game to a close as Max counted down from from the official Poi Dog watch and unleashed a bottle of champaign onto the crowd. After Paul's Auld Lang Syne, the band kicked into their second set of the night with "Complicated."As has become their style, they were supported during the two shows by some dazzling lighting, Luke Savisky's unique film loops, and House O Matic dancers.
But there were also some surprises such as the successful wedding proposal during the second show's "Be the One," and Susan Voelz on keyboards?
It was a long and busy year for Poi Dog Pondering. From Muu Muus to magic moments at the Metro, Poi Dog expanded their reach both physically and creatively. Frank helped lead the band in some new directions, pushing into the realms of dance and DJ. In between tours (and on the back of the tour busses) Frank busied himself spinning on his turntables and churning out Vinyl 12"s with a whole host of local talent. This wing of Poi Dog, called Poi NRG Inc. also played a few gigs of their own as well as closing out the Thanksgiving shows.
The year in review
It was a year that saw new facial hair for Frank and Paul (as well as the death of Paul's pony tail.) Leddie cut his wild locks, Robert got his navel pierced, and Kornell and Arlene got married (but not to each other). Eddie Carlson joined up this summer on bass and brought with him a fine pair of leather pants and a stand-up bass. All of Poi's support crew have started getting in on the act. Most recently, Mark, who takes care of Poi's sound, auditioned for the roll of mike stand during sound check. After capping of 1995's Pomegranate tour with a New year's eve show at Chicago's Riviera Theater, they resurfaced for three sold-out shows at the 400-person Double Door. The Valentine's day concerts featured Susan Voelz opening with her band and selections from her first two solo albums. On the 14th, Honky Tonk Man (backed by Jimmy G) closed out the show with his rendition of "Suspicous Minds," sung to his tearful girlfriend in the front row. Arlene also started to take more of a prominant roll, stepping up for lead vocals on a cover or two.
With spring came another date with the Vic theater, Poi Dog Pondering's favorite venue. This kicked off another leg of their tour. This stint followed the release of Electrique Plummagram, the companion disc to Pomegranate. After the Vic, the band hopped the tour bus and headed downstate to Champaign/Urbana before swinging out to the East Coast. On the road they met a lot of fans, both Poi Pounders and non. But Robert couldn't belive it when they met this guy -- clearly one of their biggest fans of all! Brent hung out a mugged with the posters.
Once they got off the road the chilled in Chi town for a little bit. Some Poi NRG Inc. dates were lined up including the begining of the "City of Refuge" series of DJ'd shows.
Summer heated up as Poi took to the stage with the Grant Park symphony orchestra treating tens of thousands of fans to free show. Then it was off to the West Coast and points between for a mini tour. Poi NRG played a quick show at the Shelter in October, celebrating that club's tenth aniversary. Meanwhile, "Frank and Dave" shows have been reincarnated, now as "Frank and Poi Dogger to be named later" shows. Also, they have moved from Lounge Ax to the Augenblick. We've seen Dag and Dave now, but you never know who's going to drop by.
The year closed on a high note with five sold out, smoldering shows at the Vic and, of course, the New Year's shows at the Metro.
The start of the New Year finds Poi Dog Pondering baring down in their new studio, hard at work on a new album. When they surface again, they promise new material for all their fans. Stay tuned to this site for details.
Speaking of, this site made its debut in 1996 as well, and has grown steadily throughout the year. Look for some big changes coming soon and get on the Poi list to keep up to the minute.
text and photos by webboy for Poi Dog Pondering. All rights reserved.
Frank Orrall on vocals
Dag Juhlin on guitar
Dave Max Crawford on Trumpet
Leddie Garcia on Percussion
Steve Goulding on drumkit
Paul Mertens on Saxes