Author: Erik J. Heels

One of the things we love about playing at The Tiki Bar is that they let us play with golf carts! And occasionally loosen up the crown by providing and opening act! (Just kidding, thanks to Mickey Lorden for sharing the stage while we set up!)

Here’s how we promoted the gig:

If you are thinking that the titles of these gigs remind you of Star Wars, then whatever we are doing is working. (And, for the record, our sax guy didn’t actually go anywhere. And these are not the droids you’re looking for.)

In any event, the Tiki Bar venue is great, and we hope you’ll join us for food, friends, and fun. Bonus points if you noticed both the alliteration and the alphabetical order.

The details:

Come to Nashoba Valley’s outdoor venue, The Sunset Tiki Bar (https://www.skinashoba.com/), on Thu 08/18/16 (7:30-10:30ish), hear some cool music, eat some good food, and definitely buy a round for the band!

This is not some cheap recording of The MCats Band.
This is not some tribute band imitation of The MCats Band.
This is the one, the only, ask-for-them-by-name: The MCats Band.

We started playing in 2005 as a one-time gig, and we have never stopped playing!

Hope to see you on August 18th!

Set 1

1. (K & D) Breakdown (Am) – Eamon √
2. (A) Margaritaville (D) – Jon √
3. (G) 500 Miles (E) – Eamon
4. (A) Sultans of Swing (Dm) – Jon
5. (A) It’s All Been Done (D) – Erik √
6. (G) Last Dance with Mary… (A) – Eamon √
7. (K & B) Oye Como Va (A)* – Jon/ET √
8. (G) Tequila (E)* – Jon √
9. (G) Should I stay or should I go – Eamon
10. (D) Honky Tonk Women (G)* – Eamon √
11. (G) Brown Sugar (C)* – Eamon √
12. (G) What I like about you (E) – Erik √
13. (K) Old Time Rock ‘n Roll (E)* – Eamon √
14. (G) Gimme Three Steps (D) – Jon √
15. (A) Bad case of loving you (E) – Eamon √
16. (G) Same Old Song and…(E)* – Eamon √
17. (A) Can’t Get Enough… (C) – Eamon √
18. (B) Psycho Killer (Am) – Erik √

Legend

* = songs with sax
√ = songs in quick succession
(A) All in
(G) Guitar
(D) Drums
(K) Keys
(B) Bass

Set 2

1. (D) Love Shack (C)* – Eamon / Girls
(‘When will I be Loved’ – Rebecca?)
2. (G) Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy (E) – Eamon √
3. (G & B) You Wreck Me (D) – Eamon √
4. (D & B) Just Like Heaven (A) – Erik √
5. (G & K) Centerfold (G)* – Jon
6. (G) Look Sharp (C) – Jon √
7. (G) No Matter What (A) – Eamon √
8. (K & D) Bohemian Like You (B) – Jon √
9. (G) Tush (G) – Eamon √
10. (G) I will Follow (E) – Eamon √
11. (A) Refugee (F#m) – Eamon √
12. (G) 867-5309 (Jenny) (F#m) – Eamon √
13. (A) Peace, Love and… (G) – Jon √
14. (G) Runnin’ Down A Dream (E) – Jon √
15. (A) Summertime Blues (A) – Eamon √

ENCORE

16. (G) Already Gone (G) – Jon √
17. (G & K) Rebel Yell (B) – Eamon √

Others:

1. (G) You Really Got Me (G) – Eamon
2. (G) Dirty Water (E) – Jon
3. (A) I Want To Be Sedated (E) – Jon
4. (G & B) Sunshine of your.. (G) – Eamon
5. (A) Learn to Fly (B) – Erik

On or about 08/12/16, the band (minus Erik and Josh, but plus Tony) allegedly played a last-minute gig at The Tiki Bar. Since there is no recorded evidence of this gig, it shall be ever known as The Phantom Gig.

This was a great gig for a great cause. Here’s how we promoted the gig:

The MCats Band is honored to be playing on the #PMC2016 Party Ferry on 08/07/16 from P-Town to Boston 3-6pm. Thanks to all who ride to cure cancer for Pan-Mass Challenge, especially Mark Wessel and Team Lick Cancer. We love you mans!

As one of our favorite PMC riders said:

So great to have the MCats play the PMC 2016 Party Boat – you guys rocked it!!!

