Santa Monica, California |
Rusty's Surf Ranch |
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Rusty’s Surf Ranch again! It had been quite a while, by Southern California standards, two and a half months between shows at Red Elvises’ home base venue. Nights at Rusty’s with Our Favorite Band are always a promise of a huge amount of fun and this one was no exception -- it was an unforgettable fun night full of excitement, inspired musical passion and an impressive blending of old and new.
What’s new? The van! After a no-less-than-amazing run criss-crossing the USA countless times, adding over 200,000 miles to the odometer, enduring some scrapes and dings, a near-accident on a slick road and a majorly cracked windshield, the beloved Big Red Van has been replaced by a shiny new (beloved – yes, you will love this one too!) Big Red Van! The painting of the big yellow lettering on it was completed Friday, September 17th, and as of the following evening it had a sweet 174 miles on it after a run to and from the Lobsterfest show (also reviewed in this issue). It’s absolutely beautiful and will be bringing Red Elvises your way for years to come, so change, once again, is good. Just so you know, it's kinda hard to get good photos of a big red van in the dark by the light of the Rusty's marquee at 1am, so trust me that, although it may be a slightly darker red than the first van, it is much much brighter red than these photos make it look. Next time I'll take pictures of it in better light!
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What’s old? Well, 2003 isn’t really so long ago, but that year’s lineup is back! The 2004 guys were great (Roman is on tour with Toby Keith now!) but Oleg-Schramm and Adam, along with those always lovable guys Igor and Oleg, are, of course, the musicians who actually played on “Lunatics and Poets” so it’s a real treat that they will provide the incredible live sound as support of this CD continues on into the Fall. Onstage this night Alex (Sasha) also joined them several times playing keyboards while Schramm played sax and they had a surprise Guest Artist sit in on a few songs as well. But more on that in a minute…
It turned out that there was no opening band for this show, so when I arrived, shortly before most of the band got there, not too many people were milling around and most of the tables were full of people having dinner. Rusty’s was unnaturally quiet! I walked past the stage and was pleasantly surprised and momentarily confused to be greeted by Adam, who already had his lovely red drum kit set up. It was great to see him again, once my mind wrapped itself around the fact that I was seeing him again! After talking with him for a couple of minutes he went back to his sound check and I looked around for anyone else I knew. Not seeing anyone right away, I had a nice conversation with the guy at the door who always asks me how many shows I’ve seen them play. After a while the aforementioned new Big Red Van pulled up, always a thrilling sight old or new, and Oleg turned it around (not much driving room on the Pier) and parked in front to unload. Rusty’s got a lot less quiet after that…soon it was a pretty crowded place as more and more people got there and took their places at the bar and in front of the stage.
The show began with “Gypsy Heart” and I didn’t write the songs down at this show so I’ll try to list a few more in incorrect order… “Telephone Call From Istanbul,” “Night Butterfly,” “Lovepipe,” “200 Flying Girls,” “Strip Joint is Closed,” “Juliet” and many more. I’m thinking most of those were in the second set but the whole show was a great mixture of older songs and some of those from “Lunatics and Poets” as well. Both sets were solid and irresistible with a lot of the songs we know and love. The first set ended traditionally with “I Wanna See You Belly Dance” and the stage filled up with girls as usual. One other new thing at this show was that Oleg and Schramm had switched sides of the stage, so (as you’re standing in the crowd looking at them) Oleg was on the left instead of the right. When he reached out and took my hand to pull me onstage for “Belly Dance,” I got up there on opposite side of Igor from where I usually do so I had to be careful not to step on all his cords going to that gizmo with all the musical pedals and thingies that every lead guitarist seems to have (I don’t know what it’s called but I’m sure you know what I mean!). Oleg motioned for me to go on the other side, so I quickly did, but soon the stage was so full that girls on Igor’s other side were dancing all over his cords anyway….oh well…From the sound of the rest of the show it didn't seem like any damage was done. I often think Rusty’s needs a bigger stage, although I really don’t know where they’d put it. Dancing to Red Elvises’ music, onstage or off, is always fun there anyway, even when we don't have much space in which to do it.
During the break I sold merchandise on the stage, trying to keep from flashing the entire room since I’d worn a skirt. I’m telling you, shyness is not an option with these guys! The stage lights stay on and everybody looks at you, which is great for helping to continue the process of overcoming any residual shyness one has left over from childhood, but not planning on a career as an exhibitionist I think I may wear jeans next time! The only feasible place to sell merchandise at Rusty’s is on the stage, even though I always have the fantasy of commandeering one of the pool tables for it. I’m sure the people playing pool wouldn’t like that very much though. It was fun, anyway, helping people get the t-shirts, CDs and hats that they need and deserve. Did I say "hats?" YES, Red Elvises now have these really cool hats for sale!! Just like on the poster, so when you see them being sold at a show, try one on! See, maybe you’ll look as cool as Igor wearing one!
Part of the way into the second set, the guys started saying hello from the stage to an old friend and former bandmate who was suddenly standing right next to me – Avi Sills! They got him up onstage to drum on a couple of songs, one of which was “Boogie on the Beach,” I think. I couldn’t tell you what the other one was…it’s all a happy red whirly glow in my head now. That was a lot of fun!
The show continued and the energy level never let up. “I love this lineup!” Oleg had said right before the show in response to a guy expressing his liking for the 2003 combo of Igor, Oleg, Adam and Schramm. Indeed, it is a great lineup, a powerhouse of solid rock sound. I always think this band is amazing but each time I’ve seen them they’ve outdone their previous performance.
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The Red frenzy reached new heights with “Sad Cowboy Song,” bringing us a conga line in the audience and the traditional drum solo onstage. If all that doesn’t make you want to shake your bootie then there’s no hope for you!
“Closet Disco Dancer” added to the fun near the end of the show. Following Igor’s directions, everyone stuck his or her right-hand index finger high in the air and we all discoed and cavorted and jumped up and down. Disco, charleston, cha cha, the Pony, the Twist…all those dances and more, including the mindless writhing and wiggling in which those of us with no natural rhythm usually indulge, can be done in one form or another to Red Elvises music; it’s all good. The hardest thing to do at a Red Elvises show is stand still when the music just whips the crowd into a wild, free-for-all!
For the last encore Igor came to the edge of the stage and invited Avi up to sing along on “Jerry’s Got a Squeezebox.”
I quickly worked my way into the front of the crowd since I wasn’t there already, having been standing and dancing on the side during the second set, so I could properly photograph this event for all those who haven’t seen Avi in a long time. What a fun last song that was! We all got down close to the floor and then jumped up again and sang along and danced…you know, the usual insanity. Then I ran to get the merchandise again…Buy stuff when you go to a Red Elvises show, everyone! Go crazy, and be creative if they don't have your size - you too could be a fashion innovator like this guy:
And don't forget, you've gotta have one of those new hats!!
The next Rusty’s show is November 20th so if you’re in the Southern California area or can get here, make plans to attend. Come for the ambiance, come for the camaraderie, come for the beer or the dancing or just for the promise of a great time – now that’s a promise that will be kept!
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