involved ?

She's Got Legs.

Ran into this fan as he was trying to nick a pair of Rob's 80s shades during load out and then again was informed minutes later by Paul that "theres some guy outside wearing Rob's shades" after which I went to retrieve them, they were finally returned to Rob and we posed for a pic.

Since MTA.org is So Reliable with up to date transit info (All Sarcasm Intended) as it has fed me in the past I took the quick walk over to the 79th street "D" train to find there was No Manhattan bound trains ALL weekend. On the way back I decided to check see if they had the "Lard Bread" at Palermitana Bakery (7821 17th avenue) of which a most reliable source has told me therein the Good Bread resides.

This Is The Real Deal "Lard Bread" and not the Prosciutto Bread (which is loved on its own merits) that I have been eating over the years, you can taste the Bacon Drippings in every bite of this Delicious Loaf ($3.50).

This Is Show # 147

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Jamie's Tree Trimming Party - 12/11/11

2011-12-15T03:01:00.010-05:00

Jamie resurrected her Fuscia Christmas tree for this holiday season of 2011 and threw a little tree trimming party for Denise, Sean and myself replete with Sausage Bread, Spinach Bread, Broccoli Rabe Bread some Merlot Wine and Vodka Drinks. The tree was decorated before, after and through dinner and as the evenings festivities grew we found ourselves in a half moon around the tree singing Elton John's "Empty Garden" along with the John Lennon "Imagine" ornament.

What Empty Garden and Christmas have in common no one knows but we love it just the same.

It was great to SEE the wEYEde variety of Christmas ornaments in Jamie's collection.

EYE saw mommy kissing Santa Claus.

12/15/11 - a different tree, this one is a little bigger.

White Wedding - Zeppelin Hall 12/9/11 Jersey City,New Jersey

2011-12-09T08:55:00.022-05:00

This is not someones prank especially not mine, the poster above was drummed up by the ad men at Zeppelinhall and I must say for the record that we did 11 Costume Changes Tonight NOT the advertised 10!

So That's One Louder Innit!!!

I appreciate the poster and am always taken aback when you find one has been made for you with an angle, its interesting to see how your project is received and appears objectively.

The band played great with Rob and Paul performing on the dance floor much to our mirth for a portion of the evening. Many people passed the bandstand throughout the performance and as I peered past my bandmates asses was quite entertained myself, I have said it before "A Drummers life is a series of asses".

Premiered tonight was the Number One song of the 1980s "Every Breath You Take" by the Police.

Zeppelinhall of Jersey City is becoming one of my favorite places to play. in lieu of a green room this Biergarten is spacious with at least three distinct areas to Eat, Drink and Be Merry of which I did my best.

His Purpleness

Our fan Giseli poses with her shirt, this photo and the one above were sent to us by Giseli as well. TY

EAT TO THE BEAT.

"go out and get a bite and you'll still be hearing that one"

Its Bono, Two Cups and a White Balloon BUT What Does It Mean ???!!!

Mmmmmmm, Biergarten Potato & Cheese Pierogies, Mmmmmmm,....

from the "ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL" department. I arrived at the Callbox right around the designated time for load up and found Tiffany sitting in front of a Closed Bar, gas barbeque cooker grill over the cellar door (our only alternative form of entrance) fastened by a Kryptonite lock, fortunately Smiley showed up and came to the rescue opening the entire bar for business (the afternoon girl called out) and we loaded our equipment to and fro via bungee door, trapdoor, zipcar and back again.

Thank's for taking the photo's Steve

White Wedding - JCs Restaurant 12/3/11 - Manorville, New York

2011-12-03T13:48:00.017-05:00

Tonight was Tiffany's first performance with us in front of an audience and she certainly rose to the occasion more than can be expected from most with so little time to properly prepare and only one dress rehearsal under her belt. Regaling the crowd with impersonations of Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna she was literally out in the crowd demanding (in a proper way) more people to the dance floor of which particularly J.C. and myself were pleasantly surprised. I said to Dave at one point between songs "She's pretty good isnt she ?" as a side note Tiffany's rebellious stage came at the tender age of 12 so this may explain things.

Debuted at this show was "I Love Rock & Roll" by little Joanie Jett.

For all the Billie Jean and Nancy fans out there, Don't worry we are not letting her off that easy, she is still playing New Years Eve (at the Heritage) and a private party with us.

taken from my vantage point during "Don't Stop Believing"

Tiffany in our newest outfit, Joan Jett

Is Mike wearing Joan Jett's pants ?

Is Rob jealous of Joan Jett's pants ?

J.C. and Spike play along happily dressed in red (J.C. is even wearing a red belt). Dave was dressed in red as well, This was NOT planned, see the photo below.

Hey that's NOT Joan Jett, That's Madonna !!!

Thanks for taking the pics Sarah.

Famished and on the Q train at a godforsaken hour I realized I had a Chinese Ham & Cheese Bun in my presence and proceeded to take care of that.

from the website.

Thanksgiving 2011 Mostly By JAMIE MORONI

2011-11-24T12:09:00.022-05:00

(From Noon Clockwise) Roast Turkey (White Meat), Pepperidge Farm Stuffing A La JAMIE MORONI souped up with Ground Sausage and Caramelized Onions, Cranberry Sauce, Pillsbury Crescent Roll, Homeade Stuffed Mushroom, Asparagus baked with Virgin Olive Oil, Mashed Potatoes Doused in Au Jus Gravy (I must have sprung a leak as it) wound up on the plate and for the first time Ever I didnt have a pool of (GRAVY) inside my mound of taters..

The Loaded Plate at the Moroni Compound and I thank them for having me. an Incredible Dinner produced by JAMIE -Sha-La-LA-NaaNaaNaaNaaaa MORONI, Mama Moroni The BIG "C" on Corn Cobs and Gravy Au Jus, Carol on Bird-Carving and me (your BLOGMaestro) on Mashed Taters and construction of the Pillsbury Crescent Rolls.

Stuffed Mushrooms - Carol De-Stemmed these Mushrooms and diced up the Stempiece after which JAMIE MORONI Re-Stuffed the Mushroom with the diced up Stempiece and a mixture of Breadcrumbs, Spices, Pecorino Romano Grated Cheese and Fresh Onion Drippings.

The Broccoli Rabe - Simple Yet as Delicious as a Hydrogen BOMB !!!!
Smashed Garlic and Virgin Olive Oil Do It Right especially when JAMIE MORONI makes it.

Sausage Bread & Broccoli Rabe/Cheese Bread, JAMIE MORONI Made This.

TO DIE FOR !!!

Pictured is a cross section of the Sausage Bread and a fresh unopened Broccoli Rabe/Cheese Bread,... or was it the other way around. SHUTUP !!! I'M DELIRIOUS !!!

After we prepped some foods for tomorrow's celebration JAMIE MORONI prepared some Angel Hair Pasta and leftover Sausage (from Conchetta's Birthday Party) so all of santa's elves could have dinner just in time for this weeks latest "American Horror Story" episode.

THE STUFFING - if this was the Surface of the Moon I believe that many more trips would have been taken there if they knew it was the surface of JAMIE MORONI's moon.

A Mainstay for Thanksgiving's to come always.
The Pillsbury Biscuit, SPIKE made these.

Classic after dinner gameplay.

King Crimson - "As Silence Drowns The Screams" - In The Court Of The Crimson King 40TH Anniversary Edition Box Set

2011-11-23T03:58:00.023-05:00

Amidst the onslaught of CD BOX SET Christmas releases of 2011 including the Definitive Beach Boys "SMiLE" collection, The WHO's Classic QUADROPHENIA and the ongoing Pink Floyd Triumvarate of Classic Releases, My favorite box set of 2011 is the 2009 40th anniversary "In The Court Of The Crimson King" collection. All in all you get 5 CDs and a DVD (containing lossless stereo mixes, a video and 5.1 remix), a 24 page 12X12 booklet with essay by Robert Fripp/diary excerpts and ephemera, 12X12 replica of the LP gatefold sleeve for current and future generation's to get a glimpse of what it was like to read lyrics and gaze at artwork in its original Album size most preferably performed while listening to said album, 2 King Crimson buttons/badges (the cover and inner sleeve "schizoid man"), 4 jewel cases (2 double disc) to house all 6 discs and in a mysterious white envelope two 8X10 glossy b&w press kit photos of the 1969 lineup and then of course there's the Glorious Music.

I am drawn to the LP transfers even listening on my MP3 Ipod, theres something vibrant in the murkiness of these mixes. Included is the British Stereo and American Mono LP Vinyl recordings that have been "de-clicked" to cut down on excessive vinyl surface noise. The Bonus tracks are fascinating, The (duo version/Fripp & McDonald) of "I Talk To The Wind" is just stunningly beautiful and with or without vocal track "Epitaph" remains one of the greatest emotionally gloomy tracks ever committed to tape.

Alongside the Nice and Procol Harum this is where Progressive Rock started and it started Brilliantly.

One would be hard pressed to dream of including any further versions of the record on a CD set as included herein is the 2009 Stereo Remaster, the 2004 Master Edition remaster, British stereo vinyl, American mono vinyl and an "Alternate Mix" version alongside studio outtakes, single mixes, BBC recordings and Live concert performances. Disc 6 which is the DVD includes the 2009 5.1 Remix as well as MLP Lossless Stereo (24/96) and PCM Stereo (24/48) encoded versions of the 2009, 2004, alternate mix and outtakes from the 2 disc 2009 re-issue.

So There!!!, No Complaints!!, Just CRIMSO!, Music as remarkable as this deserves the kind of treatment, respect and excitement this package delivers.

CD inlay card [Disc 5]

The JAMIE/AMAZON Review.

White Wedding - Petes Saloon 11/18/11 Elmsford,New York

2011-11-18T18:27:00.024-05:00

Nancy was kind enough to take a moment and snap a pic with Daryl Hall between sets.

On the ride up to Elmsford someone posed the question "Is Petes Saloon an Irish bar?" after which Rob surmised that "Pete" was an Irish name and I deduced that "Saloon" was kind of a white non-descript thing,.... turns out it didnt matter as Petes Saloon was more of a restaurant with a bar in it.

As we set up our gear the scents of it all was very enticing and Dave and myself decided we must order something. The taps were of average fare but Hey, We just played a Biergarten last week!!! Nothing Is Real.

The band played well enough but even setting up my drums catty cornered I was totally cramped for the evening, part of this phenomenon is due to the fact that the stage at Petes Saloon is smaller than even the one at O' Flanagans!!! Petes stage is roughly (6X12).

