After a busy weekend of bouncing around there are some things to share. I try to talk about blues because it is dear to me and with the little attention it gets elsewhere I make it a point to discuss it here.

   The venues I follow are the ones that host blues on Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk) and I try to cover all the live music that might be of interest to the "blues demographic".

   I recently visited Jessies Roadhouse in Merrick for another good show and Joe V told me that the place is sold and will no longer be a blues venue... at least thats not the plan for the new place now.

   I am disappointed as Jessies was booking good stuff and they hosted a jam on Wed. nights and always had something good on weekends. These are hard financial times and very few places seem to be able to thrive with a blues roster. The ones that seem to carry on are the ones that have generated an alternative identity and don't need to rely on music for income.

   I had some short visits this weekend to some of the above mentioned blues joints but it was hit and miss this time.

   We started at Giacomo Jacks for The Jim Kohler Band and the place was rockin pretty good but my little posse and I had an agenda and we headed out after a set to a Farmingdale spot for one of our favorite blues bands. We were disappointed to arrive and find no music. The band had been sent home for a light turnout. That must have been an early decision because we got there before midnight and there was no sign of the band.

   I have a hard time with that. A band books this stuff and does not book a back-up gig. They hire baby-sitters, turn down other opportunities and pack their stuff and go wherever the hell it is for the night. The risk has already been taken. Patrons will either show-up or stay or not but they will not come back if they travel there and get stranded. We were stuck in Farmingdale with no live music and the other options were too far to get to. Not good!

    It's been a rough summer financially and otherwise. I need blues and it ain't happenin enough lately. I'm jonesin.

   I heard the IBC won't be until October (Brightwaters Inn) but I am going to be doing my diligence and trying to keep it happening.  

   Won't you join me?

   Check out something this week and this weekend and drag someone with you.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

   It's late summer already and time marching on like an army on a mission to vanquish the enemy; recreation and any opportunity to achieve it. 

   The last few weeks have been a blur with a few days upstate and a few more days with my child out of town... and paying for it now in so many ways. That's pretty hard when the job phone takes the summer off. What's a guy to do? (suggestions welcome)

   I have had a few nights on the town. I caught Roxy Perry at Maggies in W Babylon a week or two ago. She puts on a cool blues show especially with Jim Moran and Bob Fuchs. Ms. Perry was recently awarded a "day" in Westchester. Roxy Perry Day. I heard that today from Women in Blues on facebook. It is being awarded for a long and distinguished career as a performer up there. It's nice to see people getting recognized for devotion to a career in music even non-pop artists. 

   I also caught a set of The Last Internationale at Jessies in Merrick. That was a treat as a group of young folks with guest rhythm players Tim and cousin Jessie Celenza performed a cool mix of rock, alternative and some blues stuff. Lead vocalist Delila has a credible delivery with some edgy interpretation of originals as well as covers. 

   There has been a lot of interesting music and it's hard to choose especially when I have had so few chances to get out. I ask for patience from all the good players who I write about and talk to but take forever to go see/hear.

  I have also been enjoying the music of our own local artists who have been publishing original work and cd's. Kerry Kearney's new cd (Balancing Meridians) has been a good listen, Pam Betti put out a hoppin cd (Pamdemonium) and Tommy Keys (The Man in the Moon) is awesome for  diversity, keys licks and flavor. His and other local artists are being played on Sirius Radio and on radio stations all over the world.

   Chrissie O'Dells new cd, If I Had a Dime  is a great piece of writing and performing and for the gritty, down and dirty blues lover it's a special piece of work. Being that Ms. O'Dell is courageous enough to offer her cd here on Billfoolery.com I have it pasted here on the home page.

   I am happy to offer other local artists cd's... even temporarily. Feel free to inquire.

   We are lucky to have these and so many other cool blues artists in our midst. You can also find Gail Storm at Stephen Talkhouse lately and the shows at Mirelle's are some cool events. There are great jams every night and vocal acts like Sweaty Betty and big acts like That 70's Band and jazzy duets like Bobby Sexton and Cindy Lopez. Damn! Get out and dig on it so it keeps getting better. Got that!?!

   Thanks for checking in, thanks for keeping me posted and thanks for the music all you music people.

bill

   

   Normally I update the calendar every day. I post gigs on Monday and people send me info all week..

   This week however, I am going away for a few days and I will be unable to update between Wednesday and Saturday.

  I am sorry for any incomvenience but this is my one little vaca all year and I need it!!!

   I will be upstate at a little lake house and doing very little hopefully.

I hope you enjoy the hell out of this weekend and live to tell about it.

Bill

   Where does time go? It is like a wake left by a boat. I can't help but watch it and marvel at how nicely it flows and eventually leaves little trace but I keep moving (thankfully) and I find myself transported. The weeks fly by. The obstacles are overcome or they disappear like mirages and new challenges pop up in the coming week(s). The weeks may have different weather but only big events help me fix my memory on the passage of time.  I'm not sure what that means and I don't have time to analyze but I sometimes wish I could make more memories for my daughter and I. I can only hope the memories of these days will be of relatively peaceful times when we just had each other and it felt like enough.

