First band of a three band night.

We were all looking forward to this gig, because it was to be our first with our new bassist - JOHN BATTISTINI (remember the name - we're gonna test you on it later).

As always, the Orange Bear started the Saturday lineup with an open mic. The weather was awesome, so the one-man acts showed up in droves. As always, the acts varied from pretty good to virtually intollerable.

Unfortunately, this meant that we didn't get on stage anywhere near our 9pm scheduled start time. We expected this, but I felt bad for all the first-timers that were there to see us. An extra hour is a LONG time to wait while you listen to an open mic. Sorry guys! We hope we made up for it.

I had a few observations/opinions about the whole open mic thing in general and that night's performers specifically, but y'all hear enough of my opinions already...

Since John B. had only done two practices with us (including his tryout!), and since he was away in N'walins (that's New Orleans for you sober folk) for the week leading up to the gig, the plan was to play half the songs as a three-piece, and then bring him on stage to do the second half as a four-piece.

Maybe it's because we were excited to play with our new bassist. Maybe it's because we love playing the Orange Bear. Maybe it's because the crowd was great, but whatever reason, we were damn tight, and the show was a LOT of fun!

Last time we played, it was so hot that the sweat was causing a problem with my bass playing. This time, I was smart enough to bring powder and it made a HUGE difference. I probably had fewer screw-ups on bass than I do in normal shows on guitar. On top of that - my hands were silky smooth, and I had a nice, fresh scent!

We did the first half of the set as a three-piece and things were going very well. I played bass on the first five songs, and then Tom and I switched instruments for "Sailor." At that point, we were planning on playing a cover - either "Santa Monica" or "Waitress in the Sky," but both Tom and I agreed that we'd rather skip those and bring John B onstage to finish the set.

John came up, and we switched into high gear. He looked and sounded like he'd been playing with us all along. I was very happy that I got to put down the bass - hopefully for good.

The audience was enthusiastic all the way through, whcih makes playing that much more fun. They even dug our punked-up version of The Cars' "Best Friends Girl."

We had a hell of a great time!

I feel bad bacuse I wasn't able to stay to watch the set of the band that followed us. I don't remember their name, but they were a pretty cool three-piece that covered Soul Asylum's "Without a Trace" among other songs. They were very good w/ interesting vocals, and apparently Tom and Geller are now on their mailing list. Despite the overwhelming number of bands we've sat through, good one's are really rare. Call the Orange Bear and find out their name. It'll be worth it.

Set List:
(three piece)
She Was Just a Girl
A Song for the Ladies
Wasted
We're Alright
Got No Life
Sailor
(John B. joins)
Lead You On
Eve of Destruction
Party Dress
Superstar
Best Friend's Girl
Stay Up and Talk to Me
Take Janine Away