On Thursday night, The E Street Shuffle Unplugged debuted at Edgar’s Pub, with guitarist Ryan Loughlin and myself performing as a duo in a stripped-down acoustic setting. In sharp contrast to the usual raucous party which is the full band, electric E Street Shuffle, this incarnation presented the other side of Springsteen’s music, highlighting the quieter, stark material. Songs such as “Janey Don’t You Lose Heart,” “Reason to Believe,” “Point Blank,” “The River,” “Downbound Train,” “Open All Night,” “Johnny 99,” “Brilliant Disguise” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town” were able to take center stage for a change in this intimate environment. The hits weren’t completely absent however, with stripped-down versions of “Hungry Heart,” “Born to Run,” “Badlands” and “Rosalita” all making appearances. The show also featured several non-Springsteen covers of songs by the likes of Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, U2, R.E.M. and Bob Dylan, which is something that we never do with the full band. Future E Street Shuffle Unplugged performances will feature various smaller configurations of the band and the dates will be posted on the website. Anyone looking to enjoy a mellow, fun night out during the week featuring some deeper cuts from the Springsteen catalogue should come check out one of our acoustic gigs. Thanks!
-SL
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Labor Day Weekend 2011
Another great summer wrapped up with three great shows over the course of Labor Day weekend. We kicked things off Friday night at the Mad Hatter with a fun, up-tempo show in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The typical Hatter pandemonium broke out by the end of the second set with the triple punch of “Thunder Road,” “Born to Run” and “Rosalita,” followed by “Born in the USA” and “Quarter to Three” to close the night.
On Saturday we performed a show on the beach in Ocean Beach, NJ. The show held special significance for Ryan and me since Ocean Beach is the town that four generations of my family has been vacationing in since the early 1950s. To be there on the same beach I played on as a kid, singing my favorite songs with the waves crashing in front of us and my family looking on was really a wonderful experience. It was also a great show on a beautiful evening with a fantastic turnout. The second set featured a special guest performance by E Street Shuffle alumnus Mike Radosti on guitar and backing vocals. We had a lot of fun being on stage with our old friend again. Although sand isn’t the easiest substance to dance on, people still got up off of their comfortable chairs and managed to cut a rug. While the set featured plenty of rockers, the laid-back beach vibe also led to the inclusion of songs like “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy), “Jersey Girl,” “Something in the Night,” “Backstreets,” and “Brilliant Disguise.”
Sunday night’s show was a private affair at the Peninsula Country Club in Delaware where we have performed for three straight years now. No trip to Delaware is complete with a stop for lunch at the Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach, and this trip was no exception. The cream of crab soup more than lived up to its reputation and put everybody in a great mood. The show itself got off to a late start due to some electrical issues and were asked to take a break after only 35 minutes to make way for a fireworks show that never materialized , but once the second set started we were off and running and everybody had a great time. With the exception of two slower songs, this was a pedal to the metal set from start to finish, which made for a dance floor which never cleared. The grand finale of the evening came during “Quarter to Three” when I leapt into the pool with my clothes and boots on. It was a fitting end to a great summer. Oh, and the trip to Delaware also included a traditional stop at The Cove in Dewey Beach for some fantastic Orange Crushes and a stop at The Dog House on the way home for some good eats. Thanks to everybody who came out to support us during the summer of 2011. We had a blast and hope you did too!
-SL
On Saturday we performed a show on the beach in Ocean Beach, NJ. The show held special significance for Ryan and me since Ocean Beach is the town that four generations of my family has been vacationing in since the early 1950s. To be there on the same beach I played on as a kid, singing my favorite songs with the waves crashing in front of us and my family looking on was really a wonderful experience. It was also a great show on a beautiful evening with a fantastic turnout. The second set featured a special guest performance by E Street Shuffle alumnus Mike Radosti on guitar and backing vocals. We had a lot of fun being on stage with our old friend again. Although sand isn’t the easiest substance to dance on, people still got up off of their comfortable chairs and managed to cut a rug. While the set featured plenty of rockers, the laid-back beach vibe also led to the inclusion of songs like “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy), “Jersey Girl,” “Something in the Night,” “Backstreets,” and “Brilliant Disguise.”
