| Author | Message | ||
     Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 64 Registered: 7-2002 |
Think good thoughts. JimG | ||
| Terry Bond (Terry) Intermediate Member Username: Terry Post Number: 15 Registered: 7-2002 |
Dates Posted !!!!!! Go to Gigs and then click on "click here for schedule". Terry P.S. If Rob were posting this it would have lots of bells and whistles, but I just haven't had the time to figure out how to do that. | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 71 Registered: 7-2002 |
Wah-HOO! Obviously, it's a little soon to have a decision (especially with prices not yet posted, but how about Petal Pushers getting together for a specific show? Opening night may not be possible, but ... Once again, Wah-HOO! Starting the hunt for hotels from which to foment Revolution, JimG | ||
| Terry Bond (Terry) Intermediate Member Username: Terry Post Number: 16 Registered: 7-2002 |
Jim, Started looking at hotels myself last night. Stayed up way too late. We're thinking, at least I am, about the weekend right before Christmas, either Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7:00, or Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3:00, unless they add more shows the weekend before that. Our only other possibilty would be Sat. Nov. 23 or Sun. Nov. 24 for the previews. Otherwise with Thanksgiving and Christmas family visits, there's no other good time for us. We plan to also do some sight seeing in Philly while we're there. The older one wants to go back to Independance Hall, which she thought was so boring when we were there 2 years ago, so she can get extra credit for Social Studies. Not that she needs it, but whoever has the most extra credit that they haven't needed to use to bring up their grades, gets a prize at the end of the year. Looking at the theater's web site, I am assuming that Striking 12 will be performed in the smaller upstairs room where they normally show movies. That's what it looks like, anyway, since the main theater has Peter Pan running at the same time as Striking 12. Hopefully ticket prices will be more like the movie prices and not like the main theater prices. Terry | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 91 Registered: 7-2002 |
Folks, The "Striking 12" main page is here: http://www.groovelily.com/index2.html?striking12 You should see "The Show Schedule is Posted Here" at the top of the page. I have noticed, however, that this line sometimes does not appear when using Netscape 7.0 (Netscape 4.7x appears to work). As Terry points out, show dates can also be accessed from the Gigs page entry for The Prince Music Theater. Jim, a Petal Pushers' get together would be great. Let's kick some dates around on the Yahoo! list. As Terry has indicated, we were looking at the weekend of Dec 21st. -- Rob | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 92 Registered: 7-2002 |
The Prince Music Theater now has a little bit of information about "Striking 12" on its website, listed as part of the "Family Series". http://www.princemusictheater.com/2003/groovelily.html The calendar showing the performance dates is a bit "funky" (i.e., the dates are a subset of the dates posted on this site). Ticket prices look to be $20. Rob | ||
| John Nyman (Jenyman) Senior Member Username: Jenyman Post Number: 32 Registered: 7-2002 |
I can not give away too much until after opening night, but my advice to everyone reading this is to: 1) GO 2) GO OFTEN 3) BRING ALONG EVERYONE YOU KNOW 4) BEFRIEND A STRANGER, AND (3) This is an extraordinary event that I guarantee you will not want to miss. | ||
| adam wolf (Adamwolf) Senior Member Username: Adamwolf Post Number: 37 Registered: 7-2002 |
John, Was it any good?  | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 82 Registered: 7-2002 |
Adam, I'm not sure; his loop back after point (4) confuses me It sounds like the dress rehearsal went well, anyway. John (or anyone else who attended), any word on setup for merch? (Translation: will the sellers be able to see/hear the show?) Looking forward to the spreading of holiday Revolutionary cheer, JimG | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 102 Registered: 7-2002 |
Jim, >any word on setup for merch? (Translation: will >the sellers be able to see/hear the show?) FYI, I've asked the band to provide me Merchandise Table details (e.g., need for PP setup support, times of operations - before/during/after show, location of Merch Table relative to performance area, etc.) I'll post this information to the PP mailing list as soon as I receive it. --Rob p.s As a reminder, we need Merch Table volunteers for the four shows this weekend. Even if you are not a Petal Pusher (but are relatively familiar with GrooveLily's music), you are invited to volunteer by contacting petalpushers@groovelily.com. For the duration of the Striking 12 engagement, a free ticket to the show is available for Merch Table workers. (I'm assuming you WILL be able to enjoy the performance, and not be stuck sitting off in some distant location at a Merch table ) | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 35 Registered: 12-2001 |
