The Sygn - Sam B's, BG, 3/30/89

March 30, 1989. Transplanted Brit Iain Ellis played a highly visible role in the BG music scene for over ten years before leaving town in 2000, fronting a string of popular and accessible bands all of which featured his trademark stage presence and songwriting, vocal and guitar talents.

The Sygn: L-R - Frank, Austin, Wasley, Ellis and Stephens

The Sygn began life as an acoustic act playing gigs at venues such as Campus Polleyes. Eventually, with the addition of fellow European expatriates Michael Stephens (vox/guitar) and Dieter Frank (vox/guitar), the band grew into an electric outfit playing mainly originals. Patrick Wasley played bass and Denny Austin drums.

This flyer advertises a show at Sam B's, an unlikely venue for a BG rock show. What was the occasion, I wonder? Drummer Denny Austin has more:

I remember this show. It was my first with the band and I wasn't old enough to drink yet. I had to join in late because I was playing for my high school's musical on the same night. Weird venue - we were set up in front. They just moved some tables out of the way.

Ellis went on to write Rebels Wit Attitude: Subversive Rock Humorists (Soft Skull, 2008) and also pens regular columns for music webzine PopMatters.