Gig History

PC Retirement Party, Athletic Club
Oakland, June 27, 2019

A top-secret operation was set in motion for a small group of musicians to surprise Mambo PC at his retirement party. Congratulations to the man of the hour for 29 years on the job … and for remembering the lyrics to all the songs.

RL Birthday Party, Bottom of the Hill
San Francisco, November 14, 2015

After a long hiatus, the Wagon rolled out of the garage for a special gig at San Francisco’s legendary Bottom of the Hill. The occasion was the birthday of our #1 Fan of All Time. For those who may have worried that we had too much gunk in our old carburetor to pull off a gig of this magnitude, we proved otherwise by tearing off the starting line and never looking back.

POB Birthday Party, Verdi Club
San Francisco, February 24, 2012.

We regrouped as Super Coolant one more time for a special glam-themed birthday gig for POB.

Bass Play-AH Birthday Party, Coyote Point Yacht Club
San Mateo, October 29, 2011.

We rolled out as Super Coolant for the Bass PlayAH’s 50th birthday. A great time was had by all, including Marilyn Monroe.

Oakmore Road Block Party
Oakland, September 17, 2006

It was a hot day in East Bay as StationWagon rumbled through two sets of pavement pounding hits. It was a day of firsts. Our first time rocking in Oakland. Our first time rocking on Oakmore Road. And our first time rocking in a cul-de-sac. It’s official … StationWagon is the Bay Area’s premiere block party band.

Cleveland Street Block Party
San Leandro, August 5, 2006

Our second gig of the year saw us rock the Cleveland Street party. As always, it was a rollicking affair, with the Wagon dueling it out for street supremacy with the Invincible Pinata and crowd favorite House of Eternal Bounce. Special kudos to Curt Yagi for standing in on bass and treating us to a set of his acoustic originals.

On the Border Employee Appreciation Party
Dublin, January 23, 2006

After a long layoff, we revved up the old jalopy for a rip-roaring ride at On the Border restaurant. Widespread pre-gig fear that we were about to embark on Cop Gig 2 was wholly without merit. The Borderita-fueled Wagon has plenty left in the tank … special thanks to the all-star On the Border dance team.

Channing Road Block Party
Burlingame, October 9, 2004.

No description. No photos. What happened here? The band historian dropped the ball again.

Susan G. Komen Fundraiser
Brazen Head, San Francisco, October 3, 2004

We played in a tent outside the Brazen Head restaurant for a great cause.

Homeless Prenatal Program Fundraiser
The Presidio, San Francisco, May 22, 2004

The Wagon returned to rock for the HPP. We were joined this year by special guests John Ryan on drums and Curt Yagi on bass. What a show! Please join StationWagon in supporting the Homeless Prenatal Program.

A Doubleheader
September 20, 2003

In the early-morning chill at Coyote Point Park, we helped the runners and walkers get their juices flowing for the 2nd Annual Franklin benefit. That very same night, we resumed our rightful position as the greatest block party rock band in history by plowing through Wagon classics for the 2nd annual Channing Road extravaganza.

Cleveland Street Block Party
San Leandro, August 2, 2003

In addition to a hard-rocking set by the Wagon, this event featured the first recorded sighting of the Coggins Family Orchestra on two Beatles classics. As we learned again, there’s no lack of musical talent on Cleveland St.

Homeless Prenatal Program Fundraiser
The Presidio, San Francisco, May 31, 2003

We were back on stage at the Presidio for the third straight year rocking for the HPP. What would a StationWagon gig be without major PA difficulties! Once again we rose above the technical difficulties to deliver what many Wagon admirers deemed the best StationWagon performance ever. At least we didn’t get stuck in an elevator an hour before going on stage like we did last year. Please join StationWagon in supporting the HPP.

Cinco de StationWagon
Tongue & Groove Club, San Francisco, May 5, 2003

It was Cinco de Mayo. It was a fundraiser for a friend. It was top-notch entertainment, including a swinging mariachi band. And it was StationWagon kicking things off with a super-hot set of your favorite music.

Return to Jelly’s
Jelly’s: A Dance Cafe, San Francisco, March 22, 2003

It wouldn’t be a proper Jelly’s gig without a PA crisis and sure enough our until-now trusty PA crapped out just as we were about to take the stage. Technical crises such as this are enough to fray the most strongly wound nerves of steel … and strongly wound nerves of steel we do not have. Somehow we found a solution and proceeded on course and on time.

Soren and Didier Wedding
San Juan Bautista, September 28, 2002

The end of our 3-Gigs-in-3-Weeks Tour culminated in a rousing wedding extravaganza. In a tent on a hill we rocked and rocked and then rocked some more. We rocked until our feet were sore. It was a great time with many highlights, including the bride joining us on stage to play percussion, the maid of honor singing a few tunes, and a Frenchman belting out a stirring rendition of Stand By Me, which we learned on the fly … thanks to Raf on the keys.

FTI Memorial Run/Walk
Coyote Point Park, San Mateo, September 21, 2002

A beautiful sunny day … a gathering for a worthy cause … the snap, crackle and pop of live ammo from the nearby shooting range … and StationWagon. There’s no better way to kickstart a Saturday morning, as the runners found out at the first-ever FTI Memorial Run. Happy 40th birthday to our very own Jungle P. And special thanks to JP for sitting in on bass.

Channing Road Block Party
Burlingame, September 14, 2002

For the second time in a little over a month, the Wagon rocked the block. While the neighbors sipped Big Gulp margaritas, we were hard at work cranking tunes. Star of the show goes to the Bass PlayAH. Thanks to the folks on Channing Road for rocking with the Wagon. Special thanks also to special guests POB and JP.