I only have a minute but here are a couple of quick thoughts on last night: Ditto to John's note!!!!! This show runs the entire gamut of "Lily-ness" with music as beautiful as anything they've ever written on the one hand and laugh-yourself-silly comedic moments on the other hand. We didn't get to see the costumed version last night but as a certain playwright once wrote "The play's the thing!" and, based on that alone, this is something you won't want to miss. There's so much I'd LOVE to tell you about the show but it's packed with wonderful surprises that I don't want to ruin for you. Go get surprised! Go get moved! Bring lots of friends to help you wipe a tear from your eye or to pick you up from the floor when you fall off your chair laughing. Gotta run now! --David P.S. the venue is rather small so be sure to buy tickets early (and wouldn't Striking 12 tickets make a wonderful Hannukah/Christmas present?  ) | ||
| John Nyman (Jenyman) Senior Member Username: Jenyman Post Number: 33 Registered: 7-2002 |
Adam, it was good. Jim, how else to spread the revolution if not to invite/involve new faces? Rob, I believe the merchandise table will be in the room, so the volunteers would not miss anything. Random notes: Area parking garages are 50% NYC prices. Driving directions via Mapquest are good. There is some road construction on several area streets, but traffic is yielding (unlike NYC). The theatre is in the heart of downtown shopping and restaurants. If you can, make a day of it. I wish I could make space in my life to be at very many shows, but the round trip drive time (5 to 6 hours) will make it hard to squeeze in more than a couple of shows during a very busy time in my professional and personal lives. | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 103 Registered: 7-2002 |
So what is the production like?
It would be nice to know stuff like this to be able to better describe the show to people. Thanks! --Rob | ||
| Barry Newton (Barry) Intermediate Member Username: Barry Post Number: 11 Registered: 2-2002 |
To try to answer Rob with as little detail as possible. . . So what is the production like?
| ||
| Ellie MacNeil (Ellie) Intermediate Member Username: Ellie Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2002 |
Rob, We were kind of sworn to secrecy!! LOL Not sure exactly how much explanation would be too much. I will defer to one of the other PPs that know the band a lot better than I, and would maybe know the way to best answer your questions. I woke up this morning and was thinking about how to describe it. All that came to mind was, it was like a concert with a plot! Ellie | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 36 Registered: 12-2001 |
Geez, Rob, why don't you just go find out for yourself?!?!?  But, since you asked:
Hope that helps! --David | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 37 Registered: 12-2001 |
Wow! What a treat! We got to hear Striking 12 TWICE last night! I'm not sure where to begin and I have a lot to say so here are some random thoughts in no particular order:
I really have to run but, quickly, here are the second-set setlists from each show: 7PM Show
10PM show
There's so much more to say but I'll boil it down to John's earlier post which really does say it all:
--David | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 38 Registered: 12-2001 |
Oops...just noticed I left out the first song of the second set on the 10PM show...it was a VERY silly performance of Phantom Lover with Brendan and Gene playing little musical fake-outs with each other and generally clowning it up. And one other thing (since I'm posting again anyway)...if she's at the show when you go, make sure you get a chance to meet Rachel Sheinkin (for those of you who don't know, Rachel co-wrote Striking 12 with Val & Brendan). She is a really lovely person who seemed genuinely touched by the dedication of the Groovelily fans and that we remembered to acknowledge her for her participation in creating this wonderful, wonderful show! --David | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 83 Registered: 7-2002 |
I have to fall back on my initial review of the live CD: oooh. Following the lead of other posters, I won't give away the fun for those yet to see the show. However, here are a couple of impressions/teasers: - Start with Val's introduction, capped with the trio striking and holding aloft wooden matches. - Continue with the overture, performed amidst swirling smoke from the matches lit by red stage lights. - Catch the sly insider references (as any Petal Pusher will). - Gene may play 'utility infielder' in the roles, but has several vocal leads and percussion solos (and catch the Roland drum kit). - Be alternately convulsed, provoked, and moved. The second set consisted of: Phantom Lover - a staple at the insistence of the director (not that I'm