Surprising the Drummer

Monday, August 25, 2008 | 2:13 PM

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I've been to a few surprise birthday parties in my time, but none have matched the unique premise of the one I attended this past weekend.

The family and girlfriend of our band's (Deck-of-Jack) drummer, Kid Meevin, planned a surprise birthday party for him, where he would be brought into his own backyard, not knowing that he would step behind his drum kit to perform a full live set of music.

Kudos to the masterminds behind it, who also did up a nice little V.I.P. tent for the band, ordered three table-long deli sandwiches, and printed hand towels--which were to be waved over the heads of friends and family--commemorating the occasion.

(left: By far, Kid Meevin's "Life Is Wonderful" Tour, was the best surprise B-Day Party of the summer!)

I did my part by making sure Kid Meevin was game-time-ready to perform an hour long set. During the weeks leading up to his birthday, I brought out what was thought to be a mock set-list, claiming that we might have a concert in the city soon, so it would benefit us all if we started playing an actual list of songs.

The weather cooperated all day long, and thankfully, no one called the authorities during the two sets (one planned and one impromptu) of very loud garage-punk that took place on Kid Meevin's back porch.

It was a happy birthday indeed!

1. The Birthday Boy, Kid Meevin.
2. (left to right) Fuzz, Kid, and Me.
3. "Hmm, do I play bass or cook on the grill?"
4. The V.I.P. Tent, yes indeed, they even have them at backyard surprise parties now!
5. There ain't no stage like a back porch with potted plants!
6. Frequent Indie Ear Commentor, Joe G.

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