Photos by Nikki Davidson
TOP RIGHT: Astoria police’s Andrew Randall plays the drums for Public Nuisance and Yard
Dogs. ABOVE: Astoria police’s Chris McNeary performs with his band. LEFT: Astoria police’s
Kevin Berry sings and plays the guitar for Public Nuisance and Yard Dogs.
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was shot and killed while attempting to
serve an arrest warrant.
“We kind of wanted to support that
organization because they had done a lot
for that officer,” added McNeary.
The performance at the fairgrounds was
a hit, and the band craved more opportuni-
ties to perform.
“We were like, ‘this is the coolest thing
ever; it’s better than work,’” McNeary
said.
But just after Public Nuisance built up
a regular schedule of gigs in Astoria, the
coronavirus pandemic forced lockdowns
and cancellations.
Now that venues are opening up for live
performances, the officers are relaunch-
ing their musical outlet. They are, however,
making some logistical changes due to the
difficulties that come with getting their law
enforcement schedules in alignment.
Public Nuisance will continue to book
shows whenever all five law enforcement
officers are available. Still, the three Asto-
ria police officers have formed a splinter
band named Yard Dogs, with availability to
book gigs more often. The next Yard Dogs
performance is Friday night at the Work-
er’s Tavern New Year’s Eve party, and the
band will play from 10 p.m. until after
midnight.
The group is excited to join the party in
a brand new way.
“It’s definitely a nice way to show
people that cops aren’t all jerks,” said
McNeary.
“It’s helped the being a relatable human
factor to see that we’re not just super
uptight, rigid people outside of work,”
added Berry.
Public Nuisance and Yard Dogs play the
60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and modern-day country,
rock and pop music.
“You name it, we’ll play it,” said
McNeary. “If people want to hear it, we’ll
learn it.”
The trio aims to create a safe, fun way
for people to get out and celebrate the holi-
day at Worker’s Tavern.
“You know, if you come to a venue
where cops are playing — there’s a good
likelihood nothing crazy is going to go
down because the people in the audience
are cops,” McNeary said with a chuckle.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 // 9