Yes, No, Maybe's second performance at The Great Falls Tavern over the weekend was as successful and well attended as the first time the rock band played the venue. The members of the band are all friends and graduates of Langley High School who are making a name for themselves on the local music scene.
The band played to a standing-room-only crowd of dedicated fans, who arrived in some cases hours early to procure a good spot to see their favorite band member. When lead singer Lisa Thornton-Weiss stepped up to the microphone shortly after 9:30 p.m. to rock the Tavern, she looked at ease and every bit the star, with flowing blond hair, tight pants, high heels and exposed midriff.
Her vocals, as one patron put it, “rock the rock.”
Yes, No, Maybe was preceded to the stage by performer Amanda Abizaid, also a Langley graduate. Abizaid was kicking off a tour across the country with her performance at The Tavern. Although she performed solo, she normally plays with her band in Los Angeles. Abizaid does a lot of television and film work. The new television show, “The 4400” on the USA network, will feature a theme song performed by the hometown success story.
BAND MEMBERS FOR Yes, No, Maybe range from the Class of 1983 to the Class of 85, and none had played together in high school. “We decided to start jamming together for the hell of it. We’re friends just as much as we are band members,” said keyboard and bass player Don French of the 1 1/2-year-old band. “We like playing in Great Falls because we all went to Langley and know the area.”
The previous performance by Yes, No, Maybe saw so many friends and fans turn out that the owners of The Great Falls Tavern made special arrangements for this concert.
“The first time it was incredibly busy. This time we set up several bars around the place and took out almost all the tables in the back, where they play,” said manager Allan Arguello.
French said, “We set all the sales records for capacity and liquor sales last time. It was seven deep at the bar. Crazy. The manager even quit that night because it was crazy.”
Adding to the frenzy of the performance on Saturday night was the fact that Thornton-Weiss’ husband, professional figure skater Michael Weiss, was on the radio promoting the gig in the days before the show. “So we expected a lot of crazy skate fans to turn out,” said French.
“I heard about it on DC101, and it sounded cool. The location is right, and I like alternative rock,” said Spencer Teel, who came with friend Adam Ulan to listen to the band. Neither had heard Yes, No, Maybe before, but as Great Falls residents they were willing to give the band a shot rather than trek into Arlington or the District to hear music.
“I love Great Falls and McLean. It’s easy to get friends and family here,” said Thornton-Weiss. “This is comfortable, close and convenient,” said French.
THE NAME YES, NO, MAYBE, according to Weiss, doesn’t really mean anything. “We named it over a couple of drinks,” said the lead singer. Her career as a songbird was started on a whim. She sang at her wedding, and her brother, who is also a member of the band, insisted that someday, if they lived in the same place, they should form a band.
“He was adamant about it,” said Weiss. In addition to being a rising rock star, Weiss has a normal life. “I’m a mom, choreographer, and I run my husband's business. I do a lot of things. I’m kind of a little hyper,” said Weiss.
Arguello said The Great Falls Tavern is now offering more live music because it’s been such a success with patrons. “We just started doing a once-a-month, cool bands. It’s been great. The only other place to hear music around here is The Old Brogue, and they don’t offer this kind of music,” said Arguello.
“This is a real band. A band like I’m used to. Not two guys with a guitar on a small stage putting you to sleep. We’re not old here in Great Falls. We need a sound that won’t make us feel old,” said David Lorton.