August 2000 and Red Elvises
By By a RedHead, a.k.a. Connie Wood

I felt very fortunate to see my favorite band 6 times in three states during this summer month. It had been a whole year since they were appearing locally, so I was geared up for the first sightings, which were at Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA the first weekend in August. These shows were very ably documented by both Jibbs and Michelle in the September issue, so I won't go into much detail except to add that the Saturday night show was broadcast live on the local cable channel - I set the timer on the VCR so that I would have a way of seeing them when they are not here. The balalaika was absent, evidently, because of travel difficulties occurring during the journey from Houston to Bethlehem. The crowds were pumped both nights, and the soggy conditions on Sunday did not dampen the spirits of the faithful throng pressed against the stage. A buddy of mine, seeing them for the first time, commented on the ability they have in getting the crowd involved, like dancing and singing along to Closet Disco Dancer.

My next opportunity was an unexpected one: an ad in the local paper announced a performance and CD signing at Borders in Whitehall, PA on August 11 at 3 in the afternoon. My co-workers knew that there would be no way to keep me from missing this event. I was certain that the place would be mobbed, but the short notice, time of day, and another round of rain may have prevented more fans from being there. They played for 20 - 25 minutes, doing Lovepipe, Boogie on the Beach, Rocketman (Avi once again doing his pantomime while standing behind his drums at the beginning of the song), and more. The big red balalaika was back, and Oleg, with his terrific smile, and Igor and his fantastic moves, made the day seem much less gray. Zhenya filled the store's normally sedate atmosphere with his awesome guitar work, at one moment sitting on the floor next to some children (two of them with hair dyed bright red!), and then standing aloft on the counter in the café. They gave just as energetic a performance as if it were before 300 people rather than perhaps only 30. While I was looking at the table of souvenirs to see if there was anything I don't already have, Zhenya came around my left from behind and said, "I remember you. Your name is Mary." I was so jazzed, even though my name is not Mary. Call me by any name you like!! Afterwards, they graciously signed autographs. I never seem to be able to think of anything meaningful or interesting to say when in their presence, so I only thanked them for the autographs and lamely mentioned that I was AWOL from work.

Later that night, at the Sterling Hotel in Allentown, PA, we were all treated to another great performance. This show was being filmed/taped by a crew, possibly to be available later on (??). They played lots of "old" favorites, as well as Who's Your Daddy?, Space Cowboy, and another new one - I don't know the name yet. Igor muffed a line during "Suzanna", but it didn't matter. It's my favorite song and was requested by someone that night, so it must be somebody else's favorite, too.

Six days later, I traveled to Buffalo, NY, ostensibly to see a friend but really to see the Red Ones. They were appearing at a club called the Tralf in the Theatre District there. Purchasing tickets earlier in the day, I was advised by staff that seating would begin around 7pm, with the show starting at 8:45. I felt like Tom Hanks in "A League of Their Own": Sitting?? There's no sitting at a Red Elvises show!! They opened with El Nino, and people just sat at their tables watching. It wasn't long, however, before the small dance floor in front of the stage filled up (I'd like to think that I helped train the crowd by being on my feet from the get-go!) as people danced to Rocketman, Closet Disco Dancer was not included in the repertoire and I found that I really missed it. Although most of the audience were newbies, there were enough fans to join in at the appropriate moments in Lovepipe. My friend, who has always been a Grateful Dead fanatic but has come around to being part of the Gratefully Red, called out "Red Lips, Red Eyes, Red Stockings." Whether they heard him or whether it was planned up next anyway, the guys went right into it without missing a beat. "I Wanna See You Bellydance" was the closing number, complete with girls from the audience onstage, and Sad Cowboy Song was the encore. During its intro, Oleg said that the conga line could begin at any time, and the Buffalo crowd picked up on the suggestion, just like at Musikfest. It was a very short show, ending by 10pm.

My final chance to see them came on August 26, at the Riverfest in Knowlton Township, NJ. My mother, whose name is Harriet (can you stand it?), insisted on going with me to see for herself what all the excitement has been about. She later said that they must really enjoy singing, because they didn't rest at all between songs. It was like Musikfest on a much smaller scale - smaller tent and smaller crowd. This audience also may have been new to the Red Elvises experience, but they were no less enthusiastic in welcoming them. Everything seemed to be going along well. They did Bellydance before the break with the local girls and the mayor on stage. Even though I was there, I can't say what happened. When they came back from break, they did a few songs. Zhenya was gesturing to girls in the audience and lifting his shirt. With his back to the audience, Igor said something to Zhenya, then turned to the audience and said the "rock star" would be leaving the stage. Zhenya made sort of a weak little salute, unstrapped the guitar and was soon in the audience with the rest of us for the duration of the show. Igor, Oleg and Avi continued, and soon Oleg pulled a beautiful blond woman from the audience to dance in Zhenya's place. They played on with the usual spirit, even pulling out "Jerry's Got a Squeezebox" and getting the crowd to hunker down with them. For me, it was kind of impossible to enjoy what was left of the show. A key member was missing from the stage, and I was perplexed and confused. I know that life for them must not be very easy. Traveling all the time, being in strange places instead of at home, must be extremely exhausting. They were going back to California after this show and, hopefully, could get some much needed rest before going back out on the road to delight the fans who love them.