   The past week was a blur like much of this summer. I got out late Saturday night and I heard some Brother Dave blues at Giacomo Jacks. I like the blues guitar style of Dave (and the Brave) although for a small room the volume migrated upward a bit much. The room was half full which may have let the sound bounce a bit more than expected. There were a  few passionate drinkers present also who proved distracting at times but I am glad I got to hear a few riffs of some gritty Bother Dave blues.

   After a bit of that I headed to Brightwaters Inn for the ole' First Saturday Blue Matter Jam. Even arriving after 1am I caught a full set of some ole' boy rockn' blues for which Ray, Arty and Ralphie are locally famous. The cast is always eclectic there and Charlie Labs is usually a part as is Tim Smith and Pete Tursi (who I missed) and Junebug Eysel was on hand with many others. Rick Rivkin added a cool vibe on congas and Nancy Bahnsen belted a few too.

   It was good fun. I found some more decent musical moments. This week offers a lot of stuff. The calendar is getting longer and longer with the Beach Huts doing well and the Freeport events (all of which are great music) and the cool shows at Dix Hills and Westhampton Bch PAC and Boulton Center. Yikes. So much to do!

   So get out there and get some groove on if you can. It's time and opportunity that will soon be in your wake.

   Thanks for checking in and thanks for the folks that send me gig info. I appreciate all the help.

bill

  

   It has been a week of some different sounds and faces, by design. When things get routine in life I need to change things up and one way is to try some new places and some different sounds.

   Last week (July 28) I stopped in at Cantebury Ales in Huntington for Mike Nugent Band with Mark Mancini, Tony Barca and others.

   The room as small but it was comfortable with tables and an appreciative audience. The set I heard was mostly blues with some rock and Nugent was in a groove on guitar. Mancini on keys was sounding great and Barca (guitar) also had some good moments.  No sooner had I found my own little groove when they announced last call at the bar and I was reminded it was an early starting show and I had missed most of it.

   Afterwards I was reminded that these guys are now jamming at the other Cantebury Ales in Oyster Bay and perhaps gigging again as well. Good to know. Mike Nugent is a nice player and I have yet to hear most of his/their repetoire.

   As for last weekend I caught Sweet Suzi with Sugafixx at Instant Replay in Huntington.

   It is a new group for Suzi and a few of the members are from The Curbdogs. John Puglisi on guitar, Joe Pagano on bass and Ronnie Sciascia on skins were joined last Saturday by Adam Tese on badass sax.

   The result was more rock than blues but there were some blues moments and a song or two and some excellent solos by various members. Suzi does it all well and she was having fun with the new stuff and the new staff.

   This week I had a rare occasion to go out on a Tuesday and that was because of a special event at Bobbiques.

   Nationally touring bass player Chris Matheos was in town as a guest and old friend of many and the jam was hosted by Jim Kolman and others in his honor.

   It was a night of excellent blues, rock and other fusions. The cast of players included Bobby Nathan and his talented wife, Joanne and Freddy Piscop both on keys, JD Leonard, Hitman Russell Alexander,Andy Witt and Keith Hurrell on drums,Rich Rivkin on percussion, Mike Ernst, of course Mr. Matheos on bass, Jim Kolman and more. The playing was outrageous. Matheos is fluent and agile and a creative soloist.

   Every time I hear JD Leonard on guitar and vocals I sit there wondering if there is anything he doesn't do well. His performances seem fluid and flawless. He is a natural rocker, player and vocalist and it was an excellent mix of Leonard with the grit of all the blues guys and the other flavors of Witt and Ernst. That was a treat.

   So another weekend approaches. The calendar has a good mix of stuff. There are jam nights, Beach Hut shows almost every evening, restaurant shows and lots of talented vocalists popping up seemingly every week.

   With the popularity of jams around here let me mention that there are some rules of courtesy that sometimes get overlooked. I hear lots of conversations and it seems that some players pop up and play whenever they choose.    While all players are welcome and the ones that have their own agendas are pretty much liked it just ruffles feathers when everyone is not on the same page. It is hard for some hosts to mention that so I thought I would bring it up as it seems like a general rule.

   Thanks for checking in and thanks for the feedback and thanks for the really good music.

bill

 

   I have to admit; I'm going a little crazy this summer. Part of the problem is that I am not getting out a lot but it is also caused by really bad TV, limits imposed by a lack of freaking money, hot weather and just too much stress in general.

   Last weekend I got out one night, Saturday the 24th. Time constraints limited me a little so we decided to try Nina Et cetera at Brightwaters Inn. Nina Etc.'s bio lists an interesting taste in music including Dylan and Cash and she was a new name to me...and I haven't patronized Wally on a weekend in a while. Being close to home didn't hurt either.

   Nina Etcetera was playing when we arrived around 10:45. She played and played and was still playing when we split around 12:30. The trio (bass and drums w/ Nina on various guitars) played an eclectic mix and sounded tight. Ms. Etcetera has a nice sound and can play a few licks including some slide guitar.

