My husband and I are huge fans of Southside and the Jukes. Living in Indiana makes it somewhat difficult to get to the live shows but we do what we can. I remember the first time he played a Southside "cassette" for me - I was hooked. That soulful voice, the horns---absolutely outstanding! Nothing could have prepared me for the experience of seeing them for the first time. It was the 20th anniversary show at the Pony. Being big Bruce fans we also wanted to explore Asbury Park and other areas we had heard and read so much about. We made the trip to Jersey with my best girl friend (who happens to be a huge Bruce fan), my husband's brother, and his wife. We flew into Newark, rented a cheap car and made the trip to Asbury Park. Not knowing any better we stayed at the Berkley Carteret (live and learn).

The show was at the famous Stone Pony and we were so excited (like kids at an amusement park), laughing and goofing around all day until show time. We drove to Atlantic City early in the day but and had to speed a little to get back for show time. A tent had been set up for the show. I will say I have never been trapped anywhere with so many sweaty people in my life! Normally something I would repeatedly complain about, but I didn't care. The music was awesome, and with Bruce and Bon Jovi joining the Jukes on stage, well it just doesn't get much better than that. It was something I will never forget!

We loved it so much that my husband and I returned that same year (or the next?) for the New Year's Eve show at The Count Basie. We had gotten our tickets kind of late and were supposed to sit in the balcony. When we went to pick up our tickets at will-call we asked if they had any better seats available. A guy (Tony Palagrossi) said yea we have these (front row center). I almost passed out! Needless to say, that was very cool.

Being the dork that I am, I had to take a rose for Southside, which he took from me, made fun of a little and then gave to LaBamba to wear in his hat. That was the first of 5 New Year's Eve shows we have been able to attend. I am always apprehensive about making travel plans for that time of year, but will chance it for Southside! We travel to the shows we can get to on weekends (Chicago, Cleveland, Milwaukee, etc.) and when we can get time off and take mini vacations to Jersey or out east somewhere. I am enjoying my copy of 'Into The Harbour' and am patiently awaiting the shows at the Birchmere in December and Jersey in March/April.

Lori Martin
Indiana