Sunday night’s show was a private affair at the Peninsula Country Club in Delaware where we have performed for three straight years now. No trip to Delaware is complete with a stop for lunch at the Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth Beach, and this trip was no exception. The cream of crab soup more than lived up to its reputation and put everybody in a great mood. The show itself got off to a late start due to some electrical issues and were asked to take a break after only 35 minutes to make way for a fireworks show that never materialized , but once the second set started we were off and running and everybody had a great time. With the exception of two slower songs, this was a pedal to the metal set from start to finish, which made for a dance floor which never cleared. The grand finale of the evening came during “Quarter to Three” when I leapt into the pool with my clothes and boots on. It was a fitting end to a great summer. Oh, and the trip to Delaware also included a traditional stop at The Cove in Dewey Beach for some fantastic Orange Crushes and a stop at The Dog House on the way home for some good eats. Thanks to everybody who came out to support us during the summer of 2011. We had a blast and hope you did too!
-SL
Monday, August 15, 2011
Plum Beach Club, Saunderstown RI 08/13/11
On Saturday the Shuffle headed up to Saunderstown, RI for a show at the beautiful Plum Beach Club. As is usually the case with these type of road trips, good eats often take top priority with several band members stopping off at Danny’s Drive In in Stratford, Connecticut on the way for some delectable loaded hot dogs. The delicious lunch set the tone for an enjoyable trip. The folks at the Plum Beach Club couldn’t have been nicer or more hospitable as we enjoyed drinks and food with a wonder bayside view.
The show itself was also great as we performed right next to the beach with a beautiful moon reflecting on the bay. After somebody in the band was handed a bottle of Narragansett beer, I proceed to inquire with the audience about whether this was actually a local microbrew or just a cheap beer that happened to be manufactured locally. The reason I asked dated back to my college days in South Jersey when we would routinely purchase the rancid-tasting, $1.99 a six-pack beer for a somewhat naïve schoolmate who refused to specify exactly what kind of beer he wanted us to buy him. Anyway, the consensus amongst the crowd was that this was not a high quality product. I breathed a sigh of relief and we proceeded on with the show. One of the highlights was the impromptu “Sad Eyes” interlude during “Backstreets,” which wasn’t something we’d ever discussed or attempted before. Our closing song was “Rosalita,” but we came back on for an encore of “Quarter to Three.” During the finale I made the split-second decision to sprint down the beach and jump into the Narragansett Bay. Thankfully the water was a comfortable 74 degrees and quite comfortable. Soaking wet, with sand-covered boots, I made my way back to the stage, ended the show and called it a night.
The ride back on Sunday included a stop in Fairfield, CT at the magnificent Super Duper Weenie which features Boylan’s sodas in addition to delicious hot dogs and cheeseteaks.
-SL
The show itself was also great as we performed right next to the beach with a beautiful moon reflecting on the bay. After somebody in the band was handed a bottle of Narragansett beer, I proceed to inquire with the audience about whether this was actually a local microbrew or just a cheap beer that happened to be manufactured locally. The reason I asked dated back to my college days in South Jersey when we would routinely purchase the rancid-tasting, $1.99 a six-pack beer for a somewhat naïve schoolmate who refused to specify exactly what kind of beer he wanted us to buy him. Anyway, the consensus amongst the crowd was that this was not a high quality product. I breathed a sigh of relief and we proceeded on with the show. One of the highlights was the impromptu “Sad Eyes” interlude during “Backstreets,” which wasn’t something we’d ever discussed or attempted before. Our closing song was “Rosalita,” but we came back on for an encore of “Quarter to Three.” During the finale I made the split-second decision to sprint down the beach and jump into the Narragansett Bay. Thankfully the water was a comfortable 74 degrees and quite comfortable. Soaking wet, with sand-covered boots, I made my way back to the stage, ended the show and called it a night.
The ride back on Sunday included a stop in Fairfield, CT at the magnificent Super Duper Weenie which features Boylan’s sodas in addition to delicious hot dogs and cheeseteaks.
