Playing Summer Camp 2011

Building Science Boogie Band members, from left:
Steve Sauer, Eric Werling, Michael Lubliner, Collin Olson, Randy Martin

Congratulations to our regular drummer, Randy "Gramps" Martin, on winning the Building Science Boogie Band's annual basketball game of Horse and beating all the weaklings in the band.

Every year, we get a bunch of guitarists lining up to jam with us. If you can jam, come up and introduce yourself. I, Steve Sauer, should be your main point of contact. If you just want to sit in and don't need to be heard, bring your unplugged electric axe and strum along.

This year, there has been an unusually high number of drummers wanting to sit in. Maybe that's because this year, for the first time, the drummer is the focal point of the band, now being in the middle, and everybody wants to be in the spotlight.

On Sunday night, we welcomed Summer Camp first-timer Barbara Baker onto the kit, and we hope to have bachelor Burt back on drums again since he's not here every year. And if Manfred succeeds in getting German beer to Joe's house today or tomorrow, I'll throw in that he can sit at the drum kit too!

Speaking of beer, I was appalled at the sight of the crappiest of all crappy American brews, Budweiser, in the cooler while I was reaching for my Grolsch after switching over from Pilsner Urquell. Joe Lstiburek made a point the other night by telling me I'd never have to worry about having bad wine at his place. Well, if that's so, then why should I worry about bad beer?

Joe Kuonen did an excellent job Sunday night adding trumpet and some new repertoire entires to our lineup. His rendition of a Cab Calloway tune brought down the house. The crowded house, that is! I think the band set a new record for audience size -- maybe even exceeded occupancy load! Joe Kuonen was at the first Summer Camp, and now he's back after a 14-year absence. He plans to be playing trumpet again tonight and, technology-willing, also accordion.

Eric Werling, who recently switched federal agencies, must have been spending his time wisely as he's especially well rehearsed this year and debuting some new songs he's written. Some building science-related, others about confused and bored adults. But don't worry, there's nothing boring about his songs! Pay attention to the lyrics, and you might catch a pop culture reference from back in the day.

Danny "Locomotive Breath" Greenblatt helped last night with one Jethro Tull piece, and we hope to be performing another soon. We're in rehearsals; you never know when it's coming next.

Big props to the Building Science Boogie Band's own Collin Olson and Gary Nelson for opening Summer Camp with their presentation with Terry Brennan. OK, so it doesn't compare with Pete Consigli's Official Reading of the Summer Camp Menu, but then again, what else in life does? We look forward to Collin being able to play with the band tonight since he had to sit out last night. Thanks to Rick Duncan for being our capable backup bassist! We've also been lucky to have Terry Brennan jam with us as we kick off every night.

Finally, here's a little plug for guitarist Mike Lubliner and his survey project on energy audits and retrofits. Don't forget to complete your survey!