LOCATION: Backbooth, Orlando, FL
LINEUP: Karin, Linford, Jake, Mickey
REVIEW BY:
I was so excited to see the gang *IN* Orlando instead of driving all the way down to Stuart to see them. I had never been to BackBooth before, but it was a pretty nice place inside. Juicy had to sit in a chicken wire cage, but it gave it a "Good Ole' Blue Brothers Boys Band" feel to the show. I was impressed with the decor and feel of the venue...
I was NOT impressed with the neighbors. A techno club which was actually louder than Karin several times during the night.
I was NOT impressed with the club selling out 350 tickets, but then letting in "friends of the bar" on top of the ticket count (I personally saw at least 30 people walk in without tickets with a wink/smile from the door) and then letting large masses of people block the door. This was the first time I've ever been to a show in my entire life (I've been to hundreds of shows) where I made aggressive mental plans in case of a "Great White". I'm not your overly cautious type... but it was a little scary. I told the wife and our friend my route.
I was NOT impressed with the gang of "regulars" who had their own little loud party going on in the back the entire night. There were "ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING" signs up all around the bar and apparently this didn't apply to the bar staff and their pals... who were all smoking by the back bar.
Despite all that... it was a great show. The song selection was mostly Trumpet Child with a few DP thrown in. Nothing really older than Ohio... unless I'm spacing and forgetting. I didn't keep a setlist, but the show was very strong. This was especially impressive with the crap going on around them. Our friend had never heard a single OtR song in her life... but walked out with a Discount Fireworks (I suggested going the whole greatest hits route) cd and a huge smile on her face. It was funny and almost comedic... she was like "thanks guys, really... thanks! They were really awesome and I absolutely loved them." I wasn't shocked, being a huge fan, but it was still funny how every first-timer I've taken to a show says basically the same thing. I even got to tell her stories about watching the band back in the Sudsy's days. She really got a kick out of that.
Linford was all decked out with a jacket and tie. Karin looked like she should've been at some party on a summer night dancing under the stars. Sadly... I couldn't see Mickey going crazy on his solo of insanity or Jake really moving the upright bass (I could see the top of it when he was getting aggressive... but that was all). Great show... as far as the talent went. Crappy show as far as the venue went.
All I can say is... I'd take this over NO SHOWS at all. Thanks gang...
I really appreciated you coming to my town. Thanks.