The return of the Zippers

Remember that whole swing music explosion of the mid-90s? And how a Chapel Hill-based band, Squirrel Nut Zippers, had a pretty big role in all of it? And how things didn't work out so well for them?

Well, forget all that, at least for now, because the band is reuniting (at least in part) for a series of shows on the east coast, one at Triangle indie rock haven Cat's Cradle.

The show is Thursday, Feb. 8. Tickets are $16 in advance or $18 at the door...but something tells me they might not have to worry about that. Snag your tickets now through Etix.

But before you get too excited, check this out. N&O music writer David Menconi wrote in his blog, "Yes, founding members Jimbo Mathus and Katharine Whalen will be there, along with drummer Chris Phillips, bassist Stu Cole and horn man Je Widenhouse. But this model of the Zippers doesn't include two members from the band's hit-making period, Tom Maxwell and Ken Mosher. Maxwell, of course, wrote and sang "Hell," the Zippers' big breakthrough hit. So if you go to the Cradle show expecting to hear that one (or the Maxwell-penned "Put a Lid on It"), there's an excellent chance you'll be disappointed."

Oops. But to the optimists and those who are just fans, I'll see you there.