-SL
Friday, July 8, 2011
July 4th Weekend 2011
As in years passed, it was another fun-filled 4th of July weekend for The E Street Shuffle. Things kicked off on Friday night with a show at The Mad Hatter, which featured everything we’ve come to expect from a good Hatter show: a large crowd, lots of drinking, people nearly taking out one of the keyboards and bar owner Scott Kelly waving an American flag from atop the bar during “Born in the USA.” This highlight of the night was without a doubt Bill Shanker’s saxophone solo during “Jungleland.” The “Big Shank” took center stage as he belted out a tribute to Clarence Clemons that left everybody in awe. It was one of those magical moments as a musician that we’ll always remember.
Saturday night we headed further down the beach to Point Pleasant for a performance at Farrell’s. The night started off slow, but picked up steam as the set wore on, ending with a triumphant “Rosalita.”
After a day of rest the band continued down the Jersey coast to Cape May for the second annual 4th of July Bash at Harry’s Ocean Grill at the Montreal Inn. The rooftop setting overlooking the ocean was simply splendid and as the temperature cooled off a bit throughout the show, the crowd’s enthusiasm increased to a fever pitch. The third and final set of the night was an all-out dance party made up of a diverse age range of people from toddlers to senior citizens. “Murder Inc.” and “Downbound Train” were amongst the many requests performed and “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” was dusted off and performed for the first time in months. A wonderful Independence Day at the shore came to a close appropriately with a fireworks display over the ocean.
Saturday night we headed further down the beach to Point Pleasant for a performance at Farrell’s. The night started off slow, but picked up steam as the set wore on, ending with a triumphant “Rosalita.”
After a day of rest the band continued down the Jersey coast to Cape May for the second annual 4th of July Bash at Harry’s Ocean Grill at the Montreal Inn. The rooftop setting overlooking the ocean was simply splendid and as the temperature cooled off a bit throughout the show, the crowd’s enthusiasm increased to a fever pitch. The third and final set of the night was an all-out dance party made up of a diverse age range of people from toddlers to senior citizens. “Murder Inc.” and “Downbound Train” were amongst the many requests performed and “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” was dusted off and performed for the first time in months. A wonderful Independence Day at the shore came to a close appropriately with a fireworks display over the ocean.
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Big Man, R.I.P. June 18, 2011
After enjoying a few drinks following a very enjoyable first set at The Parker House in Sea Girt, NJ on Saturday night, we walked onstage to begin set number two and were immediately informed by Matt, our sound engineer that Clarence Clemons had died. For me it was one of those surreal moments when somebody tells you something but it doesn’t really fully register and your immediate thought is that it’s impossible and couldn’t be. Unfortunately it was the truth. The DJ made an announcement to the crowd who all raised their glasses and cheered in memory of the late great sax man. It was now our job to keep it together and do our best to pay tribute to the Big Man. Complicating matters for us was the fact that our own saxophonist Bill Shanker was unable to play the show and was not present. Thankfully Joey Arminio was filling in and did an admirable job. But above all, it was the crowd at The Parker House on Saturday that really held things together. Everyone who was there seemed to really get the significance of what had just happened and as the night wore on it became clear that this was going to be a celebration of the spirit that Clarence Clemons brought to The E Street Band for all those years. On behalf of the band I’d like to personally thank everyone who was with us at The Parker House on Saturday for keeping that positive vibe and energy going all night. It is a night that we’ll never forget.
Yesterday I was in Asbury Park with my family and just about every boardwalk shop we passed had a sign up mourning Clarence’s passing. It seemed like every other person who walked by was wearing a Springsteen t-shirt. At The Stone Pony there were pictures, candles and flowers on stage and at least a hundred people gathered around the stage as “10th Avenue Freeze Out” blared from the house system. People sang, cheered, wept and the little pretties raised their hands. It was as if The E Street Band were right there on stage in front of us with The Big Man smiling with that wonderful ear to ear grin of his. Walking around town yesterday really gave me a sense of just how much this man was loved and how special the bond between artists and their fans can be. Personally, I’ll never forget being an 18-year old at The Meadowlands in June of 1993 when Clarence strode out onstage unannounced to join Bruce on “10th Avenue Freeze Out” at the precise moment when he sings “They made that change uptown and the Big Man joined the band…” The roar from the crowd at that moment is legendary amongst fans, but having been there myself I can tell you that it truly was the loudest noise I’ve ever heard before or since, and that includes being at Yankee Stadium in 2003 when Aaron Boone hit that walk-off homer to beat the Red Sox. I’ll never forget literally jumping up and down screaming “Clarence” at the top of my lungs as he danced and played the sax joyfully as the place went bananas.