complaining!) Got to Give the Drummer Some - taken out of the stage show, but worthy of standing on it's own Blessings - a new Gene lead Rewind - brand spankin' new; hearing it in rehearsal I didn't think they'd be anywhere near ready to unwrap this, but it is awesome. {yellow{Little Nemesis} Thanks to Dan and Jackie for coming by and helping with the merch, and for saving me a place at their table . Thanks to the staff at the Prince, who have helped with setup and promotion (get an eye of the poster in front of the theater). And, finally, thanks to Val, Brendan, and Gene, for providing something wonderful when it was sorely needed. All I can say is GO SEE THIS SHOW!!! See you in December, JimG | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 84 Registered: 7-2002 |
P.S. See the review just posted in the "What's New" section: Jonathan Takiff, The Philadelphia Daily News, November 29, 2002 Other than that, refer to my last comment above. JimG | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 85 Registered: 7-2002 |
very quiet here. Everyone's obviously storing up for the Petal Pusher show the 22nd. JimG | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 39 Registered: 12-2001 |
With the run of "official" (as opposed to "preview" performances starting this week, I know a whole gang of PP's are going down on Sunday afternoon but I was wondering if anyone besides Meg, Lonna and me is planning on attending the final New Year's Eve performance? --David | ||
| adam wolf (Adamwolf) Senior Member Username: Adamwolf Post Number: 38 Registered: 7-2002 |
Still TBD, here Dave, but not likely. Adam, who will be there this Friday nite | ||
| John Nyman (Jenyman) Senior Member Username: Jenyman Post Number: 34 Registered: 7-2002 |
We're booked for the First Night Celebration in Morristown. (sorry gang) | ||
| Ed Mettee (Ed_mettee) New member Username: Ed_mettee Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2002 |
David, I'm going to be there on New Year's Eve, as well as on Sunday afternoon, the 22nd. Although I'm the new kid on the block, I'm hooked on GrooveLily. I bought tickets and saw 2 of the Preview performances, was so blown away that I bought tickets for the 22nd, and New Year's too. So, to top that, I just became a Petal Pusher, and will be working the Merch table with Meg on the 19th. I'll be meeting quite a few of you Petal Pushers at the lunch thing with Rob. All together it looks like I will see Striking 12 a total of 5 times. Of course, it helps that I only live about 35 minutes from downtown Phila. I look forward to meeting all you Petal Pushers. Ed Mettee | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 109 Registered: 7-2002 |
V/B/G, I'm not sure if you are taking requests for the second set, but if so how about a little Apocalyptic Love Song magic? I've never seen Gene's V-drum system, so I'm not sure if it is up to the task. If not, Happy, Happy, Happy would be a swell substitution. We'll be at the 7 PM performance on Saturday (12/21) and the 3 PM performance on Sunday. Rob | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 110 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey David, Great job this morning on WNTI-FM talking about Striking 12. I can't wait for this weekend! Sorry we will not be able to join the party on 12/31  . Tradition dictates that my cousin Pete and I have our annual contest to see who falls asleep first watching rented videos! ----Rob | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 40 Registered: 12-2001 |
Thanks, Rob...glad someone was awake to hear it (I know I wasn't! ). It was also a bit of a challenge because I don't think I was fully patched in to the studio sound so I could only just barely hear what Eleanor was saying...Hope I answered the right questions! --David | ||
| Ed Mettee (Ed_mettee) New member Username: Ed_mettee Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2002 |
WOW! Just back from Striking 12's first show of the second session, and my first stint as a Petal Pusher, helping Meg at the Merch table. As Val put it, they played to a group that may have been small in number, but they were mighty in spirit. Brendan was playing through the pain of an accidently spilled pot of hot coffee on his thigh, and Val was playing her back-up Viper, since her regular one was in the shop. In spite of all that, they put on a great show, after which they played the following set: 1. Phantom Lover ... Great as usual! 2. Last Day of the Year ... This was the first public performance of this song, which was written between the sessions. They hope to be able to incorporate this one into the Striking 12 performances. 3. Diva Girl ... Gene's song. 4. Apocalyptic Love Song ... a much requested one. 5. Looking Forward/Looking Back ... always great! 6. Little Nemesis ... Val was really hot on this! Plus they had the new Striking 12 T-shirts, and they look great. The women's S,M,and L, and the men's S,M,L,and XL. I bought one of the XLs. Well, Meg can add more details when she gets back to her computer. I hope Brendan's coffee burns are not too serious, and he will be able to jump around again, as he usually does. Anyway, I'll see a lot of you Petal Pushers this Sunday afternoon. Thanks Val, Brendan, and Gene for another great show. See you again Sunday. Ed | ||