Cleveland Street Block Party
San Leandro, August 2, 2002

It was a fun-filled, sun-filled afternoon in the East Bay for the first-ever Cleveland Street Block Party. Cleveland Street’s very own Jungle P proved to the entire neighborhood that he truly is the life of the party. While his neighbors watched in awe and newfound appreciation, Jungle P and the rest of the band scaled the highs and lows of StationWagon classics. Even the kids got into the act, with Lou Ryan delivering a stirring renditions of Louie Louie and Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

HPP Night on the Green
The Presidio, San Francisco, April 13, 2002

For the second year in a row, the Wagon rocked the Presidio for the Homeless Prenatal Program’s annual extravaganza. Silent auction, sizzling raffle, scrumptious treats, affordable beverages, and StationWagon … all in celebration of a truly wonderful organization. Please join the Wagon in supporting the HPP.

IceVan.com Sundance Film Festival Celebration
Temple Bar, San Francisco, December 19, 2001

When he’s not tinkling the keys for StationWagon, Elliott is not very busy starring in the latest, most cutting-edge film productions. In “Behind the Start-up: IceVan.com,” Elliott stars as Elliott, the entrepreneurial mastermind behind an online ice delivery company. How did he do in his acting debut? In Elliott’s words, “I stole the show.”

SFPD Holiday Party
Elks Club, Kensington Park Hotel, San Francisco, December 13, 2001

Picture the scene in The Blues Brothers when the band plays at the country and western bar and the audience isn’t exactly into the music — that about sums up this gig. Contrary to initial reports, the band did not destroy the Royal Suite at the Kensington Park Hotel. Our investigative team is still trying to confirm rumors that Raf hit up on Lily Tomlin. He will neither confirm nor deny the allegation.

Patrick & Kate’s Wedding
Glen Ellen, October 13, 2001

Not even the strict Sonoma Volume Police could keep the Wagon down on this night. Though they tried awful hard. How loud is 70 decibels anyway? It was a blistering day in Sonoma, and things only got hotter when the Wagon took the stage. After a few technical difficulties, a couple of false starts, and a minor run-in with the aforementioned Volume Police, we took the audience where they wanted to go … Sweet Home Alabama.

Our Friend Tom’s 40th Bday
California Golf Club, South San Francisco, September 15, 2001

Thanks to Brenda’s super-stealth planning, Tom was caught by complete surprise. StationWagon rocked the house for one of our biggest fans on his big day.

EA Quarterly Meeting
EA SPORTS Gym, Redwood City, August 16, 2001

The Wagon goes Corporate, rocking for its biggest audience ever at the EA quarterly meeting. Highlights included Marty’s stirring rendition of Hail to the Chief. It’s been rumored that many executive-types were tapping their feet throughout the show.

Mark & Denise’s Wedding
Mercy High School, San Francisco, August 11, 2001

With Raf away in Chicago, we enlisted the services of of our Rock Drummer Idol, Bob Nellis, and steamrolled through two hours of our finest material. By the end of the evening, those left standing released their last remaining rock-n-roll adrenaline in a maelstrom of karaoke madness.

Bob & Shannon’s Wedding
Nellis Ranch, Los Angeles, June 2, 2001

Nothing gets the Wagon to rock like an old friend’s wedding. Despite numerous challenges, which included a wedding planner without a plan, an ego-maniacal DJ, and drunken wedding guests looking for their chance to shine, the Wagon pulled off two stellar sets. As the night waned, a handful of musician guests made their way onto the stage. In the end, all agreed it was a memorable L.A. road trip.

HPP Night on the Green
The Presidio, San Francisco, May 12, 2001

After digging our vibe at the Jelly’s unofficial HPP fundraiser in 2000, the Friends of the HPP signed us on for their official annual bash. The evening started off with a bit of a scare as most of the band got stuck in an elevator an hour before showtime. Fortunately, the SFFD rescued us and we arrived in plenty of time for the show. This gig marked the Wagon debut of Marty on saxophone. Please join the Wagon in supporting the Homeless Prenatal Program.

Rockin’ for the Homeless Prenatal Program
Jelly’s Dance Cafe, San Francisco, Oct. 14, 2000

For the first time ever, StationWagon rocked for a cause. We hosted a party at Jelly’s in San Francisco in support of the Homeless Prenatal Progam (HPP). After the usual first number jitters, the band settled down and rocked hard. Like our previous Jelly’s gig, this one drew a huge crowd. Also like its predecessor, this Jelly’s gig proved to be a lot of fun for all.

Suzanne’s Birthday in Berkeley
Aug. 19, 2000

As a warm-up for our upcoming show at Jelly’s, we were eager to play in front of a live audience. Playing a Berkeley house party reminded some of us of days gone by when we roamed the UC Berkeley campus in search of the next party. Platters of sushi. Barrels of saki. Lots of loud music. What else do you need in life?


Jelly’s 1 (Chunky’s Last Stand)
Jelly’s Dance Cafe, San Francisco, Oct. 8, 1999

This was our last gig with POB before he departed for London. The crowd was in fantastic spirits as we catapulted them into the Wall of Sound. While the name “Chunky” had served us well for two parties, we were now ready to return to our true name — StationWagon.

Sharon’s Bday Party
Triangle Lounge, San Francisco, Jun. 5, 1999

We played as Chunky for this swell birthday bash in the Marina District. Having seen us play at a houseparty, Sharon asked if we’d play for her party . . . if we agreed to add a few extra (and extra good) musicians to the line-up. For this gig, we rolled out with two new singers (Melinda and Terri) and a young keyboardist named Elliot.