~ the Bag Lady Bag~

Peas & carrots, peas & carrots, peas & carrots …

Brian Mulhern was one of 4 guitarists to participate in Paper Bag #1 at The People's Picnic in Whitehall, NY. During the late 70's, Brian played in several bands in and around the Huntington area often teaming up with his brother Kevin as (what else?) the Mulhern Brothers. I mixed sound for them several times at Chelsea's. Sally Scudder played keyboards and sang in many bands with numerous Bag members. Sally was great to have in the band. Perfect pitch, big smile, never complained, always had fun. Every time the Jim Small Band plays, I look over to the other side of the stage and I can see her, boppin' and tappin' her bare feet. Savannah Joe Kommnick was a bright ray of happiness that cut through the smoky air and shined into your heart. He was always ready with a joke, your favorite libation, or an absurd movie quote. This year, Billionaire is dedicated to Savannah Joe. Adam Calaci played bass and sang in some of the most successful bands to ever play on Long Island. On stage, Adam was a solid presence. His bass playing was strong and yes, it was loud. Backstage, he was a very, very funny man. Bruce Rogers had perfect pitch and keyboard skills that brought that physical marvel to life. Standing in Canterbury Ales while Jim Pin was cranking away (I think Rob Barraco was playing a way-outside solo) Bruce was able to quote to me the chord changes to "Hot Fun in the Summertime" (which are very minor 7/ b5-ish) out of his head. He played the grand piano on stage at Paper Bag #2 and played the Tonight Show theme at the very end of the show. He also had the good fortune to be singing "Low Spark of High Heel Boys" at Bag #9 when Scotty K came onstage as the Energizer Bunny. Little Buster never played in the Bag but he was a tremendous influence on many of us who do. I was Busterized many times. Boy was he fun to watch and listen to. H:e was truly the real deal. Gene Gennusa played guitar in the Bag from 1980 through 1985. He photographed the Bag in '86 and '87, went on to become a well respected photographer in the music industry, and then returned to the Bag in 2004. Hundreds of his photos are on the Bagsite. Gene was a friend and a good guy. Barry Ambrosio was the guitarist and singer for the legendary New Day Band. His guitar technique was flashy but clean. At a time when guitarists almost exclusively used Fender and Gibson guitars, Barry was the first guy I know who played a "custom" guitar, with swirly cutaways and a strange headstock. He had a smile that was infectious and indicated that mischief was not far behind. Phil Antonucci was a great guitarist and an even greater guy. He was an Emmy winning sound engineer and a tireless advocate for music education. We will have several Phlant cheers tonight..

We are musicians. We live a different life, in bars and diners and clubs and catering halls and come home as the sun comes up and put off joining the "real world" as long as possible. It is a great life, rich and rewarding and so so so much fun. We look after each other and are loyal to each other. Sometime during the night tonight, remember someone missing from your life, smile and have some fun for them. We all can live on in the memory of our friends, family and colleagues. Take care of each other, be loyal to each other, and most of all, have fun.

This is the spot where I get to thank: Dick at Supreme Trophy in Huntington Station; Eko Video; S-K Sound; Lightcraft; Mark Coffey and the crew at Goldman Bros.; Minuteman Printing in East Northport; The Maker of the Melon Peggy Irwin; Dawn Barca - the sign girl; Lisa Layton for her wonderful work collecting and distributing food; the faculty and staff at all the Island Trees Schools; my three girls, Emma, Sara & Sue for making me the happy boy you see here tonight. As you can see, I live a charmed existence.

Mulcahy's is some great place to enjoy the Bag. From John Murray, right across to the bar backs, every one of the seemingly endless number of employees of this club is unfailingly helpful. These people understand the the Paper Bag at its purest essence. Mul's is the Bag's home for life, in no small part due to the support provided by these fine people. Please thank the Mulcahy's staff when you see them. Patronize this fine establishment all year. Get home safely

the 2016 Paper Bag EXECUTIVE BOARD
Many people wonder how this crazy, complicated show, with all its myriad details, ever comes together at all. Most of the credit goes to the Executive Board who work many hours so that we can all enjoy the Bag. Thank them when you see them go by.

Tony Rome ~ Scott Savitt
Cheese Calzones ~ Mary McAndrews
Vocalists ~ Denise Corazón
Guitarland~ Joe Anziano, Mike Cummings
Keyboard Ghetto ~ Gary Quenqua, Larry Ketchell
Horns ~ Lenny LaPinta
Harps ~ Joe Santino, Paul Shields
Basses ~ Tom Flyntz, Lester Saldinger
Percussion ~ Scott Kistenberger, Don Larsen
Sound ~ Larry Phrögk Perlman
Aural Enlightenment ~ Tom Heinisch
Construction ~ George Ranzette
Ladies Auxiliary ~ Sue Guido
Shirt Guy par excellence~ Mark Coffey
Mr. Guido's Valet ~ Jim Mola
Mr. Guido's Spiritual Advisor ~ Tom Russo
Tow Truck Driver ~ Tow Truck Jack Brescia
The Group W Bench ~ Dr. Degs PhD.