The great thing about music is that it endures long after we’re gone, and in the case of Clarence Clemons, his contributions to music and the spirit, energy and enthusiams he brought to The E Street Band and all its fans is something that will live on forever. We love you Big Man. Thanks for a lifetime of great memories.
Yesterday I was in Asbury Park with my family and just about every boardwalk shop we passed had a sign up mourning Clarence’s passing. It seemed like every other person who walked by was wearing a Springsteen t-shirt. At The Stone Pony there were pictures, candles and flowers on stage and at least a hundred people gathered around the stage as “10th Avenue Freeze Out” blared from the house system. People sang, cheered, wept and the little pretties raised their hands. It was as if The E Street Band were right there on stage in front of us with The Big Man smiling with that wonderful ear to ear grin of his. Walking around town yesterday really gave me a sense of just how much this man was loved and how special the bond between artists and their fans can be. Personally, I’ll never forget being an 18-year old at The Meadowlands in June of 1993 when Clarence strode out onstage unannounced to join Bruce on “10th Avenue Freeze Out” at the precise moment when he sings “They made that change uptown and the Big Man joined the band…” The roar from the crowd at that moment is legendary amongst fans, but having been there myself I can tell you that it truly was the loudest noise I’ve ever heard before or since, and that includes being at Yankee Stadium in 2003 when Aaron Boone hit that walk-off homer to beat the Red Sox. I’ll never forget literally jumping up and down screaming “Clarence” at the top of my lungs as he danced and played the sax joyfully as the place went bananas.
The great thing about music is that it endures long after we’re gone, and in the case of Clarence Clemons, his contributions to music and the spirit, energy and enthusiams he brought to The E Street Band and all its fans is something that will live on forever. We love you Big Man. Thanks for a lifetime of great memories.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Rocks Off Concert Cruise, New York City, 4/30/11
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day as we set sail aboard the majestic Half Moon for a three-hour tour down the East River and into New York Harbor. With the sun shining brightly, we launched into “10th Avenue Freeze Out” to kick off the show and cruised through the calm waters between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Performing on a boat became challenging at times when we’d get caught up in the waves caused by another boat’s wake, leaving us clinging to our microphone stands. “Mr. Keyboard” lost his footing at one point during the show due to choppy seas, but he made a speedy recovery without missing a note. I collapsed to my knees at the end of “Jungleland” but that was only for dramatic effect. As the first set was wrapping up, the Half Moon dropped anchor directly in front of the Statue of Liberty for one of the most breathtaking views one can hope to witness. The sun had just set behind Lady Liberty and it was one of those magic moments that we’ll never forget. The second set began with “Born in the USA,” which really got the crowd going. As night closed in the dance party began with the band slamming through hits like “Badlands,” “Thunder Road,” “Glory Days,” “Born to Run” and “Rosalita.” The concert cruise came to an end triumphantly with “Quarter to Three.” Many thanks to everyone who helped sell-out our first concert cruise and a very happy birthday to Mike who was celebrating his 50th along with friends and family. We hope to be seeing you again soon either on land or at sea.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Edgar's Pub, Manasquan, NJ 04/23/11
Saturday was another fun-filled night at Edgar’s Pub which featured a performance of the classic “Darkness on the Edge of Town” album from start to finish. It’s not the easiest album to attempt to do in a bar setting due to the fact that it’s an intense album with several slow songs and a lack of many danceable tracks, but for the most part the crowd was very attentive and receptive to what we were trying to do. Ryan’s blistering guitar solos on “Prove it All Night,” Adam Raised a Cain,” “Streets of Fire” and “Candy’s Room” were the highlights of the evening. After we were done performing the album we kicked things into party mode with an assault of rockers guaranteed to get people moving. Forgoing a planned second break, we plowed ahead, adding songs to the set as we went along and finishing with a total of 39-songs in all. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Edgar’s and everybody who came out to see us play.
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