The Grandsons' third CD won a WAMMIE (the Washington Area Music Associations' version of a Grammy) for Best Record Design. In our hearts, it was the record of the year...and the Grandsons won Artist of the Year a few years later! Produced by Peter Fox at DC's own Groovetown USA studios, this recording continues down the roots-rock trail forged by the band's previous two releases. On this 16-song CD (featuring 2 live bonus tracks) you'll hear originals like "Waterworks", "Jezebel Had A Party", "E Train Mambo", and "Smoke and Mirrors." Also featured are two songs by Scott McKnight (he also penned the fan favorite boogaloo "It Works For Me" off of It’s Hip to Flip...), and tunes like Slim Gaillard's "Make It Do", Ted Hawkins' "Happy Hour", and Richard Thompson's "Listening to the Wrong Heartbeat." This was their first as the Grandsons, having shortened their name from Grandsons of the Pioneers due to a request to cease and desist from the legal arm of the remnants of the Sons of the Pioneers...the album ending "Son of a P#&*%%$!" refers, rebuts and renders the issue copacetic with a sly poke at those ol’ cowpokes. Augmenting the usual lineup (Alan MacEwen-guitar, vocals; Chris Watling-saxophones, accordion; and Matt Sedgley-percussion) are Steve Sachse and Moe Nelson on upright and electric basses (irrespectively). The legendary Bill Kirchen provides some lead guitar fills on a few tracks, and Mookie Siegel and Peter Fox play piano and organ on several tunes. Longtime cohort Diana Keene joins the Grandsons in the studio for some excellent pedal steel guitar work. National treasure Bill Kirchen sums up the record as follows: "The Grandsons have shortened their name and lengthened their stride. These are tunes that move right along and get where they're going. Don't make me list the musical hot spots this recording visits, but start in New Orleans and see where it takes you. Wherever it goes, it grooves. There are some surprising lyrics, some funny stuff, but it's all danceable and unpredictable as heck. Not much angst or dark brooding, but a lot of movin' and shakin' and a whole lot of rock 'n' roll. No matter what you call it, I still say they are pioneers." Mike Joyce from the Washington Post kindly wrote: 'Pan-American Shindig' is pretty much what it's cracked up to be: a hemisphere-hopping, honky-tonkin' good time. It's a barn dance waiting to happen...By celebrating both sides of the C&W equation, as well as reveling in Latin grooves and Chuck Berry riffs, the Grandsons make certain that 'Shindig' lives up to its billing." Dave Nuttycombe of the Washington City Paper says, and we quote: "To say that the disc is all over the map is to compliment the 'Sons on their musical versatility and smart egalitarianism. They call it roots-pop, and Shindig cavorts brightly from Western swing and rockabilly to New Orleans-style R&B to Tex-Mex and mambo--always with smiling wit."