I've been asked to write a review of the October 19th 60's Museum Benefit concert, and pay tribute to Larry Coveny as he leaves his regular position as lead singer for the Cryan' Shames. The last part is a really hard thing to do, but so I don't lose my job as Rovin' Reporter, here goes.....

This last concert was a benefit held to publicize and gain support for the building of the 60's Museum. We have been holding meetings monthly since June to plan this event, so it's been in the works for quite some time. The afternoon started out with a frenzy of activity. The affair was held in a huge tent outside the Sheraton Northwest hotel, and we didn't have access to it until after noon. We had a couple of hours to turn it into a haven for lovers of the 60's, with black lights, incense, peace signs and music posters from groups that appeared at the Cellar in Arlington Heights, such as the Rovin' Kind, Saturday's Children, HP Lovecraft, and the Flock, not to mention our own superstars, Jimy Rogers and the Mauds and the Cryan' Shames. Before we knew it the bar was set up, the food was heated, and people were lined up at the beaded curtain waiting to get in. Gloria helped at the door by handing out flowers to each person as they came in, while the rest of us handed out 60's trinkets with smilie faces and peace signs. There was incense and peppermints on each table, and little packets of "sugar and spice". The table reserved for the Shameless Girls had 4 or 5 boxes of kleenex specially brought in, in preparation for emotions that were sure to overflow later that night.

The first hour or so was spent getting settled in, enjoying a sandwich and something to drink, and trying to find a warm spot. Then the lights dimmed, and the announcer introduced Jimy Rogers and the Mauds. If you've never seen them, you should definitely make it out to one of their shows. They are a powerhouse horn band made up of members from some awesome 60's bands and other hugely successful ventures, fronted by the singing and dancing dynamics of Jimy Rogers. They did all of their favorites, "Soul Drippin'", "Hold On", "Mustang Sally", etc., and had the place jumping by their second song (some people probably just danced to keep warm, but that's ok - it got everyone else up!). They performed a rollicking set, and all too soon they were taking their bows.

While the stage and sound was being changed around, the first 60's Museum awards were presented to Paul Sampson and Tom Johnson, the former owners of the Cellar Club, who were hugely instrumental in providing a place for teens to go and dance in the 60's, and a format for many of the blossoming bands (and some full-blown stars) to be seen and heard by the local teens. After the awards presentation, the Shames were introduced. The Shameless Girls (along with their kleenex) had already carved out their niche at the front of the stage, to be sure to get a good view of a memorable event. The Shames did their usual wonderful show, at times being joined by the Mauds' horn section, and a couple of other performers who wanted to jam (including Mark Eskin from the New Colony Six, who matched guitar licks with our own Ron Brandt). They definitely had the crowd going - even Jimy Rogers was seen out on the dance floor. I saw a lot of smiling faces out there, people no doubt remembering when they were just teens themselves, and saw and heard these bands the first time around.

At one point during the show, Jimmy Pilster (JC Hooke) invited friends Rita and Annie up on the stage to present Larry with a beautiful cake they had brought to commemorate Larry's last show (thanks Rita, the cake was delicious!). Later, after Larry's song to the Shameless Girls, our own Li'l Shameless (Alyssa) presented Larry with a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses from all the girls. But I don't think it hit any of us til the last few songs, when we all realized that someone else would be singing them next summer, and it was the end of an era for our Silver One. This is where the kleenex came in very handy. I know I was not the only one with tears running down my face listening to Larry - I couldn't look at the other girls cuz I knew they would be just as bad. But then, watching Larry's eyes get red and seeing how he couldn't even look at us without getting choked up really set it off. After the last strains of "Sugar & Spice" faded, the other guys all thanked Larry for his "years of outstanding service", and there were hugs and handshakes all around.

We presented Larry with some cards and gifts after the show, including his own set of maracas and a tambourine for him to stay in practice, and a photo of the original Shameless Girls. What really touched him, though, was the plaque that was given to him which said "Thanks for the Memories, Love, the Shameless Girls". He since has said he has it on his desk at work.

Larry's lovely wife Jodi took lots of pictures, so we hope some of them will show up on the web page. The guys spent some time at the autograph table, while we did some cleanup at the tent, then gathered in one of the rooms in the hotel for a little party. It was quite crowded in there for a while, but everyone wanted a chance to say their good-byes to Larry and Jodi. They stayed long enough to make promises to come back for special appearances if needed and to see everyone at future Scramble gigs, then we all hugged and kissed, and he was gone into the night. One by one people trickled off til there were only a few of us left, but we stayed up most of the night laughing and telling stories. Security came up twice to warn us about the noise, so finally we went down to a room off the lobby so we wouldn't disturb anyone. I guess no one wanted the night to end.

So how do we pay tribute to Larry, and all he's brought to the Shames these last several years? All the jokes, the talk about the "red albums", the laughter, and oh, that voice! Though he wasn't with the band back in the 60's, Larry can be considered an original in his own right. He was a Cryan' Shame through and through, and sang his way into our hearts show after show with his grace, talent and professionalism. He not only went way beyond his stated goal of paying tribute to the band, but also contributed much to the legacy that is the Cryan' Shames. He can be proud of what he's done, and how he's helped to carry the band into the next millennium. Thank you Larry.....you will be missed enormously!!! Best of luck to you and your family, and don't forget....Good Taste is Timeless!!!

Homepage comments: e-mail at: Webmasters@cryanshames.com