Set 1

1. (G) Born to be Wild (E) – Eamon
2. (A) It’s All Been Done (D) – Erik
3. (G) Centerfield (G) – Eamon
4. (K & D) Breakdown (Am) – Eamon
5. (B & D) Stray Cat Strut (Cm) – Paul
6. (G) 500 Miles (E) – Eamon
7. (K & B) Oye Como Va (A) – Jon / ET
8. (G) Look Sharp (C) – Jon
9. (G) No Matter What (A) – Eamon
10. (G) Should I Stay or …(D) – Eamon
11. (G) Just What I Needed (E) – Eamon
12. (A) Sultans of Swing (Dm) – Jon
13. (G) Lonely Boy (E) – Eamon
14. (B) Psycho Killer (Am) – Erik

Set 2

1. (G) Last Dance with Mary… (A) – Eamon
2. (A) Smoking Gun (E) – Eamon
3. (G) Gimme Three Steps (D) – Jon
4. (D & B) Just Like Heaven (A) – Erik
5. (K & D) Bohemian Like You (B) – Jon
6. (D) Honky Tonk Women (G) – Eamon
7. (G) Brown Sugar (C) – Eamon
8. (A) Bad Case of Lovin’ You (E) – Eamon
9. (K) Old Time Rock ‘n Roll (E) – Eamon
10. (G) What I Like About You (E) – Erik
11. (G & B) You Wreck Me (D) – Eamon
12. (G) Runnin’ Down A Dream (E) – Jon
13. (A) Can’t Get Enough… (C) – Eamon
14. (A) Learn to Fly (B) – Erik

Set 3

1. (G & B) Sunshine of your… (D) – ET / Jon
2. (G) Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy (E) – Eamon
3. (G) Same Old Song and… (E) – Eamon
4. (B) Are You Gonna Be… (A) – Eamon
5. (G) Tush (G) – Eamon
6. (G & K) Centerfold (G) – Jon
7. (G) I will Follow (E) – Eamon
8. (A) Refugee (F#m) – Eamon
9. (G) 867-5309 (Jenny) (F#m) – Eamon
10. (A) Peace, Love and… (G) – Jon
11. (A) Summertime Blues (D) – Eamon
12. (D) Love Shack (C) – Eamon / Girls

Encore

13. (G) Already Gone (G) – Jon
14. (G & K) Rebel Yell (B) – Eamon
15. (G) Dirty Water (E) – Jon

Others:

1. (G) You Really Got Me (G) – Eamon
2. (D) We’re an Amer. Band (D) – Eamon
3. (A) White Room (D) – Eamon
4. (A) I Want To Be Sedated (E) – Jon
5. (G & D) Cover Me (Bm) – Eamon
6. (A) It’s a Shame about Ray (A) – Erik

Legend

(A) All in
(G) Guitar
(D) Drums
(K) Keys
(B) Bass

This was a private event at a camp managed by Eamon’s brother. We’ve been trying to play there for years. This year, we were finally able to schedule it, and we go rained out – big time. We were suppose to play from about 2pm-6pm. Note the weather forecast pic above.

Set 1

1. (K & D) Breakdown (Am) – Eamon
2. (G & B) Spooky (Em) – Paul
3. (G) Centerfield (G) – Eamon
4. (A) It’s All Been Done (D) – Erik
5. (G) Born to be wild… (E) – Eamon
6. (G) Should I stay or should I go – Eamon
7. (D) Honky Tonk Women (G) – Eamon
8. (G) Brown Sugar (C) – Eamon
9. (G) What I like about you (E) – Erik
10. (K) Old Time Rock ‘n Roll (E) – Eamon
11. (A) Bad case of loving you (E) – Eamon
12. (A) Can’t Get Enough… (C) – Eamon
13. (B) Psycho Killer (Am) – Erik

Set 2

1. (D) Love Shack (C) – Eamon / Girls
2. (G) Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy (E) – Eamon
3. (G & B) You Wreck Me (D) – Eamon
4. (D & B) Just Like Heaven (A) – Erik
5. (G) No Matter What (A) – Eamon
6. (G) Tush (G) – Eamon
7. (G) I will Follow (E) – Eamon
8. (A) Refugee (F#m) – Eamon
9. (A) Learn to Fly (B) – Erik
10. (G) 867-5309 (Jenny) (F#m) – Eamon
11. (A) Summertime Blues (A) – Eamon

ENCORE

12. (G) Running down a dream (E) – Eamon
13. (G & K) Rebel Yell (B) – Eamon

Others:

1. Takin care of business – Erik
2. Back in the USSR – Eamon
3. Just what I needed – Eamon

Severe thunderstorms in the area caused the evacuation of the Tiki Bar – and out our gig. We basically played the first set then rushed to protect our crazy expensive gear from the elements. At least we got all of the sax song in! (Thanks, Bob!) And, in the end, it never did rain. Since when can weathermen predict the weather?

