I know this topic – The List – is not anything to brag about, nor is it politically correct or polite, nor does it share a lot of commonality with the other aspects of the blog. Consequently, I should not be surprised to have received a complaint this week about the topic and its necessity and/or appropriateness. “Why all the sex?” was the specific complaint. All I can say is I feel the need to document this aspect of me that the 340 elicited. I hope it is not too disrespectful, demeaning or seen as braggadocio; I mean nothing of the kind. I certainly do not mean it to be sexual, lewd, or titillating in any way. It is just a bit of me that I felt the need to include if I’m going to document my experience in the decadent decade on West King Street.
So, without further adieu or apologia, back to The List. The second half of the year continued with a young lady (#77) at the Dutch Inn in Jersey at a street hockey tourney, a pick up (#78) at Zangari South one Sunday evening, less said the better about the next one (#79), the next young lady (#80) and I made sweet music on the banks of the Conestoga near Sunnyside and in her orange bug, her ex (I think and hoped at the time) was 6-5, 330, next was a nice young lady (#81) who I ticked off too early in our all to brief relationship, I met the next young woman (#82) at the Village and took her across the street to the Brunswick rather than the 340, a Fairmont House bar maid (#83) was next, then there was a friend (#84) of the piano keys, the year ended with a little cradle robbery as the girl (#85) might have been as young as 16. She caused one of the few arguments that Phil & I had on King Street. The juke was a little too loud for her tastes and I turned the music down; well, Phil musta been diggin’ the rock n’ roll cause he rather quickly and assertively turned it right back up. I showed restraint and that was the end of the flare up. The young lady and I were a number for a while but, of course, it could not last. The year ended with my having made 18 new friends as well as renewing acquaintances with 12 friends from earlier times. I can’t help but call that year – for me at least – the Summer of Love.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Okay, we know you survived TMI but ...
You know you want one ... so see Phil now
These buttons will be on sale only at the reunion ... $3 each; two fer $5
These buttons will be on sale only at the reunion ... $3 each; two fer $5
From the Golden Age of Music Television
A new feature starting today in keeping with the times of August 1981 will be the presentation of an early M TV classic; and so –
The truth was that, while the juke may have had a lesser profile, the 340 Club fueled by Music Television rocked on.
The truth was that, while the juke may have had a lesser profile, the 340 Club fueled by Music Television rocked on.
From the (not so) Mighty Juke
It’s a wrap, well sort of since the Mighty 340 Juke is a difficult machine to turn off but then again. Here’s three from the Juke
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Video Killed the Mighty Juke
The Wrestling Extravaganza was a hit … a score of guys drinking, eating, cursing, swearing, cheering, laffing and enjoying 20 of the greatest athletes ever to lace up a pair of boots compete in the squared circle of the Spectrum. The juke box likely blared from time to time over the announcers although the commentary was often worth the price of admission. Immediately after the show was over Kenny would be expected to jump up from a couch and jam quarters into the juke box; however this time he likely got up and approached the TV and switched the channel to the newest of cable offerings which had debuted only hours before – Music Television or M-TV.
You see, August 1 was not just the Wrestling Extravaganza but also the day the music was born. For at midnight August 1, 1981 a new channel appeared on cable boxes all across the country. It featured nothing but music, music videos played by – not dee jays – vee jays. WE remember them well, Martha, Mark, JJ and others. It was wall to wall music with videos, often packed with scantily clad sexy vixens and outrageous behavior and spoofs. I ordered my MTV jacket. Kenny’s movement to the front of the room to the television rather than to the rear and the mighty 340 Club juke box was more than symbolic. It portended the end of a brief era. The first song that was played on MTV earlier that day was a ditty called “Video Killed the Radio Star (by The Buggles)”. It also killed the 340 juke.
For the two weeks prior to MTV’s debut the juke box netted $54.65. Over the two weeks following the debut, only $20.20 was found in the box. This despite the fact that the weekend of August 14-15 scored $9.95. The fortnight included an unheard of 5 shutouts and four other one coin days.
Oh there were still big nites – Sunday, August 23 earned $10.55 and August 30th, another Sunday, immortalized as “Boycott” made $12.40; however the trend could not have been starker. From August 1 through the end of the year saw only $170.96 in revenues or $1.12 per day. This was 72% less per day then in the time proceeding August 1.
It was morning in Amerika; it was midnight for the mighty juke
You see, August 1 was not just the Wrestling Extravaganza but also the day the music was born. For at midnight August 1, 1981 a new channel appeared on cable boxes all across the country. It featured nothing but music, music videos played by – not dee jays – vee jays. WE remember them well, Martha, Mark, JJ and others. It was wall to wall music with videos, often packed with scantily clad sexy vixens and outrageous behavior and spoofs. I ordered my MTV jacket. Kenny’s movement to the front of the room to the television rather than to the rear and the mighty 340 Club juke box was more than symbolic. It portended the end of a brief era. The first song that was played on MTV earlier that day was a ditty called “Video Killed the Radio Star (by The Buggles)”. It also killed the 340 juke.
For the two weeks prior to MTV’s debut the juke box netted $54.65. Over the two weeks following the debut, only $20.20 was found in the box. This despite the fact that the weekend of August 14-15 scored $9.95. The fortnight included an unheard of 5 shutouts and four other one coin days.
Oh there were still big nites – Sunday, August 23 earned $10.55 and August 30th, another Sunday, immortalized as “Boycott” made $12.40; however the trend could not have been starker. From August 1 through the end of the year saw only $170.96 in revenues or $1.12 per day. This was 72% less per day then in the time proceeding August 1.
