Lots of driving and little sleeping marked the first night of our road trip to Pittsburgh. I am glad to announce though that a new lodging record was set at my brother and sister-in-law's house on Saturday morning, 11 people!

Sadly though, between the 11 people, you could probably count the hours of sleep on two hands. The Sinnott brothers logged 0 hours, I got about 3, starting to see the picture?

We could have napped all afternoon, but we needed to give Kid Meevin his first red carpet tour of Pittsburgh. We hit the Steel City fast and we hit it hard. Here's how it went:

Giant Eagle, Strip District (Kid Meevin got to eat his first Primanti's sandwich and also got to see a painting of Donnie Iris on its wall-of-fame), Heinz Field, PNC Park, Incline, Mt. Washington (whew).

After the whirlwind tour we went back to Danny & Danielle's and rested up for the big Deck-of-Jack show happening later that night (Z-Lounge). Some debate was made as to where we should eat dinner, but as a group we decided to hit up a nearby place (Silviano's on Babcock) to give us sufficient time to eat, mentally prepare, and head down to the South Side.

After eating portions that would give Andre The Giant a run for his money we headed to the Z-Lounge. We figured out all the logistics of the night, met with the bands (Munkir and Count Rockula), and before you know it, it's 10PM and time for Munkir's U.S. debut.

The 3-piece sounded more like a 5-piece and also sounded like they've been playing together for a long, long time. Good stuff! We were up next, and right now I have to send a special shout-out to Marty and Carl. In order for a nice "light" trip to Pittsburgh, Marty agreed to let Fuzz use his bass amp and Carl let the Kid beat on his drum kit (Kid did bring his own snare, cause we all know what happened last time a snare drum was placed in front of him). The crowd gathered to the front of the performance space (no stage at the Z-Lounge) and began chanting "DECK OF JACK! DECK OF JACK!" While Kid Meevin thumped the kick drum, me and Fuzz began "Day That I Ruled the World." The rest of the evening turned into a big group sing-a-long. No diss on our east coast fan base, but it seems like the Pittsburghers knew the material a little better. I guess they should though, since Deck-of-Jack did start out in the 'burgh and played there from 1997-2000. Cover songs included The Bouncing Souls' "Here We Go," The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop," Operation Ivy's "Just a Crowd," and Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back" (which was part of our nostalgic ode to the '90's—and boy did Danielle pull out some extraordinary dance moves). During the set we also welcomed back founding member T-Bell as she got on the mic and ripped through a raucous version of "My Train's Leaving." That girl still got it!

We also played "Big Country" for our pal Big Country. During the opening chords of the song he was curiously missing, but luckily he heard the song and made a beeline from the bar to the front. And speaking of people bum rushing their way to the front, Deck-of-Jack was treated to one of our biggest surprises ever. During our closing number, "Rowdy Roddy Piper," a large figure knifed his way through the crowd and wedged himself between me and Fuzz. Low and behold it was Jason Dugger—wearing a kilt no less! The former Pitt lineman and Highlands Game athlete showed off his best dance moves. Throughout the duration of the song he trashed his body around, reminiscent of the Roddy one himself. During our final stop down we thanked everyone for coming and launched into the closing chords of the song. Susan and Erin were going nuts on the right side of the room, Danielle, Torey, and Alaina were representing the middle, and me, Fuzz, and Kid had our own personal Roddy Piper right in front of us. When you're flanked by friends in a city you love it doesn't matter how much sleep you get the night before. We could have played all night.

Thank you everyone for coming!

Post Game:
Bob Divirgilio ran from a wedding and caught the end of the set. He was probably the sharpest dressed man in attendance.

Bart Simon wins vintage T-shirt of the evening. Dawning an AVIP the porcupine shirt (circa 1992).

Count Rockula sounded incredibly tight closing out the night.

Set List:

Day That I Ruled the World
Here We Go! (Bouncing Souls)
Here Comes the Bull
Knife Seller
No Swish
Teenage Slut
Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones)
Turtle Wax
Crazy Dangerous
Apollo Creed
Just a Crowd (Operation Ivy)
Big Country
90's Medley
Starter Jacket
My Train's Leaving
Hamburglar/Zamboni Man (medley)
Piper's Pit