Yes Melissa, this list is sometimes pretty dead. Since I have some time to burn here at work, I'll answer your questions and everybody can read them for amusement. I'm 27, an engineer for Rockwell International's Automation group (gee I hope my boss isn't on this mailing list) in Milwaukee. I used to think I was old, then I started dating a 33 year old. Now I feel young again. Either that or now I feel like I'm dating Mrs. Robinson. My favorite groups presently include the Connells (long time fan), Juliana Hatfield (long time fan, Blake Babies), the Posies, and a group from Milwaukee called the Gufs, who are playing the same Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison clubs that the BoDeans grew up in. I've also really enjoyed Hootie & the Blowfish; I don't care if people are sick of them or think they're pop. I really dig their sound. More about the Gufs; pay attention everyone on this list. If you like the Connells, you will like the Gufs; it's a similar sound. They just released their 3rd album, and they are starting to go national. Keep your ears open, and if you can find it for sale (Collide), buy it. Melissa wanted to hear stories. Here's a couple: Remember the BoDeans/Connells shows in VA last weekend? Afterwards, the BoDeans headed back to Milwaukee (hometown), and Tuesday night they were in their studio working on some demo stuff. Wednesday night I was in their studio and heard a bunch of the material for the next album. I have been taking a recording studio class at University of Wisconsin, and my instructor is one of the BoDeans' studio engineers, so he had the key. The studio is in an old storefront on the south side. It's a total dive, but totally their own, no one else uses it. There must be $100,000 worth of equipment just sitting there. Story #2. I have seen the Connells four times here in Milwaukee, and have talked with them several times. At one of the shows about six years ago, my girlfriend at the time got her white tshirt signed by everyone in the band. I talked to her a few days ago, and she still wears the shirt. About three years ago, I was hanging out with a friend before a show, and Mike and Peele were looking for some food, so we took them out for subs and shot the sheet with them for an hour, then they put us on the guest list for the show. A few days ago someone on this list made the comment that the Connells were really nice, normal guys. Yes, that's completely true. Women, take note, some of the guys are married ( I forget who, although it's not Doug). I hope everyone on the list is amused. kevin [log in to unmask]