The End of a Cycle(?), Richie forcing an encore and a Prozac portion of our program.

It took a while to get this last show written up, and I think that is because I wanted to savor it a bit.  Show 13 (including the two yard parties we played at the Cavanaugh residence to our friends and family) felt like the end of a cycle.  The show at Salerno’s in Hodgkins took place on 9/24/2022, but it took 3 weeks for me to write this up. During those 13 shows, the band played 13 unique set lists composed of 51 tunes, some were played at nearly every show, and some were only played once.  Now with winter approaching, the band is probably going to take some time off, eventually reconvene and hopefully even further expand the BiPolarBear Palette with some additional material to get ready for when spring rolls around.  

The Salerno’s show (number 2) was marked by a modest but enthusiastic crowd, with a core staying to the very last note.  Richie had them screaming for more with his vocals on the White Snake Classic, “Here I Go Again” while Lisa had them in the palm of her hand for Halestorm’s “Here’s to Us,” marking only the second time the band played that live (with Tailgater’s being the first).  “The Prozac Portion of our program” as the idiot bassist introduced with Henley’s “Heart of the Matter,” and the Oasis classic, “Champagne Supernova,” appeared to go over well with the enthusiastic crowd.  All night Richie and Lisa were on their vocal games, but you have to add a tip of the cap (or a do rag to keep the sweat out of your eyes because of your bald head) to Ron and Ellen, who not only did a great job on keys and drums, but added killer layers of harmony vocals all night.

Richie was so pumped; he forced the band into playing one more song after Purple Rain (which has been the standard closer).  The one hit wonder of Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta” was the final song of the night.  Special shout out and thanks to Rik Kroll for his sound work (the vocals were amazing) and superfan Trish Cavanaugh, who seemingly is at every show and helped produce the silent film of nut shots, prat falls and goofs playing on screen behind the band.

Additionally, thanks to everyone’s encouragement and attendance.  I know I have had a ridiculously fun time embarrassing myself in front of those of you who attend and I know the band is chopping at the bit to get back out there.  Hope to see you soon.

​In for Zippy, the idiot bassist  (10/10/2022)