December 31st - Happy New Year!

With the passing of another year comes the inevitable reflection on the eventful times that shaped 2011. It also encourages hopeful contemplation for 2012. A number of changes populated the landscape of 2011, things that have left wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. It was only fitting that such a blessed year be closed out in appropriate fashion and what better way then a night of 80s musical intensity at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon in Ocean City, Maryland. It was touching to see all the people that came to the Moose to ring in the new year with us. The place was chock full of friends and fans that chose to be with us on the final day of 2011. Thank you to all of you for celebrating with us.

As mentioned earlier, 2011 marked a banner year for AnK. On top of an entire year of successful local gigs, we had the privilege of opening for hard rock pioneers UFO and 80's metal Gods Stryper. These gigs were made possible by the recording of several original songs we wrote. These songs can be heard on this website and purchased through Amazon, i-tunes, and other media distributors. We are extremely proud of these songs and are honored that people have chosen to purchase them.

So what does 2012 have in store for AnK? Who knows but we are excited at the potential opportunities out there and whenever those opportunities present themselves, we will seize them with the vigor that AnK has been known for. We look forward to all of you joining us on that ride.

December 17th - Dana's Birthday Bash!

A cold and blustering evening assailed the walls of Nabbs Creek but inside it was warm and toasty from the holiday and celebratory cheer. The last weekend before Christmas did not deter our friends and fans from coming to Nabbs for another awesome night of 80s hard rock fury. On top of the festive atmosphere, we celebrated Dana's birthday with oodles of music, food, and drink. Twas a wonderful evening of music and merriment shared by all.

Many thanks need to be bestowed upon worthy recipients. Shout out to Gail & Joe, Erica, Tiffany, Donica, Pat, Rick, Amy, Sharon & Bob, Tori, Dave, Monica, Stacey, Bruce, Ron, Brandy, Ron, Elisha, Cheryl, Tracy, Neil, Chrissy, Tonya, Jason, Regina, Crystal, Bernie, Lisa, Raina, Angie, Jerry, Sean, Kenny, and Fran. Thanks to Joey Rose for joining us on stage for a umber of tunes, it felt great playing tunes with you again.

Our final show of 2011 will be a head banging event worthy of remembrance in the annals of NYE musical lore. We will be in Ocean City at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon celebrating the closing of one year and the birth of another. Tickets for this incredible event are $75 a head and include open bar. All information plus ticket purchases can be made at www.purplemoosesaloon.com.

In the meantime, we wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season.

December 10th - Billy V's got jacked up!

Billy V's Rock Bar was an awesome show. Lots of people showed up to rock the night away to the best of the 80's hard rock. It is always a great time here and this past Saturday was no exception. Nothing like some head banging and hard rocking affording a break from the holiday brouhaha.

Thanks to Chrissy, Bruce, Candice, Gail & Joe M., Christian, Patty, Steve, Billy, Chrissy, Donica, Linda, Kevin, Ed, Linda C., Erin & Adam P., Buck, Theresa, Lisa, Tonya, John & Lori, Jennifer, Jason, Lisa, and Anna. Gratitudes to Ed for the incredible job running sound and Mikey for the stellar light show.

Next Saturday we will be heading deep into the heart of Glen Burnie east, down Solley and along the creek to the venerable Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille. We will be celebrating Dana's birthday as well as our final show before the Xmas holiday. Look forward to seeing you all there!

November 23rd - Sandbaggers

Sandbaggers Sports Bar is Glen Burnie's newest secret. This huge club offers really good food, loads of big screen TV's, lots of pool tables, and a huge dance floor to allow the patrons to strut their stuff to the top live acts in the area. High ceilings and a generous stage allowed for the best 80's hard rock to bring it to the masses in Glen Burnie. The pre-Thanksgiving crowd was out in full force and ready to party and it was great watching everyone enjoy the evening's music.

Thanks to Will from Thunderball, Candice, Melody, Gail & Joe, Joan, Patti, Mary & Steve, Marianne, Kimberly & Rich, Dawn, Susanna (Happy Birthday!), Eric, Bill, Michelle, Trisha, Valerie & Dave, Anita, Bill, Jill & Paul. Kudos to Rick on sound and Mikey for the lights and gear coordination.

On a more serious note, all of us in and affiliated with Alive-n-Kickin' want to extend out the warmest holiday greetings. Enjoy this upcoming Thanksgiving and cherish the blessings of food, family, and friendship. Be safe and be ready to get it on in December.

November 14th - Another Chapter ends...

Some things are such givens that we know they will never change and we sometimes take them for granted. These include death, taxes, the sun rising in the east, and Steve Miller being in Alive-n-Kickin'. Well, the sun got a little less bright today as after a 10 year run Steve has decided to bow out of Alive-n-Kickin'. It is not all glory as there is tons of behind-the-scenes work that is very taxing physically and mentally. For 10 years Steve dealt with the necessary work stoically, knowing it was for the greater good of AnK. We will miss his powerful drumming but more his personality, comraderie, and friendship. Steve is the epitome of the drumming frontman and his personality shined for it. He touched so many people these past 10 years because of his love and passion for AnK. Even though life is a constant change, it will be odd playing without that familiar thunder beat behind us. Be well my friend, may life bless you with whatever you deire as you will be missed.

November 12th - 80's concert at Bamboo Bernies

Saturday night's Bamboo Bernies show was typical AnK, off the charts! The full concert production was erected including the world's largest erector set (drum cage) on the mighty platform riser establishing a multi-tiered stage presentation fitting of a club the caliber of Bamboo Bernies. The entire light show was on display for all to be dazzled by, a stunning visual presentation of illuminatory glory and assorted colors punctuated by bright white blinders. It was truly a show reminiscent of the concerts of the 80's. The only blemish on the evening's festivities came from 2 drunken idiots that decided to duke it out during set 3. Nothing like watching 2 grown men roll around on a floor like a couple of sissies. If you are going to fight, go outside and throw fists, don't roll on the floor pulling hair while knocking in to unsuspecting people just looking to enjoy an evening out. Both of you deserve nothing less then being publicly locked in stocks and then flogged.

It rained while we were loading out at the end of the night. That is consistent with death and taxes for AnK.

Thanks to the myriad of friends that showed up to Bamboos to party with us, we truly appreciate the support from each and every one of you! Shout out to Leigh Ann, Missy, Amanda, Mike S., Rob, Todd & Tammy, Paul & Diane, Linda & Mike, Steve & Linda, Lisa, Theresa, Linda C., Donna, Tim, Jeff, Kris, Mandy, Joe & Stephanie, Tommy, Ed, Valerie, Krystal, Donna, Andrea & Mike, Jackie, Lynn, Steve, Ricky, Margie, Ducky, Pat, Vince, Maria, Dennis Lee Roth for lending his vocal talents on some tunes, Wendy, Anna, Mona & Dave, Lyndi, Shannon, Peg, Kevin, Christina, Ashley, Mike, Barb, Shawn, Amy, Allen, Dave, Mark, Loni, Nancy, Teri & Paul, Erin, Sophie, and Ted. Special thanks to Kelley, Mike, and Chris for all the help with production and program efficiency and to Ed for the great job running sound. Thanks to Jen and everyone at Bamboos for the hospitality.

Next show or AnK is at a new place for us. We will be debuting Wednesday 11/23 at Sandbaggers in Glen Burnie. Another large venue that is perfect for our make-up, we look forward to starting the holiday weekend off on a serious hard rockin' note! Come join us as we show the good people at Sandbaggers how to blow the roof off a club and have a good time.

October 29th - All Hallow's Eve

It seems that we bypassed the fall season for winter this past pre-Halloween weekend. How often in the history of Maryland weather have we seen snow fall on October 29th and accumulate on the ground in Crofton/Bowie? Maybe God was finally just trying to cover the area and slow down all the development. I mean, can we possibly create more congestion on the Rt. 3/301 corridor? And, like clockwork, a slight sprinkling of frozen precipitation leads to an exponential increase in the already saturated pool of stupid that gets in their cars. Aahhh... I digress again.

I love Halloween. It is the one time of year where you can dress as outlandishly as you wish and not get arrested for it. I really appreciate the creativity that goes into people's costumes. It is like walking art and just when you think you've seen it all someone presents with an outfit that raises the originality bar.

Loads of holiday clad denizens showed up at Nabbs for the evening's rock festivities. We had demons, devils, ghosts, ghouls, the Scream, Johnny Cash, Pancho Villa, Jane Doe the dead hooker, Werewolf, several vampires, Firewoman, white trash (actually, just indigenous people to the area), Popeye & Olive Oyl, Trampzilla, Betty Boop, Tarzan & Jane, Wal-Mart Thor, King Kong, pre-passion Jesus (I can eat M&M's!), a Sharpie, the Fruit-of-the-Loom guys, and the Rhinestone Cowboy himself. Shout out to Gail & Joe for being Gail & Joe. Thanks to Ed and Chris for their behind the scenes help in promoting the AnK production.

Next show is Bamboo Bernies on Saturday November 12th. Full concert production will be utilized for that full 80's concert feel. Look forward to seeing all of you there!

October 22nd - Pasadena just got smoked!

We really enjoy playing Billly V's Rock Bar in Pasadena.The crowds are always great and the food and beverage are top notch. Other then a missing camera incident (it mysteriously turned up 3 days later) everything was awesome. The only glitch was a wardrobe malfunction that turned the poor young lady beet red with embarrassment when she figured out what had happened. The big tip off for her was the silly grins from the teenagers pretending to be 40 year old musicians on the stage.

Thanks to Barb & Pat, Nina & Tammy, Kellie, Kelsey, Erica, Denise, Tom,Valerie & John, Angie & Mike, Frank & Darlene, Jimmy, Tommy, Fran, Jill, Eddie, Amy, Connie & Bill, Melinda, and Tyler. As always, thank you to our soundman extraordinaire Ed and super roadies Mikey & Chris for all the mundane, inglorious toiling that helps make the AnK machine go.

Next weekend is a scarilicious time as we will be celebrating Halloween at Nabbs Creek Dock Bar on Saturday November 29th. Break out your best holiday wear and come join the band for a ghoulishly rockin' night. Last year was off the charts and we expect no less this time around. See ya!

October 15th - Surf City, here comes AnK!

As a displaced Baltimorean (or Baltimoron), I always enjoy trips to the areas north of the tunnels. Being in the land of purple and 1st place in the AFC north creates a surreal quality, a satisfying zen that I have come home. It gives me a chance to visit with family and friends as well as hit my favorite eateries (Samos anyone?). So naturally the gig at Surf City in Perry Hall was a coming home tirp for me. Many of my friends are scattered throughout Harford and Baltimore counties and this gig gives them all an opportunity to come see the band without having to travel far.

So off we went, up 301 and 3, then 97, through the Harbor Tunnel (hi Mom & Dad!), past the poo-poo choo choo (you have to be from Dundalk-North Point area to get it), onto 95, 695, and then Bel Air Rd. The trip was pleasant and the Gods smiled upon us this day because the skies were clear and no rain cascaded onto us during load in. Thank God as shades of load-in at the Paragon flashed through my head as we hauled gear up the steps to the second floor concert hall.

The night turned out to be loads of fun depite some temporary AC issues. The stage is big and roomy, the PA cranks and the light show is top notch, an excellent foundation for which to impart a concert sized show.

Thank you to Tony & Shannon, Mike, Penny, Tony, Lyle, Leigh Ann, Cassie, Melody, Christine, Jessica, Tommy, Jeanette & Paula, Marina, Chris, and Dave. Shout out to Sherri from Gigging Musicians Network and Charles Parker. Thank you to Charlie Higgs for letting us borrow his guitar prowess. Finally thanks to Shiloh for getting the evening's festivities started.

Next Saturday we return to Billy V's Rock Bar in Pasadena. It is always a great time at Billy V's so come on out and join us for some musical fun and excitement.

October 14th - The Beach Sands really are white...

All of us in AnK love playing live so when last minute shows come up our schedules are flexible enough to where we can accept them. Vera's White Sands Beach Club in Lusby was in need of a quality rock band for Friday night and we were glad to accommodate. Steve was especially pleased as Vera's is only 10 minutes from his house. It was a fun night of music and dancing. It was also great to see old friends and make new ones.

Thank you to all our southern Maryland friends that made last minute plans to join us for a night of fun and merriment at Vera's. Shout out to Ed for the great job behind the sound board and Chris for lights. Special thanks to Charlie Higgs for adding his guitar prowess to our mix.

Tomorrow night we head north to Perry Hall for another rockin' night in the concert hall at Surf City. It is nice to be able to accommodate our northern fanbase by playing venues on the north side of the tunnels. We go on at 11 pm after a warm up to the festivities by local alternative rockers Shiloh. See ya there!

October 1st - Rock Rock Never Stop

The rain Gods were worked up to an intense lather. It poured like a fiend to where the load-in area was flooded, making for a somewhat treacherous load-in. Luckily everything came in and out without a hitch though some creative footwork was demonstrated, the result of attempts to keep the tootsies dry. Our advice to anyone that is out in the rain and having to move band gear, don't wear cloth shoes. They soak up water real easy.

If you were not at Bamboo Bernies this past Saturday you missed one helluva rockin' night! Lots of our friends and fans joined us for a great night of music, dancing, and good times. It might have been raining hard outside but it couldn't match the intensity inside the club. All the patrons brought their "A" game, a fitting and expected compliment to the stage show put forth by the guys in the band. The sound and lights converged in perfect harmony to the music as everyone let themselves become absorbed into the essence of the evening.

Thanks to Linda & Steve, Paul & Diane, Wendy, 1/2 bearded Jeff, Erica, Melody, Candice, Hammerjacks Steve, Mike S., Rob, Christine, Denise, Patti, Dave, Sherry, Tony & Michelle, Rick & Kelly, Tiffany, Mung, Ray & Melanie, Becca, Marcie, Ricky, Gene & Tracy, Destanie, Jessica, Terri, Amanda, Pete, Ry, Amber, Kathie, Eddie, Missy, Jody, Lisa, Amy, Carole, Danae, Angie, Nicole, Debra, Dallas & Shannon (happy birthday!), Kim, Anna, Michelle, Pam, Donna, Angela, Linda, Don, Melissa, Chuck, Valerie, Karrie, Tracy, Jason, Darla, Denise, Jackie, and Christina. Shout out to our super crew of Ed, Kelley, Mikey, Chris, and Drew for their various contributions the entire evening in facilitating an awesome show. Shout out to Jen, Troy and the rest of the staff at Bamboo Bernies for their hospitality.

Next weekend is a much needed reprieve where we will be enjoying a little R&R, recharging our batteries and tweaking the ever evolving show for our next batch of gigs. It all starts with AnK back in Calvert County at Vera's White Sands on Friday 10/14 and then back to Perry Hall on Saturday 10/15 for another concert extravaganza at Surf City. This gives our northern and southern fans each an opportunity to see us without having to go far. Make sure to arrive early as both places fill up quick.

September 30th - A trip back to the 80's

We enjoy doing gigs that are not the norm so imagine our eagerness when we were offered an 80's themed gig on a party cruise out of Annapolis. We rifled through our old gig clothes from 25 years ago as well as scoured the thrift stores for period appropriate paraphernalia. You don't realize how much thicker you get as you age until you are trying to squeeze into 25 year old skinny jeans. Check out the pics to see how our outfits came together. Dave even found Miracle Grow for his head ;)

Even though it rained during load in (shocker) the skies cleared for a wonderful trip from the Annapolis Harbor. Many people dressed in various 80’s garb joined us as we cast off for a night of musical entertainment. It was majestic as the sounds of classic 80’s rock cascaded cross the water towards the horizon. Even the moon could be spotted banging its head to the melodies emitting from the Harbor Queen. Food and beverage flowed freely as everyone, sang, ate, danced, and drank all night long.

Thanks to Tony & Shannon, Melissa & John, Tonna & Steve (Mr. mega-Kiss fan), Jen & Don, Linda & Steve, Diane & Paul, Darin K., Candice, He Han, Leigh Ann & Lisa, Heidi, Dawn, Mike, Ry, Diane, Angie, Vanessa, and Cathy. Always mucho appreciation to our crew of Ed running sound and Mikey & Chris for humping gear. Final shout out to Brett and Andy from 42promotions for the great job in putting this event together.

Tomorrow night we are land bound to Bamboo Bernies in Pasadena. Always a rockin' place, get there early because it fills up quick.

September 23-24 - Purple Moose - the final chapter 2011

Stupid has risen to an unprecedented level. A 2 1/2 hour trip to Ocean City should not take 5+ hours. Unfortunately' the typical elements of inclimate weather, high traffic volume, and lacking infrastructure, were compounded by the minimalistic intelligence quotient of the operators of said vehicles. I guess what I am saying is it is amazing how many utterly stupid and incompetent people are afforded driver's licenses. Really, shouldn't there be some baseline requirement of common sense added to the already rigorous eye test and 20 question multiple choice exam?

The evening's festivities both nights at the Moose were extraordinary. Both nights the club was packed with oodles of people out to have a good time. The only damper on the fun was members of the aforementioned stupid club getting into a brawl on Friday night. It wasn't even an entertaining fight, just a few knuckleheads rolling around like a couple of pigs in slop. Usually fighting entails someone throwing a punch or kick, not floor hugging and tumbling.

Anyway, apologies for the digression, it's just that an overabundance of stupid can be overwhelming. Getting back to the positives, it was a wonderful weekend of fun. Everyone had a blast.

Thanks to Mikey the gear and drink schlepper, Drew for drums and gear humping (work on that stamina), Kelley, Linda & Steve, Melody, Karen, Troy, Heidi, George, Robbie & Sherry, Rich for sound and crowd control, Lisa, Eric, Allen, Rebecca, Debbie, Paula, Corey, Rick, Glen & Mary, Susan W. for Living After Midnight, Brenda from Coconut Times, Kelly for Faithfully, the Robert twins, Marty & Maggie, Phil from Sunfest, Harry, Stoner Bob, Bubba & the hygiene crew (yes I am a dentist), all the MSDA attendees, Trevor, mush mouth (drink another one slobberhaed), Vince Tracy, Mark, Bobby, Dave, Cathy, Jen, Steve, Betty,Carl the Moose and the entire Purple Moose staff for the hospitality.

Next weekend is an AnK double header with Friday 9/30 being the 80's rock cruise. We will be pulling out of Annapolis for an evening of 80s fun on the Harbor Queen. Visit www.42promo.com for details. Saturday night we will be back on land rocking it at Bamboo Bernies. Look forward to seeing all of you this weekend.

September 10th - AnK banged the Barn!

Our first time at the Barn in Carney was an incredibly fun time. It was great to see all our friends from the area and beyond (as far as Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pa.) join us for an incredible evening of 80's hard rock fun. The Barn was hopping with danced-crazed fiends ready to have a good time. The food was scrumptious and the beverage flowed freely, quenching everyone's thirst.

Thanks to Tony & Shannon, Stacy & Tony, Melody, Kelley, Will from Thunderball, Jeanette, Candice, Rob B., Susan from Florida, Dana, Debbie, Chris for humping gear and lights, Steevo for the sound and break music, Barb & Pat from Pa., Shannon & Dallas, Shirley, Paul, Matt, Peggy, Lisa, Carole, Jen, Joe, Dawn, Michelle, Stephanie, Rebecca, Jeff, Turk, Penny, Rebecca, George from Clear Channel, Shirley, Michelle, Vanessa, and Treena. Thank you to the staff at the Barn for the hospitality.

Our next go around will be Sept 23-24 in Ocean City at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon so take some time out from Sunfest and the Maryland State Dental Association convention to join us at the Moose for a rockin' good time.

September 4th - AnK, 98 Rock, choppers, food... WOO HOO!

For the Bamboo Bernies bike show on Sunday it looked like the weather Gods were going to smile favorably upon us and bring us a respite from the monsoons that had been pummeling our area for the past few days. Clear skies facilitated an efficient load in even though I arrived a little after the scheduled load-in due to a wildlife rescue detour. An injured hummingbird with a broken wing needed attention. Luckily the little fella is OK.

If you have not ever been to a bike show it is a really cool event even if you are not a motorcycle enthusiast. On top of all the cool motorcycles with their incredible customization, there are lots of artisans and vendors offering their wares. The food was also really good, kudos to Chef Marie Russell for the tasty assortment of yummy victuals.

The concert was presented with our usual vigor and energy. People congregated indoors while we played to enjoy the best of the 80's hard rock tunes. Patrons young and old danced all afternoon along. It was an awesome afternoon.

Thanks to all you people that joined us at Bamboo Bernies. Shout out to Leigh Ann, Melody, Erica, Joey, little Samantha, Rogelio & Amanda, Gail & Joe, Candice & Mikey, Nina, Billy, Lisa, Jen, Chef Marie for the awesome food spread, Christy, Teresa, Phillip & Sandra, Angie, Marina, Marianne, Lola, Jackie, Tracy, Linda, Tony, Justin, Ryan, Ashley & George, Tim, Don, Wendy, Mark, David, Denise, Tammy, and Missy. Happy birthday Gail! Thanks to Stash at 98 Rock and the Coors Light girls for emceeing, all the cool hand-outs, and the frozen t-shirt contest. Thanks to Chris & Mikey for lights and gear schlepping and Ed for sound.

August 12-13 - The Moose really knows how to rock!!!

We always look forward to playing the Purple Moose Saloon in Ocean City. The club is always hopping with patrons ready to have a good time and there was no disappointment in that department this past weekend. The trip down was a little dicey as professional obligations led to a later start in getting on the road to get to the Moose. Luckily the stupid factor was at a rare low so the traffic was relatively mild (though to people not used to it the traffic was still probably heavy. A one finger salute to all you NIMBY's out there that whine about the construction of another Chesapeake Bay bypass to alleviate traffic congestion and all the bad things that go along with it). It is also nice to have bandmates willing to go the extra mile when some of us get delayed so that things are still run smoothly and on time.

The party inside was incredible as everyone rocked and danced so much that the Moose shook on its foundations. As previously stated, there is something about Moose patrons where they really bring their A games when it comes to partying. Maybe because they are already on vacation and have no qualms about cutting loose. Whatever the reason it is always a great time when we play the Moose.

Thank you to the numerous individuals that came out and rocked the weekend with us. Thanks to Tonna, Jen, Charlotte, Betty, Donnie, Melody, Susan for the great job on Priest, Manny & Bea (awesome Pat Benatar) & Lee & Tony from the Arizona bad, Dave & Connie, Linda $ Steve, Janet & Joe, Dave's maxi-pad for lyrical assistance, Brenda from Coconut Times, Crystal, Frank, the central Pennsylvania crew, Rick, Tim, Darlene & Jeff, the gang from Baltimore West, Sharon, Vince, Daryl & Tracy, the Jersey Shore birthday girls, Trina, Mo, and Tiffany. Shout out to Rich for the awesome job behind the sound board and Kelley for all the behind-the-scenes help.

Special shout out to Carl the Moose for looking so damn good on the drum throne.

Next up is the Labor Day weekend bike show at Bamboo Bernies on Sunday September 4th. These events are always a blast and a great chance to see the coolest bikes on display in one location. The vendors always have great wares and the food is incredible. We'll be indoors on the main stage bringing you your favorite rock tunes. Show starts at 3 pm.

August 5th - Alive-n-Kickin' Party Cruise!!!

Get ready for 80's rock on the water! Alive-n-Kickin' will be playing an evening cruise out of Annapolis at the End of the City Dock riding the Harbor Queen on Friday 8/26.

Open bar for house beer and liquor and a food spread will be included in the price of the ticket. Cash required for premium bar items. There is also a planned raffle and a best 80's outfit contest.

This even is sponsored by 42 Promo. Please check them out here on Facebook. They put on incredible events!

http://www.facebook.com/ev?ent.php?eid=12703730405774?5

For full docket of information on this awesome event and to purchase your tickets please click on to the following link. Tickets are $55 pre-sale and $65 at the show.

http://www.42promo.com/

August 5th - Just sit right back and you'll here a tale...

Finally, after several attempts over the years to play Gilligan's Pier where the weather canceled us we finally succeeded! Mother Nature decided to allow AnK to bring the melodious tones of the best of the 80's hard rock to Newburg for an outdoor evening of fun and merriment. And a fun evening it was! People partied late into the night with us, imbibing beverages while dancing and jamming to the songs we put forth.

Thank you and shout out to Candice & Mikey for all the help schlepping gear and running lights and Brian for the great job behind the sound board. Thanks to Kim & Dawn, Stephanie & Les, Al, Lynn & Cindy from Colonial Beach, Matt, Rene, Jeff & Cindy, Jill, Tyler, Bethany, Becky, Mark, Valerie, and Craig. Thanks to Orange Crushes for going down soooooooo smoothly.

Dave would like to acknowledge to his Maxi-Pad for lyrical support.

The mayhem continues all next weekend as we load up the Corruptmobile and head on down to Ocean City for another double header at the Purple Moose Saloon. The Moose is always a blast and we are excited to be back. Let's see what new level of bedlam will be attained this time around.

July 28th - Life's only constant is change

With anything long term, there are challenges and changes that occur and Alive-n-Kickin' has seen its fair share of them. Another one of those reflective changes has occurred. After 3 years at the helm of the band, Joey will be leaving to pursue other opportunities that have presented to him. We will miss Joey terribly and even though he is no longer playing with us he will always be a member of Alive-n-Kickin'.

Fear not for a replacement has been found! Actually, the replacement comes from within as our own Latino hearthrob Dave will be assuming the bulk of the lead vocal duties. Those of you that have heard Dave sing know his voice is incredible and he is more than capable of handling the task at hand so come on out and let's contiunue the 80's rock review that is AnK.

July 24th - The heatwave had nothing on AnK!

The heat wave that has settled across the continental US had its epicenter of origin at Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille this past Sunday. Anyone that insists it was not that hot needs to get their internal thermostat checked. In fact, I saw Heat Miser buying ice at the local 7-11. No global warming, my ass!

Lots of people braved the stifling heat to enjoy the afternoon with the revamped AnK. People came by land and sea to enjoy an afternoon of hard rockin' mayhem. The deck was a rockin' and lots of liquid flowed freely, keeping people hydrated so they could continue to party with us.

Thank you to Susan, Angie & Mike, Vic & Tammy, Billy W., Gail & Joe, Melody, Robbie & Sherry, Wendy, Samantha, Izzy, Miranda, Lindsey & Tiffany, Linda, Dawn, Pammie, Kimberly, Paul, Tracy, Angie, Buck, Didi, Robert, Gwen, Tammy, Myles E., Christina, Janet & Joe, little Jakob, Anita, Danny, Pete, Krista, Summer, Julianne, Ray B., Dave G., and Leslie. Thanks to Jeff for running sound, electrical fans and water mists for keeping everyone cool, duct tape for repairing shoes, Gatorade for electrolyte replenishing, and tents for shelter. Thanks to Dana, Dave, and the entire staff at Nabbs for a great time.

Next up for AnK is another attempt to play Gilligan’s Pier in Newburg on August 5th. Our last show was canceled due to monsoons and tsunamis so we are hoping Mother Nature is more agreeable this time around. Showtime is 9 pm.

July 16th - Love is in the air!

To our friends Tony and Shannon who we had the honor and privilege of attending and entertaining their wedding, we wish you a lifetime of joy, success, and happiness.

July 9th - Watch out for the Hawaiian shirt police!

It is an experience to travel over the Gov. Harry Nice Bridge. After getting prison-raped in tolls, you ascend up a steep incline in a single lane with no shoulder. The bridge was constructed in the 1930's and was never expected to carry the burden in traffic it handles now. Everytime a truck, bus, or big vehicle zips by in the oncoming lane, you feel your vehicle get pushed. Then you head down a descent akin to the primary drop on a roller coaster. Finally you level off and coast into King George county, Virginia. It would be real nice if the governing powers could update and expand the bridge but we all know the realities of the government expeditiously addressing such needs.

HOT! OMFG it was hotter than hell when we arrived in lovely Colonial Beach for our scheduled show at Dockside Restaurant. The sun beat relentlessly down upon us and I sweat so bad that despite drinking an entire pitcher of water, not one drop of urine was created. Promptly we got our concert production erected and were ready to rock. A quick polish shower in the bathroom sink rejuvenated me for the night's pending show.

As the blazing sun set over the horizon, the patrons of Dockside emerged for the evening's festivities. Golf carts buzzed around, lighting us up from behind the stage, creating a silhouette colored by our stage scanners. People danced in the sand all night long. There were even pet dogs out in the sand pit who were tail-wagging to the best of the 80's hard rock & heavy metal.

Thank you to Pammie, Janet & Joe, Mary, Cindy, Christa, Tim, Lynn, Dave & Candice, Jeremy, Anne, Margie & Chris, Vickie & Tom, Ed for the great job running sound, the fry guys for letting us borrow their 2 heating lamps, officer Friendly for policing wayward golf carts, the doggie poop police, and the fashion aficionado that insisted Hawaiian shirts were the decorum apporprii for the evening's festivities. Final shout out to the management and staff at Dockside for a truly professional evening.

Next Saturday we will be the emcee and entertainment at a wedding of some close friends. Our next public appearance will be an all ages show outside on the deck at Nabbs Creek Dock Bar on Sunday 7/24. See you all then.

July 8th - Here we go again...

It seems the Gods have cursed AnK when it comes to outdoor shows at Gilligan's Pier. Back in 2005 hurricane Charles blew through the area canceling our only show at Gilligan's. The weather the entire day was nice until late afternoon when the skies opened up and a deluge of biblical proportions inundated the area. The rains were so intense that the entire outdoor area was flooded. Needless to say the show was canceled.

We are scheduled back on August 5th. Hopefully the Gods will show pity and allow us to perform. We look forward to seeing all you southern Md rockers there :)

July 4th - Independence & Carl the Moose

July 4th's gig at the Purple Moose Saloon may not have been quite as packed as the previous night's show but it was just as intense and even more raunchy. People sure know how to be festive when celebrating the nation's independence. It is also pleasing to have people heap praise upon us as they relive the music from their youth. 80's hard rock and heavy metal is not dead, the people have spoken! Check out the pictures to see the intensity. Unfortunately many of the pictures had to be kept off the website due to the obscene and graphic nature of the content. I am still scarred from what I saw and am scheduling my therapy sessions now.

Many thanks to all the evening's participants. Thank you to Pammie, Erica, Francine, John & Ingrid (congrats on the nuptials), Eddie K., Rachael, Christine H. for keeping Charlie honest, Dave & Dana from Nabbs Creek, Melody, Margie & Paul, Rick, Drew, Eileen, Francine, Barb & Pat, Dave, Molly, Sherrie & Dan, Pat & Jenn, Karen, Chris, Yolanda, Valerie & Steve, Ajay, Pete, Krista, Bryan, and Kelsey. Shout out to Rich running double duty of sound and lights. Special thanks to Charlie Higgs for helping us out on guitar.

Thank you to the Alive-n-Kickin' bumper stickers for not being shy in covering various women's bumpers as well as their headlights.

Thank you to Carl the Moose for being so darn cute!

This upcoming weekend the tour continues with another double header of outdoor concerts. Friday we'll be in southern Chuck County in quaint Newburg at Gilligan's Pier. Pope's Creek better be ready for the hard rock inferno. Saturday we're heading across the Nice Harry bridge into the northern most confederate state to Dockside Restaurant in Colonial Beach. We look forward to seeing all of you this weekend.

