Smack Dab and my British-Made Premier Genista kit at the World-Famous Rib Joint in Dana Point, CA on Saturday 08-22-2026.

 
From Left to Right:  Smack Dab is myself on drums; Kent Richards, bass and vocals; Allison Friedman, vocals and guitar; Lloyd Brown, lead vocals and guitar and Marc Repaire, lead guitar and vocals.   You can reach the band at SmackDabGroup@gmail.com.

Well, we had another gig at the World-Famous Rib Joint in Dana Point, CA on Saturday the 22nd of August, 2026, and we had a lot of fun!  However, the weather has been very warm, and on Saturday it reached 87 degrees F, with a humidity of 74%, but it felt even hotter and more humid, especially when we were setting up outside!  As usual, it took us about an hour plus to set up (with me schlepping the PA and the my drums, crazy), and after setting up, I was soaked to the skin!  No worries; I had an extra tee shirt and one of my favorite Hawaiian shirts on hand, so I looked reasonably presentable by the time of the gig!  Even so, I downed two liters of sugar-free Tonic Water during the gig, in order to stave off any leg (or arm) cramps!  (However, since Tonic Water contains very little quinine, the “fact” that Tonic Water helps with cramps is probably an old folk tale.  Nevertheless, I did drink two liters of fluid, which I’m sure helps!).  All in all, we had a great gig, and a great time!         

 

Smack Dab back at the World-Famous Rib Joint, 34294 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA 92629, Saturday the 22nd of August, 2026.   

 

 

Pacific Coast Highway looking south through Dana Point toward San Clemente, a sight that always brings a smile on my face and joy in my heart! 

 

 

Pacific Coast Highway looking north toward central Dana Point just outside the Rib Joint, and iconic sight indeed! 

 

 

Gotta love the Rib Joint; it has retained all of its 1940 charm, some 80 plus years later! 

 

 

Yes, the Rib Joint is Open!!!! 

 

 

Any place that supports live music is a great place! 

 

 

The Rib Joint may not be the most glamourous of places, but with good food, drink and a live band, what more do you need? 

 

 

In order to get the word out, Allison made a post just for our Facebook and Instagram channels.  What a good-looking band! 

 

 

We are gig ready!  It was a beautiful evening, but very, very hot!  Our musical guest Vicent Pilard (who plays blues guitar and harmonica) had his amp set up to the left of Allison’s Telecaster.  Vincent is such a great guy, it was super fun playing with him!    

 

 

I got the old British-Made Premier Genista kit, coupled with my DW snare drum.  I love my Premier Genistas, probably my favorite drum kit!  My old (and very heavy) trap case is hidden behind Marc’s Fender amp. 

Now, it must be said that this was my last gig with Smack Dab, at least for a while.  I’ve decided to take a little break from playing with a band, instead focusing on my little YouTube channel, and also my blog.  Having said that, my 3.5 years with Smack Dab has been a wonderful experience, and everybody in the band is a great player, and even a greater person.  Everybody in the band has been super supportive, and they have created a true community of players and friends, which I’m sure they will continue.  THANK YOU, Marc, Allison, Lloyd and Kent for a great, great playing experience, and the opportunity to learn a whole bunch of new songs, and to make a bunch of new friends!  It has been a great time!      

 

Since I’ve decided to take a break from the band, Allison was nice enough to get a cake for me, complete with a drum set!  What a nice gesture; everybody in Smack Dab is a great person, and we have had a great run together during the last 3.5 years!  I know they will do just fine without me!    

Here are some videos from the gig, enjoy!

Smack Dab is ready for another great gig!  

A little snippet!  

Another little snippet! 

Shine, Drumcam.  

Born on the Bayou, Drumcam. 

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