I’m sure a few of you are wondering if I’ve completely lost my mind reviewing a band I saw at a local parade, but give me a second to explain. A friend of mine runs our local roller derby league (Fox Cityz Foxz) and was cool enough to let Rock Sellout select the band that would join them in the local holiday parades. We’ll also be helping with their afterparties, so if you know what’s good for you, you’ll pay attention when I announce the dates you can see the Foxz in action!
I was a bit worried that the weather was going to be a obstacle when I went to bed last night. Imagine a group of small children strung out on Halloween candy tossing handfuls of Wonka Nerds at my window and you’ll get an idea of what Mother Nature had to offer.
It wasn’t much better when I woke up. The sleet like precipitous had turned to what resembled…:: gasp ::…snow. It was mixed with rain, so there was no chance it had of accumulating…but imagine strapping on an instrument, plugging in, and playing outside in that shit. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see anyone get electrocuted on my day off. Like the trooper that I often can be, I didn’t listen to the logic bellowing in my head while I struggled to my eyes open and put my best foot forward. I put the band up in an Oshkosh hotel so the could sneak in a few hours of rest after the gig they played last night in Milwaukee. The first thing I needed to do was drive down and make sure they arrived for the parade on time. I was pleasantly surprised that everything flowed smoothly from there forward.
Green Bay’s Beach Patrol joined the girls in the miserable conditions today. The band was accompanied by “Earth’s Greatest Rocker” Reverend Nørb (Boris The Sprinkler, Maximumrocknroll, and current columnist for Razorcake).
They tore through a variety of material over the course of the day from originals to holiday classics like Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run”. I’m sure the entire set was seat of their pants delivered, but there wasn’t a shivering citizen who knew any better (or cared for that matter). While I ran through the streets of Oshkosh chasing the flatbed from corner to corner…the entire town has huge smiles on their facing dancing along to every song that was played.
I spent the rest of the afternoon drying off with the band in the hotel bar. Good conversation flowed at all times. It’s days like today that I’m happy to be alive. The good feelings that follow activities in the community that all ages, shapes & sizes can enjoy suit me best. I know, I know…my heart’s falling off my sleeve. Seriously though, didn’t this week bring a feeling of hope to your doorstep? Are you not feeling that smoother paved roads are ahead. Oh, be that way then. Heh.
In case you don’t remember what Beach Patrol sounds like, here’s the first two tracks from their debut full-length It’s Only Greener ‘Til You Get There. Like what you hear? Do the right thing and click here to buy a copy.
MP3: Beach Patrol - “Starcrossed Girl”
MP3: Beach Patrol - “Tease”
- Kip!
Catch the band before their European tour (more pleasant news delivered today) with the Foxz November 25 at the Appleton, WI Holiday Parade and the afterparty of the Foxz season opener on January 10!