July 4th - Happy Independence Day!

We in Alive-n-Kickin’ wish all of you a safe and happy 4th of July holiday weekend. Enjoy family, friends, fireworks, food, and any other good time word that beings with the letter “f” (keep it clean you pervs). Rock on!

July 3rd - Freakin' PACKED!

Heading down to OC after the Red Eyes show was a pleasing jaunt. Figured it was best to avoid the potential morning beach traffic by heading down to the Selbyville Ponderosa immediately after the show. Thank you to Wawa for being a late night oasis along the desert of Rt. 50. Tricked out sheds are a great way to rough it and enjoy nature. It is a unique yet pleasant form of camping.

OMFG! PACKED!!! The Purple Moose Saloon on Sunday July 3rd was packed to the gills. Hoards of people from all origins congregated at the Moose for the July 4th holiday weekend and oh boy was everyone ready to party! The intensity in the place was overwhelming and the appreciation for 80s hard rock and heavy metal was incredible. Many people extolled their appreciation for the restored memories brought about by the style of music we play as it was the music they grew up on.

Thanks to Pammie, Tony & Shannon, Stacie, Joanie & Carl, Mitch & Dawn, Michelle for the pics, Jimmy Darr from Manta Ray records, Eddie K. for motorcycling all the way to OC to be with us, Melody, Linda, Ashley, Allie, Kelsey, Diane & Paul C., Pat & Laura from PA, Drew (Type O Negative - Peter Steele), Donny, Frank, Rich on sound, Denise, Debra, Will, Erin & Crystal (wink, wink...), Teresa, Laurie, Ben, Dawn & Todd, the Coolridge crew, Deanna, Craig, Dave, Rhonda & Steve, Bo & Julie, Randy, and Mary. Much love to Gary, Charlene, and the entire Purple Moose staff for their hospitality.

Let's see how many of you wonderful people make it back tomorrow night for another evening of 80s hard rock fun. There will be some special surprise tributes for the July 4th holiday. See ya! :)

July 2nd - Fireworks on the Dock

The morning and early afternoon traffic notifications for Saturday July 2nd did not look promising. The reports indicated major delays heading east on Rt. 50 to the Bay Bridge. Luckily by the time we needed to haul the trailer and our gear over the bridge the traffic dissipated making for a pleasant ride to our destination of Red Eyes Dock Bar. Across several Maryland counties and over miles of black topped trails we rode anticipating our only show of 2011 at Red Eyes.

Arrival and unloading were uneventful, though we almost got pelted a few times by errant bean bags from overzealous cornholers. Up went the concert show in anticipation of the evening's musical fireworks, an appropriate compliment to the planned fireworks over the water to commemorate our nation's independence.

We hit the stage at 8 pm sharp, blasting right into everyone's favorite 80s hard rock tunes. The crowd was ready from the get-go and danced from the first thunderous E chord (440 for you musical aficionados) until the outdoor noise ordinance kicked in at midnight, forcing our musical Cinderella to leave the ball and go home. In between people danced, head banged, and just enjoyed themselves.

Thanks to Mona & Dave, Susan W., Tiffany, Erica, Pammie, Melody, Sandy, Gail & Joe (happy birthday), Janet & Joe, Lynn, Leigh Ann, Rob & Lisa, Mikey & Candice, Ron, Teresa, Captain Bill, Cheryl, Andrea, Glenn, Dave, Uncle Steve, Trisha, Christa, Marina, Andy, Bob, Pat the guest vocalist, Jeanette, Denise, Nicole, Shannon, Ashley, Doug, Wynn behind the sound board, Tommy, Stephanie, Jackie, Ericka, Aaron, Chris, Samantha, Rachael, Jason & Christina, Steve, Sara, Ashley, Deanna, Terry, Lola, Doug, Marianne, Shannon, Carol, Dan, Tina, Donny, Lola, Sam, Misty, Niocolee, Brandy, the wedding party, Cierra, Jenny, Ryan, Kelly, Stan, and Danielle.

The AnK tour continues the next 2 days at the Purple Moose Saloon where we will be setting off musical Independence Day fireworks of our own. Join us for 2 more nights of beach fun.

June 24-25 - Purple Moose Saloon

2 nights of fun! 2 nights of intense musical fury, the kind that leaves you in a state of awe and wonderment. This past weekend at the Purple Moose Saloon was just that, a musical religious epiphany that left everyone in the packed Purple Moose Saloon breathless and stunned, trying to make sense of the powerful experience. Everyone came to cut loose and party and no one was disappointed. The crowd fed off the energy from the band who sent it right back to us. Both nights were loads of fun.

Thank you to all our friends that joined us at the Purple Moose this past weekend for all the fun and festivities. Thanks aplenty to Pammie, Janice & Brian, Shane, Sabrina, Pat, Pete, Chris, Andrea & Abby from Western Pa, Bea, Manny, & Lee from the Arizona band, Susan W., Bob, Tyson, Kevin, Lou & Becky (congrats on the recent nuptials), Jen, Darlene, Tony, Andrea & Anthony N. (happy birthday, dude!), Karen, Kellie, Jackie, Chris & Jackie from Don't Tell, Margie, Laura, Davey, Tim, Lenny, Ally, Vicky & Greg, Carrie, Ron, Julianne, Vanessa, Tammy, Penny, Amy, Eric, Bill, Tyler, Connie, Walt, and Ryan. Thanks to Rich for 2 nights of awesome sound management.

Next weekend the fun continues with Red Eyes Dock Bar on Saturday July 2nd from 8-12 pm then it is back to the Purple Moose Saloon for a July 4th blow out that is sure to be recorded in the annals of live music history. We will be playing the Moose Sunday July 3rd and Monday July 4th so bring your patriotic selves out and let's celebrate our nation's independence in true hard rockin' AnK style.

June 11th - Bamboos rocked da house!!!!!

Bamboo Bernies was the site of an 80s weekend extravaganza. Naturally the best was saved for Saturday night as Alive-n-Kickin' rolled into Bamboos with the entire concert production, a show so large and scintillating that our 7'x14' dual axle trailer is not big enough to contain it. Thank goodness the rest of us have trucks as the extra gear was crammed into our personal vehicles. Those patrons at the early happy hour got the added treat of seeing all of us buzzing around, setting up the concert production and even doing maintenance on some of the gear, all to be able to bring you the best live concert by a local band.

Summertime tends to have fewer patrons in the club. People like to head to the beach and do other things so the clubs tend to see less people. That was definitely not the case as Bamboos was packed for Alive-n-Kickin'. Check out the pictures for verification. Everyone rocked the entire night and even when the ugly lights came on they insisted on more. We would have gladly continued playing but the liquor board is a real stickler for rules.

Shout out to Tony & Shannon, Pammie, Janet, Candice, Leigh Ann, Wendy, Stephanie & Joe, Jeanette, Bevy, Dave, Laura, Becky, Bernadine, Mike, Rob, Steve & Kim, Pete, Jimmy, Devin, Veronica, 1/2 bearded Jeff, Tommy, Martina, Jeremy, Jen, Stacie, Robert, Jenny, Sue, Buck, Meagan, Donna, Debi, Christina, Brian, Emma, Julianne, Darla, Judi, Brittney, Kim, Melissa, Justin, Crystal, Tracy, Linda, Lola, Jarrod, Cindy, Donnie, Denise, John, & Jeff. Happy mile(f)stone birthday to Kim! Special love to Brian for the exceptional job running sound, Izzy for moving gear in (where'd you go?), Chris for helping move gear out, and one-armed crippled Mikey for the awesome light show. Anybody still seeing flashes from those crowd blinders? ;)

Special mention and thank you to the Alive-n-Kickin' band trailer, who has been servicing the band since day 1, diligently containing and protecting all our gear without ever complaining or causing us grief. We luv ya, big guy!

Our next show is in Ocean City in 2 weeks on June 24 & 25 at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon. It will be 2 nights of beach hopping madness accentuated with awesome 80's hard rock. You would be remiss to miss this weekend.

May 22nd - Cancun Cantina West 1st Bike Show of 2011

The trip up to Hagerstown was a nice ride, a pleasing jaunt through the eastern-most rise of the Allegany mountains. The weather was most agreeable on the trip as well as during the entire event. Lots of really cool bikes were on display as well as an assorted cornucopia of vendors peddling their bike related wares to throngs of eager consumers. Food and beverage poured freely, mixing with the smell of leather and roaring steel. Riders of all shapes, sizes, and colors came together for a United Nations gathering of camaraderie and display

Thanks to Gail & Joe, Lynn, Bev, Jimmy & Becky, Janet, Candice, Jakob and his leash, Bruce, Jen & Travis, Karen, Denise & Dan, Becky & Jimmy, Bob, Sue & Rachael, Donny, Frank & Evelyn, Lori & Will, Francine, Jerry, Tom, Dawn, Mr. Pink Pousti, Terry, Norma, Lee & Naomi, Chuck, and Steve. Thanks to Mikey for gear humping, Pammie for merch (happy early birthday!), and Ed for the great job controlling the sound board.

Finally, a much needed break for AnK as we head into the Memorial Day holiday with no gigs on the schedule. In fact, we are off until June 11. During that time we will be recuperating from the May tour, resting our weary bodies and minds in preparation for the next round of shows. Late June and all of July are inundated with lots of great shows all over the place. There are also some more pending openers for really big national acts so check our schedule often as it constantly changes. See you all soon!

May 20th - Wish I had a teleporter

The trip up to Perry Hall from the top end of Charles County went just as expected. Lots of red lights and traffic congestion. When I hear out-of-towners gripe about their traffic, I smile inwardly knowing they are about to learn what true hell is. The epitome of cluster-eff is the Baltimore-Washington DC traffic corridor. There are so many vehicles out on the road in the area at any given time that the total number would require classification via scientific notation. And 95% of that number are functioning with severely impaired mental faculties, all but eliminating any semblance of common sense that is possibly floating around their primarily spacious craniums. So what do we get when we combine too much traffic with lots of stupid? The drive from hell. Not just any hell mind you but the darkest, evilest, depth of the lowest plane of the 7th layer of hell. It is there that demons and imps, daemons and unspeakable beasts create the poison that has permeated into the already limited brains of the bulk of the local populace, who are then released upon the few of us remaining semi-normal people to wreak their havoc and carnage.

So after almost 2 hours battling Satan's traffic minions, the beacon of hope that was Surf City loomed upon the horizon, the light that would chase away the darkness. Into the protective sanctuary we entered where we diligently set up our instruments in anticipation of the evening's show. The walls of Surf City insulated us to the evil outside as we proceeded to send out our message to the masses that ventured forth to Perry Hall's musical mecca.

Thanks to Krissy, Michelle, Teresa, Shannon & Tony, Steevo from Thunderball, Jimmy D. from Manta Ray Records, Greg, Julie, Pete, Candice, Gail & Joe, Robbie & Sherry, Cristina, Eric, Faroque, Wendy, Tamika, Joe, Missy, Bob, and Rebecca. Shout out to Mikey & Izzy for gear humping and Pam for merchandise. Final kudos to Gram Positive for a great job in kicking off the night.

Sunday we will be back in Hagerstown for the first bike show of 2011 at Cancun Cantina West. A huge showing of the best looking choppers will be on hand in one location for an afternoon of steel and chrome, leather and lace. Lots of vendors will be on hand offering the best in bike related memorabilia. The even begins at 2 pm and we go on from 2-7 pm. This is an all ages event so bring the kids and we'll show them how their parents rocked!

May 13th - I need a reference, please!

The weather forecast for the upcoming weekend that Alive-n-Kickin' was playing the Purple Moose Saloon in Ocean City called for heavy rains. We felt that was unacceptable. How dare Mother Nature even consider bringing torrential downpours to the eastern shore on the weekend we were bringing the best hard rock music. Well the weekend weather was beautiful. We figured once Mother Nature realized what was transpiring this weekend she changed the weather to accommodate everyone and allow for a glorious and fun time. Gorgeous skies and temperate weather met us as we traversed across several beautiful Maryland counties to get to Ocean City and the world famous Purple Moose Saloon.

Both nights at the Moose were loads of fun. Throngs of fans packed the club both nights as we pounded out the best hard rock classics with our original tunes mixed in. I must say, our original tunes are really garnering a lot of positive attention. Things are really looking up for us on the original front. Look for more of them available for purchase soon as we will be back in the studio in the near future to begin recording the next batch.

Many thanks to all the people that ventures to OC to hang and party with us. Judi, Heather, Vickie, Brian & Janice A., Janet, Dawn, Andrea & Abby, Cristina, Sherri, Margie, Claire, Stephanie, Wendy, Angela, Michelle, Big Lou, Dee, Tiffany, Michelle, and Debbie. Of course we have to acknowledge the help of our auxiliary personnel of Mikey, Izzy, and Pammie. Shout out to Rich for the great job behind the sound board. Final thank you to Charlene, Gary and the entire Moose staff for the excellent atmosphere and hospitality.

Next weekend AnK will be pulling another double header. Friday night we will be up in Perry Hall at Surf City. Sunday afternoon has us back in Hagerstown for the first bike show of 2011 at Cancun Cantina West. The bike show is an all ages event so bring the kiddies up to western Md. where they can enjoy the area's best hard rock band. We look forward to seeing all of you this weekend.

May11th - AnK & UFO

This past Wednesday continued a new trend for Alive-n-Kickin'. Writing original music has opened new doors for us. Our own songs allow us to play shows opening for national acts in concert venues. The latest national we were privileged to open for was legendary rockers UFO. Playing on the big stage again was phenomenal and there is no better feeling than playing your own original music to throngs of cheering, appreciative people. Meeting UFO was also a blast. What an awesome band and what great guys, real down-to-earth people that were very gracious in making time for us fans. You have never seen anything until you have seen Glenn Campbell, the fan.

Thanks to the oodles of fans that came out to the show at Bourbon Street. We can't express thanks enough to our auxiliary personnel of Jeff, Mikey, Jason, and Pammie for all their help. Thanks also to the band whore for her marketing and suggestive prowess. Shout out to Hammerjacks Steve for the video footage and brother Bill for assisting (happy b-day!). Honorable mention to Andy, Carole, John, Ted, Dave, Linda, Kenneth, Margie, Jen, Andy & son, Rich, Tom, Carolyn, Dennis, Nancy, Ed, Julia, Kyle, Sarah, Ken, Joel, Pete, Sam, Vince, and Terry. Thanks to Paul and his crew for the awesome job running sound and for being accommodating during set up and break down.

No stop for the weary as we continue the "Never Gonna Stop" tour with another weekend in Ocean City at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon.It is always oodles of fun when we play the Moose and each time special memories are created. If the weather tries to spoil the fun we'll just Rochambeau the Zephyrs right in the nuts! We'll be there both Friday and Saturday for double the fun.

May 9th - AnK opening for UFO!

Just a final notification that AnK will be opening for rock legends UFO this Wednesday night 5/11 @ The Quarter at Bourbon Street. Doors open at 7 pm and AnK hits the stage 7:15 for an all original set of critically acclaimed hard rockin' tunes. Mind Blow follows AnK and then UFO hits the stage playing all their classic hits.

Tickets are $20 pre-sale, $25 at the door. You can purchase the tickets through Missiontix but there are surcharges and fees you will incur. You can also purchase the tickets from anyone in the band by contacting us through our Facebook account or with an email at alivenkickinband@yahoo.com. You can also contact Steve Miller at 443-624-1002. By purchasing through us you can avoid the fees and surcharges.

May 8th - Happy Mother's Day :)

The weather originally called for rain all day on Sunday but after mother nature heard Alive-n-Kickin' was supposed to be outside on the deck at Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille in Glen Burnie, she had a change of heart and ordered the sinister weather to begone. A beautfiul sunny day with lovely temperatures accentuated by a comfortable breeze ensued, a gift from Mother Nature for all the hard work AnK does to bring the masses the best hard rock tunes. The music glistened off the water and cascaded throughout the Stony Beach area, allowing the residents of this quaint Glen Burnie alcove a surprising gift of Sunday afternoon music. It was the perfect setting for a mother's day musical event.

Many people need to be thanked for attending Sunday's outdoor deck concert. Thank you to Gail & Joe, Jessica, Jeanette & Will, Tony & Shannon, Stephanie, Wendy, Mama Arvella, Amy & Eddie, Susanna, Billy W. (happy birthday), Bernadine, Marianne, Dave, Connor, Tracy, Melinda, Frank, Jeremy, Trish, Sandy, Peggy, Warren, George, Joe, Will, Tammy, Trisha, Betty, Chrissy, Jack, Mario, Partner, Brandy, Dana, Dave and Terry.

This Wednesday May 11 is a special mid-week concert in which AnK will be taking the main stage at Bourbon Street as the local opening act for rock legends UFO. We will be playing 1/2 of all original music. Doors open at 7 pm and Alive-n-Kickin' hits the stage at 7:30. Tickets are still available for $20. Be there!

May 7th - Pasadena will never be the same...

This past Saturday we were back in historic Pasadena, Md for another hard rockin' show at Billy V's Rock Bar. The ride up was somewhat harrowing as one of the trailer tires was compromised and the spare had been removed by the crew previously to be replaced, so a precarious ride from Charles County up through the bowels of PG & AA Counties ensued until our final destination of Billy V's Rock Bar was at hand. Luckily the tire held and the trailer with all the necessary gear for an 80's concert extravaganza made it to the show uneventfully. Our awesome crew took to replacing the tire after we unloaded the gear from it.

Inside it was packed from the get-go and everyone was definitely there to party. A good time was had by all we pounded out the best hard rock tunes along with our critically acclaimed originals. Everyone whooped it up as the infectious energy overtook the entire club.

Naturally the news is not the news without the obligatory thank yous to all the people that came out to support Alive-n-Kickin’. Our behind-the-scenes crew of Ed on sound, Pammie on merch, and Mikey & Izzy gear humping and trailer maintenance. Thanks also to Midnight Mike & Andrea, Tony & Shannon, Sheena, Erin & Adam, Christine, Janet, Leigh Ann, Dallas & Shannon, Brandon & Ashley, Donna, Bernadine, Matt, Dawn, Pete, Dave & Lynette M., Ronnie & Erica, Gail & Joe, Jessica, Debby, Missy, Terri, Colleen, Craig, Keirstan, Jimmy, Vicky & Ed, Laura, Tammy, Summer, Stephanie, Melissa, Jennifer, Tyler, Angie, Dave, and Lydia. Shout out to the entire staff at Billy V's for the hospitality. Happy birthday shout out to Donna. The off-key sing-a-long is for you.

Tomorrow afternoon we will be performing an all ages brouhaha outside on the deck at Nabbs Creek Dock Bar. The weather is expected to be gorgeous so pack the kiddies and come on out. Show starts at 3 pm.

April 29th - Beware the Lusbians!

The long anticipated show at Vera’s finally arrived! Into the deep bowels of Calvert County we chugged along, down windy roads through quaint residential housing until our destination of Vera’s was at hand. Silhouetted against the water, Vera’s presented as a musical beacon over the water, a lighthouse welcoming the Lusbians to her inviting bosom, replete with wonderful food and beverage which would be capped off by the area’s best hard rock, harmony soaring band (that’d be Alive-n-Kickin’).

Thanks to all our friends that joined us at Vera’s. Shout out to Janet, Leigh Ann, Carmen & Todd, Al M., Donnie, Catherine & Jeff, Steve, Greg & Laura, Dave & Linda, Debby, Anita, Angela, Eric, Andrea, Lisa & Ken, Tammy, Kathy, Terry, Phil, Aaron & Jessie, Beth & Lou, and Fran. Thanks to Mikey for gear humping, Jeff for sound magic, Steve & Will for lights, and Pammie for merchandise.

Our schedule the next couple of weeks is chock full of really cool shows, 5 total in a span of 7 days! We are really excited at how our schedule has filled up, a testament to our fanbase and ability to pack the clubs wherever we play. To all of you that have gotten us to this point we extend a humble and heartfelt thank you. It really means the world to us the love and support each and every one of you gives us. :)

April 1st & 2nd - Downee Oshun Part I, 2011

This past weekend we hitched up the trailer to Steve’s brand new diesel beast and chugged down to Ocean City, Maryland for the first weekend of many at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon. Last year’s run of gigs at the Moose were a successful blast and the start of the 2011 season was met with even more anticipation. On a dreary April Friday we traveled over the Bay Bridge and down Rt. 50, our destination burned into our collective psyche. Despite countless trips to the Moose over the years, we still get all giddy every time we travel down as if it were our first show there.

For an off season weekend, the Moose was hopping both nights we played. It was pleasing to see many of our friends from home traveled down to OC to be with us. Thanks very much to Tony & Shannon, Wendy, Stephanie, George & Robin, Sam, Janet, Leigh Ann, Susan & Greg, JoAnn, Emma, Chris, Tim, Linda, Brett, Geoff & Sylvia, Chloe, Karen & Mike, Dave, Teresa, Rob, Mike L., Laura, Nancy, Bob, and Liz. Special thanks to Rich behind the sound board, Pammie for modeling custom AnK wear, and Izzy for partial road assistance.

Did anyone see the blue and silver star shining brightly on the side of Steve’s truck?

The next couple of weekends we will be off, diligently honing our musical craft in the catacombs of the practice room preparing for our next round of studio recordings as well as our next glut of gigs. Speaking of gigs, our next show will be our first at Vera’s White Sands in Lusby, Md. Vera’s is a wild and crazy place and we look forward to bringing the AnK brand of rock to Calvert County.

March 26th - Dockside rocks!

We love to play music and will travel most anywhere to be able to bring our audio blessings to the masses. So into the trucks we piled in for a nice little jaunt over the Harry Nice bridge into Virginia for our much anticipated show at Dockside Restaurant in Colonial Beach. To get to Colonial Beach you have to drive through long rural stretches that make you wonder if the local denizens have indoor plumbing and electricity. Then all of a sudden you are back in civilization as you enter into the borders of Colonial Beach.

Dockside Restaurant was, as expected, a blast! The locals came out in droves to party and we are glad to have not disappointed. The patrons were up and dancing from the first set’s beginning until the ugly lights came on, indicating it was time to GTFO. One woman thoroughly enjoyed the pleasure derived from the rumbling bass as she sat on the speaker, positioning herself to maximize the vibrous pleasure of my low end.

The debut of our new original song Whatever was met with a positive response from the evening’s patrons. Studio time will be scheduled in the near future to get this latest batch of original tunes recorded, finalizing the necessary quantity for the full-length CD.

Thank you to everyone that joined us at Dockside this past Saturday. Thanks to Angela, Christina, Laura & Karen L., Stewart & Bonnie, Dave P., Joe, Eric, Carse, Kathleen, Rodney, Lynn, Mary, Vanessa, Donna, Kevin, Phil, Barbara, Melinda, Crystal & Frank, Gene, Mark, and Dustin. Kudos to Jeff for the always great job behind the sound board and to Mikey and Pammie for the lights, gear hauling, and merchandise. Thank you to Shannon and the staff at Dockside for having us back.

Next weekend is the beginning of the beach season as our first double header of many at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon will be occurring. Friday and Saturday will be 2 nights of AnK blasting everyone’s favorite hard rock tunes and we even have a few surprise songs we will be tossing in for your enjoyment so come on down to Ocean City this first weekend in April and party with AnK.

OMFG! It’s snowing as we load the trailer at 2 am. Figures.

March 22nd - Stryper @ Bourbon Street

Opportunities in the music business are few and when they come up they need to be seized and utilized as advantageously as possible. We in and associated with Alive-n-Kickin’ were able to secure the local band opening slot for legendary Christian metal phenoms Stryper at Bourbon Street on March 22nd. The Ballroom stage is huge and the room is set up to house an audience of over 1000 people, a fitting arena for us to be able to showcase out original songs. When the doors opened at 7 pm to the general public, a vast sea of bodies swarmed in, packing the place in no time. As the pictures show, Bourbon Street was packed when AnK took the stage and judging by the reaction of the crowd, we accomplished our musical mission. Many new people were brought into the AnK fold and a record number of our CD’s were sold.

Events leading up to the show did not go as smoothly. The entire day was planned out to the minute, itineraries were established and everything was in order so all necessary preparations would be facilitated efficiently. All this planning went up in smoke by the dreaded 2 pm phone call from Steve saying, “my truck is overheated and broken down on the side of the road in Prince Frederick!” Steve’s truck contained the bulk of our stage gear so more was involved then just picking him up. An entire truck full of drums and amps needed to be transported to Baltimore ASAP. Luckily, Danny Martin was available with his F-350 and in record time we transferred an entire stage show from one truck to the other and set new land speed records on our way to Bourbon Street. Somehow we made it just a little past our original scheduled arrival time of 5 pm, got the gear inside and set up in time for the show.
It was an honor to meet Stryper after the show. Such gracious and humble people, all 4 band members took the time to sign memorabilia, take pictures, and spend time chatting with us about any topic we brought up. We did our best to keep our composure, though a couple of the band members did display star-struck teenage girl tendencies (you know who you are).

We have oodles of people to thank for coming out to Bourbon Street for a night of killer entertainment. Thanks aplenty to Brian & Dave, Jen & Courtney, Dave & Mona, Tony & Shannon, Stacie, Tiffany, Sandy, Doug, ½ bearded Jeff, Marie, Andy C., Denny G. & the NPD crew, Rob B., Rob H., Billy & Tawnya, Ashley & Brandon, Jeanette, Linda, Lurch & Sandi, Ron, Mike, Jeff, Dan, Christina, Ken, Emma, Christina, Kitty, Gil, Teresa, Sam, Marty, Stacy, Syndi, Vanessa, Jenny, Lisa & Ken, Alison, Jackie, Adam, Danielle, Joe, Geo, Libby, Tom, Johnnie, Kevin, Bryan, Nick, Rich C., Scott, Danielle, Trevor, Ashleigh, Laura, Josh, Katie, Pete, Veronica, Steve, Terry, Bill, Sirena, Ronnie, Lauren, Kimberly, Stephanie, Art, Paul, Jordan, Jonathan, Joey, Carmella, Brandon, Les, Brittney, David, Connie & Steve, Bruce, Drew, Amber, Ted, and Deidre. Thanks to our awesome crew of Mikey, Izzy, Jeff, and Pammie for all their help in promotion and gear hauling. Shout out to Orphans Project and Cinder Road for jobs well done.

This upcoming weekend has AnK heading back over the Nice Harry bridge into the Podunk reaches of Virginia to the hidden gem that is Dockside Restaurant. This quaint establishment rocked last time we were here and we are excited to be coming back. Show starts at 9 pm.

March 19th - The Nabbs Creek inferno!

Wow! Nabbs Creek Dock Bar this past Saturday was an absolute, utterly awesome good time! The place was jammed full of AnK disciples who brought their game. The unexpected cold wafting from the water did not deter the band from having another intensely hot night. It was so intense that some of the local residents had to flee, ending up as far as Lusby to escape the raging inferno brought forth by the essence of AnK. Those hardy individuals that decided to join us had the time of their lives as AnK continues to set the bar for live local music.

Many thanks to the hoards of AnK fans that attended the Nabbs show. Thanks to Angie & Mike, Gail & Joe, Joe Jr., happy milestone birthday to Jessica, Janet, Leigh Ann, Tiffany, Stephanie & Joe, Mona & Dave, Joan & Mike, Tony & Shannon, Erin, Bree, Crystal, Diana, Donna, Meagan, Raina, Debi, Laura, Candy, Dave, Vanessa, Billy W., Tracy, Danielle, Rebekah, Shannon, Gabrielle, Amy, Brittany, Chris, Shelly, Nicole, Jennifer, and Penny. Of course we have to mention our support crew of Jeff, Pammie, Izzy & Mikey whose thankless behind-the-scenes work help make AnK into the live musical force it is. Final shout out to Dana & Dave for making Nabbs into a top notch establishment.

Happy birthday to Mike “Madhatter” Fabian. We miss you.

Tuesday Alive-n-Kickin’ is privileged to open up for Christian metal legends Stryper on the Ballroom stage at Bourbon St in Baltimore. Doors open 7 pm and we go on at 8 pm. We still have tickets available to purchase at the pre-sale price of $25.

Allan "Money" Belcher - 2/14/1961 - 3/13/2011

Despite the competitive nature and occasional petty occurrences that are par for the course in the local Baltimore music scene, we are all still one big family and when we lose one of our own it hits us all hard. This past weekend we suddenly lost one of our brothers, Allan “Money” Belcher from the band One Louder. The careers of One Louder and AnK have paralleled since the inception of both bands in the early 00’s so to have one of our brethren suddenly and unexpectedly pass, it is very sobering. We express our deepest condolences to the Belcher and One Louder families in their time of sorrow.

Funeral services will be held at Bamboo Bernies on Saturday March 19th at 11 am. Flowers will be accepted at Bamboo Bernies during the service and a wake will be held immediately after the service.

March 12th - "I have amps older then that chick!"

Even though it was somewhat chilly outside it certainly was hot inside Billy V’s. As usual the crowd was there early and ready for some hard rock action. Beverage flowed freely and was imbibed in copious (yet responsible) quantities, further enhancing the musical experience of Alive-n-Kickin’ at Billy V’s Rock Bar. When you have seasoned veterans on stage, you can be assured of a good time and nothing presented our experience more than an attractive young woman expressing the infamous “you went to high school with my Dad” comment that hit the immortal Glenn Campbell like a freight train, jarring him and the rest of us back to the reality of our ages.

Thank you to the glut of people that packed Billy V’s like the proverbial can of sardines. Thanks to Leigh Ann, Janet, Mama Arvella C., Donna & Kenny, Bev & Maurice, Diane, Candice, Dallas & Shannon, Robyn, Marianne R., Mike & Angie, Julianne, Krista, Laurie, Didi, Betty, Tina, Susanna, Brandy, Ashley & Brandon, Will, Marianne S., Brian, Jason, Cindy, Dave, Angela, Dawn, Gloria & Ed, Donna, Kitty, Laura, Wendy, Jamie, Tammy, Melissa, Matt, Devon, Karen, Sirena, Vince, Danny, and Lori. Happy birthday salutations to Brittany. Let’s not forget Mikey & Izzy for gear coordination, Pammie for overseeing merchandise, and Jeff behind the sound board. Thanks to Billy V. and the entire staff for their always gracious hospitality.

This upcoming Saturday has us back at the always-fun, perpetually exciting Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille. Get there early because Nabbs fills up quickly when we play there and be ready for an all out, maximum party atmosphere tinged with some green to celebrate a belated St. Patrick’s Day. The following Tuesday we will be playing the unusual week night gig at Bourbon St in Baltimore opening up for legendary Christian metal rockers Stryper.

February 26th - BOOYAAHHHH!!!!!!

Well now, if you were not at Bamboo Bernies this past Saturday for the Alive-n-Kickin’ concert then you missed out on one hellaciously awesome night. From start to finish Bamboo Bernies was packed to capacity with dance-crazed, head banging fans that were loaded for bear. Whenever AnK plays Bamboo Bernies the fans are maximally energized, another indicator of being the bar setters for a true live music, concert experience. No gimmicks, no electronic enhancement, just a bunch of guys with a love and passion for playing their instruments thankful to be able to share that passion with everyone.

