Silvana
6/25/05
The party was at Steve's house in Silvana. Actually, it was more of a farm. At least there seemed to be a hay field in back. Next to the house was a garage, attached to what could best be described as a clubhouse, complete with stage, PA, vintage posters and knick knacks. The Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots were a nice touch, as were the rare guitars and framed Ramones concert poster. There was also a small back deck. Behind the clubhouse was the world's cleanest outhouse, complete with two different types of Clorox wipes - lemon lime and regular. The rest of the yard was full of lawn chairs, tables, and tents for people to crash for the night in case they got too drunk.
That was a distinct possibility, as there was a shitload of beer. There was also a shitload of catered food. It was all necessary, as there were about a hundred or so people at the party. Included in that hundred were a bunch of bands, including Los Peligrosos, whose set we unfortunately missed. Dean from the All American Playboys was finishing up a tuneful solo set when we arrived. Bandmates Mike and Jeff were there too, helping us kill the kegs.
We did 28 songs to a packed and sweaty clubhouse, spilling sound into the yard. All went well, in spite of Hoagie putting the beater through his bass drum and me whacking myself in the face with the microphone. Like most singers, I push and pull the mic away as is needed. This time I pulled a little too hard and a little too fast. I thought for sure I'd be spitting Chiclets, or at least blood. Luckily all I ended up with was a swollen lip and a toothache. Nothing a little alcohol can't erase.
Next up were the Dry County Crooks, who sounded not unlike if a twangier version of Social Distortion played the band in "Roadhouse" instead of Jeff Healey. If I'm ever in Portland, I'll definitely try to catch them again. Oh wait - I'll be there next week. Crap! They ain't playing that week.
One funny side light was someone's dog, apparently named Kevin Anderson (at least that's what the dog's tags said) being fed baked beans from a spoon, then finding neglected cups of beer on the ground to wash them down. I'm guessing it was a long, stinky night for Kevin's master.
Aside from the music, food, and beer - all of which was yummy, I can't remember meeting more genuinely sweet people in one day before. An old friend I hadn't seen in 3 years who tagged along with us not only echoed that sentiment, but crashed in one of the many vacant tents that night. She awoke to a big breakfast, nicely anticipated by the unbelievably gracious hosts. Plus we got to hang with a bunch of people who are slowly becoming old friends, like the Playboys, Los Peligrosos, Sarah, Lareina, and Maddog's proprietor Bob. The entire day was way chill and a nice break from the lunacy of our club shows.
I can only hope when I turn 50 I can have a party as cool as this one, and be surrounded by even half as many fantastic people sharing in the revelry. Thanks, Steve for having us. The pleasure was all ours. Happy 50th!