| Ed Mettee (Ed_mettee) New member Username: Ed_mettee Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2002 |
WOW! Check out page E2 in the Saturday reViews section of The Philadelphia Inquire! There is a fantastic review by Douglas Keating on GrooveLily's 'Striking 12' show. It's right at the top of the page, above Steven Spielberg no less. It's all very positive, and includes the photo used on GrooveLily's postcards. Fantastic! Rob says that the Sunday 3:00 show is sold out, but I bought my ticket weeks ago. So I'll see many of you on Sunday. Is there anyone out there? Ed | ||
| Dave Florio Unregistered guest |
You are right on, Ed. What a nice article. Immediately upon reading it, I had to send a thank you e-mail to Mr. Keating. Its nice to see a review that doesn't include obligatory negative comments in it. siiiiggghhhh I wish I could make it. Dave | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 87 Registered: 7-2002 |
My brain's mush, so I'll leave the review to someone else (This is your chance, Brad!) A couple of semi-random notes: - It was just great to see a bunch of Petal Pushers together, both at lunch and at the show; I'm just sorry I didn't get a chance to see some others who were there earlier in the week (Meg, Genevieve, David & Lonna), or who couldn't make it (Lori, Dave F., Adam, and everyone else who my mind is blanking on). - The show is amazingly better from when I saw it in November, and I didn't think that was possible. - The shirts are great--black long-sleeve with the 'Striking 12' logo on the front. Sales were brisk enough we had to send back downstairs for additional supplies. - Val being struck speechless by the presentation of the amazingly lifelike miniVal, thanks to Joan. (Good thing she didn't know the band in '98, or BEC may never have been written  .) - Brendan actually sitting down for parts of the performance, resting his par-boiled leg. At one point, Brendan stated how strange and wonderful it was to be able to play for an extended period at one location in one city, where they didn't have to pile into the van at the end of the night to go to the next gig, and how they could get used to this. Substitute 'listen' for 'play', and it describes the audience's feelings perfectly. Strange and wonderful, indeed. Thanks, guys, JimG (Message edited by jimgreenlees on December 22, 2002) | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 112 Registered: 7-2002 |
Folks, Here's a link to the Philadelphia Inquirer review mentioned above by Ed. http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/magazine/daily/4786763.htm Great meeting you Ed. Love your custom made "Hooked on GrooveLily" T-shirt. It was also a pleasure to meet Brad and Sandy -Z for the first time, along with Ewan and Jenny -M. Great seeing all the familiar Petal Pusher friends (the Nymans, the Newtons, Sharon-R, Beth and Jules, Jim ("merch man") Greenlees, and Rick ("giveaway") Widdifield. Lunch was a blast! (the show wasn't bad either ) More comments on the (WONDERFUL) show coming soon. --Rob p.s. Thanks to Rick and Jim for their dedication at the Merchandise Table. Also, kudos to David and Lonna for closing out the (5 performance) weekend at the Merch table last night. | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 41 Registered: 12-2001 |
Thanks for missing us, Jim! We missed seeing all of you as well. Ironically, we'd thought we'd be tied up here in NJ all weekend but, amongst other things, it was my mother-in-law's birthday and what she wanted more than anything was for us to take her to the evening performance of Striking 12! So we DID end up being there on Sunday...just a few hours after you'd all left . Hope to see you all soon! --David | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 42 Registered: 12-2001 |
Hello, New Blood! Now that I've got your attention ... It occurred to me recently that there have been an awful lot of new Groovelily fans made within the run of Striking 12 and, if any of you are seeing this, I just wanted to encourage you to share your thoughts about the show (or the band in general) on this board. The fact that a bunch of us sound like we're all one big family (we sort-of are!) doesn't mean that you should be shy about posting (because you're part of the family now, too). Come on in...the water's fine!  --David | ||
