Monday, August 30, 2010

Edgar's Pub, Manasquan, NJ 08/29/10

When we agreed to play a series of Sunday night shows during the summer at Edgar's we weren't really sure what to expect. Would anybody be there? Would people be too tired and hung over from the weekend and just sit back in their chairs? To our delight each of the Sunday shows were a success, with a great group of people coming out to party and have a good time. This show featured multiple audience requests including "Atlantic City," "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)," "Racing in the Street," "Something in the Night," "Girls in Their Summer Clothes" and "Pink Cadillac." Another highlight of the evening was the rarely-performed "Hearts of Stone." "Growin' Up" featured yet another tale this time with "The Big Shank" working as a bouncer at a bar who is willing to let you in after closing if you allow him to either sing "More Than a Feeling" or play the Jungleland sax solo for you. We opted for the latter. Many thanks to our families, friends and fans for helping to make these Edgar's Sundays a success.

Monday, August 16, 2010

The Boathouse, Belmar, NJ 8/14/10

It was pure pandemonium in Belmar on Saturday night as a crazy, packed house of people were crammed into the Boathouse for a summer night of sweaty rock n' roll music. Dave's piano took a beating during the show with one bar patron deciding to use it as a table before spilling his drink all over it and shorting the thing out temporarily, while another highly-inebriated gentleman proceeded to fall backwards, trip over the monitor and fall into the piano and mic stand. Thankfully the instrument and Mr. Keyboard survived both incidents. Eventually security was called in to restore some order and to prevent any more potential disasters. Many thanks to our friends Tommy and James for imploring their crowd-control techniques. Other highlights of the evening included bar owner Tim Harmon singing lead on "The Rising" and a Justin Bieber lookalike being harassed by a Pauly D wannabe. It was definitely a most memorable night in Belmar that we're not soon to forget any time soon. Thanks to all who attended.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Edgar's Pub, Manasquan, NJ 07/25/10

It was another great all-around show at Edgar's with people partying on a Sunday as if it was Saturday night. This show featured many audience requests including "Girls in Their Summer Clothes," "Radio Nowhere," "I'm on Fire," "Racing in the Street," "Quarter to Three" and Cadillac Ranch." "Growing Up" featured a lengthy mid-song story about encountering saxophonist Bill "Big Shank" Shanker in a Manasquan Dairy Queen late at night where he made a deal with Shuffle band members where they would listen to him perform the "Jungleland" sax solo in exchange for ice cream. This event apparently led to the big man joining the band. Other show highlights included the rarely-played gem "Something in the Night" and a fierce version of "Adam Raised a Cain."

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Margate Log Cabin, Margate, NJ 07/17/10

It was another hot, but beautiful night at the Jersey Shore as we performed at the Margate Log Cabin, while watching a gorgeous sunset on the bay. Kudos to the folks at the Log Cabin for their promotion of the show which included newspaper advertisements and placing our poster at the toll booth on the Margate Bridge. A great turnout of people was on hand as we ran through two sets worth of music. "Drive All Night," "Murder Incorporated" and "The E Street Shuffle" were all performed by request.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Lakewood Bruce Claws, Lakewood, NJ 7/10/10

It was Springsteen Appreciation Night at First Energy Park in Lakewood, NJ as the hometown Lakewood Blue Claws donned special jerseys with stars and stripes and an electric guitar and went under the alias "Bruce Claws" for the evening. Our performance took place just beyond the center field wall in the WRAT Trap tiki bar area and it was most enjoyable. After some initially threatening skies, the clouds gave way and the sun came out. As soon as they opened the front gates a crowd of Bruce fans wearing concert t-shirts came strolling over ready to get the party started. It was a short show, only 15 songs long because we had to stop in time for some pesky baseball game to begin; A great day at the ballpark was had by all.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Summer Concert Series, Langhorne, PA 7/7/10

The temperature was hovering close to 100 degrees as we readied for this free summer concert in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, but much to our delight it didn't stop the townsfolk from coming out in full force, ready to rock n' roll. What was originally scheduled to be a rather short 24-song set turned out to be a closer to standard 30-song affair inspired by the appreciative crowd. The show featured the rarely-played "Hearts of Stone" and "My Hometown" in addition to the classic showstoppers. Insects of all kinds made guest appearances during the show on this hot and muggy July night. An ant scurried across Ryan's pedal board, while a grasshopper showed off his chops on Dave's piano during "Ramrod" and an unidentified flying bug kissed me on the mouth during "Rosalita." It was great to have both humans and insects getting into the show.

Harry's Ocean Grill, Cape May, NJ 7/4/10

Although the hot sun was beating down, we were cooled by the Atlantic Ocean breezes, while perched upon a roof-top deck across the street from the beach in Cape May on this 4th of July. A nice crowd was on hand as we ran through three sets while the sun set. In addition to the holiday favorites "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" and "Independence Day," we also broke out the more obscure "Drive All Night" and "Living in the Future." Five minutes after our performance ended the fireworks show began over the ocean, making for a perfect ending to a great weekend.