   I noticed she books pretty often around here in the coming weeks. The set list was interesting, the faces were new, the skills were good so I could check that out again.

   There was actually a full schedule last weekend and I was sorry to miss the various festivals. The same goes for the coming weekend and I am hopeful of getting out more this time.

   The NOFO Fest has an amazing cast of artists including Richie Havens, Jorma Kaukonen, The Subdudes and lots more. The event is being held in the wine fields of the Peconic Bay Winery. Sounds like fun.

   There are lots of other good shows this weekend. I suggest you take in some of the varied choices. A calendar with this many options is not common. There happens to be a busy music scene and it is in full swing of the summer season.

     I would also like to remind local artists that I am open to selling your music and other music related items in my store here on Billfoolery.

   So far I am offering the new Chrissie O'Dell cd and that is doing well (and it's an amazing piece of original music. Check it out!) If you would like to offer your cd send it over or send me the artwork and an mp3. I will put it on the playlist and I will be happy to give it a listen and mention some of the wonderful aspects.

   Thanks for stopping by and thanks to those who keep me posted and send me their gigs. It all helps.

bill

     

    Riverhead Blues Festival 2010 came at a good time this summer as I needed a little excitement. Getting out has been a challenge and headline blues shows have been more scarce lately. I will save my thoughts on why for another discussion.

   It's been a few days now so I will share my impressions. I am not much of a detail guy and I didn't take notes. I prefer to wing it sometimes especially when I am posting for my own blog.

   I got to the festival on Saturday around 2pm and The Sly Geralds Band was in full swing with a nice cast including Adam Tese on sax and Diane McArdle (Sweaty Betty) and BA Fagerland (Behind Closed Doors) on back up vocals. BA and Diane M were dressed in tiny black dresses and swaying in unison to the funky Sly Geralds blues numbers. They happen to do a great job on vocals too.  It was an upbeat set and a fun show.

   That kind of put me in a festive mood and Gail Storm kept it going on the Marina stage immediately following Sly Geralds.

   Ms. Storm had Shenole Latimer on sax and Shenole was in good form getting jazzy with the piano blues numbers. The contrasting style from the funk of Geralds was interesting. GS really belted it out and I enjoyed her energy and vocal chops. She always puts on a great show and I enjoyed seeing here/them there.

     Ms. Pamdemonium was up next and the Pam Betti Band put on a helluva show on the River stage. The cast (with a rockin Frank Centrone on keys and John Haseth on axe) were semi-formally clad and all in good form. Pam Betti has her chops (and everything else) in great shape and she reached for the sky for the whole 55 minute set.

   Chrissie O'Dell & One Hot Mess followed nicely on the Marina stage and they delivered a set mix of a few covers and more than a few new originals. It was all substance and guile and grace and that smile.

   CO's new stuff could not be better written nor better represented with a cast of bluesy professionals and Chrissie O'Dell who gives it to you with directness and sincerity. Her performance was, as always personal, gritty and witty.

   Josh Allen with Jacks O'Diamonds followed on the River stage and these guys grew some band members and some chops. 

   Josh put on a great show and had a nice crowd getting into it. I was catching this from the middle of the field as I took a chair for the first time and I missed the engagement moment when Josh reached down and proposed from the stage. That was a first I imagine and it was a well chosen moment. Congrats to the nice couple for the engagement and to the band for a great show.

   From that point on I caught parts of numerous excellent shows from Bobby Nathan who I can't wait to catch in another setting soon to Hitman (Russell Alexander) at the Vail Leavitt (great setting to catch the nuanced guitar work of Hitman) and finally to Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys.

   Ms. Ledet was mesmerizing with her accordian, her distinctive voice and a cool guitar player. I just stood and sort of rode the little bayou trip she was playing. Her sound was unique especially in the Riverhead setting. 

   The matters of personal life finally got hold of me by then and my day was over.

   I returned on Sunday with my daughter for a few hours. I coaxed her this year with an opportunity to shop at the craft tents. I hope to find a way to not only sell blues to teenagers (and others) but to sell anything to teenagers. I get the old eyeball roll when I suggest taking her to a blues show so I put my foot down once a year and hope someday it will generate some fond memories. She found a cool piece of hippie attire so we may be on our way.

   As for music on Sunday I caught some of Mambo Loco and it's too bad the field was not more occupied with people at the time. Those guys had some mojo. The smallish crowd (early in the day) was bopping pretty good.

   I ran inside and caught some of Jim Kolman and The Josey Wales Band. The Vail Leavitt is a stylish little theater offering a cozy experience. It suited Jim K well. He had a near-full house and his playing got heard as well as his reparte' with the audience.  It was nice little guitar display of some well done covers.

  I finished up outside with my daughter and the craft tent experience... and some listens to Robert Ross (good blues guitar) and that was about it.

   The large representation of local artists went pretty well. Our local artists have ample experience and for an hour they can put on a good show...and most did. I would have preferred a few more national acts of course.

