What started as a dream from Perryville native Lance Bohnert turned into a community-wide celebration as “Lance-a-palooza” brought the 1990s cult band Green Jellÿ (pronounced Jell-O) to the American Legion Hall on the night of Sept. 13.
The one-night rock fest was more than just music. It was a blend of Bohnert’s love for theatrical rock, his experience in the haunted house industry, and his determination to bring something unforgettable to his hometown. From costumed stage props to hometown connections, the event showcased creativity and heart.
A whirlwind weekend
The Green Jellÿ crew arrived in St. Louis in the early hours of Friday morning after a delayed flight, where Bohnert greeted them with a welcome sign at the airport.
With little sleep, frontman Bill Manspeaker and Bohnert were up early at Perryville High School later that morning to meet with students. Manspeaker inspired the kids with a message of believing in themselves and then gave them a memory they won’t soon forget.
One student guitarist was invited down to the gym floor, where Green Jellÿ’s musicians backed him while Manspeaker dropped to his knees to belt out the band’s hit “Three Little Pigs.” Soon, classmates circled around, turning the moment into a mini rock show. “
The kid was just glowing because he became the rock star of the school,” Bohnert said. “It was awesome to see.”
Students also got a taste of Bohnert’s signature Halloween flair, with a 20-foot inflatable Ronald McDonald in the gym and a chance to “tackle” the oversized mascot. Manspeaker stayed afterward to sign autographs for every student who wanted one.
Building community buzz In the lead-up to the Saturday night concert, Green Jellÿ stopped by Real Rock 99.3 in Cape Girardeau for an interview, and the band got a taste of local hospitality at the Perryville KOA campground, where they stayed.
“[The band members] were very respectful, didn’t tear anything up, and even had the sheets folded when I came back to pick everything up,” Bohnert laughed.
By Saturday, anticipation had built to a fever pitch. Bohnert and his crew transformed the American Legion wedding hall with his collection of haunted house props, creating an atmosphere that was part rock concert, part Halloween attraction.
Fans streamed in, enjoying merchandise, autographs, and even cake from Hoeckele’s Bakery. Perryville Mayor Larry Riney stopped by to welcome the band and present them with city coins, a gesture that underscored how the event had become more than just a concert — it was a moment of civic pride.
A night to remember
When Green Jellÿ hit the stage, the crowd responded with the same enthusiasm that made the band famous in the 1990s. Generations mingled — fans from the ’90s who once went to Bohnert’s parties returned with their children in tow, sharing the moment across ages.
One highlight came when a young woman with special needs was lifted onstage, handed a pool noodle, and joined in the fun with the band.
“She never gets to go out and do anything, but she came to the show, got her stuff signed, and a picture with Bill,” Bohnert said. “It was great.”
Throughout the evening, the band made sure no fan was left out — signing autographs, serving cake in the VIP room, and spending time with kids. Bohnert especially praised guitarist “Jelly,” describing him as “the nicest guy ever, so polite and so great with everybody.”
Looking ahead
By the time the last notes faded, the American Legion was still standing strong — no damage, only smiles.
“The American Legion was happy, the mayor was happy, and the fans were happy,” Bohnert said.
Exhausted but satisfied, Bohnert drove the band back to the airport after the show, already thinking about the future.
“I’ve learned a lot this weekend,” he said. “It all went well, and Green Jellÿ said they would return. It’s really worth it to come back next year.”