Thank you to everyone that came out and helped celebrate Steve’s birthday bash. It was an incredible night of fun and merriment highlighted by some zany happenings. You people are absolutely nuts! Naturally we need to list everyone so here we go. Shout out to Leigh Ann, Janet, Andrea, Sheena, Krystal, Tony & Shannon, Dana, Faye, Kelley, Tiffany, Gail & Joe, Joan, Christine, Mona & Dave, Denise, Joann, Bunny & Taz, Lizzy, Jessica, Adam & Erin, Joe & Stephanie, Ashley & Brandon, Monica, Kelly, Robbie & Sherry, Tommy, Autumn, ½ bearded Jeff, Mung, Karen, Jeanette, Jackie & Chris, Tara, James, Lisa, Michelle, Julie, Ben, David, Barb, Raquelle, Jeanette, John, Danny, Missy, Dawn, Denise, Justin, Donna, Holly, Scott, Rob, Mike, Josh, Lois, Judy, Steve, Paul, Kim, Julie, Ben, Dawn, Leah & Jeff, Wayne, Chrissy, Angie, Ashley, Sheila, Mary, Dave, Ruby & Don, Mark, and Tyler. Naturally we have to mention the best support crew out there. Thanks to audio alchemist Jeff for mixing the tonal ingredients into a masterful audio entrée. Thanks to road staff of Jason, Mike, and Mikey for humping gear, lights, and being on top of things, Pammie for merchandise coordination and Cookie Monster cakes, and Hammerjacks Steve for video production. Gratis to the entire staff at Bamboo Bernies for the hospitality. Final flying of the bird to all the naysayers and public figures with overexaggerated senses of self-worth. It is people like you that help fuel the fire of motivation that keeps us plowing forward in our musical endeavors. Enjoy the view of the erect lone carpal appendage from your inferior vantage point.

Our schedule is really beginning to fill up with some cool dates at awesome clubs. On top of the usual “A” list rooms that we pack, we will also be showcasing our original songs in front of some famed national acts. On 3/22 at the Ballroom on Bourbon Street Alive-n-Kickin’ will be opening for Christian metal legends Stryper. Tickets are $25 and you can purchase them through us. On 5/11 we will be opening for UFO, also at the Ballroom on Bourbon St. Tickets for UFO & AnK are $20 and can be purchased through us as well. Just hit up any of us through our AnK emails, on Facebook, or at alivenkickinband@yahoo.com and we will send you however many tickets your heart desires.

February 18th - Perry Hall just got lambasted!

You think it is chaotic in Egypt? Perry Hall is still recovering from the musical lambasting it received this past Friday at Surf City. The mayhem began with Baltimore’s own musical monsters Thunderball who absolutely tore it up on stage. AnK followed with another incredible night of vocal prowess and musical fury the area has not seen in years. The results of these two musical goliaths was a new establishment of local music quality that is making other’s stand up and take notice. AnK has been raising the music bar locally for years and it just got kicked up into the stratosphere. It got so hot the AC had to be turned on. When have you ever heard of needing AC in February?!?

Thanks to our road crew of Mikey & Izzy for making load in and load out so much easier. Shout out to Pammie for taking care of all things merch. Congratulations to Tony & Shannon on their upcoming nuptuals. We are pleased, honored, and humbled to be able to fulfill your request of a wedding song with Angels. Thanks also to Leigh Ann (happy birthday!), Gail & Joe, Candice, Melody, Frank, Joe & Danny (the Savatage guys), Tiffany, Jeanette, Kelly, Stacie, Nancy, Ashley, Tammi, Robbie & Sherry, Sean, Joe & Joe, Joe (the night of the Joes!), Mike, Brendan, Cathy, Vanessa, Danielle, and Jen. Thanks to Charles Parker for the opportunity to establish ourselves in Surf City and Mike Scarinzi for the great job behind the sound board. Final shout out to our friends Steevo, Will, Marty, and Mike from the band Thunderball. You guys totally rocked da house! Check them out, they are worth it.

Get ready for a doozy! Not only will AnK be bringing the FULL concert production to Bamboo Bernies this Saturday 2/26, we will also be celebrating Steve’s birthday. That’s right, our own Corrupt Beast has reached another milestone so we plan on celebrating in earnest at Bamboo Bernies and you are all invited. Come on out and let’s show Steve just how much we love him. There will be disinfectant and wipes available for the after-party clean up.

Lots of cool happenings coming up in the world of Alive-n-Kickin’. We have lots of great upcoming shows in the area’s hottest clubs. We continue to write and record original music. Our growing cache of original music has opened up new doors for us. On March 22nd at The Quarter – Bourbon St. in Baltimore, Alive-n-Kickin’ will be opening up for 80’s Christian metal legends Stryper. The original line up of Michael & Robert Sweet, Tim Gaines, and Oz Fox will be headlining Tuesday night playing all the hit off their album releases and AnK gets the honor of sharing the stage with them. We are very excited about this opportunity. Hit us up at alivenkickinband@yahoo.com for tickets ($25 in advance, $30 at the door).

January 29th - Billy V's Dedication show to Mike Fabian

We will not discuss how cold it was. This news will not be predicated on how cold it was Saturday night loading in or out at Billy V’s. There will be no Jack Frost cursing or turgid sack references. We will refrain from mentioning Snow Miser, Yukon Cornelius, or the Bumble. We will only focus on what an incredible night it was.

Billy V’s Rock Bar was absolutely slammed this past Saturday night. The largest crowd ever was piled into the club. Just check out the Facebook comments about the night and you’ll see I am not exaggerating at how many people were there. By 8 pm all the tables were filled and people still piling through the front door in droves attempting to arrive early in anticipation of an incredible night of music and fun. Good thing we have a 10,000 watt PA that can handle the largest crowds in our crop of venues. Our CD’s are selling like hotcakes, a testament to the likeability of our original songs.

Thank you to all our friends that came out and helped set the capacity record at Billy V’s. Shout out to Leigh Ann, Candice, Andrea, Sheena, Brian & Vicky (thank God there was no water emergency this time), Janet, Miranda, Gail & Joe, Sheila, Ashley & Brandon, Dallas & Shannon, Karen, Marianne, Amy & Eddie, Chris, Debbie & Ken, Joan, Patty, Denise, Christine, Kelley & her love of coconut, Marina, Barb, Adam & Erin, Mr. & Mrs. Nico McBrain, Wendy, Tommy, Jim, happy birthday to Melissa & Patty. Naturally props need to bestow upon those merritous individuals that help behind the scenes – Jeff E. on sound, Mikey on lights, Pammie on merch duty, and Mikey (again), Izzy, Midnite, Matt, & Dallas in helping load in, set up, break, down, and pack up the entire AnK concert show. It feels good to finally not have to break our backs before and after the show, allowing all of us to apply more energy into our live performance.

A final shout out and tribute to our good buddy Mike "Madhatter" Fabian, who this show was dedicated to. May you and John ride long and free on heaven's highway.

AnK’s next scheduled show has us sharing the stage with local music rockers Thunderball on February 18th at Surf City. Thunderball will be taking the stage at 9:30 and AnK will headline the rest of the evening. 2 great bands on one stage, what more could you ask for! In between that time and now we plan on heading into the studio to record some more completed original tunes. There is also a chance of more gigs before 2/18 so check our show page often.

"I'm gonna ride on, ride on..."

January 27th - Mike "Madhatter" Fabian - March 19, 1953 - January 27, 2011

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend Mike “Madhatter” Fabian, who passed away on January 27th after a long bout with cancer. Not only was he a dear friend, he was an integral part of the Alive-n-Kickin’ family, handling a substantial amount of the photography and lights. He was also the unofficial band “Dad” that all of us “kids” looked up to for strength and advice. He will be sorely missed and never replaced.

To the entire Fabian family we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences.

If you have special memories of Mike please post them on the Alive-n-Kickin’ guestbook page.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Stalling Funeral Home. You can click here to go to Mike’s online memorial. Memorial Contributions may be made to the University of Maryland Oncology Association, 203 Hospital Dr. Suite 312, Glen Burnie, Md. 21061.

January 21st - Eff Jack Frost

Jesus Mary mother-of-God it was friggin’ cold! I think I saw to polar bears shivering on the other side of Nabbs Creek, rubbing sticks together in a feeble attempt to light a fire. Global warming MY ASS! How cold was it? Ever have your testicles ascend into your lower omentum, huddling together trying to get warm? They went up so high the coin purse looked like a raisin, devoid of all girth and substance. Now imagine having to haul gear from the trailer into the club, making several trips in and out, from cold to hot and back. No fun. We did it without complaint, though, as the love for playing superceded any temporary discomfort the winter hoar frost cast upon us.

Once inside for good we were able to thaw through the consumption of well-prepared victuals and the imbibing of spirits, which accelerated the warming process. Our bodies warmed like lizards basking on rocks in the sun creating a noticeable difference in our speed in set up. By show time we were primed and ready to tear it up!

The show was amazing. Nabbs was packed to the gills from start to finish and everyone had a wonderful time. Beverage flowed freely and people danced and rocked the entire evening. It is great to see so many friends sharing in the revelry and merriment of an evening of live music.

Thank you to our many friends who showed up to enjoy a festive evening with us. We’d be remiss to not acknowledge our support crew of Jeff E. (sound), Mikey & Izzy (road crew), and Pammie (merch). Shout out also to Gail & Joe M., Angie & Mike, Mama Campbell, Diane, congratulations to Brandon & Ashley on their engagement, Danny, Crystal, Monica, Julie, Sam, Candice, Mike, Tommy, Robbie & Sherry, Kathy, Ray, and James. Kudos to Gail for the wonderfully tasty cake made for Glenn’s belated birthday. We would of course be remiss to not thank Dave, Dana, and the entire crew at Nabbs for their wonderful hospitality.

This upcoming Saturday AnK continues the musical onslaught at Billy V’s Rock Bar in the Dena. Full concert PA and LED light show will be complimenting the area’s finest live show. Come join us for another evening of hard rock bliss. Until then be safe and try to stay off the roads as the perpetuation of stupid culminates with deteriorating weather conditions. In other words, stay off the roads if possible because the snow brings out the inner stupid in the majority of the indigenous population.

Whoa, whooooaaaaa, thar she blows!"

January 14th - The Concert Experience

Even though we play mostly clubs, Alive-n-Kickin’ is built to perform on large stages in concert-like settings. When the opportunity to perform at Rams Head Live! arose, we jumped on it, excited to be able to present AnK in a different light. On such a large platform we were able to really cut loose and perform just like the national acts that continuously grace the Rams Head Live! stage. The looks of awe on everyone’s face proved we succeeded in rising up to the occasion. It might have been ice cold outside but it was hotter than hell inside as we tore up the establishment. Our entire gamut of completed originals were performed to much positive response and our limited edition print of CD’s sold like hotcakes. Even 98 Rock complimented us on their Sunday morning show. Things are really looking up for AnK :)

Thank you to all our friends and fans that braved the icy cold conditions to get to Rams Head to partake in the evening’s concert events. Thank you to Tony & Shannon, Dana, Deb, Ron, Tiffany, Erica, Sandy, Dave & Mona, Melody & Dawn, Susie & her loaf, ½ bearded Jeff (the Jefguar!), Eduardo, Gretchen, Robin for some great pics, Sherri from Gigging Musicians, Mary, Kyla-ann, Jen, Bev, Maurice, Holly, Jackie, Richard, Dave, Stacy, Lisa & Chris P., Gail & Joe M., Jessica, Joe Jr., Albert, Dale, Jimmy, Lindsey, Teri, Courtney, Lynn, Rod, Ray, Teddy, Jenny, Margie, Mike & Sue, Kathy, Bobby & Shawna, Valerie, Imelda, Stacey, and Ken. Shout out to our support crew and staff (Pammie, Candice, Sam, Mikey, Izzy) for their awesome performances in all promotional and behind-the-scenes tasks. Kudos to the staff and production crew (Al, Jason, Boo, Noodle, Ptero, and Promoter Brian) for a job well done. Final shout out to everyone in the other bands (Traces of Lead, Rain Delay, Everybody Wants Some, Silvertung), their support crew, and fans for affording us the privilege of sharing the stage and an evening of musical fun with you.

Up next for AnK is Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille. The show will be this Friday January 21st. Get there early as we tend to pack the joint and be ready to party with the area’s best hard rock act. Remember we will be selling CD’s of our original music at the show so make sure you pick one up.

December 31st - Happy New Year!

New Years Eve at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon was so much fun it was completely off the charts. All that snow that blanketed Ocean City earlier in the week was completely gone as pulled into OC on the final day of 2010. Load-in was uneventful and sound check went well despite some standard technical difficulties that are expected when firing up a new PA. At 8:30 when the doors opened and the crowd filtered in we knew it was going to be a killer evening.

And what an evening it was! The alcohol poured freely like nectar from the horns of the Olympian Gods, imbibed gleefully by the patrons enjoying the stellar musical sounds of Alive-n-Kickin’. Everyone danced, bopped, ground, undulated, head-banged and shimmied from the first crashing E dim of Life @ 180 to the final A arpeggiation of Wait. It was truly a night of fun and merriment.

Hopefully we were able to offer thanks to all those individuals that joined us to ring in the New Year. We truly apologize if we forgot any of you but all of us partook of various spirits in copious amounts to where our vision was slightly clouded and blurred. Thank yous abound to Tiffany, Diane, Erica & Joey V., Amy & Eddie from Pasadena, Sue & Chris from western Md., Bob W., Joann, Jessica, Lisa, Steve, Chris, Heather, Diana, Deb, Tim, happy b-day to Ian, Mikey & Candice, Leigh Ann, Pammie, Jason who gave us half a night’s worth of help ;), Tamika, Kelley, Kim, Laurie, Dallas & Shannon, Mr. Hammerjacks, John, Tom, Wendy, Tina, DJ Joey Capo, James, Sheila, Karen, Amanda, Ashley, Joan, Tanner, and the dancing Shim. Shout outs to Mike & Janet F. and Brian & Janice A. for being there in spirit. Kudos to Rich on sound for turning lemons into the proverbial lemonade. Final thanks to Charlene and the rest of the staff at the Purple Moose for putting on such a stellar even and being so pleasantly hospitable.

Our first official gig of 2011 is something a little different for AnK. On Friday 1/14 we will be headlining a 5 band extravaganza at Rams Head Live in Baltimore. On the bill will be Traces of Lead, Rain Delay, the area’s #1 Van Halen tribute band Everybody Wants some, and local hard rock/metal beasts Silvertung. Doors open at 7 pm and we go on 11:15 pm. Tickets are $11 per person directly through the band or can be purchased via a link to Paypal on our homepage. There will be a small surcharge for taxes and fees and we will mail the tickets to you if you purchase them through Paypal. As an added bonus we will be selling demo CD’s of our first 5 original songs only at the show so make sure to stop by our merchandise table and pick up your copy. They will not be available anywhere else.

December 28th - Quotes 2010

It’s that time of year where we reflect back on those memorable sayings that have earned inclusion in our list of year-end quotes. 2010 had many good ones, the best ones posted here for your enjoyment. Some may not make sense but trust us when we say they all hold special, if not immature, meaning.

“Nuns & puppies”

“Can’t seal the deal”

“I only had 5 shots of Patron”

“You’ve been pitched, waiting to hear back”

“Blue and yellow makes green!”

“You are classic rock”

“When the gauge reaches the red there are still 100 miles left in the tank”

“Because we are one better”

“A-one, a-twoooohooo, a-thhrrrreeeee…..”

And the #1 quote for 2010

“Godammit John!”

December 16th - New Years Eve @ The Purple Moose Saloon

Click on the flyer below to access details about NYE on the Purple Moose website.

December 13rd - Merry ChrismaChaunaKwanzakaa!

We in Alive-n-Kickin' would like to take a moment to wish all of our families, support crew, fans, and friends a safe and joyous holiday season. Be safe, eat hearty, drink profoundly and enjoy the company of loved ones. We thank you for all the support you have shown us through a turbulent 2010 and look forward to only good things in 2011.

December 11th - Glenn & the stripper pole...

If I owned a boat I would have gotten that out and taken it to Boomers Bar & Smokehouse instead of my truck because it rained so effin’ hard that the roads were an overrun mess. Even Noah would have been looking to the Heavens saying, “really?!?” I felt like a modern day Noah, hauling 2 of everything in my truck to the show, hoping the rain would abate enough to allow us a semi-dry load in. Well, God must have been in a devious mood because upon arrival the rains picked up. So with hood pulled over flu-ridden head I joined my AnK mates in getting the gear into Boomers for the evening’s show.

Boomers Bar & Smokehouse is a really cool place with lots of good food in a pleasant environment. The stage was good sized with the added bonus of a stripper pole stage left. Apparently before its current presentation the place was an adult entertainment establishment and the fully functional pole was a leftover from a more dubious time. Unfortunately we were unable to get anyone to give us a demonstration on said pole despite numerous coercions and bribe attempts to various attractive women. Yes, on occasion we can be immature deviants. Well, maybe more often than not we are immature deviants.

The deal was sealed when we took the stage as the crowd quickly embraced us. It was a fun night of revelry, music, and merriment that did not cease until the final toll of the 2 am hour struck.

Thank you very much to the oodles of friends and fans that joined us at Boomers. Shout out to Tony & Shannon, Dana, Debbie, Lisa, Chris, Jessica, Gail & Joe, Madhatter Mike (pics) & Janet, Pammie (merch queen), Andrea (pics), Paul, Terry, Melody, Steevo & Will from Thunderball, Rene, Heather, Hailey, Danielle & Dave, Tom, Jeff, Sandra, Wendy, Mary, Diane, Joe, and Cindy. As always, thanks to our super road crew of Midnight, WhiteMike, and Izzy for schlepping all the gear that makes AnK as visually and audibly stunning as possible and to Jeff E. for the excellence in audio engineering.

One more show to go for 2010 and it is a doozy! What better way to say goodbye to 2010 than a New Year’s Eve bash at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon. That’s right, AnK will be hauling the area’s best live show to Ocean City to put 2010 to bed and ring in 2011. Click the link to the flyer above or on our homepage to link directly to the Moose website so you can purchase tickets. Tickets are $50 a person and include an open bar (tell me any of you can’t knock out $50 in booze, puh-lease), party favors, and champagne. There is also information on local area hotels and transportation so you can party hearty without worrying about getting back to your room. It is going to be loads of fun and we look forward to celebrating the New Year with all of you.

December 10th - Down & Dirty!

OK, I normally don’t mind the cold but this particular Friday night it was friggin’ cold! It probably did not help that Nabbs Creek Dock Bar is right on the aptly named Nabbs Creek, allowing for a cold and damp breeze to blow off the water onto all of us as we loaded the gear in from the trailer. Loading out was even worse, as the truck, trailer, and all our vehicles were frozen over in sheets of ice. The cold did nothing to abate our determination and enthusiasm to put forth another night of musical fury. Once inside, the PA was erected in unparalleled efficiency as we prepared for the night’s performance.

And what a night it was! Nabbs Creek was packed from the opening roars of the compensatory Corvette ZR-1. Everyone jammed and danced with us until the final shock from the activation of the ugly lights signified that it was time to get-the-eff-out. A good time was had by all attendees!

Of course we have to toss out our obligatory thank yous to all those deserving individuals that braved the cold to come party with us. We’ll begin by heaping praise upon Mikey & Izzy, 2/3 of our beloved road crew trifecta who without a peep hauled the gear in and out of the club. Thanks to Brian G. for the always great job running sound. Thanks also to Leigh Ann, Pammie, Janet & Mike, Sam, Julie, Angie & Mike, Paul, Miranda, Jeanette, Debby, Donnie, Wendy, the guys from Guilty as Charged, Karen, Ted, Donna, Travis, and Brenda. Happy birthday to Raina and happy early birthday to Dana (this Hot Cherie is for you). Thanks to all the staff at Nabbs for the hospitality.

Tomorrow night we are heading to a new establishment, Boomers Bar & Smokehouse. We are excited to be debuting at Middle River’s newest rock venue and look forward to seeing all of you there.

December 4th - Billy V's was the place to be

Even though the calendar indicates it is still fall, the blustering wind and frigid temperatures made it feel very wintry. I think I heard Jack Frost outside in the smoking area at Billy V’s griping about how cold it was as he was trying to warm up by taking drags on an unfiltered Camel (the cigarette you deviants). Naturally we brought our own heat and scared the cold into staying outside as we scorched Billy V’s with the blistering sounds of the best of the 80’s hard rock along with our catchy cadre of original songs.

Thanks to all our friends that came out to support and party with us. Shout out to Kelley, Pammie (merch babe), Mike & Janet, Leigh Ann the fluffer, Tony & Shannon, Kelly G., Debbie, Barb, Erica, Tiffany, Andrea, Melody, Sheena, Amy & Eddie, Marianne, Steve, Patti, Kim, Wendy, Angie, Jeff E., Rogelio & Amanda, Jeff C., Cindy, Dee, Victoria, Michelle, Heather, Robin, John, and Ray. Thank you to Brian for the great job running sound and our immortal road crew of Midnite, Mikey, and Izzy for a stellar job handling the gear and trailer.

This upcoming weekend is another 2-nighter. Friday night has us back at Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille for another zany night of music, madness, and mayhem. Feedback is indicating this show is going to be packed so make sure to arrive early. Saturday night has us debuting at Middlesex’s newest rock spot, Boomer’s Bar & Smokehouse. Don’t let the name fool you, this place knows how to rock with the best of them so come on out and let’s show East Baltimore county how to tear it up!

November 29th - Alive-n-Kickin' is now on Twitter

Just a quick note that Alive-n-Kickin’ is now on Twitter. Click here to go to our Twitter page, sign up, and you’ll be able to get the latest AnK news and updates instantly.

November 27th - Dockside Restaurant, a hidden gem

168 miles. That is the distance from Break Time Sports Bar in Salisbury, Md. to Dockside Restaurant in Colonial Beach, Va. That was our Saturday travel itinerary as we loaded up the trucks and trailer and caravaned off down Rt. 50 West. A lazy afternoon jaunt across Maryland and then over the Nice Harry bridge into Virginia for a spell until our destination of Dockside Restaurant was at hand. A beautifully quaint location situated right on the water whose external serenity masked the unknown intensity that would be unleashed later.

Inside the club looks were also deceiving. A quaint side bar area doubled as a concert hall that seemed pretty mundane at first but somehow transformed into a rock concert hall for the night. Before we struck the first note he club was packed with rabid fans eagerly anticipating a night of hard rock ecstasy. Luckily we were able to get the stage show constructed quickly due to the trailer arriving a little late due to the Suburban having difficulty operating without gas.

No one warned us that Dockside Restaurant was the place to party in Colonial Beach. Luckily we brought our “A” game (as always) and proceeded to blow the roof off the joint. The patrons were there to get down and cut loose so the overall energy was borderline nuclear from start to finish.

Thanks to our crew of Jeff running sound, roadies extraordinaire Mikey & Izzy, and merchandise queen Pammie for all their hard work. Thanks also to Faye for the pics, Susie for the loaf, Madhatter & Janet for the pics, Christine H. for keeping Charlie in line, Bonnie, Laura, Cindy, Jen, Alyssa, Tom, Dave & Allison, Vera, Jeff, John, Karen, and happy birthday to Christine. Special thank you to Charlie Higgs for the guitar prowess. Dude, you effin’ rule! (Did you see the ascending and descending sweep picking? Geez!)

Next Saturday December 4th we are back at one of our regular stomping grounds, Billy V’s Rock Bar & Grille. Full production concert-size show in a cozy club atmosphere that makes for a wonderful time for all involved. This will be an awesome show and a great time to take a break from your holiday routine so get your sitters lined up and come on out and rock with the area’s best live band.

November 26th - Post-Thanksgiving Blitz!

Thanksgiving is a time where we get together to cherish our loved ones and be thankful for the blessings in our lives. It is a time of reflection, a time to really appreciate life’s blessings and the people who touch us in those special ways. We in Alive-n-Kickin’ cherish these times and hope each and every one of you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving this past Thursday.

After spending quality time with our loved ones, we piled into one long caravan and headed down to Salisbury Maryland to our destination of Break Time. The ride down was uneventful, a quiet time allowing us to ponder life’s many quandaries. Arrival in quaint Salisbury started tingling those juices that simmer as we get nearer to show time. The anticipation built as we set up the show for the evening’s festivities.

The night’s show was an intense display of musical experience that left the people of Salisbury breathless. Our intent was to put on the best show possible and based on response from patrons and club staff, we were resoundingly successful. Our original songs were met with thunderous applause, a fitting sign that they are being accepted and enjoyed by the masses.

Thank you to Pammie, Brian & Janice, Mike & Janet, Candice, Rosa (our longest standing fan), Gail & Joe, Lisa, Dallas & Shannon, Rosa, Johnny C., Eric & Diane, Kristen for the great photos, Darren, Lindsey, Stephanie, Chris, Jeff, Neil, Andrea, Cindy, Michelle, Veronica, Mason, and Will. Shout out to Jeff E. for maximizing finite electrical power to make us look and sound great and to our superb road crew of Mikey & Izzy for really taking the burden off the rest of us by humping all the gear.

Tomorrow night the tour continues as we pack up the trailer and head off to a new venue, Dockside Restaurant in Colonial Beach, Virginia. We always look forward to playing new venues and meeting new people. We also really enjoy adding new disciples to our ever-expanding fanbase.

November 6th - a new level of Excellence has been set

With all the hype generated about our Saturday night concert extravaganza at Bamboo Bernies, we wanted to arrive extra early to allow enough time to set up our extensive production. Cousin Murphy had other plans as delays precluded us from beginning to set up until 7:15 pm. Luckily everyone rose to the challenge by systematically and efficiently emptying the trailer and getting all the lighting and PA gear set up and in place in record time.

With our trusty crew having the PA and lights under control, we were able to focus our attention back on putting on our best show to-date and continuing to prove there is no live equal in the area. As trend setters of live local music, we constantly strive to improve, never being complacent in bringing you, the fans, the best show humanly possible. Every last ounce of creative energy is exuded forth in a musical cacophony that intended to leave all spectators in breathless awe, wondering why they have never seen such good live music. You have choices and we want to make sure when you leave our show, you know you made the right choice.

And fail you we did not! The Bamboo Bernies show definitely set a new bar in live entertainment that will be the talk of the local music scene for a long time.

Naturally the news is not da news if we do not hand out the obligatory thank yous to all the wonderful people that supported us this past Saturday. Without further ado, thanks to Gail & Joe, Jessica, Leigh Ann, Pammie the merchandise queen, Patti & Lisa, Andrea K., Joan & Mike, Christine, Mona & Dave, Brenda, Paul, Wendy, Lady Di, Mike S., Rob, Brandon & Ashley, Andrea, Chrissy, Collin, Debbie (happy b-day), Brian, Donna, Christy, Lisa, Abby, Jessica, Dawn, Vic & Connie, Mike & Macey, Krissy, Diana, Jeff C., Jen, Tommy, Robbie, Will, Liz, Sherri, Michelle, Fran, Davey, Nick & Lydia, Vernon, and Jessie. Special shout out to our production crew of Steevo on lights & guest drums and Brian & Dave on sound. Final mention to our illustrious road crew of Mikey, Midnite, Izzy, and Dallas for all their help in setting up, maintaining, and tearing down our monolithic PA and light system. Amazing how much gear we have accumulated over time.

We are taking a brief hiatus the next couple of weeks where we will be diligently finalizing new original songs as well as revamping and expanding our vast array of cover tunes. We will emerge to regale you with our unparalleled live show on 11/26 at Break Time in Salisbury. By then you should have had enough turkey and time with the relatives. In the meantime we would like to wish all of you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

November 4th - Tell Me What You Want & Down So Long

It is with great pleasure and a bubbling sense of pride and accomplishment that we are proud to offer up to you the finalized studio recordings of our original songs Tell Me What You Want and Down So Long. We have been playing these AnK staples for a while now and are excited to finally have polished versions available for your listening enjoyment. Thank you to Tim Miskimon of Basement Floor Productions for helping make our audio vision a tangible reality.

You can listen to the songs on the Alive-n-Kickin’ MySpace page or through our page at Reverbnation, which also links to us on Facebook. All feedback is welcome. Enjoy!

October 31st - 1st annual Monster Rockfish Festival

I know I touched on our love and passion for playing live music Friday in the Surf City news but that resolve was surely tested this fine Sunday. Follow this scenario. We completed playing 1:30 am Saturday night at Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille and packed up the trailer in record time. Off we all went to our various destinations for as much sleep as we could muster. For me, 3:30 was the time Mr. Sandman paid me a visit but it was too short as 7:30 am rolled around quickly. Up and out the door I went to our next destination of Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Md. for the Monster Rockfish Festival.

What a gorgeous day Sunday turned out to be. The weather was crisp and sunny, the perfect day for an outdoor Festival. The Festival catered towards people of all ages and the local merchants were prominently displaying their wares. The food was incredible, a litany of various dishes sure to please every taste out there (the Waterman’s chowder was da bomb!). There were Halloween events for the kids and cool costumes of all kinds could be seen all day throughout the Festival.

The excellent weather and festive atmosphere extended to our show as well. Our energy was renewed as soon we hit the stage, the lethargy of playing the 2 previous nights gone as soon as the first note was struck. Many friends showed up to rock the afternoon with us and based on feedback, many new fans were added to the AnK fold.

We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge all the wonderful people that enjoyed this fine Halloween afternoon with us. Many thanks to Mandy, Samantha, Al, Matthew, David, Joey V. with his break dancing moves, Connor, Cara, Peggie & Ernie, Ashley, Melanie & Louie, Kimo, Ron, Julie, Jacob, and Gwen. Special shout out to our usual helpeful crew of den mother Pammie, Leigh Ann, Janet, MAdhatter Mike, Erica, Tiffany, and our stupendous ass-busting road crew (Izzy & Mikey). Honorable gratis to Brian and Dave for getting up early, traversing across Maryland, dealing with the unknowns that come with outdoor shows and generators, and making us sound awesome. Thank you to Jolanda C. for facilitating a stress-free festival. Shout out to the Tidewater crew (Dave & Todd C., Connie, Ray (go Ravens!), Jeff & Jessica T. w/ Sebastian, Russ, Tiffany, Catherine & Tyler K., and Becky). Thanks to all the sponsors for helping make this wonderful event happen.

Next Saturday be ready as we will be hauling the entire concert sized show to one of the few places with the capacity to handle it, Bamboo Bernies in Pasadena, Md. No matter how big the venue, we have always risen to the challenge and slain the proverbial dragon everytime we have been faced with adversity. This Saturday is no different so get your rest, prepare your 80’s clothes, and make sure you have you’re A-game in place because you are about to see Alive-n-Kickin’ as you have never seen us before. You can take that one to the bank.

October 30th - Nabbs Creek Halloween Bash!

The Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille Halloween costume party and bash turned out to be a resounding success. What a load of fun this weekend turned out to be as all kinds of cool costumes abounded throughout the club. Follow along to the theme of Romper Room

“and I see Alice & Madhatter, Mephistopheles, a gaggle of Zombies, naughty school girl, a cowboy, busty cop, a big-ass belly dancer, the Crow, a witch, Bret Michaels, gypsy, she-devil, Captain Morgan, Dr. Dimitri & his rock star alter-ego, Mrs. Freddy Krueger (your costume contest winner!), the flapper, a middle-age wanna-be rock star (wait, that is all of AnK every day), the wardeness, vampire, evil kitty, Dave as the miserable Cowboys fan, Glenn as the pousti-phobe, serving wench, the scream, the ref, Steve doing his best impersonation of a rock & roll drummer, Poltergeist, Woody & Jessie, the night, hee-haw, Goth chick, pirate wench, Dave as pseudo-Satan, lady bug, Mrs. NASCAR, Rutgers boobs, Steve R. as Captain Kirk, the jailbird, the pirates, Charon the boatman, Little Miss Muffet, the Indian scout, and Vesuvius about to blow.”