   I am still getting the hang of how things work around here and perhaps I can tap a few people on the shoulder during the year and inquire about how things can be influenced.

   I had a festive weekend. I caught some new stuff and some well done stuff and I hung out with friends old and new.

   I hope to make blues more attainable to more local people. Contrary to popular belief it's not a down thing. It's an inspiring and entertaining thing.

   Thanks for checking in once again blues fans and keep on keeping me posted so I can do the same.

bill

  

    It's post-festival time and I am gathering my memories and notes from the blues festival so I can relate to you my weekend experiences. It may take a few days as I was at the Riverhead event parts of both days and caught lots of acts.

   In the meantime I wanted to share something of my past week so it doesn't get lost in the festival discussion.

   I was lucky enough to get to Bobbique's last Wednesday night for a performance by JP Blues (John Pagano) and Co. I have caught snippets of the young guitar prodigy in recent years but it has been a while and this was a sit-down for a good set and more.

   JP has evolved even in the last two years from a slick player with good hands to an entertainer with a repetoire of stylings and subtleties. Some riffs by good players are just that, good riffs. Sometimes the solo's go further and express a range of statements and emotions. JP's playing was an instrumental orgy of blues rock musings. A good couple of notes goes on for a couple of more and carries on further with more to say and it becomes a story... a statement. It's not just a couple of riffs anymore.

   I sit and listen to guitar players every week, some good, some really good and some, eh. I go out every week looking for this stuff and this was quite a treat.

   I was able to get to the festival on Sunday but not late enough to catch his show at Riverhead. I'm glad I caught that Wednesday night show and I look forward to much more.

   Check back soon for some notes and memories of the festival and check out the calendar for more excellent local live music this week.

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill

    My week was not filled with music. I only got out Sunday for a few hours. Both Wednesday night and the weekend nights were not to be. I feel like I am betraying somebody when I go that long without a show and I feel like I am repressing the angst I experience during the workweek.   

    It's like I  fear that tension is building and if I don't go out soon for some recreation I could blow a gasket. Times like that I feel I have to cut down on  caffeine and watch my attitude or I will get cranky. All my teen needs is one moment of "crankiness" and her dramatic teen opinions are justified. I would not win an arguement for weeks if I were not careful about getting my "debriefing" and blues therapy.

   Thank god I got to the Great South Bay Festival on Sunday for a few hours. I ran out to Patchogue as soon as I was free; 3ish, and I arrived in time for most of The Jeff Regan Band.

   It was a gorgeous day and there was a nice crowd at the festival. I ran into numerous friends and acquaintences. It was good to be there. I occasionally hear from people who know about this blog and who express appreciation. I ran into Kathy who shared that. It meant a lot coming from her. Thank you for that!

   Jeff Regan is an dynamic rock vocalist and guitar player and he had a nice cast of singers and musicians. They put on a great show and the atmosphere was festive.

   I only was able to stay for one other set which was the Good Rats who get a good crowd and also put on a good show. Awesome vocals! 

   After getting home and later checking out the pictures on facebook I was bummed that I missed Robert Randolph and Kerry Kerry Kearney who apparently shared a tune with the Family Band. That would have been fun to see/hear. It would all have been fun to take in but I was glad I got to run out there and feel some of the festival ambience. It does a body good.

   The coming week is the Riverhead Blues and Music Festival. I have loftier ambitions for that one being that it is a "Blues" Festival.  I seek those special blues moments that the grandeur and circumstance of the annual festival can inspire. Hopefully the local and national artists will bring their A-game and share with us their most inspired expressions. I know there are a few local acts that will be sharing new material. There are also national acts who we can get up close with and hear what they have to say. Being that I value blues and music that portends to share emotion I look forward to this stuff. It is cool to see how people express themselves.

    In the meantime there's a full schedule of weekday music and other non-festival music. Lots of it!

   Be sure to take in some live music. Don't let the pressures of finance, life and work take a toll on you. Music inspires!

bill

     It's that time of year again. The weather is sweltering, kids are home from school, work is slow as molasses and festivals are frequent.

   This week is the Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue with a long cast of artists from rock to comtemporary, to metal to some blues and some good jam bands.

   Of note among local artists is Kerry Kearney Band with their new cd, Balancing Meridians. Some other fun local acts are Funk Filharmonik, Wonderous Stories, Frank Latorre & The King Bees, Jeff Regan Band, Reckoning... among others. 

   Get out and support them at this years fesitval. It is an all weekend affair beginning Friday night. Click on the header above for the schedule and check out a day in a nice setting, taking in some quality live music and lots of cool arts and crafts and food and drink.

   The following weekend (July 17, 18) is the Riverhead Blues and Music Festival. That one is a two day event with lots of local acts, some national and more blues hopefully! If it was up to me it would be all blues, all the time but it includes some bluesy rock, some rock and lots of other stuff. I will follow up with more discussion about that in the coming days.

