Performance Review 2006

Looking back over 2006, these are the shows that I played that stood out for one reason or another. There were other shows, certainly, and they were all beautiful in their own ways. This is not a complete list, just a nostalgic journey backwards. The fact that I kind of stopped doing gigdiaries made this much more difficult to compile than it should have been. For shame, for shame.

February 3 – 6: Henning with Winterpills in Pittsburg and W. Virginia.
A late night snowy ride over the Appalachians, safe inside a beluga whale.

February 17: Henning "Looks Like I'm Tall" Cd Release, Eashampton, MA
A cozy record store, outside a frigid wind, inside the lights are all off and everyone's got a glow stick.

April 6: The Rosenbach Company at the Yiddish Book Center, Amherst, MA
A chance to bring the show home, free infinite food, a window to an orchard, a large black grand piano.

April 10, 17, 24: The Rosenbach Company at Joe's Pub, NYC
Seven people on a two person stage, sold-out audiences of celebrities, a mean sound guy.

May 2: SFTD with Harry and the Potters, Iron Horse, Northampton, MA
An audience intent on having fun, big eyes gazing up in a dark room.

May 19: SFTD in NYC with Figments and Ari Vais
A reflecting pool, a velvet curtain, two women hanging from harnesses.

May 20: SFTD at Tony's School, Hardwick, MA
A hijacked sound system, Ken and Brian playing songs by the Cure, a proud Mr. Westcott.

May 31: Hen with World Party, Iron Horse, Northampton, MA
An unexpected show, songs I've heard my whole life, another perfect crowd.

June 10: Brian Fire Benefit, The Elevens, Northampton, MA
A startling success of organization, good cheer, and inspiring music.

June 17: Fawns at Taste of Amherst, MA
A fender bender, a car-chase, a torrential down pour, and a little kid in a rain jacket.

July 8: The Rosenbach Company at MassMOCA, North Adams, MA
A weekend retreat in an art museum, in the shadows of the Berkshires.

July 14: The Fawns at Toad, Cambridge, MA
A full-band on a one-person stage, a closed Dunkin Donuts, an embezzled cocktail glass.

July 28: Fawns Cd Release, The Elevens, Northampton, MA
Treefort, Jason Bourgeois, flowers, a nice place to be.

August 15: Transperformance, The Pines Theatre, Northamtpon, MA
Christmas in August, an endless outdoor tradition, kids everywhere.

August 19: SFTD at Hardwick Fair, Hardwick, MA
A long line for the chicken, prizes of questionable worth, a popcorn guy with huge sunglasses, a row of benches and picnicking families.

September 17: SFTD at Pulaski Park, Northampton, MA
A perfect day in the park, an alternative stage set-up, kids on the fire-escape.

October 18: SFTD with Naked Eyes, The Iron Horse, Northampton, MA
An empty room, a dismal turn of events, a strangely satisfying performance.

October 28: SFTD Halloween Show, The Basement, Northampton, MA
A bunny, a ghost, an 80's guy, a 50's husband, prizes, and some ghost busting.

October 29: Fawns Fashion Show, The Elevens, Northampton, MA
A swirl of lights, models prancing past, Fountains of Wayne, Billy Idol, lots of hooting, lots of hollering.

November 4: Sitting Next To Brian at The Basement, Northampton, MA
A black-out everywhere but at that club, a full room, a spinning head.

November 5 and 6: SFTD and Fawns at The Internatinoal Pop Overthrow, Boston, MA
Two proudly perfect performances in a sea of Boston-based sadness.

December 12: Fawns at Safe Passage Benefit, The Iron Horse, Northampton, MA
A loving crowd, lots of snacks, Winterpills, new friends.

December 31: Fawns at First Church, The Aloha Steamtrain at The Elevens, Northampton, MA
Happy New Year!