It was morning in Amerika; it was midnight for the mighty juke
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
What ta fuck?
I heard you on the wireless back in Fifty Two
Lying awake intent at tuning in on you.
If I was young it didn't stop you coming through.
Oh-a oh
They took the credit for your second symphony.
Rewritten by machine and new technology,
and now I understand the problems you can see.
Oh-a oh
I met your children
Oh-a oh
What did you tell them?
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Pictures came and broke your heart.
Oh-a-a-a oh
And now we meet in an abandoned studio.
We hear the playback and it seems so long ago.
And you remember the jingles used to go.
Oh-a oh
You were the first one.
Oh-a oh
You were the last one.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone to far
Oh-a-aho oh,
Oh-a-aho oh
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone to far.
Pictures came and broke your heart, put the blame on VTR.
You are a radio star.
You are a radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star. (You are a radio star.)
Lying awake intent at tuning in on you.
If I was young it didn't stop you coming through.
Oh-a oh
They took the credit for your second symphony.
Rewritten by machine and new technology,
and now I understand the problems you can see.
Oh-a oh
I met your children
Oh-a oh
What did you tell them?
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Pictures came and broke your heart.
Oh-a-a-a oh
And now we meet in an abandoned studio.
We hear the playback and it seems so long ago.
And you remember the jingles used to go.
Oh-a oh
You were the first one.
Oh-a oh
You were the last one.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone to far
Oh-a-aho oh,
Oh-a-aho oh
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone to far.
Pictures came and broke your heart, put the blame on VTR.
You are a radio star.
You are a radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star.
Video killed the radio star. (You are a radio star.)
Home Sweet Home
I delivered 50 340 Club cards to Phil this afternoon. Please order yours tomorrow or soon. They cost $20, make a nice souvenir in their own right, serve as your all-access pass to the June 7th reunion, entitle you to a souvenir 340 Club button, plus all the beer you care to drink, a munchies buffet, ability to see the 340 Club artifacts, view the PowerPoint, purchase additional (variety) buttons And tee shirts. See Phil and soon. We need the seed funds. It is a $1500+ affair.
My trip to Lancaster was a blast!
First stop the beer distributor of course. I stopped at Kirchner’s Beer Distributor to discuss a renewal of the policy of honoring the 340 Club cards for a $1.00 discount on a case of Pabst. Young Matt and his brother Keith, Andy’s sons, informed me that such policy ran afoul of PLCB laws now and then (i.e. in ’81). However, Matt promised to work with us and perhaps they will figure something out or perhaps become the first business to purchase a $25 ad in the reunion program. Davy Gabriel was working hard and gave me a friendly wave and somewhere in the bowels of their new, sprawling distribution building Mike Kendig was hard at work. It was a nice stop that despite Andy stating that 27 years was beyond his ability to remember made me feel right at home and setup the rest of the visit.
Next up was the Captain himself. As I approached the door I heard Cisco, Phil’s sentinel dog, begin the alert with his deep German Shepherd bark. I gave my knock – tap, pause, tap, tap, tap, tap – that certainly let Phil know who was knocking. It was a nice brief visit that culminated with the dog shoeing me out but lovingly. In between I signed the remaining 340 Club cards as a trustee and one, #1, as a member. I had left a sample card behind at Kirchner’s so I left Phil with 48 to sell. As I alluded to earlier please buy them quickly. Only 150 can be sold per Knights of Columbus capacity.
After Phil it was off to the APBA Game Company but passing through Quaker Hills saw me finding Mr. Kindbom at his mailbox. I grew up with his kids, Kathy, Jack and mostly Larry. In fact it was Larry who introduced me to Ajax Baseball (turned out to be APBA but you know 10 year olds). At APBA I was greeted by Veryl Lincoln, who coincidentally coached Larry in youth baseball, who has worked at the game company for over 40 years. I purchased two card sets (2007 and Set 3 ATOP) for $84 (which woulda cost me about $20 when Larry & I first played) and had a nice brief visit. The game company is only about a half mile from Kirchner’s so I completed my loop driving past the distributorship and back to Harrisburg. It is possible to go home and hope to do it a few more times (after all there are 100 more cards to sell) before the June 7th reunion.
My trip to Lancaster was a blast!
First stop the beer distributor of course. I stopped at Kirchner’s Beer Distributor to discuss a renewal of the policy of honoring the 340 Club cards for a $1.00 discount on a case of Pabst. Young Matt and his brother Keith, Andy’s sons, informed me that such policy ran afoul of PLCB laws now and then (i.e. in ’81). However, Matt promised to work with us and perhaps they will figure something out or perhaps become the first business to purchase a $25 ad in the reunion program. Davy Gabriel was working hard and gave me a friendly wave and somewhere in the bowels of their new, sprawling distribution building Mike Kendig was hard at work. It was a nice stop that despite Andy stating that 27 years was beyond his ability to remember made me feel right at home and setup the rest of the visit.
Next up was the Captain himself. As I approached the door I heard Cisco, Phil’s sentinel dog, begin the alert with his deep German Shepherd bark. I gave my knock – tap, pause, tap, tap, tap, tap – that certainly let Phil know who was knocking. It was a nice brief visit that culminated with the dog shoeing me out but lovingly. In between I signed the remaining 340 Club cards as a trustee and one, #1, as a member. I had left a sample card behind at Kirchner’s so I left Phil with 48 to sell. As I alluded to earlier please buy them quickly. Only 150 can be sold per Knights of Columbus capacity.