I would be lucky if I could present the Last Supper as performed by Squirrels wearing tutu's in this space.

Its amazing Our Singers managed to stay up there with us at all but for the first set or two they had no choice as the wait staff and customers were using the area right in front of the raised platform for table service and general locomotion, by the end of the night most of the band were all over the floor (in front of the raised platform and areas unexpected thereof).

Not one of my more comfortable shows as I had to crush myself between Cymbals, Cymbal Stands, Cables, Floor Tom, Gig Bag, Drum Stool, Stepping Over Dave's 5 string Bass Guitar and Bass Amp and railing to get behind the kit.

Right before we went on (as we were being introduced onstage by Rob) I knocked my drink over due to the lack of space and for just one pint glass it shattered Everywhere!!! behind the drum kit, on top of my Floor Tom and Snare Drum, I tossed the glass slivers aside but was in fear for the entire performance due to the shards at my heel (see pic).

You may ask why I did not get the staff to sweep it up, I would have if they could for the life of them even get behind there. The authorities were notified by the end of the evening so no further drummers or trombone players face possible injury.

This was Delicious and Really hit the spot, Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders A La Perfection, there was something a little sweet in the Au Jus Gravy that made it just right, obviously their Secret Ingredient, and look at their construction, kinda messy on purpose. Dave had the Vegetable Curry Soup which he proclaimed "Indian Restaurant Quality" and he knows his Indian fare and Restaurant Quality and Indian Restaurant Quality soup.

The Callbox was its usual demented jumping self when we dropped off the Drums and P.A. around 3 a.m. I snapped this photo on our way out (note the vast amount of posteriors).

We returned the Zipcar to a 24 hour parking garage but had to summon the gatekeeper so I had the exciting privelige of ringing the Night Bell to arouse them from their slumber, you would think in all my years of living that I would have rung a 24 hour parking garage Night Bell before but NO I HAVE NOT. Well,.... Since I have yet to own a car or rent one (to drive as well) for that matter maybe it makes all the sense in the world that I have Never rung the Night Bell at a 24 hour parking garage.

BUT IT MAKES ME WANT TO RING THE BELL EVEN MORE!!!!

Pass the Grated Cheese Please.

Birthday Food 2011

2011-11-12T16:48:00.010-05:00

11/10/11 - Queen Anne Ravioli with homeade sauce.

Jamie made me a Hearty (to say the least) 3-course meal for my Birthday, much more food would be shown but Sirelle ate it before I could photograph it.

Delicious Spiral Sausage from Frank & Sal's Pork Store on my corner, they were out of Broccoli Rabe Sausage but whatever this was it was Delicious.

Thinly Sliced Chicken Cutlets getting Fried Up.

Reeses Ice Cream Cake from Friendlys.

11/12/11 - Da Vinci Sicilian Pie for Jamies Pre-Birthday Party, They would not inscribe the Pizza.

Chocolate Pre-Birthday Cake from Ladybird in Park Slope.

11/13/11 - Pre-Birthday Cake # 2 is FUDGIE THE WHALE at Jamie's brother's BBQ Birthday Bash.

11/14/11 - The Steak/Enchilada Platter from Rachel's.

THE Birthday Cake, Chocolate Mousse from Villabate by Alba.

White Wedding - Zeppelin Hall 11/11/11 Jersey City,New Jersey

2011-11-11T16:16:00.022-05:00

Zeppelin Hall is a Great Venue and we have been invited back December 9.

While not indicative in any way of the quality of the show or venue this is the sign that stopped me in my tracks at the main entrance to Zeppelin Hall and had me a little perplexed until Jamie mentioned the possible proliferation of neighborhood street gangs to avoid. Zeppelin Hall is a beautiful venue and a most large Biergarten in my vast Biergarten experience.

The stage was a little smallish in circumference but I was not cramped against the wall with no Bass Drum/Elbow action and there were stairs on the side of the not quite short not quite tall stage of height. I cannot speak for the rest of the band but there were no complaints.

The White Wedding Dollhouse with first 3 fully posable figurines (Mike,Dave & Rob) will be available Christmas 2013.

Zeppelin Hall treats their entertainment well as all food and beverages are Gratis and you can imagine the selection. Pictured above is the Blau Speck-Burger topped with Bleu Cheese, Bacon, Pickles, Lettuce and Tomatoes served with fries.

Zeppelin Hall website advertisement (wrong date)

It was my birthday the day prior and Nancy sent me this crazy greeting via her very favorite iphone app.

short excerpt from the mockumentary in the making "This Is White Wedding" *.

* disclaimer - at the moment there is no mockumentary in the making but you never know.

FLICKR

Jon Anderson & Rick Wakeman 11/6/11 Theater at Westbury - Westbury, New York

2011-11-06T16:56:00.005-05:00

White Wedding - O' Flanagans 11/5/11 New York City

2011-11-06T05:15:00.022-05:00

I was the first to arrive at the "O" and awaiting my bandmates arrival duly ordered a "Pint of Ale" which went down nicely as I relaxed and sat on the edge of the very low and dimly lit bandstand, feeling most at home there,..... a smell of cheap tangerine perfume permeated the air and the shrieking, clanging sound of the peanut vendor's monkey on the sidewalk showed no regard for those who slept or those at conflict within their souls.

The band played a tight performance and the crowd was up and dancing by the first set, the partier's grew in diversity and intensity and its always nice to spark up A party early then keep the level energetic. Unique to this show was Dave inadvertently knocking a few framed iconic images off the wall during his musical performance to great effect and getting his (headstock mounted) bass tuner caught in Bruce Springsteen's headband. I also suffered from my rack tom becoming (and I mean) completely dislodged from the tom mount during the dramatic introduction to Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" which opened set 3 after which I had to do without for the song, Kudos to Mike (also a drummer, need I remind me) for rescuing the mounting right before song number two, Bon Jovi's "Runaway". We are invited back for a December Seventeenth performance (just a month away).

White Wedding was interviewed before our performance by NYU (New York University) for a future article about the band (see photo above) which was a fun experience for all of us.

Robert Smith.

This man drinks Semiquavers for Breakfast, eats Arpeggio's for Lunch and feasts on the Mixolydian scale for dinner. He is also a very nice fellow (and tasteful rock solid bass player) with a penchant for soup & cashews.

This man injects wild quail with chestnuts for breakfast, inhales obsolete pocket computers for lunch and feasts on Yak and Honey Dew for suppertime, He is the one constant in White Wedding (even when we were called The Airwaves) and it is this mans vision propelling us on our path beyond these things and closer to those other things. He is Mike without which the other things would not be happening in precisely the same way that they have been happening for the past number of years.

Who is That Ditzy Strumpet !!!???
OH WAIT, That's Debbie Harry !
NO WAIT That's Nancy !!!

Who needs Rachmaninoff when we have ROCKmaninoff !!!

I'm So Ronery
So ronery
So ronery and sadry arone

There's no one
Just me onry
Sitting on my rittle throne

This is Not a posed shot, another reason why Rob might be the finest and funnest frontman/lead singer I have worked with to date.

The Ultimate Nachos of O' Flanagans were indeed just that. Cheesey Cheese, Chunky Chili, Spicy Salsa, Spunky Scallions, Beany Beans and as a nice touch Fresh, Firm (mild) Veggie Jalapeno slices. If these were from a jar then it was a jar designed by the celestial core of mechanics during a philosophical pinata party and that aint too common folks.

FLICKR

White Wedding - Water Witch Club 9/10/10

2011-11-01T01:49:00.004-04:00

Dont You Want Me, Come On Eileen, Walking On Sunshine, Once in a Lifetime/And She Was, Love Shack.

(24 M/33 S)

White Wedding - The Nutty Irishman 10/29/11 Farmingdale,New York

2011-10-30T03:43:00.015-04:00

Nancy requested some adult entertainment in the green room tonight and due to weather conditions the agency could not comply but The Nutty supplied us with some printed visual reference of which It's rumoured Nancy was up to page 93 at last count.

On a snowy and Slushy October Night did we, the White Wedding Band arrive at the premises of Nutty IrishMan & Men to perform All Hallows Eve duty amongst the Gaily dressed, and I must say we Gaily dressed as well. Tis the Season'

TRANSLATION: We (WHITE WEDDING) performed at the Nutty Irishman (Of Farmingdale) on the worst night weatherwise within wememburrance (SlushyRainyZombieApocalypse) and yet the people did come, partook of festivities, supped on sauce and gaily dressed too for the Halloween weekend festivities. Spotted in the audience were Rock' Em Sock Em Robots, Keystone Cops & the transgendered Pink Ladies (costumed by men) & T- Birds (costumed by women) too amongst many other Ghouls and Succubus'

Nice acoustic room to play, Progressively Active Crowd, Good Ensemble Band Performance (G.E.B.P.), Sprawling Green Room (beers in fridge), Stage Curtain (partial)

There was a video screen curtain that came down in front of us after our performance and as we packed up curtain stageside I realized I was now entering my "Webster Hall" video screen period.

This is the Declaration that I enjoyed quite a bit on the way down to the Green Room which was a few turns and little steps (nice the room is) dervish wise.

A most impressive green room refrigerator, well the contents.
On reflection I'm sorry I did not check the freezer.

Upon further reflection (a few hours later) I am GLAD that I did NOT check the freezer.

After the show we lived it up in true Rockstar fashion and visited the local Wendy's drive-thru, I purchased a Double Cheeseburger and Small Fries (now prepared with Sea Salt) and especially enjoyed it very much after not having Wendy's for quite some time. (80s culture tie not included)

White Wedding - Heritage Bar 10/22/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-10-22T16:58:00.014-04:00

Maybe its the Delicious Guinness Stout talking but its always a pleasure to perform at the Heritage Pub in Yonkers. For the first time I forgot my camera at home but fortunately Richard was in attendance and took some shots, I did get the color pic at the bottom with my LG cellphone to post on Facebook and right here on this Blog in case there was a shortage of photos. The band played a good gig and Tiffany was in attendance to check out our show pacing and performance.

Dave looking Quite the Biker.

Paul looking Quite the Guitarist.

I finally wore my "Hello Cleveland" shirt for Rob's soundcheck. It's the 80's It's Spinal Tap.

J.C. on the Roland and Korg.

Recognize quite a few people in this shot, hmmmmmm,.........

A Dance Band ? Certainly.

Its always a good idea to have a fresh Stout before the next set begins.