Thanks to the myriad of people that came out to support us on this ghastly night. Many thanks to Diane, Tiffany, Pam, Leigh Ann, Mike & Janet, Lynette, Patti, Gail & Joe, Kelley (happy b-day!), Andrea, Miranda, Myles E., Ashley & Brandon, Karen, Lisa, Angie & Mike, Steve, Lindsey, Matt, Larry, Don, Charlene, Crystal, and Rene. Thanks to Hammerjacks Steve for the videotaping, Madhatter for the lights, Steevo for the sound, and the trifecta of road crew greatness (Mikey, Izzy, & Midnite) for doing a bang up job. Final gratis to the management and staff at Nabbs for the love and hospitality.

No rest for the weary as we pack up the trailer and head on down to Hollywood tomorrow for the all ages Monster Rockfish Festival show at Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Maryland. This outdoor extravaganza features arts & crafts, assorted victuals, local vendors, and the presentation of the awards for the 1st annual Monster Rockfish Tournament held this very day. Gates open at 11 am and we perform from 1-5 pm. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

October 29th - Surf City rocks!

You cannot question the love for playing live music when you don’t mind getting in the car and driving over 2 hours through rush hour Baltimore-Washington traffic to get to the club to set up. As you all know the local metro area is the benchmark for driving incompetence in the world and yet it is almost tolerable when you reflect on your destination Surf City in anticipation of a new market hearing the musical ferocity that is Alive-n-Kickin’. So after a 2+ hour drive through the bowels of stupidity, we arrived at our destination to find a nicely remodeled concert hall with a fully equipped stage. A quick set up by the band and we were ready to blow the roof off Surf City.

The roof was blown off Surf City. Many of our faithful fans and friends showed up to support their favorite 80’s rock band. New friends and fans were made this crisp fall evening as we rocked long into the night. It was definitely a fun-filled evening and we look forward to our return show.

Many thanks need to be bestowed upon deserving individuals. A special shout out to Mikey, Izzy, & Midnite for humping gear up and down flights of stairs in an expedient and efficient fashion, you guys rock! Thanks to Pammie, Gail & Joe, Jessica, Joe, Patti, Linda & Manny, Steevo, Will, Marty, Jeanette, Lisa, Charles, Bob, Stash, Kim, Blair, Linda, and Jeff. Thanks to Denny’s on Joppa Rd. for the urban entertainment.

One down, 2 to go. Saturday night Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille Halloween costume bash with prizes. Lots of cool costumes and good times with great music.

October 16th - The Fabulous Whispers, better than ever

Saturday turned out to be a full musical day. The afternoon saw us back in the studio laying down final musical and vocal parts to our original songs Down So Long and Tell Me What You Want. The songs will be finalized, mixed down, and available for your listening enjoyment within the next week or so. We will let you know when they are available. As soon as we were done in the studio it was off to Whispers for another exciting night of AnK musical fury.

Even though we were called upon relatively last minute to perform at Whispers this past Saturday, we were still able to bring in an awesome crowd, a testament to the loyalty of our fanbase. An we definitely did not disappoint as the entire production including light show was on display, reaffirming AnK as the bar setter for live music in the local area. Everyone in attendance had a grand old time as we played our mix of 80s rock and original music well into the wee hours of the morning. And since the crowd stayed until the very end, it is safe to assume they were pleased with our performance.

As always, there were many people to thank on this fun-filled, musical evening. Special shout out to Steve running sound and to our road crew of Jason (Izzy), Mikey, and Mike for doing the bulk of the dirty work. Without these guys there would be no big production. Thanks also to Janet, Pammie, Candice, Ashley, Angie & Mike, Joan & Mike, Christine, Denise, Tiffany (happy birthday!- BTW, there’s cake), Gail & Joe, Jessica, Andrea, Marianne, Shelly, Amber, Sherry, Jen, Dave, Rick & Beth, Charlie, Lisa x 3, and Melanie. Special thank you to the management and staff at Whispers for their hospitality.

Our next weekend of gigs will be the rare trifecta, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday has us in Perry Hall's newest rock spot, Surf City on Bel Air Rd. Saturday has us playing a Halloween bash at Nabbs Creek Dock Bar & Grille. There will be a costume contest and prizes. Sunday afternoon has us traveling to Hollywood, Md for an all ages afternoon affair where we will be the entertainment for the 1st annual Monster Rockfish Festival. Gates open at 11 am and we perform from 1-5 pm. We look forward to an all musical weekend with all of you.

October 8th - The Triumphant Return to Southern Maryland!

AnK’s return to Southern Maryland was a resounding success! Gilligan’s Pier was a happening, fun place Friday night. A beautiful night in southern Maryland along the less than-pleasantly fragrant Potomac River was augmented with the blissful yet powerful sounds of the best of the 80’s hard rock. Our original tunes were met with resounding cheers and thunderous applause while the old stapes were just as pleasing as ever.

Many folks need to be thanked. Let’s begin with Jeff for having to deal with a multitude of audio contingencies that kept him on his toes all night though he dealt with them with the expediency and grace only a true professional can handle. Much love to our family and friends of Kelley, Pammie, Leigh Ann, Shannon (who sings like that!), Janet & Mike (the LED light master!), and Andrea (pics). Gratis appropris to Laura & Mike, Donna, Melody S., Karen, Theresa, Donna, Linda, Ed, Staci & Mike, Mary, Renee, Al, Kathy, Dave, Marty, Devin, Lisa & Toni. We would be remiss to not acknowledge the hard work of our road crew of Jason, Mike, & Mikey (our own Larry, Daryl and Daryl). You guys did a bang up job getting the gear in place and then packed up at the end of the night. Kudos to you fellas! Final shout out to the management and staff at Gilligan’s for everything (Doreen, Becky, Kourtney, etc).

Many of you were concerned about Steve’s kcuf shirt. Don’t worry, we are having him tested for dyslexia later in the week. George will also be at the tailor getting the ass put back in his jeans that tore asunder from spine to crack early in the evening. What can we say, it was an evening of fashion faux-pas and wardrobe malfunctions.

Lots of you took really cool pics of us. Please email them to alivenkickinband@yahoo.com so we can post them and have them for the AnK archives. Don’t forget to friend us on Facebook and MySpace.

The next couple of weeks we will be off, diligently honing our musical craft. When we emerge from this abbreviated self-imposed lay-off we will have finalized recorded copies of our original songs Tell Me What you Want and Down so Long. More songs have been finalized and we will begin the recording process on them soon. We will keep you posted on the progress of the much-anticipated AnK CD.

September 26th - Nabbs also Rocked for Sniper

The dedication concert for Sniper at Nabbs Creek Café went real well. Even though the threat of rain chased us inside the show went off without a hitch. It was a beautiful afternoon where friends from all walks of life came together to honor John’s life. It is truly amazing how many people John positively touched but given how truly special a person John was it is not surprising.

Thank you to everyone that came out to Nabbs. Thank you to Pammie, Leigh Ann, Cassie, Shea, Brian& Janice A., Miranda, Mike & Janet F., Jeff E., Joe & Fran R., Emma & Zach R., Erica & Joey V., Jessica, Gail & Joe, Tiffany, Karen, Mikey & Jeff for hauling the gear, Jersey John, Mike & Evan, Marianne, Diane, Billy, Cammie, Laura, Josh, Brian & Dave for production, Amy & Eddie, Linda, Carl, Amy, Erin, Candace, Roger, Jamie, Tim, Dave, Monica, Denise, Joanne, and Heather. Shout out to the management and staff for their hospitality. Thanks to everyone that donated to the boot for John.

Next weekend has AnK back in Southern Maryland for our debut gig at Gilligan’s Pier in Newburg. We are thrilled to be playing back in Southern Maryland and look forward to seeing many of our old friends again.

September 25th - Billy V's Rocked for Sniper!

The Saturday night dedication concert at Billy V’s Rock Bar really showed just how many people John Fabian touched in his short life. Many people from all walks of life came from different locations to honor John’s memory with us. It was really heartfelt and touching to see so many people but given how kind and giving John was, it is not surprising.

Naturally the intensity of the night was ramped up to maximum overdrive. Everyone had a good time jamming to our rendition of the best of the 80’s hard rock and heavy metal as well as our original songs. The debut of our new original song Ready Now was met with oodles of positive review. We are really enjoying writing our own tunes and are excited about getting our CD completed and out for public consumption.

Thanks to Brian for the stellar job running sound. Thanks also to Mike & Jason for being roadies extraordinaire, Mike (lights) & Janet F., Pammie, Miranda, Kelley, Tiffany, Gail & Joe, Jessica, Faye, Susie, Jen, Ashley & Brandon, Dave, Ashley, Shannon, Tony & Shannon, Kristy, Veronica, Wendy, Gary, Brandi, Josh, Mark, Geri, Sarah, Michelle, Mike, George, Cammie, David, Adriana, and Bethany. Final thanks to Dave V. for manning up and honoring his bets. :)

God bless you Sniper.

Tomorrow the festivities and dedication continue as we will be playing an all ages afternoon show at Nabbs Creek Café. The show is from 3-7, rain or shine. See you there.

September 25-26 - Tirbute to Sniper

The Bily V's gig on Saturday 9/25 and the outdoor all ages Sunday Nabbs Cree Cafe gig are being dedicated to John "Sniper" Fabian. Please join us in honoring Sniper. Donations are being accepted to help defray funeral costs and a portion of all Alive-n-Kickin' merchandise sold at both shows will be donated to the family as well.

September 11th - John "Sniper" Fabian - 7/1/1976 - 9/11/2010

It is with a heavy heart that we in Alive-n-Kickin' say goodbye to our dear friend John "Sniper" Fabian, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident this past weekend. John was an integral part of the Alive-n-Kickin' family and we are devastated by the loss. Funeral arrangements are indicated by clicking this link.

To the entire Fabian family we offer our deepest condolences and sympathies. John touched all of our lives and his loss is devastating to each of us.

If you have a special memory of Sniper you would like to share, please leave a post on the AnK guestbook.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Stallings Funeral Home. Friends may call on Friday September 17th and Saturday September 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Stallings Funeral Home, PA where funeral services will be held Saturday night September 18th at 8:00 PM. Interment private. Memorial contributions may be made to Aiello Center 204 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 or through paypal at vtxgathering@live.com.

September 10th - Parkville Purple Passion!

This past Friday night was a blast as AnK invaded McAovys in Parkville. It has been a while since we played there and were very excited to have another opportunity there. Many old friends came out to support their favorite hard rock band and many new friends were made as the message of AnK was spread to new disciples. McAvoy's is a quaint place with a wonderful feel to it but the patrons can rock with the best of them and they definitely showed it tonight.

Thank you to Jeff E. for the great job behind the sound board, Madhatter & Mike Jr. for the lights, Sniper for gear humping (snicker) and coordination, Pammie the merchandise queen, Leigh Ann, Candice, Gail & Joe, Jessica, Robin, April, Melody, Steve R. for the great job on the drums, Frank, Roger & Jeanine, the Ravens Cheerleaders, Ravens Roost #82, and the entire staff at McAovy's for their professionalism and graciousness.

Next weekend is a much needed break where we ill be shutting ourselves into the basement finalizing new cover and original songs as well as tightening up the live show. We will be back out with a bang starting on Sept 25 at Billy V's Rock Bar.

September 3-5 - The Triple Assault on the Purple Moose!

Oh my effin’ God! What an awesome, stupendous, bombastic, rowdy, hellaciously good time our 3 night Labor Day weekend gigs were at the Purple Moose Saloon. Sept 3-5 were some of the best performances we have ever had. All cylinders were firing at full burst and the crowd was super intense all 3 nights. The Moose was packed to capacity as revelers from all over joined us for a weekend of celebratory musical bliss. Our original tunes went over real well. You know you are doing something right when people are singing the words to your songs. The CD is coming along and will be out there soon. And to those lacking fashion sense, we love abbreviated clothing as much as the next band, but please don't wear a short skirt if you look like you have Don Cornelius in a triangle choke.

So many people to thank so please bear with me as I sift through all the names. If I forgot anyone I apologize. We'll being with Rich behind the soundboard for really stepping up and making the audio portion sound downright awesome. Many thanks, hugs, and sloppy kisses to our loyal crew of Pammie, Leigh Ann, Mike & Janet, Brian & Janice, Christy & Craig, Joe & Gail, Jessica, Diane, Patti, and Tiffany. Many thanks also to Jeff & Beth, Linda & Steve, Jenny & Gene, Robin, Kathy & Steve, Paul & Diane, Cal & Emma, the couple that brought me water, Dave & Sean from Korupt, Ryan, Candice, Shannon & Dallas, DJ's Biggler and Joey, Donny, Tom, Penny, Frank, Jeanine, Sarah, Vaughn, Mark, our friends in the Arizona Band, Jimmy D. & Susan W. from Witches Brew (check them out, they rock!), Paul, Phil & Dave, Brenda for the pics, Guy & his harmonica, Yasmine, Jose, the crew from Brooklyn NY, Eddie, Ronald, Patricia, Mike, and Linny. Happy 7th anniversary to Terra and her hubby. Special thanks to Doug, Charlene, Lefty, Gene, JJ and the entire Purple Moose staff for their hospitality and graciousness.

Next Friday 9/10 has us on the northern side of the tunnels and bridge in Parkville, Md at McAvoy's. This is an early show running from 8 pm to midnight. Lots of good food with drink specials, ladies get in for free, and as an added bonus, the Ravens cheerleaders will be making an appearance so come on out and don't miss all the fun.

September 2nd - another date added at the Purple Moose

We have just been offered and accepted a third night this weekend at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon so get ready for 3 nights of the best hard rock & heavy metal. Sunday Sept 5th has been added to the show repetoire. In fact, you may even hear some new original tunes (wink, wink...)

August 8th & 9th - Rip Roarin' & Rockin' the Moose!

What can I say, another gorgeous weekend at the beach, another round of successful gigs at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon in Ocean City. After blowing the roof off the dock at Red Eyes Dock Bar Saturday night, we hauled the 80’s caravan along route 50 all the way to Ocean City for a pair of Moose gigs. The drive was pleasant and the traffic and weather were both agreeable as we plodded forth to our final destination of the min-Eastern Md. Tour.

The show on Sunday was incredible. Lots of friends from places far showed up to support their favorite 80’s hard rock band. Even though it was a Sunday evening the place was still loaded with patrons primed to get their 80’s freak on. Everyone was definitely ready to party and that energy and exuberance lasted beyond the abrupt activation of the ugly lights as we delivered post-playing encores (with the Moose’s blessing) to appease the rabid crowd who were not going to let Maryland liquor laws dictate when their fun was going to end.

Monday’s show was just as intense. Didn’t realize how many loyal AnK people there were in OC on a Monday night but it sure was a nice thing to see. Really warmed the cockles of our hearts :) The crowd was not quite as large but definitely just as animated and excited to be at the Moose with Alive-n-Kickin’, jammin’ to the top hard rock & heavy metal hits of the 80’s that only players of the caliber in AnK can pull off.

Lots of people to be thanked, many of whom joined us both nights for the fun and festivities. Thanks aplenty to Brian & Janice, Pammie for handling all the Band-Aid duties, Rich behind the sound board, Christine H., Laura, Jenny, Robin, Sherri, Dave, Linda, Steve, Rob, Karen, Turk, Dave B. from Korrupt, Lisa & Richie, Marylou & Hank, Jeff, and Carrie. Thanks to Sandy and Joe Sr. for supporting the gayhawk and to Johnnie Black for the awesome guest vocals. Final shout out to Jimmie Darr and Susan Witchey of witches Brew for joining us onstage for a killer jam. If you are in the OC area you need to check them out.

Thanks again to Charlie Higgs for filling in and not missing a beat.

We will be taking the next couple of weeks off to recharge our batteries and finalize some new original songs which will debut for you in September. Until next time be safe and rock on!

August 7th - Rockin' the Red Eyes Dock

The first leg of our mini-Eastern shore tour began with an outdoor concert at Red Eyes Dock Bar in Grasonville this past Saturday evening. We arrived during a hot one, the heat being intense as we unloaded and set up our gear for the pending night’s show. Around intense games of cornhole we diligently erected our monolithic concert production in anticipation for an 80’s concert-style frenzy.

BTW, I can’t help but think devious things when I hear the word “Cornhole.” I know it is in reference to the beanbag game but the deviant, adolescent Greek in me cannot help but think more nefarious thoughts every time the word comes up. Is it just me?

After the sun set, a wonderfully cool breeze wafted from over the ocean bringing us temperate relief, allowing us to perform to our maximal capacity as anyone that comes to an Alive-n-Kickin’ show knows they are going to get the best players putting on a benchmark setting live performance that others stand up and take notice of. We want to replicate the concert experience of the 80s and you, the fan and paying patron, deserve nothing less. Based on the size of the crowd that lasted throughout the entire evening and the intensity by which they reciprocated the energy from the stage, I’d say the night was a resounding success.

Of course the news is never complete without the obligatory list of people to thank. I fin this part the most enjoyable because it makes me feel good to point out everyone that enjoyed an evening out with us. Sloppy wet tongue kisses go out to Janet and Mike F., John & Miranda, Gail & Joe, Shannon, Kelley, Patti, Pammie, Christine, Rob & Lisa U., Captain Billy, Jackie, Katie, Sherry, Dave, Jeff & Lisa, Lynn & Ted, Frank, Melanie, Casper, Teri & Phil, Lonnie, Trey, Denise, and Buddy. Special thanks to Winn for the great job behind the sound board. Thank you also to Shannon for the great job on vocals!

Truly no rest for the weary as AnK continues on to Ocean City for Sunday and Monday night shows at the Purple Moose Saloon. This 2 night extravaganza might seem odd as we are playing Sunday and Monday night but it works out well to follow on the heels of Red Eyes because we can just continue down to the beach. I’m just wondering how good I am going to feel Tuesday at work. Oh well, such is the life of a wanna-be rock star :)

August 6th - KISS contest voting has closed

Many of you know Alive-n-Kickin’ has been in the running in a contest hosted by Guitar Center and Eventful to open for rock legends KISS in Bristow, Va. Well, the voting finally ended and thanks to all your support Alive-n-Kickin’ was the #1 vote getter to open the show on 8/21 at Jiffy Lube Live. KISS will now review the top 5 vote getters and select the lucky winner. As soon as we hear we’ll let you know.

Regardless of the outcome of the contest, we would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the love and support these past 9 years. Alive-n-Kickin’ would be nothing without you and we truly and deeply appreciate it. Thank you!

July 31st - Billy V's ROCKED!

Thank goodness for friends. Glenn was unable to play Billy V’s due to personal responsibilities so enter Charlie Higgs. Charlie filled in admirably with us at the Purple Moose in April when Glenn’s Mom became ill so he was back with AnK for another night of spontaneous musical mayhem. I personally find it stimulating and refreshing to pull songs out on the fly and to trade licks back and forth. It really spices things up and keeps me on my toes as a player, forcing me to really be in tune with my instrument and the theory behind it.

The night went off without a hitch. In fact, it was a blast! Everyone was dancing, drinking, and having a grand old time. The music flowed forth from the stage, absorbed in a drunken glee by the patrons who channeled its essence into their souls. The merriment lasted well into the night until the ugly lights flipped on at 2 am signifying harshly to everyone to get out!

Thanks as always to all our musical family and friends for attending and supporting Alive-n-Kickin’. Initial kudos to Ray for the impressive job behind the soundboard. Lots of love to Pammie, Leigh Ann, Janet, Madhatter Mike, Sniper John, Miranda, Ashley & Brandon, Christine, Mona & Dave, Greg & Laura, Linda, Chrissy, Robin, Melody, Tammy & Bryan, Jake, Tom, Brenda, Karen, Duffy, and Rich. Special thanks to Charlie and Christine Higgs for helping us make it an awesome night.

Next weekend Charlie will be joining us for the rare trifecta. Saturday night has us at playing our final show of the season at Red Eyes Dock Bar in Grasonville. Following that show it’ll be back down to Ocean City for Sunday and Monday shows at the Purple Moose Saloon. If you are looking for something beachy and outdoorsy to do this upcoming weekend then join us on our mini-Eastern Maryland tour. It will be loads of fun!

July 25th - The Glen Burnie Monsoon

In a musical career that has spanned over 2 decades a first was experienced at Nabbs Creek Café. Follow along.

After an uneventful set up out on the covered dock at the newly renovated, bigger and better Nabbs Creek Café, we proceeded to take the stage at the appropriate start time of 3 pm. As the set progressed dark clouds loomed over the horizon and the winds began to pick up. Rock of Ages proved prophetic as we stopped playing when the song was completed and with the help of the entire staff at Nabbs, broke down our entire set up and ran it inside right as the monsoon hit. And what a storm it was! A torrent of sheeting rain and hail blasted through the People Republic of Glen Burnie with a profound, intense force worthy of a gulf shore hurricane. I can tell you I was out in it for a couple of minutes and got soaked to the bone.

Just as quickly as the maelstrom came it was gone. In the meantime as the storm passed through, we set back up on the 2nd floor bar and continued with our 80’s hard rock/heavy metal set and even played all our original songs, tunes that were met with the most positive of responses.

So the first that we experienced that I prefaced this story about was the fact that we have never in any of our careers had to set up gear twice for the same gig.

There are so many people to thank that I ask forgiveness for anyone my addled mind might have missed. We’ll begin by lauding praise to Brian and Dave for the bang up job in sound and keeping level headed in the face of adversity. Thanks also to Dave G. for the sound assist. Hugs and kisses to all our friends and fans – Pam, Leigh Ann, Patti, Janet & Mike, Gail & Joe, Jessica, Alyssa & Hailey (happy birthday!), Mr. & Mrs. Rose, Margie, Jackie, Kathy, Wendy, Sue, Dave, Billy W., Angie, Jen, Carol & Don, Reggie, and Bethany. Final shout out to Dana, Dave, and all the staff at Nabbs Creek for a great time and for getting all our gear inside before the hurricane blasted through.

Saturday night has AnK at Billy V’s Rock Bar in Pasadena, Md. opening their concert season with another night of 80’s hard rock and heavy metal bliss. Show starts at 9 pm so arrive early as Billy V’s fills up quick when we play. We look forward to seeing all of you there.

July 16-17 - Fun at the Beach!

One of the beauties of playing the Purple Moose Saloon in Ocean City is the fact that we get a mini-vacation at minimal cost to go to the beach. Basically the cost of gas and food is all we need. The downside is trying to manage scooting out of work early and hoping the traffic is agreeable to allow us to arrive at a reasonable time to allow for set up of the concert show that is expected of Alive-n-Kickin’. Even though work threw a curveball in allowing me out of work Friday (dental emergencies come first), the traffic was agreeable making the trip to Ocean City pleasant. That time was utilized in finalizing the game plan for the night’s show.

Set up at the Moose went surprisingly without a hitch. Even though we prepare diligently for all potential problems, it seems something completely out of the ordinary rears its ugly head to try and deter us from our goal. This evening no gremlin, demon, or musical goblin dared venture forth for it would have been smote into utter oblivion, such was the focus of our goal.

The show was phenomenal! Both Friday and Saturday nights were utter blasts! Both nights capacity crowds rocked to the best of the 80s hard rock & heavy metal that the entire southern peninsula of Ocean City thought an earthquake was occurring, not realizing the genesis was coming from 108 S. Boardwalk. And no officer, we’re just sitting out back relaxing between sets.

Oodles of friends to thank for joining us on an incredible 2 day ride of musical fun and merriment. Girls weekend in OC headlines our thank yous (Joan, Stephanie – happy b-day!, Denise, Lisa, Patti, Christine). Also thanks to the usual suspects Pam, Leigh Ann, Brian & Janice, Sniper, Erica, Danette, and Tiffany. Thanks as well to Rosa, Greg K., Jackie, Jenny, Dawn, Melody, Jack, John Ryan, Chuck, Danielle, Lori, Kayla, Charles Parker, Angie, Linda, Sharon, Dave, Adriana, Josh & Amy, Scottie, Jennifer, Pudge, Ray, Johnny, Diane & Jim, Colby, Don, Erica, and Will. Special thank to the staff and management at the Purple Moose for the wonderful hospitality.

Next weekend has us back in the People’s Republic of Glen Burnie at the newly renovated, bigger and better Nabbs Creek Café Marina for an outdoor show on the deck. The show is all ages and will run from 3-7 pm. Bring the sunglasses and sun block because it is going to be a warm one.

July 9th -White-hot, nuclear, instense, friggin' BOOM!!!!!

You want to know how Bamboo Bernies snapped their patron drought of the last couple weeks? Simple, they booked Alive-n-Kickin’. AnK has been packing Bamboo Bernies since the inaugural weekend in September 2004. Even though clubs tend to how smaller crowds in the summer, AnK still manages to bring the people in. Perhaps it is the huge light show (thanks Madhatter for the LEDs) accentuating the best live rock show around performed by a collection of the area’s top players. Possibly it is the humble way all the band members carry themselves, always available to the masses (except when George dozes off between sets). Perhaps it is the constant attempt to raise the bar each and every show with new songs and a better live performance. In reality it is all of the above that allow Alive-n-Kickin’ to continue to pack the area “A” rooms to capacity and remain the trailblazers and trendsetters in the Baltimore-metro music scene.

And packed to capacity it was! It got so hot Lucifer would have needed a tall, cool refreshing iced tea to ease the burning emitting forth from Bamboo Bernies this past Friday. White hot nuclear about sums it up (or “nucular” to all the NW denizens) with the impetus of that being the band. At the end of the night the AC units told us they were wiped out from trying to keep the place cool. Heat Miser also called the local authorities complaining it was too hot. Hey, if you can’t deal with it then move on.

Thanks to the glut of our friends that showed up and PACKED Bamboo Bernies on a Friday night. We’ll start with the birthday crew celebrating Stephanie’s 21st (Joan, Mike, Patti, Denise). Thank you also to Susie & Faye for still traveling to see us after all these years, Leigh Ann & Pam (Hagerstucky’s dental finest!), Kelley (missed you!), Gail & Joe, Jessica, Tiffany (Kent Island’s dental finest), Wendy, Jackie, Debbie, Ron, Becky, Donna, Rob, Mike, Shannon, Sherri, Donna, Marie, Cheryl, Dee, Tom, Evelyn, Angie, Justin, Jen, James, Bethany, Candice & Mike, and Amy. Shout out to Madhatter Mike, Mike Jr., and Sniper John for all things production (lights, merchandise, gear, refreshments, etc.) Thank you to the entire staff and management at Bamboo Bernies for one helluva night!

Next weekend is another AnK double header as we pack up the show and head down to the Purple Moose Saloon. Lots of our friends will be there so we are looking forward to Friday and Saturday nights being off the charts fun. Can’t wait!

In the meantime we are also beginning the process of final mix down of our first three recorded original tunes. It has taken some time but unlike others that think one night in the basement of a row house in East Baltimore will yield a professionally polished recording, we wanted to make sure to be meticulous in crafting the final product before presenting it to our fans, as you deserve nothing but our best effort. We will not release songs just to say we did. They will be available shortly through various social media and our website. Please let us know what you think of them. Until then rock on!

July 4th - Musical Fireworks

Even though it was somewhat hot out, the drive to Red Eyes from the wrong end of the Bay Bridge was very relaxing. For once traffic was agreeable as we motored to our destination of Red Eyes Dock Bar with the intent of having the celebratory fireworks be secondary to the musical fireworks we had planned for the night.

Our Independence Day show turned out to be an awesome evening of visual and auditory fireworks. Beautiful multi-colored displays over the bay celebrating our independence capped an evening of fireworks that launched from the deck-stage at Red Eyes Dock Bar. For 4 hours a relentless assault of musical power and fury originated from the hearts and souls of 5 of the area’s top experienced players, musicians with a deep-seeded love for their craft. This musical cacophony was absorbed by the capacity crowd creating a whirling vortex of human ecstasy, undulating and gyrating incessantly throughout the night until the final bell at midnight punctuated the bliss causing everyone to scurry home.

Lots of people to thank on this holiday occasion. Thank you to Mike & Janet, Pam, Leigh Ann, Miranda (left the Krakens at work), John G., Jessica, Gail & Joe, Joey, Tiffany, Josh & Tina, Ashley, Mike, Dave G., Shannon, Kim, Kathie, Dana, Cheryl, Ed, Tammy, Angie, Chris, Joann, Glenn, Michelle, Ronnie, Brenda, Steven, and Ron. Thanks to newly shorn Wynn for the great job behind the sound board, John Sniper the pilot for equipment control, and assorted individuals for the cool pictures.

Happy birthday to Joe the Independence Day baby and Sniper John from July 1st.

Next weekend has AnK back at Pasadena’s top rock venue, Bamboo Bernies. Every gig here is bigger and better than the last and we expect this show to be no different. New LED lights have been added to our already impressive DMX show, a fitting accompaniment to our 80’s concert shows. Bamboos fills up quickly so come early and be ready to rock, children of the night!

June 27th - The Grand Reopening of Nabbs Creek Cafe

The trifecta of the weekend culminated with the grand reopening concert on the deck at Nabbs Creek Café. This all ages concert event featured a tasty buffet, excellent menu, and drink specials, all accented by the area’s best 80’s hard rock & heavy metal band. To make it on time all of us musical soldiers had to get up early after blowing the roof off at the Purple Moose Saloon in ocean City the past 2 nights and head on up the road. For me personally, 4 hours of sleep is now the norm given little Ilianna’s hunger squawks occur every 4 to 5 hours at night for her feedings. So up at 8 am and on the road by 9 allowed for a non-pressured and lovely quaint and scenic drive from the shores of Eastern Md to the electricity that is the Baltimore metro area.

The weather was stifling on Sunday with temps hovering in the upper 90’s and for a period of time our own Glenn was overcome by the oppressive heat but being the trooper he is he was able to soldier through his obvious distress without missing a beat. Kudos to everyone for stepping up to the plate and helping out. Everyone had an awesome time on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon and evening. If you haven’t seen the new Nabbs Creek, you are missing a great establishment. The interior has been completely renovated, the upper level now has an outdoor deck area with an incredible view of the area, and the expanded menu presents with various tasty dishes sure to please the palate.

Many thanks to all our friends that ventured forth on such a hot day to come hear AnK at Nabbs. Thanks to Leigh Ann, Pam, Janet & Mike, Mike & Candice, Miranda, Patti, Gail & Joe, Carrie, Tom, Karen, Amy & Eddie, Mama Campbell, Mr. & Mrs. Rose, Dave, Chuck & Mary, Jeff, Wanda, Helen (nice AnK shirt!), Barb (nice AnK shirt #2!), Rob & Ashley, Ray, Rich, Tammy, and Anita. Thanks to Brian and Dave for top-notch production, Captain Morgan for his piratey spirits, and Sniper John for the particulars on turning radii and dynamics regarding 1994 Suburbans and 2001 7’x14’ dual-axel trailers. Thank you also to Dave, Dana, and the entire staff at Nabbs for putting on an awesome day-long event, deftly juggling multiple happenings with the skill and ease of seasoned professionals. Final thanks to Joey Dove for sitting in on bass with us so George could slide back over to keys for a set. It was just like old times.

This upcoming weekend is a special treat. Alive-n-Kickin’ will be playing Sunday July 4th from 8 pm to midnight at Red Eyes Dock Bar. This outdoor event will be 4 hours of fireworks coming from the stage in the order of the best of the 80’s hard rock & heavy metal with some cool original tunes thrown in. The real fireworks will pale in comparison to the power coming from the dock so come on out to Red Eyes this July 4th and join us for a night of fun and merriment.

June 25-26th - The Purple Moose Saloon

'Nuff said.

June 18th - The pseudo-return of Temper Temper!

Flashback to 1989...

Alive-n-Kickin' has been around a long time, this being the middle of our 9th year. Through those nine years we've had plenty of changes both in personnel and direction however during that tenure two pillars have been a constant, George and Steve. Playing without either is sorta like Kiss playing without Gene or Paul or Aerosmith without Tyler or Perry or Maiden without Harris and Eddie. It's peas and carrots! Not to compare ourselves to those greats but you get the idea. But you can never say never.

June of this year was supposed to be a month off as George and family were expecting their first daughter. As planned all went well. Of course the phone started ringing off the hook(are phones on hooks anymore?) and offers started coming in for AnK to hit the stage. It figures that one "offer you can't refuse" was one of those calls.

We have had the humble privilege of rocking out on some of the biggest stages in the area. Many of these belong to the Cancun Cantina/Bamboo Bernies conglomerate and when they call and say jump, we don't ask how high, we just start jumping!! Seems Cancun West in Hagerstown was in some need of some ass-kickin’ rock and wanted one band to supply the boot!! With the original sexy beast(George)on maternity leave, we needed someone to hold down the bottom end. One phone call to our friend Will Perdue from Surreal had us up and running and headed to Western Maryland to raise some hell in the thinner air of the Appalachians!

A bit of history with this lineup. Glenn, Will and Steve were all part of the Baltimore hard rock juggernaut Temper Temper back in the late 80's. Temper Temper graced the legendary stages of clubs like The Network, Maxwells, the Rage and the world-famous Hammerjacks. So on a personal level this was a time warp back to 1989!

Cancun Cantina West is one hell of an entertainment complex. With a massive stage, balcony level, tiki bar and an attached hotel, this place rocks. The band performed with an energy that bordered on vengeance!! The capacity crowd returned that energy with a fever level and stayed until the last note left every ear ringing.

A special thanks to Jen at Cancun Cantina West for having AnK back on short notice, R.A. at VTE Entertainment for the opportunity, and Mike K. for the stellar sound. Pam & Leigh Ann for the waffle house adventure, Sniper for being the pilot, Mike & Janet, Crystal, Mike S., Rachael, Dave & Linda, Larry, Jen, Mike, Christina, Heather, Bev & Ray, Christa, Shannon, Bonnie, Jane, Traci, Carol, Mary, Ron, Dawn, Angie, Steven, James, Amy, Vince, and a cast of thousands waiting for all the ass-Kickin fun!

A very heartfelt thanks to our longtime friend, partner in crime, and best bud, Will Perdue and his wife Aileen for helping us out and doing an outstanding job!!

Next up AnK is heading down da oshun hon on a mission to invade the Purple Moose Saloon on Friday June 25th and on Saturday June 26th and then back up to Glen Burnie on Sunday June 27th for the grand opening of the dock bar at the newly renovated, bigger and better Nabbs Creek Café. Lots of drink and food specials going on to celebrate this momentous occasion so get the sunscreen and kids (Nabbs is an all ages event) and be ready to rock the dock! The Nabbs show is from 3-7 pm.

June 5th - KISS!

Click on the picture below to go and vote for Alive-n-Kickin' to open for KISS at Jiffy Lube Live (formerly Nissan Pavillion) on August 21. This is an awesome opportunity for us to open for one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time and a strong influence on who we as AnK are so click and vote as often as you can. We need your support!

May 22nd - The Magic Jacket

Even though it rained at the usual load-in time of about 6 pm, we fooled Mother Nature by showing up at 4 pm for load-in. The heavens opened up just as the last piece of equipment was brought indoors. Inside we erected our 80’s concert show in anticipation of an intense night. And an intense night it was! We had an awesome time rocking out and judging by the response of the capacity crowd, they did as well. The registers rang all night long as beverage flowed freely.

It was a fitting performance, a climactic whirlwind of musical fury, befitting our final show as we are taking a short, albeit planned productive break. The next few weeks will have the band taking some time to refine the ever evolving live show, tweak the set list, and continue working on our original tunes. Shannon and I also await the birth of our 3rd child (1st daughter) so a little down time will be nice so we can enjoy some much needed family time.

The list of people to thank keeps getting longer. Take a deep breath ‘cause here we go! Thanks to Madhatter Mike & Janet, Miranda for toughing it out and coming to see us, Leigh Ann, Pam, Gail & Joe, Ashley & Brandon, Barb, Mark, Christine, Rob, Mike S., the Lansdowne crew, John G., Richie, Ron, Bria, Dave, Kristie, Mona & Dave, Christine, Pamela, Kim, Brandi, Theresa, Angie, Karen, Tony & Shannon, Pete, Kimberly, Marie, Greg, Danielle, Geoff, Amy, Mike, Judy, Angela, Tiffany, Karen W., Amanda, Angie, Margie, Ray, Joann, Sherri, Denise, Justin, Mary, Stacey, Tori, Jen, Steve, Will, and Lindsey. Thanks to Brian for the excellent job running sound and to Sniper John for help with setting up and tearing down the gear. Final shout out to Glenn’s magic jacket which finalized the transformation from ADT alarm guru by day to Marshall screamin’, hair-flinging, fretboard blistering guitar God by night.

Happy birthday wishes to our own Pammie, Bria, and Ashley. Glad we could celebrate with you in 80’s rock fashion.

Congratulations to Mona & Dave on their upcoming wedding. We wish you guys a long and happy marriage :)

Everyone have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. We look forward to seeing all of you soon.

"Rise up, gather round, rock this place to the ground..."

May 15th - Rock on the Dock

You could have not asked for a more perfect and picturesque evening to have an 80’s hard rock & heavy metal fest hosted on the dock. The weather was gorgeous in the upper 70’s with a cooling breeze blowing off the water. Across those Zephyrus winds were carried the melodious audio emanations originating from the stage at Red Eyes, creations of some of the best players from the area. Through rhythmic weavings the tapestry of the music was formed, a pleasing experience to all at Red Eyes, on the boats surrounding the dock, and even the residences nearby on the bay.

Thank you to all you party animals that joined us out at Red Eyes. To our usual suspects of Gail & Joe, Joe, Jessica, Miranda, Leigh Ann, Pam, Brian & Janice, Rob & Lisa, Chrissy, Kim, Kathy, Jackie, Tracy, Adriana, Nancy, Donna, Ashley, Debbie, Shannon, Capt. Bill, Paula, Matt, Wanda, Bill, Lori, Ray, Angie, Mary, Ed, Angel, Marion, Glenn, & Chris. Shout out to the wedding party for Wayne & Amy and to the bachelor party for Austin Curtis (Run! Run away! Run!). Thanks to the management and staff at Red Eyes for the hospitality. Shout out to Winn for the excellent job behind the sound board. Special thank you to Chris McCoy for joining us on stage and gracing us with his unparalleled keyboard prowess.

Happy 37th Anniversary to Mike and Janet. May you celebrate many more :)

This upcoming Saturday has us at Bamboo Bernies in Pasadena . This is the final show for a few weeks while we finalize some original material, retool the setlist, and welcome new additions to the AnK family. Make sure you come out early as Bamboos is guaranteed to hit capacity early.

May 8th - Eff you Murphy

Cousin Murphy thought they would show up and try and create mischief at Whispers for Alive-n-Kickin’. Well, Murphy was in for a rude surprise as every conceivable issue that did go wrong was dealt with superbly by the band and support crew. That whimpering you heard 3was Murphy limping out with his tail tucked between his legs from the ass kicking he received. How dare you try and impinge on one of our shows. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever stand in the way of an AnK show. The proof of that was the top-notch performance put forth by AnK at Whispers. We were able to overcome several technical issues to still present the best live musical show in the area. Judging by the crowd reaction they were very pleased.

We would like to personally thank everyone for coming out to Whispers and making us the best drawing acronym-wielding band there. Thanks to Janet & Mike, Leigh Ann, Pam for the booties, Ashley, Brandon, Joan & Mike, Lori, Karen, Stacey, Barb, Candice, Jeff, Kellie, Cheryl, Karen, Sheri, Kelly, Jen, Dale, Tom & Jan, Marie, Stacey, and Mary. Special thanks to Paul for the excellent job behind the sound board. As always, thanks to our road crew of Sniper and Dallas for taking care of the gear. Final thank you to the management and staff at Whispers for their professional manner.

Special thanks to Chris McCoy for the otherworldly keyboard playing. I’m just sayin’ Chris is the utmost professional and friend and we were tickled to have him back with us. We look forward to Red Eyes with Chris joining us there as well.

Shout out to our buddies in PUSH (Space, Johnny B, & Jamie) for joining us at Whispers and on stage. Their kick-ass debut CD is being released now. Pick up a copy and check these guys out. You won’t be disappointed.

Next up is the world-renown Red Eyes Dock Bar in Grasonville, Md. on Saturday 5/15 from 8 pm to midnight. This is our first of many 2010 shows there and it is always an over-the-top, exceedingly fun time when we perform so gas up the boat, load up the cooler, and come on out to Red Eyes for a night of 80’s hard rock & heavy metal musical fun out on the dock.

May 1st - Rockin' da Dena

As an ode to Pasadena, I decided to pen the news in the local vernacular.

Billy V’s Rock Bar this past Saturday was HOT! It was beyond hot, it was nucular! The heat outside was nothing compared to the inferno taking place within the walls of Billy V’s. People had never seen nuthin’ like it in all the years the area has hosted local music but then again, there has never been nuthin’ like Alive-n-Kickin’. The band was dead on and the fans were really into it. I’m just sayin’ I ain’t never seen such a spectacle. It was off the hook, crazy, nutty, bombastic musical fun. If there is one thing the people in da Dena know how to do its party and have a good time.

Our new original tunes were again met with a resounding acceptance cheer. The first batch of tunes is in final mixdown phase and we will be going in shortly to begin recording the next batch.

Naturally we’d be remiss if we did not include the obligatory thank you’s. Let’s begin with Razor Ray Brown for his talents behind the sound board, Dallas and Sniper “text-boy” John for gear management & lights, and Madhatter Mike for pictures & lights. Thanks also to Janet, Miranda (studying to sell real estate to Krakens), MYles E., Shannon, Jen, Bev, Karen, Tiffany, Ashley for pics, Eddie, Tyler, Gail & Joe, Jessica, Amy, Dawn, Chris, Robbie, Adam & Erin, Marina, Randy H., Jessica, Casey, and Ron. Shout out to Jamie from PUSH for the awesome drumming on Rock & Roll All Night allowing the God of Thunder to come out front and strut his stuff.

Next weekend the AA County tour continues with the Fabulous Whispers in Glen Burnie. Saturday May 8th is going to be another 80’s musical extravaganza and as an added bonus, keyboardist Chris McCoy will be playing with us. Chris helped out AnK baack in 2006-2007 and we are thrilled that he will be back on stage with us again. You won’t want to miss this one!

April 23-24th - Downee Oshun Hun, part II

As a follow up to the well penned Purple Moose prose Steve graced us with, I would like to acknowledge several people that helped make this weekend special. Shout out to Madhatter Mike, Sniper John, Dallas, Janet, Miranda, Pammie, and Leigh Ann for traveling from various points across the great state of Maryland to join us at the beach. Thanks also to Brian & Janice (Momma & Poppa Pam), Chris & Craig, Chrissy from Thurmont, Teri, Suzi, Gayle, Cathy, Greg, Mary, Andrew, marathoner Danielle, Heather, Roxanne, Joe, Brian, Tyler aka DJ Bigler, the bar crawl crew for staying put and Ron for the awesome job behind the sound board.

We would also like to send a sincere thank you to Charlie and Cathy Higgs for helping us out last minute. You guys are true professionals and were a blast to hang with.

April 23-24th - Downee Oshun Hun, part I

Our Purple Moose weekend went over smashingly well considering unforeseen circumstances that precluded the show. Steve penned a nice piece for the news so without further ado, heeeeeerrrrreeeeee’s the God of Thunder.

"Through difficulty comes opportunity" - Albert Einstein

A band, by definition, is a family. This band in particular is an incredible example of that definition. Alive-n-Kickin’ has been together for 8 years and some of the current members have known and played with each other for over 20 years. To say the brotherly bonds are strong and secure amongst us is an understatement.

As with all families, we have the misfortune to face adversity together from time to time. It is how we find the opportunities in those difficulties that defines our relationships both business and personal, and reveals our brotherhood.

This past week we were floored to hear of Glenn's beloved Mother falling ill and needing heart surgery. I personally have known Glenn and his Mom since 1987. So this is one of those moments that goes to show, that family is most important, and comes first.

Of course, our first thoughts and prayers were for our brother and his Mom. Band and our schedule of gigs will have to wait.

To show that family works both ways, it was Glenn himself who suggested we find a substitute for him for our gig this past weekend at the Purple Moose in Ocean City. With reluctance, but pure admiration, we put our extended family to work looking for a competent replacement on two days notice.

Enter Charlie Higgs. After a call to another brother, Myles Evans, we were put in touch with the legendary Baltimore guitarist. Those of you out there that remember the band Staggerwing know just how phenomenal a player Charlie is. He was one of the few we knew could fill Glenn’s shoes. After a few calls and Glenn’s blessings, we were on our way over the Bay Bridge to show how the Alive-n-Kickin family is stronger than ever.

To summarize, the weekend at the Moose went incredibly well. Charlie fit right in and played all our tunes without a hitch. Even our original "Angels" was in the set to a great reception.

All the while our thoughts and prayers were with Glenn and his Mom. We received word that she pulled through her surgery and we are all hoping for a speedy recovery. We will keep everyone posted.

Meanwhile, we would like to thank Charlie Higgs for his professionalism and talent and for also rising up through the adversity. Welcome to our family.

The AnK family rolls into Billy V's in Pasadena, Md. Saturday May 1st. We will see you all there.

April 16th - Let's Get Naugty, Naughty

This past Friday night’s festivities at Cancun Cantina were off the charts! The club was packed from the opening double bass thunder drums and things did not relent until the ugly lights came on and the fire marshall and liquor board announced “Enough!” In between the evening was a musical whirlwind accentuated by frenetic fans all dancing and head banging with no let up in intensity. It was a grand time had by all! It was so nuts that we stole the thunder from the national acts on the country side (sorry guys) as everyone was over on the deck rocking out to AnK.

The proverbial cherry on the musical cake was 98 Rock hosting Naughty School Girl night. The contestants were all brought up and prepped by dancing to the band's version of Hot For Teacher. Once everyone was lathered up, the contest featured over a dozen stunning competitors that shimmied and shook their naughtiness for the crowd, who picked the winner based on the loudest cheer. Even though only one woman could claim victory, all were victorious in competing. Emcee Stash did a great job in coordinating the event and based on the audience response, everyone enjoyed the event.

Thanks to our numerous friends who came out to celebrate a Friday night AnK style. We'll start with Ray for the awesome job behind the sound board, Mike for the killer LED lights and photography, Dallas & John for gear humping and event management, and Adam & Mike for video production. Thanks to the usual suspects of Pam, Leigh Ann, Miranda, Janet, Shannon G., Gail & Joe, Jen C., Jessica, Lauren, Tony, Shannon, Trish, Joe, Mark, John, Ashley, Rebecca, Tom & Lynn, Dana, Erin, Kim, Barb, Dawn, Andy, Jerome, Mike, Andrea, Kimberly, Michelle, Chad, Cindy, Christina, Brian, Jess, Sue, Krissy, Denise, Kelli, Raymond, Jeff, Kenny, Chris, Joey, Ken A., John, Roy, Sherri, Ron, Carol, Stacy, Fred, Samantha, Christina, and Jay. Special thank you to Stash, Mike, and all the crew at 98 Rock for the on-air love. Final thank you to all the Naughty School Girl contestants. It takes a lot of gumption to get up in front of a raucous crowd and strut your wares.

Next weekend AnK is headin' downee oshun hun for a two night extravaganzaa at the world famous Purple Moose Saloon. Many of us have played the Moose numerous times over the years and it never gets old. You just have to love a trip to the beach where you can enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of OC during the day and then enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Purple Moose at night. We will be performing both Firday and Saturday night so make plans and come spend the weekend with AnK at the beach.

April 8th - Cancun Cantina 4/16

Naughty School Girl Night hosted by 98 Rock and emceed by Stash. Cool prizes for the best outfits. April 16 at Cancun Cantina - be there.

March 20th - The Madbash!

Spring is in the air! The weather was pleasant making the arduous trek up Rt. 301-Rt.3-I 97 more tolerable then normal. Of course that was nullified by the exponential increase in base stupidity that decided to also venture forth onto the roads to enjoy the splendid sunshine. The Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles seriously needs to raise the minimum standards for issuing people driver’s licenses because there are just too many out there without a clue. Here is lesson #1. The pedal on the right makes the vehicle go and the pedal to its left makes it stop. Go home and study and we will review this tomorrow. We’ll get into more advanced topics like blinker usage once this basic principle is mastered.

The MadBash turned out to be an awesome night of revelry and merriment! A new bar has been established for fun and partying that I am pretty sure will not be exceeded for quite some time, if ever. The crew definitely knows how to cut loose with the best of them. We actually celebrated several birthdays and are pleased as punch that everyone decided to come celebrate with us. And you have to agree that the Madhatter rendition of John Prine was phenomenal.

Lots of love and thanks go out to the ever-growing list of loyal people that choose to come party with us. We shall begin with birthday wishes to our very own Madhatter Mike, who is so loved that he had multiple cakes baked for the occasion. We’d be remiss to not also offer happy birthday wishes to Jessica, who really showed deft proficiency in accepting the blow job from Joey, and Dallas, our AnK crewman extraordinaire. Thanks also to the usual suspects Janet, Leigh Ann, Pam, Gail & Joe, Miranda, Shannon, Cory L., Scott, Christine, Mona & Dave, Tony & Shannon, Trish, Patty, Rob, Jimmy, Danielle & Ryan, Mike & Candace, Norm, Denise, Amy, Jenn, Chris, Laura, Christine, Ron, Margie, Melissa, Chris A., Holly, Angie, Carl, Steve, Eric, Jasmine, Julie, Stacey, Amber, Shannon, Cheryl, Ashley, Dawn & Rick, Zach, Carey, Jeff, Wendy, and Marty. Extra special thanks to Razor Ray for the great job behind the sound board and to Cyndie for keeping him in check ;) Also thanks to Sniper John for attending all the thankless minutia that helps make AnK the best it can be. You da man!

Lots of cool things are coming up in the land of AnK. The studio has been going very well, albeit slower then we would like but when creating audio life you cannot rush the final product. When Michaelangelo was painting the Sistine chapel ceiling, did Pope Julius II come up and ask, “you done yet?” Very soon we will have mixed down our first 3 original songs and they will be made available for your listening perusal through this website as well as other social media locations like MySpace. They will also be available for purchase through as yet undecided internet music purchase sites. More songs are in various stages of completion with plans to go back in the studio to track 3 more completed ones shortly. As the process unfolds we will continue to post updates.

In the meantime be ready for an incredible night of AnK as things are heating up with the warm weather. Our 4/16 Cancun Cantina gig corresponds with 98 Rock’s “Naughty School Night” while on the country side there will be 3 national acts performing, Brady Seals (former lead singer of Little Texas), Nathan Lee Jackson, and David Bradley. It is an honor and privilege that the powers that be thought so highly of us as to afford us this opportunity to perform along with these other artists and events when there are numerous other bands that could have been chosen. It shows their faith in AnK and we will not disappoint!

March 16th - Has it been a year already?

Happy AnKiversary!

It is hard to fathom that a year has passed since that fateful night at Nabbs Creek (R.I.P.) when the core membership of AnK shifted and solidified. Sure, there have been some other changes this past year, (I'm just sayin'), but the fearsome foursome have become a force to be reckoned with. While we can pat ourselves on the back for a job well done, it doesn't tell the whole story. A band is only as good as the family, friends, and fans who show their support. So we decided that its time to give all of you your proper space and due thanks and acknowledgment. We are expanding our beloved website to include a 4F page (family, friends, fans, and freeloaders). Here you will find all of the awesome pics of the aforementioned group that is the lifeblood of AnK and sets us apart from the other local entertainment.

As an added bonus, we will be highlighting a "Fan of the Month", so submit a story about yourself and what you love about your boys. They will be looked at in terms of content, originality, and for the first few months... Favoritism. We would be horribly remiss in our duties if we didn't give our long-term fans preferential treatment for a few months.

Thanks to all and get ready for the CD!

February 27th - The Fabulous Whispers

When a club is packed one hour before show time, you know it is going to be a good night. The masses flocked early to the temple of Whispers to get a good seat for the spiritual 80’s hard rock & heavy metal message that Alive-n-Kickin’ would exalt. Doing our best Miracle Man (Ozzy reference) impersonation, we inspired and mesmerized the legions of hard rock denizens with our message. Disciples gyrated and undulated frenetically to the audio bliss that engulfed their spirits from the podium. It was truly a religious moment that people will be talking about for ages! People will ask, “Where were you on the night Alive-n-Kickin’ descended from the musical heavens to bless us with their holy rhythms?”

We have oodles of people to thank for sharing the fun with us. We’ll start with the usual suspects of Quiet Storm Kelley, maestro Razor Ray on sound, Madhatter Mike for the multichromatic visual magic, and Sniper & Dallas for road crewing extraordinaire. Thanks as well to Leigh Ann, Pammie, Shannon, Janet, Bev, Miranda, Cyndie, Tony & Shannon, Kimberly & Rick for bringing 32 friends, Ronnie, Jan, Mona & Dave (congrats on the pending nuptials), Joan & Mike, Patti, Holly, Jeanette, Cory L., Chris, Laurie, Sonia, Judy, Lisa E., Dotty, John G., Dave, Karen & Rich, Diane & Steve, Denise, Debbie, Barbara, Jimmy, Paul, Stevie, Jen, Helen, Connie, Ron, Linda, Crystal, Pete, Ron H, Joe, Duane, Angie, Amanda, Cheryl, and Jeff.

The next couple of weekends we will be taking off to hone our original tunes as we venture into the studio to record these puppies. We are very excited about our original songs and look forward to getting you the finished products shortly. After the short hiatus we will be blowing the roof off Billy V’s Rock Bar in Pasadena on March 20th so there will be a lot of pent up energy ready to be unleashed on the masses.

"Music has the power, says the things you want to hear."

February 20th - Happy BEAST-Day!

The "Doin' It Our Way" tour continued this past Saturday with another balls-out concert in Waldorf. The night's concert was another awesome display of audio and visual power, a multi-sensory overload of musical elation and joy. Giving you a top-notch, live total package has become a standard that we are constantly honing, tweaking, and perfecting. Everyone really tore it up and had a great time with us and the positive response from our first batch of original tunes keeps growing. We can't wait to get them completed and out there for your listening enjoyment.

Thank you's aplenty need to be bestowed upon a slew of friends who joined us. We'll start with Ray for making us sound awesome! Thanks also Sniper and Dallas for gear humping, set up, and breakdown. You guys rock! Shout out to Madhatter Mike for the impeccable light show. Thanks also to Leigh Ann, Janet, Miranda, Aunt Pammie, Mike, Bev, drummer extraordinaire Myles Evans, Momma Beast Kathy for the wonderfully decadent and delectable cheesecake, Quiet Storm Kelley for the birthday Beast beads, Faye for not flipping out at the lack of Patron and Bacardi ;) (finger-twirl!), Al for having a great ear for music, John G., Crystal, Kelly from Buffalo, Canadian Dave, and Michele from Australia. Special thanks to Dave Villareal for adding stellar keyboards and soaring angelic vocals to the mix.

Happy milestone birthday to Leigh Ann and our own Corrupt Beast Steve. Welcome to the other side of 40 guys. :)

This Saturday 2/27 has us continuing the 80's metal onslaught at the Fabulous Whispers in Glen Burnie. Feedback has been very positive and we expect a packed house and intense show. Get there early so you can get a table and be ready to tear it up like we used to back in the day!

February 6th - Billy V's Rock Bar Canceled for tongiht due to inclimate weather

Just a quick note that due to the blizzard of 2010 and the record snowfall that accompanied it, tonight's concert at Billy V's Rock Bar has been canceled. As soon as it is rescheduled we will let you know. Being snowed in allows us to focus on our original tunes. In the meantime please be safe and stay indoors until this mess passes.

January 29th - The Result of Doin' It Our Way!

All week long we were wondering if Jack Frost was going to urinate on us again by sending forth a winter storm the likes of which would have made Rudolf look at Santa and say, "up yours, I'm not going out in this crap!" Our last Bamboo Bernies show was cancelled due to the Great Blizzard of 2009 and even though stubborn determination would have flown in the face of common sense regarding canceling, the concern danced in our heads that we would have to cancel the show again. Luckily Jack Frost relented or got wind that he would have received a major stepped-tongue whoop-ass had he pulled his shenanigans again so the snow did not come though it was cold! Ice cold! Friggin' frigid! Subarctic! You get the picture. It was so effin' cold there were polar bears laying out on Rte. 100 basking in the weather.

Inside Bamboos it was the exact opposite. The normal temperate clime was raised to thermonuclear levels by the largest live show and production in the area. The area's best players, masters of their respective crafts, attacked the stage with gusto and verve unlike what has been seen locally, amplified by our unparalleled LED light show. This crowd was bludgeoned from the passion and intensity hurling forth from the stage, mesmerized by the audio bliss. Everyone rocked, sang, chanted, head banged, danced, gyrated, undulated, and just went flat-out crazy the entire night. It was the closest thing to musical Nirvana that you could get and we are so glad to have been the impetus for such a stellar night.
Oodles of friends and fans, all members of the AnK family, were active participants in the festivities and need to be acknowledged in this news. Props to our top-notch crew of Ed on sound, Pat on lights, Madhatter Mike on photography, and Sniper John on gear management. You guys are the foundation that lets us focus on bringing forth the best live show around and we thank you from the cockles of our nether parts. Big hugs, kisses, licks, gropes, and squeezes to Pammie & Leigh Ann, Bobbie Sue, Miranda, Debbie, Shannon, Joan, Christine, Mona, Patty, Shelly, Hammerjacks Steve, 1/2 Bearded Jeff, Denise, Didi, Lady Di sporting her AnK shirt, Robbie, Sherry, Carolyn, Lori, Michael, Katie, Ruthie, Stacy, Bunnie & Taz, Rob, Dale, Cory, Travis, Kenny, Cindy & Keith, Adriana, Raoul, Bonnie, Becky, Sharon, Chet, Amy, Susan, Meredith, Paul, Brian, Marie, Glen, Bonnie, Kelly, Traci, Angie, Melissa, Lori, Vince, and Chris.

Special shout out and congratulations to Gail and Joe for celebrating 30 years of marital bliss :)

Lots of cool things are going on in the near future in the land of AnK. Next Saturday February 6 has us gracing the stage at Billy V's Rock Bar in Pasadena. In between we will be in the studio laying down the initial tracks to several of our own original songs, some of which we have been playing at shows. As soon as the songs are completed we will upload them to our various social media sites for your listening perusal.

January 23rd - Joey fondles the Dicklace!

It has been several months since Alive-n-Kickin' graced the stage at Memories. Anticipation of playing Memories increased with each passing day to the point of Vesuvial eruption on game day, a musical orgasmic release that lasted a good 4 hours Saturday night. After that blast I needed an entire pack of cigarettes and I don't even smoke. Everyone there had an absolute blast and are glad that even though we have played Memories for several years, every gig is still as exciting, exhilarating, and fun as the first time way back in 2002.

The debut of our first original song, Move My Way met with a resounding applause from the crowd. Feedback has been awesome and studio quality recordings will be following soon, with a full length CD release set for the not-too-distant future. Ideas for the cover art and interior design are being reviewed right now so if anyone has any suggestions feel free to send them to us at alivenkickinband@yahoo.com

Thank you to the myriad individuals that chose to rock the night with us. We’ll begin with the Quiet Storm Kelley for battery and wireless management, Sniper & Dallas for gear humping (snicker) and the KFC run, Pat for putting together the best light show around (check out the pics!), Madhatter & Janet for the awesome pics showcasing Pat’s awesome light show, Bev for showing Thurmont is not too far to come see AnK, Rob for the phenomenal keyboards, Phil for the great job behind the sound board, and the trailer for unequivocal service. Happy birthday to JoAnn and shout out to her crew (Faye the little needle luva, Devil-Chick One-Set Sprite-Sipping Susie, Becky, and Kelley) and congratulations to Chrissy on her pending nuptials. Thanks also to Holly & Kerry (smiley bumper sticker displayer), Shannon G., Debbie B., Miranda, Al M. the musical connoisseur, Lenny, Ruthie, John, Ken & Joyce, Sandy, roast beef sandwiches & bottled water, Lori, Christy, Nancy, Rob, Dave, and Jackie. Joey would like to specifically thank the Dicklace for a special evening of bonding. Final curse to the battery draining gremlins that made 3 wireless packs lose power. Effers!

Special thank you to the entire crew at Memories for the professionalism and hospitality.. You guys are awesome!

Final shout out to Steve's step tongue. Not only is it tiered, it can read brail!

This Friday has AnK back at Pasadena ’s #1 rock club, Bamboo Bernies. Be ready to see the revamped, upgraded, and enhanced production in its full splendor and glory, showcasing our unparalleled live show. New original songs are being debuted for your listening enjoyment as well as some new cover tunes. The original songs are currently in production and studio quality releases will be available soon on our website for your listening perusal and for purchase at shows and through the Alive-n-Kickin’ website.

January 1st - Happy New Year and GFR to 2009

It’s time to reflect back on the musings, sayings, and prose that stood out in 2009 over all others, ones that have merited inclusion in this hallowed list, forever referenced in the annals of time. Many of these will probably make no sense but trust me when I say they truly have meaning. Without further ado, here they are for your reading enjoyment.

“Because it radiates brilliance!”

“Do you wax?”

“Because I’m the lead singer to Alive-n-Kickin’ bee-yatch”

“That’s bool-sheet!”

“Put ‘em up, put ‘em up!”

“You guys don't practice, we sound like we don't practice, how you gonna fix it and don't tell me it’s because I don't come to practice!”

(Sung to Bon Jovi's Bed of Roses) “While Steve Miller he calls me, to stand in his spotlight again…”

And the number 1 quote of 2009

“I’m just sayin’”

December 31st - Ta-Ta 2009

Amazing how quickly 2009 flew by. The years definitely move quicker as we get older. Many things good and bad have occurred over the course of the year that have made us stronger and better people and musicians. These things have also led to the growth of the band to where we are giddy in our expectations for 2010. It will be the year of breakout for Alive-n-Kickin’.

