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Boys back in town for 10th AHB reunion
Guess who just got back today
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven’t changed that much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy
-- Thin Lizzy, “The Boys are Back in Town”
While those lyrics may have been written for the Irish hard rock band Thin Lizzy’s 1976 hit single, they easily apply to Greencastle’s own boys of summer, the Average House Band, poised to stage its 10th annual reunion concert Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11-12 at the Inn at DePauw.
“This is our 10th annual reunion,” band original Steve Michael of Greencastle noted. “But we didn’t play last year due to DePauw needing the facility for student dining while Hoover Hall was under construction. They had a legit need and we were happy to help. They have been so good to us over the years.”
But after that one-year hiatus, the boys are literally back in town -- maybe with a little less hair or a little more gray -- much to the delight of local music fans who followed the group in its local heyday in the 1970s and 1980s.
Doors open at 8 p.m. both nights with the shows starting at 9. Tickets remain $10 per person, as they have since that first reunion show. Tables of 10 can be reserved for both nights for $100.
The band also will be doing a warm-up at Wasser Brewing Co., 102 E. Franklin St., on Thursday, Aug. 10.
“It gives a chance to warm up our vocals and knock the dust off,” Michael said of the familiar AHB lineup of Michael and Sandy Williams on guitar, Danny Martin on lead vocals and guitar, Bill Hamm on bass with Rod Kersey and Fred Badalli sharing time on the drums.
Average House Band will entertain with that old-time rock and roll, blues and country numbers, just like the good, old days.
“It’s not just a reunion for us, but a reunion for them,” Michael says of the group’s loyal following, adding that as always, concertgoers will hear “the songs they came to hear.”
The music, the people and a shared local experience of long-ago nights at Old Topper, Mr. Ron’s and D.B. Cooper’s are what keep them coming back year after year.
However, Michael is promising “several surprises this year, including the anticipated return of one of our favorite AHB alumni.”
No spoiler alert necessary, AHB members plan on keeping that a secret until it happens.
Speaking of alumni, the weekend also marks the 50th reunion of the Greencastle High School Class of 1967.
“The GHS Class of 1967 is known globally as the smartest and best-looking graduating class in the history of civilization,”added Michael, himself a “proud member“ of that Class of ‘67.
Also having reunions the same weekend are the GHS Classes of 1972 and 1977. Admission is free on Friday night only for those in town for their reunion, Michael noted.
“As always, the Inn is very accommodating and we have plenty of casual seating inside and outside on both patios,” Michael added.
“And yes, we are giving away a chance to win a beautiful faux mink stole (an AHB reunion show tradition) on Saturday with every ticket.”