NIU Homecoming 2018-- Part 12: The DeKalb Footstompers At Andy's

OCTOBER 13, SATURDAY

Those two bars across the street and to the east of Lord Stanley's, Andy's and McCabes, are special to Liz and me, especially Andy's.

Andy's used to be strictly what we called a "townie" bar, one frequented by townspeople, not students.  But my fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, and Alpha Kappa Lambda started going in there and pretty soon it was both a townie and student bar.

We spent a lot of time in Andy's, especially on quarter beer night.  (We were, of course, all of legal drinking age.)  Cheap beer all the time, a great juke box and bands.  Hard to beat that.  And, it was one of those "Dive Bars."  Nothing to look at, but comfortable.

We continued going to Andy's after graduation and it would not be a homecoming without a visit.  Over the years we saw several bands there who remain favorites despite lineup changes.

By far our favorite was the DeKalb Footstompers, a four piece band with drums, guitar, a tuba and accordion.  You haven't lived until you hear their version of "Purple Haze" with those instruments.  When they played "When the Saints Go Marching" they led the crowd outside and up and down the Lincoln Highway with the bouncers hectically and anxiously grabbing drinks that weren't allowed out on the street.

We saw them Homecoming 1973, their first year together and then saw them at homecoming most every year until 2016.  (We missed them last year, 2017, because of bad weather and lack of a motel room.)  Three of the four members were original.

Also, a Great Polka Band.  --RoadStomper