Hi, my name is Mark Schaub (Jr.). I am writing to nominate not just one fan, but two, for the Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes Fan of the Month: My father, Mark Sr. and his identical twin brother, Rick. I know it isn't customary to have two fans in one month, but I figured that maybe an exception could be made since they share the same genetic code.

Dad and Uncle Rick grew up in Hillsborough, New Jersey, and both from there went to college in Maine, taking their love of music with them. They each saw Bill Chinnock play their campuses several times, converting many friends to the "Jersey Shore sound". I followed Dad and Uncle Rick's footsteps and also went to college in Maine, where I still live today.

I am a huge Jukes fan, thanks primarily to a proper rock and roll education in my youth. Both Dad and Uncle Rick dutifully played SSJ & the Asbury Jukes, Gary U.S. Bonds, Little Steven, Chinnock, and Bruce all of the time and even more in the presence of their sons. Both of them regard "Better Days" as the best rock album ever made, being released at a poignant time in their lives when they had young families and high aspirations. I'm not sure how many copies of the cassette the two of them must have gone through over the years, but I know they were probably among the first in line to get the CD.

They have taken their sons to see quite a few shows also, including a couple of Boothbay Harbor Opera House shows in Maine, my first Jukes show at the Somerset Patriots Ballpark with Felix Cavaliere's Rascals and Blood, Sweat, and Tears, and most recently, at The Keswick Theater last November with Special Guest Leon Russell. My brothers, cousins and I now stalk the "tour dates" page of the website should the band schedule a show nearby.

This past September, Mark & Rick turned 50 and I've spent the last six months trying to come up with a fitting gift. Dad has a saying that goes "the best things in life aren't things", which I believe is very true. They have both provided me with years of support and positive influences (especially with music), for which I am eternally grateful. That's why I think nominating them for Fan of the Month is one of the biggest honors I can give. We will be spending Christmas in Maine together as a family, likely listening to just as much Jukes as we will Christmas music, and I'd love to be able to break the news to them there that they're this month's FOM. Please come back to Maine soon, we can't wait to see you guys again!

Sincerely,
Mark Schaub, Jr.