After Phil it was off to the APBA Game Company but passing through Quaker Hills saw me finding Mr. Kindbom at his mailbox. I grew up with his kids, Kathy, Jack and mostly Larry. In fact it was Larry who introduced me to Ajax Baseball (turned out to be APBA but you know 10 year olds). At APBA I was greeted by Veryl Lincoln, who coincidentally coached Larry in youth baseball, who has worked at the game company for over 40 years. I purchased two card sets (2007 and Set 3 ATOP) for $84 (which woulda cost me about $20 when Larry & I first played) and had a nice brief visit. The game company is only about a half mile from Kirchner’s so I completed my loop driving past the distributorship and back to Harrisburg. It is possible to go home and hope to do it a few more times (after all there are 100 more cards to sell) before the June 7th reunion.
From the Poet Laureate
Where by Christopher E. Joyce
If I ever get out of here
wonder where it will be I go
will I remember me as I am now
Or is not that the way that you grow (See Psychology)
If I ever get out of here
wonder where it will be I go
will I remember me as I am now
Or is not that the way that you grow (See Psychology)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Pinnacle, The Apex, The Summit OR It’s all downhill from here
For me, the night of August 1st – symbolically if nothing else – represented the very pinnacle of life at 340 West King Street … it was the night of a pay-per-view event known forever as the WRESTLING EXTRAVAGANZA.
Just a week ago, on the eve of the Fools Day, Floyd Mayweather (39-0), a 150 pound boxer, disposed of The Big Show, a 400 pound professional wrassler in a challenge match as part of Wrestlemania XXIV. Undoubtedly, had the 340 club still been in existence we woulda bought it and had the usual gang of idiots on the couches watching the action. Wrestlemania traces its lineage back to Wrestlemania I in 1985. However, before the WWF hit its stride (and earned a third W) there were other pay-per-view events that were the progenitors of Wrestlemania. One such spectacle took place on August 1, 1981 and the 340 Club promoted it as the Wrestling Extravaganza. For me, the event symbolizes the peak of the Club’s greatness not so much for the event itself but the symbolism of what happened before and after.
The Setup:
The Club was furnished superbly with a raised TV on a table at the far end sitting on another TV. The lower television sometimes didn’t even work and was merely a stand for the other. The top TV was tuned into to Prism or whatever the PPV vehicle at the time presented such spectacles. In front of the TV was a couch, behind the couch was another couch and behind that was a third sofa. So, the 340 living room had stacked TVs vertically and stacked davenports horizontally. Behind the divans was a raised bar with stools and tucked into the corner behind it was the still mighty 340 Club juke box.
The Souvenir Program:
On the cover was a stock wrestling photo under the headline WELCOME TO THE 340 CLUB’s Wrestling EXTRAVAGANZA … Saturday, August 1, 1981 – 8:30 p.m. 340 West King Street – Lancaster, PA
The centerfold consisted of a copy of an ad for the event from the Philadelphia Journal billing the feature match a 20 man battle royale … in which twenty all-star wrestlers enter the ring and go at until there is a last man in the ring and he gets to do battle with the champ – Bob Backlund. The live event took place at the Spectrum in Philly and could be attended for tickets ranging from $5.50 to $7.50. Also depicted in the program were 3 or 4 entries from the Funk & Wagnall such as ex-trav-a-gance, ex-tra, ex-trav-a-gan-za and ex-trav-a-gate complete with pronunciations, definitions and alternate definitions.
The back page had a brief write up on the card and the credits:
Special thanks to: City of Lancaster, Prism, WWWF, Serena Kirchner Beer Distributor, The 340 Club.
Typist: Audrey
A Ted Knorr/Phil Zangari Production
The Card
1-4. Prelims
5. Battle Royale featuring the Rex Moondog, King Moondog, Andre the Giant, Magnificent Murocco, Killer Khan, Pedro Morales, S.D. “Special Delivery” Jones, Curt Henning, Dominic DeNucci, Larry Sharpe, Baron Mikel Sicluna, Strong Kobiashi, Johnny Rodz, Chris Cannon, Bulldog Brower, King Kong Mosca, Rick Martel and Tony Garea.
Intermission
6. Prelim
7. Pat Patterson vs. Sgt. Slaughter in an Alley Match (i.e. no rules, no referee, wear whatever you want, bout ends when one man can no longer continue)
8. Bob Backlund, WWF Champion defends against the winner of the Battle Royale
The Results:
I have no clue
The Aftermath:
I do know this; it was a Saturday in the summer of 1981 and house was packed from 6 till 2 and the juke box take was only $6.55. Why so little? Was it an off night? An aberration? the answer, sadly, was that it was no aberration … it was a new dawn or more accurately – a new midnight.
Check back at the Virtual Club on Thursday for the rest of the story.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Curator's Corner
FRONT ......>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>...... BACK
Above is the brand new seen for the first time ever 2008 official 340 Club card prototype. Hopefully, Phil will be able to display a real one tomorrow (or the next day). He will have them available for sale at $20. They entitle you to admission to the June 7th reunion and to receive a souvenir program, commemorative button, free beer and munchies, admission to the 340 museum featuring a PowerPoint presentation plus special guest stars and the music from the mighty 340 juke box.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Trivia: 74-76
There will be some trivia questions posed at the reunion in June. To help you prep for such an event from time to time questions will be posed here in the Blog so you can revive some old memories and rev up your response time. To that end here are a few questions:
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS:
74)What was the name of the first guitarist other than Rudy or Richie to appear with the Bonnie Parker Band in Lancaster ?
