Port Aransas is basically a party town. A beach resort community used to crazy college kids during Spring Break and lots of tourists during the summer, the vibe is laid back and the people are friendly. Just don't be in a real big hurry when you go out to dinner.

And the party was at the Back Porch Bar on Saturday night. Those who have never been in South Texas will have no real appreciation for this, but the steamy, hot, humid day was replaced by a breezy, hot, humid evening. We in the audience got the breeze; the band, in the enclosed stage area, were basically in a sauna. Guy, ever prepared, was dressed in appropriate beach clothing. "Botany 500" remarked Buddy Llamas. At least he was comfortable. Godfrey lost his tweed jacket after the first set, but Richard Steele, trooper that he is, maintained his composure and his trademark silver suit and grey hat throughout.

Befitting the party atmosphere, The Small Stars started the evening out with a spirited rendition of Doug Sahm's "Nitty Gritty," followed quickly by The Jive Bombers' "Bad Boy." In fact, the set was dominated by covers, with somewhat less than half the songs being Small Stars originals. It seemed to fit the mood of the evening. However, the boys played three sets altogether, and each set was dominated by a Small Stars epic; "Whiskey" for the first set, "Otra Vez" for the second, and "We Love You" for the third. The 13 minute "Otra Vez" (far from a record, I know) included a surprise bit of "Spooky" by the Classics IV, as well as snatches of "A Love Supreme", "Sunshine Of Your Love", "Soul Kitchen", "Get Busy" and "Miss You" (you have to figure out the origins of the rest of those).

The final set also included a tribute to The King, the 30th anniversary of whose death had just passed. It was a rousing version of "Viva Las Vegas" and the best I've heard so far. Elvis would be pleased.

The announcement of Bob Quest got a rousing applaud from the audience. Scratch another one off the list: "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere." "We Love You" was played by popular demand, and although Guy said he wasn't feeling it, it was still great. Richard Steele's incredible version of "Sleep Walk" followed, then The Rolling Stones' "It's Only Rock 'N Roll" closed out the show.

The crowd of Small Stars regulars, newbies, family, friends and curious onlookers were left wishing for more. Alas, there was no more to be had this night. When will we see them again? Only time will tell.