Red Elvises at Jovita's

That they were. People everywhere trying to get their attention. Calling Oleg and Igor by name and to different tables. They guys good naturedly meeting everyone they can, saying hello to old friends and meeting new fans. They came in wearing shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes. "What happened to 'nice shoes'?" my mom asked.

Finally, the time came. There they were-everyone in a tiger striped suit and gold shoes, except Oleg, who was in a red and gold Oriental looking suit. Very hot, all of them! Igor on guitar, Oleg on the balalaika, Roman on sax and flute, Craig on drums, and Sasha on keyboards. The new line-up.

They started out with "Love Pipe" which really got the place going. I knew immediately that I am a hard-core Red Elvis junkie. Definitely My Favorite Band!! Wow!! Any fears about the new line-up just faded away. These guys are awesome together!! Next was "Gypsy Heart" Then my favorite..."Telephone Call from Istanbul" By now, no one was in the seats and Alex and I left my mom and pushed our way to the front of the dance floor to be right in front of the stage, where I ran into Sandra and Paul, there all the way from Iowa ( I think)--lucky dogs, getting to follow the Red Elvises all around.

Anyway, next they played a song off their new CD. At this point, my mom took over writing down the play list, as Alex and I were lost to the music and the show. Next up was "Love Rocket", which I still cannot get out of my head. I can picture Oleg grinning ear to ear, plucking away at the balalaika. We missed the name of the next song, sorry guys. Then "Boogie on the Beach" "Harriet" and "Strip Joint is Closed". Each song making me fall more and more in love with the guys live. By now, my feet hurt (that'll teach me to wear heels to a show again) and I was sweaty from dancing, but it was a long time from being over.

Next was "Sad Cowboy Song", which brought about the most awesome drum solo I have ever witnessed! All 5 Elvises, plaing on Craig's drumset at the same time. Totally amazing! Then everyone leaving the stage for a small break, while Craig reamined and did his own drum solo, which seemed to go on at least 10 minutes. Man, can Craig drum!! Then, everyone back on stage to finish up the song.

Next was a quick dance lesson from Igor on the correct movements for "Sex in Paradise", because according to him, "without the pelvic motion, this song sux!" Like a Red Elvis song could EVER suck.

Next up was "I Wanna See You Bellydance", then it was breaktime. Sandra and Paul handled CD and T-shirt sales onstage, while the guys unwound and chatted fans up. Alex and I bought T-shirts, and my mom bought a poster, and was sad because they ran out of bumper stickers.

Alex and I made the rounds, meeting each of the guys and getting autographs. Oleg signed Alex's shirt and gave me a hug. All five guys signed my mom's poster. Igor told Alex his mom (me) was pretty (thank you Igor) and thought it was cool that there were three genrations of us there. Roman and I had a nice conversation about living in Dallas. Sasha and I talked briefly, as he seems quiet and shy. I think Craig was collapsed in the back somewhere, as we didn't meet up with him until the very end, where Alex got a broken drumstick and Craig signed it.

Finally, the break was over and they were all back on stage. At this point, my mom quit taking notes and my memory is a bit fuzzy. So, I am sorry to say that I can no longer name individual songs in order. I know they did "Rocket Man" and " The Music is Wasted" and that Igor and Roman did a dueling guitar-sax thing that was unbelievable. Roman can really play that sax, like no one I've ever seen! They finally wrapped up "My Love is Killing Me" which my mom had requested, and one of her and my favorites.

The show was over at 11, which ran an hour longer than it was supposed to. So, everyone cleared out pretty fast. I ditched my shoes and went back in to find Alex and ran into Roman, who told me I couldn't be in there barefoot and then signed my feet.

This was by far, the best live show I've ever seen. And, I've seen a lot!! After all, I live in Austin, the live music capital of the world!! I would follow the Red Elvises around on their tour if I could. I never saw them with Zhenya and I'm sure they are not the same--but different doesn't mean they can't still be great. And they are. The new line-up rocks!! If you're not a Red Elvis fan when you get to a show, you will be when you leave. They will definitely be Your Favorite Band!! I know they are mine.