~ Bags Fly Free!~

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. 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.

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.

The Savannah Joe Kommnick "Are these donuts fresh?" Moment

Many of you in the Paper Bag community knew Joe Kommnick simply as "Savannah." I had the privilege working with this gentle man in the clubs on the South Shore for over 10 years. Savannah Joe 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. There was never anything harsh about Savannah Joe, none of the rough edges many of us who live the night life develop. I miss his company. In 1996 we inaugurated the tradition of performing a song each year that connects us with Joe, so that we may have a vehicle to help us remember this fine man. This year, King of the Road by Roger Miller is dedicated to Savannah Joe. In keeping with Joe's sense of humor, and to ease the melancholy of the moment, before we begin the song, We ask all of you to place an index finger, held horizontally, just below your nose and all together ask in a falsetto voice "Are these donuts fresh?"

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 brothers and sisters working at the front door missing the show; 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