Discovering Frank

My latest Infatuation and the one which rang in the new year for me is the world of Jim Woodring which first disturbed me one Saturday morning tidying up the sales floor at Virgin Megastore when I stumbled across and leafed through a copy of Mr. Woodring's "Seeing Things" collection of which the imagery never left me. It has already become clouded in the mists how I thought of his work again but it was after the Sweethook gig on the 30th and like my easily infatuated mind I proceeded to watch all the clips Youtube had to offer and after digitally leafing through a few pages of his books I ordered copies of "Weathercraft" & "The Portable Frank" via Amazon of which I patiently await delivery of.

Sweethook - P & G Bar 12/30/10 New York City

P & G is 2,700 square feet, grand piano, a fireplace, pool tables, dart board, 4 bartenders, 2 porters, Wi-Fi....come on what does this place not have?

SWEETHOOK!!!!

- from our Facebook invite



It was great fun to play a return engagement at the P & G and I did get my Original Sin Pear Cider after all (4 Pints)

Holiday Blizzard 2010 - Brooklyn, New York City

Theres Always room for Meatloaf.

The Good Yeggs - Annual Christmas Concert - 12/22/10 The Tea Lounge Brooklyn, New York

Tis the season for my musical families to celebrate the Holiday's yet again and like always its a pleasure to see these familiar faces of former bandmates and fellow musicians. The one thing we all have in common is that we do this because we love this and there is no other substitute for performing music in a live setting amongst longtime friends and peers alike. I am humbled to share the drum stool with two of my fellow percussionists for many, many years namely Michael Roberto and Joe Gucciardi.

Christine, Daniella and Nadia sounded absolutely superb and harmonious throughout the nights performances and ALL of the bands played solid sets. I wasnt able to capture any photos of Speedo or Box of Crayons as i was busy doing "Jager Shots" over by the bar but it was great hearing them perform some festive classics.



Rockin' Out with Baby Daddy



Gettin' Cosy with the Comfy Chair





Our first gig as the Good Yeggs.



I was able to get a candid pic with one of my drumming heroes. Take a guess who it is and imagine winning a prize.

The Lunar Eclipse - 12/21/10 Earth

White Wedding - Bally Bunion 12/18/10 Brooklyn, New York

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

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

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



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









"Dont You Want Me Baby ?"

FLICKR

White Wedding - Private Party - S.O.B's 12/16/10 New York City

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

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





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

Peaches Christ Superstar - The Concert Hall 12/11/10 New York City

White Wedding - The Brooklyn Bowl 12/7/10 Brooklyn, New York

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

So what was going on ?

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











The Solid Gold Dancers !!!











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





FLICKR

White Wedding - Napper Tandys 12/3/10 Miller Place,Long Island

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

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

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





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



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