Woody’s Roadhouse Reunion drives fans back in droves

PITTSFIELD – The world remembers rocker Jim Morrison singing “Roadhouse Blues,” with the lyrics, “We’re goin’ to the roadhouse, gonna have a real, good time…”

The Berkshires too once had a the most rocking roadhouse everyone knew as Woody’s, where, located on a winding back road in Washington, crowds of fun-loving people frequented its rustic walls every weekend since the early ’70s until it closed its doors in 1997.

For one magical evening on Saturday night at the Colonial Theatre, time rewound as loyal patrons came in droves to relive those glory days.

The show was produced by Vinnie Brandi of Galaxy Entertainment with four ’70s bands of The Berkshires, who made Woody’s what it’s known for, “The Original Rock n’ Roll Palace.”

With names like Burnt Bacon and The Homefries, The Spampinato Brothers, Fat and Commander Cody, how could one forget?

Prior to the show the excitement was escalating and Dick Dodge of Cheshire was just happy to be the fifth caller and win tickets from WUPE radio. He was accompanied by his girlfriend, Denise Conklin, who remembers the roadhouse well.

Another loyal fan of Woody’s was Mark Reynolds of Pittsfield, who told The Beacon if he could think of one phrase to describe his feelings they would be, “Welcome home.”

“I’m looking forward to all the same music,” said Tony Garzone of Pittsfield. “I’m just a music lover.”

As the time grew closer for the concert to begin, the anticipation, the drinks and the laughter were building. People danced into their seats; these people knew how to party.

With a full house between golden balconies the concert commenced as the star, Woody himself, dressed casually in jeans, a shirt and vest, took the stage.

“I just want to welcome everyone,” he said smiling, and with hands raised in the air he pronounced, “How does it feel to be back?” He spoke of some of his old memories of dancing, partying, broken pipes and crippling payments.

But it was in his last statement that he exhibited a great sense of appreciation as he bowed his head and said, “I’d also like to say that the one person who really helped make the roadhouse successful was my wife. We all worked together.”

The concert kicked off with the band Burnt Bacon and The Homefries with David “Burnt” Bacon on piano, “Smoking” Joe Kirchner and Tom Filliault on guitar, Jeff Price on bass, Dave Willey on drums and a guest star appearance from Diane “Lady Di” Weiland, who with her sultry vocals started the house rocking – not that they needed any help.

Next on was the Spampinato Brothers, with Johnny Spampinato on guitar, Joey Spampinato on bass, Jay Cournoyer on drums and Aaron Spade on guitar, playing their original hit songs.

But it was the band “Fat,” who in an earlier interview with Woody said the roadhouse got its big break when the band played on Columbus Day weekend two years after opening.

This band rocked the house as the entire audience was out of its seats and boogieing to the incredible vocal sounds of Peter J. Newland, who commanded his audience with his passionate harmonica playing, swinging and wrestling of the microphone and the ultimate jam session with his band members. They were Jimmy Kaminsky on guitar, Guy Devito on bass, Chris Newland on guitar and Chet Bazek on drums.

Ed Nardi of Tyringham, once bartender of the roadhouse, said, “Fat would play and there would be 600 people easy, I couldn’t open the beers fast enough.”

He and his friend Mark McGovern of Egremont laughed in their box seats and said they were just happy to be there.

Mr. Newland took the stage and shouted to the audience, “It’s great to be back! Ya know when we were at Woody’s, it’s like we were just hanging out at the house on the corner!”

And the crowds went wild, dancing and whirling in the isles.

The last band of the show was lead vocalist/keyboard player George Frayne, “Commander Cody,” with his band’s 1968 hit “Hot Rod Lincoln.”

As it seems for now the old patrons of Woody’s have gotten their fix, and who knows, perhaps in the near future we’ll see Woody again – fans can only hope.

Posted by Janel M. Harrison on October 4, 2012. Filed under Arts and Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry