STEEL PTERODACTYL at CASASANTA
By Susanna Robinson-Kenga

Last night I attended the performance of long-missing-in-action band Steel Pterodactyl at my favorite venue, CasaSanta, the loft atop the Masonic Building on Court Street. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the early days of their then-raggedy inception, when they were known as Home Brew. (I recall their early days, as do many others, judging from the huge and loyal crowd of followers who attended.)
As I watched them perform, I recognized the joy they all seemed to reflect to once again be on stage, doing the jam band thing for people who love them. It occurred to me they were now the age many of us were when they began their musical journey. They have survived many twists and turns on that journey that led them to re-unite and take the stage.
As expected, they played to a packed house, full of their dancing Steel Ptero-disciples, and the energy was high. It was nice to see that the members, though a little older and wiser, were basically the same, except for a few changes through the years. The current (and mostly original) members are Chris Baker on guitar and vocals, Phillip McLaughlin on vocals and guitar, Missy Lemley singing her heart out (but often having her vocal lost in the mix, unfortunately), and the powerhouse rhythm section comprised of Daryl Clemons on bass, drummer Casey Cantrell, and the recent addition of Ben Hunt on percussion.
For more information, booking information, and biographical “stuff” , their website is : www.myspace.com/steelpterodactylrocks. They also have a Facebook page, where they self-describe their journey as, “Think Vacation meets Animal House meets Homeward Bound.” It’s nice to know they found their way back home.