Tuesday, August 08, 2006

From Russia, With Love Rocket

What do you get when you mix one smokin' hot female accordion player, a guy wearing a zebra striped suit, a singer who sounds exactly like the 'Berserker' singer in 'Clerks' and one "Bad Ass American Drummer"? Why, you get the Red Elvises, of course. Their Rockenrol show is something like Chuck Berry meets Chernobyl, complete with jammin' music, creative and funny lyrics and just enough cheesy stage antics to border on rock and roll parody. Their broken English (Amanda's uncle was trying to figure out if they are really from Russia or if it is just schtick) just adds to the entertainment.

Their entertaining playlist includes Love Rocket, Telephone Call From Istanbul, Strip Joint Is Closed, I Want To See You Belly Dance and the memorable Sad Cowboy Song which includes a four man drum "solo". I know this all sounds ridiculous and reading the website, which is a little dated, won't change that, but trust me: They kick ass.

We stumbled upon the Red Elvises thanks to Amanda's aunt and uncle inviting us to Bethlehem PA's Musikfest last year. We had such a great time last year that we went back this weekend. For Musikfest, Bethlehem ropes off a huge section of their downtown and sets up tons of musical venues, food vendors and artisans peddling their wares. There is music around every corner as you wander the streets. The performances are free and the food is fantastic. Within a span of a few blocks you can enjoy polkas, reggae, a dixieland jug band, some roasted corn on the cob, hand twisted pretzels, pit beef sandwiches and as many giant mugs of beer as it takes to wash it all down. Musikfest makes the Salisbury Festival look like a kid's birthday party. I highly recommend catching at least a portion of the week's activities. I fully expect us to continue our new summer tradition next year.

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