     Thanks for checking in and thanks for keeping me posted so I can do the same for ya'll.

bill

  

   Summer is here and with it comes some good things like warm weather, outdoor music events, beaches and bathing suits, baseball and more time with my vunderchild. It also brings some less desireable things like muggy weather, bugs, a slower working climate and, well, more time with my vunderchild. Kidding. The point is that with kids home from school it is sometimes challenging for a single working parent to function. Like everything else, I get up each day and deal with it and I get to come home at the end of the day and hopefully relax. Time marches on and I enjoy as much of it as I can.

   Speaking of which I have taken in some new places and faces recenttly. Last Wednesday night, 6/23, I headed to Painters (Brookhaven) for the Jules Radino Jam.  It was not as far as I had feared and there was a good cast of jammers including Mr. Radino on skins, Jeff Denny tearing it up on guitar (with some good Hendrix), Sly Geralds showed up for some bass, Diane McArdle and BA Fagerland for some vocals and Bobby Rondinelli for a cameo on drums. (Two Blue Oyster Cult drum veterans at one jam!) It was a good mix of music and not a bad jam. Try that one out this summer.

   As for the weekend I was able to attend the Barrier Beach Blues Festival in Long Beach on Saturday. I also wanted to attend Friday with Michael Powers and Sweet Suzi but I was lucky to get one night with my schedule and other issues lately.

   The 2nd Annual Barrier Beach Festival took place at the Long Beach Library (with later shows at nearby restaurants) on Park Ave. It was a good size room with a stage and ample seating.

   The first act I caught was Chrissie O'Dell & One Hot Mess. Ms. O'Dell with Poppa John (drums) and Gil Cruz (bass)(half of her band was not able to make the trip to LI this time) were joined very graciously by the one and only Kerry Kearney. The set was rich with O'Dell , OHM and Kearney mixing it up for a tasty blue stew. The set included some signature covers and a few from the soon-to-be-released CD, "If I Had a Dime". Stay tuned for that release coming soon.

   Next was Bill & Chaney Sims (father/daughter duo) doing a soulful couple of delta songs with Chaney Sims offering some moving vocal performances and Bill Sims on guitar and keys, delightfully gifted on both. They were a genuinely soulful act and theirs was a sound I will not soon forget. 

   Kerry Kearney Band closed the show with a set of cool stuff from a few of their cd's including Balancing Meridians, their new release. It was an excellent set with guest apearances by Steve Adelson on Chapman Stick, Ken Korb on harp and a tasty number (Evil) with Nancy Bahnsen on vocals. KK's deft slide guitar playing was mixed well with the cast of Eileen Murphy, Frank Celenza, Ken Korb and others.

   I took in three acts (I regret missing Motu who opened), enjoyed the hell out of it and split as hastily as I arrived. Getting to Long Beach for an early show is not easy.

   Luckily I got to enjoy a little music on Sunday as well. My fine fun friend and I headed to The Brickhouse Brewery for Gravefest 2010. Jerry Schaefer hosted a great line-up of blues in honor of his Sunday radio/internet show, Graveyard Blues (WRCN). We caught Gary Sellers with Mario Staiano, Sly Geralds, Ken Korb and others for a good set and then Joe Vicino and friends for a bluesy set. It was a beautiful day with a nice crowd. For the weekend I got to hear a lot of good stuff.

   As tough as things may get work-wise and life-wise, as much as I sometimes bitch to myself about things I am grateful for the little escapes I get right here on Lawngiland. I don't ever spend too much and I still am able to tend to my child and work so it works out somehow. Next time you feel the heavy gravity of suburban existence and the sacrifices of routine and familial priorities try a Wednesday night out for a blues jam or a Tuesday night jazz jam or dinner at a rib joint with some blues... and I bet you'll agree that the work-week went faster and you had something more to talk about at work the next day and you enjoyed someone's performance.

   Just a thought...

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill

  

    It is summer on Long Island and the music scene is heating up with full music schedules and festivals galore.

   My recent weekend included some good visits with The Blue Roots at Bobbique's on Saturday and a quick stop at Ed the Hat's Sunday night jam at Madison's in Northport.

   I actually made a few stops on Friday night but I(we) kept missing shows; one cancelling and then a succession of missed shows (we got to a few too late)on the way home. It's fun seeing friends and places along the way though so it was not a lost night completely. We stopped in at Antonette's in Bellmore. It's a restaurant and nice size room in Bellmore. Mystic was playing but it was late and we didn't stay for long. We were looking for blues and it was a decidedly dance and cover event.

   Blue Roots (Saturday night at Bobbique's) are a tight blues act with Carlos DeJesus on lead guitar and vocals, Paul Bassi on bass, Scott Miccichi on harp and Ed the Hat was on drums with Mark Mancini on keys. I caught a set and loved it but I had to move on to other obligations. Cest la vive.

  Sunday I was meeting company in Northport so we stopped at Ed the Hats jam at Madison's for a listen. Ed was playing with Jim Moran and Jim Sabella was a guest guitar. Also on hand was Dave Nesdall (guitar), a fine drummer (name unknown) and Nick on harp as well as another axe player. It was late but there was a nice little group enjoying the show.

