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The Stowaways Do It Again!
The Beatles never even had one reunion. Fleetwood Mac had one. It was met with mediocre success. No rock band has even dared to try two reunions. 'Cept for the Stowaways. And they've done it in back-to-back years.
The Stowaways Second Reunion Concert on Saturday night at Olive Ridley's in downtown Plattsburgh was a rousing success. The five guys have never lost the touch. Lead singer Mike O'Connell told me a few hours before taking the stage that he was nervous. I said, "It's like riding a bicycle."
Mike never rode a bike that much as a kid, because he was too busy listening to music and learning the words to songs. But Mike knew what I meant. He smiled. We nodded. He and his mates went out and rocked the place for over three hours.
With Mike on vocals and tambourine, Jim Wells on lefthanded guitar and vocals, Geoff Jones on drums, Spencer Bosworth on bass guitar and Kenny Phillips on keyboard, the Stowaways were all transformed into 19-year-olds for the night. No matter the song, the jampacked room was rocking.
The occasion was the Plattsburgh High School Class of 1968 Reunion and the Hornet grads had a fun weekend of activities. But what a way to top it off. We all found it pretty hard to sit still and some of us who haven't danced in years were pretending we were candidates for a Saturday Night Fever sequel. Thanks to my dance partner, Sue!
Have forty-something years really passed since we were all in high school? Since we spent Saturday nights at the YMCA dances? Since we sat at the Pizza Corner hanging out with friends? Since we went to the pep rally bonfire at school? Since Coach Kimball donned a wig and a dress just to make us laugh?
Only the Stowaways know how much money, time and sweat they invested in this second reunion. The band sounded great. And Mike can still belt out a song like nobody else. And take a look at these guys. I think they were all wearing the same size pants that they wore back in the Sixties.
I've not only kept my school boy figure, I've doubled it! I guess the Stowaways can credit clean living through the years for maintaining their school boy profiles and musical talents.
The opening act on Saturday night was comprised of some of the North Country's finest musicians ever. The band Last Licks included John Champagne (Montereys, Carousel, AC Apple and the Triads) on guitar, Joe Gebo (Montereys, Inmates and Friends) on lead vocals, John Kains (Persuaders, Falcons, Hickory) on bass guitar, Fred Passino (Falcons, Franklin Brothers, Demolition and Speed of Sound) on keyboards and about five other instruments and Rob Moseley (prominent Canadian musician, including the band Sweeney Todd) on drums and vocals.
During their one-hour set they magically turned Olive Ridley's into Brodi's. If you looked carefully, you could see Bea Brodi standing near the door and Mike Brodi tending bar.
And listening to the Stowaways brought back such great memories of bands who played at the Saxony, the College Inn, the Pavilion, the Egg & Machine Shop and so many other spots around the North Country.
Gene Palmer of the local band Just Us was the sound man, using the soundboard put together by Geoff Jones. Gene worked tirelessly to keep every piece of equipment at max performance. I don't think he took a break the entire show.
The Stowaways were nice enough to invite me back as their emcee and I had a ball. Since I didn't have to worry about videotape responsibilities, I could talk with old friends and enjoy a few more beverages than I had had time for last year.
And the band even let me make my rock and roll debut, playing the tambourine and, later, air guitar for a few songs. I even got to sing backup vocals. "I'm a Man, Yes, I Am and I Can't Help But Love You So!" I wonder if any girl was listening?
Did you see my cousin Susie Laundrie there? Did you see Georgianna Ryan? And Marilyn Manor?
The entire concert was videotaped by Tiffer Productions, owned by Mark Tiffer, a 2002 PHS graduate. His assistants were Jacqueline Harding of Northern Adirondack Central and Miquel Maldonado, PHS Class of 2003 and the school's single-season football rushing record holder with over 1000 yards in 2002.
The staff at Olive Ridley's was extremely cooperative. It isn't easy trying to accommodate hundreds of thirsty people and a production company and a pesky emcee. Thanks to Deb and Jungle, managers for the evening, as well as Erin, Megan, Tiffany, Jessica and Kevin. And a tip of a Hornets cap to owner Matt Spiegel.
The final news is that the Stowaways have been invited back by the Class of 1969 for one more reunion. I'm counting the days already!
Comments
Foxy- Yes what a night. The Stowaways must come back next year. The turnout will be awesome as the class of 69 from all the schools will be well represented!!! Thanks to all the STOWAWAYS and LAST LICKS for all their hard work tor making such an exciting evening, seeing friends that we never see and meetiing new ones. I for one found out you're quite the "rocker" Foxy -- Come back Stowaways, come back LAST LICKS come back Foxy !!! The class of 69 wants you all --- Goose
Posted by: Goose | August 7, 2008 12:03 PM
Hey Foxy............it was another amazing show.
I didn't think that this year could possibly be as magical as last year, but it was.
And you, Foxy, were quite the addition to the evening. Your debut on tambourine was too much!. Plus, no one could possibly emcee the event like you.
I honestly hope that the Stowaways will perform again next year. The talent displayed by all the bands made it a night to remember.
Hey.........I didn't git my dance, lol.
(Foxy's note: Debbie -- it's a date for a dance next year. Definite!)
Posted by: Debbie Wells | August 5, 2008 10:29 PM
Foxy, thank you for the info on the Class of '68 bash! Sounds like I missed a good one! Rest assured that next year, the Class of '69 will put on the best reunion the North Country has ever seen (As long as the Stowaways show up!). Come on all you '69ers......let's show 'em how to rock!
Posted by: Woody | August 5, 2008 12:21 PM
Foxy,
If the Stowaways did as well this year as they did last year, it must have been outstanding. Wish we could have made it!! I hope they do come back for the class of 69 reunion. Hope you can emcee it again!!! My wife and I look forward to the trip next year.
Posted by: Juan | August 5, 2008 10:48 AM
class of '69 reunion!! I like that idea. Maybe we can get a few of the last graduating class of OLVA to attend. Keep me posted on the dates for 2009.
Posted by: speedy | August 4, 2008 3:44 PM