Modern American Gypsies: Big D and The Stanhope House

It was past midnight.  Saturday morning and I was drenched in sweat.  I was alerted that David Mcwane, the lead singer of Big D and The Kids Table was at the bar.  Loren and I were excited to just get an autograph.  We got more then that.  You see I had just bought David's book The Modern American Gypsy and was hoping to get all of the band to sign it.  David made jokes about the show and downplayed his rock star label, then circled his favorite chapter in his own book highlighting it's importance.  He signed 6 posters for us.  We did our best to not act star struck, but to me anyone in a ska band is most likely humble or should be.  He said, "People always ask me if I have time. As if I have somewhere to be."  and let out a laugh.

One third of the way through David's book, a paragraph reminded me that the Big D show I attended was just one night.  David did this every night!  England, Scotland, Netherlands, France, Luxemberg, and Germany.  All  just a third of the book.  How did he find the energy, strength, and passion to play every night as hard as the last?  Sleeping in attics with cracked roofs and bar floors stained with puke and blood. I was just one night, one fan and he had many more to go.  When you're a Modern American Gypsy you're working class, it's hard work disguised by passion and love of music.

Big D played hard and fast.  Answered the crowds energy with more energy, resulting in more adrenaline on both sides. The $15 ticket price was worth this. It was worth the large bruises appearing two days later on both my shins from being pushed into the amp on stage.  I looked to my right, me and my new friend screamed lyrics at each other with a smile, we will never talk or see each other ever again, only united by the music.  This is a clear sign of a good show.  I turn around to see my friends yelling and smiling, the result of what was called The City Special, $6 dollars for a shot of well whisky and a PBR.  I love the Stanhope House.

A Post By: Michael Berger