Date: December 19th 2015
Opening Bands: The Pietasters, Sammy Kay, The Snails

The Slackers annual holiday show happened at Irving Plaza in New York City on December 19th. It was a solid lineup from top to bottom with The Pietasters co-headlining, Sammy Kay and The Snails.

The crowd started out thin for The Snails but the venue filled in pretty nicely after their set. The Philly soul/ska-ish band played first and I never saw them play. I usually see them play with Sammy Kay but not actually play their own music. I liked their music a lot and they put on a good show. I think the band should meet up with Trapper Schoepp and The Shades because they are similar bands, although different genres of music. Vocalist Todd Fausnacht and Trapper have similar voices and singing styles. From what I can remember, they played “Walking Softly Down Broad Street” and “Strong Foundation.” Other than that, I don’t know.

Sammy Kay and some of the Snails played next and it’s been a year since last seeing Sammy Kay before. He performed some of his more ska/reggae tunes since he was playing that type of show. His latest album Fourth Street Singers is more Americana and Folk. From what I remember, he played songs like “Hearts So True,” and I think “Something, Someday.” Vic of the Slackers came out to play “Highs and Lows” with Sammy. Vic was saying he was re-learning the song earlier in the show but sounded fine to me. At one point I was in the back by the bar area and Sammy mentioned if anyone saw Star Wars. I’m not sure what was said afterwards but it sounded like he did a big spoiler? Not sure if he did or not but thankfully I saw the movie earlier that day. He finished things up with “Sweet Misery,” which he usually ends things on.

The Pietasters were up next and featured quite a lot of horn players this time around. They started things off with “Maggie Mae” and didn’t take long for Steve to go up front to the crowd and sing along with them. After that, they played “Biblical Sense” and “Fozzy, Part 1.” Since they had an hour set, they were able to play a lot of stuff I haven’t heard in a long time. I’ve always been a fan of their cover of “Sheila” and “Girl Take It Easy” was always a favorite of mine. My Dad loved that one too. I’m glad they played “Change My Ways” because that’s one of the newer tunes I love from the Pie Guys. Newer haha, from 2007. Time to release some new music Pietasters! Other covers they played that night include “Can I Change Your Mind,” and The Clash’s “Clampdown.” The night wouldn’t be complete without them playing one of their hits “Out All Night,” which they played second to last. It’s always a good time seeing the Pietasters. They just need to release some new music now. It’s been too damn long!

The Slackers played last obviously and it’s always a party when they play. I’ve been meaning to see The Slackers again and what better way to see them then Irving Plaza. I saw some of the Slackers and some of the Pietasters perform together called Slacktasters last year for the Apple “Womp” and that was fun. They played songs from their new album like “Go Go Go” and then some older stuff like “Watch This.” I believe some stuff was played from Better Late Than Never as well. One of my favorite Slackers song “So This Is The Night” was played so I was happy to hear that. I also love “Have The Time” but found out they played that later on in the set.

It sucks everytime I see the Slackers I have to leave early. My excuse was I was sick with a cold and probably shouldn’t have even gone to the show in the first place. I did catch an hour of the set but I missed when The Slackers were playing with the Pietasters on stage and in the crowd. Sounded like a blast but I needed to be home, in bed. It figures I didn’t end of getting to sleep until around 3am because my 3 month old son decided to wake up and want to eat.

Some photos from the evening:

The Snails

Sammy Kay

The Pietasters

The Slackers