Here’s how we promoted the gig:

I guess that makes the last gig entitled “A New Hope.”

In any event, the Tiki Bar has begged us to return, so return we must. I do note, unfortunately, that the popular (but time-consuming) wedding-ring-hunt event has been CANCELED for this gig, so please leave your metal detectors at home.

What’s that? The details? Oh yes, of course. Here you go:

Come to Nashoba Valley’s outdoor venue, The Sunset Tiki Bar (https://www.skinashoba.com/), on Sat 07/30/16 (7:30-10:30ish), hear some cool music, eat some good food, and definitely buy a round for the band!

This is not some cheap recording of The MCats Band.
This is not some tribute band imitation of The MCats Band.
This is the one, the only, ask-for-them-by-name: The MCats Band.

We started playing in 2005 as a one-time gig, and we have never stopped playing!

Hope to see you on July 30th!

Set 1

1. (K & D) Breakdown (Am)
2. (A) Margaritaville (D)
3. (G) 500 Miles (E)
4. (A) Sultans of Swing (Dm)
5. (A) It’s All Been Done (D)
6. (G) Last Dance with Mary… (A)
7. (K & B) Oye Como Va (A)*
8. (G) Tequila (E)*
9. (G) Should I stay or should I go
10. (D) Honky Tonk Women (G)*
11. (G) Brown Sugar (C)*
12. (G) What I like about you (E)
13. (K) Old Time Rock ‘n Roll (E)*
14. (G) Gimme Three Steps (D)
15. (A) Bad case of loving you (E)
16. (G) Same Old Song and…(E)*
17. (A) Can’t Get Enough… (C)
18. (B) Psycho Killer (Am)

* = songs with sax

Set 2

1. (D) Love Shack (C)*
2. (G) Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy (E)
3. (G & B) You Wreck Me (D)
4. (D & B) Just Like Heaven (A)
5. (G & K) Centerfold (G)*
6. (G) Look Sharp (C)
7. (G) No Matter What (A)
8. (K & D) Bohemian Like You (B)
9. (G) Tush (G)
10. (G) I will Follow (E)
11. (A) Refugee (F#m)
12. (G) 867-5309 (Jenny) (F#m)
13. (A) Peace, Love and… (G)
14. (G) Runnin’ Down A Dream (E)
15. (A) Summertime Blues (A)

ENCORE

16. (G) Already Gone (G)
17. (G & K) Rebel Yell (B)

Here’s how we promoted this gig:

One month from today, Erik turns 50!

One month and 4 days from today, The MCats Band rocks the Tiki Bar!

So come to Nashoba Valley’s outdoor venue, The Sunset Tiki Bar (https://www.skinashoba.com/), on Fri 06/10/16 (7-10ish), hear some cool music, eat some good food (try the steak tips!), and maybe buy a round for the band!

Oh yes, and remind Erik that he is starting his 51st year!

The band has promised to play a short set of “no keys” songs (in honor of Erik’s birthday) to allow for mingle time with family and friends.

This is not some cheap recording of The MCats Band.
This is not some tribute band imitation of The MCats Band.
This is the one, the only, ask-for-them-by-name: The MCats Band.

We started playing in 2005 as a one-time gig, and we have never stopped playing!

Hope to see you on June 10th!

The gig was epic! Thanks to all who came out to support the band and celebrate my birthday!

