* MCats Gig #05 – HeelsStock 2006

In 90-degree weather in Acton on Saturday 07/29/06, The MCats played at “HeelsStock” at the home of Erik and Pirjo Heels, continuing the “Stock” tradition started by Barry and Melissa Grigsby at last year’s BarryStock. By our count, there were well over 100 people from 40 families in attendance. The party was for my 40th birthday, but let’s be honest – it was for the kids! The kids enjoyed the music and also seemed to get a kick out of the tree house. There are also a bunch of pictures on this website. Thanks to the Lowes, McKinleys, and Oltsiks for the pics. Keep ’em coming!

The Acton Beacon was in attendance taking picture for a nice story that ran yesterday entitled “Schoolhouse Rock, For The Kids.” Here’s an excerpt from the story:

“Members of the MCats – a local music group named for the school where its members send their children, McCarthy-Towne Elementary – had education on their minds when they formed. Now they rock for fun whenever they can. The six-member band began to help promote a school fund-raiser in February 2005. The parents came together at the request of Wendy Oltsik – the organizer of a McCarthy-Towne auction and wife of a musician – who wanted a rock ‘n’ roll theme. Six people volunteered, and the MCats were born.”

Thanks to all who attended. HeelsStock was a blast. Keep in mind that you can leave feedback on this website (click the “comments” link to add a comment), so we’d love to hear from you. And we look forward to seeing you at future events!

SET 1

I’m a Believer / The Monkees / 2:46 (Betsy)
Spooky / Atlanta Rhythm Section / 5:04 (Paul)
There She Goes / The La’s / 2:42 (Betsy)
Werewolves Of London / Warren Zevon / 3:31 (Jon)
It’s All Been Done / Barenaked Ladies / 3:26 (Betsy)
Should I Stay or Should I Go / The Clash / 3:09 (Eamon)
Just What I Needed / The Cars / 3:44 (Betsy)
Baby Can I Hold You / Tracy Chapman / 3:16 (Betsy)
What I Like About You / The Romantics / 2:58 (Betsy)
Bittersweet / Big Head Todd & The Monsters / 6:20 (Erik)
Feelin’ Alright / Joe Cocker / 4:13 (Jon)

SET 2

They Say It’s Your Birthday / The Beatles / 2:42 (Betsy)
Back On The Chain Gang / Pretenders / 3:39 (Betsy)
Hard to Handle / The Black Crowes / 3:10 (Betsy)
In the Midnight Hour / Wilson Pickett / 2:37 (Josh)
Peace, Love and Understanding / Elvis Costello / 3:12 (Jon)
Good Lovin’ / Grateful Dead / 1:52 (Betsy)
Look What You’ve Done / Jet / 3:52 (Josh)
Middle of the Road / Pretenders / 4:17 (Betsy)
AllStar / Smash Mouth / 3:21 (Jon)
Vertigo / U2 / 3:18 (Betsy)
Dirty Water / The Standells / 2:44 (Jon)

ENCORE

American Idiot / Green Day / 2:54 (Erik)
I Wanna Be Sedated / The Ramones / 2:23 (Jon)
Tush / ZZ Top / 2:15

ABOUT THE MCATS

The MCats band was formed in 2005 to raise money for an elementary school in Acton, MA, the McCarthy-Towne School (MCT), where all of the founding members’ children attended. The MCats set list includes rock and pop music from the 1960s to today and features Betsy Gitelman on vocals, Eamon Tighe on bass, Erik Heels on keyboards, Jon Oltsik on rhythm guitar and harp, Josh Stein on drums, and Paul Greenspan on lead guitar.