The Cadillac Potatoes were created as an answer, or rather a defense, against the ugly monsters lurking in bars and weddings everywhere... the vile entities known as D.J.'s! We all came together under the belief that live music is wonderous, and canned music sucks eggs.
When the band was created, all the Spuds (as we are affectionately known to our fans,...both of them) worked at a company called Century Analysis, Inc., and all of them, with one exception, are computer "geeks". The owners of CAI hold an annual Christmas Party for all the employees and their S.O.'s, and a few of of us who were also musicians kicked around the idea about putting a band together to play at the party. With lots of begging and pleading to the owners, we got the go-ahead to play a one hour set at the party, to be followd by a regular DJ. and they also graciously donated the use of their warehouse for rehearsal purposes.
The Spuds were not without their enemies, though. A very vocal and annoying contingent of employees opposed our pending appearance at the party, saying things like "They won't play what we want", and "Would you like fries with that?". Our response? "Phyyyyppppptttt!!!!"
After months of practising, most of which was spent in debate over the actual name of the band, the Spuds were ready. Having had a nice meal, and many alcoholic beverages, the Spuds hit the stage will all the grace that befits any college fraternity house. Fortunately, the audience had consumed as much alcohol as the band, and were in the mood to party! They laughed, they cried, they sang and danced! By the end of our set, no one was sitting; they were all on the dance floor. The final acknowledgement that our quest was just was the complete absence of any dancers once the DJ started playing. Even the vocal (read: empty-headed) minority who had fought against us had danced their opposable butts off to live music, and shunned the DJ for the first half-hour that he played.
The Spuds went on to play at the Walnut Festival for two years, and other equally low-paying or free gigs. Right now, since Kevin and Lynne have moved and Richard and Heidi are migrating to GatesLand (formerly known as the state of Washington), they're on hiatus. But looks for their reunion tour at parking lots across the street soon.
Well, our rehearsal meister and Fender 'hoades player is Joe Moore. Working as the Contracts Manager at CAI, he is the only non-computer person in the band, and has even labled himself as "the Ulitmate End-User" (read: clueless).
His musical training on keyboards and vocals is of a religious nature, meaning that he prays he can get the notes right. He comes from a long line of mustard makers.
The "Grainster" (pictured on the right) is a Senior Software Developer for CAI.
He has been able to hone the ability to guarantee that his software
works exactly as expected only in his own office to a fine art.
His musical tastes range from Joe Satriani to Mexican Polkas. In his spare time, he collects fuzzballs to make teddy bears for the "Stuffed-Animal Challenged".
The Brain and Nerve Center of the band (maybe the Appendix and Spleen as well), Larry now works at Premenos in the Quality Assurance Department. Now in his second company change since leaving CAI, he is the most "nomadic" of the Spuds
Having been in many bands before, some of them actually paying, he considers the Cadillac Potatos to be the "Depends" of his musical career.
Richard (shown right) now works for OACIS. Most people stay away from his cubicle because they are confused by all the strange artwork he displays.
Richard recently got married in a wedding that can only be described as "different". He is the "Generation X" Liason to the band, helping them interpret the lyrics that Kurt Cobain's legacy has thrust upon us.
As a System Administrator for Walt Disney Feature Animation, Kevin (shown left, duh!) has the opportunity to exploit the technology that 95% of America doesn't understand.
Kevin discovered early in life that hitting inanimate objects gave him pleasure. His musical education was cultivated mostly by accident.
As with any good organization, there is a superb support crew. Since that leaves us out, we'll tell you about our S.O.'s (roadies) and semi-formal fan base.
Lynne Freels: She has run the sound board for a couple of our gigs, and has the unenviable task of being married to Kevin.
Sandy Grain: Our bartender. She bringeth beer to slake our thirst.
Mikki Thompson: She keeps Larry sane. If he goes, we all go with him.
Heidi Veino: Best at fixing hard stares at our enemies.
Wade Mucke: The Man with the Van, or truck, that is. He has helped with the transport to many of our few gigs. Also one of our most devoted supporters.
Special Guest Star: Debbie Hooey: Debbie has sung professionally, and may continue with the band. Even though she is related to Kevin, please try not to hold it against her.
Information about future engagements (yeah, right!) can be gotten
from us. Bookings can
also be arranged. We'll even pay you.
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