****Stump The Band 2004****
February 19th, ECSU TV Studio Concert Taping, Willimantic CT :
Eastern Connecticut State University Television Studios
Burt and Mac (far right) from UCONN Radio pictured with Paul Melmer (center), the studio director, JD (far left) our sound engineer, and some of the other talented camera and production crew members that helped make our first show a success.
Mission Control where the crew settles back to begin the taping. "We have ignition!"
Joe Paul, MLC soundman and road manager, always on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly and no one loses an eye.
Are we rollin'? Isn't Ed Sullivan suppose to introduce us first?
Mission accomplished. StarSearch here we come.
February 21st, Donna Paul's Surprise 40th Birthday, New Milford CT :
The birthday girl, Donna Paul, looking glamorous at 40!
Lee, Gary and Warren, rockin' the crowd
Mr.Rich Stevens, kicking out a few killer lead solos. This was his first time back since his retirement from the band in October 2003
Guest drummer, Bob Marvin, joins in the fun for an extended version of Santana's Evil Ways.
March 6th, The Downtown Cafe', Bristol CT:
Unfortunately, no pictures yet from this night but it is important to note that The Downtown is turning out to be one of those clubs that have a great local crowd that love to rock out. We had a few guests including Joe (conga player) and Rich Stevens (former MLC guitar slinger).
March 20th, Carilli's Cafe', Marlborough CT:
Once again, plagued by the basketball playoffs and seasonally nasty weather, we managed to rock the few folks that stuck with us regardless.
April 3rd, The Meeting House, Tolland CT:
A packed house of UCONN Husky fans watched as the home team defeated DUKE to win a trip to the big game. This was the first time at the Meeting House and we were very well received. Susan Dziedzic from the local newspaper was on hand to do a quick interview and take some great pictures. We look forward to featuring her work in the future.
April 17th, Victory Lane, Dayville CT:
Here is a very nice club with a great deal of potential to which we provided some what of a "false start". The owners have put a lot of work into renovation and it really shows but on this weekend they were still plagued by licensing issues which caused a delay in getting the name changed from Jokers to Victory Lane. This also delayed advertising efforts. We still rocked a group of local folks who all seemed to have a great time and enjoyed our show. We look forward to returning very soon.
May 1st, Carilli's Cafe, Marlborough CT:
Carilli's Cafe is a great sounding room and we always have a lot of fun every time we play there. This time around, many old friends that we haven't seen in a while stopped in for a visit. Chris and Mike, Lee's former band mates from Blue22 dropped by to play a few tunes and closed the place. Riding weather is finally here and everyone was out, looking for a good time.
May 1st, The Broadcaster, Reminder Publications:
May 11th, WECS Radio, Live Broadcast
With Gary Z. stuck at Chicago's O'Hare airport after failing his metal detector test. Lee and Warren face an anxious audience of listeners tuning in to the show via both radio airwaves and live internet broadcast to plug their upcoming show at Patriot's Park in Coventry.
Our host and engineer for the evening, Ramblin' Bert Rand, "The Blues Guy", a local celebrity of both WECS and WHUS radio fame shown mixing the live feed and answering phone calls.
May 15th, Patriot's Park, Coventry, CT
MLC performing at the community center at Patriot's Park in Coventry for an audience of all ages, parents, kids, teenagers, and some of our "fans in crisis".
May 29th, Downtown Cafe', Bristol, CT
Another exciting evening at our "home away from home". MLC was joined on stage by friends Rick Brown on guitar and Joe Coscgni on congas. We will be in regular rotation at the Downtown beginning October 30th with the biggest Halloween event of our short careers.
June 12th, The Meeting House, Tolland, CT
Andy Gagner kicking out some great solos during Pride & Joy.
This night will mark the beginning of a new chapter in MLC history. We have now procured the services of Al, soundman for "Roadside Justice", another great local band. With Al at the controls keeping us level, we were left to do what we do best, generate live spontaneous combustion on stage. Special guest performers included Kim Steel with her 60's flashback rendition of White Rabbit, Ken Sylvain, former front man for Family Jewels, sang Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" and Andy Gagner of the A.G. Dirty Boogie Band joined us on guitar for "Pride & Joy" and "Evil Ways".
June 19th, The Hartford Courant
Some local publicity for the outdoor show on June 26th.
June 26th, Patriot's Park, Coventry, CT
With Warren out of town on family business, MLC played for around 7,000 people, quite possibly the largest audience MLC has performed for yet. Joining us on stage were to fill in for Warren were Rick Brown on guitar and Joe Cosogni on congas and percussion. It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect. Smokin' Herb opened the show with a set that included Hendrix, and Pink Floyd. MLC took the stage and followed with some butt kicking tunes including American Band, Fulsom Prison Blues, Take Me To The River, and an acoustic rendition of American Pie dedicated to the opening of Michael Moore's film, Fahrenheit 9/11, which had just been released the day before. The very idea that we would support the film whipped the Young Republicans (who had a booth at the event) into a frenzy and provoked an attack on guitarist Rick Brown. The onslaught by our young Republican friend was quelled by some folks that were standing by. It was very apparent that the Young Republicans are just as adamant about denying our right to free speech as their commander-in-chief. Anyway, Patty Tuite played next with a new line-up of band members and her set was fabulous. You should really try to catch Patty some time. Finally the Bluestalkers finished the night in grand fashion. Unfortunately, the fireworks were postponed until the following night due to high winds over the lake.
