2003: The Birth of the Abominable Showmen...
After a few years off, playing only to a captive audience (the kids' bath time), the desire to perform resurfaced for Matt. He had written two new numbers in 2002, the children's song Under My Bed and a song for his wife called Wonder Why. The challenge to play them live became a driver.
At the same time, Nick started dating Julie who had watched her local folk society play during the winter months in the boating town of Lexington, Michigan. Nick suggested going there to play. It sounded intriguing; an audience that came specifically to listen and cheer the performers on. Matt and Nick chose the new name, The Abominable Showmen, and started practicing and playing more songs together as a duo.
The quality of the venue, sound system, and audience, which at first was intimidating, demanded that Matt and Nick improve their skills and performance. It challenged them to become better performers, musicians, and singers.
2004: The Next Best Thing
Matt and Nick thrive on finding new songs, creating interesting arrangements, and other additions to enhance the performances. They also branched out to include other singers and musicians; adding Lisa and Tracie and calling themselves The Next Best Thing for a very memorable night.
Matt wrote the novelty Folk Rockin' as a tribute to the Showmen. He also completed In The Springtime which has yet to be played live.
2005: The Best Yet To Come
A great year for the band. Matt bought a Bass guitar and with regular rehearsals throughout the summer, the played an outdoor festival, Harbor Hoot in August. The practice paid off and some of these songs became part of their core sets.
Matt completed As You Are, a song he began in 1996 and finished through the inspiration of his daughter.
2006: Back To The Drawing Board
After going back to school to change careers, Nick landed a teaching gig and spent the better part of the year working. As such, there was no time to practice. So the two played separately most nights. Matt also focused almost exclusively on learning new songs by other artists with no songwriting occurring over the next two years.
2007: Tribute and Stepping Out
The group went back to their roots upon hearing of the sudden death of one of their heroes. Grant McClennan of the Go-Betweens died at the age of 48. As a tribute to him, Matt asked his friend and violinist, Erika, to practice and perform some Go-Betweens songs. These gigs were special for the members and reminded them of the beautiful music that brought them together.
After playing almost exclusively in Lexington it was time to venture out from their comfort zone. So the Showmen took to the road much like the early days. They played all sorts of places throughout southeastern Michigan together and apart.
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