LIVE: “A Night at Tess’ Lark Tavern” @ The Linda, 6/10/10

OK, I’m not really gonna review this show because, well, I performed there with my band. And I sat at the door collecting admission money. And I sold raffle tix for the guitar donated to the cause by Saratoga Guitar. And Nippertown.com was a co-sponsor of the show. So I’m guessing that some folks might think that if I wrote a review, too, I’d be breaking some kind of journalist’s code of ethics.

But it was a great fun night. And we helped raise some much-needed money for Tess Collins and the staff of Tess’ Lark Tavern.

Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys sat in with Ramblin Jug Stompers. So did saxmen Keith Pray and Luke McNamee. McNamee also blew through a Merle Haggard classic with Gaudet. Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble cracked open their set with a wailin’ rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be).”

In between the music, the Albany Poets – Mary Panza, Thom Francis, Jason Crane and others – provided plenty pointed, poignant and thought-provoking observations. Bryan Thomas blew the crowd away with his tribute to MotherJudge and her open mic night at Tess’ Lark Tavern. And MotherJudge & the Best Damn Open Mic EVER! Band (aka, These Are the Hits) wrapped up the evening with a set that covered everything from Black Sabbath to Memphis Minnie.

Photographs by Andrzej Pilarczyk

Bryan Thomas was a busy guy at the benefit concert. When he wasn’t on stage being his usual brilliant, musical self, he was out in the audience snapping plenty of photographs of the other performers. Check them out here.