Concerts #298, 427, 467 - Syd Straw at McCabe's Guitar Shop (March 1, 2003 - December 9, 2006 - May 11, 2008)

By definition, any concert announced as "XYZ & Friends" or "XYZ & the People" sounds tantalizingly promising, and when XYZ happens to be Syd Straw, then the whole proposition becomes a no-brainer to me. Since 2003, I have had the good fortune of seeing Syd live at McCabe's not fewer than three times and I'm one-hundred-percent ready to see her again, anytime, whether solo or with "friends". 

Syd's "friends" typically come from LA's immense pool of top-tier musicians, so you don't have to worry about ever catching a sub-par performance. Here's who she has brought along for the ride:

2003

Mike Watt

Dave Alvin

Rob Wasserman

Cindy Wasserman

D.J. Bonebrake

Willie Aron

2006

D.J. Bonebrake

Willie Aron

2008

D.J. Bonebrake

Willie Aron
Francis X (guitarist for the Gang of Four, B-52's)

Toby Huss

Severo Jornacion (guitarist for the Smithereens)

There aren't too many female singers quite like Syd and what a shame it is that most people haven't even heard of her. Well, it's their loss - she is a consummate entertainer who can sing, chat, flirt and leaves no doubt as to who's in charge. Syd's forté is her powerful voice and heartfelt delivery, yet at the same time she is a comedienne like few others. It was always fun watching her fellow musicians bend over in laughter as Syd was delivering her fully ad-libbed on-stage banter.

"Love, And The Lack Of It", "Love Is A Friend Of Mine" and "CBGB's" are the only three songs I still remember from Syd's shows at McCabe's.