Our final gig of 2009 turned out to be a blast. Full Rack really knew how to celebrate the occasion. Naturally we rocked the house (you expect anything less?) continuing to set the bar for local live music performance. At the stroke of midnight everyone took a break from the intense night of 80’s metal mayhem and fury to celebrate the birth of the New Year. Champagne and hugs flowed aplenty as everyone reveled in the closing of 2009 and birth of 2010.

It was a nice change for me to not have to traverse halfway across the great state of Maryland to play a gig. Not that I am complaining, as I would travel to BFE to play, but it is nice to be able to be home in 20 minutes and to sleep in my own bed.

Oodles of friends came from all over the place to come ring in the New Year with us. Thank you to Gail & Joe, Janet, Aunt Pammie, Mike, Leigh Ann, Debbie B., Shannon, Jen from Mt. Airy, Al M. for the scintillating conversation, Dawn, Cory, Crystal, Patti & Christine who came down form Pasadena, Jan & Rick, Jessica, Ryan, Peggie & Ernie, the Wisconsin crew, Glenn’s best impression of Tony Iommi/Carmine Appice, Shawn, and Erin. Shout out to Madhatter Mike for triple duty of sound, pics, and DJ – great job! Thanks also to Sniper John for the usual hauling, set-up, and break down of gear as well as the great job running lights. Special love to Wanda and the staff at Full Rack for making the New Year special.

The next couple of weeks has Alive-n-Kickin’ down in the catacombs of our rehearsal studio, diligently tweaking and refining our ever evolving show. We are also finalizing some original tunes with the beginnings of studio recording scheduled for next week. Hopefully soon after we will have finalized original music for your listening pleasure. Check back here for continued updates.

December 26th - The Curse of the Rose

So after a refreshing Christmas weekend with the family, we were eager to take the stage at Champions and expunge all the additional calories we took in over the holidays feasting on holiday yummies and victuals. 80s metal mayhem would rule and we were fully prepared to blow the roof off Champion Billiards in Frederick. Our true mettle was tested as two vehicles were downed en route to the show. We’ll call it the Curse of the Rose as Joey had involvement in the issues sustained by both vehicles. Luckily Sniper has true friends that came to the rescue allowing everyone to arrive in time for set up and sound check.

The people at Champions were ready to tear it up! From the initial crash in E minor the crowd was up in a frenzy. The party stayed at full pitch all night long until the ugly lights punctuated the merriment, inspiring a cascade of boos from the patrons of Champions, who were nowhere near ready to call it quits and go home. Darn liquor laws!

Thanks to our ever-growing legion of fans who came out to support us on this frigid Saturday night. We’ll begin with the usual; suspects of spunky Pammie, Mike, Spanky (thanks for helping move stuff), Shannon, Janet, Madhatter for the pictures, Sniper for behind-the-scenes help, Pat for the awesome LED light show, Bev, Kelly (hope the wrist gets better soon), Sue (dentistry pays the bills, not music), Glen, Ray, John G. for chaperoning Glenn, Jeff, Leigh Ann – no, wait, Leigh Ann got…ahem… held up and couldn’t make it, Scooter, Mike, Steve, Gary, Teresa (Boo!), Cindy, Eddie, Stacy & Lori, Lynn, and Tiffany. Thanks to Chris from Showtime for the great job on sound. Thanks to the Frederick IHOP for the post-gig feeding. Anyone know if Harry goes there? (Harry is the Frederick AnK version of Waldo).

Special shout out to Rob Bangert for lending us his exceptional keyboard prowess. You da man!

We have one final concert for 2009, a New Years Eve full court concert extravaganza at Full Rack in Waldorf. A $10 cover gets you an entire night of 80’s hard rock & heavy metal galore, champagne, party favors, and dancing and fun all through the night. Some local hotels are offering discounts for the night if you mention Full Rack. Please call the club at 301-843-5330 for more details.

December 23rd - Merry ChrismaChaunaKwanzakaa!

We in Alive-n-Kickin' would like to take a moment to wish all of our families, support crew, fans, and friends a safe and joyous holiday season. Be safe, eat hearty, drink profoundly and enjoy the company of loved ones. When you get sick of them come out to Champion Billiards in Frederick this Saturday where we will be blasting the best of the 80's hard rock and heavy metal while imbibing leftover egg nog enjoying post-Yule cheer.

December 5th - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

We in Alive-n-Kickin’ are the musical version of the US Postal Service. Neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor the stupidity that is indigenous to AA County could keep us from our destination of Whispers in Glen Burnie. Once there the craziness that was our PA would not deter us from our goal of presenting 80’s metal madness to the masses. Given the slightly higher average age of the regular patrons at Whispers, our introductory original instrumental turned many a head, eliciting looks of “WTF?”

After the initial shock and awe wore off the patrons settled in to a raucous good time of live hard rock music. Everyone danced and head-banged all evening long. The reception was profoundly positive by the clientele, staff, and management to where we shall be back in 2010.

Thank you to the many individuals that came to rock and party with us at Whispers. Thanks to Mike & Janet, Candice, Sniper, Pam & Leigh Ann for the custom T-shirts, Joe & Gail (thanks for the reference), Brian & Kelly (happy birthday!), Cyndee, Dave G., Wendy, Stan, Kim, Kelly, Jill, Dave V., Rob, Shannon, Joe, Melissa, Tim, Lee, and Paul. Special thanks to Ray for running sound and keeping calm while trouble shooting the cluster f**k that was our cabling. Thanks also to Pat for the multi-chromatic visual mood enhancement (lights & smoke). Final thank you to Kimo for the ever awesome keyboard skills.

Our next show is Saturday December 19th at Bamboo Bernies, our final one and the last weekend before Christmas. Be ready for some 80’s style hard rockin’ holiday cheer. Perhaps another homage to the great TSO is in order this year. We shall see...

November 28th - The Thanksgiving Aftermath

Our debut concert at Full Rack was a smashing success. Waldorf’s newest night club is an awesome place. Big and roomy with a great stage more then capable of housing the best of the 80’s hard rock and heavy metal in all its splendor and glory. We radiated brilliance from the stage as the masses flocked for an evening of musical fury. It felt great to be back in Waldorf again, rocking Charles County like no one else.

Thank you to our ever growing legion of fans as well as the usual suspects. These miscreants include Janet & Leigh Ann (all the way from Martinsburg), James, Holly, Crystal, Cory (welcome back), Jason. Jenny, Dave, Susie (we forgive you for being a Steelers fan), Mike & Suzanne, Matt, Anne (Happy Birthday!), Ona, and Billy. Kudos to our always exceptional crew of Ed (sound), Pat (lights), and John (all things mundane). Thanks again to Kimo Kerrse for helping us out on keys. Final shout out to the Waldorf IHOP for creating the newest libation concoction of coffee and orange juice. We are submitting this acidic caffeine drink to Starbuck’s for consideration in their coffee arsenal.

This weekend has Alive-n-Kickin’ debuting in a brand new club, Whispers in Glen Burnie. Whispers is a real nice place, roomy with a great menu. It also has a kick-ass stage that will serve well for the 80s rock concert event that will be gracing it this Saturday. Come on out as we want to have a packed house on our inaugural night. You won’t be disappointed!

November 25th - Happy Thanksgiving

We in Alive-n-Kickin' would like to take this time to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We cherish this time away from the stage where we join in celebration with our loved ones for the blessings of health and good fortune. Of course you everyone gets the best of both worlds as Alive-n-kickin' will be debuting at Waldorf's newest musical venue Full Rack this Saturday 11/28 so after you have your fill of victuals you can come on down Saturday and work that excess food off by banging your head with AnK!

November 13th - Oh My!

Anyone that fears the curse of Friday the 13th need only pay attention to how we in Alive-n-Kickin’ handle adversity. From being short a member, to keys locked in cars (snicker) with the microphones, biblical downpours during load-in, and confusion as to the difference between men and women’s attire, we were able to overcome all these stumbling blocks to deliver another top-notch concert performance. A truly monumental performance that will be recorded in the annuls of live music history. The crowd stood in awe at the power and fury that radiated from the stage as we expended every bastion of energy we had into confirming our status as a live musical powerhouse. After all, when you are the trend setter there is no room for complacency.

Thank yous abound to our ever growing legion of fans. At this rate there will be no room in cyberspace for everyone’s names. Happy Birthday to the trifecta of Kim, Kelly, and our own Quiet Storm Kelley (Tuaca & Ginger is yummy!). Shout out to Frank & Nicole, Roger & Jeannie, Martin, Leigh Ann, Joan, Patti, Mona, Bev, Gail & Joe, Andy, Nikki, Ashley, Dave, Shannon, Hammerjacks Steve, Moe & John from Moe Strings, 1/2 bearded Jeff, Janet, Diane, Denise, Keith & Kara, Scott, John, Chuck, Vanessa, Steve, Mikey, Chrissy & Dan, Stephanie, and Gene. Special thanks to Mike for the photos, John for gear maintenance and stage coordination, Adam from Baltimore Video Productions for the video footage, Pat for keeping us bright and setting the visual mood all night, and Ed for the audio majesty.

Special thank you to Kimo Kersse for his stellar performance on keyboards. You are a true talent and a great friend and person.

Thank you to Joey Rose for modeling a medium Alive-n-Kickin’ ladies baby doll t-shirt. It fit you very well, though you may want to manscape a little bit.

Check out our schedule as some shuffling has occurred in December. Our next show is December 19th at Bamboo Bernies for a pre-Xmas bash. In the meantime everyone have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. In between helpings of turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and other delicacies we will be working up new cover and original tunes and constantly striving to improve our show for you, the fans.

"Don't stop at the top. Touch the sky before you fall."

October 23rd - We Are The Champions!

Here’s a shocker. It rained while we loaded gear into Champion Billiards in Frederick for our gig on 10/23. Naturally the rain ceased once the last piece of equipment was safely inside and the trailer parked. Set up was uneventful but even though all the gear was checked and serviced, I had a wireless transmitter go down and a bass string break in the first set. Being the seasoned grizzled veteran and consummate professional I was prepared with spares so that the flow and tempo was not interrupted. Things went wonderful afterwards as the party rose to epic proportions of fun and excitement.

If you have not been to Champion Billiards in Frederick you are missing out on a great establishment. Great food and drink at good prices, courteous staff, a warehouse-sized room full of pool tables, and an awesome stage and light show round out the amenities of the place. We really enjoy playing here and look forward to every gig.

Our legion of fans and friends is ever growing necessitating an even longer thank you list then normal so hang on ‘cause here we go. We’ll commence with the usual crew of Pat on video brilliance, Ed for audio excellence, and Sniper for gear humping and emergency string changing. Thanks also to Madhatter Mike for the pics, Pam & Mike, Leigh Ann, Janet, Spanky & Josett, Bev, Jennifer, Shayne, Carole, Dave, Kelly, Nancy, Crystal, James, Mike, Yvonne, Frank, Autumn, Shelly & Carl, Bill & Connie, Angie & Steve, Donna, Jeff, Valerie, and Peter. Thank you also to the Waffle House for the greasy cuisine and to the ever-present, larger-then-life Harry.

Our next show is the infamous Cancun Cantina on Friday November 13th (spooky!). Expect bigger and better from AnK as changes have been made that will surely result in immediate improvement. I’m just sayin’…

October 3rd - Pammie has a black box!

Since we were revamping the light show for this and future gigs, we felt an earlier arrival would be beneficial so that enough time would be there for tweaking and trouble shooting. This meant an arrival time at 2 pm but it was well worth it as the addition of the new LED lights coupled with our existing show truly made for a top notch visual display that complimented the equally impressive audio presentation.

And oh was it worth it. The next level of rock and roll supremacy was achieved this past Saturday at Bamboo Bernies. Everything was one more, one better, one bigger, and one beyond what AnK has shown in the past. New heights in all aspects of musical euphoria were reached as it was obvious to all attendees in the capacity crowd that AnK had arrived. Audio majesty blended with visual enhancement to create a musical experience unseen prior on local Baltimore metro scene. It was so wild the screws to my bass strap were shaken loose from the incessant energy and head banging and I was tame compared to my band mates and the crowd.

So many people to thank and only so much cyberspace to do it in. Thanks to Kelley Martin, Monster Stacey & Enforcer Pete, the fellas from Highwire (Bill, Dimetrius, Joe), Sniper John for the help, Janet & Madhatter Mike, Gail & Joe, Pammie & Mike, Leigh Ann, Debbie & Dave M., Joan, Mona, Mike, Patty, Christine, John G., Mike & Rob, Vicky, Dash, Robby, Dan, Dustin, Nancy, Adam & Steve, Sean, Rick & Barb, Bobbie, Kim, Kendall & Ray, Wendy, Darren, and Lori. Special shout out to Ed for the great job running sound and Pat for the stellar light show. As always thank you to the management and staff at Bamboo Bernies for the gracious hospitality.

Happy birthday to Monster Stacey & Janet F. (Mrs. Madhatter & Mama Sniper) :)

Thanks to Pam's black box for the round of laughs post-gig.

Another couple of weekends off as we begin to get into full holiday mode. My house looks like a Fall and Halloween display courtesy of the nesting Shannon. All I need to complete the holiday theme is a pumpkin-colored bass. In the meantime we will be doing a pre-Halloween bash at Champion Billiards in Frederick on Friday October 23rd so come join us as we prepare to ring in the holiday season with the best of the mostly 80s hard rock & heavy metal.

September 11th - A Salute!

What great honor it is to play on one of the most hallowed days in American history. We shall never forget and it was with a sense of excitement, duty, and reverence that we were afforded the opportunity to perform Cancun Cantina on September 11th. We dedicated our show to the memories of those that fell that day defending our country as well as those actively protecting us from moronic zealots intent on robbing us of our freedoms and the foundation by which our homeland was built. We salute you!

With expectations that high most would fold like the Redskins in the red zone. But those that know Alive-n-Kickin’ know we thrive under pressure, rise to the occasion and hit the stage with unparalleled arena rock regalia. From the first crunching power chord and lead solo, thunderous drums, and all 7 strings on the bass a-pounding and a-slappin’, the crowd knew it was in for a night like no other. The capacity crowd was pressed against the stage form the onset, singing and dancing until the final chord was struck, the final light went on, the final smoke pot went up, and Steve was out of dry shirts.

If there weren’t pressure enough, the highly respected owner of Cancun, Bamboos, and Red Eyes empire was on hand to review the show. Gracious accolades were bestowed upon us after the performance, complimenting our audio and visual prowess. Thank you Tony!

Patriotic salutes go out to the following folks. We’ll start with the happy birthday wishes to Robert & Redskins Steve. Shout out also to Gail & Joe, Pam, Mike, Leigh Ann, Jamie, Steve, Melanie, Tommy & Gina, Jen, Connie & Stan, Bull & Weevil, Renee, Danny, Jeff, and Peggy. Special love to Ed for the great job running sound, Sniper John for the lights and road crew direction, Madhatter Mike for the photos, and Adam for the video production.

After this run of shows (7 in the last 6 weeks), it will be nice to have the next 2 weeks off. We will emerge from this mini-hibernation on October 3rd at Bamboo Bernies. Come check out our newly updated light show, a fitting accoutrement to the energetic and musical cacophony that is an AnK live show. We will also be celebrating another year on earth and more gray hairs for George so come on out to the revelry as we continue to show the Baltimore metro area the true meaning of live music.

September 6th - Bike Show, Torrential Rains & Ms. Twisted Tea Round 3

It’s always something. This time the serene trip to Bamboo Bernies was punctuated by a loud pop and a loud clicking from my truck engine. Having experienced this before, I knew a spark plug blew in the motor. Luckily we are prepared for such contingencies and a quick phone call and slight detour brought the Corrupt One to my in-laws where we efficiently and methodically transferred the trailer and were back up the road in no time.

Lots was happening at Bamboo Bernies. Tons of awesome choppers were out for the bike show that afternoon. 98 Rock’s very own Stash was emceeing round 3 of Ms. Twisted Tea where 4 lovely bikini clad contestants vied for the honor of competing in the final round for a chance to win $2500 and a trip for 2 to Vegas. Oh yeah, Alive-n-Kickin’ played, too.

Actually it was a great afternoon as many of our friends and fans braved the deluge to come rock with us. It rained so hard we became concerned that the rising water would crest the stage door and spill over into the club. Luckily the torrential deluge subsided right before the point of no return.

Where to begin with the thank yous. Much appreciation to Aunt Pammie, Leigh Ann, Joe & Gail (happy birthday), loaf-lovin’ Susie, Kelley, Martin, Donna, Christine, Dave G., Zach, Dallas, Joan, Shannon D. for the great rendition of Screamin’ In the Night, Ed E. for the man-love, Danielle, Nicole, Robin, Kevin, and Cindy. Shout out to our crew of Ray (sound), Sniper John (video), Chris (lights), Madhatter Mike (pics), Coop (crew) for staying on top of stuff and making us look and sound great. Congratulations to all the motorcycle and Ms. Twisted Tea entrants. Final kudos to Shane Dimitri for being the cutest 4 & 1/2 year-old headbanger out there.

Kudos to the management and staff at Bamboo Bernies for maintaining organization of all the events of the afternoon. Steve wanted to let you know we found all the roof leaks.

Our next concert will be a commemorative tribute on Friday 9/11 at Cancun Cantina for all who perished on that fateful day, their families and friends, and our military and civilian personnel that are risking their lives home and abroad to ensure the freedoms our great nation provides remain intact.

September 4th - Ms. Twisted Tea Bikini Contest & Bike Show Sunday 9/6

Just a quick reminder that this Sunday September 6th we will be playing the bike show at Bamboo Bernies in Pasadena, Md. The event will also feature the 3rd round of the Ms. Twisted Tea Bikini Contest, hosted by 98 Rock and emceed by 98 Rock's very own Stash. Click here to view information on the Ms. Twisted Tea Bikini Contest 2009.

You can see by the pic below that Stash had loads of fun with us the last time we did a show together.

Bikes, boobs, bikinis, and beer. Cool!

August 30th - On A Steel Horse I Ride...

The 2nd Annual bike show hosted by McAvoys in Parkville turned out to be a smashing success. Oodles of 2-wheeled dynamos were on display, some of the best custom choppers on the road. These road beasts of steel and chrome were on vibrant display for all to see and even got washed and shined by the lovely bike wash girls. Lots of good food and awesome bike related products and services were available.

We want to thank our many friends for enjoying the day’s festivities with us. Thanks to Sniper John & Dallas for helping move gear, Mike & Jan F., Madison Harris for showing her Dad how to move gear, John G., Chrissy, Diane, Zach, Rob & Judy, the MDXiles (Rich, Chris, Charlie), Diesel, the staff at McAvoys for the gracious hospitality, electric generators, fans, tents, and Charm City Choppers for hosting a great event.

We continue our bike show tour as our next gig is this Sunday September 6th at Bamboo Bernies from 2-7 pm. There is no better way to take a break from the Labor Day routine then to join us this Sunday.

August 21st - Summer Bliss & 80's Fun

Is it just me or do the stupid people wait for me to drive along before coming out. Twice I had some idiot pull out in front of the truck with trailer in tow while it was travelling up the road necessitating the need to slam on my bakes else the offending moron would have had 7000+ pounds of truck, trailer, and music gear shoved up their tailpipe. For all of you dimwits that are unsure, and I know there are lots of you out there, the pedal on the right makes the vehicle go faster. When you merge into traffic, press on it hard. When hauling the trailer I need more space to brake so be cognizant that anyone towing something cannot stop on a dime. Where do some of these people get their licenses, as prizes out of a Crackerjack box?

The unscathed arrival at Bamboo Bernies coincided with the rain. Luckily it was only a minor drizzle and not some biblical deluge so load-in did not result in a saturation. And the load-in door by the stage has been fixed! Hallelujah! We are taking a poll to see when the next dumas breaks the door again.

Inside Bamboo Bernies was transformed into a musical whirlwind of epic proportions. All troubles melted away as I was completely engulfed by the musical bliss we created. The entire night was wild and raucous as the jovial crowd stayed until the end and even threatened to riot when the laws of the liquor board necessitated and end to the festivities.

A plethora of deserving thank yous need to be bestowed upon merritous individuals. To Ray for earning every penny while running sound and trouble shooting. To Sniper for all the help moving gear, Madhatter for the pics, Nessa for support and cord wrapping, Susie for making the long loaf-haul up to see us – go right hand!, Pammie the silent back-up vocalist, Gail & Joe, Mike, John G., Joan, Mona, Patty, Lisa, Zach, Dallas, Wendy, Robin, Kim, Missy, Jill, Erica, Hal, Danny, birthday girl Amanda and her crew, Rob, Rick, the photo-happy Colombian cartel, Liz and Don.

Polish the chrome and shine that leather! The next 2 Sundays we will be promoting our brand of 80s rock and metal bedlam at bike shows. This Sunday August 30th has us back at an old stomping ground, McAvoys in Parkville. This is an all ages bike show where we will be playing outdoors from 1-5 pm. Bring the youngsters, come see all the cool bikes, and join us for an 80s rock & metal fest that is sure to make he people in Parkville go, WOW!”

August 15th - We are the Champions!

What a bombastic, lively, energized, fun evening Champion Billiards in Frederick was this past Saturday night. It was so intense there was a conga line going. A conga line! Who ever saw a conga line during an 80’s hard rock/heavy metal show? Regardless, it worked and it was a nice deviation from the standard head banging and stripper pole dancing we are accustomed to.

Thank you to the many people that came out to enjoy a festive evening with us. Hugs and sloppy kisses to Leigh Ann, Pam, Janet & Mike F., Ashley & Bill, Mike S., Beverly & Ray, Danette & Anna M, Sue, and Mandy, Wanda and the crew from Southern Md. Special shout out to Jennifer and her crew for helping close Champions down. Thanks to Ed for the great job running sound and to Showtime for providing the high-end PA. Honorable mention to Sniper John for all the help with the mundane things as well as the video footage. Kudos to young Steven Miller to announcing the band. Thank you to the management and staff at Champions for the always wonderful hospitality. Final shout out to the Waffle House for the post-gig gourmet hillbilly cuisine and Comfort Inn for the comfort.

Congratulations to Chad and Rose for their wedding nuptials and for celebrating part of this special day with us. Happy birthday to Carrie for also celebrating her special day with us as well.

The beads would like to extend special thank you to the generous individuals (Leigh Ann, Pam, Janet, Mike, Ashley, Bill) that offered up their time to string them all together for the evening’s performance.

Final note to the drunks that decided they wanted to have their picture taken in the exact place the trailer needed to go at the end of the night, there are better places to get a photo taken then the fire lane in front of Champions and when it is time to load gear, get out of the way else you risk becoming a smear on the road. Judging by the lack of expressive intelligence by this group, removing your potential to procreate from the local gene pool would have been beneficial to humankind.

Our next AnK brouhaha will be at the legendary Bamboo Bernies in Pasadena, MD. Always a good time, we expect nothing less on Friday August 21st. Be ready for another concert of epic proportions.

“Are you ready to rock, children of the night?!?”

August 13th - Videos are posted

Located on our songs page is a link to some new videos from the most recent Cancun Cantina show. Check them out and let us know what you think. You can also access them from here. More to come in the near future.

August 10th - In passing

It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Lou Tonson, who passed away suddenly Sunday August 9th. Lou was the guitarist in the band Korupt, our 80s metal brethren with whom we shared the stages (among other things) back in the 80s. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. For information on funeral and memorial services go to http://www.koruptband.com/

August 8th - Rock the Dock!

The hot August weather continued through Saturday as we caravanned over the Bay Bridge to Kent Narrows and our destination of Red Eyes Dock Bar. If you have not been to Red Eyes Dock Bar you are missing out on a great outdoor experience. The party atmosphere here is unparalleled. They definitely know how to “rock on the dock.” I have to admit though it was funny watching the patrons as we placed all the gear in front of the stage. I specifically heard one person ask, “Is KISS playing?”

The evening’s musical concert was a resounding success and overall good time. So many people danced that the dock shook. Boats of various sizes and colors kept pulling up as the night progressed to get a better view of the show and also to be within range of tossed beads. The breeze cascaded down upon us whipping our hair around again, creating another 80’s metal video tribute. Booze and bosoms bounded freely all night long to the hard rock beat of Alive-n-Kickin’.

The list of thank yous keeps getting bigger every time we perform. We’ll start with the usual Sniper John and Madhatter Mike for all things pictures, set up and tear down, and hydration. Seeing John with a tray of drinks is a sight to behold. Imagine a firefighter/biker type walking around Red Eyes with a serving tray loaded with beverages. I’m sure the patrons wondered where that employee came from J Thank you also to Gail & Joe, Pammie, Leigh Ann, Danette, JoAnn, Dave & Tiffany, Eastern Performance Motorcycles, Hammerjacks Steve for 3 full sets of awesome video footage, Ed for the sound magic, Nessa, Sarah, Shaun, Mike K. from SandCastle Sound, Rob & Lisa, Tawnya, Kenny, the group comparing cup and drink sizes, Matt the dock master, Olivia & the staff at Red Eyes, Dana, Chrissy, Dale, the head banger dude and his mom, and the 58 foot $2 million, $1200 to-fill-the-gas-tank, battleship that moored behind us for creating a reflective surface to help accentuate the stage sound. Happy birthday to Carrie!

The trip back should have been uneventful but thanks to the Maryland State Transportation Authority and the division of Highways and Transportation, it wasn’t. Apparently some brain surgeon decided it was a good idea to close the 3-lane bridge for maintenance, meaning the only way across the Chesapeake Bay for two-way traffic was the remaining 2-lane bridge. Needless to say, everyone was backed up and had to wait an hour to get over the bridge. Amazing how every year congestion gets worse yet the state does nothing to alleviate the problem. Another bridge in southern Calvert County crossing over would offer much needed relief to the congestion that occurs every summer but I am sure the NIMBY’s would all be up in arms crying about it.

Anyway, this upcoming Saturday August 15th has us back at Champion Billiards in Frederick. Always a good time with great food and drink, Champions is one of our favorite places to play. We look forward to seeing you all there.

August 7th - We showed the national act how it's done

One benefit of playing Cancun Cantina is that the club allows us to come in and set up the night before so Thursday night had us as the only denizens on the deck side, peacefully constructing the stage for the next evening’s concert. The extra time allowed the mad scientist Glenn Campbell to incorporate upgraded gear into our PA. After all, we had Nashville recording artist Chris Young on the country side so expectations were in place to make sure no one knew who the national act was.

Friday night has us assault the stage with a musical frenzy that has not been experienced on the local scene since the top bands of the 80’s graced the stages of the top clubs back in days of yore. Accented by a massive PA, an augmented light show, and billows of smoke, an 80s rock and metal extravaganza was held. The heat and humidity of the evening was ratcheted up several notches as everyone rocked and danced all night long with us. It was a great time had by all!

We have many people to thank and appropriate salutations to bestow. Thanks to Sniper John & Madhatter Mike for all the help with photos, lights, and gear humping. Kelley and Myles, Stacey for remembering her name, Joan, Mona (where’s the list!), Shelle, Patti, Les S., Heather from Kent Narrows, Hammerjacks Steve for awesome video footage, Anne for driving all the way up from So MD, Tony B. & Sona, Nessa from Cincy, Sarah H., Ed for the masterful work behind the sound board, Steve’s eff Dallas shirt for instigating football passions, Joey D., Mike G. for the kind words, Dawn behind the bar, Taylor for being the favorite, Laura for booking us, Roy, Tony for knowing quality, Chris & Dave, Denny's for granslam breakfasts, and finally the Lip Service lycra shirt that Steve wore expressing how many of us feel towards much of life’s issues and the idiots that perpetuate them.

Saturday night had us back over the Bay Bridge at Red Eyes Dock Bar. Check back soon for the news describing how great the Red Eyes show was and be ready for my spewing of venom towards the Maryland Transit authority.

July 18th - It has something to do with the flux capacitor

The mark of a true professional is someone that can rise above and thrive when adversity rears its ugly head. Several pieces of once-reliable PA gear decided to simultaneously go down while we were playing. Still we slogged through despite a lack of monitors, the only possibly obvious sign that something was amiss was Ray diligently working to diagnose and correct the PA issues. Despite this minor annoyance we had an awesome time performing at Billy V’s Rock Bar. The place is always full of good times.

Thank you’s must be bestowed upon worthy recipients. We’ll start with Ray for really earning his pay behind the soundboard. Anyone catch those damn gremlins? Kudos to Chris, Sniper John, and Coop for being roadies extraordinaire! – great job guys. Thanks also to the usual suspects of Mona, Joan (Fantasy is coming), Patti, Rick, and Mike. Shout out to Tawnya and Melissa. Special thanks to Mrs. Campbell for supporting her little boy Glenn as he continues his pursuit of the rock and roll dream. Thanks also to Janet and Mike F (pics!), Frank P., Ed L., Roger & Jeanine, Quiet Storm Kelley, Danielle, Nikki passing through from Vermont, Kidd, Paul L., Gary R. from Fuze, and ‘69 Chevelle Dave for what is going to be the coolest roadster out there (aside from the salmon colored ’53 Packard that will be burning up the roads in Southern Md soon).

A break! OMG we get a reprieve the next couple of weekends from playing. It’s not that we don’t enjoy playing but the occasional break allows us time to recharge our batteries so that when you come see AnK you are getting 100% in-your-face, kick ass entertainment! For us old fellows the occasional respite is necessary to maintain peak performance. Check out the August schedule as we are playing all “A” rooms meaning you get to see Alive-n-Kickin’ in the bigger venues, places that allow us to perform at “national” status so mark your calendars and come on out and let’s all bask in the glory of the (mostly) 80s hard rock & heavy metal!

“I’ve been kicked in the face and down and still I’ll never lose.”

July 11th - An 80's Concert Video

I have to say having an EZ Pass is great. Being able to follow the left lane on Rt. 50 East denoted by the purple signs was wonderful. My preferred status as an EZ Pass holder allowed me to bypass the 2 mile back up heading up to the Bay Bridge toll plaza and shave an easy ½ hour off my drive. Arrival at Red Eyes Dock Bar was earlier then expected, affording me the opportunity to set up without feeling rushed.

The night was perfect for an outdoor concert. The temperatures were ideal, the skies clear, and a breeze blew towards the stage that allowed us to whip our natural, free-flowing, cascading locks of hair around in true 80s metal fashion. Combined with the light show on the elevated stage, it looked like the filming of an 80s metal video. It is safe to say we reached maximum allowable patronage and the entire capacity throng was reciprocating the energy from the stage. Everyone had an awesome time. The night couldn’t have been more perfect. Even passerby boats were docking along the pier at the back of the stage to get closer to the festivities, as well as catch tossed beads.

Oodles of friends and fans need to be mentioned and thanked for their support. To Sniper John – thanks for the help loading and unloading the gear. Shout out to Pam & Leigh Ann for stopping to hang with us on the way from Hagerstucky to OC, to Gail & Joe (happy belated b-day!), Madhatter Mike for pics, Danette for tolerating the Corruptness, Stacey & Pete (Sam Grow’s evil twin), DaBeast from the MDXiles, Steve & Heather for the Jaeger, the DSM crew, Sue & Matt, Bill, Big Al, Tiffany & Dave, Shaun for the pics, Kathleen & friend, Amanda, Justin & Sarah Himelrick, Josh, Kim & her husband and their American Hero son who is recuperating at Walter Reed, Dave Peterson & Dale Enzor – the South River redneck high alumni, Eastern Performance Motorcycles, Vanessa from Cincy, Sue Hitt, Teddy Hitt, Eddie Hitt & the Karaoke jukebox, Nessa Lynn Atkinson, Shocker, Andrea & Todd W, Marian & Emily, Buster, Dave & Jill R, the bachelor party, Travis, and Jake. Kudos to Ray & Mike for the great job with the production (sound and lights). Final thank you to the staff and management at Red Eyes Dock Bar.

