Dec. 12, 1999 - The Beaumont Club
After driving for 1 1/2 hours, getting a little lost, and driving the wrong way on a one way street, My family and I finally found the Beaumont Club. My first impression was "Oh my God, I've gone back in time!" There were so many people dressed in vintage clothes. The place was full of men wearing suits, fedoras, and wingtips. It was an amazing sight.
The Blue Hawaiians were supposed to be the opening act, but for some reason it was changed to a local band - BIG MISTAKE. They played Bob Dyllan-esque music, but had even less talent (if that's possible).
While the crew was resetting the stage, a lot of people started swing dancing. There were some GREAT dancers there. I was nearly kicked several times, but I still enjoyed watching. I vowed then and there that, someday, I will learn to swing dance too.*
Also, before the show started, I happened to see Karl and Mike roaming around the club. Unfortunately, I was sitting in the raised bar area (about 4 feet higher than the rest of the floor). I thought that if I were to jump over the railing and down to the dance floor, then sprint across the club while dodging lindy hoppers, they would either be amazed by my acrobatic abilities or think I was a complete lunatic and run away. Since the latter was more likely, I chose to stay put.
ENTER BBVD:
The boys were TERIFIC! They had so much energy. None of them stayed still for longer than two seconds. Even Josh, sitting at his piano, was moving. Dirk did an amazing job dancing and playing that bass at the same time. It was obvious that they totally enjoy performing.
During one of their songs, Karl pulled out his clarinet and started playing it. Being a clarinet player, I was thrilled. I pointed him out to my mom by making a gesture like I was holding a clarinet (We were standing by a speaker, so it was too loud to actually talk). Karl must have seen me because the next thing I know, (after he was done playing his clarinet) he turned to Andy and made the same gesture.
During King of Swing, the dancers formed a circle and took turns dancing in the middle. I couldn't decide who to watch, the band or the dancers.
At the end of You and Me, everyone beat Scotty to the line: "What do you mean last call?" This really surprised Scotty. The look on his face was priceless. I wish I had a camera, but alas, cameras weren't allowed.
I was hoping that they would play one of their Christmas songs, but they didn't. :o( Later, I was told by Dirk that they would have, but they didn't have the charts. However, during Jump With My Baby, Glen and Ron threw in a little bit of Jingle Bells. :o)
As always, the show ended with the Goodbye song. When Glen was singing his part, Scotty stood behind him encouraging everyone to cheer (not a difficult task). After Glen was done, Scotty announced: "It's the Kid! . . . He can sing!"
Sadly, the show was over, but in a few minutes, the boys came back out for the meet-and-greet. I was prepared with a poster I had torn from the wall and the insert from their 1st indie cd.
Dirk was the first one to come out. His reaction when he saw that I had their first cd was "Wow! I don't see this one very often." He was really sweet and wanted to make sure EVERYONE enjoyed the show.
Next, I found Mike (AKA "Stymey"). He was very sweet and kept asking if I was sure I wanted him to sign cd since he wasn't on it. "This is even before the Kid" -Mike. After much persuasion, I finally got him to sign it.
Scotty was very nice (an understatement, I know). He was equally surprised that I had the cd. "There are people who would jump you for this." -Scotty.
I made sure to wish Josh a happy late birthday. His reply: "Thanks, It feels great to be 17!". He also accidently hit me on the shoulder. ( I guess he just likes assaulting fans) :o)
Kurt was very friendly and also surprised to see their 1st cd (I'm sensing a couple of themes here). Along with his signature, he added: "Same guy . . . Less hair!" He also commented on my dad's leather jacket. He said that he had one just like it, but had left it at home. He wished that he had it with him because it was so cold that day.
Next was Ron. In the tradition of all Voodoo Daddies, he was very sweet. He had never even seen the cd before: "Wowthisissocool!HasKurtseenthis?I'veneverseenthisonebefore!HeyKurtdidyouseethis?ThisisSOcool!" -Ron (said in one breath). Ron is a tad bit hyper.
Andy showed me which foot on the cover was his. It's the one in the lower right hand corner.
A huge crowd had gathered around Karl and Glen, so I didn't get a chance to talk with them. As soon as they signed my poster and cd, someone else was there asking for an autograph.
I had a great night. I just wish I could have stayed to talk to the guys a little longer, but I had a final the next morning.
Click HERE to see the my autographed stuff from this show.
* In February 2001, I started taking swing lessons at my school. :o)