This week's gig took me an hour or so up the road to Londonderry, New Hampshire.
Whippersnappers Restaurant was the destination du jour. I've made this journey on several occasions and its an easy ride up 93, quick exit, bang a left and you're there. I've been to
Whipps a number of times before. I wouldn't call it my stompin' grounds but let's just say I know it well enough to have memorized key elements on their menu of comfort foods.
Whipps has traditional New Hampshire bar food and they sure can do it up right! Anyone from New Hampshire who has moved away will know what I'm talking about. Once you cross that state line the food starts getting fussy, the portions start shrinking and the words "heart healthy" make their way onto every menu. If you're from New Hampshire you are all about "Live Free or Die" and a nice big portion of "heart healthy" doesn't really go with a nice cold beer. Deep fry those carbs and add some cheese if you please! I was daydreaming about potato skins, chili and chingalingas all the way up there. You really can't go wrong with the food at
Whipps, it's all good--add a beer, some great people and
The Slakas and I'd call that one hell of a night!! One word of caution--those chingalingas are incredibly juicy and BOY are they hot!!
I arrived early and grabbed a table with some friends. I looked around and the room was already peppered with
Slakas fans wearing
Slakas tshirts. I wouldn't call the
Slakas fan base a religion (yet, anyway), but they definitely have a loyal following.
I ordered a few appetizers and a nice cold beer. I had some great conversation and the room filled with people who obviously came out to see this band.
Palpable energy streamed into the room as The Slakas started off with The Middle by Jimmy Eat World. The music never stopped as they continued with fan favorites like Double Vision, I Gotta Feelin', Play That Funky Music, Barracuda, Still Lovin' You and the list goes on!
The Slakas are a cover band and they do songs that span the decades from the 60's on up thru today's pop. It's cutting edge classic rock and they do it incredibly well!!! There is definitely something for everyone on their set list. You are guaranteed a good time whether you are there to reminisce about the old songs or dance your little heart out to today's groove!! There are five members to this band and they include:
Deb Lussier, lead vocals. Deb has been inspired by such passionate artists as Janis Joplin, Ann Wilson and Stevie Nicks. She's got beautiful tones in her voice and she's versatile. One minute you'd swear Janis was in the room while she belts out Bobby McGee and then next minute she's singing a Gaga tune!!
Jay White, lead guitar..........
Rick Letourneau on bass............
Dave Thorp on drums.............
And last, but certainly not least, they have Chris Lussier on keyboards, rhythm guitar, harmonica and back up vocals...........
This is a feel good band on so many different levels. They do songs you know and they do them the way people want to hear them. They are crowd pleasers, entertainers and talented musicians. If you want a guaranteed mood-lifting musical experience, then you want to go where
The Slakas are!! Whether you are a club owner or just a music enthusiast, you'll want to seek them out. You WON'T be disappointed!!! For more of
The Slakas visit their website at
http://www.theslakas.com/ or see them on my Youtube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/Quietinspace?feature=mhee.
See you at the show!!!!
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