On March 20 it was time to Rock and time to celebrate Birthdays. I headed uptown to Penang Lounge, an exotic Malaysian restaurant, lounge and funky concert hall on Manhattan's Upper West Side to commend the birthdays two dear friends and members of the maxium classic 80s rock and pop band, RUB. The birthday boys were lead guitarist and vocalist Robert Urban and keyboard player and vocalist Gordon Smith. The other band members are Steve Sullivan on Bass and drummer Ant Maulella keeps the beat by banging on the electronic dr
ums! We had a fabulous time with rocking with the guys and making birthday wishes over delicious spring rolls and strong Asian Martinis made with kumquats and ginger. The audience was filled with enthusiastic celebrants and special guests who were allowed their turn at the mic for special birthday songs and well-wishing. These included Cher impersonator and vocal sound-alike Howie V who rocked the house with "If I could turn back time" and VIRGO who instead of singing his original music opted for a tune the band is more familiar with, a Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams." Rock charteuse Franchesca also did a Annie Lennox number along with s
ome Pat Benatar!
Photos: RUB with Clover Honey, Virgo with Clover Honey, Dancing with Franchesca, Ant and Gordon.
