The Teen Heroes hit the stage promptly at 9pm. Unusually, the show started right on time. As the crowds became to drift in, they began their half hour set of light weight pop with a kick! The crowd, who was there to see the predominately swing line-up, looked upon in amazement. What were they to think? The band kept playing, blasting through each song with intense passion, and a big smile. As their excitement and enjoyment for music filled the air, the crowd slowly got into the music. Scattered crowds began to tap their toes and move to the music. Soon the majority of the crowd was into the music, enjoying it. But by that time the set was coming to a close. Next up, The Diablotones. With a newly released CD on their side, these guys knew they had to move the crowd if they wanted to pick up a few more fans tonight. With their shining horn section, and their danceable, traditional ska behind them they set out to make a few people dance. For the first few tunes, everyone stood absorbing the flavor. Three songs into their set, the dancing started. A group of kids started a group of dancers in the back, while others randomly skanked their hearts out. but soon troubles aroused. A shoving match broke out in the front row. The Diablotones quickly asked and made sure everything was all right, and then let them know that they just want to have fun and spread the word of unity around. The crowd went mad, leading perfectly into their next number. The skanking continued throughout The Diablotones set.

Lucky Sevens (formerly The Scandals) were up next. Their modern swing with serious/humored lyrics were the perfect tool to warm up everyone for the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. The moment they hit the stage everyone quickly jumped on the chance to enjoy their music. The dance floor was hot, as everyone swing and swayed throughout the crowd. But due to the tightly packed club, dancing calmed down after people continuously bumped into each other. But for the majority of the crowd, that didn't stop anyone! Only those in back and in the bar stopped, while the rest of the crowd was dancing the night away. As for the music, it was rock solid and very matured. These guys have a bright future. The band is very tight, and works greatly as a team. And ending the show (as usual) with "Big Bad Mean MammaJamma", they got the crowd very worked up! Truth be told, after their performance, it is amazing anyone could think about dancing like that towards the headliners, THE CHERRY POPPIN' DADDIES!

But a thirty minute wait between sets gave everyone a time to rest. Then the Cherry Poppin' Daddies came out. The crowd applauded and screamed for the home-state heroes. The golden sound of the brass quickly filled up the room, while the drums kept a step in everyone's beat. This time even those in the bar and the ones in the back started to get into the music. There was no room to maneuver. The only thing you could do was dance or be danced on. Steve Perry and crew dove into such classics as "Zoot Suit Riot", "Brown Derby Jump," and "Drunk Daddy." As Steve ferociously moved on stage, running around, and sweating to the beat of his own music, the crowd danced fearlessly to the music. Everyone was ecstatic. A modern day utopia seemed to be occurring. Smiles brightened up the venue, as the horns added even more light. The melodic keyboards were spread around in generous portions, while the guitar and bass complimented each other very well from the fresh swing vibes to the power of their punker side. The Cherry Poppin' Daddies even gave the fans a real treat, some new material. Such songs as "2:29", "Pool Shark", and "Hi & Lo" got the crowds skanking with their upbeat melodies, powerful vocals, and most of all, upbeat rhythms played on the guitar. Everyone seemed to love it as the Daddies moved from powerhouse ska to modern swing, and even splashing in the occasional punk beat. But all good things must come to an end, as did this show. But wait! The crowd chanted and cheered for more Cherry Poppin' Daddies. And that's just what they got. The Daddies came out to perform a few more action-packed numbers, giving the crowd even more chances to sweat. And they took full advantage of it. Everyone kicked it up a notch, and put that much more into the dancing. You couldn't ask for a better night!

SHOW REVIEW: Cherry Poppin' Daddies/Blue Meanies/g

SHOW REVIEW: Cherry Poppin' Daddies: House of Blues -- Lake Buena Vista, Florida

[Issue Four // January 1998]