Next Saturday has AnK back at a familiar stomping ground, Billy V’s Rock Bar. This Pasadena staple has been making a name for itself on the rock scene lately and we are honored to continue to raise the bar on live music and be able to party there with you all. Bring it on out and let’s get ready to up the ante!

June 26th - HARRY!!!!

Last time we traveled to Champion Billiards in Frederick we ended up on the side of I-495 changing a blown trailer tire. This time several accidents along various portions of I-70 and I-270 slowed traffic to a crawl. Our expected arrival of 6 pm turned into an 8:15 arrival leaving minimal time to get set up and prepared to play. Of course we thrive in the face of adversity and everything was brought in, set up, fired up, tweaked, tuned, and ready by normal start time.

Everything went smoothly as we took the stage with added furor and verve. The front of house bass bins acted as a second tier of stage as we utilized it to help deliver the message of hard rock to the people at Champions. It was a blissful evening and everyone left out feeling very orgasmically satisfied.

Special shout out to our many friends that joined us at Champions and the few delinquents that came along to the Waffle House afterwards. To those of you not familiar with the Waffle House, it is an establishment of fine greasy cuisine where the four hillbilly food groups (sugar, salt, fat, cholesterol) form the basis of ingredients. Vegetables are not allowed and people develop coronary artery disease just walking by the place. Anyway, I digress (is that possible?) Thanks to the management and staff at Champions for the excellent service and cuisine. Glenn sends his warmest appreciation for the changes in rules for the tab. No, really, thanks. Kudos to Ed for the great job behind the sound board and Chris for making the whole system work great. Happy birthday shout outs to Bev and Jennifer. Thanks also to Sue, Melissa, photographer Leigh Ann, crowd coordinator Pam, birthday Bev & her posse, Ray & Beverly, John Rose, Denise, Sharon, Cindy, Jeff, Steve & Fran, and the bachelorette party. Joey’s hat would like to thank all the ladies for taking turns with it. Last I saw it was smoking a cigarette and fanning itself. Final shout out to HARRY!!!

In the interest of family and friends, we will be taking off for July 4th weekend. We will be grilling, drinking, and making merry as well as celebrating Nico’s 2nd birthday. Naturally we will be practicing and fine tuning the ever evolving monster that is AnK to continue to bring you bigger and better in the future. Check our shows page for where we will be in July. In the meantime have a safe and happy 4th of July and watch out for errant fireworks and drunken idiots.

June 20th - The Beast has been Unleashed!

I’d like to preface the news by stating that it did not rain while we loaded gear in! There must be some serious global weather pattern change or higher powers have finally come to the realization that, like the US Postal Service, we will not be deterred regardless of the weather. A clear day greeted us as the Corrupt One guided the trailer into the loading bay of Bamboo Bernies. Warm sunshine coupled with a gentle westerly breeze cascaded upon us as we diligently unloaded the trailer and erected our PA and lights in preparation for the night’s concert festivities.

The show was incredible. Throngs of people massed into Bamboos cascading and undulating to the beats coming from the stage. Everyone had a wondrously good time as we banged out the best of 80s hard rock to the wee hours of the morning. If you paid attention, you may have even heard some funk tossed in. Anyway, the night was a resounding success and we look forward to continuing setting the standard for the local music scene.

Many people must be mentioned by name for their support in keeping AnK going. Without you we would just be 5 schmucks tooling on our instruments in the basement. We’ll start with Kelley & Martin for love and support (and pics, drinks, and other mundane minutia), Sniper John for gear humping and coordination, Madhatter Mike, Mikey/Huey the Junior fireman for an outstanding job of helping set up the stage, Susie for weaning off of soda, Mannekin Mike on the lights, Joan, Mona, Christine, 1/2 bearded Jeff, Marti & Joey Dove, Dave Meagher (go Wasted Years!), Rob & Mike, Pammie, Gail & Joe, Debbie, Bobbie Sue, Lee, Preston, Wendy, Amber, Robbie from Pa, the Savatage guys, Mr. & Mrs. Mike Peters celebrating 20 years, Jim Marshall, Amy H. and her mystery tattoo, StrongBad and his take on music theory (arpeggios, virtuosos, tremolos, vibratos…meedley, meedley, meedley!) Dodge Ram trucks for making comfortable reclining seats, Calvert County for top-notch park & rides which make for great areas to sleep when coming home after a 24 hour day and to Stradivarius for making the world’s smallest violin for us to fiddle over Steve while he pontificates and emotes about working long hours. Special shout out to Ray Brown for proving the Frankenstein PA cobbled together by the mad scientist (Glenn) and his faithful deformed side kick (George) had the power to handle the size and capacity of Bamboo Bernies. It lives! It lives…..

No rest for the wear as we continue the onslaught with an expected thriller at Champion Billiards in Frederick on Friday 6/26. Always a fun place to eat, drink, and par-tay so come on out and let’s continue to show Frederick and points west how children of the 80s rock!

June 14th - “On a steel horse I ride….”

The steel horses were definitely out in full force this past Sunday at Cancun Cantina. Hundreds of motorcycles were on display, a veritable sea of chrome and steel. The custom art work on these bikes is breathtaking. Think of Hanover’s outdoor version of the Louvre for motorized 2-wheelers.

Inside Cancun Cantina the heat was elevated to blistering levels as the hard rock audio emanations from the stage lifted the room in a cacophony of musical utopia. Emceed by the infamous Theo and friends from 98 Rock, the entire afternoon was one big orgy of fun and merriment. This is how gigs should be, loaded with good people enjoying the aspect of live music.

Many people need to be thanked for helping make the afternoon a resounding success. We’ll start with shouts outs to our friends Joey, Chris and Sniper John for the thankless tasks of set up and break down. Kudos to Ed L. for the magic weaved behind the sound board. Holler out to our buddies with the MdXiles and Madhatter Mike. To Theo, Mike H, Tonya, and the rest of the crew fro m98 Rock – we had a blast sharing the stage with you guys and yucking it up,. Special love of the loaf sent out to Susie for making the long ride up to come support us. Thanks also to Cita & Rene from Surreal, Mike from NSA, Mama Campbell, Diane for hauling the Marshall cabinet halfway across AA county to save Glenn’s arse, the Cancun management and staff (Laura, Tony, Roy, John, Dawn, Nevaeh, Destiny), Elvis for a hunka-hunka burnin’ love, Arianne, Allison, Stan, Dave, Sarah E., Barbara from Kentucky, Chet, Wilson, and painted on tops everywhere!

Next Saturday has us back on stage at Bamboo Bernies where it is always an awesome party and time. We look forward to seeing all of you, our friends, there for another night of hard rock and heavy metal bliss. BOO-YAH!

May 23th - I hope that is Vanilla Icing...

Well, the trip up to Frederick for the show at Macks Rock Bar was one a harrowing experience. While mindlessly motoring along I-495, the serenity of the moment was punctuated with the Corrupt One’s emphatic remark of “oh sh*t!” A quick assimilation of our surroundings turned up smoke coming from the driver side wheels of the trailer. We quickly pulled off on the shoulder of I-495 and a quick inspection revealed a blown tire. Luckily, we boy scouts were prepared with spare tire, jack, and portable air pump. Now, changing a tire is no big deal, the challenge is doing it on the shoulder during weekend traffic on 495. Pay attention to the road people and get off the friggin’ phone!

So after the quick tire swap and a quick stop at a gas station to check on the rest of the tires, we were back on course to our destination in Frederick. The rest of the trip was uneventful and we arrived with plenty of time to spare.

Macks Rock Bar was a blast! The tone for the night was set with the chordal voicings and symphonic attack of Rising Force and the intensity was maintained throughout the evening until the dreaded utterance of “last call.” Everyone enjoyed an evening of fun and merriment, be it the celebration of life (Happy Birthday Pam!) or the honor of our fallen veterans through the Rolling Thunder Tribute. Even my back decided to cooperate to allow me to enjoy a night of playing music, keeping the pain grimaces to a minimum.

Naturally the news ain’t da news without the obligatory paragraph dedicated to thanking all the wonderful people who graced us with their presence. We’ll start with Happy Birthday wishes to Pam and thanks to her crew of Leigh Ann, Andi & Larry, Gail & Joe, and Becky & Jimmy. Thanks also to John Rose, Ray & Beverly, Margaret & Jeff, headbanger Mike, Don, Carrie, Tracy & Skip, Tom, Donna, Cliff, Ryan, Jen, and Dave. Special shout out to Madhatter Mike and Sniper John for photography and gear humping. Gratis to Ray for the incredible job behind the sound board. Final mention to Andrew, Trent, and the rest of the crew at Macks Rock Bar for just being cool people.

Afterwards, a caravan of band members, crew, and friends mosied on over to the local Waffle House for an after show repast worthy of some of the best grease houses on the Eastern seaboard. If you are not concerned about the anti-4 food groups (sugar, salt, fat, & cholesterol) then the Waffle House is the place to be after a gig, just be wary of any viscous white sap stuck to the side of your iced tea glass. If it smells like pine cones stay away!

Our next show is an all ages bike show at Cancun Cantina on Sunday June 14th from 2-7 pm. These shows are always lots of fun with all kinds of cool bikes on display. Make sure to bring the kids!

May 13th - We Say Adieu to a Legend...

We are sad to announce that Nabbs Creek Cafe has closed down and all dates there have been canceled. Nabbs has been a staple in the Peoples Republic of Glen Burnie for a long time and we will miss the place. I recall good times palying there back in the early 90s and was tickled to be able to play there again. No word as to why Nabbs Creek Cafe closed but we hope they reopen bigger and better then before :)

May 2nd - Beacuse Chip has a cute ass...

Back when the trailer was purchased in 2002, the thought was make sure to get something a little bigger then you expect to need just in case. Seven years later the 7’x14’ dual axel storage facility on wheels is packed full with the gear that makes AnK larger then life. The monolithic PA was on display with Ray masterfully working the faders with the deft precision of an audio maestro. All was good as a night of fun and merriment abounded, teemed with the blistering sounds of the area’s top hard rock & heavy metal band.

Of course it was raining when we were loading the gear into and out of the club. Surprise.

Many people need to be thanked for the love and support showered upon us. We’ll start with John, Coop, and Chip’s cute ass for helping with the construction, coordination, maintenance, and break down of the gear and production. Thanks also to Myles E. and Lee (great rendition of Krokus), Joan, Diane, Danielle, Leslie, Kimberly & Steve & the crew, Lee Ann, Brittany & her fiancé, Marti & Joey Dove, Brian & Karen, Debbie, the MdExiles, Amy and her tattoo, HD Dawn, Billy & Lisa Ei. Lord Vader would like to thank McGuires wax for repelling the rain and Chip would like to thank Goodyear for keeping Lord Vader from hydroplaning off of Rt. 2 at 4 in the morning. At least Bambi did not get splattered this time around on the way home.

The next couple of weeks has us off recuperating, honing our visual and audio craft so that we can present bigger and better then ever. We also have lots of cool gigs scheduled in the upcoming summer months so check back here often for updates and come on out and party with the band that is setting the musical bar in the regional area.

"Just let the music take you higher!"

April 24th - Nh! Nh! Nh!.....

You know, we are like the US Postal Service. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor traffic jams, nor accidents, nor mountainous inclines, nor injuries, nor PA malfunctions, nor bad cables will stop Alive-n-Kickin’ from delivering the musical message to the masses. Despite a late start from the myriad of issues listed above, we still pulled off an awesome night of hard rock revelry. Everyone danced, sang along, and head banged to the rock deluge that emitted forth from the stage.

Thanks aplenty to all our friends out in Hagerstown for coming out and partying with us. Happy birthday to April (thanks for the round of drinks). Special thank you mention to the dental conglomerate of Pam (the pharmacist), Leigh Ann, Kelly, Andi & Larry. Thanks also to Nicole, Dave, Sandy, Sue, Greg, and Patty. Gratis to Steevo for the great job behind the sound board and to Chip and John for helping haul gear and for pics and video footage. Shout out to DJ Maxx and the staff at Breakaway II for being awesome hosts. You guys have a really tasty chef salad :)

People love AnK so much that perpetual requests have been answered. This Saturday May 2nd has the band headlining Billy V’s Rock Bar in Pasadena. Not only do we have new songs for your listening pleasure, they will be presented through our newly revamped and upgraded PA. We are very excited to be playing this weekend and look forward to partying with all of you. Peace out!

April 17th - The Delivery of the Male

Bamboo Bernies this past Friday was absolutely crazylicious! It was another capacity crowd there to enjoy a night of 80s metal musical fury. The crowd sang along from the onset of the first song to the final crescendo at 1:30. The people came to par-tay and we certainly did not want to nor did we disappoint. Joey became so aroused that he jumped on top of the bar in a lathered frenzy and proceeded to espouse the musical message from his new “second” stage! It was an intense, fun-filled evening that left everyone wanting a cigarette and looking forward to our next show at Bamboo Bernies (June 20th).

I hope there is enough cyberspace to house the list of thank yous. Sit down, grab a cool beverage and let’s go. We’ll start with the birthday cache of Patti, Mandy, and Deena. Thank also to Joan (Advil’s) & Mona, John & Gina for coming all the way up from LaPlata, Danette (how do you tolerate Corrupt?), my bass happy and sound magician Brian G., sound magician #2 Dave G., Wendy, Christine, Rick, Hammerjacks Steve for the awesome video footage and overall friendship and support, Doug, Dory, Rob & Mike (nice boots!), Jeff from Wasabi, tattooed Amy, Kelley & Michelle (tax season is finally over!), Rob from Diesel Shot, Dickie, Bob “Too” Shay, ½ Bearded Jeff, Tonya, Horton & Barb, Carl & Fran, Shelly, Carrie, Dave, Robbie & Carol, Steve, Trachea Man, Cory, Griff, Darren, Gabe, Lisa, Jen, Cindy, Jim, and Frank. Special thanks to Barry and Mark for the great sound job and special shout out to John, Chris, and Chip for helping load gear. Thank you to Cindy, Troy, Jen, and the rest of the staff at Bamboos for always making us feel welcome.

I would like to thank my loyal and trustworthy Gracie stand with the accompanying black bungee cord for alleviating the pressure a 19 pound extended range bass creates. In fact, I have gotten so attached to the Gracie stand that I feel the need to name it so I am holding an informal contest. The person that submits the coolest moniker for the Gracie stand will be honored with mention in this here news page. I mean, what else could you ask for? Anyway, after all suggestions are screened through an impartial, objective panel of one (me) the results will be posted. Good luck!

To the person that backed a truck into and broke the load in door off the side of the stage prior to our gig, I say to the “DUH! You Dumas!” If not for medical breakthrough and state of the art technology I strongly feel Darwinian principles would have culled you from the gene pool years ago. One can only hope you have not procreated and passed your seed and the entire genome for STUPID to your unfortunate prodigy. Thanks for making our load in harder and more inconvenient because you are too handicapped to drive a vehicle. 4 years of driving the trailer and we have never had a mishap (knock on wood).

Now that that rant is out of my system, I am pleased to announce that our next gig is continuing our northwest migration. This upcoming Friday has us at Breakaway II in Hagerstown. Our first time there was lots of fun and the pre-gig buzz is hot so we expect another awesome night of fun and merriment so come on out and party with us! :)

"straight as an arrow, stand in line....."

April 10th - Because It Radiates Brilliance!

Memories in Waldorf was, as expected, full of energy and lots of fun. Southern Maryland’s finest were out and ready to party and we were glad to oblige. The alcohol poured freely, cascading from beer taps like waterfalls into frosted mugs. The music emitted forth as a cacophony of audio components, synergistically coalescing into the most pleasing of audio hues that mesmerized the crowd from beginning to end. Bottom line, ‘twas loads of fun!

Thanks aplenty need to be bestowed upon a plethora of worthy recipients. We'll start with Pete & Stacey for all help with things mundane and pictures, Faye (finger twirl!), Susie (I forgive you for being a Steelers fan), Kerry, Al M., Crystal, Mike & Dawn J., Karen, Crash who never spills a drop, Chip for lights and hauling gear, John & Gina, Phil for the awesome sound job, the guys from Absinthe (James, Bret, Mike, Nemo, Holly, June & Wayne), Dave & Donna, my Gracie stand and the padded bar stool, earplugs, and wireless systems for allowing us to minimize the need for cables on stage. I would also like to thank IHOP for the nice fluffy, light pancakes :)

This Friday (which is Orthodox Good Friday) there will be a full fledge, all out, musical and visual assault occurring at Bamboo Bernies. Imagine this as the 11th plague that would have befallen the Egyptians had they not succumbed to the intensity of number 10. With our upgraded production in tow, we plan on letting all of Pasadena know where the party will be Friday night.

“Here comes the hero, stand in line…..”

March 28th - All Hail Joey Rose!

A very exhaustive search that encompassed a multitude of highly talented individuals all hoping to land the coveted lead vocalist position in Alive-n-Kickin’ ensued for a while. After careful and diligent deliberations, a selection has finally been made. We are proud to announce the addition of Joey Rose to the lineup. Check out his forthcoming bio for details on the newest member of AnK and make sure to show him that special love deserving of new members of the family ;)

March 21st - We will, we will, Rock You!

Macks Rock Bar was another example of a happening evening initiated by the best of the 80s hard rock & heavy metal. The masses were out en force to untie with us in an 80s metal onslaught of primal verve that was so intense people in Hagerstown were going WTF?!? The musical bar has been set locally and Alive-n-Kickin’ is the benchmark and we will continue to elevate that bar while bringing the best 80s arena rock concert show to the local scene.

Thanks aplenty need to be bestowed upon many meritous individuals. We’ll start with Ed for the phenomenal job mixing the audible bliss that emanated from the high decibel twin obelisks of audio fury. Thanks also to Pam, Bill, and Ashley for coming down from the black hills of Hagerstucky to jam with us – hey Pam, don’t forget to bring the Soma next time. I’ll call it in if needed :). To the Matullo clan (Chip & Danette) for the pics and help with hauling gear as well as trying to keep Steve grounded (good luck). Thanks to Sue for being our biggest fan west of Bawlmer. Happy Birthday to some lovely young lady (I was hurting too much and missed the name, sorry) and thanks to her crew for "Cake-Gate" (what a mess!). Thanks also to Stephanie, Bill, Chuck & Teri, Dave & Linda, all the harmony singer during Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’, our energetic host DJ for his insatiable appetite as an emcee, and the staff at Macks for the gracious hospitality.

George would like to especially thank black bungee cords, Vicodin (Hydrocodone 5.0mg/ Acetaminophen 500mg), Hot Licks Guitar Shop in Waldorf for being the only place in the entire state of Maryland to have a Gracie Stand in stock (what’s up with that?), Mom for lending her crutches, and the brown bar stool that sits in his garage that Zorba chewed the legs on for all helping him get through a night of herniated disc misery.

Final thank you and a special AnK hug and kiss to Shannon for filling in these past few shows and helping us out while we searched for a new lead vocalist. Everyone please sign the guestbook and comment on her MySpace page as a form of coercion to get her to join the band :)

The next couple of weekends has us not gigging (my back soooooooooo needs the break!) but no rest for the weary (rats!) as we get feverishly prepared for our onslaught of April shows, beginning with Memories in Waldorf. We have some new wrinkles and surprises but I can’t tell you what they are. You’ll have to come see for yourself ;)

March 6th - Broke Back Creek

If the evil forces that conspire to bring Alive-n-Kickin’ down think they are going to succeed in their diabolical schemes, they are sorely mistaken as they have never encountered the mettle or sheer determination to succeed that emboldens the members of AnK. Already inhibited by George’s lumbar injury, the band suffered another blow when Shannon was stricken with a bad case of the stomach flu, precluding her from performing. Cool heads prevailed as a quick phone call to the Siren Beast, ex-frontman Dimetrius allowed us to continue the Nabbs Creek show as planned. With Dimetrius back we never missed a beat and it felt like things were never different even though he has been gone over 6 months. Everyone was up on their feet and having loads of fun the entire evening, except for gimpy George who had to settle for the stool shuffle :)

Naturally the list of thank yous is going to be long so bear with us. The list includes “Monster” Stacey & “Enforcer Cord Bitch” Pete, Mama Campbell & Diane, Danette for the supervision, Hammerjacks Steve for the video production and support, Danielle & Coop (lightman!), Chip for all the hard work (Steve never said to marry her), Melanie & Sara for being the best looking road crew we have ever had, Lynette & Dave Messenger (15 year Nabbs Creek reunion), Dean, Nina & Jerry, Mona, Joan, Christine, Ronnie H, Ray B. for the great job running sound, happy b-day to Ron, Hot Licks Guitar Shop for being the only retailer in the tri-state area with a Gracie stand in stock, and thanks to Dave and the staff at Nabbs for being awesome and never forgetting a thing. Thanks also to Joey Rose and Lee Russell for lending their exceptional vocal talents for the evening.

Happy birthday to Madhatter Mike, thanks to Greaseman, Sniper, and the rest of the crew from the MDXILEs. Summer’s coming! Nice butt shots on the i-phone. Fire up the VTX's!

Next up is Macks Rock Bar in Frederick this Saturday 3/21. Last time this place was a blast and we are excited to be coming back this weekend and look forward to partying with all of you!

March 6th - My ass hurts!

I wish to apologize to everyone for the last minute cancellation of the Breakaway II gig this past Friday March 6th. A bulging disc pushing on my S1 nerve has made walking and standing almost impossible. Couple that with a 2 hour drive to Hagerstown and there was just no way I could perform that evening. With a little rest and a lot of Vicodin, I should be good as new soon. All other posted dates are still on so I will see you all soon, albeit a little less animated.

February 28th - Return to St. Mary's!

You think the cold and rain could maybe come before or after load-in, not begin when we arrive and then alleviate when we are done. There really are supernatural forces garnering enjoyment by toying with the weather at those coincidental moments. Is this catalogued in the Farmers Almanac? Maybe we can turn this into a profitable venture. Knowing the weather always sucks when we load gear, we can bring the trailer to draught stricken areas. As soon as we begin to unload the trailer it will begin to rain so maybe we can make some money by being modern day rainmakers. In this economy it can’t hurt to pursue all potential revenue streams.

Even though Cryers Back Road Inn is probably classified as a cozy establishment, there was nothing subtle or sedate about the atmosphere once we got the party rolling. The people came out to party and a party it was! I think the ancient Romans would have been impressed by how much merriment abounded at Cryers Saturday night, worthy of notation in the annals of history. And the music was cool, too! Shannon again proved why she has the most powerful and awesome voice of any female rock singer in the area, a gift from the heavens anointed by the Gods of voice.

Many thanks to all our friends that came out to party with us at Cryers. We’ll start with Happy Birthday wishes to Karel and Mandy. Thanks to Faye for the masterful pictures taken on the POS camera, Al for the support through the member changes, Robbie for the stellar performance running sound, Jamie & the crew, Mandy’s gang, Bonnie, Ted, Trish & Paul, Dave & Liz, Connie, Jeff & Cat, Jen, Rob, and the staff at Cryers.

We roll right into March with a bevy of cool shows so make sure to check out the shows page and come on out and party with the best of the 80s hard rock & heavy metal (with a few other cool tunes thrown in). Peace!

February 22nd - It Really Was the Best AnK Weekend Ever!

"Who knows baby where you'll be in a year?"

Every now and then one needs to look back and reflect in order to move forward. This past weekend was a perfect example for the entire Alive-n-Kickin’ family. Over the past year the band has gone through and continues to endure various changes. Changes in members, direction, management, etc. However one thing has remained and continues to inspire and impress each of us, that is you the fan. Without you, there would be no us. This past weekend was an incredible testament to the fact that Alive-n-Kickin’ fans are the best fans anywhere!

Friday night at Champions Billiards in Frederick showed the band that Western Maryland is a Hard Rock Haven. Not since the days of the Rabbits Foot have we witnessed such an enthusiastic and energetic crowd of headbangers! Thanks go out to many he incredible staff at Champions, Pam, Leigh Ann, Kelly, Nikkie, Kendal, Kristine, Hammerjacks Steve, Ed for the sound, Animal & “Little Bear” Jason, Marvin, Jason & Tracy, John, Sue and her friend from Peru and Happy Birthday to our other friend Pam. Also special thanks to our friend James Thomas from Leadfoot, brother you are one hell of a frontman and fun to hang with! Also thanks to Alex and Brandon for helping move gear! Never ask Steve, "do you need a hand moving that?" The answer is always YES! All in all a great night, but as the song goes "the best is yet to come!"

Saturday night was one of those nights that a band strives for! One of those gigs you dreamed of having while dancing in front of your mirror listening to Kiss records when you where a kid! A night when all the planets aligned and a cosmic energy filled the air! Alive-n-Kickin' has always had a special relationship with Bamboo Bernies and with the fans we have there, but this was one time that the crowd was overwhelming, feeding off the band’s energy, energizing the band and raising our intensity to heights not achieved before! At last report, the club was well over capacity (don’t tell the fire marshal!) and a line wrapped around the corner to get in! For this we thank you, the fans! Notable mention go out to Lady Di, Joan, Mona, Kelley, Martin, Kathy (Momma-Beast), Steevo, Wendy, no bearded Jeff, Johnny & Gina for a wonderful job on Steve's cake, Mike & Rob, Myles & Brenda, Chris (get some sleep), Faye, John, Sniper for all the help, Danette for enduring our Corrupt Beast, Bob from Tampa, Nancy, Pete, Jay, Jason, Panda bear Barry Yeagher for the sound, Coop & Danielle, Tommy, and of course the incredible staff and management of Bamboo Bernies, Troy, Cindy and Tony in particular! This was a night to be remembered!

So again, thanks a plenty go to our fans! Without you, none of this would have happened! So give yourselves a big round of applause as we applaud you! You are the one constant as we move forward and evolve as a band. You have seen where we are today, "Who knows baby where we’ll be in a year?"

Alive-n-Kickin'

Steve, George, Glenn, Billy, Shannon

February 16th - The Best AnK Weekend Ever Approaches!

Legions of metalheads unite!

This upcoming weekend has Alive-n-Kickin' banging out the best of the 80s hard rock & heavy metal at Champion Billiards in Frederick on Friday and then Bamboo Bernies in Pasadena on Saturday. It is Steve's birthday so we will be celebrating full throttle both nights. We also have Shannon Dimitri, the best rock & metal female vocalist around sitting in and gracing us with her tremendous vocal prowess. Those of you that have not heard her sing are in for an incredible treat so come one, come all, come four times and be ready to join Alive-n-Kickin' for what is sure to be the best 2 nights of live music around.

February 9th - She's Back!

We sadly announce that Dave will be no longer singing with Alive-n-Kickin’. We wish Dave the best in his endeavors and know with his talent he will have no problem continuing his success musically.

Naturally we need a singer so while we go through the usual motions of interviews and auditions, my lovely wife Shannon will be filling in until the new singer is up to speed. Those of you who have heard Shannon sing know she is one of the top vocalists around and we are privileged to have her fronting AnK, even if only temporarily. So far she will be fronting our February shows (Champions, Bamboo Bernies, & Cryers) so make sure to make plans and come on out and experience the best female rock vocalist in Maryland.

January 31st - 80's Metal Will Live Forever!

Billy V’s is an awesome place to play. Ample stage room, a spacious dance floor, and a cool rock club atmosphere all accentuate the essence of the place. It also helps that there are 6 dedicated 20 amp circuits on stage, allowing for the erection of the concert-sized Alive-n-Kickin’ light show. We have more intelligent lights and par cans then the displays at Guitar Center. When the whole thing fired up, you could hear the BGE grid moan from the additional power needed to run the entire light show. The aurora borealis winced and ships tracking the star in the oceans were thrown off by the specter of the Billy V’s/AnK light show. Beneath the galactic visual maelstrom cast forth the best 80s rock music the area has ever beheld. We weaved our musical message in a cacophony of 80s bliss, impressing it upon the throngs of acolytes there to absorb the message that the 80s are not dead and people want to hear something other then modern rock. When limousines pull up with fired up fans you know the party is ready to kick it up!

Where to begin with the thank yous. We’ll start with Stacey (Monster) & Pete (Cord Bitch) for the photographs, hydration, and emergency string bass string change. Thanks also to HJ Steve, Ray for the great sound job, Coop for lights and gear hauling, Danielle, Joan, Christine, Mona, Jeanette, Mighty Mike, Lady Di, Teresa, Sean & Dave from Korrupt, Jeff, Sandra & Joe, Kim, Lisa & Sandy, Valerie, Chuck, Gary, Frank, John, and Sal. Shout out to the young lady that had a dozen too many to drink. Dear, the dance floor is not where you should lay down to sleep it off.

The next couple of weekends has us off to recharge our batteries and get some new material together for our next round of shows. In fact, you are about to experience a new direction with AnK that we are sure you will be pleased as punch to see. Check back here often for news updates and show additions.

“Once I thought her loving was a habit I could break. When I go without it, my body starts to ache."

January 30th - Chapter 7:1 in the Memories Chronicles

I don’t know about the rest of you but I have had my fill of the cold weather and would really like it if these 20 degree evenings with that infernal hoar-frost wind would go away. Nothing like humping gear in the cold. If anyone is looking for a career as a roadie feel free to contact the band.

Inside the temperature was blazing as we whooped it up with the best of the 80s hard rock & heavy metal. Everyone tore it up from the get-go and the dancers did not relent until the ugly lights came on and the patrons were forced to vacate the premises. In between it was a cacophony of dancing and gyrations, of merriment and exultation that permeated the very essence of the club to its core, the impetus being the audio bliss emanating from the stage. To translate my loquacious prose into SMIB, it means we had a rocking good time from opening song to final note and everyone had a good time along with us.

Many thanks need to be bestowed upon our friends that joined us on this evening of metal merriment. Thanks to Martin & Kelley for the pictures and behind-the-scenes support, Faye (finger swirl) & Lance, Danette, Donna, Chris, Andy (it’s cold, put some sleeves on), Rosie & Travis, Kerry (all smiles), Helen, Holly, Ann, Carol, Sandy, Joe, Carmen & Todd (skinny), Mike & Dawn J., Karen, Al M, Jason, Chris (rock on!), Debbie, and Michele. Kudos to Phil for the great job mixing sound and to everyone at Memories (Crash, Judine, Kelly, Donald) for keeping the string going.

The next night has us at Billy V’s (the old Lightning Jacks) in Pasadena for another night of 80s metal bedlam. The entire light show is going up so the 80s concert extravaganza will be on display in a quaint atmosphere. How much better can it get?

"The Gods you worship are of steel, at the altar of rock and roll you'll kneel."

January 24th - Return to the Rabbit's Foot?!?

