Lucky Star Reunion packs Front Royal Brewing Co. with memories of times past

Above, co-owner Trevor Lipton invokes the sense of family The Lucky Star Lounge achieved during its fondly-remembered East Main Street lifetime; below, members of that family record and celebrate the moment. Royal Examiner Photos/Roger Bianchini

As former Lucky Star Lounge co-owner and oft-bartender Trevor Lipton said Saturday evening, August 17 at the Front Royal Brewing Company in introducing the newest incarnation of the first and last band to play at his establishment, this reunion was more than a reuniting of former clientele and staff of a fondly-remembered eating, drinking and entertainment establishment, and more like an extended family reunion.

And to the backdrop of headliner AfterSHOCK, formerly known as The Shockers, formerly known as EyeSoar – happily reunited with guitarist Pat Flowers and often guest singer Renee Flowers – the evening had exactly THAT feel, as old friends and acquaintances embraced and reminisced about good times, lost times, and times to come wherever and whenever they might be encountered.

The Lucky Star spanned a nine-year period between 2005 and 2013, at 205A East Main Street, not far from the site of the Front Royal Brewing Company-hosted reunion event – and a shout out to the staff for its handling of the large, occasionally-demanding and hungry, and thirsty on a steamy night, crowd. The entrees, appetizers and home-brewed craft beers kept the enthusiastic crowd fueled for more.

Faces past and present, above a projected video collage; below Lorena Lipton, left, greets old friends Terry, Alison and Ruth back for a hug down memory lane…

Thank you to Lucky Star founding partners Trevor and Lorena Lipton; absent out west but fondly-remembered co-owners Patrick and Shawn Patterson; Star “spiritual advisor” Roxanne Bauserman, family and friends; past and future Zombie Walkers; and everyone else for the memories and opportunity to reunite and fondly recall the bonding characteristics of a true English and early Americana-style pub and eatery – the kind where revolutions, or at least minor rebellions, are planned.

…As did Ludie and Laura

Above, AfterSHOCK launches the musical memories of The Lucky Star’s tradition of nightly live musical entertainment; below, Reno Vaughan takes the helm in helping Uncle Dewey Vaughan front the band.

We are family – the years haven’t lessened the bond former Lucky Star patrons, owners and employees feel.

Guitarist Pat Flowers, aka ‘Keith’ in the foreground light, launches EyeSoar into a Stones-fueled trip down memory lane.

The band takes a shot at its ‘Rumors’ period with the aid of Renee Flowers

The current duo of Lindsay and Stevie, I mean Pat and Renee, take center stage

Wonder where Reno got those pipes, mom, uncle and dad???