Monthly Grind Ends Season With Bang

by Dave Lieben

The last Monthly Grind was, arguably, the best one. Producer Maggie Freitag put together an awesome assemblage of talent to wrap up the season. Host Larry Vose did an excellent job, with the help of some of his men from the Coast Guard station, poking fun at the military, tourists, and local government.

Bernadette Johnson was first up, she struggled a little bit with nerves but did excellent renditions of a couple Ani DiFranco songs, among others.

The Red Suspenders were next up, featuring the soulful vocals and harmonica of master carver Nathan Jackson, accompanied by Dave Rubin and Dave Rosendin. They did a great version of Love Letters, among others.

Dressed in white t-shirts and black leather jackets, the a cappella quartet of Rudy Saccomanno, Mary Kowalczyk, Elizabeth Nelson and Keith Smith performed such 50s hits as Duke of Earl and Leader of the Pack.

Ernie Meloche also struggled with nerves to start, but settled down to sing a nice rendition of the Eagles' Desperado. He also sang a song about being a floatplane pilot as a slide show was shown behind him, featuring stunning photographs taken from the air and at stops around Southeast Alaska. He also read a poem about eagles as pictures of eagles were shown.

After everyone enjoyed some desserts, Dawn (I think that was her name, I shoulda brought a pen) read a couple children's stories as children gathered around her on the stage.

Next up was Jon Stack, who sang Bad, Bad Leroy Brown and a cute song about Star Wars' Yoda to the tune of the Kinks' Lola. He was joined by the silver-voiced Jody Landis for a song.

Finishing the night was the rocking, but not too loud, blues sounds of Lance Lindgren, Tom Daniels, and a last-minute substitute on drums, Shane Gibbs, who did a fine job. Lance is an excellent singer and a fiery guitarist, and I would definitely make a special trip to hear them again, given the chance.

The opening of the Monthly Grind's tenth season will be September 18th.