| Rick Widdifield (Rickster) New member Username: Rickster Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Fellow Revolutionites, Who needs full spectrum lighting when you got S12? What a wonderful thrill to be able to experience three shows this past weekend...souful new tunes and witness to GL reaching beyond the music to drama and slapstick. Of course none of this would have worked without the music and what a fantastic range we got...esp. loved the Jazz! (Go Grandma Go and get thee Little Drummer Boy to New Orleans!) VBG (and Rachel)...all your hard work paid off! All stops were pulled for Sunday's PP performance and I now have so many alter GL egos running around in my head in ain't funny. Thanks to Rob and Terry for organizing and all your kindnesses this weekend. Sorry I had to blast off without goodbying everyone...was obsessing (needlessly, as it turned out) over making connections home. To all of you who haven't seen this show, if you're in this hemisphere...make the effort!!! Rick | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 88 Registered: 7-2002 |
Okay, since nobody else has, here are the songs from the second set at Sunday's Petal Pusher show... Phantom Lover - at the request of management, and to be given a break at the end of the engagement Rewind - how can you not love a song with the line "HG Wells me back in time"? Looking Forward/Looking Back - for old times sake Blessings - Gene strikes again Apocalyptic Love Song - by request, and the attempted first GrooveLily foray into writing for the stage (further comments by other attendees welcome) Enjoy the show while you can; only one weekend and New Years Eve remaining. JimG | ||
| adam wolf (Adamwolf) Senior Member Username: Adamwolf Post Number: 40 Registered: 7-2002 |
A quick comment on last nite's show (which I finally got to see)..About 80% full, of which I would say 80% were "new blood". First, if you're still thinking about it GO ALREADY!!!! Now back to our report: Thanks to Sandy and Mike for working the merch. table, nice to meet you guys in person (and thanks for dinner!!!) Brendan is re-cooping nicely from the "coffee incident" (see above posts). New people from all over the place... Wisconsin, and Central America! (Hmmm... could the PPers expand into a new continent???) After show set: Phantom Lover, NRIYB Wait Breathe In/Breathe Out Acpocolyptic Love Song See you guys @ Watchung... | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 114 Registered: 7-2002 |
Happy Holidays Everyone! I put some "Striking 12" photos in a folder (strangely enough called "Striking 12") in the Photos section of the GrooveLily Pad site on Yahoo!Groups. http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/groovelily/lst A largely different set of photos will be added to the Gallery section on this site in the near future. If you haven't seen "Striking 12" yet and can possibly get to Philadelphia before the end of the year, please check the show out. It is a real treasure. Happy New Years to all! --Rob p.s., You'll need to join this Yahoo!Group to gain access to the photos | ||
| adam wolf (Adamwolf) Senior Member Username: Adamwolf Post Number: 41 Registered: 7-2002 |
And more more thing... I see the shoeless idea has caught on with Gene... | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 90 Registered: 7-2002 |
Gene says he used to use this set to practice on at home, and always played without shoes. When he decided to use the set for Striking 12, he tried it with shoes, but didn't like the feel. Looks like the Trivia sheet needs to be revised JimG | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 94 Registered: 7-2002 |
Close out the second engagement with a flourish tonight, everyone. May the new year continue the expansion of the Revolution. JimG | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 95 Registered: 7-2002 |
Change of plans. See you there. The Revolution thrives on spontaneity. JimG | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 43 Registered: 12-2001 |
What a WONDERFUL way to spend New Year's Eve! The final 2002 performance of Striking 12 (or as we were referring to it last night, "the first annual New Year's Eve performance of Striking 12") played to a completely packed house. The show was as dynamic as any of the 5 performances I've heard. Here are just a few of my "extra-musical" highlights:
A brief synopsis of the second set and then I'll leave further comments to Lonna, Meg, Charles, Jim, Ed and any of the other PP's whom I may have missed in the audience: Since this was the special New Year's Eve celebration, the second set was much longer than usual...stretching the overall program to almost 3 hours. Also, as a thank-you to sound-and-light guys Matt and Sean, the band let them write the setlist. Aside from their favorite GL tunes, they added some cover-requests which our erstwhile trio cobbled together on a few hours' notice:
At this point, there was the digression into the "other column" of the setlist. Prefacing the numbers with remarks about doing these songs as a testament of how much they loved Matt and Sean, they launched into:
By the way, those of you who know me probably know that, to put it mildly, I'm not a big fan of 80's pop music so apologies if I don't have the proper attributions of these three songs. Thanks to Jim G, Lonna and Val for giving me enough information to at least refer to them! The evening then closed with a somewhat extended version of Apocalyptic Love Song with Gene going into what I can only describe as positively tribal drumming at the end. A rousing finale to a wonderful show followed by much revelry and fun. What a wonderful way to start the new year! --David | ||
| Ed Mettee (Ed_mettee) Junior Member Username: Ed_mettee Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2002 |
Well spoken, David! I've been checking this post all day, waiting for someone with more verbal chops than myself to report on this FANTASTIC conclusion to the Striking 12 run of performances. I also attended 5 performances, and am just in awe of the amazing talent of Val, Brendan, and Gene. The Sound and Light guys did a great job too, and thanks to Rachel for her contributions to such as magnificant production. Let's hear from some more of you that are able to transcribe your emotions into words. | ||
| Jim Greenlees (Jimgreenlees) Senior Member Username: Jimgreenlees Post Number: 96 Registered: 7-2002 |
David's hit all the important points, so my semi-coherent, just-off-the-road ramblings can cover topics appropriate to them. - I got to the Prince early (misjudging New Year's Eve traffic, but I'm not complaining), so the band was still rehearsing and the Prince staff was not letting anyone upstairs. While by the elevator, I heard some very un-GrooveLily sounds wafting down the shaft. This was, of course, their one and only rehearsal of Back in Black. After hearing Val half-strangulate herself with a very credible (if this isn't a contradiction in terms!) Angus whatshisname imitation, I was surprised she could talk, let alone sing. This was followed by Gene on lead for Higher Ground, probably because, as he put it, he'd "actually played it before" . As the final request-a-set entry, Once in a Lifetime, by Talking Heads (another late '70s/early '80s band, David), was given a read by Brendan full of urgency. He may carry out his promise/threat to never ever ever play it again, but it was worth it. - While Phantom Lover is the song that hooked me on GrooveLily, I have to agree that, after having been played to open the second set of every performance, it's time to put the song on the shelf for a bit to reenergize. - Rewind and Blessings just get tighter and tighter. The former is witty, literate, and powerful, and the latter another fine entry in the Gene Lewin portfolio, destined to become as much a crowd favorite as Diva Girl. - This had to be one of the two hottest renditions of Apocalyptic Love Song I've heard. Perhaps because of the energy pervading the room, perhaps because of the champagne and sparkling wine, all three musicians took themselves to the limits and then beyond. Even if there weren't the lure of the party, I couldn't see any song following it as anything other than an anticlimax. Put it this way: Charles was speechless. And so ends the inaugural run of Striking 12. GrooveLily now goes back to traveling to the audiences, rather than having the audiences come to them. Which isn't a bad thing for those who aren't within easy (or semi-easy) traveling distance of Philadelphia. I can certainly see a couple of songs (e.g., It's Coming Down, Fine, Fine, Fine, and perhaps others) working their way into the set rotation. Striking 12 has gone from a hazy idea, to a show in danger of not happening, to something that got better each time (3) I saw it. Thank you Val, Brendan, and Gene, for coming up with a concept and providing such excellence as to compel spur-of-the-moment travel plans. May the new year continue and expand on what you've begun. We'll be here, and you're creating more fans and fanatics with every appearance. The Revolution is in good hands. JimG (Message edited by jimgreenlees on January 01, 2003) | ||
| Charles Lagana Unregistered guest |
Quietly sitting here tonite. Staring at the blinking cursor. Home now for about 8 hours. Read the reviews from Ed, David and JimG. They were spot on, filled with the insight, fun and emotion that last nite's final 2K2 performance of "S12" by GL imbued in each of them. Their words and memories, testimony to the entropic pull one feels in the presence of a great work of art, for that's what we saw last night. Utter brilliance, encased and showcased in the format of "S12" and its wonderful concert coda, and powered by the formidable talents of Val, Brendan and Gene. For those who were there, something exquisite happened. A jewel of a performance to be placed in the growing diadem of the GL oeuvre. There is nothing that can aptly describe what I/we saw and felt. JimG is right when he says I was speechless at the conclusion of the of the show. GL's performance of "ALS" ("I Don't Care") was a perfect capstone to what was one of their strongest shows ever. Words cannot capture what I was privileged to see @ The Prince last nite. And there is the heart of the matter. The QMR was once and for all validated and canonized with last