GREEN JELLŸ invades the Suburbs
September 2, 2024 (Findlay, OH)
Green Jellÿ’s mastermind Bill Manspeaker came up with an amazing way to put a personal touch on some of their live performances. He will bring his Punk Rock Puppet show directly to your house and help disturb the boring peace and quiet that normally goes on.
Tonight in particular Bill and Company were hired to play Shane Grossman’s 50th birthday party.
This residential neighborhood was about to be out of the normal.
It fits GJ’s format very well. Known to be able to form a band pretty easily with various musicians anywhere in the world, tonight was Findlay (OH) turn to put together a one-of-a-kind evening.
Traveling in from Chicago with Puppets, instruments, inflatables, and band members – they showed up at various times getting this party started later than scheduled, but were ready to put on a fun memorable show nonetheless.
As I was already scheduled to cover this from a photography standpoint, I saw the FaceBook call that they were also in need of a sound system. So I tossed my PA and digital mixer in the car along with my camera equipment, and hit the highway for a two hour drive to the party spot.
Birthday celebrator Shane Grossman and his wife were very hospitable, and their front yard was set up similar to any typical large birthday bash. I enjoyed some chili and my wife enjoyed some birthday cake as we hung out as the band was on their way.
Once Bill arrived he got busy disinfecting the puppet masks, just in case. I’m not sure the alien flu was anywhere near, but one cannot be too cautious.
As we all waited on the final pieces to get there, Bill jumped on the drum kit and did some improv songs for Shane’s birthday.
Everything was eventually all ready to go once Lazy-D’s short bus showed up and the pool noodles flowed from the back of the bus.
Some puppets were recruited to get behind the closed the closed garage door for the big reveal.
As the crowd approached the garage door, Green Jellÿ started out with Three Little Pigs as the revelers were smacking the garage door with their pool noodles, the garage door opened and mayhem ensued.
With a mixed crowd in attendance, it was quite amusing to see how some were quite into it, and some were simply taken aback with what they were witnessing. That included the boys in blue that showed up. Rosie made a quick move over to the police and after a sweet and short conversation they left the party alone. Well, as long as the drinks and rowdiness did not go onto or past the sidewalk.
As the sun was setting they played Anarchy in the UK and Electric Harley House (of Love) among others.
It was a typical GJ show. You didn’t know exactly what was going to happen, but you knew it was going to be fun. It also translated really well into this format. Sure GJ didn’t have fifteen musicians on stage, and sure it wasn’t concert level sound, but it was something that those in attendance will never forget.
After nearly a hour long set, it was over, and the neighbors could finally stop freaking out about the Punk Rock Puppet Show that just invaded their neighborhood.
Oh… and Happy Birthday Shane Grossman! This was one for the books!
PHOTO GALLERY
