Gar Francis-Plainfield Slim-The Doughboys

Jennifer McCarthy
Fort Dix Public Affairs Staff
Fort Dix, N.J., July 22, 2009 -- It has been 40 years since throngs of people meet on the muddy fields of Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in upstate New York to participate in what would become one of the most legendary musical events of all time – the Aquarian Exposition known as Woodstock. On August 8 Fort Dix will pay homage to the music of the Age of Aquarius when it hosts its own musical extravaganza, the 60s Flashback Family Day, from noon to 7 p.m. on Doughboy Field.
The event features live entertainment by Highway 41, the Doughboys, the Veterans Angels and Plainfield Slim & the Groundhawgs.
Plainfield Slim, whose name is Gar Francis, will debut his new song “Rocket”. Francis wrote “Rocket” as a tribute to the men and women in uniform who serve this nation.
“It gives me great pleasure to bring a little American rock ‘n’ roll to the brave men and women who protect our great Country. The last time I felt this proud was performing for the returning troops of Desert Storm at Fort Monmouth,” said Francis.

Francis will also perform with the Doughboys. The Doughboys were one of the most popular bands on the central Jersey music scene back in the 1960s. They were regulars on Zacherle’s Disc-o-teen, a teenage dance party TV show and won the show’s coveted battle of the band contest which earned them a music contract with Bell Records. As many garage bands do, the group eventually disbanded and its members went on to pursue other musical ventures that included jamming with Jimi Hendrix and working with Billy Idol. The band reunited a few years ago and in 2008 released the CD, “Is it Now?”.
In addition to live music, the 60s Flashback event will feature a classic car show, boardwalk games, and food vendors selling tasty treats.
Children will have an opportunity to have their face painted, ride a pony, make a beaded necklace, create works of spin-art and sand masterpieces, all for free. John Mann Park will also be open that day and offer pay-as–you-go fun.
Thrill seekers and NASCAR aficionados will want to make sure to check out the only full-sized NASCAR Nextel Cup Chevy Monte Carlo racing simulator in the world while at the fest. The official #24 Jeff Gordon Pepsi Chevrolet simulator offers participants the chance to feel the excitement of high speed turns and hear the sound of the track in a car actually driven by Gordon.
There will also be giveaways and fun for the whole family throughout the day.
For more information call 562-5881 or visit the Fort Dix Family, Morale, Welfare Recreation website at www.dixmwr.com.
- Jennifer McCarthy

The Doughboys took the "60's summer of love" vide and smashed it with their load guitar and distortion. Led by Myke Scavone who had the hit " Black Betty" with his band Ram Jam. The Doughboys are a souful, yet explosive gargare rock band. The Doughboys will be entertaining the troops at 7:30 om at Ft.Dix Doughboy Field. www.thedoughboys.com
- The Aquarian Cristine Jimenez

Plainfield Slim
Another Mule In The Barn
Self- distributed

Doughboys guitarist Gar Francis' alter ego delivers a smoking debut.
"Slim" plays all instruments and is adept at everything, showing particular aptitude for blues drumming.
But... Mule is built in a wasp's nest of slide guitar, and Francis, who once took the Keith Richards role in a Rolling Stones tribute show, is razor sharp.

Speaking of the Stones, "Marlene" could be an out-take from Black And Blue. And the other elder whom Slim openly emulates is Chicago slide great Elmore James. He certainly took James as his role-model, vocally ("59 Minutes") and does a good job capturing the sweaty spirit of high-energy/low down blues.
Possessing genuine chops as singer, writer and guitarist, on "Dressing Drawer" and "Another Mule" he proves this album is more than just a day-tripper's lark.

Plainfield Slim is now working with a band - The Groundhawgs- which includes a couple of fellow Doughboys. It may have started as a send-up, but you have to be good at parody to make it work. Slim's better than good at it, and no matter how it started, it's too real to resist. - RA - Vintage Guitar Magazine- April Issue Page 24

“Gas Guzzlin’ Garage Blues” - American Showplace Music

“It’s more rockin’ than I expected it to be"
### - Bill Kelly WFMU radio

“It sounds like stew boiling when you first hear Dirty Girl”-###
- Nasty Ned