Author Archives: Salvi C.

by Salvi C. | January 25, 2012 · 2:51 pm

Get Ready, NYC!!!

You’ve had 5-plus years of waiting. Wait no more. The loud and the proud returns to Manhattan with the NYC debut of MANITOBA. Tomorrow night’s gig at the Bowery Electric is just about sold out. There are only a few walk-up tickets left, so get there early.

One sea change for long-time followers: the Ross side is now on JP’s right, instead of his left. I know, I know, it’ll take some getting used to. But if we’re lucky, we’ll get the opportunities to make it seem like old hat.

See you there!

— Salvi C.

Asbury Park Aftermath

The encores were “California Sun” and “Kick Out the Jams.”

If you’re planning a weekend getaway in Asbury Park, we heartily recommend the Empress Hotel on Asbury Ave. It’s retro fancy, clean and cheap, and most importantly, it’s falling down distance from all the music clubs. http://asburyempress.com/

Budget at least a couple hours into your stay so you can spend them at the Silverball Museum Arcade, a living museum of pinball history. Your cover fee allows you to play every game in the place. Don’t be surprised if you end up staying until closing, and cancelling all other plans. http://silverballmuseum.com/

— Salvi C.

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Filed under HDM, Live, Ross the Boss, Thunderbolt

by Salvi C. | January 16, 2012 · 4:35 pm

The Party Starts Again!!

In accordance with the age-old show biz axiom of “Always open out of town,” Manitoba made their world debut on Friday, Jan. 13. The band headlined at Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ, as part of the “Light the Day” benefit series.

It had been a looooong 5 years since these songs have been performed in the loud and proud, and it was a toss-up as to who was more excited — the band, to finally have the chance to play them, or the audience, who finally had their patience rewarded by being able to hear them. Suffice to say, it was an emotional and cathartic night for everyone in attendance. The supermodel-thin Handsome Dick spoke for everyone in the room when he bellowed, “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than in a bowling alley in New Jersey on a beautiful Friday night!”

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Filed under HDM, Live Review, Ross the Boss, Thunderbolt

by Salvi C. | January 6, 2012 · 12:06 pm

Happy Birthday to the Thunderbolt!

Happy birthday to our favorite renaissance man, J.P. “Thunderbolt” Patterson!! If you can’t wait until the upcoming Manitoba shows (Jan 13 and 26, as if you didn’t know already) to catch him in action, and we can’t, then give your channel changer a work-out, and look for him in the new Capital One commercial with Jerry Stiller.

— Salvi C.

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Filed under PSA, Thunderbolt

by Salvi C. | December 8, 2011 · 6:12 pm

Manitoba Debuts!! [Update: Not]

[12/12 UPDATE: Manitoba is unfortunately off the bill, so let’s hold this thought until next time … there WILL be a next time, right?!?!]

It could be great. It could be “Jazz Odyssey.” Either way, we’ve waited 5+ years for it. If this ends up being a one and out, or a living and breathing entity, will really hinge upon our acceptance of the band as, if not The Next Big Thing, then at very least, The Next Best Thing.

There’s no need for debate, or dismissing the project with a “It’s not the Dictators.” We already KNOW that. For us, your humble reporters, it’s all about the songs. We know and trust the guys involved to do justice to the old classics and then, if the project grows legs, to breathe life into new classics.

Whether or not you decide to embrace the new line-up is entirely up to you. You know where you can find me. I’ll be up front, on the Ross side.

— Salvi C.

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Filed under HDM, Live, Ross the Boss, Thunderbolt

by Salvi C. | December 1, 2011 · 11:48 am

“Don’t Mess With Manitoba!!”

Too late for Chanukah 2011, but just in time for Purim 2012 – Aggronautix is accepting pre-orders for the Handsome Dick Manitoba Throbblehead doll! Even the BOX is cool!

— Salvi C.

Handsome Dick Manitoda Throbblehead Figure Announced

Pre-orders open now, shipping February 2012

Handsome Dick Manitoba, King of New York and fearless leader of The Dictators, has been promoted to throbblehead status!

  This figure capturing Richard’s signature modern day look is limited to 1000 numbered units, stands at 7 inches tall, and is made of super strong polyresin.

  Don’t mess with Manitoba as he stands proudly representing the Lower East Side. He’s accurately sculpted right down to the weathered Dictators leather jacket and searing glare.

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Foooking Hell!

We’ll have a much longer blow by blow on the Norton 25th Anny weekend in the days to come, but while we try to deal with the harsh return to reality, and sift through the detritus of the trip (any theories as to why I bought a “Learn to Dance with Jackie and The Cedrics” DVD would be appreciated), here’s the highlight of the event from our Dictators-centric point of view. Enjoy.

— Salvi C.

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Filed under Adny, Live, Video

by Salvi C. | November 3, 2011 · 10:55 pm

Dorian’s Voice Benefit at JD’s Place

Did you have plans for this Saturday, November 5th? Well, cancel them. This is what you’re doing instead. You’re heading out to JD’s Place on Rte 109 in Farmingdale (L.I.) to see Ross the Boss perform as part of a benefit show to support 3-month-old Dorian, who suffered horrific injuries at the hands of his father. I can’t attach the picture because it makes me cry to see it. The music starts at 6 pm. There will be 50/50 raffles all night, excellent prizes, free food, and drink specials. Line up your designated driver, and make a night of it.