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Soundcheck: Science Fiction Double Feature (1st verse and chorus)

Communion Wafers
Passion of Christ
Don’t Be a Bitch
CBT

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I had so much fun it seemed at times as though the whole thing was staged for my benefit.

The staff seemed very glad to see us when we showed up. Part of this might be that they just recently started having open mics again. In fact, we were the first act to perform at the new incarnation of the Hotel Vernon open mic Wednesdays a few weeks ago.

The Hotel Vernon, 1 Millbury St, Worcester (in the wonderfully chaotic Kelly Square), is decorated inside as a ship. Often referred to as “The Kelly Square Yacht Club” it is a charming dive bar. It might sound tacky but the effect is kinda kitschy neat.

The first act was a solo instrumentalist/singer. He had just started his set when we arrived. I was fascinated by the instrument he was playing for his first few songs. It looked like a cross between a ukulele and banjo. He covered a few Johnny Cash songs and some others I didn’t recognize but were in the Folk genre. He did a good job on the JC songs. Interesting guy, he walked here from Vermont. He is going to start hiking the entire Appalachian trail in a few months.

The next act was also a solo musician. He covered some 80s Hair Metal tunes on an acoustic. Not my cup of tea but he performed with passion and was an accomplished guitarist.

We were up next. We played seven songs, all originals. Sister was in good voice and I did really good too, one minor flub on guitar but the kind the audience probably didn’t notice (it’s better to play the wrong chord at the right time than to play the right chord at the wrong time).

After we played the ‘host’ of the open mic night played a set with some friends of his. Classic Rock stuff. Songs I’d be meh about if I heard them on the radio but much more enjoyable when played by real people. They did a slighty over-wrought version of The Band’s The Weight but it was my favorite.

After the open mic night was over the ‘real’ band took the stage. Franco is in the vein of Explosions in the Sky with maybe a dash of …And they will know us by the trail of dead. I thought these guys were really good. myspace.com/franco508 if you’re interested.

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