We got to the WOW Hall a little bit early and got to sit on those familiar steps once again for about a half hour before they finally let us in. No one showed up for a long time after we got in, either. Although, I did spot the Daddies trumpet player and his girlfriend hanging out by the door with the sound guy. That was pretty neat.

The Varicoasters started playing to the crowd of 15 people and I danced my ass off to make up for the lack of fans in attendance. They played a pretty good set covering all the basics such as "Any Way She Can," "Eugene, OR" and "Oh No! Christine!" One of the horn players kept making references to Salem, OR.... don't know what that stemmed from, but it was funny. But alas, it was a short set and they finished all too soon.

Now that the opening band was over with, people decided to show up. People are really aggravating at times, ya know? Why NOT watch the local band? "Oh, they're just the Varicoasters... they play here all the time." Yeah, and they'll never get out of here if they don't have any fan support. Get off your pedestal and DANCE, dammit!!!

The Skatalites are one odd band, lemme tell ya. Their guitarist decided to leave the tour without notifying the keyboardist who had to cover his parts. The main guy who played the bass didn't know any of his horn players' names. It was just.... weird. They played great, though! Being a trumpet player myself, I made sure I was right in front of theirs, and I was not disappointed. Of course to be in the Skatalites you have to be good, but I was still impressed.

The crowd was the most diverse I've seen since the Daddies played there. Punks, rudies, hippies, skins, old men, small children.... all smiling and dancing side by side. Add another great WOW Hall show to the tally. That place comes through time and time again. Never been to a bad show.