Are You Dave?

Gig number two for the day was our smashing Second-Anniversary Gig! On February 10, 2008, the Lemons played their first ever gig (yes, I’m going to re-hash this every year). In honor of that auspicious day, we dug out some of the tracks from that first set-ever and rocked our faithful hometown crowd. We have a LOT more gear to haul (and set up, and tweak, and break down) these days, and I think we’ve really come a long way in terms of playing together—we’re a living, breathing, musical animal (most days).

Kipley posted the following on our MySpace blog:

“My favorite moment of the day was seeing Justin after the second show by the merch table. He had a huge smile on his face and gave me a big hug and said, “Happy anniversary!” We took a moment to chat about our first gig together and the fact that we’ve known each other two years now. It’s been a struggle at times, but overall the time has passed quickly. It doesn’t feel like two years, that’s for sure! So, two fun shows, and a whole lot of gear hauling. Packing up after the second show, I was sweaty, sore, and exhausted! Well, things are definitely picking up for the Fuzzy Lemons, but there are many challenges ahead. Here’s to a great experience so far, thanks to all who have supported and encouraged us along the way, and we hope for many more years of fun and music!”

Couldn’t have said it better myself!

Another sizzling set at the Knitting Factory! We had a wonderful crowd, lots of happy dancin’ folks. There was even a birthday party, adding a little extra fun to the festivities. Our monthly-ish shows have been having the desired effects–our crowd is growing, and our shows are getting better as we gain experience.

No time to dwell on it, though! We had to pack up and rush back to Hoboken for a 4:00 gig!

As the Lemons continue to play gigs around the area, more and more I find myself writing things like “we’re happy to be back at…” or “today was our triumphant return to…”

Well, today was our triumphant return to the totally cool Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. We were invited there not long ago as part of a Make-A-Wish event. The event fell through but LSC asked us to come and play anyway! It’s always a thrill and an honor, and we even decided to record the event by asking our friend and neighbor Bill Hamilton of BeelMedia to come film the event in HD.

The first set was at 10:00 a.m., an EARLY start, so we actually set it up with LSC to come in the night before to load our gear in and spend a little time assembling the PA. Kudos to Dana for making that all happen, and for driving! She’s been our tireless, uncomplaining bus driver for two years now.

As for the gig itself: I’m eager to see the footage Bill shot, to see if it matches my own impressions of the day. The first set was a high-energy show, and I think the fans really got into it. Dave Entwistle was in the command chair at the sound board, which is always a good feeling.

We had a good crowd up front and dancing, which will look pretty good on the video, I reckon! I made some noticeable mistakes, including starting a song in the wrong key, but overall I think the whole band felt good about the first set.

We took a break and did it all over again at 11:15, but I think fatigue was setting in–the band seems to agree that the energy wasn’t as high. But again we had a good crowd up and dancing in the front, and had a lot of fun, so that’s why I want to see the tapes!

Highlights: The young girl who waved the Jolly Roger for us during “If I were a Pirate”; seeing some old friend with kids of their own at the show!

This was a fantastic event featuring local musicians and performers including The Fuzzy Lemons, Big Jeff, and the kids from Garden Street Music and Be Vocal. Kipley was absent so Dan McLoughlin sat in on keys and we had a blast. Plus, I had the honor of serving as MC for the event! Woohoo!

Everyone did a great job and we raised a few grand for Haiti. Later in the evening there was a grown-up show too, featuring even more bands! Here’s what Geri Fallo wrote the next morning:

On behalf of Mayor Dawn Zimmer & the City of Hoboken, I want to thank you for sharing your time & talent and helping us make the Hoboken for Haiti benefit concert such a wonderful success. Your generosity & support are so appreciated. Please send my regards to your other band members as well.

We raised $4,433.00, twice what was anticipated. The money will be divided between the American Red Cross & the Clinton Bush Relief Fund.

Thanks, Hoboken!
~ Dave