We pick on Jay Case

In keeping with SooToday.com's policy of always picking on Jay Case, we want you to know that the local guitar superstar suffered an embarrassing pick-slip during last night's CD release party for the new Big Wheel and the Spokes album, Barley Soup for the Funky-Ass Soul.

Case was so quick on the pick-up (shown) that he hardly missed a beat.

Aside from his moment of humiliation, it was a great night at Loplops with the downtown venue hosting both the Big Wheel party and rained-out performances from the RotaryFest Second Stage. The combination of electricity and pouring rain wasn't going over well at Clergue Park, so the gaggle of bands there packed up its gear and lugged it down to Loplops.

Every band (minus the Economy Studs who ended up playing at the Downbeat), was able to take the indoor stage at Loplops, resulting in a happy ending to a tumultuous rainy day.

As for Big Wheel and the Spokes, the CD-flogging band consists of Jay Case on guitar and vocals, Frank Deresti on bass and Cliff Alloy on drums.

The trio hopped onto the stage and was welcomed by thunderous applause and the occasional cat call from the all-male peanut gallery of Jay-stalkers that always shows up at these things.

Kicking off the set with an instrumental, bass player Frank Deresti suggested their song May as a follow up.

May is also the first song on the new CD, Barley Soup for the Funky-Ass Soul, which contains five original songs by the band.