   The coming weekend has some excellent festivals and events. The Barrier Beach Blues Festival in Long Beach has a great cast including Michael Powers (a regular at Terra Blues, NYC), Chrissie O'Dell & One Hot Mess, Sweet Suzi, Kerry Kearney and more.

   Check the poster for information.

   On Sunday is Jerry Schaefers Gravefest 2010. That's another excellent cast and a fun event at Brickhouse Brewery.

   Thanks to those who keep me posted. I want to have an inclusive calendar and I am grateful for all the help I can get.

   Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

bill

  

  

   I cannot stress enough the hatred I feel for those who create viruses in computers. It seems to be as bad a use of human qualities and life in general that a person could find. It harms people in so many ways. The damage being both monetary and emotional and there is no way to get retribution. It is a cowardly act.

   I am a man of very little means. I use my computer for so many things from work to socializing to writing and blogging. When I get a virus I am stopped cold and I don't have the resources to buy an Apple or to keep paying someone to fix my freaking machine.

   I have been gearing my schedule to post at least one night a week here and it has been happening on Tuesday nights lately.... sometimes Sunday. This week I was troubleshooting one night and completely down the other night. Luckily, Monday I was able to search and post the calendar but I had to do it in between the pop-ups. Not many things piss me off like that and if I could think of a way to track down the hackers I would... and I would find a way to fu*# -up their life for sure.

   As for live music I have had some good experiences lately. Last week (Wednesday night the 9th) I was lucky enough to get out for an early show at Bliss2 where Bobby Sexton and Cindy Lopez were doing their jazzy duet thing for a nice little audience. It is a small but cozy room and the music fit perfectly. Sexton's playing was intricate and jazzy. He took an eclectic array of tunes from standards to blues and wrapped them nicely with vivid interpretation and flair. Cindy Lopez added a pretty tone and carried her parts well. The two were joined by guest harmonica player Ken "The Rocket" Korb. The bluesy harpist added some nice flavor and for a few minutes it was a great little mix. It was a fun show of interesting takes in a comfortable setting.

   For the weekend I stopped in at Northport Wine Tasting Room for some wine and some King Cobras. It was my first time at that room. I am not much of a wine drinker but it was a nice room with a nice crowd. There is a glass enclosed wine storage room in the middle of the place and that is where the band played. They were in a fishbowl of sorts and at first that was off-putting. After a while I got used to it a little more and I enjoyed the King Cobras with their tight and distinctive sound. Check out the Northport Wine Tasting Room for a boutiquee wine and  musical experience.

   Sunday I had a little time to stop in at Jessie's Roadhouse for Sweet Suzi's Benefit event for Camp Adventure. The cast of the event was interesting but I could not stay for all of it. I caught Howie Haber (of Breakaway) and John Puglisi doing an acoustic duo. Howie H is a seasoned performer and always entertaining and John P added some whimsy. The two performed a memorable take on a Dylan song (Blind Willie McTell) and I wish I had caught more of that duo. You will rarely hear overdone covers with those guys whoever they play with.

   After that duo act I was fortunate to catch Schroeders Ghost with Pam Dixon. Yikes! The lady can perform! As I mentioned recently after hearing them at JD's Place Schroeders Ghost is a nice blues/rock act with excellent performers. That was a fun little visit but I misssed some other good stuff; Sweet Suzi w/ The Amityvillians, Joe Vicino, King Cobras and more. I enjoy the weekend afternoon events with various artists. I just wish I had more time to enjoy them.

   This Wednesday I ("we" actually. My new fine friend and I again) popped in on Pamela Betti Band at Blacksmith Tavern in Smithtown for biker night. Formerly Buchmanns Radio Grill on Terry Rd it is a nice room and there was a good crowd of appreciative Wednesday night patrons.

  It's been less frequent for me attending PBB shows as I have tried to keep up with new places and acts and they often play afar from me but after hearing Pammy last night I was struck again by the ferocity of her voice both on a new original and on some Joplin tunes. When she feels it she brings it! The band was in good sync and we caught a nice set with Frank Centrone on keys lighting up a few tunes and John Haseth who went off an a few cool guitar riffs.

   It looks to be a good weekend coming up with some interesting stuff. Tommy Keys is at a new vineyard and those are nice events on a summer day. Tommy has a new cd that is doing well on the charts and he puts on a good show. The Blue Roots are making an appearance, always fun and Felix Cabrera is at the Wine Tasting Room... among other options.

   Enjoy something live this weekend people and thanks for stopping by.

bill

    One of the numerous reasons I find solace in music is single parenting. I had some difficult moments when my child was young like the times she was sick and the times she was hurt in emotional ways and the changes that happen requiring careful parenting and behaviors but it now seems like, well childplay compared to issues arising in the teenage years.  Emotions run high and it is painful to have such stark conflict with someone I love so much but it happens and I am feeling it lately.

