12/28/14 11:07
This year I saw the Scofflaws four
times. Their performance at 89 North on Friday 12/19 was one of the best. It was a cold night which was a stark
contrast to when I saw them at the Great South Bay Music Festival last July. I walked into 89. The cold entry leads to a staircase which was
barren. The bar was empty and I paid a
$5.00 cover to the doorman who asked, who are you here to see? The Scofflaws. Sammy was at the bar with a gin and tonic and
was talking to the bartender. She said
she used to tend the bar in Port Jefferson when The Scofflaws regularly played
on Main Street years before. There was
a venue above Starbucks and I’m not sure if this is what is called The Arden. I offered to buy Sammy a drink, but he was
good. Bought a pint of Blue Point’s
Hoptical Illusion and took a sip. It was
very refreshing and when the bartender said, the alcohol content is higher than
normal, well, I liked it even more.
This was my first time at 89 North
and I have to say I was impressed with the layout. There was a kitchen in which fresh pizza was
being prepared for the soon to be intoxicated crowd. There was a large bar with a varied selection
of taps as well as spirits. I walked in
and was impressed with the expansive risen stage. There was a large area for dancing. Tables with chairs were in neat rows and
there was a balcony and another bar in the back as well as the sound board. If you wanted to watch The Islanders or
basketball, there were assorted TV’s on.
So, in comparison to some other Long Island venues, 89 North is a very
professional establishment. Don’t let
the barren lobby fool you.
Eventually, Erik showed up since he worked
till 7 PM. His band is playing at 89
North on January 24th, The American Pink Floyd Experience. We had a pint and took a seat at a round bar
table. The subject of cover bands
playing gigs is something I need to cover in another blog entry. It amazes me there is such a robust market
for these bands who tour and are able to pull in crowds at larger venues. Just recently, I saw another Pink Floyd cover
band on TV performing at Red Rocks in Colorado.
There is an array of Led Zeppelin cover bands. Anyway, if you like cover bands; 89 North
has a variety playing each weekend. I
can’t say I’d go to one of these gigs unless I knew the musicians…but if there
was a Clash cover band…you might pull me in.
You might.
The Scofflaws were the first of
three bands to play that night. Also on
the bill were Noah’s Arc and Slavery by Consent.
When The Scofflaws took the stage
the crowd from the bar came in and started to bop to
the music. Missing was Jared on trombone which was
similar to the last time I saw the band in Smithtown. It means the sound is less full, but the band
at 89 was tight. Listen; there can’t be
a mediocre Scofflaws performance as long as Godfather of the Rude Boys, Sammy
Brooks is on the stage. There were
people grooving in front of the stage as Sammy praised the crowd and sent his
love. Just look at the pictures. He is the man. I’m working on getting an interview with Sammy
for this blog. He said he’s interested;
it’s just getting the time to get together with the man…the man…
Let’s hope we all get to see The
Scofflaws in 2015. From what I understand there next gig is in March. It’s a shame they are not on The Slackers
line-up at 89 North on January 30th…just saying…any Ska gig on Long
Island should include The Scofflaws!
Thank you for reading this.
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