FLICKR

Neil Peart - Taking Center Stage DVD

2011-10-21T12:19:00.003-04:00

Episode lV : A NEW HOPE, Pennsylvania - October 16-17/2011

2011-10-17T22:54:00.021-04:00

Across The Border.

On the New Hope side of the Delaware Water Gap (that separates Pennsylvania from New Jersey) is Peace Out Pizza Restaurant which offered a New Hope micro brewed soda selection which I eagerly tried after the Jamba Juice which I dint care for and had lugged around since New York Penn. The Green Apple was probably the tastiest one. Also available (but not pictured) are Cane Cola, Mango Orange, Root Beer and a Fruity Iced Tea (may have been Raspberry). I await my return to New Hope to enjoy these Fizzy Concoctions again.

Near the Wedgewood Inn is a bizarre garden of concrete available for purchase at the entrance of a local business.

This Duckie who lives on the Delaware Water Gap may just have ancestors who lived in the time of our first presidents river crossing.

Thanks Sean for the title of this entry.
Thanks Jamie for taking me there.

Bitter Bob's BBQ & Comfort Food 10/16-17/11 New Hope, Pennsylvania

2011-10-17T22:54:00.020-04:00

Five Nickel Chili named as such since she is made from Five different Chili's which must also be Delicious on their own. I became an instant fan.

Bitter Bob's Tasting Platter - Jamie substituted a few Ribs with larger portions of Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken and Brisket. Complimenting the Meats are sides of Macaroni & Cheese, Collared Greens, BBQ and Vinegar Dipping Sauces with Cornbread.

The WHALE - When I ordered this our server Ryan responded to me by repeating "THE WHALE!!!" and I knew this might be some fun. All Sandwiches come with Potato Chips & Pickle with an option of French Fries for $2.00 more and seeing that The WHALE included French Fries within I took the Chips.

The WHALE Is Diced Chicken Fingers, Bacon, French Fries, American Cheese, Diced Pickles, Red Onion, Lettuce and Tomato with BBQ Mayo served in a Wrap.

The next day (Monday) as Jamie and myself cavorted about town it was undecided where to settle down for Lunch, there was a deciding factor for myself and it was the Double Nickel Chili from the day before, This time I ordered her with Cheddar Cheese on the top and when I was almost finished I deduced that I need not have ordered the Lunch that I did as I was quite satisfied with the Chili.

I thought Jamie ordered the Burger Of The Day which was the same as yesterdays but still just as impressive. Half pound Peppercorn Burger with Blue Cheese, Salsa Verde and Chipotle Mayo on the side but this is a Turkey Burger,... Looks Amazing.

My mind was made up to order a Good Old Fashioned Hamburger and I would have gotten what is pictured just above but Jamie told me I Had To get the Wrap with the Mozzarella Sticks inside that we had seen on the menu yesterday, Well, Its kind of hard to argue with a Mozzarella Stick and such a Foodified challenge. But I Digress.

The WEST END MASSIVE (seen above) is Diced Grilled Hamburger, American Cheese, Bacon, French Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, Lettuce, Tomato and Red Onion with Russian Dressing served in a Wrap.

May We Check Your Bags Sir? - Wedgewood Inn 10/16-17/11 New Hope, Pennsylvania

2011-10-17T22:53:00.005-04:00

The Wedgewood Inn of New Hope, Pennsylvania offers a pleasant and relaxing stayover within walking distance of the many shoppes this town has to offer and completely upturned my expectations of what a Bed & Breakfast is like. I asked our host Caitlin if there was a "curfew" only to receive a chuckle from herself and Jamie, boy was I misinformed. We had a choice between the room we booked which was on the top floor with a refrigerator and microwave or lodging on the second floor without those amenities but with a gas fireplace, the fireplace won out.

THE PROS - Bed & Breakfast in New Hope Pennsylvania, Offered choice of room, Gazebo, Relaxing wooden wind chime in gazebo, complimentary Peanut Butter Cookies, Pleasant staff

THE CONS - Air conditioner placed at bed height instigating blanket usage, Hair & Body Wash by Kimcare, Science magazine in rack is three years old.

the fireplace was a nice touch but did make the room a McDLT as the opposite end housed the air conditioner.

comfy bed with soft sheets and pillowcases.

breakfast was Fruit Salad (Yogurt and Granola optional), Zucchini Omelette, Croissant, Zucchini Bread, Butter, Grape Jam, Coffee and Orange Pineapple Juice.

communal dining area with separate tables allowing some semblance of privacy which I welcomed and opposed what I had heard of B&B's.

Day Of The Triffids.

I must ask them about this sculpture on my next stay.

White Wedding - La Pomme 10/15/11 Manhattan, New York

2011-10-15T13:59:00.010-04:00

La Pomme features a very nice room and our clients who threw an 80s anniversary party had a stage built for us while Sean and Ginger provided the sound and lighting. I did not get to to see the crowd during our performance but marveled at some of the 80s fashion sense afterwards as is often the case at these parties. We played a good two sets and due to time constraints were packed up by 11 p.m., Unique to this performance was "Limelight" by Rush which was a special request (see below)

possibly my coolest space yet, I had my own little makeshift drum riser.

After passing White Castle on the way to rehearsal every week it was nice to finally have some pre-rendezvous at the Callbox. Two Jalapeno Double Cheeseburgers, One Double Cheeseburger and a sack of Fries ($7.68). Two Cheeseburgers are plenty the third came home with me.

I forgot the band were dining together and wasted my appetite on the murder burgers. pictured above are BLT Poppers ($6) from the very cool Hog Pit NYC bar located right next to La Pomme, this bar offered a Quart Bottle of Colt 45 for $10.00

Limelight is one of the most difficult songs we have had to learn to date and gave us a run for our money as far as ensemble playing, Dave is reading the sheet music during the 3/4 guitar solo section.

White Wedding - Vintage Bar 10/14/11 White Plains, New York

2011-10-14T16:55:00.009-04:00

Beerstaches Rule.

The Vintage Bar was a nice room to play and we had the crowd dancing sporadically throughout the evening. Tonight we implemented our pro-twitter stance which gets a free t-shirt to the first person to tweet us on a Wednesday and comes down to the show. This evening is also when I popped my bass drum head halfway through the first set (of two sets) but left the replacement back in Brooklyn, some painters tape kept the head intact for the second set fortunately.

Our brave singers had to deal with a spiral staircase which led to the changing room.

the changing room in question was located above the stage.

our poster in the front window.

EXHIBIT A - I'm going to write to Mr. Ludwig as I keep losing lugs from the bottom of my rack tom.

the ad for the show from Vintage Bars website.

300TH Posting

2011-10-13T05:27:00.007-04:00

Hot Pot

2011-10-12T18:01:00.003-04:00

HOGO!!!!

We convened for our pretty much annual Hot Pot feast and I thank Guy for inviting me after my absence for some time.

They say that you can eat all the chinese food you want and will still be hungry a half an hour later. About a half an hour after Hot Pot I stopped for a Sicilian Slice at Vittorio Pizzeria

Red Bank

2011-10-11T14:55:00.002-04:00

White Wedding - Allison & Eric's Wedding - 10/8/11 Jumping Brook Golf Course - Neptune, New Jersey

2011-10-08T13:28:00.018-04:00

Coming just one week after our last wedding performance it becomes easier to grow accustomed to working in a hall/dining setting with breaks in the set dictated by the festivities as well as the actual festivities, food, drinks, dancing and high spirits apparent at a wedding reception. We all had a Blast doing our jobs and continue to grow through experience.

Songs unique to this performance were two by The Misfits, "Where Eagles Dare" and "Astro Zombies" this is also the show where the bride and groom entered the proceedings to the "Emperor's Theme" from Star Wars which we all found very cool and amusing a few months back when we got the details.

Unique shots of Rob in his "Danzig/Misfits" personae since this may be the only time it ever happens.

This and the last photo get published just because I (Drummer of said group) took them while the band was playing ("Dont Stop Believing") and I had a second to step out in front amongst the crowd before my Drum Cue went off. We had passed our curfew so there was no time for Rob to get out of his makeup.

I would like to thank my friend Ham for appreciating The Drumming especially this evening (I am told that his friends were also All About The Drumming) and my personal feeling can only be described as elated when you realize you are elevating someone to have so much fun. I could only feel blushful when being told my playing was "On A Whole Other Level!!!", All modesty aside folks, I can carry a tune to its end and successfully play in an ensemble but the "Other Level" is Well,... for those "Other Level Dudes".

Ham and his buddies really made my night though, Thanks Very Much guys.

Stuffed Chicken (with Gravy), Garden Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes.

FLICKR

White Wedding - Sabrina & Sam's Wedding - 10/1/11 - Rumsford, New Jersey

2011-10-01T03:51:00.013-04:00

Nancy couldn't make it to this show but fortunately at the very last minute we got Mike's friend Cora to fill in at this important wedding performance and she did a great job singing and dancing with very high energy. Rob did his usual outstanding emcee delivery introducing the wedding party under an audio bed of "Walking On Sunshine" and the band played a tight evening of music in very cramped circumstances, I could not get much action from my bass drum pedal (much less get out from behind the kit) since I was crammed against the wall but this is just another one of those challenges a gigging musician sometimes has to deal with.

Unique to this performance was renditions of Van Morrison's "Sweet Thing", Men At Work's "Who Can It Be Now" and Loudon Wainwright lll's "Daughter". Unique for White Wedding is that a member of the party requested a song that we NEVER played before and we winged it in a live setting which was not a Pub either (no offense to the pub's), at first I had no idea what song it was mainly because I don't really know the song but everyone else does. We performed Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" as part of the Metal Block and it sounded just fine too.

Tonight's M.V.P. in my book, Cora for doing an Amazing job and fitting right in.

Like most working bands we continue to build strength to strength, Next thing you know we will be performing songs we never played to live audiences!!! oh wait ,.....

Once again Sean and Ginger provided sound and lighting for us and you can find them at Boardwalk Entertainment

The Kobe Burger - 10 ounces Kobe Beef, Humboldt Fog Cheese, Garlic Butter, Arugula, Red Onion, Tomato & Mayo on King's Hawaiian Bun, Salt Creek Garlic Fries Too.

Cora runs through her songs at the Callbox right before heading to the reception. Notice Dave in the background giving us the "slow down" hand signal, we were speeding on purpose so we could get on the road already.

Milk Crate Of LP's Found

2011-10-01T01:36:00.004-04:00

I Found a Milk Crate Full of LP's on Thursday (the other day) right after it rained, fortunately for the record sleeves it didn't rain too much on my block and as I was walking to 18th avenue to meet Jamie I saw a crate of LP's under a discarded microwave oven and actually said out loud "That's Sad". Upon peering a bit closer to its contents I saw one word.