75)What famous New York night club in the Bowery did we once take a van load to hear the Bonnie Parker Band ?
76)At the above night club, what classic Punk-Rock group was in the rathskelter, getting high ?
Last Weeks Q & A's
71. What was the phone number of the 340 Club, second coming?
BONUS: What 340 Club irregular was responsible for procuring the unique cubing combination?
Glenn Schneider assisted me in obtaining 397 2228 for the Outpost of Humanity. Later, upon the second coming the number was transferred to the 340 Club. Interestingly, John & Sue Emswiller's current number, that they obtained way back in '84 upon their sucessful evacuation from the 338, contains the combination "222".
72. What food staple, served best by Bobbie, is no longer sold at The Village Nite Club?
Cheeseburgers and they were sorely missed a couple of Saturday's ago.
73. What brand and model is the mighty 340 Club juke?
Rockola GP 160
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS:
74)What was the name of the first guitarist other than Rudy or Richie to appear with the Bonnie Parker Band in Lancaster ?
75)What famous New York night club in the Bowery did we once take a van load to hear the Bonnie Parker Band ?
76)At the above night club, what classic Punk-Rock group was in the rathskelter, getting high ?
Last Weeks Q & A's
71. What was the phone number of the 340 Club, second coming?
BONUS: What 340 Club irregular was responsible for procuring the unique cubing combination?
Glenn Schneider assisted me in obtaining 397 2228 for the Outpost of Humanity. Later, upon the second coming the number was transferred to the 340 Club. Interestingly, John & Sue Emswiller's current number, that they obtained way back in '84 upon their sucessful evacuation from the 338, contains the combination "222".
72. What food staple, served best by Bobbie, is no longer sold at The Village Nite Club?
Cheeseburgers and they were sorely missed a couple of Saturday's ago.
73. What brand and model is the mighty 340 Club juke?
Rockola GP 160
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Good Neighbors
July 19th – For some reason, Mrs. Betty Garman – owner/landlord of 342-344 West King Street – was complaining to our landlord Mr. Kratzert about us. Apparently, she contended that our behavior at 340 made it difficult for her to rent 342-344. Always trying to be helpful I sent the following memo to our neighbors on West King Street:
To: Our Neighbors on West King Street
From: Ted, Phil, and Randy at 340 West King Street
Subject: Noise
It has come to our attention recently that our stereo may be a little loud and, therefore, causing a disturbance. In order to aid us in finding an acceptable level of sound; please call us at 397-2228 whenever the noise level is such that it disturbs you.
July 20th – I penned a quick note - with the July 19th memo attached - to Ms. Garman saying: Allow me to apologize if our behavior at 340 West King Street has caused you to lose any prospective tenants at 342. We had no idea we were detrimental to your purposes but then maybe we are all a little blind in self-inspection. Hopefully, the attached memo (distributed yesterday) will aid in our becoming better neighbors. If you have any further problems, we would like to hear about them. Frankly, since February, we have received only two complaints from neighbors and I guess we took the lack of complaints as a license to play our stereo at high volumes. Sincerely, Ted P. Knorr
July 22nd – Mr. Kratzert entered into the extremely tense diplomatic negotiations with his own letter to the terrible trio (i.e. me, Phil & Randy) that read as follows:
Mrs. Garman claims that she is unable to rent her apartments because of the excessive noise music and noise levels coming from 340 West King Street, namely this occurs at nighttime and over the weekend. I understand also that within the last week there was some sort of fight or brawl in which the back part of the fence was broken down, I would like to have this repaired by you people or either forward me a check for $100 so that I can make arrangements to have it repaired. Ted indicated that he will be sending a note to all the neighbors indicating that if the sound gets out of control for any reason, they are to call his number and report it and they will make some changes. I would appreciate it if you people would make every effort to conform to the normal standards of a neighbor in that you are not interfering with the rights of other people in the neighborhood. I am sure that you all are aware that there is a noise ordinance in the city as well as the possibility of being prosecuted under simple disturbance of the peace. I certainly hope it does not come to this point and that you people will make a serious effort to live within generally accepted standards.
Very truly yours,
George H. Kratzert
July 24th – I sent George the monthly rent with the following note: Dear George: Enclosed please find a check for $250 covering August rent. We, at 340, just made it through a peaceful and quiet week … and we survived. Frankly, I don’t think we’ve been too loud in the past anyway but maybe we have a few noise sensitive neighbors. If so, then our memo (see enclosed memo) should aid in pleasing them because we always have been responsive to the wishes of the minority. Our philosophy at 340 can be summed up in three words, we believe in the “unilateral, singular, veto” where the rights of one supersede the rights of the majority. Clearly we believe, and feel a majority of the neighborhood does, that our noise level has not been offensive; however, we stand ready to attempt to please any neighbor as best we can. Hopefully, you, Mrs. Garman, or I will hear no more complaints about noise.
As for the fence, I know nothing about it. However, given proper materials we could fix it. In fact, we look forward to it being repaired. The yard is always kept clean from debris. The vegetation will be kept at a decent length by our neighbor (your other tenant) John LeMarre.
I hope I have addressed all issues raised.
Sincerely,
Theodore P. Knorr
P.S. How much do you want for 338-340?
July 25th – to prevent Mrs. Garman from any future French Conniptions the following form letter was created for us to give to particularly loud 340 guests. To the best of my knowledge only one person ever received such citation and he offered to turn in this 340 Club card. As for life on West King Street; it continued unabated as always. Our neighbors loved us.