   With that and other issues thrown in I have a heightened need for my blues escapes these days. Unfortunately I don't get to take vacations to tropical places or resorts anymore and that bothers me more for her than for me. I have learned to cope by working in a few nights a week of live music and fun company.

   If I don't find blues at least I find live music and some fun and creative adult types.

   This past weekend I was lucky enough to find some blues and  the company of many fine artists and friends.

   I began with a Friday night at Stadium Pub in Bohemia. Yellow Box was playing and sharing the bill was Sweet Suzi, Papa G, Johnny Anderson as the Cheshire Cats.

   It was an eclectic night. Yellow box with Charlie Labs is a rock based endeavor with British influences and well done with Mr. Labs on keys and vocals. Who knew Charlie had rock chops but he does and they were cool.

   Cheshire Cats with Suzi, Papa G and Johnny Anderson changed it up with some blues and funk stuff. It was an interesting mix but all good and there were some collaborations and guests and plenty of sounds to keep it fresh.

   Saturday night I got out real late but I figured I'd have time for a set at Giacomo Jacks (Brother Dave) and a set at Brightwaters Inn (Blue Matter Jam) as that one ends late and it's my home town.

    Brother Dave had to put something together last minute due to some scheduling trickery by the previously scheduled band. He put together a great cast with Mario Staiano on drums and Gary Sellers on axe (and his own bad self on lead axe) and Ed Canova was on bass.

   The Brave delivered the blues. I was in a very happy place for a set or so at Giacomo's. Dave and the Brave's guitars and vocals were a rich experience in a roady kind of blues. It was not a fanciful or dramatic groove. Just a good and prolonged one with two good guitars and a cool beat. Dave plays off  traditional blues and I had been looking for some of that for a while.

   After some quick good-bye's we (a fine new friend and I) made haste to Brightwaters Inn hoping to catch a set of what has been a good jam in recent months. First Saturday night of the month the Blue Matter gang (Arty Panico, Ray Wade, Ralph Santiago and Kelly Tyrell) host a fun jam and this time the cast was even more amazing. Pete Tursi (who I missed) and Grace Tursi,  Jim Moran, JD Leonard, Jim Kolman, JD Allen, Clem Allen, Funky Tim, Papa G, Sweet Suzi, Nancy Bahnsen, Tim Smith... many more were on hand.

   It was a great time and the little I caught was a treat.

   After bitching for a few weeks about not enough blues I got some this past weekend.

   Thanks ya'll and keep it all coming.

   Summer is here and the schedule is full and there's something playing at a place near you.

bill

  

    The summer weather is heating up and so is the music schedule although the amount of blues shows is not picking up as much as all the other stuff.

   Last week I happened upon a good new Wednesday night flavor. Reggae has sprung up at Z Club in Lindenhurst. The nice size room has been in business for some time but this is the first time one of the genre's I cover has happened there.

  Mr Henning Stumm, jazz percussionist, brought to my attention this reggae collaboration of experienced artists (of which he was/is a part) from places west and elsewhere. High Noon are talented and mellow characters and lead vocalist Khalilah has a real pretty sound. We were lulled into a nice Wednesday night hang last week and I may check them out again. Z Club is on the south side of Sunrise Hwy on Broom St... just east of Wellwood. Check it out!

   As for the Memorial Day weekend I had small portions of some good stuff.

Saturday night I was invited to check out Schroeders Ghost, a self-described blues/rock band. They were at JD's Place in Farmingdale on Rte 109.

   Schroeders Ghost consists of Tom Stiegler (drums), Pam Dixon (killer vocals), Frank Bisceglia (bass),Joe Sanfillipo on guitar and vox and Kieth Taylor on keys and vox.

   The set list was classic rock/blues with Worried Down with Blues, Damn Your Eyes, Dr. Feelgood , some Beatles among many others... all well done. Ms. Dixon is a riveting vocalist with obvious experience and solid chops. She takes charge and the band is solid with some stylin guitar and a solid pocket.

   JD's was packed. The event was a live recording and it was a fun event. It was a solid act with entertaining pieces and there were also some tasty guests, Sterling sax and Jeff Regan (vocals). Amazing how many good players and bands there are around here and this is another one.

   Sunday was the Good-bye party at the Bad Moon Saloon. It was an all day affair and due to family obligations I was only able to take part in a few hours of the full day event. 

   A long cast of talented artists showed their appreciation for Dave Strauss, owner and Elena, bartender who gave it hell for a few years with a steady line-up of blues. They tried to do it the right way with low or no cover, good food and friendly vibe. It's obviously a tough formula to find and with the added onus of the town fines and other BS it was too much. Our loss.

   The day was full of good music. I was there for Buttered Soul with Craig Hopping and Co. who rocked with smooth vocals and good instruments. They delivered a dynamite set and I felt like hanging out for a lot more.

   I also caught some of Yellow Box with Charlie Labs. That was some rock of a different color with creative choices and Mr. Labs showed off some multiple talents on keys and vocals.