"McCartney"

Well, this looks the crate for me so I diverted my actions for a minute and took the crate home to the warmth of my bedroom and dried a few of the (hardly wet at all) records that were stored on the outside and most facing the elements later that evening.

Inside were Monkees, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli, Woodstock (one and two) Mitch Miller, Bob Dylan and Beatles solo LPs

(Original Hits, Original Albums)

The Good Yeggs - Painting The Town Yegg

2011-09-30T17:40:00.008-04:00

Tonight we did a Good thing as Yegg's and sallied forth to the hinterlands of Park Slope, Brooklyn to offer our wares and leave wake of our sound oscillations as captured via microphone to reproduce via plastic digital disc.

We dropped off our Demo CD at Two Boots Pizza and The Tea Lounge and it was nice to talk and snack (if thats a snack then whats for dinner ?) with my bandmates setting our eyes on booking some gigs for the fall.

Andouille BBQ Burger (with Bacon & Cheddar) (Tom Yegg)

Fried Chicken (with Mashed Taters & Greens) (Joe Yegg)

Chicken Fried Steak (with Greens & Taters Mashed) (Spike Yegg)

The Yeggs Themselves (Well Fed & Boozed Up).
(Left to Right) Tom, Spike, Joe.

Quite Possibly the most uncomfortable chair ever fabricated by humankind was at the bar at the Tea Lounge and there were two of them.

Pink Floyd - "Games, Daisy Chains & Laughs" - The Dark Side Of The Moon Immersion Box Set

2011-09-27T05:04:00.023-04:00

The Dark Side Of The Moon Deluxe Immersion package was made available some months ago (pre-ordered my copy on May 27) at the Very Hefty price of $100.00 for a mere Six Discs and some unique packaging (a Scarf!!!) Following the announcement (and obvious sales popularity) the price was jacked up to $125.00 with no savings in the "order all three" department neither after which I made my decision and pre=ordered all three Box Sets.5-27-11. As the release date loomed closer the list price has since been reduced to $108.19. (9-27-11)which comes along with the all important inner basking glow when amongst the elite persons to cherish and own the box set in the first place amongst such less needed necessities such as food, clothes and sunlight.

Tuesday 9-27-2011 - DSOTM Impression, Experience and Discovery "Pink Floyd catalog" Released, Amazon has not shipped mine yet (Pre-Ordered on 5-27-2011) waiting on Pinks and Needles.

Wednesday 9-28-2011 - DSOTM Impression reported to be shipping soon via Amazon.com tracking ($108.19) (3 a.m.)

Thursday 9-29-11 - MEDDLE Remaster arrives in my mailbox (pre-ordered five months after DSOTM), nice photo in the gatefold but original gatefold pic used in the booklet. Wondering why not keep the sleeve as a mini LP and use the new b&w photo in the booklet ?

Friday 9-30-11 - DSOTM Impression reported to be shipped (she is somewhere in New Jersey at the moment)

Monday 10-3-11 - Reported "Out for Delivery" in Brooklyn, waiting for the bell to ring,.... Bell does not ring today.

Tuesday 10-4-11 - Bell Rings, Postal Dude hands me THE package (11:35 a.m.) - Listening party and unpacking (7:50p.m.)

The photograph above was taken right after I had opened the box and I wasn't thinking of taking the "bubblewrap" off of the marbles so that's what those things are. The sound quality is amazing but no Huge differences to the previous remasters and it doesnt appear they have "brickwalled" the output levels which I dont mind in these Ipod days.

White Wedding - Heritage Bar 9/24/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-09-24T17:30:00.014-04:00

The Irish are a very festive people and the Heritage is the most Irish of pubs with the most Irish of clientele, pair this up with Ireland getting into the World Cup quarter finals while your band is performing there and prepare to see some serious celebrations. For the first time the crowd was up and dancing from our opening number and the night was going well only to be enhanced by a crowd of sports fans with their own "world cup(s)" that they were waving around, at first I didnt know what was going on (did this team just win a trophy ?) until I remembered J.C. earlier during the performance giving a shout out to Ireland's victorious football team.

While putting finishing touches on my drum set up I kept hearing Nancy's infectious laughter from behind me, turns out she saw the absurdity in blowing up a ghostbuster accessory with a hand pump in the back of an irish pub,.... like that was weird or something.

Always a bit of a challenge setting up the kit "catty cornered" at the Heritage. Yet another cymbal set up kept things challenging tonight.

We picked up Paul on the way to the show and I complimented him on his 80s tie and dress shirt, turns out he had an office party that afternoon and was still dressed for that. After a few more similar compliments from bandmembers Paul decided not to change at all and I had to get a photo.

Steve saw a bit more from his table then I did from behind my drum kit, details* soon. I have since heard that the "World Cups" that were waved around were filled with Beer!!!*

This gets posted because I took this photo while drumming, we are performing "Eye of the Tiger" at the request of the "Football Hooligans"

Pre-gig I had time to try some of the "crunchy" food at El Loco Burrito on Graham avenue and the "Spicy Beef Nachos" ($7.00) did not disappoint, Very Delicious. Some leftovers barely made it home with me in the gig bag, they were so Bamboozled you don't even wanna see a photo, T.G.F.T. (Thank God For Tupperware).

Squirrels Just Wanna Have Fun.

White Wedding - Life On The Road 9/17-18/11

2011-09-18T18:48:00.036-04:00

A band gets to really test their mettle by going on a road trip and this certainly was our first long haul to Maine with a seven hour one way commute (750 miles total). White Wedding convened at the Call Box 10 a.m. after last nights gig on the boat cruise and it took me two and a half hours travel getting me there thirty minutes late but so was everyone else except Nancy whom I found napping on the bar. By 11:30 we loaded up the van and secured some Road Food (Gummi Bears, Hash Browns, Wasabi Seaweed, Pretzel Rods, Sausage McMuffin, Multigrain Tortilla Chips, Strawberry Lemonade, Chex Mix, Spring Water, Vine Ripened Tomatoes and a Cucumber) and took off into the wild blue yonder with Dave, Mike and J.C. sharing driving duties. En route we learned how to draw a Rhombus, the names and nicknames of the Pac Man ghosts, Not all rest stops have a McDonalds, what the band Mastodon sounds like, how to operate an inverter and that Dave is very good at naming state capitals.

Being a rock band on the road you should always keep some "homegrown" around. This specimen is from J.C.'s Tomato garden.

the van itself.

there was more conversation than not on our road trip.

You want a good slice, you talk to J.C.

Mike runs through his guitar solos for the evenings performance.

Rob seemed to be the most experienced Pac-Man player but the high score was taken by Mike with 17,690 points.

"Ootini"

Nancy gets her Jawa on.

after encountering a pick up truck filled with chairs we knew we weren't in Kansas anymore.

before our show I had an on campus Bates Burger ($2.75) from Milt's, I forgot how discount priced campus food is.

Hopalong Quesadeetch and J.C.

as we approached the Hilton I shot some very boring video.

it was at this time that we realized the irony of play driving while real driving and I exclaimed "I'm in Maine and I'm staring at Pole Position", for those unfamiliar Pole Position is the name of the video game.

we knew we were back in New York City when we saw this style of traffic.

May We Check Your Bags Sir? - Hilton Garden Inn 9/18/11 Lewiston, Maine

2011-09-18T18:48:00.021-04:00

The Bates Hilton at Lewiston, Maine has a very helpful and accommodating work staff amongst pleasant surroundings and a pleasant work staff amongst helpful surroundings (Tim You Rock !!!).

THE PROS - Free Internet service, complimentary cookies at front desk serviette (via tongs), widescreen flat TV (LG), multiple settings on showerhead, Shampoo AND Conditioner (separately) provided by Neutrogena!!!! (a company I have actually heard of), "Boardwalk Empire" flyer.

THE CONS - Room Service/Bar is Not 24 hours, Ice Machine does Not work on the sixth floor (servicing needed), parking lot dimensions not adequate for a swift enough egress of vehicle (with Dave at the wheel) concerning J.C.'s expectations.

of note - my new Nike "Gig" bag and Rob's industrial sized water.

some pre-soundcheck drinks in the lobby, bandmembers not included.

Your Blogmaestro takes his own photo.

The view from Dave, J.C. and Mikes room on the sixth floor (taken with Mike's Iphone)

White Wedding - Bates College 9/17/11 Lewiston, Maine

2011-09-17T02:21:00.018-04:00

The student alumni at Bates College Really DO Know How To Party as demonstrated at our 80s Night performance on campus at the main entrance to the library. Initially it was just the band, sound crew and college staff at the start time of 10:30 p.m. and we were prepared to perform to an invisible crowd but smartly moved our U2/Bono portion of the show from the top of the set list to a little further on since we were told that this show was promoted on radio and when we asked for directions on campus two of the students (Sam & Ben) asked if we were "White Wedding" so surely we could expect a small audience, I was confident that once the music started wafting across the grounds it would at least bring some curiosity seekers. The first number was now "Bette Davis Eyes" and a few brightly dressed 80s fans checked us out then stepped back into darkness to which Nancy remarked "Well, nobody wants to be first to the party" after which a few people sat on the floor in front of us, I looked down and next time I looked up there was a small throng dancing to our second number "Melt With You" at which Rob commented "Your Like Locust's" which had me and J.C. dying laughing. All Hell (and quite a bit of heck) broke loose as the crowd got bigger and bigger until I could not see any horizon at all. We were duly entertained by the pogoing dancers ourselves and guarded by two bouncers frontstage required there to let us do our show without raucous interruption.

The Bates College Gives Great Audience.

"Pride (In The Name Of Love)" was premiered at this show and tonight was also when Rob told a Lewiston, Maine crowd "Live Free Or Die !!!" to which an audience member replied "that's New Hampshire" not that it mattered as the crowd and band had an absolute Blast throughout the evening on White Wedding's very first Road Gig.

Between sets

"Dave,.. Dave! you will never believe what I just heard!!!"

Assembling a last minute changing room with some "pipe & drape"

Nancy's vantage point.