2009 is becoming the Turn-Back-the-Clock Tour, like one of those screwy VH1 shows that seem to endlessly run. Last week we played Nabbs Creek Cafe, a venue I played back in the mid-90s’ (shut up with the age jokes). Macks Rock Bar in Frederick continued that trend with the owner being George, the Greek that owned the Rabbit’s Foot, a staple club back in the 80s that hosted all the cool local bands that 4/5 of us played at way back in the day. All we needs to see is tight leather mini-skirts and fishnets stockings to make it all complete (ladies….hint, hint). That and a stripper pole (wait a minute, we can make a portable one. Hmm….;) )

Inside the converted gentlemen’s club it was awesome! The patrons were out in full force and partied hard with us all night long. We celebrated several birthdays and the party kept on until the ugly lights came on, forcing everyone to head on out into the frigid January cold. Had the Maryland liquor laws not been enforced, the festivities would have continued until morning light.

Lots of people require mention. To Kelley for the pictures, help in setting up and breaking down, and hydration, we thank you very much! Great job to Ray for the stellar job behind the sound board. Happy birthday to Kelly, Susan, and Brie (you’re all wild!). Thanks also to Tawnya, Cindy, Greg, Melissa, Megan & Marie (the triple M’s), Jason & his missus, Pam, Dave, Rob, Ryan & Carrie, Steve, Carol, Tiffany, Frank P., Ronnie, Erin, and the dancing train. Thanks to George, Trent, and the rest of the staff at Macks for their professionalism and hospitality. Final kudos to Q-Bert to and his step tongue and for sending Bambi to join his mother in the great meadow in the sky.

The upcoming weekend has us delivering the message of 80s rock to all parts of Maryland. Friday has us in the southern portion at Memories in Waldorf and Saturday has us back in Pasadena for another rockin' night at Billy V's. You have no excuse for not coming out, as we have much of the great state of Maryland covered this weekend :)

"The heat of the moment shown in your eyes..."

January 16th - Purple Friday!

Nothing like bringing in 2009 with it being ice friggin’ cold! Polar bears and penguins were seen hitchhiking along I-695 looking for warmth and shelter. The Back River froze, a big brown icicle of poo glistening in the auburn moonlight (very Robert Frost-esque, don’t you think?). It was so cold the trailer lights froze and took forever to thaw and come on. Try hauling the trailer in the dark after the bars close with no rear lights in 8 degree weather and you’ll experience a whole new level of stress. I’ll say though that the dedication of the band member and fans that came out cannot be questioned. Everyone’s sanity on the other hand, well…

Inside we made it toasty and warm. Actually it became an inferno, sparked from the deluge of 80s hard rock & heavy metal emitting forth from the stage and spurred on by the passion that was purple Friday. The Steelers-Ravens tension was momentarily forgotten in a sea of harmony as everyone put aside their gridiron allegiances and joined in unison to enjoy and experience a night of Alive-n-Kickin’.

Thanks to a slew of old friends and a few new. Thank you to Faye & Susie for making the long drive up to rock with us. Susie, we forgive you for being a Steelers fan though I have to respect your gumption for entering into a hostile environment dressed head-to-toe in Steelers regalia. The one fellow that kept harassing you probably is no aware of how close you were to knocking his teeth out :) Thanks to Martin & Kelley for almost as long a drive, pictures, custom bead orders, and for the usual help and special kudos to Hailey & Casey for putting together the best looking AnK beads ever in honor of purple Friday. Shout out to Donna (rock on girl!), Joan (still have my ring!), Mona, Kim, Myles & Lee, the Savatage guys, Ben, Linda, Mikey, Jim, and Michele. Kudos to Ed for the stellar job behind the soundboard. Thank you to all the Ravens fans that showed up in their purple attire to support the team that no one thought would go anywhere this year and surprised everyone by reaching the Conference Championship game.

Thank you to the wonderful folks at Nabbs Creek (Dave and the gang) that actually remembered me from playing there in 1995 (“Hey, aren’t you a dentist?”).

Saturday January 24th has us in another cool new place, Macks Rock Bar in Frederick, Md. If you hearken back to the days of the Rabbit’s Foot then this is a must-see show. We will be celebrating some birthdays (Kelly & Susan) as well so expect a fun-filled, rockin’ evening!

“I’m on my way, I’m on my way. Home Sweet Home…”

January 1st - Happy Friggin' New Year!

Wow! 2009! Seems like just yesterday we were getting all hyped up about Y2K and here it is now 9 years later. Geez, how time flies! As a token to 2008, we have compiled some of the most memorable quotes we had the pleasure of hearing. Some are funny, some insightful, some were motivational, and a few had us scratching our heads wondering at the utter stupidity of the person who spoke it. Many will probably make no sense but trust me when I say we have enjoyed them all.

"It's becasue we are a venue, not a bar."

"Patience. Rome wasn't built in a day."

“Take one for the team, Kelley!”

“Lunchables. Its snack and f**k.”

“So you want to play with fists?”

“How does it sound in your monitor? What monitor?”

“The return of the purple headed love dart!”

“Let me tell you about me.”

“That girl wants me, she just doesn’t know it yet.”

"You have to play modern rock exclusively to get bookings."

And the #1 from 2008, "Can I borrow it?"

December 26th - The Night After Xmas

The musical crescendo for 2008 occurred this past Friday at Bamboo Bernies. Everyone had their fill of family, friends, food, and holiday festivities so they decided some fun was in order. Of course the place for the most fun that Friday evening was with Alive-n-Kickin' at Bamboo Bernies. Nowhere else could be found such an intense and energetic amalgamation of 80s heavy metal & hard rock with the Yule spirit. So much merriment abounded that Ebenezer Scrooge would have cracked a smile on this post-Xmas evening. He would have whacked the ghost of Christmas future square upside the head for trying to put a damper on such a festive night. The holiday ambiance moved me so that I composed a poem in honor of the holidays

Twas the night after Christmas and all through Bamboos
The liquor was flowing by the glass and by twos.
The beads were hung on the drums with care
Steve hoping that boobies would soon show up there.

The fans were all packed to the front of the stage
All ready to be entertained, overwhelmed, and dazed
And Glenn in his leather pants and Steve dressed in black
We settled into our positions, ready to musically attack.

When up from the stage there arose such a chatter
And everyone turned to see what was the matter
A whirlwind of fun was about to begin
An evening of rockin’ tunes, debauchery, and sin.

Beads reflected on breast like new fallen snow
Creating stirrings and pangs in our loins below.
Louder then a stack of Marshall amp cabs
We took to the stage, not dreary or drab.

Now Dave, now George, now Billy & Steve!
On Glenn, turn it up and let those blistering solos cleave!
To the back of the club, to the ceiling on high!
Bringing the 80s metal fire to the masses nigh!

The lights were bright, the audio was loud.
The 80s metal Gods smiled down proud.
The crowd was absorbed in the exhilaration of the night.
Enjoying the music we created with all our might.

And then the time came where we had to say goodnight.
We packed up the trailer and took flight.
And you could hear us say as we rode out of sight,
“Did you see the girl whose left boob hung lower then her right?”

On behalf of Steve, Glenn, Dave, and Billy, I would like to wish each and every one of you a happy Christmakwanzahuaka and a joyous and prosperous New Year. We thank all of you for supporting Alive-n-Kickin’ all these years. We could never have done it without you and we truly appreciate the support. Get ready to take it to the next level because 2009 is going to be bigger and better! Cheers!

December 24th - Happy Holidays

Regardless of our religious and social beliefs, this is the time of year to reflect on the special things we are blessed with in life. Many time we take these things for granted due to the bustle, pressure, and stress of our daily lives. So take a few moments to be thankful for those truly special things. My 2 biggest ones are shown in the picture below.

From our AnK family to yours, have a safe and happy holiday season and we wish all of you good fortune and prosperity in the new year. And be ready to rochambeau 2009 right in the 80s metal sack!

December 20th - Christmas came early!

Saturday night turned out to be a wonderful evening on several fronts. The people at Cryers were out in ravenous zeal, partying hard with us all night long. The 80s are definitely not dead and I quote, “it is so cool to hear you guys playing those cool songs as opposed to the same current tunes all the other bands do.” – Jen W. That, my friends, is the exclamation point and the validation of why we do the music we do. Added to that was the debut of our second original, an instrumental entitled Tragedy that showcased the top-flight musicianship and exemplary chops of the band as well as the writing skills of Glenn C. Campbell.

The icing on the cake was the beat down the Dallas Cowboys received at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. That one lone Dallas fan in the bar surely felt like Custer at the Little Big Horn while the rest of us Ravens fans cackled in glee at her discomfort. Even Redskins fans joined in on the fun, since we all know the Redskins cheer for 2 teams, the one whose stadium is in PG County and anyone that plays the Cowboys. Maybe finally ESPN and the rest of the nation will get off the Dallas bandwagon and pour the silver and blue Kool-Aid down the drain.

Many thanks need to be bestowed upon many friends. We’ll start with Mike J. for assisting in humping gear in and out of the club. To Dawn J. for the wonderful Xmas spread of tasty holiday goodies :), Cindy, Karen, Dorothy, Jen, sis & hubby, Ken, Jen W., Dave, Jill, Sue, Grant, and Tim. Kudos to Ray B. for the great job running sound and for his passionate insight on the Ravens. It is nice to have another Ravens fan in the fold. Many thanks to the crew at Cryers for their special blend of hospitality.

What better way to wind up the finale of 2008 then at Bamboo Bernies. The culmination of a year of change and betterment will be on display Friday 12/26 on one of the grandest stages locally so come on out and be ready for an AnK party that you have never experienced before. We gua-rawn-TEE this will be our best show ever!

“Don’t stop at the top. Touch the sky before you fall.”

December 19th - It's an 80s concert event!

Our apologies go out to the overseers of the air traffic control center at BWI airport for our excessively energetic night of 80s hard rock & heavy metal interfering with the airplanes trying to locate the airport to land. It was so intense from start to finish that planes were erroneously thinking Cancun Cantina was their landing destination. Luckily potential disasters were averted in the nick of time. The crowd inside cheered so loud for the music that you would have thought we were at a Whitesnake concert from 1988. Of course, isn’t that the point? :)

Thank you to the numerous individuals that came out and partied with us at Cancun Cantina this past Friday night. We’ll start with John from Metro Sounds for the always excellent job behind the sound board and props to you for the stylish Ravens hat. That is how you display a winner. Thanks aplenty to Kelley, Martin, and Ajay (great job on the lights) for helping haul gear, pictures, and hydration. Thanks also to HJ Steve for the video footage. Shout out to Bill & Lurch from Highwire, Jeanette & Linda, Mike & Rob, Trent, Ray & Cindy, Myles Evans for being a bud as well as the kick ass drums on R&R All Night that allowed Steve an ever rare moment out from behind the cage, Robin & Chris (isn’t an entire week of Bill Harris enough?), Samantha & Brian, the AA crew for blowing off steam with us, and finally the staff and management at Cancun for their hospitality and professionalism.

The Alive-n-Kickin' bumper stickers would like to express their appreciation for allowing several bumpers to express their love for the band.

Since this news is being written after our Saturday night gig at Cryers Back Road Inn, it makes no sense to promote that gig but check back often because that news should post soon. I will give you a tease by saying it was an awesome time :)

"I'm working hard, you're working too. We do it every day. For every minute I have to work, I need a minute of play."

December 13th - The Cookie Monster Sexual Fiasco

Jack Frost must have started injecting Dianobol because the winds were whipping at gale-force frenzy, adding pain to the already cold temperature. Maybe the bastard child of Jack on steroids and a beefed up Snow Miser was the root of the winds. Suffice it to say, I’m sure you get that point that it was friggin’ cold! I know…. Wah.

Well, at least it wasn’t raining.

It may have been cold outside but I must say it was hot as Hades inside of Champion Billiards in Frederick. Had Heat Miser shown up he would have been overcome by the intensity permeating from the stage out onto the dance floor. Dave was the snake charmer, weaving his hypnotic spell upon he eager patrons at Champions, culminating in a night of unholy and diabolical fun. I got wrapped so hard on the rump by a frenzied fan that my left gluteal still bears her hand print. I am still sitting gingerly during 10-200’s. You know it is going to be a good night when 3 of the 4 Cookie Monsters begin the night in, shall we say, explicit positions (see the pictures for details).

Thanks aplenty go to the usual suspects as well as a few new meritous individuals. We will begin with the thank you to Kelley for all things liquid, photographic, the stellar lights, and for help setting up and breaking down. Thank you to Jen for making the long trip to come see us. Kudos to Jason for the great rendition of Crazy Train. Thanks also to Amy, Sue, Jeff, Molly & Pete, Connor, Danielle, and Cory. Special thanks to Showtime for the great job with the sound. Props to Leigh Lana for keeping us fed and hydrated and to Colleen and the rest of the gang at Champion Billiards for the warm and gracious hospitality.

No rest for the weary as we prepare for another two nighter weekend. Twice the fun, music, mayhem, debauchery, and whatever else our deviant minds can construct will be occurring this weekend starting with Friday night at Cancun Cantina in Hanover and culminating with Cryers Back Road Inn in Leonardtown on Saturday. We look forward to seeing all of you there!

“I’m Mister Snow Miser I’m Mr. Cold. I’m Mr. White Christmas, I’m Mr. 10 below...”

December 10th - This month is KICK ARSE!

Permeating through the month of December, interspersed amongst the various holidays are a bunch of really cool gigs starting with this Saturday December 13th at Champion Billiards in Frederick. This is our last 2008 gig in locales west of Baltimore so all of you westerners need to get off your derrieres and come on out and party with us. New songs are being debuted and we expect another incredible night and crowd so come early so you can get a seat and join us for a night of music and merriment that will make NYE seem blah.

November 27th - Happy Turkey Day!

We in Alive-n-Kickin' would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Eat hearty, flactulate with verve, enjoy football, and cherish the time with family. Good luck to those heading out on Black Friday to shop.

November 22nd - The melting of the Hagerstown ice cap

So after the successful debut of Dave at Memories and the ensuing bedlam that occurred due to the excitement brought forth, we packed up the trailer, hooked it to the manly powered Corruptmobile, and adventured up over the mountains to the northen most outpost of Hagerstown to our Saturday destination of Break Away II. We were so close to Pennsylvania that, length and girth jokes aside, had I decided to relieve myself in front of the club the stream would have landed on our sister state to the north even though both feet were firmly planted in the Freedom State. And it was cold enough to where I think the stream would have frozen in mid-air, creating a beautiful lemon colored icicle structure.

What a rockin’ place Break Away II is. Cold be damned, everyone came out ready to cut loose and have fun and judging by their response, they were not disappointed when the best of the 80s hard rock & heavy metal took the stage. Fear of a riot washed over us when the crowd took umbrage to the announcement of last call. Even when the ugly lights came on, encores abounded and things only ended when the staff finally escorted the riled up patrons out.

Many thanks to those people north and west who came out ready to party. Happy birthday to Kim. Thanks also to Samantha, April & Mom, Nicole, Dave, Bonnie & Carl, Denny & Linda, Sherry, Rob, Stacy, Lynn, and Kenny. Did I mention you people know how to rock?

The next couple of weeks have us off, diligently honing our musical and productive craft. Be ready for some surprises in December. Hint: new songs and additions to the live show that will continue to set the bar for live music in the area. See you soon!

"Ride hard, ride free. All day, all night..."

November 21st - Chapter 6:6 - A New Beginning

According to the weather, an Alberta clipper had descended upon our area bringing with it a nasty, windy cold front. This meteorological Rochambeau did not deter us or the fans from showing up to Memories in Waldorf and letting it all hang out. If you think a little cold weather is going to keep people in southern Maryland from going out and having a good time you don’t know the resolve of the resident so of the tri-county area. Friday night also marked the debut of our new vocalist Dave Pyburn and judging by the response of the crowd and individual accolades, it was a smashing success.

There were so many people at Memories that I hope I did not forget anyone in my thank yous so if I did, shoot me an email and I will correct my mental faux pas. Thanks to the Memories staff (Donald, Crash, Judine, Chris for the sound), Kelley & Martin, Faye (my fingers still hurt from that chord), our keyboard sizzling buddy Kimo Kersse, Carmen & Todd (you big f*cker!), Becky & Lou (big f*cker #2!), Laura, Mike J., Cat & Jeff (happy birthday!), Jen, Jimmy T., Brian, Karen, Angie, Ed, Brenda, Sandy, John, Cindy, and Jimmy. Speedy recovery to Phil as he convalesces at home from illness. Doctor’s orders, take a Tylenol and get to work! ;)

Saturday night had us loading up the trailer, piling into Steve’s truck, and caravanning up to Break Away II in Hagerstown for another sizzling night of 80s hard rock & heavy metal bedlam. News will soon follow.

“Let us find together the beat we’re looking for.”

November 12th - The Winds of Change, part II

Change is an inevitable part of life and we deal with it as much as everyone else. In that respect, Alive-n-Kickin’ wishes good luck and God speed to our friend Dimetrius who is bowing out of the band. The siren beast is moving on to other phases in his life and we are excited for him yet sad to see him go. Have no fear for we would like to announce the addition of Dave Pyburn to the AnK fold. Dave hails most recently from the band Area 51 and we look forward to his powerful vocals fronting Alive-n-Kickin’. You will be most pleased. Dave’s first weekend will be Memories on 11/21 and Break Away II on 11/22. Make sure to give him typical Alive-n-Kickin’ love. I have a fresh supply of wet wipes and disinfectant for the clean up.

November 11th - More YouTube videos of AnK

In the continued spirit of uploading videos to You Tube, we have aother one up. Click the link below and let us know what you think. Thanks again to Hammerjacks Steve for the recording, editing, and uploading. You can reach him for work at hammerjackssteve@alive-n-kickin.net

Home Sweet Home

November 8th - The Raising of the Musical Bar

In football there is a cliché that references letting it all out for the entire 60 minutes, not letting up at all until the game is through. That is a premise we carry into every show and even beyond and this past Saturday at Bamboo Bernies was no exception to that mantra. Talk about an all out night of intensity and fury! Bamboos was a PACKED house up until the final song of the night, a musical whirlwind of 80s intensity that reverberated through the audience finally unleashed to the heavens in an orgasmic spew of relief. It was such a happening party that no one wanted to leave even after the lights were turned on. I have to say Maryland state laws can really put a damper on good, clean fun.

Many thanks go out to Al and Coop from Panda productions for the great job working their sound magic and for helping us load in and out. Thanks as well to HJ Steve for the pics and video footage, Shannon for her great rendition of Screamin’ in the Night, Ajay for the stunning video light show and Chris for helping hump gear. Thanks also to Joan, Kim, Tawnya, Dave P. (coming soon!), Dory, Sherrie, Stephanie, Wendy, Sandy, Kim, John, Pat & Amy, 1/2 bearded Jeff (sans beard), Nina & JD, Bill from Highwire, Mike G., Dave, Walter for being a Kavli, Tim Z., Rob & Mike, Carol, Jimmy, Rhonda & Dan, Shannon, the Jack Daniels shooter girls, Alan & Pete, Cliff & Dottie, Cheryl, Connie & Paul, Red, Angelo, Mike & Stacy, Jenny, and the staff and crew at Bamboos for the always welcome hospitality.

This upcoming weekend has us recharging our batteries before we blast out with another double header, this time at Memories in Waldorf on 11/21 and then a new club for us, Break Away II in Hagerstown on 11/22. So come on out and join us as we put you in the mood for Thanksgiving. In the meantime we will be feverishly working up new tunes and completing some original tunes we have been working on. Don’t forget to check out our first original “I Don’t Need Love” on You Tube.

“Stand up, stand up, stand up and let it out. Stand up and shout!”

November 7th - Blow My Fuse!

Calypso Bay in Tracys Landing Maryland is one of those quaint and cozy clubs that are really loads of fun to play. The people are very inviting and always ready to cut loose and have fun. Friday night’s show was no exception to this observation as we hauled in our entire PA and, other then a blown fuse from our excessive light show overwhelming the electrical system, the night went off smoothly and energetically. The crowd was Alive-n-Kickin’ (bu-bu-BAP!) from the get go and stayed with us through the entire night. It really does our hearts proud when people let us know how much they love the stuff we play.

We would like to thank the crowd of ladies that saw us last time and enjoyed the fact that the music we play let them relive the days of their mispent youth. Thank you also to the managmeent and staff at Calypso for having us. The reuben was very good :) Thanks to Dave for the great job behind the sound board.

No rest for the weary as we travel up to the northern portion of Anne Arundel County to one of our favorite places, Bamboo Bernies. This mecca of concert halls in historic Pasadena is truly the benchmark by which all clubs should strive. We really enjoy how the place allows us to set up our full light show, allowing for the true 80s concert experience. Plus we will be videotaping the show so you may see yourself on YouTube!

“Sometimes high, sometimes low, easy come, easy go”

October 31st - Happy Frickin' Halloween!

I love playing out on Halloween. It is the only night of the year that people can dress in creative and outlandish outfits without fear of getting arrested and admitted for psychiatric evaluation. Actually, I think the crazies know they can cut loose on this one night without fear of reprisal. And the crazies were definitely out in force at Juliannas Bar & Grill in Halethorpe . The wild costumes were a reflection of the patrons as they partied hard from the opening E chord blast to the final crescendo. It truly was a night of intense 80s hard rock & heavy metal fun.

Thanks aplenty go out to a myriad of assorted ghouls and goblins as well as those people dressed in costume. Shout out to Tawnya the naughty nurse, Dory for the support, Dave & Larry, the Newforth crew, Trojan man (costume contest winner), Jack Sparrow, Sarah Palin, Witchy-poo, the sultry wench, Mephistopheles, the Pousti, WR for being a yatharo of epic proportions, Little Red Riding Death, the anatomically correct statue of David (creepy dude!), Dirk Diggler, Daryl & his brother Daryl, the zombie, the belly dancers, Brownie, the pirate wench, Lola Falana, Felix the cat, Chippendale, GI Jane, Flava Flav, the demon pirate, the Viking, the Eagle Scout, the Leopard, and Kunta Kinte. Thanks also to Melissa and HJ Steve for the pictures and support and to Brian G. & wife Kelly for the sound. Final thanks to my buddy Frank for the big sweaty man-hug and all the fun college times! Final thank you to Soto and the crew at Juliannas for the great times and hospitality.

This upcoming weekend has AnK playing the dreaded yet exciting double header. That means you get twice the fun, twice the music, twice the beads, and twice the intensity. Friday night is Calypso Bay in Tracys Landing and Saturday has us hauling the 80's concert show to Bamboo Bernies in Pasadena . We look forward to rocking out with each and every one of you on both nights.

“Don’t stop at the top. Touch the sky before you fall…”

October 30th - AnK Original Song on YouTube

You asked for it and now you have finally gotten it. The first hit single by Alive-n-Kickin’ entitled I Don’t Need Love is now posted on YouTube for your listening enjoyment. Go check out the song and let us know what you think. Just click on the song title link on this page or on the songs page to be taken directly to the video.

I Don’t Need Love

October 25th - Return to the Jack!

I knew it! I knew Lightning Jacks was going to rock the house! What an exceedingly wonderful time that show was. The minute I stepped foot in the club I felt like I stepped into a time warp and went back to the early 90s, though the reality of the present was painfully splattered upon me every time I went out to get gear from the trailer. 21 days without precipitation and the heavens decide to spew forth precipitation at the precise moment we have to hump gear. I’m telling you, higher powers have a conspiracy going. They extract humor by drenching us as we bring gear in and it stops right when the last piece of equipment is brought in.

Of course none of that matters, as no amount of rain, not the mightiest deluge worthy of biblical reference would keep us from our holy quest of bringing forth the grail of 80s hard rock & heavy metal. The audio siege towers were constructed and the 80s musical knights Templar brought forth the sacred audio message that anointed the revering masses in musical ecstasy.

I have to thank many acolytes of the 80s for coming out to hear the musical sermon expressed forth. As always, first council Brian Gullin needs to be commended for the stellar job behind the sound board. Gratis also to Dave for the lights. Honorariums bestowed upon Tawnya, Jeanette, Wendy, Joan, Kim, John, Kimberly, Rick, Chris, Matt, Denise, Don, Carol, Amanda, Stan & Linda, Kenny, Wanda & Rich, Todd, and Danny. I have to mention the various characters that were celebrating Halloween early – the 2 pirate wenches, the slut (was that a costume or indigenous attire to Pasadena?), Crusty the clown, and Pussy the…err…cat! Thanks also to Billy V. and the staff at Lightning Jacks for having us.

Friday October 31st has us hauling the 80s concert show to a new place, Juliannas Bar & Grill in Halethorpe, MD. Not only will we be showing a new club who the best 80s rock band is, it is also Halloween meaning time to dress up! There is a costume contest with $150 cash going to the best costume. I guess that means the Spartan is going to be back out for another night of glory!

“The Gods you worship are of steel, at the altar of rock & roll you’ll kneel…”

October 18th - White Men Really Can't Dance

The trip to Frederick for our gig at Champion Billiards was peaceful and uneventful. Since Champions provides lights and sound, hauling the trailer was not necessary so we packed our trucks to the gills with our stage gear, the banners, and the merchandise and off we went. It was a nice, brisk fall evening which made for a non-perspirant load-in.

Once we got on stage, the temperature went nuclear as the patrons at Champions didn’t know what hit them. The denizens of Frederick went ga-ga over the display of musical prowess that graced their presence in such an intimate environment. People danced, hooted, and hollered along to their favorite tunes of yesteryear. It was like the shackles of modern music doldrums were released in a musical fury of 80s liberation. New music is really cool stuff but there is something special and magical about the whole 80s hard rock & heavy metal ambiance. From the music to the show to the lights, you just can’t beat it.

Thank yous aplenty need to be bestowed upon an abundance of worthy and meritous individuals. We’ll start with the trifecta of Danette, Diane, and Tawnya for their unwavering support of their fellas as they continue to live and chase the dream. We will never concede to age! Also kudos and hugs to HJ Steve and Melissa for the pictures and video footage. Good job shout out to our buddy Ted for the excellent vocals on Metal Health & Crazy Train. You da man! Congratulations to Steve & Stephanie Harris on their nuptials! Thanks to the wedding party for the fun, the ladies of the 40th birthday party for the tiara (how’s that for an 80s band?), the wanna-be singers, the drunk young lady that kept spilling her drink on my boots, the table dancers, the staff for making sure I did not pull a Pete while on my way to the pisser, our designated server Allyson for a job well done, and the rest of the staff for the wonderful hospitality. Special mention to Chris of Showtime sound for the great audio mix as well as command of the stunning light production.

Special shout out to the rhythmically challenged caucasian fellow who really epitomized the stereotype of the groove challenged white dancer. Imagine the Vlasic pickle stork attempting to do the one-legged hop, wobbling on one stiff leg while the other is bent at the knee, hanging in the air and working as a counter balance to the body. You had to see this to truly appreciate the humor but I will give the guy credit for not being afraid to show off his moves, however graceless they may have been.

I hope the fellow that got sucker punched in the parking lot after the show is OK. To the initiator, you are a real tough guy, cold-cocking a blithering drunk that can barely stand. It really showcased your manliness.

The next weekend has us playing at an old/new place, Lightning Jacks in Pasadena. This is a first for the entity of Alive-n-Kickin’ but I played there on numerous occasions in my old bands of Imposter and Skyline back in the 90’s so I look forward to recollection of many fond memories when I take the stage and I hope all of you will share in my walk down memory lane. Brings a tear to my eye…sniffle…

“Up here in space I’m looking down on you. My lasers chase everything you do……”

October 3rd - Shrimp Juice & Smegma

Sometimes it is nice to be the passenger and just enjoy the scenery, especially when you are heading to new places. That was the case for me as the Corrupt Beast piloted the truck and trailer through Calvert and along the southern most portion of Anne Arundel County while I reclined in my seat, taking in the view. It never ceases to amaze me just how diversified or beautiful the state of Maryland is in its landscape.

Calypso Bay turned out to be a raucous and high-energy good time party. Many of our family and friends turned out for the good times and none left disappointed. I must say the steamed shrimp is quite plump and tasty, though Pete may still smell like Old Bay after the accidental shrimp juice and smegma drenching (sorry dude!). I am still amazed at how well our first original, I Don’t Need Love is going over. People are really grooving the song. A copy of it will be showing up on You Tube shortly for your listening perusal.

Many of the usual suspects as well as some new faces need to be honored through mention in the news. Thank you to the Quiet Storm Kelley (watch the on/off button on the wireless pack), Pete the enforcing shrimp-juiced cord bitch who did not confuse his tacos to hot dogs regarding restroom entry, Monster Stacey for the pictures and funny faces, Hammerjacks Steve & Melissa, Martin for keeping Kelley in line (except when she grabs wireless packs), Mike & Joe from All 4 Nothing (great job on Rock & Roll Al Night), Cricket & TJ (thank you for the great pictures), Ona for making the trip from Brandywine, Momma Beast Kathy, Uncle Steve & Aunt Dorrie (did we keep the language clean?), my Ravens-suffering companion Brian G. for the great job behind the sound board, Tom Cruz for booking us, Shawn the marine (semper fi) who felt I looked more manly then my actual weight of 260, Leslie & Bambi from Hollywood/LaPlata, Dave for the great vocals on Shook Me All Night Long, the enthusiastic group insisting to Steve on hearing Summer of 69 (Steve’s favorite number) – maybe by next June, and the gracious staff that held open doors as we humped gear out at the end of the night.

Happy birthday to our favorite Monster and super-photographer Stacey from Snapshot Entertainment. Thank you for supporting AnK since its inception and more so for being a great friend. We luv you!

I would like to extend a warm and gracious thank you to all my deviant friends, my extended musical family, for the birthday wishes now. I must say I feel no different now then before I put 40 in the rear view mirror. In fact, I look forward to bigger and better things as I embark on my 5th decade of life.

This upcoming weekend brings us a mild repast from playing before embarking on another mini-tour encompassing 5 shows on 4 weekends. All are at awesome venues and we anticipate and expect incredible evenings of fun and excitement unique to the premise of an Alive-n-Kickin’ show. As always, we will be presenting new material for your listening enjoyment and look forward to seeing each and every one of you.

BTW, Glenn finally peeled out of those leather pants from June 6th.

“Running under cover of moonlight bad, bad boys. Getting wild in the street, wild in the city…”

October 2nd - AnK on YouTube

To show everyone that we are more intellectually and technologically savvy then our exterior appearance would lead you to believe and to prove that we do listen to your requests, Alive-n-Kickin’ is proud to present live YouTube video clips of past performances. You can head to our songs page and click on the highlighted song or you can click on the links directly below. Thanks to Hammerjacks Steve for making the investment in the equipment and taking the time to edit and upload the songs. Enjoy!

Don't Stop Believin'

Stone In Love

September 30th - Quick Update

Hi everyone. I just wanted to scribe a quick update that AnK will be playing for the first time at Calypso Bay in Tracys Landing. We will be celebrating some birthdays as well so please come on out and join us in the festivities as we plan on stretching the boundaries of moral and legal parameters in our quest for fun! Looking forward to seeing you all there :)

September 13th - Now THAT'S the way to close out the season!

You could not have asked for a more beautiful day to have an outdoor performance. Even though it was a little hot, the breeze off the water at Red Eyes Dock Bar this past Saturday September 13th was refreshing. It was obvious that the patrons were there to enjoy the fortuitous weather here on the final outdoor concert weekend at Red Eyes for 2008. These people had been imbibing alcoholic spirits for much of the afternoon so when we took the stage at 8 pm, everyone was already primed, greased, lathered, and ready to cut loose. And cut loose they did!