On The Rock Front

This past weekend was full of rocking rock as both bands I play in, Valley Lodge and Heather, fired up the asskicking machine in the big city. It was good times all around.

The first show took place on Friday night with Valley Lodge at the Mercury Lounge. Things were looking pretty grim on the days leading up to the show as John’s health problems (it’s either his back or his balls depending on whom you ask) were escalating with every passing hour. It was starting to look like he wasn’t going to be able to rock so we were all thinking maybe we’d cancel the show rather than rock in a state of compromise. In the hours before the show however, we decided we must rock at all costs, even if John was lying on a gurney in a dimly lit room somewhere with liquid food dripping into his arm. We had no choice but to alter our rock machine to power trio mode for the show.

We were a little apprehensive about playing as a trio as it would mean rocking shorthanded, sort of like a hockey team with someone in the penalty box for slashing or something. In the end, however, things worked out pretty well as I just turned my amp up a bit and threw a few extra gyrations into the usual choreography. As best I could tell, people felt the rock power. And we had one less amp to carry home at the end of the night, so that was good too. That said, however, it will be good to have John back in action soon so we can kick people in the nuts a bit more effectively next time.

Aside from the show itself on Friday, it was a good night in other ways as Phil, Rob, and I got to blow our asses out on Mexican food at Festival Mexicana on Rivington Street before the show and we also got to see a rocking band, Demander, who played before and did a good job rocking asses themselves. Plus, Phil, Rob, and I all got to sit in the Mercury Lounge basement for a while and have a nice chat. It’s good to do this every once in a while what with how crazy life tends to get and all.

The rock continued on Saturday when Heather showed up at Ace of Clubs and played to a small but drunk crowd. Ace of Clubs used to be Under Acme, where I’d played a bunch of times before when I still had boyish good looks and a taste for malt liquor. It’s pretty much the same club now despite the name change. I think they may have moved the bar or something too.

The show itself went pretty well. I was pretty tired from life in general but still managed to muster the necessary rock energy to kick people’s asses effectively. Good times, good times.

Before the show, Phil and I ate a quick dinner at Acme Bar and Grill, the restaurant located directly above the club. Phil had a Po’ Boy sandwich that was 1/2 fried oysters and half fried shrimp. I went with the chicken Po’ Boy, a conservative choice for me but I didn’t want to stir up to much trouble in my gastrointestinal system right before showtime. It turned out to be the right choice as at no time during the performance did I feel like I was in danger of needing to change my pants or anything. Thanks chicken Po’ Boy!

The rest of my weekend was spent working on assorted top secret projects in my apartment. I typed a lot mostly and did a little painting and decoupaging, which relaxes me and totally doesn’t make me gay.

Okay, I’m off to work on my upper body strength. I hope they have all the big weights out at the gym. I’m not messing around this time. Dammit.

Dave Hill