White Wedding - Rocks Off Concert Cruise 9/16/11

2011-09-16T09:42:00.012-04:00

FLICKR

White Wedding - Roxbury Mardi Gras 9/4/11 Breezy Point, Queens

2011-09-04T17:11:00.019-04:00

Mardi Gras in Roxbury, Queens at Breezy Point is a bit of an Exclusive affair. After the checkpoint through which our car passed we ventured into (Well, at first we got lost in the parking lot due to NON-instructions from the staff but I DO Digress) a micro-community of what can only be described as "single family beach houses within very close proximity towards one another" (in other words ask your next door neighbor if your snoring is keeping them awake), Not to criticize as this is akin to living in a college dorm bubble, at least for Mardi-Gras time that is.

White Wedding played three Rockin' sets for our tentful of Rowdy Rabscallions who sang along, drank and danced through the night feeding the energy right back to the band. As happens often the setlist gets changed due to the centigrade of the room and this moment stands out within this dialogue between Mike from the frontline and me behind the drum kit (in a VERY NOISY Room mind you) as I saw new coordinates being set but asked twice what he was saying and quickly as we were still playing LOUDLY at the time. of course it was a supercalifragileisiticexpealidocius moment for me and a Long song title for Mike to blurt out twice.

Mike -BonJoviYouGiveLoveABadName
Spike - WHAT ?!!!!
Mike - BonJoviYouGiveLoveABadName
Spike - O.K.

Mission Accomplished.

We all got wristbands to Party-Hearty All the night through after our show was done which was very gracious of our hosts but made the Zipcar/MTA commute back home before dawn.

Playin' in a tent is payin' the rent - FZ

the 80s Trivia portion of the evening is always very entertaining because the audience is the show.

J.C. on the Drums between sets.

I immediately likened the Roxbury portion of Breezy Point to a small mexican village (even though I have never been to a small mexican village) due to the proximity of the single lane between front facing houses and the lived in comfortable bungalow community that gave this place an otherworldly feel.

Seabreeze Avenue (and this is NOT Coney Island)

Nancy took this pic when I wasn't looking (must've been at the bar)

just minutes previous to meeting at the Zipcar rendezvous point I grabbed a DD Tuna Salad on a DD Croissant at D and D's which kept me satiated for about 45 minutes, Delicious as the sandwich was (well,..... lets not get technical*).

* - technical notes - It's ALWAYS The Mayo (This is not Hellman's or I will eat my hat) and this is THAT Mayo with the slight aftertaste of Mustard!!! O.K. maybe its the Fish Aftertaste !!! Croissants don't have an aftertaste, Too Much Flaky Air.

White Wedding - Heritage Bar 8/27/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-08-27T14:17:00.011-04:00

Tonight's show was cancelled due to emergency conditions brought on by Hurricane Irene (Cara).

White Wedding - Claudios 8/21/11 Greenport, Long Island

2011-08-22T02:02:00.025-04:00

We performed for our biggest crowd yet on the waterfront at Claudio's and had the crowd up and dancing, none of these photos do any justice to the kineticism of the energetic crowd but then again I was limited to taking photos between songs.

Robby Osbourne ?

J.C. on Keys.

Windy show over the water with my tie as scrunchy.

Hangin' Out by Da' showers.

For breakfast Rob and myself sampled Crabby Jerry's right across the water from Claudio's. I got the FISH (Cod) Platter with Fries, Very Tasty.

May We Check Your Bags Sir? - Greenview Inn 8/21/11 Riverhead, New York

2011-08-22T02:02:00.021-04:00

The Greenview Inn of Riverhead which is designed duplex motel style offered adequate amenities but our room (Rob and myself) seemed a bit stuffy and airless. There was a bumbling asian fellow at check-in who slightly panicked when my Cheez Doodles got stuck in the vending machine which I proceeded to shake after which he refunded my seventy five cents, then our door would not open with the pass key (an actual key) so we had a brief game of charades as he showed me to use the doorknob keyhole as opposed to the deadbolt above. I put my refunded seventy five cents into the vending machine and got two bags of Cheez Doodles and grabbed a bucket of Ice. There are certainly worse places and the Greenview did have its charm, well the night check-in guy did.

THE PROS - Room had beds, toilet, shower and T.V. (with remote control)

THE CONS - No shampoo and conditioner or even shampoo/conditioner, language barrier with staff, low tech ice machine, paltry selection in snack machine, lack of air circulation in room, wall to wall carpeting in outdoor hallway.

A nightcap of french vodka and cheesey doodleness.

A Pool Too. (photo from J.C.s Iphone).

the blue tarp really disturbs me.

White Wedding - JCs Restaurant 8/20/11 - Manorville, New York

2011-08-20T16:50:00.013-04:00

A Double Header weekend for us as the band has a late night show at JCs (two long sets) and an afternoon appearance tomorrow at Claudios (three not quite as long sets as the longish sets the night previous) and it was nice to return to JCs Restaurant amongst its plush and beautiful flora. The band played really well and premiered tonight were "Sister Christian" and the Classic purple chestnut "Lets Go Crazy"

Dave offered me a piece of Chicken Quesadilla (not pictured) which was Delicious (Thank You Dave) but not quite as good as the Quesadilla from the Heritage Pub which has yet to be topped, this will become an ongoing topic if all goes as planned.

It did become more crowded than this. This was taken at LIKE Eight Thirty!!! (it was).

I missed photographing the moment when J.C. cracked Dave's back, but this is right after.

T.V.s (television sets you preverts) and Instruments.

White Wedding Promo

2011-08-19T05:20:00.006-04:00

The New Promotional Video 2011
as performed by White Wedding at the B.B. Kings Blues Club in Times Square, NYC.

filmed by Roy and Edited by Mike.

Rickey Don't Lose That Number

2011-08-18T00:10:00.002-04:00

The Cherry Lime Rickey at Farmacy in Brooklyn was very tasty but arrived with a little too much ice and was much more a Cherry soda than a Cherry Lime Rickey. Tasty but too Cherry Cherry.

White Wedding - Peggy O' Neill's 8/13/11 Coney Island, New York

2011-08-13T22:25:00.020-04:00

This was a very fun show for us and the band lucked out with the weather since we were playing an outdoor gig on a sunny August afternoon AMONGST NO SHADE that thankfully became cloudy, so much so that it went from Too Much Sun to Too Many clouds and we had to cut two songs from our last set as it actually started to drizzle. Once again even with the aid of my yellow milk crate the stage was of an awkward height and I was also fearful of falling backwards off the stage but these are the drummer's hang ups arent they ???, our singers had no problem jumping on and off for costume changes. We played very well and attracted quite an array of onlookers just outside the barricade who happened to be passing by.

This was a gig to remember and I look forward to our return.

Songs premiered at this show were "Anyway You Want It", "New Year's Day" and "Just Like Heaven" (well if this wasnt the premiere it has been years since we played it) featuring THE Robert Smith costume.

There wuz Pop Rocks Too.

To Al in Memorium.

FLICKR

More Basmati Rice Please - Bombay Grill 8/9/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-08-10T10:41:00.009-04:00

A Large Kingfisher Lager to start things off.

Appetizer of Ka-Chori which according to the menus is "too difficult to put into words, but recommended" was sweet,salty and chick peasy, should have come with a side of Nan or served over more Bread.

Mulligatawny Soup is always different but Always Good. This bowl was on the watierier, Lemonier/Vinegarier side but still Delicious.

Jamie ordered Chicken Tikka and Onion Nan Bread (not pictured).

Quite possibly the tastiest Chicken Tikka Masala Ever, I could taste the Yogurt in the sauce.

Dont Be Afraid of the Dark NYC Premiere 8/8/11 - Walter Reade Theater New York City

2011-08-08T14:58:00.007-04:00

I met Guillermo Del Toro last night and he mentioned Pacific Rim to me without provocation, he said "Wait till Pacific Rim for 25 foot F&%$ING badasses" even though 25 feet is pretty short to what we are used to. Who knows maybe he said 250 Feet, he caught me off guard.

John, Guillermo, Jamie.

Subway ad 8/9/11

The Good Yeggs - Freddy's Backroom 8/6/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-08-08T00:36:00.009-04:00

It was an exciting evening for me to finally get a chance to perform with my band The Good Yegg's at the famed Brooklyn watering hole Freddy's in front of loved ones and peers. We played roughly a one hour set debuting the song "Bad Things" which is still getting its final touches in the recording studio but is also a totally fresh song for us that we are all excited about.

The Good Yegg's set climaxed with a performance of "700 Beers" in which John the Bass Player, Franklin and Mike Roberto were invited up to play their respective instruments while Thomas and Joe took over vocal duties. After that we were treated to some impromptu one liners from Mike that happens oftentimes when a live mic is left open with Mike in the room.

Man walks into a bar with a frog growing out of his head.
Bartender asks "What Happened ? "
Frog answers "Well it started out as a tumor.

Sweet Little Angel (sufficient lighting edit)

Stranger Coming To Town (insufficient lighting edit)

Thanks for filming JamieWhoNeedsHerVeryOwnBlog.

White Wedding - Breezy Point Surf Club 7/30/11 Long Island, New York

2011-07-30T13:12:00.010-04:00

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is accepted behavior and almost pre-requisite in the business of performing music and presenting it as well but on some nights you can step backwards instead of forwards and I am so glad that I am not speaking from my experience or any of my bandmates.

Our regular sound engineer Sean could not make this show so we hired an outside freelancer from Craigslist who was serious enough to come see the band last month and tonight he got his audition (albeit he was payed for his services) and at first I thought he seemed to know what he was doing (he used terms like XLR cable, Guitar & Electricity) and I was impressed at the fact that he mic'ed the resonant head of the Snare Drum as opposed to the batter keeping that pesky microphone clip out of harm's way, He even had me plug in the mini-XLR so I was able to put my Qualified "Recording Engineer" skills to work.

By the second set something was rotten in Pepperland (Beatles reference) as a feedback hum overtook the stage monitors of which I initially wrote off as Gain/Fader problems but they persisted throughout our set to no avail, the band sounded good on the dancefloor but onstage things were getting fuzzy. Turns out both of our sound crew had a bit too much to drink and at one point had to be nudged awake by Rob to ask for hotter (in level) vocals. I am told that throughout the second set there were proud exclamations of "Dont Worry, I Do This ALL THE TIME!!!" which makes you kind of wonder, there was also vomiting into dixie cups which I happily missed. As a band this gig separated the men from the boys as White Wedding played non-stop, un-phased and very well too without a hitch,... at least not from our end.

The engineer's assistant was a very nice guy who volunteered to take photos of us so I lent him my Lumix camera and he got a few good shots as seen here.

Wanda Jackson & Imelda May - 7/28/11 Central Park Summerstage New York City

2011-07-28T16:47:00.002-04:00

White Wedding - B.B. Kings Blues Club (Other Shots) 7/22/11 New York City

2011-07-24T05:45:00.018-04:00

My Favorite poster Yet.

