"Abbie Hoffman", as performed by The Baghdaddios at C.B.G.B. (April 8, 1995)

NYC's very own, The Baghdaddios were already an established Lower East Side indie band by the time they headlined this weekend show at the famed "birthplace of punk", C.B.G.B., WAY back on April 8, 1995. Long considered the "classic" Baghdaddio lineup, the group featured original members Neil Richter on drums, John Sidoti on bass, Jim Ievolella on lead guitar and front man / lead singer / songwriter Kenn Rowell on rhythm guitar. The 7th number of the night, this song ("Abbie Hoffman"), just like most of the songs played that night, would be featured on the band's eventual debut CD, "Willie Horton Hears A Who", which would find extensive airplay around the world upon it's late 1996 release.

Neil Richter continues to play with The Baghdaddios (after a 9 year hiatus to pursue "other projects"), in addition to playing in other bands as well. John Sidoti lives with his wife Anne and children in Wisconsin, is active in the Racine/Milwaukee indie blues and rock community and was instrumental in helping to bring the annual Blank-Fest benefit concert for the homeless to the Mid-West (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blank-Fest ), Jim Ievolella remains fiercely private, living with his wife and daughters outside of NYC and Kenn Rowell continues to pursue solo projects, various artistic endeavours, oversee the entire international Blank-Fest initiative as well as being a tireless supporter of the D.I.Y. and indie movement ("Indie To The Death!"). Of course he remains the Baghdaddio with the longest continual service! He lives in NYC's Upper West Side and avoids mass transit whenever possible!

Special note should be made of Kenn's yellow and blue flannel shirt, which was a gift from filmmaker / actress Kristina Latour. One final note: indie rockabilly legend, Hollywood Joe Nania mans the camera for the entire fete. Joe remains an enigmatic roots icon in his chosen home state of California, occasionally making guest appearances in or around his native Whitestone stomping ground!

Special props to Louise, for booking the band, Brendan for maintaining order at the door and the late, great Hilly for making it all possible (and being there to check it out!). God bless you, Hilly! (Thanks for always believing in us, guys!)

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