Dear (fill in the blank)
Your conduct at the 340 Club, (fill in date), was unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Your actions have resulted in our suspending you for a period of (fill in length of suspension) effective (fill in date).
In the future, please remember to treat the 340 Club as you would have us treat your home and you would not (fill in description of unacceptable conduct) in your home.
Please do not make us repeat such action.
Sincerely,
To: Our Neighbors on West King Street
From: Ted, Phil, and Randy at 340 West King Street
Subject: Noise
It has come to our attention recently that our stereo may be a little loud and, therefore, causing a disturbance. In order to aid us in finding an acceptable level of sound; please call us at 397-2228 whenever the noise level is such that it disturbs you.
July 20th – I penned a quick note - with the July 19th memo attached - to Ms. Garman saying: Allow me to apologize if our behavior at 340 West King Street has caused you to lose any prospective tenants at 342. We had no idea we were detrimental to your purposes but then maybe we are all a little blind in self-inspection. Hopefully, the attached memo (distributed yesterday) will aid in our becoming better neighbors. If you have any further problems, we would like to hear about them. Frankly, since February, we have received only two complaints from neighbors and I guess we took the lack of complaints as a license to play our stereo at high volumes. Sincerely, Ted P. Knorr
July 22nd – Mr. Kratzert entered into the extremely tense diplomatic negotiations with his own letter to the terrible trio (i.e. me, Phil & Randy) that read as follows:
Mrs. Garman claims that she is unable to rent her apartments because of the excessive noise music and noise levels coming from 340 West King Street, namely this occurs at nighttime and over the weekend. I understand also that within the last week there was some sort of fight or brawl in which the back part of the fence was broken down, I would like to have this repaired by you people or either forward me a check for $100 so that I can make arrangements to have it repaired.
Very truly yours,
George H. Kratzert
July 24th – I sent George the monthly rent with the following note: Dear George: Enclosed please find a check for $250 covering August rent. We, at 340, just made it through a peaceful and quiet week … and we survived. Frankly, I don’t think we’ve been too loud in the past anyway but maybe we have a few noise sensitive neighbors. If so, then our memo (see enclosed memo) should aid in pleasing them because we always have been responsive to the wishes of the minority. Our philosophy at 340 can be summed up in three words, we believe in the “unilateral, singular, veto” where the rights of one supersede the rights of the majority. Clearly we believe, and feel a majority of the neighborhood does, that our noise level has not been offensive; however, we stand ready to attempt to please any neighbor as best we can. Hopefully, you, Mrs. Garman, or I will hear no more complaints about noise.
As for the fence, I know nothing about it. However, given proper materials we could fix it. In fact, we look forward to it being repaired. The yard is always kept clean from debris. The vegetation will be kept at a decent length by our neighbor (your other tenant) John LeMarre.
I hope I have addressed all issues raised.
Sincerely,
Theodore P. Knorr
P.S. How much do you want for 338-340?
July 25th – to prevent Mrs. Garman from any future French Conniptions the following form letter was created for us to give to particularly loud 340 guests. To the best of my knowledge only one person ever received such citation and he offered to turn in this 340 Club card. As for life on West King Street; it continued unabated as always. Our neighbors loved us.
Dear (fill in the blank)
Your conduct at the 340 Club, (fill in date), was unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Your actions have resulted in our suspending you for a period of (fill in length of suspension) effective (fill in date).
In the future, please remember to treat the 340 Club as you would have us treat your home and you would not (fill in description of unacceptable conduct) in your home.
Please do not make us repeat such action.
Sincerely,
Friday, April 4, 2008
Jumpin' Jack Flash
Taking a momentary break from the juke --- although this 45 was on it --- here, from Martin Scorsese's instant classic "Shine A Light" is Jumpin' Jack Flash
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Music Makers Poll
Sometime in June, the Intelligencer Journal assigned their ace investigative reporter, David Sturm, to conduct the “Music Makers Poll” which was an ambitious survey seeking to determine Lancaster Countians opinion’s on the world’s best band, best album, best radio station, the County’s best band, and – alas – the county’s best night club. The paper promised the poll would be used, among other things, to point the paper in the right trendy direction. The results were to be published in early summer.
Sure enough as we went to work on Thursday morning, right before a big holiday weekend at the 340 Club, the results appeared on the papers prominent back page. Here are some of the results:
World’s Best Band: Rolling Stones (Jagger at 38 reigned supreme; today at 65 he is still tops among the boomers) with 15 votes; The Who 8; Beatles 6; The Clash 5; Abba, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin all scored 4; AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, and Yes weighed in with 3 while Pink Floyd had two votes. The following bands all got a vote: Genesis, Foreigner, Allman Brothers, Doobie Brothers, Lynrd Skynrd, XTC, The Cars, Utopia, Kansas, Ian Drury and the Blockheads, Tangerine Dream, Queen, Scorpions, Styx, Steely Dan, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and – last but certainly not least – Randall Stoltzfus.
America’s Best Band: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, 15; Styx, 10; The Eagles, REO Speedwagon, 5; The Doors, 4; The Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, 3: .38 Special, Neil Young, Todd Rundgren/Utopia, Boston and Steely Dan, 2; Supertramp, AC/DC (?), Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, J. Geils Band, Jefferson Starship, Beach Boys, Alice Cooper, Hall & Oates, Cars, NRBQ, Devo, Chicago, Aerosmith, Heart, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Truth, Van Halen, Foreigner (?), Marshall Tucker Band, Pretenders, Ramones, Blue Oyster Cult, the Sharks and Randy Stoltzfus.
