Teaching the kids - and grandkids - a thing or two about rocking hard Undici Undici Concert Calendar, April 12, 1996 Band review by Gavan Wieser Do you picture middle-aged women in knit pantsuits, baking cookies for their grandkids? You might not want to share that vision with JoDina, leader of the band One Foot in the Grave. At 55, JoDina - "it's one name; don't call me Ms. Dina" - is a punk musician, and has been one for a decade. JoDina didn't start out in music. Her previous career was that of a Funeral Director and Embalmer. That line of work gave her the chance to, "appreciate life one hell of a lot more than most people do." She decided to enjoy her life before she wound up like her former clients. When JoDina decided to make the leap into music, she advertised in the newspaper for musician auditions. She got her first band player that way, but since then band recruitment has been a bit more... informal. Some members of the band were referred by fellow musicians, some were chance social contacts. Some have even been hired in grocery stores, "I just say, you look like you belong in my band. Do you play an instrument?" The current band is comprised of JoDina, Guitarist Lowell Ebert (77); Drummer Dave Cook (63); Guitarist Bob Williams (57); and Bass Player Gavan Wieser (a mere 53). JoDina, Bob, and Gavan write the group's songs. The male band members have been professional musicians all of their adult lives. They all play with other bands besides One Foot in the Grave, but they remain together in part because of the harmony between members. Drummer Dave Cook once remarked to JoDina, "I've never been in a band like this before. There are no fights!" According to JoDina, that's pretty close to the truth, "We have one fight a year. Someone says Fuck you to someone, and the other person says Fuck you back. Then they work it out." With the exception of an annual fight, the band members enjoy the support they get from each other, as well as from friends and their families. Wives and girlfriends park their jealousies at home when the band tours together. Children and even grandchildren approve of the band, with the possible exception of JoDina's eight-year-old grand-daughter. "Grandma," she has said reproachfully, you play too loud!" Despite this criticism, One Foot in the Grave must be doing something right. Established first as a "practice band", then flirting briefly with heavy-metal, they have found their niche in punk music. Success has brought them tours in the US and Europe, and exposure in such print media as international newspapers and People Magazine. The band has appeared on numerous television shows, including Sally Jessy Rafael, the Montel Williams Show, Inside Edition, A Current Affair, MTV, and VH1. The lifestyle that accompanies being a punk musician is one that JoDina has adapted to almost perfectly. Her only "problem" is the number of under-35 men who want to date her. "Men over the age of 50 don't ask me out," she says. "I'd like to meet a man 45-50 that would enjoy the things I like to do." The last man over 35 that she was involved with died in November. JoDina remembers fondly the "adult" quality of their relationship. She admits, however that, "young men have their advantages. And hey, if they ask me out, why not?" If One Foot in the Grave sounds intriguing, come out and hear them on April 12th in Undici Undici. And hey - bring your grandmother! Lowell Ebert's last girlfriend split for the coast, and he's cruising for a new one! Last update 10-Mar-2002. © One Foot In The Grave. Contact us or sign the Guest Book.