Michael Doherty's Music Log: Jonny Two Bags Headlines A Great Night Of Music At Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, 11-22-25

Jonny Two Bags

Jonny Two Bags, whom you know for his work in such groups as Social Distortion, Youth Brigade, U.S. Bombs, and Cadillac Tramps, delighted a packed crowd last night at Maui Sugar Mill Saloon with a great set of music that focused on material from his 2014 album Salvation Town. The entire lineup for the night was strong, featuring sets by Electric Magic and Rob Bolger, as well as a late-night set by Dev Elephant. You know a night is going to be good when there are musicians in the audience as well as on the stage, and that was the case last night.

Electric Magic

Electric Magic kicked off the night at 8 p.m. with a fun, energetic set that had several folks dancing. They delivered a mix of covers (including two Beatles songs: "Come Together" and a rocking rendition of "Dear Prudence") and original material (including "Cross My Heart" and "Brave New Day"). "Let It Burn" had a good, funky sound, and "Fleur De Lis" featured some really nice work on harmonica. At one point, lead singer Danita Menchell stepped off the stage, joining the people dancing up front. They wrapped up their set with "Pressure," finishing at 8:43 p.m.

Rob Bolger And The Poor Decisions

Rob Bolger was up next, taking the stage at 9 p.m. (don't you love it when everything is on time?). He announced the band as Rob Bolger And The Poor Decisions. "We just came up with that name tonight," he said. That band, by the way, included Dylan Thomas sitting in on electric guitar, an unexpected treat (he was especially great on "Junkie King"). Rob dedicated the second song of the set, "Mean Motherfucker," to sound man Nubs Gutmacher (everyone loves Nubs). Halfway through the set, after "It's Too Late," Rob announced, "You know, we've only had one rehearsal." He then added, "But I think it's turning out okay." Everyone in the audience thought so too. The set was a lot of fun, and had a great, loose vibe. It was a short set, ending at 9:35 p.m.

Jonny Two Bags

Jonny Two Bags and his band started setting up moments later. "Any effects on the vocals?" Nubs asked. "None," Jonny answered. "No effects." That gave us a sense of what was to come. It was going to be as real as it could be. Good, honest music. And that's not all that easy to come by these days. A little after 10, Jonny asked, "Are we ready?" We in the audience certainly were, and the band opened the set with "Avenues," a song from Salvation Town, one with a good energy, one that seemed to get the entire room in motion. Afterward Jonny asked for a quarter to adjust the microphone stand, but he was handed a screwdriver, which was even better. Microphone stand adjustment completed, he followed "Avenues" with "Ghosts," also from Salvation Town, this one featuring some great stuff by Eleanor Whitmore on violin. On the album, it was David Lindley. That's one of my personal favorites.

Jonny Two Bags

"This is the lead-off track off the record, the one record," Jonny said, introducing "One Foot In The Gutter," which, yes, is the first track on Salvation Town. Jonny switched to electric guitar for this one, and Eleanor switched to keyboard. Eleanor was back on violin for "Hope Dies Hard," and then switched to mandolin for "Clay Wheels." The first lines of "Clay Wheels" certainly stand out to me: "Sometimes I wonder/If this is as good as it gets." This song was another of my favorites from the set. Jonny then thanked folks for not only coming out, but for being enthusiastic. All of the songs up to that point had been from Salvation Town. The next few songs, however, were not, including "Salute The Dead," a U.S. Bombs song The rendition last night was quite a bit different from the U.S. Bombs version, as far as the sound goes. Eleanor was on mandolin, and Jonny was on acosutic guitar. This song had a fantastic jam, featuring some great stuff from Chris Masterson on lead guitar. Vince Hizon and Mike Reznick then joined the band on alto and baritone saxophone respectively for a wonderful cover of Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic." Those two weren't able to fit on the crowded stage, and so played in the audience, giving some of us in the front the great sense of being surrounded by music. They also played on "Alone Tonight" and "Wayward Cain," both coming from Salvation Town. "Forlorn Walls," also from Salvation Town, followed, and then Jonny wrapped up the set with a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Sweet Virginia." "Sing along on this one, if you're so inclined," Johnny told the crowd, and many did. The song featured wonderful leads on saxophone, mandolin and guitar. The set ended at 11:13 p.m.

Dev Elephant

A little less than a half hour later, Dev Elephant took the stage and delivered a solid hard rock set. Great power trio stuff, you understand, with some excellent drumming. At the start of their set, they mentioned growing up on Social Distortion. They did have a guest vocalist join them for a couple of songs toward the end of the set, adding yet more energy to an already energetic performance. The set ended at 12:38 a.m., but the audience wanted more, calling for an encore, which they got. A strong ending to a fantastic night of music.

Here are a few more photos from the night: