Jerry Jerry stole my beer

It was back in 1993. That's the last time I saw Jerry Jerry and the Sons of Rhythm Orchestra (simply referred to hereafter as Jerry Jerry) perform live. For those of you who aren't familiar with Jerry Jerry, he is a Canadian bar scene legend who apparently disappeared from circulation in recent years, with the exception of an album release in 1997. In recent months, rumours have surfaced that the Edmonton based rocker was back on the scene. Recent visits to Saskatoon, Calgary and a New Year's Eve engagement in Edmonton, attended by Lowbrow Aristocrats associates, confirmed the rumours. As of yet he has not made a pilgrimage to Regina, due to booking problems. This is very troubling for a group of us who, in the past, could have been described as pseudo-groupies, and who wait in anticipation for the return of one of the finest live performers that I have ever seen. News of a show in Edmonton at which the famous Jerry Jerry was to record a live album did not go unnoticed. It was decided. The Lowbrow Aristocrats were going on a road trip.

We (El Hombre, Dr. Jimmy Mahonahan and I) met with Lowbrow associates Flipperson Wheyside and Shaggy D in Edmonton after an eventful drive from Regina. I'm going to be frank (well not actually "Frank", I'm not even sure I know who Frank is): El Hombre has a bladder problem. It manifests itself in unscheduled "pee" breaks, usually only a few minutes from our planned urinating destination. This included a disturbing incident in the middle of Edmonton rush-hour traffic, but I digress for that is another story entirely*. The weekend promised to be a resounding success. We enjoyed a couple of "Brown Trout" during the ride and our fourth passenger, little Timmy Keggerson, could hardly wait to unleash his bounty. But I have to admit I nearly crashed before the show started, jeopardizing my entire weekend. I tried to have a couple ales at the hotel but I was in distress probably due to the combination of the early morning departure and the road beer. I knew Jerry Jerry would bring me out of my funk but I must admit I was unprepared when it happened.

We arrived at the club and after a rather confusing coat check situation I settled in with a pint of fabulous Alberta ale. It was good, no question about it. I was on the way back. Dr. Jimmy had avoided most of the down time and he was running around the bar yelling vigorously at anyone or thing that moved. Now, this was a rather small club and Jerry was walking around conversing with some of the patrons. Flip and Jerry began to talk and as a result Jerry was beginning to make frequent trips to our table, despite the rantings of Dr. Jimmy who didn't seem to care at whom he was yelling. Our relationship with Jerry Jerry has always been rather tenuous dating back to the early years. I remember the first time I saw him perform. The distinguished El Hombre had decided that Jerry Jerry was the man who would guide the course of his life. He spent the entire show standing on the dance floor staring at Jerry as though he were Jesus or someone else who normal people might respect. This was a tiny little bar and El Hombre's fixation did not go unnoticed by Jerry. He was afraid, very afraid, as any normal human would have been. Now Dr. Jimmy was very close to scaring him off again after eight long years of intricate relationship reparation.