Britain’s Best Band: The Clash, 18; Rolling Stones, The Who, 17; Queen, 4; Beatles, Yes, 3;
The Kinks, Wings, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin, 2; Genesis, Gang of Four, Elvis Costello, Police, XTC, Rumour, Fleetwood Mac, Hawkwind, Supertramp, Bad Company, Jethro Tull and Randall Stoltzfus.
Lancaster County’s Best Band: The Sharks, 25; West Philly Speedboys, 7; Susquehanna River Band, 6; Hunter, 5; Blame, 4; Justus, Randall Stoltzfus, 2
The above four questions make me wonder aloud - Who is Randall Stoltzfus? Lastly, there was a question on what was Lancaster County’s best night club? Old Colony, 9; The Village, 8; David K’s, 6; Pequea Inn, 5; 340 Club, 4; Tom Paine’s Back Room, The Treadway, The Library, 2; Your Place, Scruples, John’s Bar, Rasputin’s, Maxwell’s, Indian Springs, and the Young Republican’s, 1.
Other questions sought the most exciting performer: The Boss whipped Mick, 23 to 5 with Sam Lugar and Randall Stoltzfus getting one vote each. Randall Stoltzfus got one vote in the dance band category. The curious Mr. Stoltzfus got one vote for sexiest performer.
So, there it was the 340 Club’s bonafides were now firmly established for 1981 by the vote of the people. By the way, Randall Stoltzfus, who got at least one vote in seven different categories, turned out to be the 340 Club’s very own Randy Brown.
Sure enough as we went to work on Thursday morning, right before a big holiday weekend at the 340 Club, the results appeared on the papers prominent back page. Here are some of the results:
World’s Best Band: Rolling Stones (Jagger at 38 reigned supreme; today at 65 he is still tops among the boomers) with 15 votes; The Who 8; Beatles 6; The Clash 5; Abba, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin all scored 4; AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, and Yes weighed in with 3 while Pink Floyd had two votes. The following bands all got a vote: Genesis, Foreigner, Allman Brothers, Doobie Brothers, Lynrd Skynrd, XTC, The Cars, Utopia, Kansas, Ian Drury and the Blockheads, Tangerine Dream, Queen, Scorpions, Styx, Steely Dan, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and – last but certainly not least – Randall Stoltzfus.
America’s Best Band: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, 15; Styx, 10; The Eagles, REO Speedwagon, 5; The Doors, 4; The Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, 3: .38 Special, Neil Young, Todd Rundgren/Utopia, Boston and Steely Dan, 2; Supertramp, AC/DC (?), Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, J. Geils Band, Jefferson Starship, Beach Boys, Alice Cooper, Hall & Oates, Cars, NRBQ, Devo, Chicago, Aerosmith, Heart, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Truth, Van Halen, Foreigner (?), Marshall Tucker Band, Pretenders, Ramones, Blue Oyster Cult, the Sharks and Randy Stoltzfus.
Britain’s Best Band: The Clash, 18; Rolling Stones, The Who, 17; Queen, 4; Beatles, Yes, 3;
The Kinks, Wings, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin, 2; Genesis, Gang of Four, Elvis Costello, Police, XTC, Rumour, Fleetwood Mac, Hawkwind, Supertramp, Bad Company, Jethro Tull and Randall Stoltzfus.
Lancaster County’s Best Band: The Sharks, 25; West Philly Speedboys, 7; Susquehanna River Band, 6; Hunter, 5; Blame, 4; Justus, Randall Stoltzfus, 2
The above four questions make me wonder aloud - Who is Randall Stoltzfus? Lastly, there was a question on what was Lancaster County’s best night club? Old Colony, 9; The Village, 8; David K’s, 6; Pequea Inn, 5; 340 Club, 4; Tom Paine’s Back Room, The Treadway, The Library, 2; Your Place, Scruples, John’s Bar, Rasputin’s, Maxwell’s, Indian Springs, and the Young Republican’s, 1.
Other questions sought the most exciting performer: The Boss whipped Mick, 23 to 5 with Sam Lugar and Randall Stoltzfus getting one vote each. Randall Stoltzfus got one vote in the dance band category. The curious Mr. Stoltzfus got one vote for sexiest performer.
So, there it was the 340 Club’s bonafides were now firmly established for 1981 by the vote of the people. By the way, Randall Stoltzfus, who got at least one vote in seven different categories, turned out to be the 340 Club’s very own Randy Brown.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
From the Poet Laureate
Passing through the deepest sleep and waking with a start
Thinking but not breathing as you find you've stopped you're heart
Slowly the feeling of dizziness escapes your bodies ties
You find your somewhere when your not and then begin to rise
Christopher E. Joyce
Thinking but not breathing as you find you've stopped you're heart
Slowly the feeling of dizziness escapes your bodies ties
You find your somewhere when your not and then begin to rise
Christopher E. Joyce
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Rolling Stones Martin Scorsese Shine A Light/The Soundtrack CD
Available today … buy the deluxe version … cost me $21.19, tax included. The album is the soundtrack for the pending Martin Scorsese docu-concert that debuts nationwide this Friday (I’ll see it Saturday). The flic chronicles a couple of Stones shows on their A Bigger Bang Tour (06-07). When you pop the CD in here is what you hear:
Same ol’ same ol’ but what kind of same ol’ same ol’; gimmee it over agin and agin … JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH is the opener and how many different ways can you present it … as you listen you’ll notice it is slick; it is highly produced, unlike any live album I ever heard … you wouldn’t expect less from the new Glimmer Twins – Scorsese & Jagger … actually production credits go to the old Glimmer Twins – Keith & Mick; with Co-Production (i.e. the heavy lifting) to Bob Clearmountain.
