The Boathouse, Belmar, NJ, October 8, 2011

Our shows at the Boathouse have always been known being somewhat chaotic. The cramped quarters near the stage area often result in microphones to the teeth, people tripping over monitors, drinks being spilled on various instruments, drunk people crowding the stage to the point where there’s no room left for the band members, and the threat of a brawl breaking out at various points in the evening. Saturday night’s show featured all of the best elements of a Boathouse show, but without any of the carnage. The bar was packed to the rafters with people looking to have a blast. What was originally planned as a three-set show ended up being a two set show with an extra long second set because we were feeding off of the energy of the room and didn’t want to stop playing. One of the highlights of the evening was Bill “Butterfingers” Shanker spontaneously lifting a young beauty up into his arms as she grinned from ear to ear in delight. Tragically the saxophonist’s clumsy tendencies took over and he stumbled over a monitor while dancing, nearly dropping the poor girl to the floor. Poor guy can’t catch a break. Now he’s got human being to go along with saxophone and PA speaker on his list of notable items dropped during or after a performance. Not to be outdone by Shanker, one of the Shuffle superfans “The Coach” took “Rosalita” to new heights by dancing between two gorgeous women (one of whom was apparently an exotic dancer) atop the bar. We’ll just say it was a distracting moment and leave it at that. Needless to say it was a night for the ages at the Boathouse.

Rivoli's Chill and Grill, Howell, NJ, 10/7/11

Friday night was our first time playing at this great bar/restaurant in the Ramtown section of Howell. We weren’t sure what to expect, but what we got was a crowded bar full of enthusiastic patrons, a friendly and accommodating staff and great night overall. Once I spotted some folks in the audience wearing Bruce shirts I had a feeling we were going to be OK and I was right. The set included intense versions of “Atlantic City” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town” to go along with plenty of upbeat rockers to keep people on their feet and dancing. We look forward to returning to Rivoli’s on December 10th.