nite's show. It proved that it does mean something, a very important something, to be part of this GrooveLily experince. What we do, how we feel, our important support of their work, counts. And not only counts, but presents itself at every GL get-together (for they stopped being concerts a looooong time ago, and have become family reunions of the best kind) as a way for us to grow, reconnect, see ourselves in our friends, understanding what makes us and them tick. The words and music swirl and join together, come undone and reform all for our pleasure and theirs. Windows open into our souls, filling all our pasts, all our futures, creating endless possibilities. To make this work, to sustain it, takes great courage and hard work. Last nite was a milestone a culmination, if you will, of all that work, all that hope, all that love. One door closed, and another is surely opening. 2002 may be over with 2003 leaning in, but from what these eyes saw last nite, the best is yet to come. The heights that GL will scale this year can only be imagined, but if they can sustain the passion and love of what they do, then we will see miracles indeed in 2003. Things I'll remember for ever from last nite: -the palpable buzz of anticipation skittering around the theatre and the SRO crowd before GL took the stage. Contagious and exciting. -the fabulous, energizing, full of the promise of what was to come Overture for "S12." Shades of The Who's overture for "Tommy." -Val's sweet smile thruout the show and her vocal cord shredding lead on the hilarious cover of "Back in Black." Almost fell off my chair. -Val's torrid Viper solo amid the ensemble splendor that was the powerful "ALS." Jaw dropping, eyeball popping. She torched the place. Together with Gene's mystical percussion during this number, I have never, ever heard a better version of this song. -Brendan's aping of David Byrne, even down to the "arm-chopping" bit in the band's version of T-Head's "Once in a Lifetime." -Gene's open-mouthed, head-bobbing, eyes closed communion with whatever beings he talks to during the show. These beatific moments need to be bottled and sold as a cure for all the world's ills. -the drinking on stage, and Brendan, after a few pulls on the champagne bottle, trying so hard to get all the words in on "NRIYB." Man has no fear! -the screams for "Encore" at the end of the show. Mesmerizing, titilating, but, finally, unanswered. Actually, I'm not sure what they could have done, had they so chose, to top their efforts from last nite. Smart choice. Always leave 'em yelling for more... -post show...watching the impromptu gyrations, whirlings, and wonderful terpsichorian delights provided by the "Prince" (the artist formerly known as, not the theatre) girls, the reincarnation of Nijinsky in one David Kowalski, and Val/Brendan, and sometimes, Gene. Man, these folks could dance. I'm sure their blood-alcohol levels had nothing to do with how loose they all were. -Val dancing with a tablecloth wrapped around her head, swirling, twirling, lovely, as always. -Brendan declaring his love for the whimsy of XTC and the power pop of Big Star, dancing and shaking up his own storm. the man can move. -Val distributing chocolate chip cookies to everyone withing reach. -Gene, well, Gene just being himself is normally enough, but he was ably augmented by the fair Christine, who's not a bad dancer herself. -finally, the stalwart, steady and lovely PP, Meg Numata, who, along with JimG and the wonderful Kowalskis, David and Lonna, underscores all that is good about being on the GL bandwagon. Meg is indefatigable in her love for and devotion to this band of loveable charmers. Her energy and skill have been there any time the band has called upon her, and she has never faltered. If there is a prize for Petal Pusher of the Year, it's gotta go to Meg. So as we crash into 2K3, just want to say what a thrill it's been to be a small part of the wonder that is GL. To have met and worked with so many fine, gifted people. PP Chieftan Rob and his wife, Terry Bond, JimG (whose feats of driving to any GL show within 600 miles of Maryland is by now the stuff of legend; a good guy and a gentleman), the grand Barry Newton and his family, the beautiful and intelligent Karin Dunlevy and her talented soulmate, George Seeds, the intrepid Ellie Mac, the aforementioned spectacular pair of coconuts that is the Kowalskis, Adam, Genevieve (from the NJ/NY branch of the family), and everyone else I met at the 1st Annual Petal Pushers convention this summer in Princeton. You have enriched my life, made me smile, and have added immeasurably to the common good of all things GrooveLily. I am blessed to have known you all. And, finally, thank you to the band: Val, Brendan, and Gene (and Chris T, Jon W. and Malcolm G.). My life would have been less joyous if not for your talent, vision, and tireless belief in yourselves. Thank you for all your hard work, your wicked smart POV, and those brilliant smiles, especially after each show, that always managed to light up the sky. Each show I went to, each song you played, every note was an affirmation of life and light, in a fearful world that desperately needs both. Your gift to me, to us, has no measure. I look forward to great things happening to you in 2K3 and beyond. No one, no one deserves it more. Peace. See you at the shows.... -CL | ||