Soundcheck.

FLICKR

White Wedding - Heritage Bar 7/23/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-07-24T05:45:00.017-04:00

The Most Delicious Guinness Stout On The Planet.

Tonight was 4/6ths of the core band as Nancy could not make the show due to a family loss and Paul was on guitar duties but there was some interesting people in the audience that finally started dancing by the second and third sets. This was the night that a woman walked up to Paul, saw a little hole in his jeans and ripped it making a bigger hole, what strange behavior to show your appreciation.

Taking Dave's lead I decided that I Also Had To Have the Chicken Quesadilla from the menu. A Decent if not Large sized dish of a quartered Quesadilla over a most flavorful and respectable salad flanked by portions of Pico de Gallo (mmm Cilantro), Guacamole with a hint of Lemon and Sour Cream. Take a closer look at that Salad, There was All Kinds Of Stuff in there.

White Wedding - B.B. Kings Blues Club 7/22/11 New York City

2011-07-22T18:23:00.009-04:00

On one of the absolute Hottest days of the year as New York was going through a Heatwave (110 in the shade & I Dont Know What To Write Anymore!!!!) Our fifth performance at B.B. King.s Blues Club in Times Square was tighter than ever for the segue's and the band played dare I say nearly flawlessly. Premiered tonight was the Freddie Mercury costume that we had not seen until "onstage" during proceedings.

In my experience B.B. King's Blues Club in Times Square remain the most efficiently run juke joint on the planet (at least on the east coast) from the hospitality standpoint as there are no real questions of policy and the entertainment is treated cordially, assuredly and politely. On a Sonic level the stage monitors and house mix bar none.

White Wedding - Claudios 7/17/11 Greenport, Long Island

2011-07-17T04:41:00.007-04:00

What Can I Say About Claudio's!!!

Sea, Sun, Fun, Sunburn, Good Gig for us.

At this fishy appearance we performed on the far end of the dock so there was water directly below (planks protecting me from the drink of course) and the ocean breeze as a constant on all sides. I set up the Kit Drums in the shade but as the afternoon waned the sun moved in the sky and so did the sunburn, I came out fine but cannot speak for Paul who welcomed it.

The Constant Ocean Breeze can make you actually want to KILL SOMEONE at times without the use of a "scrunchie" or hair pin!!!

Fish & Chips @ Claudio's ($14.95) decent cole slaw.

Paul McCartney - Yankee Stadium 7/16/11 Bronx, New York

2011-07-16T05:49:00.006-04:00

Even if I hadn't heard the reputation of the new Yankee Stadium's Garlic Fries I would have tried them, These are with Cheese (Large - $10.00)

White Wedding - Bally Bunion 7/15/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-07-16T05:48:00.023-04:00

The band had a Great time once again playing the Bunion in Bay Ridge and this time on a Friday night to showcase the possibility of future Live Music to the new owner (who was a No Show). Being in the same borough as my apartment I was on my own getting my "home practice kit" to the gig and I thank Chris for getting me there, getting back via car service was not as horrible as I thought it would be. As you can see below it is a bit of a stripped down setup especially the cymbals but my PDP Bass Drum sounded Incredible, too bad it moved all night long being subject to the physical act of being struck combined with a slippery wood floor and no tension (Rubber Mat PLEASE) holding it back in place. Never Again!!!

Our friend and fan Steve christened my Bass Drum "The Topless Creeper" on account of having no rack tom mounted atop and due to my lack of rubber soled mat the Bass Drum "Creep" that me and my bandmates dealt with throughout the evening.

And I thought that was long behind me.
More Like TOO FAR in front of me.

Culinary Lesson # 1 - There is No Cuisine in certain instances.

Autographing a few White Wedding t-shirts.

Towards the end of our show a patron of the bar filmed us which is not unusual but this person recognized me and questioned Nancy to which he got an affirmative answer all mid-song mind you and approached me to say "Your Dream Came True" which puzzled me at first. Turns out it was my childhood friend Angelo (he was in KISSAMANIA with me) who just happened to be there and all of this was captured on his Iphone which you can see just here below this sentence.

It was a great moment that happened by chance and to me chance doesn't just happen.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - Summer Concert

2011-07-16T05:48:00.021-04:00

The Good Yeggs - Recording Session 7/10/11 HesDeadJimStudios Queens, New York

2011-07-10T01:56:00.015-04:00

The band reconvened to HesDeadJimStudios and recorded six tracks for upcoming release and we are very pleased with the results. Thomas has yet to record finalized Guitar/Keyboard tracks so there is more to come.

Stand - Out track of the day had to be "Bad Things" since the tune is only three days old to us keeping the arrangement super loose and down to instinct and feel, committed to hard drive by take two and I had a chance to overdub an "atmospheric" cymbal/mallets track for "spooky" mood.
Thomas and myself had never even heard Joe's song for his father-in-law "Gentle Bill" and next thing we knew the rhythm track was recorded and we were in the isolation booth double tracking the "barroom singalong" chorus (as seen in the photo above).

"Let The Sun Go On" has been in the repertoire of late but Thomas had envisioned a "Double Drummer" sound for the recording
requiring me to record myself over the existing Drum Track and mimic "ME" the best I can, off I went into my headphone world and had a Blast that I really only could share with myself as it happened. On Playback the sound of two Drum Kits & sets of Hi-Hats just out of sync by a millisecond (well, in my case probably a Hundrasecond) sounds very Classic Spector/Visconti/George Martin to my ears and I cannot wait to hear final mix on this one.
Tom had sent us an MP3 track via email that we were also three days new to and that was "Arent You Glad" which is indeed a Bouncy Song, we used the Ukulele Track (take 15) as our guide/root track.
"I'll Never Lie To You" has been a favorite to play for me the last two months or so and it was great to finally commit to a definitive recording.

We did record Loretta Lynn's "Have Mercy On Me Baby" and ironically this was the song that took us the most takes to capture but wound up being a "Live" number which did not adapt as well to the "studio version" as the other tunes did, I do look forward to playing this live though.

Joe and Thomas sound Musically astute and assured as ever on these recordings as we continue to grow as bandmates and musicians.

Joe's Snack Of Choice under the microscope.
Pork Rinds Of Course.

What Do You Mean The Triangle Is NOT A Real Instrument ?

Please Disregard the Sheet Music on that stand, No Sheet Music was used on these recordings.

Listening to Playback.

I used the Liberty Devitto Damping Method (L.D.D.M.) with great results and remembered to retrieve my wallet at session's end as well. and thanks Joe for reminding me too.

- Spike G.

Concoctions In Food - Mexican Swiss Roll (with chicken)

2011-07-08T16:43:00.019-04:00

One,Two,Three O' Clock!!!
Four O' Clock ROLL!!!

This started as a thought a week ago while having some Lavash Pizza that Jamie baked and I noticed the greatness of the Bread once again.

The Thin Middle Eastern Bread Lavash complimented the Sauce and Cheese of the Pizza well and being Tex Mex minded I immediately envisioned Refried Beans, Cheese, Ground Beef, Salsa and Sour Cream complimenting this "biblical times" simple bread.

On my way out I tuned into DJ Shaz's "Mud Edition" program on RADIO BACKTRACK mentioning the forthcoming Mexican Swiss Roll to my ELO friend and he wished me luck on the air giving best wishes to any and all of my dinner guest's!!!. Fortunately only Jamie and myself were in danger of food poisoning..... or worse.

In these progressive and spiritual warlike times a vast majority of humankind "bake" their meats as opposed to Char-Broiling or Frying due to health concerns. I decided to Egg, Bread & Fry (in Corn Oil) some Chicken Cutlets up for the "MEAT" portion of my Mexican Swiss Roll. Could the "Frying" actually hurt ???, Could the "Breading" actually hurt ???, NO!!!!!

Be sure to brush Refried Beans along the entire oval of the Lavash Bread as this will be the Roll's moisture base and "paste" as it were, place less Beans and not much else towards the "Top" of the roll you will be making Because You Will Be Rolling Up, Gravity comes into place here.

Place the Lavash Bread facedown on a non metallic surface and begin layering the ingredients starting here.

Lavash Bread
Refried Bean's
Caper's (drained)
Cheddar Cheese
Salsa (lengthwise 2/3 down the bread) (see photo)
Chicken (or meat/vegetable of choice)
Jalapeno's (drained/sliced thin)
(more Cheddar Cheese)

(The Lavash was a bit much too Porous, Flour Tortilla's will be tried for the sophomore run)

Gingerly Roll into U.F.O. or Cigar Shape.

Drape & Douse smartly in Salsa to avoid Tortilla crispiness. Add Cheese and Chili Powder during last 2 minutes of baking.

ROLL OVEN BEETHOVEN !!!

I'm new at this "presentation" thing.

That's a portion of Ronzoni Medium Shells combined with a jar of Ragu Cheese Sauce behind the Roll.

To The Chef Goes The BACONNAISE!!!
(a gift from Jaimiennaise)

Flash Gordon - JGM Remaster

2011-07-06T05:06:00.008-04:00

In these days of digital storage and the information highway its easier than ever to catch slight differences in detail. Actually, I havent changed and was of a sharper mind thirty years ago when I would just be comparing liner notes on vinyl LP's but I digress.

Queen is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the band's existence with an exhibit, T.V. Documentary, a book or two, fan club merchandise and of course a slew of remastered back catalog of the records that brought them success and infamy in the first place.

Staring at the tracklisting in my Itunes concerning 1981's Flash Gordon soundtrack Right away I notice some type of discrepancy in the track titles as I have lived with this record for thirty years now, aside from the bonus material on the new editions (and thankfully the excising of the awful 1991 Hollywood Records bonus track remix of Flash's Theme) There are four tracks entitled Flash Gordon 1,2,3 and 4

This is because I have the rare JGMusic remix bonus tracks as well and after getting in touch with JGM I am informed that this keeps the tracks fluid and continuous. That Jim is an Awesome Editor.

White Wedding - Claudios 6/25/11 Greenport, Long Island

2011-06-25T15:20:00.013-04:00

Water, Water Everywhere and not a drop to drink.

So nice to perform overlooking the Long Island sound and so different that I felt I was on vacation and nowhere near New York City and I suppose I was right as Rob and myself rented a Zipcar to get to and from this venue in distant Greenport, Long Island so it was quite a day.

Here's how it went.

