The Young Presidents have only one promo photo remaining (see above). It dates back to the early ’80s. But when guitarist Jason Slate looks at the mountain of feathered hair, mullets and Huey Lewis-meets-Miami Vice get-up, he’s taken back to a bygone era on the Peninsula, when live music was abundant just about every night of the week.
Spots like The Club on Alvarado, which was most recently home to the defunct Hippodrome, and the Old Monterey Music Hall on Washington Street filled rooms with a mix of touring acts and local bands.
In the final years of the Young Presidents’ 15-year tenure, they were a steady presence at the old Doc Rickett’s, now the downstairs at Cannery Row Brewing Company, playing album-oriented rock and roll. Nothing super-produced, just no-frills, straight-ahead guitar-centric bar rock that got people into the party mood.
It’s been 20 years since all five guys were in the same room together: While Slate, drummer Dan Clark and harpist/lead singer Johnny Mirani still live on the Peninsula, bassist Jeff Avalier moved to New York City and virtuoso guitarist Michael Lent went to L.A., where he’s been working with the likes of Barry Manilow and Jeffrey Osborne.
On Sunday, the Young Presidents will convene for one last show at Sly’s.
“This is a one-time shot for all of us to be able to get together,” Slate says. “We’ve got two fat sets and just want to have a night of fun.”
The performance is set to include half originals and half covers, from an electrified rock arrangement of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” to The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” which features a guitar trio and harp in place of Ray Manzarek’s organ parts.
“When we were 22, we were going to rule the world,” Slate says. “We were going to get a record deal, drive fast cars, live in big houses. You do it for a few years and have some close calls, or so you think, and you play for people who tell you you’re great.”
After a while, it was time for everyone to move on, no dramatic blowout needed.
“Did we rule the world or make all the money that we wanted to?,” Slate asks. “No. But we had a really great time and there’s still a really strong connection. It’s a relationship that’s always there.”
THE YOUNG PRESIDENTS 9pm Sunday, Aug. 31. Sly McFly’s, 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free. 649-8050.
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