| Ed Mettee (Ed_mettee) Junior Member Username: Ed_mettee Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2002 |
Great Review Charles! You captured in words the the feelings I wanted to express. Shucks! It looks like I left too soon. I missed the Dance Party. Oh well, there will be another time. GrooveLily is beginning to melt away my inherent shyness. Thanks to all again! Ed | ||
| Dave Florio (Dave_florio) Intermediate Member Username: Dave_florio Post Number: 16 Registered: 7-2002 |
Greetings and New Year's salutations! Well, I wasn't able to catch S12 and am a lesser man for missing it. I have had a nice time reading all of the great reviews from some awfully talented reviewers. Its been a long time since I had the pleasure of reading one of Charles's posts; it can be a little shock to the system at first but wow, what a way with words. Thanks to all of you for your insights. I can only add one thing to Charles's post and I think that all "in the know" (myself, Rick, the Newton's, David and Lonna, Brendan, Val, and Gene, just to name a few) will all agree -- Meg Numata is one of the most giving people I have ever met. C'mon now, how many young, single women would allow so many strangers to stay at her flat, many times without her even being there? Were it not for Megs, I probably would never have met you guys. There is nothing that she would not do to help GrooveLily and the Petal Pushers in our quest to bring the QMR to its fruition, regardless of cost or sacrifice. Thanks Megs. And a huge thanks to Gene, Brendan, and Val for allowing me to be part of your lives and your craft. You're the best! I pray for God's blessings on the band and all of its followers for this new year. Dave (aka Flo) 29 days and counting ohboyohboyohboy!! | ||
| meg numata (Meg) Intermediate Member Username: Meg Post Number: 11 Registered: 5-2002 |
whew. stalwart. indefatigueable. YOUNG???? gosh, my dears. such undeserved kudos! i'm touched. but let's face it -- it's, in essence, about the love, respect and undying support we all share for the trio that is groovelily (that's TWO ells, not 3, birchmere)and the individuals with whom it is made. without val, brendan and gene's own unique gifts and talents to inspire and encourage us, there would be no backs to pat, no praises to sing. tuesday night, as i stood by the elevator to the prince theater's black box, struggling with jimG to stay out of the way of newcomers and ushers who, like the clowns pouring out of the VW bug, just kept on coming, filing into every nook and cranny of the space, i was filled with an overwhelming sense of hope. in some indefinable, inexplicable way, in the deepest part of where i live, i know that 2003 will bring both promise and realisation of all the band's hopes and dreams. and it is an honor and a pleasure for me to stand -- alongside fellow petal pushers -- and witness their growing, evolving and ever more brilliant blooming into the most beautiful, baddest, boldest 'lily in the bunch! up the revolution. love and best wishes to all. megs p.s. btw, "higher ground" is from stevie wonder. | ||
| John Nyman (Jenyman) Senior Member Username: Jenyman Post Number: 35 Registered: 7-2002 |
Happy 2003 friends! I'll put in my two cents to second Flo's sentiment about Megs' generosity and commitment to be of service to the extended GrooveLily family. Thanks! | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 174 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hi Folks, See this GrooveLily Pad news posting regarding the apparent 2003 home for GrooveLily's holiday musical, Striking 12. Please note this is nothing official, just something I stumbled across in Playbill. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/groovelily/message/356 --Rob | ||
| Barry Newton (Barry) Intermediate Member Username: Barry Post Number: 16 Registered: 2-2002 |
You have wide-ranging reading habits, Rob. I note that Rachel S. is now credited as a full member of the band. I'm sure she's just itching to jump into life on the road  . | ||
| Rob Bond (Rob) Senior Member Username: Rob Post Number: 175 Registered: 7-2002 |
Barry, You mean you don't wake up every morning and read Playbill? Actually, credit Google for finding the story. --Rob p.s. How much of a discount can we get for a group rate airfare to San Diego? | ||
| David Kowalski (David) Senior Member Username: David Post Number: 66 Registered: 12-2001 |
Well, it's not just that Rachel's in the band, the exact text of the article is "...Brendan Milburn, Rachel Sheinkin and Valerie Vigoda — who comprise GrooveLily..." so I guess Rachel must be the new drummer! --David |
