The Main Squeeze holds the funk

All the hard work that went into The Main Squeeze’s headliner debut performance at The Bluebird Thursday paid off. 

Playing a full-fledged set list in front of a high quality light for about 160 people, it was everything that they were hoping for on a rainy Thursday night, said keyboard player Ben ‘Smiley’ Silverstein.

“Everybody that came, left with a great impression of the band – which is all that really matters,” Silverstein said.

The confines of a run-down, dim-lighted cement basement that housed their practice sessions leading up to Thursday night seemed to all be forgotten; Kevin Grove, Ray Vanlanot, Reuben Gingrich, Max Vanlanot and Silverstein were caught up in the moment.

Their salty, yet feel good sound made even the most stubborn audience members groove.

Judging from the facial expressions of Newman during his solos to the trademark smile of Silverstein that has gave him the nickname “Smiley,” these guys were doing what they love.