REVIEW: “Hello, My Name Is Blotto: The Movie”

Apr 13

4/12 @ Cohoes Music Hall

l-r Paul Jossman (Bowtie Blotto), Dave Maswick (Chevrolet Blotto), Helena Binder (Blanche Blotto), Bill Polchinski (Broadway Blotto) and Paul Rapp (Lee Harvey Blotto)

“The documentary poignantly narrates the band’s ups and downs—the rollercoaster ride of success and setbacks, the heartbreaking loss of Keith Stephenson in 1999, their disbandment in 1984 for more lucrative pursuits, their jubilant reunions, and the tragic passing of Greg Haymes, all culminating in their induction into the Capital Region Thomas Edison Hall of Fame...”

Last night at Cohoes Music Hall, the premiere of “Hello, My Name Is Blotto: The Movie” drew a vibrant crowd filled with luminaries from the Capital District music scene. (gallery forthcoming)

As I sit down to reflect on this unforgettable evening, I find myself grappling with an abundance of synonyms for “fun” and “hilarious.”

During my chats with fellow audience members, bandmates, and even the filmmaker himself, I felt a wave of enthusiasm wash over me—almost giddy. It’s not often that I experience such unfiltered joy.

One never knows what to expect when seeing a documentary. Sure the band is humorous, but as MTV’s Martha Quinn says in the first five minutes, “they were funny, but they were not a joke.”

Rob Lichter, known as Bert Blotto, has dedicated over two decades to this project, and his commitment shines through every frame of the film. The care and attention invested in creating this documentary reflect a profound respect for the band, prompting waves of laughter and applause from the audience—almost to the detriment of missing the next punchline.

Initially, Lichter interviewed each band member separately but found the footage “duller than dishwater.” Opting instead for group interviews proved to be a brilliant decision, revealing the unique chemistry that made Blotto so special, both within the documentary and the band’s history.

The film chronicles the band’s evolution, starting from their humble beginnings as the Star Spangled Washboard Band in Lake George to their iconic identity as Blotto. The original ensemble included Paul Jossman (Bowtie Blotto), Greg Haymes (Wild Bill Hayes / Sarge Blotto), Bill Polichinski (Broadway Blotto), and Don Dworkin. This comedic jug band was described by The New York Times as “reminiscent of collision between the Earl Scruggs Review and the Three Stooges.” They played in coffee houses and famously at Gaslight Village in Lake George. The went on to perform on the Mike Douglas Show–where Bowtie kissed Phyliss Diller–and a 1976 Bicentennial Concert in Washington DC where they let Jane Fonda play the tambourine.

After these brushes with fame, the band was on the cusp of something incredible. In the summer of ’77, they planned a showcase in the city, inviting every major player in the music industry and every friend they had made along the way. But disaster struck as New York City plunged into a blackout, quashing their hopes. They humorously claim that this was the moment they broke up, though the lineup undeniably shifted.

The quartet’s sound evolved, incorporating new members such as Keith Stephenson (Cheese Blotto) and Paul Rapp (Lee Harvey Blotto), while performing regularly at 17 Maple in Saratoga. The band even briefly included Helena Binder (Blanche Blotto).

One evening while performing at 17 Maple, Broadway found himself heckling audience members. He remarked that they looked like they were in a band as well but mustn’t be any good if they, themselves, weren’t also gigging on a Saturday night. That little known band, Journey, had just finished performing at SPAC. Journey enjoyed the ribbing and one of the bandmates took and later donned the “Hello My Name Is Blotto” tag on the belt loop of his jeans, which inevitably became immortalized in a popular Journey poster that adorned countless teenage bedrooms.

Blotto later recorded the hit “I Wanna Be A Lifeguard,” which notably became the 36th video ever aired on the burgeoning MTV network. Each member recounted the thrill of hearing the song on the radio for the first time, with Rapp recalling his excitement as he found a phone booth in NYC to “collect call” his bandmates with the news.

The documentary poignantly narrates the band’s ups and downs—the rollercoaster ride of success and setbacks, the heartbreaking loss of Keith Stephenson in 1999, their disbandment in 1984 for more lucrative pursuits, their jubilant reunions, and the tragic passing of Greg Haymes, all culminating in their induction into the Capital Region Thomas Edison Hall of Fame.

The stories shared throughout this documentary are rich and captivating; my retelling only grazes the surface of their depth. I eagerly await the opportunity to view it again, eager to catch the nuances and laughter I missed the first time around.

The evening concluded with a Q&A session featuring the surviving band members and the film's creator. Their camaraderie was palpable, offering insight into why this band thrived then and now.

Lichter began documenting the band in the late 90s, but after the passing of Stephenson, he resolved to transform his footage into a full-fledged documentary. However, it wasn't until Haymes’ death in 2019 that he truly felt compelled to bring this vision to fruition. And we are all the richer for it.

“Hello, My Name Is Blotto: The Movie” is hilarious, fascinating and an essential vestige for anyone who feels a sense of pride in the history of the Capital District music scene.

Keep your eyes peeled for your next chance to view this masterpiece.