Prior to arriving in town we passed through lovely Mattituck which I took note of, if you ever need Goat Cheese, Basil, Zucchini or would like to see many wineries in close proximity visit Mattituck. The Dynamic male lead singer and Nifty drummer/percussionist (Cowbell) arrive at Claudio's without incident. We are told by owner and staff of a "sound ordinance" and are asked to keep it down if need be. I set up gear and Eat Shrimps simultaneously. We take "Group" photo's for our website and Industry magazine (also simultaneously). White Wedding plays its first set (of 3) but Rob's ailing voice gives out on him although he does get to do the "Springsteen" medley. Mike, Nancy and J.C. cover for Rob vocally but Rob remains our spiritual ringleader to the audience. I am asked to "keep it down" on the drumkit which is all at once humorous, a nice challenge and very much of an energy saver for my usually overexcited/Speedy Gonzalez self. The crowd LOVES us and are cheering and singing along amidst these obstacles that really only we (the band) are perceiving so critically. White Wedding's third set ends a little early so we regroup and make up a fourth set which includes Elvis Costello's "Peace, Love & Understanding" that we havent played in a few years (and which went off without a hitch). We pack up the gear of which Rob and myself will be returning some to the Callbox via Zipcar before heading home. The band says their good nights and part ways till our next rehearsal.

The two of us are the last to leave and the Zipcar wont start.
The key settles into the ignition switch but will not toggle.

We keep our cool and Rob tries everything as I realize that I know NOTHING about cars (or trucks for that matter) and after about 20 minutes we call the Zipcar 24 hour hotline only to be put on hold (thankfully for just under 10 minutes). At this point Rob has the Laryngitis for the most part and is trying not to speak so I explain to the Zipcar specialist what is happening and yet they insist on speaking to the cardholder, We get some advice to "jiggle the key in the ignition switch while shaking the steering wheel".

This works Gangbusters and we proceed to the Callbox via 7-11 and vineyard country.

Dues being paid, Life is Good.

The Group Shot

Beer Battered Shrimp flanked by an order of Mozzarella Sticks. Being a Land Lubber I paid instant heed to Rob's suggestion of getting some Fresh Seafood while the gettin' was good but to my dismay our gear arrived at the same time so the food went a tad bit cold on me, Delicious though it remained.

Interesting Food Fact - The Shrimp was de-tailed (and detailed) for easier consumption.

White Wedding - Thai Rock 6/24/11 Rockaway Beach

2011-06-24T16:49:00.026-04:00

NOTICE - As White Wedding continue to evolve the time has come to relinquish our onstage monikers back to our real names (Well, In Most Cases) due to the fact that the show has become so bountiful of special guests that theres no reason to confuse aliases.

(Left To Right) - Dave (Diamond Dave), Spike (Animal), Rob (Spicolli), J.C. (Amadeus), Nancy (Billie Jean) and Paul (Ferris).
Our bandleader Mike will be joining us at tomorrow's gig (Claudio's - 6/25/11) so we can take a peek at whom Doc Brown has been hiding behind.

They say Thai Food and Rock Music Bedfellows Shall Never Make !!!
but I for one beg to differ.

Thai Rock which is located overlooking Beautiful Jamaica Bay prides itself on being a Thai Food Restaurant AND "Music House" in which it succeeds. The Doppler was suspecting rain so we did not get to perform outside on the deck this time around. One of our fans Sheila spent her birthday with us and the crowd grew as the night wore on.

Delicious Food, Tasty Wine and one of the nicer venues in Rockaway Beach.
Premiered tonight was the chorus of the Ramones "Rockaway Beach"

Jamie, Rob, Paul, Richard & Spike took the train home in the wee hours only to be annoyed by the presence of "Misteronsomethingandbeingveryvocalaboutitwhiletryingtogothroughthecarsvialockedtraindoor" and instead of being my callous self I was reminded that "Yes, these people can be dangerous and YES they might have a gun"

Mr. OnSomething did Butter me up and easily too.

Upon his possibly tenth or twelfth passing across the train car he did exclaim (upon seeing Paul's guitar case or maybe my hair) upon my friends and bandmates.

Mr. OnSomething: I like you people, your'e entertainers

(after a pause)

Spike (To Jamie): well,.... that was very nice.
Jamie (To Spike): You are So crazy, do you know that ?, Why are you So crazy ?

Beef Lad Nah - Like Chinese Pan Fried Noodles but the Thai version making it completely different. DELICIOUS but I want what Dave had, The Yellow Curry.

Mind You the Beef Lad Nah Never Stood A Chance and was Completely Imbibed. There were Curry Puff's too, YUM. Great Food Here.

THAI ROCK SITE

FLICKR

Dumont Burger 6/20/11 Williamsburg, Brooklyn NYC

2011-06-22T01:45:00.003-04:00

DUMONT BURGER SITE

White Wedding - Bally Bunion 6/18/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-06-18T14:39:00.008-04:00

What a Blast we always have performing at The Bally Bunion. This was Ferris' first show with us in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

White Wedding - Rocks Off Concert Cruise 6/16/11 SOLD OUT

2011-06-16T15:26:00.041-04:00

White Wedding's sophomore performance for the Rocks Off Concert Cruise may have been an even bigger success than our previous show. Once again I am extremely proud that we sold out our second showcase on The Jewel but we were also graced with a crowd that may have been livelier than the first time around.

Thing's picked up during our opening set and got fist pumpingly crazier throughout the second. Billie Jean and Spicoli valiantly put on a great performance inches from the faces of the raucous singalong crowd and made sure we got all of our "borrowed" props back as well (tambourines,cowboy hats), Jamie even de-hatted someone right there amongst the throng. The monitor speaker behind my head toppled over during the opening number ("Take On Me") but only caused a quick blemish to my performance. We played Great and Rocked The Boat.

I was the last member onboard (by about 20 minutes!!!) due to my fear of boarding over the "mind the gap" space between the rocking boat and the rocking dock which was "rampless" at the time. Finally I became extremely impatient, overcame my fears, crossed the gap and lived to play in the rocking band.

Premiered at this show (by request) was Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy" which is currently part of the Stevie Nicks Medley.

Our props started to slowly filter into the audience but found their way back to us. In this photo I spy 4 cowboy hats, 1 DEVO hat and 1 Turning Japanese hat.

It was a lot easier transporting our gear via "Marco Polo Tub" than as piecemeal like we did on our previous visit.
Well, you live and learn.

p.s. - Rocks Off (Prod.) ran out of FOOD by the very end of the night and graciously ordered the band & crew a few Pizza Pies, Gratis.

FLICKR

White Wedding - Staten Island Film Festival 6/12/11

2011-06-12T14:02:00.020-04:00

We all rendezvoused on a Sunday summer afternoon at the Hall Of Justice (the Callbox) and carpooled out to what Diamond Dave tells me is our first Staten Island show (and theres no reason to disbelieve him except for the fact that we are well over one hundred show's into this band's career) to perform at the 2011 Staten Island Film Festival awards ceremony and dinner which was held at the lovely Vanderbilt Beachfront Catering Hall.

There was an attentive crowd for our first 30 minute set awaiting the awards ceremonies and then the band adjourned to the green room upstairs (and very nice it was) to return as scheduled an hour later during dinner proceedings for our 60 minute set. Needless to say people were having their Buffet "Dinner" in the next room so we did our job playing the set, running cues and striking our marks and I had a Blast playing a spirited & selfless set.

Speaking for myself there is a self-gratifying triumph when you realize "This Is What You/WE DO" regardless of "self" as the musical muse rises to the occasion fed by the spirit of ensemble playing in this my musical gang of stalwarts and roustabouts.

It wasn't hard to "Egg me on" due to our stage right compatriot entertainers who like us performed with aplomb, exactly as planned and professionally with no acrimony to "Dinner" being served. (aside from the White Wedding band) There were a few 80s ringers (def. 2) hired to keep the festivities going throughout the evening so off to the side was Michael "Thriller Costume" Jackson, Madonna, Generic 80s Girl and Cochise from the film "The Warriors" (who is an awesome dude) gesticulating bravely and gyrating madly keeping spirits high.

On a personal note a member of the wait staff at the Vanderbilt asked me "Is that your real hair ?" which only made me smile so much.

The Weave & The Weft.

The Green Room

Tortellini Tom Tom.

Fancy Plate Nancy.

Doc's Dish.

Pre-Rendezvous I had a Sicilian Slice (middle piece) at Carmines Pizza on Graham avenue.

White Wedding - Peggy O' Neill's 6/11/11 Coney Island, New York

2011-06-11T13:09:00.009-04:00

I have heard of Peggy O' Neill's since I can remember, Well at least for the last 25 years since here we were playing the 25th anniversary show. Strategically placed just a few blocks away from the original Nathan's and Keyspan Park this spacious bar has a nice amount of room and was enjoyable to perform at. The band was treated to its youngest Solid Gold Dancers as this was an early show and it was Erin's birthday party so we had some energetic children enjoying the 80s energy.

White Wedding - The Nutty Irishman 6/4/11 Bay Shore, Long Island

2011-06-05T04:35:00.008-04:00

The Nutty Irishman is one of Long Island's premiere club's to play and a testament to arriving at the upper echelon of tribute bands so we were very excited to perform at this establishment. The band delivered a set which seemed to fly by compared to our usual gigs (this was a 75 minute showcase) but was completely high energy and once our sound technician announced "two more songs" towards the end of our set over the P.A. the crowd moved closer to the stage to show their appreciation. Our bartender at the upstairs bar and green room was the lovely Megan who kept us in our cups and wowed us with a locally produced Blueberry Ale. Premiered at this show was Springsteen's "Glory Days".

FLICKR

White Wedding - Napper Tandy's 6/3/11 Miller Place, Long Island

2011-06-03T16:29:00.025-04:00

It was an odd and pleasurable summer experience getting to the Napper Tandys venue at dusk with the sun setting in the sky opposed to complete night as we all rolled out of the car and into the bar. I proceeded to set up my kit (Ludwig Black) and in a fit of pique changed my cymbal setup (see below) but more importantly it was a return show for the band and our first with McFly helming the guitar.

Accolades to THE DJ Pac Man Pookie spinning tunes (hearing that he likes my Foodie pics on Facebook also makes me happy as well), Case Logic Lives, I gave a dollar to a Roll Up Q-Base Guy and didnt take my Roll Up (candy) since he said he was a musician so I "felt for him" I will Never Do This Again, he gains a buck/I gain one less buck, Caught the 5:41 (earlier) as opposed to the 5:53 (later) train (to RONKONKOMA) and couldn't get a seat so I stood while I read MODERN DRUMMER Magazine (JUNE 2011) and did NOT have my (Cheesy Melt Burrito) food until I sat down at "A" Round forty past six, Dropped my stick during the Drum intro to "Call Me" but no one noticed,... WELL... The BAND DID..., McFly singlehandedly wrestled the crowd up onto the dancefloor during our second set and This fits right in with the behavior I have come to expect from my bandmates of late. The Wonton soup was Really Good also.

FACT - this man has learned less than 200 songs in the six weeks since he joined.

O.K. he learned almost a Hundred in that time which is QUITE THE FEAT including Medleys and unique cues!!!
.... plus he likes Twin Peaks.

AND he's a fluid guitar player.

To accomodate Napper Tandys smallish stage which was crowded with mic stands, microphones, XLR cables, amplifiers, pint glasses, tambourines, set lists, effects pedals, cowboy hats, keyboard stand, cymbal bag, gig bag, guitar stands, drum case, back pack, power strip, replacement drum head and a soup container I used a different cymbal configuration which can only be described as garish and unmanageable. (on the left) Hi-Hats, Both Crash Cymbals. (on the right) Ride, China (Zildjian) (All Sabian AAX unless it says its Zildjian)

DOH. switch out the 20" Crash with the China, PROBLEM SOLVED.

Before and Between sets I almost delighted in some Wonton Soup from the Ho Ming Chinese Take Out Restaurant just a few doors down and the favorite of east coast pigeons everywhere.

4/20/11

White Wedding - Wedding/Tunxis Plantation Country Club 5/29/11 Farmington, Connecticut

2011-05-29T00:44:00.024-04:00

White Wedding performed at a private wedding function this afternoon and evening at the Tunxis Plantation Country Club, This is a Beautiful space (I would type "room" but this was in The Great Outdoors) for such a gathering and I was happy to be playing under the sky. Sean & Ginger balanced the sound tonight and Bravely supplied Billie Jean and Spiccoli with a wireless Microphone so they could interact with the crowd in great success might I add. Thanks for taking some of these photo's as well Ginger.

I was Very entertained and supplied "SleazySexyStripper" Flavored percussion at Billie Jean's behest during her orchestrated Garter/Bouquet traditional sequence of the ceremonies which was A Blast.

Client Requested Songs Unique to this performance - "Wonderwall" (acoustic) by Oasis and "Telephone" by Lady GaGa.

First dance of the night,
Wonderwall.

Assorted Cheese Tortellini, Mushroom Ravioli topped with Grilled Swordfish & Lemon with Pepper Chicken with shavings of Unintentional* Bac-O's.
Green Salad topped with Bacon bits, Shredded mixed/multicolored Cheddar, Croutons and Creamy Italian Dressing of which the Unintentional* Bac-O's stem.

* - The Bac-O's spillage onto plate 1 is due to the serving anomaly inherent in the design.
Plate One/Table One is the Pasta Station/Table 2 is a Salad station imposing you to man 2 plates with two arms in a "Buffet" style setting/Table 3 is the main course or in this case "Meat-Fish" portion but you must balance and juggle your plates carefully unless you would like a 3rd plate.

Delicious Food, just sayin',

"Only chairs & tables are supposed to be hanging out back here" - Billie Jean, 2011

Q40

2011-05-20T04:13:00.026-04:00

Bob Dylan - Dont Look Back - 5/19/11 Film Forum/Greenwich Village, New York

2011-05-20T04:13:00.025-04:00

It was a joy and experience to view this film in a screening room amongst such a respectful movie going crowd and like minded individual's of the BOB DYLAN interest group who were ready to sit and pay attention to every detail of this masterpiece and take it all in.

Having seen "Dont Look Back" dozens of times Many nuance's came out for me when scrutinized on a larger viewing area (Pronounced Movie Screen), Bob being "shooshed" out of the room by Bobby Neuwirth during Albert Grossman's "Punch You Right In The Nose" hotel incident had me fighting back hysterical tears along with the audience.

We cried with Joan, Laughed with Alan, Brooded with Bob and Finagled with Albert and there was music too ,...

Great to see this film with an educated, interested and Donovan minded crowd.

Director D.A. Pennebaker was on hand to wish us well and explain how our film didnt even want to get picked up for public viewing until a little help from the "blue" industry gave it a run for it's money.

YES, I took a photo of the screen !!!
(Didnt use my flash though which makes this an Unobtrusive act and very very Zentrusive.)

White Wedding - Bally Bunion 5/14/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-05-14T16:18:00.013-04:00

The band was already warmed up from our 60 minute set one avenue away and we proceeded to the Bally Bunion hooked up our gear and promptly began our set. Tonight we premiered "Footloose"

I was happy to see Clay in attendance to perform some of his infamous folk dancing.

FLICKR

White Wedding - Brooklyn Irish Rally for David Bourke (Bally Bunion) St. Patrick's Church Auditorium - 5/14/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-05-14T16:17:00.011-04:00

Bally Bunion asked us to perform at a benefit for Dave Bourke and it was our pleasure to oblige. There were Pipers, Irish folk music, acoustic rock and some adorable wee ones performing irish reels for the crowd and this was only during the 2 hours I was there. The house kit was Premier drums with Tama hardware and a drum stool in the lowest possible position that could not be adjusted so I felt a bit short for this show. We performed a concise one hour set with costumes but the highlight for me was when Billie Jean brought the adorable wee ones onstage with us during "Come On Eileen"

250THPOSTING - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BISCUIT BABY!!!

2011-05-14T00:50:00.006-04:00

MANDU MOTHERS DAY 2011

2011-05-08T09:44:00.006-04:00

White Wedding - "Cinco De Mayo" Rocks Off Concert Cruise (SOLD OUT) 5/5/11 - East River, New York

2011-05-05T03:13:00.033-04:00

This show was a great time for the mere fact that the band was performing on a moving vessel in New York's East River but we are also very proud of being bumped up from the 250 capacity "Half Moon" to the 300 passenger "Jewel" and still selling out the cruise. Our first set finished with the Jewel pulling up to Lady Liberty herself and our performance of "Born In The U.S.A." with a singalong crowd.

One of my favorite audiences yet kept us afloat throughout the evening and by the second set spirits were running high as the party passengers sang along with the band and chanted us on, There was a sound drowning us out (and It wasnt the JBL monitor speaker behind my head) and when I looked around I happily saw it was the audience singing along to "Walk Like An Egyptian".

Truly A Night To Remember.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of an eighties trip
That started from this city port
Aboard this party ship.

Poster by Jamie

FLICKR

FACEBOOK ALBUM 1

FACEBOOK ALBUM 2

White Wedding - Heritage Bar 4/30/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-04-30T02:44:00.007-04:00

Spiccoli and myself arrived an hour early to enjoy some Guinness (plural) and try some of the Heritage Bar's food menu but the dining room was mobbed (as was the bar) so we had a few pints before the rest of the band arrived. Once again the mood was boisterous but there seems to be the drinking OR dancing factions (of which there was both), One of my favorite places to play and the staff is most generous indeed.

New songs premiered tonight were "Heart Of Glass", "Born in the U.S.A.", "Material Girl" and befitting this most Irish of Bar's, U2's "With Or Without You"

The new business cards are in.

The Heritage Bar serves the Most Delicious Guinness Stout Ever. I Dont know what their secret is and they aint tellin'

The Street Puppy Mex - Tacos El Idolo Mobile Unit 14 street, 8 avenue - 4/23/11 - NYC

2011-04-24T02:43:00.012-04:00

Spicy Pork Burrito

As a food minded individual it is certainly not possible to neglect ordering a dish from the mexican banquet throng especially when there isnt much of a throng.

The Queen Of Corona on the corner of 14th street and 8th avenue.

Words To Live By.

Papa Burrito

3 Drum Kits, 14 Cymbals and 5 Snare Drums

2011-04-21T16:59:00.008-04:00

Premier Drums. Made In England.

Pacific Drums.

Gretsch Blackhawk Drums.

Ludwig CS Custom Series Drums.

Downstairs at the Callbox Lounge.

Pork Bun Under Glass.

Lioni Fresh Mozzarella - Brooklyn, New York

2011-04-19T03:09:00.019-04:00

Amongst the Very Best Hero Sandwiches New York City has to offer, Lioni's started out as a Mozzarella distributor then branched out into making the most Delicious Sub's with the most Primo Quality Cold Cuts and Homemade Ingredients that any gourmet would crave out of a Super Hero.

When ordering a Sandwich you select your own Bread of choice but these are in the showcase for those who arent super picky and let the staff pick their Loaf for them. Looks like some Chicken Cutlets and Fried Eggplant below.

‎"Wouldja hurry up ! How many friggin' times !"

I was excited to see Prosciutto Balls amongst my choices and they were Delicious. Almost a carbon copy of the Homeade Prosciutto Balls that J and myself made just a few weeks back (LINK). Rich in Ricotta with Parsley & Prosciutto slivers.

A small Portion of the Sandwiches available.

Breadcrumb Stuffed Peppers (Pepper Shooters)

LINKS

LIONI MOZZARELLA

LIONI HEROES MENU

White Wedding - Kodiaks 4/15/11 Farmingdale, New York

2011-04-15T04:33:00.009-04:00

Kodiaks is a very large space and apparently extremely popular as it was packed to the tables when we walked in, the band set up gear and I had the unique opportunity of eating a Taco Bell Supreme Burrito while standing around near the employee locker room so in the least I was certainly humoring myself.

We played well enough as an ensemble but to my ears the room itself "Ate My Drums" and cymbals, the returning sound I expected was to be clear but much of the high end vanished and the attack was muffled to death by the architectural shape and construction amounting in a lifeless "whacking on a cardboard box" experience, O.K. Maybe not quite that bad.

The railed in ledging right behind the drum kit afforded me a photo from this nice and unique perspective, Above.

Sean and Ginger were on board to balance and amplify the house sound.

White Wedding - O' Flanagans 4/9/11 New York City

2011-04-09T06:35:00.012-04:00

We were treated to a Fun, Frenetic crowd who Didn't take long to start dancing and having a proper Saturday evening and it was a Win Win (pronounced "winwin" but spelled "Throatwobbler Manegrove") situation for all concerned.

In classic eighties Back To The Future 2 form Both McFly's were in attendance at this show, one McFly onstage and one McFly in the audience.

Diamond Dave alerting me on the fly about a change in song selection and from the looks of this photo he is also awakening me from my deep slumber.