Midnight Confessions

(Photo of TAMS reunion by Rachel Greenberg. Pictured are Paul Tiers of Waxing Poetics far left and Kelly Miltier far right with someone named Johann in the middle)

It's mea culpa time here in Toggle Switch land. Mistakes have been made ... terrible, terrible mistakes.

Maybe that's the reason you, the Toggle Switch reader, aren't leaving me any provocative comments. That must be it. You're disappointed in me. I hereby pledge to do better.

Please give me another chance!

How did I eff up? Well, first of all, somehow I failed to alert you to the fact that two of the best roots-rock/blues bands in the region -- Rylo and Pawn Shop Lifters -- were playing together in Williamsburg tonight. This was quite an oversight. I beg your pardon. Seriously, if you're living in the 'burg and you were looking to go have a beer and listen to some live music tonight, this was the perfect double bill. Did any of you go see Rylo and PSL? Write some comments and tell me how it went. I'm sure it was smokin'.

OK, here's another of my fumbles. I've failed to follow up from the Punk New Wave reunion that was held back in June. In April, I reported on plans for a film documentary and photo book on the local New Wave scene from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Kelly Miltier and Pete Desnoyers were spearheading the project. They also held a reunion for scenesters and musicians from that era. I was hoping to attend and post about the experience, but I had to work that night, as it turned out.

Anyway, here's a belated message about how the reunion -- held June 29 at Headlights in Chesapeake -- came off. This was sent out by Miltier and Desnoyers soon after the event:

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"A massive killer big-time thanks to everyone that was able
to attend the Call To Arms reunion on Sunday the 29th. Our sympathies to
those of you who were unable to attend for one reason or another as you
missed a good one.

Hope everyone had as great a time as Pete and I. Even though we were busy throughout the day, we enjoyed seeing everyone in the same place, carrying on as before once again. Mac made the statement that "it seems like an extended break from one of our gigs" . . . how true.

The attendance was somewhere between 250 and 300 of you
guys and the club was impressed . . . honestly they were a little worried
that a bunch of old school 'punkers' just might wreak a little havoc
for old times' sake. We thank you all for your behavior - in general.

Bill Reid was there and a deal was knocked out to have the
live band showcase reunion at the Norva, which will be open to the
public. Details are forthcoming, especially as concerns the actual date. We
have a fall target but are basing the final decision after formal negotiations and additional info on Mac Quayle's availability schedule."

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Miltier now tells me that the showcase is being planned for December. More details as they materialize. To look at more photos from the reunion, go here. To read more about plans for the book and movie go here and here.