The Veggies never considered themselves the most polished band. Longtime drummer Ray Tardiff described the group as a loose band. They performed without a set list. No songs played into the next song. They rarely practiced.

It was founder and lead singer Donnie Hebert’s rapport with the audience that fueled the band’s popularity for 20 years.

“We were like entertainers,” Tardiff said. “People would come to see what Donnie was going to do at the next gig. He’d often do something silly or outrageous. That was the draw of The Veggies.”

The band is retiring. The Veggies will perform a farewell show Saturday, Nov. 1, at Fast Breaks Restaurant at 1465 Lisbon St. in Lewiston beginning at 8 p.m.

Hebert, 61, has Parkinson’s and admits he is having difficulty performing.

“That’s one reason why I’m stepping down,” Hebert said. “I can’t really play the guitar anymore. And it’s affecting my vocals.”

At age 40, Hebert bought himself an acoustic guitar. He taught himself to play with the help of some books and began learning chords. After he convinced a co-worker in the produce department at Shaw’s in Auburn to learn the bass, they joined with another co-worker to start a three-piece band that began playing Tuesday nights at Fast Breaks.

The group’s name emerged from their place of work . What started as Vegetables By Night was shortened to The Veggies.

“Before you knew it, we were getting gigs all over Lewiston,” Hebert said.

Tardiff joined the band as its drummer two years after it formed. He was the only early member of the band who did not work at Shaw’s. He worked at a funeral home.

“I didn’t know the guys,” Tardiff said. “I saw an opportunity to join a real fun band. I sat down with them and, ‘Wow. These guys take it so matter-of-factly.’ They were funny. I have a pretty good sense of humor, and I thought we could really do something. And it worked out. We gained a good following.”

Hebert and Tardiff developed a close bond.

“The whole reason why I stuck around with the band this long is Ray,” Hebert said. “He is the most silly … a cartoon character come to life. He is the most fun-loving, funniest guy I have ever met in my life. He would do all sorts of things and never take himself seriously. He was there to entertain people and have a good time. He’s my best friend and means the world to me.”

Tardiff, though, said the band’s magic came from Hebert.

“Donnie goes around with the mic talking to people, having them sing with him, whether they wanted to or not,” Tardiff said. “People would sit in the back of the room, scared that Donnie would come after them.”

Anna Hunnewell was a longtime follower of the group and would get on stage occasionally to sing a couple of songs with The Veggies. When a part-time band member was about to move to Florida, he gave Hunnewell his microphone and told her she could take his place.

There was some resistance from band members who didn’t want to break up the boys’ club.

“I love Donnie,” Hunnewell said. “He’s one of my best friends. He is actually the one who said, ‘No, she’s going to be in the band.’ I’ve learned a lot from Donnie. He’s taught me a lot. He’s helped me to be a better singer.”

Hunnewell, who has performed with the group for nine years, also helped the band incorporate some country music into their shows, which was also not popular with some band members. The evolution began slowly, but has become a popular feature for the band.

The two newest members of the band are guitarist Shawn Callahan and bass player Moe McKenna.

Band members are sad that the 20-year run is coming to an end.

“In all the decades that I have played, I was always the oldest member,” said the 73-year-old Tardiff. “But I think that it’s done now.”

Tardiff has played in bands for more than 40 years.

“I’m sad about it,” Hunnewell said. “It’s hard to believe that it is going to be over. I don’t want it to end, but I understand why it has to.”

She would like to keep singing, but isn’t sure about starting a band at age 57.

Due to his health, Hebert has stepped down from his position as produce manager at Shaw’s, where he has worked for 45 years. He is still working there, but now as a part-time clerk.

“I’ll remember all the great times,” Hebert said. “It wasn’t all about the music. It was building relationships with our fans. We got to meet a lot of people and made a lot of friends.”