PHOTOS BY JAMES HAMILTON

While Holland's Racoon yodeled and whistled their way through an acoustic riff rock that sounded like the Proclaimers covering U2, a large, round man in Bermuda shorts ambled around the Trocadero Theatre last night (Dec. 20), obviously long past caring what others might have thought of him. Where did he fit in the demographic of this audience gathered to see the Lemonheads, a group split down the middle between old school fans who still own those first Taang! records, and those who only know of the band's Simon and Garfunkel cover of "Mrs. Robinson" from Wayne's World 2? Did he wander in from the street? Was he here to rock out? Was there a particularly good beer special on tap?

No. This man -- Bill Stevenson, former sticksman for the Descendents -- was half of the Lemonheads' latest rhythm section. With Karl Alvarez on bass, the two former punks provided a rougher counterpoint to Evan Dando's slacker charm; they added extra muscle to the Lemonhead's jangly, catchy guitar parts, and laid down a firm foundation that wouldn't be torn apart by the occasional tornado of feedback. And classics such as "Into Your Arms" and "My Drug Buddy" came across like modern versions of surf music, complete with sunny, laid-back melodies and crashing drum rolls. Dando showed off his voice and sense of humor on a solo rendition of "The Outdoor Type." Before bringing the band back on, Dando looked around the Trocadero, flashed the audience a mischievous smile, and said, "I always get a kick playing here, 'cause I know my father used to come here when it was a burlesque joint." Old college fave "It's a Shame About Ray" brought the charming evening out to a close, while Dando's pure joy of playing with new members overtook the entire room. 

We asked: The Lemonheads are named after the candy, which is sweet on the inside and sour on the outside. What other candy would you name this band after?

Name: George Crossley
Age: 30
Hometown: Delran, NJ
Occupation: Chemist
"The Sweet Tarts. 'Cause the taste sticks with you."

Name: Bree Wlodyka
Age: 29
Hometown: Reading, PA
Occupation: QA specialist
"The Wax Bottles. They're a classic candy."

Name: Paul Kaniewski
Age: 31
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Occupation: Accounts analyst
"Mr. Goodbar."

Name: Moira Kaniewski
Age: 31
Hometown: Ocean City, NJ
Occupation: Consultant
"The Everlasting Gobstoppers, because I tried to see the band at 17, and now I'm 31 and I'm seeing them."

Name: Jim Y.
Age: 39
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Occupation: Chemist
"Good 'N Plenty."

Name: Caroline S.
Age: 33
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Occupation: Scientist
"The Blow Pops."

Name: Tim Slingsby
Age: 26
Hometown: Melbourne, AUS
Occupation: Engineer
"The Junior Mints. Or the Jelly Bellys."

Name: Shannon Driscoll
Age: 23
Hometown: Howell, NJ
Occupation: Hospice worker
"The Almond Joys."

Dando doesn't 'want to go home' / Photo by James Hamilton

Come on, feel the Lemonheads / Photo by James Hamilton

Bassist Karl Alvarez / Photo by James Hamilton

Dando greets fans in Philly / Photo by James Hamilton

Drummer Bill Stevenson / Photo by James Hamilton

Opening act Raccoon / Photo by James Hamilton