Listening to JJF and perusing the songlist one realizes that the biggies – Sympathy, Start Me Up, Brown Sugar, and Satisfaction - will sound all too familiar … however such expectations only whet the appetite for the many nuggets that the songlist contains and it doesn’t take long as Keith (or Ronnie how would I know) hits the opening chords of SHATTERED … followed by SHE WAS HOT (captured live for the first time I think) … then the oft Theotis Christ covered ALL DOWN THE LINE … like Bitch; this is a perfect showcase for the sax man Bobby Keys … next Mick reaches into the modern alternative rock crop and pulls Detroit guitarist Jack White III to duet with him on LOVING CUP … deftly moving into the melancholy AS TEARS GO BY and then the four guitar (inc. Mick, at least when I’ve seen them perform it) SOME GIRLS (sadly politically corrected best I can tell/hear) … Mick keeps the breastplate for the next song, a classic Motown cover, JUST MY IMAGINATION … FARAWAY EYES …. A Muddy Waters cum Buddy Guy blues tune called CHAMPAGNE & REEFER … Guy plays his mean Chicago blues guitar and sings …when inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, Guy gave the following acceptance speech: “If you don’t think you have the blues, just keep living.” … the Stones wrap up the halfway point with TUMBLING DICE … and then Mick introduces the band beginning with his longstanding backup singer – over twenty years now! – the leggy Lisa Fischer … culminating with his longer standing guitar player – Keef – who does two for the good of the order …YOU’VE GOT THE SILVER and, with a nod to the Winos, CONNECTION… Whew! And that’s jes disk one!!!
Disk Two opens with the satanic masterpiece, perhaps most creative, darkest lyrics > please allow me to introduce myself … SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL … blood curdling, goose bump raising … “Anastasia screamed in VAIN” … Ronnie & Keef dueling … if there is a Stones formula, a hook, it is a driving guitar lick followed by a Phil Spector-like wall of sound and few songs exemplify the sound better than LIVE WITH ME which is a nod to themselves for it appears first on a live album, on the live album of live album’s (perhaps up to this one), called Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out (1969) … this version Mick duets with a resounding (though no Lisa) Christina Aguilera and Bobby Keys is once again left unrestrained … no sooner does the dust settle when another guitar more familiar guitar lick is struck … START ME UP … the old lid lifter which in recent years signals the beginning of the end launching a 30 minute windup of rockers that culminates in Satisfaction or JJF … but always includes BROWN SUGAR (more pure Bobby Keys) … just a quick liner note: Keys has performed with the Stones since their first Amerikan tour over 40 years ago … the finale, of course, is the anthem Jagger did not want to still be singing at thirty (he’ll be 65 in June) … SATISFACTION … unlike the finale of a concert … there is more (at least on the soundtrack; as four of the soundtrack’s songs do not appear in the movie) … after Satisfaction comes: PAINT IT BLACK, LITTLE T & A (a 3rd Keith vehicle!!!, even more horns - Ya Ya), I’M FREE and the title song: SHINE A LIGHT … Scorsese, I don’t believe, has never made a movie without a Stones song and, to hear Jagger describe it, “this is the first movie Mary ever made without Gimmee Shelter in it.” Well, as much as I love Ms. Fischer on that song; I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t miss it on the soundtrack; I look forward to the movie and hope I don’t miss it there also … although, if I do maybe there will be a sequel.
Same ol’ same ol’ but what kind of same ol’ same ol’; gimmee it over agin and agin … JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH is the opener and how many different ways can you present it … as you listen you’ll notice it is slick; it is highly produced, unlike any live album I ever heard … you wouldn’t expect less from the new Glimmer Twins – Scorsese & Jagger … actually production credits go to the old Glimmer Twins – Keith & Mick; with Co-Production (i.e. the heavy lifting) to Bob Clearmountain.
Listening to JJF and perusing the songlist one realizes that the biggies – Sympathy, Start Me Up, Brown Sugar, and Satisfaction - will sound all too familiar … however such expectations only whet the appetite for the many nuggets that the songlist contains and it doesn’t take long as Keith (or Ronnie how would I know) hits the opening chords of SHATTERED … followed by SHE WAS HOT (captured live for the first time I think) … then the oft Theotis Christ covered ALL DOWN THE LINE … like Bitch; this is a perfect showcase for the sax man Bobby Keys … next Mick reaches into the modern alternative rock crop and pulls Detroit guitarist Jack White III to duet with him on LOVING CUP … deftly moving into the melancholy AS TEARS GO BY and then the four guitar (inc. Mick, at least when I’ve seen them perform it) SOME GIRLS (sadly politically corrected best I can tell/hear) … Mick keeps the breastplate for the next song, a classic Motown cover, JUST MY IMAGINATION … FARAWAY EYES …. A Muddy Waters cum Buddy Guy blues tune called CHAMPAGNE & REEFER … Guy plays his mean Chicago blues guitar and sings …when inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, Guy gave the following acceptance speech: “If you don’t think you have the blues, just keep living.” … the Stones wrap up the halfway point with TUMBLING DICE … and then Mick introduces the band beginning with his longstanding backup singer – over twenty years now! – the leggy Lisa Fischer … culminating with his longer standing guitar player – Keef – who does two for the good of the order …YOU’VE GOT THE SILVER and, with a nod to the Winos, CONNECTION… Whew! And that’s jes disk one!!!
