Saw them several times at the Cat's Cradle (which is about 1/4 mile from my home). And a ton of other great groups... The mid 90s were a huge time for music around here. Unfortunately, I just don't have time to keep up with it the way I used to... I guess that's what happens when you get old!
I saw them in Cleveland a couple few years back. During the awesome show (which was minus a lot of the original members but plus Je, Griffanzo, Stuart, Chris, and Henry) I called out a lot of their best songs and dang if they didn't play every single one of them (Put A Lid On It and Blue Angel among them as I recall). I literally cried tear of awesomeness - it was an unbelievable fairy tale. The crowd was singing along. I told my (then) girlfriend (now fiance) during the show that we were going to see them backstage
no matter what. After the show I went up to the stage like a sad, dejected, lost puppy not knowing if what I said would come true or not. After 10-15 minutes, my spirit was broken I said LET'S GO
buy SOME STUFF. We went up to the concession area and were chillin' buying t-shirts, talking to fans, etc. and WTH? They showed up and signed whatever you wanted and took turns taking pictures with their fans. I have the signed t-shirt and postcards, and the pics of me and Catherine Waylan (who is so graceful) and Jimbo Mathus (a totally down-to-earth guy), and the rest of the gang. It was a total win. My wish came true. Squirrel Nut Zippers is one of the best bands ever, both with their music (past and present) and their courteous behavior to their fans. Better people you will not likely meet.