June 28th, Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT
We had to share this story with those of you who check in on a regular basis. Gary and Lee went to see Van Halen at the civic center last night. With Sammy Hagar back as the VH front man, the band sounded as good as ever. Eddie's son, Wolfgang, even made an appearance and did a guitar duet with his dad. The funny thing happened after the show. Gary and Lee were hanging around at the stage exit in hopes of possibly saying hi or to snag a photo for the web. Just so you get the full picture, they were the ONLY two people that stuck around except for the two security guys who's job it was to keep them from walking down the ramp into the backstage area. All of a sudden two motorcycle police on Harley's race up the ramp followed by three black Suburbans and in an instant ... they were gone. All that security to keep two old farts from saying hi. You would have thought it was the president or Michael Jackson. Anyway, it was a great show and they had a great time but had to laugh all the way home about the "great escape" of Van Halen.
June 30th, Downtown Cafe', Bristol, CT
Gary and Lee, backed by Rick Brown and Joe Cosogni, played a short set for open mic night hosted by Pete Scheips. Open mic is always great fun and everyone on hand seemed to enjoy our music.
July 3rd, Private Party, Ludlow, MA
Gary, Warren and Lee are for the BIRDS! The MLC crew spent a beautiful day entertaining at a private function in Ludlow, Massachusetts which is about 15 minutes from Springfield. Our host happens to breed and race carrier pigeons. A most fascinating thing about these birds is that they each claim their own perch in the coup as their own and will fight to keep it. The birds travel at a rate of 50 mph and typically race from Ohio to their home in Ludlow. The birds are sensitive to their point of origin so where they are born, is where they will return.
July 14th, John Kerry Fundraiser, Hartford, CT
At an event held by prominent Connecticut democrats including State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, MLC entertained a crowd of Kerry supporters at Sully's Pub in Hartford. Sully's is a well known local night spot featuring the best new music and regularly hosts bands from all over the US.
One of the highlights of the evening was a guest appearance by Gary's drum mentor, Jay Wood, of the local band ZOOM.
July 17th, The Meeting House, Tolland, CT
Summer is in full swing and our beach party theme was just what the crowd at The Meeting House needed to set the mood for a great evening.
August 7th, Private Party, Crystal Lake, CT
It's Doreen and Kath's Hawaii 5-0, 50th birthday party and here is our friend, Michael Brault, kicking things off with a great acoustic set.
MLC sporting some great Hawaiian fashions. Book 'em Dan-O.
August 14th & 15th, PIGSTOCK '04, Thomaston, CT
Aaron Steel joins MLC on stage early in the day to play Pretty Woman.
The Amazing Mr. Hartzell, deep in concentration.
Congo Joe Cosagne making the rhythm happen.
MLC fans first sneak preview of Paul Kramarz.
The Bub!
September 18th, The Meeting House, Tolland, CT
INTRODUCING PAUL KRAMARZ on guitar!
Sorry for the lack of pictures and updates lately. I have a lot of new pictures to post from previous events such as PigStock'04 etc but have been very busy. Anyway, the big news at the moment is that Paul Kramarz has agreed to join the group and should assist in catapulting MLC all the way to the halls of the governor's mansion. Here are some pictures from our show in Tolland. Check out the BIO section of our site for more information on Mr.K.
October 16th, Victory Lane, Dayville, CT
We always have more fun that we bargained for when we go to Victory Lane. This show was no exception as we had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Roger (pictured above) for the entire night.
October 22th, Trotti's, Safety Harbor, Florida
Fair Warning, Rich Rags, Deloris Telescope REUNION!
With very short notice, we managed to reunite many old band mates and friends on Trotti's stage. Not only were former members of all three bands on hand but also members of even earlier bands. This effort managed to unite and reunite many bay area musicians, some of whom had never even met before. Also on hand for the show: Jeff Vuncannon, (drummer for Lee's 1st FL band FUSION), John Richter (former FW sound engineer), Jimmy Jones (bay area musician), members of GWEEDO (St.Pete based DT tribute band), and Mike Upledger (syndicated columnist and professor at USF).
The marquee outside Trotti's just hours before the big show.
(l to r) Dave Stevenson, Mark Scott, Billy McConnell, Lee, Rick Boucher.
Lee Steel and Dave Fairman, founding members of Deloris Telescope
Lee and Dave together on stage as Deloris Telescope for the first time in 21 years, backed by Rick Boucher on drums.
October 30th, The Downtown Cafe', Bristol, CT
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
And why is Halloween different that any other MLC show?, you might ask... It's the only night of the year when you can't tell the difference between the audience and the band.
November 13th, The Meeting House, Tolland, CT
As TOUR '04 begins to wind down, the on-stage action is just heating up. With a newly improved light show, better sound, and a live show that is full of unexpected surprises, MLC is well on their way to achieving local notoriety.
And let's not forget the men behind the bar that make it all happen!
November 24th, The Downtown Cafe', Bristol, CT
THANKSGIVING EVE PARTY
Lights, camera, ACTION!
November 27th, Carilli's Cafe', Marlborough, CT
The Boys Are Back In Town at Carilli's Bar & Grill. The drinks will flow and the blood will spill and if the boys wanna wear wigs, you better let 'em. It's been a long time since we have been back at one of our favorite night spots, Carilli's, and based on the crowd response we got this time, it won't be long before we are back there again.
December 11th, The Downtown Cafe', Bristol, CT
Monsters Of Rock Holiday Extravaganza
The debut of the "soon to be famous" Mid-Life-Chickens.
Don't miss the next show!