This was the four-year anniversary of The Thrilling Adventure and Supernatural Suspense Hour, with the result that the venue was SRO. The two writers/creators of Thrilling Hour, Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, made a speech thanking everyone who has been a part of their success so far, including warm thanks to Common Rotation. Often, the crowd diminishes during the break between Thrilling Hour and Common Rotation, but tonight it was pretty much wall to wall humanity throughout.

The night's lineup was Eric, Adam, Jordan, Matt Young on bass, Jillinda Palmer on accordion, Dan Bern on second acoustic guitar, John Rosen on second banjo and Davy Chegwyn on percussion (Ken Beck is currently away on his honeymoon -- congratulations Ken & Lauren!).

First up was a very lively, playful rendition of "Indie Rockin'" that started very, very hesitantly, with just Adam and Eric singing and Eric on guitar for much of the song. During the jumping up and down part, Jordan was jumping up and down with his banjo, but not playing it, which was a very funny visual. Adam held that last note for all it was worth.

Next was "Union Maid," with Adam on harmonica, Jillinda on accordion, Davy on cojone, Matt on bass, Jordan on trumpet John on banjo. Adam and Eric shared vocals. Adam and Jordan did some new huge riffs on the outtro.

"92 Mics" had Jordan and John on banjos, Davy on percussion and Eric really wailing on the acoustic guitar. The sound was very strong and rhythmic.

Adam introduced "Trumpet" by talking about an evangelist he'd seen the night before -- he still sounded incredibly bemused by the whole experience. Jillinda was on accordion, Jordan and John delicate on banjo, Davy on cojone. Eric came in vocally on the second verse and Matt provided a bit of backup vocals.

Dan Bern came to the stage to bring a second guitar and backup vocals for "My Kingdom," with Jillinda on accordion, Adam on harmonica. Eric's voice was particularly plaintive. There was musical space around the "dinner bell" lyric, making the huge strumming on "wind" that much more powerful.

Dan Bern then took lead on what I believe is his original country composition, Freight Train Blues." Adam did some vocal scatting while Dan held notes.

Dan stayed on lead guitar, with Adam on saxophone, Jillinda on accordion, Jordan on trumpet and Eric on second guitar and backup vocals for "The Highway's My Home."

Dan started on lead vocals for the '50s/'60s pop-like "The Golden Voice of Vin Scully" (for those who don't know, he's a sportscaster). Jordan had a trumpet solo, Jillinda was on accordion, Adam on harmonica. Eric and Jillinda dueted vocally on the second verse, and Adam took the third verse.

Everyone else cleared off while Jordan and John took center stage for a display of banjo virtuosity in a duet, with fast picking and strumming (with a little bit of addition from Mark Evan Jackson).

Everyone returned to the stage for "Stop What You're Doing and Breathe," with Dan on lead vocals and guitar, Eric on second guitar, Jillinda on accordion and everyone chiming in on backup vocals.

Dan explained that he had seen a cut of "Drones," written by Acker and Blacker and directed by Adam Busch and Amber Benson. Dan liked the film so much he wrote a lot of songs for it and proceeded to play several. The first was "I'm Not From 'Round Here." Dan sang the first verse and Adam took the second, playing harmonica when not vocalizing.

The next song from "Drones" was "Love Makes All the Other Worlds Go Round." Dan took the first verse, Adam the second, with Jordan on trumpet, Jillinda on accordion, Eric on second guitar and backup vocals.

"Bitter Honey" had Jillinda on a very strong accordion, Adam on harmonica, Eric starting lead vocals, Dan singing the second verse and everyone singing the chorus. On the third verse, it was just Eric and his guitar until everyone and everything came in on "But you don't need me to tell you why." Sounded beautiful.

Adam noted that two young women had come from France for the performance. The off-mike song was "Pawn," with someone (I am guessing Davy) on tambourine, Jordan on banjo, Eric and Dan on guitars with a low, wistful melody line. Adam sang the first verse, Jordan the second, and Dan Bern came in with a new third verse about Presidents Bush and Obama. Eric sang the fourth verse, which was almost a cappella until the last line.

And that's all, folks!

your report was a very welcome distraction from work Shapenew , thank you

Today is St Patrick's day so on time honoured tradition I am forced to toast you with a pint of the black stuff

(it's a hard life, but someone's got to live it!)
Cheers ears
Christy

As always, thanks for taking the time to write up a report for us. It's very much appreciated.

Happy Anniversary!

thanks Shapenew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nBGG7kbkio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAEEksV1yUc

Enjoy!

Thanks so much, Frankie!

Thanks again Shapenew and Frankie. Another great setlist, and Pawn that golden oldie

I wonder when Drones will be released, I can't wait to see it.

thanks Frankie! Thanks M Bar Legends All! On stage and in audience!!

501 days since Glasgow and counting!

.. be great to catch Drones - just a case of the when and the how I guess? - keep em peeled Mezzer.

Will do