To: hix@yahoogroups.com From: Wendy Lapides Date sent: May 5 2006 Subject: Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks - Narrows center for the Arts, Fall River, MA - May 4 2006 I thought it was going to be like any other fabulous Dan Hicks show, but last night at the Narrows had a unique element for this happy Hixster. More on that later. If you’ve read my reports of past shows at this venue, you’ll recall that the Narrows is an old mill which is now used as a gallery and performance space. Dan is usually a sellout here but for some reason, attendance was low last night. I had an “in your living room” seat about a foot from the platform stage -- fabulous! At 22, my daughter was by far the youngest there. The crowd was enthusiastic and respectful. (Thanks, fellow Hixter Jeff Silva for introducing yourself). During my propitiously timed trip to the Ladies Room prior to the show, I encountered one of the lovely Lickettes putting her make-up on at the sink. “No dressing room here”, she said with a smile. We chatted a bit and at the time, I thought that this might be the zenith of my interaction with the stars that night. I was wrong. The set list was as follows: 1.  Evenin' Breeze 2.  I'm an Old Cowhand 3.  Blues My Naughty Baby Gives to Me 4.  Shootin' Straight 5.  I've Got a Capo on My Brain 6.  'Long Come a Viper 7.  What's the Matter With the Mill? 8.  I Scare Myself INTERMISSION 9.  Honeysuckle Rose 10.  Barstool Boogie 11.  Song for My Father 12.  Willie 13.  The Piano Has Been Drinking 14.  How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away (request?) 15.  Canned Music 16.  (Encore)  I Feel Like Singin' I’d never heard I’m an Old Cowhand live before so that was a particular treat. I won’t repeat Dan’s many witticisms and antics so as to keep it fresh for those of you lucky enough to catch this tour. The band was hot and happy. The smile never left my face . And now for the really cool part. The band was getting ready to sing I Scare Myself , and as the girls donned their sunglasses, Dan came to the mike and said, “Is Wendy Lapides here?” My hand shot up and I said, “Yes, I’m here.” At first I thought I was being paged for an emergency or something but it was just Dan checking to see if his longtime fan was in the crowd. I’m not sure what made him ask, or how he knew the correct pronunciation of Lapides. It was a surreal moment. Dan was signing autographs during intermission so I waited my turn and when he saw me, he gave me a big hug and thanked me for the birthday book that I’d put together in December. We chatted a minute or two and then he was off for the second set. You know the sentiment at the end of Milk Shakin’ Mama and Caught in the Rain, when a moment is ordinary yet perfect at the same time? That’s what last night was for me.