In December of 2004, the Gin Palace Jesters were the host band for the Big C Jamboree, Chicago's original rockabilly roots open mic night going non-stop since 1991. A night of drinking, dancing, socializing, networking and nonstop music in the vein of Hillbilly Boogie to Western Swing, Jump Blues and first generation Rock-N-Roll and Rockabilly. The way it works is one band hosts the event (us in this case) and do an opening set and then clear the stage to witness the free for all event. Musicians sign up on a list (some individuals, some bands, some pick up groups) and play their little hearts out for 2 or 3 songs and it's quite a fun time. Even if an act is no good it doesn't matter because:
A.) It will be over in 2 or 3 songs and
B.) You didn't pay any cover charge anyway so what the hell...you have no right to complain. Shut up and drink your beer!

Photos courtesy of Vince Long and Amy Ott.-Thanks kids!

"Hi everybody...We are the Gin Palace Jesters....That's JESTERS with a "J" okay? G-P-J not Jin Palace Gesters nor Gin Joint Jumpers nor Gin Palace Gestures... I mean...it's written right here!"

It was a cold December day, the excitement of the holidays hung in the air and this was a Toys for Tots toy raising event.

The boys began to play their honky-tonk standards knowing the ridiculousness they were about to perpetrate.

Casey looks on while Dave sings and Ken looks towards a brighter tomorrow.

Then Ken steals a few lead guitar licks off Dave.

Then it's time for Ken to sing his composition..."Allison Rose"

Former Jester drummer James Ventrella tells Gabrielle Sutton, "I'm glad I don't have to wear those dumb shirts anymore."

Phil Angotti and Casey McDonough sings some fine harmonies into the GPJ stand during their portion of the open mic experience.

Craig in the red shirt asks Perry, "How'd a bum like you ever get to date a high class dame like Jamie?"

Then before anyone knew what happened, out came the 3 dollar Santa's elf jester hats Ken found at Menards for $3 a piece.

The boys broke into "Santa Got Lost in Texas" which was a hit with the dancers.

"I was a ridin' herd one night, along about Christmas Eve...when I spied a spooky sight, one you'd never believe... All tuckered out and bone tired weary Santa Claus came my way... Draggin' his reindeer across the prairie, hitched to a big red sleigh!"

"Santa got lost in Texas...he didn't know how to leave... Santa got lost in Texas...all on a Christmas Eve!"
(Note: jingle bell bracelet on Casey's wrist)

Then Ken sang the Red Sovine weeper "Christmas Alone." Doesn't he look silly in that hat?

Ken drives the mournful rhythm.

Then it was time for the 3rd Christmas song..."Santa Looked Alot Like Daddy" by Buck Owens. Check out Cousin' Buddy back there in that hat! Ha Ha.

Now by the number of pictures Vince Long took of the boys you'd of thought they played the whole night with these hats on but really it was only about a 10 minute period.

I guess it was a good "photo op" though.

Once again the Gin Palace Jesters prove they will stop at nothing to attempt to entertain. Thanks to the Big C folks and Martyr's for treating everyone to a grand time.