Disk Two opens with the satanic masterpiece, perhaps most creative, darkest lyrics > please allow me to introduce myself … SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL … blood curdling, goose bump raising … “Anastasia screamed in VAIN” … Ronnie & Keef dueling … if there is a Stones formula, a hook, it is a driving guitar lick followed by a Phil Spector-like wall of sound and few songs exemplify the sound better than LIVE WITH ME which is a nod to themselves for it appears first on a live album, on the live album of live album’s (perhaps up to this one), called Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out (1969) … this version Mick duets with a resounding (though no Lisa) Christina Aguilera and Bobby Keys is once again left unrestrained … no sooner does the dust settle when another guitar more familiar guitar lick is struck … START ME UP … the old lid lifter which in recent years signals the beginning of the end launching a 30 minute windup of rockers that culminates in Satisfaction or JJF … but always includes BROWN SUGAR (more pure Bobby Keys) … just a quick liner note: Keys has performed with the Stones since their first Amerikan tour over 40 years ago … the finale, of course, is the anthem Jagger did not want to still be singing at thirty (he’ll be 65 in June) … SATISFACTION … unlike the finale of a concert … there is more (at least on the soundtrack; as four of the soundtrack’s songs do not appear in the movie) … after Satisfaction comes: PAINT IT BLACK, LITTLE T & A (a 3rd Keith vehicle!!!, even more horns - Ya Ya), I’M FREE and the title song: SHINE A LIGHT … Scorsese, I don’t believe, has never made a movie without a Stones song and, to hear Jagger describe it, “this is the first movie Mary ever made without Gimmee Shelter in it.” Well, as much as I love Ms. Fischer on that song; I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t miss it on the soundtrack; I look forward to the movie and hope I don’t miss it there also … although, if I do maybe there will be a sequel.
The Third Coming
After six months of negotiations with the current owners and lessors of 338-340 West King Street, I am now pleased to announce that there will be an after party immediately following the end of the reunion on June 7th at the Knights of Columbus. It won’t be cheap as it has already cost me in excess of $2,000 to obtain the necessary rights, permits and permissions but … $100 will gain you entrance into the 340 Club itself before midnight (no admittance after 12) on June 7/8, Tickets will be limited to the first 40 persons and are expected to sell out fast. A beer toast will occur just after midnight offered by the 340 Kegman. The 340 Club Bear will jump from the 3rd floor window at 1:00 a.m. Lancaster City Police will have the 300 block of West King Street closed to vehicular traffic between midnight and 3:00 a.m. I have obtained permission for guests – must show tickets to the attendant – to park in the Christ Lutheran Church lot on the corner. Both Mr. Martin and Mr. Kratzert, landlords, of 328 and 338-340, are expected to attend. I hope to see all of you there; get your tickets now. [Oh, and Coach: don’t bother sending a check … you will be my guest. I gotcha covered)
Monday, March 31, 2008
This Date in 340 Club History
On March 31, 1983, G.H. Kratzert offered us - what turned out to be - the last lease at 338 West King Street. It was signed by Mr. Kratzert, myself and Phil. The term was set for 15 months and included a rider which included an option to purchase by Phil & I under certain specified condiditons.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Trivia: 71-73
There will be some trivia questions posed at the reunion in June. To help you prep for such an event from time to time questions will be posed here in the Blog so you can revive some old memories and rev up your response time. To that end here are a few questions:
71. What was the phone number of the 340 Club, second coming? BONUS: What 340 Club irregular was responsible for procuring the unique cubing combination?
72. What food staple, served best by Bobbie, is no longer sold at The Village Nite Club?
73. What brand and model is the mighty 340 Club juke?
Last Week’s Questions
66. In Somers Point, NJ, there was a bar named "The Anchorage" where we "warmed" up for the Bonnie Parker Band who played just a stone’s throw from there at the Dunes Till Dawn. How many beers did you get for a dollar ($1) at the Anchorage? It was seven draft beers for a dollar. They put them all in front of you at the same time
67. Sil has been called Sil since his high school days but what is his birth name?
William Roger Simpson
68. Sil campaigned to have a museum constructed in Lancaster to honor what legendary comedy trio? The Three Stooges
69. What was the name of our neighbor at 338 during 340 I, who liked to strum his guitar on the back porch? Kevin Walsh
70. What was the nickname of 340 member Scott Myers? Scotty Super Sports Sunday.
71. What was the phone number of the 340 Club, second coming? BONUS: What 340 Club irregular was responsible for procuring the unique cubing combination?
72. What food staple, served best by Bobbie, is no longer sold at The Village Nite Club?
73. What brand and model is the mighty 340 Club juke?
Last Week’s Questions
66. In Somers Point, NJ, there was a bar named "The Anchorage" where we "warmed" up for the Bonnie Parker Band who played just a stone’s throw from there at the Dunes Till Dawn. How many beers did you get for a dollar ($1) at the Anchorage? It was seven draft beers for a dollar. They put them all in front of you at the same time
67. Sil has been called Sil since his high school days but what is his birth name?
William Roger Simpson
68. Sil campaigned to have a museum constructed in Lancaster to honor what legendary comedy trio? The Three Stooges
69. What was the name of our neighbor at 338 during 340 I, who liked to strum his guitar on the back porch? Kevin Walsh
70. What was the nickname of 340 member Scott Myers? Scotty Super Sports Sunday.
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