It was probably the musical highlight of the year for me.

"I don't care if this is the rustiest old-timer band I've ever seen, they breathed the same air as Gene Vincent did. They SANG with Gene Vincent. I'm going." Sure there was a bit of old-timer-ness to the whole thing. But I'd say maybe that was 2%. The rest was 98% pure joy. Johnny Meeks ROCKS!! He's still got that simple, crunchy, beautiful rockabilly sound in spades. I haven't danced that much since I saw Chan Romero at Rudolpho's.

Graham Fenton from Matchbox was a special treat. Tommy Facenda said when he introduced him how the band felt that having him onstage was the next best thing to Vincent. He doesn't have that strong, booming voice that some still have, but he was obviously at home there and sang beautifully, and the backing band, with Meeks leading the charge was bloody wonderful.

LA local greats, Russell Scott (bass) and Rip Masters (piano) held down the fort, and provided vocals. Everyone sang and did a great job. We ended up right in front just singing along with them at the top of our lungs. Tommy Facenda got down off the stage and danced with me and told me Vincent stories. I kept thinking to myself as I was watching them, "Damn, this ISN'T A COVER BAND!!!!" Totally and completely thrilling is all I can say. A beautiful, joyful, hallelujah kind of experience.

If you're anywhere within spitting distance of these shows, get your ass out there. I have a feeling they're just going to get better as the nights go on. I'm going at least one more time. I'd really like to see James Intveld sing with them. What a treat! I'm walking on clouds. Bliss, people, bliss!!!

Laura Kane is a writer for 'Grindstone Magazine'.