Set 1

1. It’s All Been Done (D)
2. Centerfield (G)
3. Breakdown (Am)
4. Stray Cat Strut (Cm)
5. 500 Miles (E)
6. Margaritaville (D)
7. Moondance (A)*
8. Spooky (E)*
9. Mustang Sally (C)*
10. Oye Como Va (A)*
11. Tequila (E)*
12. Honky Tonk Women (G)*
13. Brown Sugar (C)*
14. Old Time Rock ‘n Roll (E)*
15. Just What I Needed (E)
16. Sultans of Swing (Dm)
17. Gimme Three Steps (D)
18. Bad case of loving you (E)
19. Can’t Get Enough… (C)
20. Lonely Boy (E)
21. Psycho Killer (Am)
22. Same Old Song and…(E)*

* = songs with sax

Set 2

1. Love Shack (C)
2. When Will I Be Loved (F) (with Rebecca)
3. Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy (E)
4. You Wreck Me (D)
5. Centerfold (G)
6. Tush (G)
7. Look Sharp (C)
8. Just Like Heaven (A)
9. 867-5309 (Jenny) (F#m)
10. Runnin’ Down A Dream (E)
11. Already Gone (G)

The MCats Band is sorry to say that the 03/19/16 gig has been canceled due to lack of snow. Damn this nice weather!

But, for the record, here’s how we promoted it:

There are many reasons (après-ski) to come to Wachusett Mountain. For example, if you like downhill skiing (après-ski), then Wachusett has lots of trails to offer for not a lot of driving. If cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is your thing (après-ski), then you’ll also have a great time at Wachusett. And in the sunny months (après-hike), try some of the hiking trails. But we’re not talking about summer here, we’re talking about winter (après-ski)! Or at least the snow-less (or less snow) winter of 2015-2016! Maybe just skip the slopes and head straight to the après-ski!

The MCats Band LIVE in the Coppertop Lounge at Wachusett Mountain
(Sat 2016-03-19 8-10pm)

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
499 Mountain Road, Princeton, MA 01541
http://www.wachusett.com/TheMountain/ResortServices/FoodBeverage/tabid/70/Default.aspx

In February 2005, just after winning his third Super Bowl ring and returning from the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii, New England Patriots legend Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke. Bruschi later joined forces with the the American Stroke Association (ASA) to create Tedy’s Team, a group of runners raising money for the ASA and training to complete local and destination races.

On 03/12/16, Team Brielle, founded by Brielle Cormier under the umbrella organization Tedy’s Team, held a fundraiser at Mt. Pleasant Golf Club in Lowell. Brielle started her fundraising efforts (which also include running half and full marathons) after her father died suddenly from a stroke in 2013.

The MCats Band (itself founded as a fundraising band) was honored to play at this great event. Thanks, Brielle!

Set 1

1. Good Lovin’
2. It’s All Been Done
3. Centerfield
4. Breakdown
5. Stray Cat Strut
6. 500 Miles
7. Oye Como Va
8. Look Sharp
9. No Matter What
10. Just What I Needed
11. Sultans of Swing
12. Lonely Boy
13. Psycho Killer

Set 2

1. Margaritaville
2. Last Dance with Mary Jane
3. Smoking Gun
4. Just Like Heaven
5. Bohemian Like You
6. Honky Tonk Women
7. Brown Sugar
8. Old Time Rock ‘n Roll
9. What I Like About You
10. Mustang Sally
11. Love Shack
12. Already Gone

When The MCats Band arrived at Nashoba’s Outlook Restaurant to setup for our gig, we immediately created a human wall between the incredibly hot fireplace and the restaurant’s many fine patrons, saving countless souls from overheating in the process. Eamon and Josh took the brunt of the blow and have been nominated for Congressional Medals for their valor.

As the fire cooled down, the band heated up, again saving the patrons from certain death (this time due to freezing).

A hearty group of several dozen Actonians came out for the event, consuming many solids and liquids in the process, and creating an impromptu dance floor in the ‘look. Rumor has it that The MCats Band is a lock to play Nashoba’s Tiki Bar this summer. What can I say but, “We love you, mans!”

Set 1

1. Good Lovin’
2. It’s All Been Done
3. Centerfield
4. Breakdown
5. Stray Cat Strut
6. 500 Miles
7. Oye Como
8. Look Sharp
9. No Matter What
10. It’s a Shame about Ray
11. Sultans of Swing
12. Lonely Boy
13. Psycho Killer

Set 2

1. Margaritaville
2. Old Time Rock ‘n Roll
3. Last Dance with Mary Jane
4. Smoking Gun
5. Bohemian Like You
6. Just Like Heaven
7. Honky Tonk Women
8. Brown Sugar
9. What I Like About You
10. You Wreck Me
11. Love Shack (feat. The Women of Acton)
12. Come As You Are
13. Tush
14. I Will Follow
15. Refugee
16. 867-5309 (Jenny)
17. Peace, Love, and Understanding
18. Already Gone