Harrison on Harrison wrap-up
Saturday's "Harrison on Harrison" event was held in the Oak Park neighborhood of Chicago. Clar Monaco and GiGi Wong-Monaco hosted the block party via their Wonderwall Music Shoppe & Emporium, aided by Brenda Watkins and Wonderwall's extended family. After last weekend's Hurricane Ike-assisted rainfall, we had beautiful weather all day.
George Harrison's songs were played for about eight hours. My own set included "Behind That Locked Door," "Give Me Love" and a George-ish song I wrote for my band Ping. I played bass for the Dark Horse Tribute headliner Rex Van Zant, as well. I particularly enjoyed working up "Beware of Darkness" (though we ultimately didn't play it, I'll keep this one for later!)," "If I Needed Someone," and "Think For Yourself" (with its fuzzed-out lead bass line).
The ukulele players performed again, though in smaller numbers than at the recent Beatle fest. It has been great to brush up on my uke chords since then, and I've got the bug back. My favorite from Saturday was "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," despite a tiny mental explosion during the first bridge during which the chords ran away from my fingers. At least I remembered the words. The six of us also played "If I Needed Someone" and "For You Blue."
The uke group wants to add Neil Innes' "My Little Ukulele" to their repetoire. It's a great little tune from the reissued version(s) of The Rutles' "Archaeology" album. If I'm able to join them for that, I'll do my best to remember to sing the word "clubs" (that's an in-joke for those who know the lyrics).
Apple Scruffs were a vocal group in the mode of the Mamas and the Papas. Several other acts performed, including The Meter Maids (with Fab Four FAQ author Stu Shea), Joe Dex, members of local tribute The Beatle Brothers, and others. There was also a belly dance troupe.
Danny Donuts, the comedian at Beatle fest with the groovy, home-built Yellow Submarine suit, performed several Beatles parodies. The highlight for me was "Batman," set to the tune of "Taxman." Very corny. Good fun. The song even segued into “Batgirl,” to the tune of the Beatles’ “Girl” from Rubber Soul. Danny (who performed the song in costume as the caped crusader) asked Joe Dex and me to “fight” with him during the guitar solo. At the appointed time, we rushed the stage, and I telegraphed my best stage punch. Danny, on the other hand, went ahead and socked me right in the gut, ostensibly so I could stagger off stage in defeat more convincingly. It was pretty funny, if you were there to see it.
Sandalwood, a sitar ensemble including Clar and GiGi, performed traditional ragas, and also an "ancient raga" that incorporated "A Hard Day's Night." They performed "The Inner Light" with Rex Van Zant, who appeared as George Harrison. That was nice.
Rex appeared for his set in full 70s-George regalia, playing his "Rocky" Stratocaster. He told stories in the mode and voice of George, and played a set of George's solo and Beatle work. Toward the end, Paul Wrubel of Apple Scruffs and I joined him to play:
"If I Needed Someone"
"Think For Yourself"
"Nothin' Shakin' but the Leaves on the Trees"
"For You Blue"
"Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby"
"My Sweet Lord"
I'm looking forward to the second annual Harrison on Harrison event next fall!