   There were many more to come and I hated to leave. Chrissie O'Dell was on the bill, John Judd and many more showed up. I heard they closed the place much later with Ms. O'Dell, JD Leonard, Steve Interrante, Bobby Rondinelli and more. I was uber-pissed off that I could not hang out for that one and its a freaking bummer that another blues joint is history.

   I have to add that the calendar, while full and busy and laden with good talent is getting lighter in blues and thats disturbing to me. I enjoy talented performance in any genre but what motivates me to sit and listen a few nights a week is the lure of blues; the depth of the emotion, the soul in the guitar and vocals, the steady and dependable beat. It's a formula that works for me and I will be roaming around a bit farther to find it on my Wednesday nights and weekends. I know there's some good stuff out there now but I seek more and new and different voices so I'll keep plugging.

   In the meantime  keep checking out your favotrite sounds and keep me posted and thank you all for making it happen and thanks Dave Strauss for investing your hard earned bucks, sweat and tears into the blues! I and many others are grateful! 

   Get out and support blues and live music this summer!

bill

   It's been a hectic week in my little world but I managed to get to a few shows recently.

   SmokinGun at Madisons in Northport last Friday night was my first stop for the weekend. I have not been to Madisons in ages. It is a nice size room right on Larkfield at Pulaski Rd. There was a nice crowd and SGB was in their usual rockinBlues mood. I have to say though that a little light on the subject would have been nice. The band was in the dark with no stage lighting at all. I am not sure the band was as appreciated as it could have been. Of course I enjoyed every note of Marino, Thiel, Jeannie B and in this case, Phil Bloom on drums.

   Saturday night I was dad-the-driver for child and friends but afterwards I ran over to Brightwaters Inn for Ed the Hat and Hattrick. I missed most of the action but I always like that power trio with Jim Moran on axe.

   The holiday weekend offers lots of stuff and I hope to kick off the summer with a few shows.

   I'd like to mention that I have a hard time finding bands schedules sometimes. I look on My Space but not many artists post schedules there anymore. My Space also used to generate a schedule when you inputted criteria on the Music/Shows page but that function is gone. I would use My Space more if everyone else didn't stop using it. C'mon people, facebook isn't everything in fact I miss the graphic and Friend-accessibility aspects of My Space but I guess I am alone.

   Some venues also do a poor job of up-keeping their websites. That makes it hard to keep them on a weekly calendar sometimes. I realize not everyone is an internet animal but if you are reading this than perhaps I am referring to you.

   I keep pages with links to venues and bands/artists. If you are not on there then send me link information. I am happy to include any over-30 artists and venues that host them. I just have limited time to hunt this stuff down and all the help I can get is appreciated.

    Have a great week and thanks for keeping me posted (to the many artists and friends that do).

   Be careful out there people.

bill

   My recent weekend of live music was fuller than full. It had magic carpet rides and I escaped in inspired moments and emotional episodes while sharing the waves with the notes of music.

   The muses for my weekend were, beginning with Friday night, Roxy Perry, Bob Fusco and Mike Marbles with Jim Moran at Maggies in W Babylon. What better way to end a work week and begin a weekend than a blues show by a couple of professionals. Roxy layed it down pretty easy and Axeman, Jim added the edge. Maggies is unassuming to say the least but it's laid back and who needs pretense for blues.

   Saturday I found a late posting of a band playing in Huntington featuring Richie Cannata. Well I had to check that out so we headed up to Strawberry's and found a nice crowd and a nice place but no Richie Cannata. Hmmm. We split after a drink and mozied over to Instant Replay for The Jim Kohler Band. We found blues! It was another "bluesy looking" room with  pool tables and friendly faces and Mr. Kohler and Co. knew their way around a blues song and a Hendrix tune or two!

   The night was fun. I had good company, it was a nice spring night and I got to check out some nice new places in Huntington.

   But my indulgent weekend was not over. My final inspiration was Ms. Janiva Magness at Bobbique's in Patchogue on Sunday.

   Ms Magness is a winner of the prestigious Contemporary Entertainer of the Year and BB King Entertainer of the Year awards among many other honors. She was a rather large act to be seen there and then.  I was grateful to Bobbique's for making that happen.

   I had heard and seen numerous clips and mp3's of Janiva and I liked her chops but seeing someone live is a telling moment for me. Ms Magness came out to a rousing intro by Zach Zunis, her guitar guy who played a hot number and then introduced her with a sort of burlesque grandeur which was cool. The star arrived in a small black dress, black vampy heels and with colorful shoulder wraps which she discarded after a few numbers.

   The band was tight and very slick, all in black and all good. (Gary Davenport on bass, Matt Tecu on drums, Jim Alfredson on Hammond and  keys and Zunis on guitar). The whole set was from the new cd, Devil is an Angel Too. 

   Her performance was adamant; if not angry  on "I'm "Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down" (see playlist above) and she spoke from whence she truly felt. There were no timid expressions by Ms. Magness and I shuddered a few times and was elevated a few times by some powerful vocal riffs. She has the instrument, she has a lot to say and she is keenly focused and sure. It was a starkly riveting performance by someone with a full head of steam.

   For many reasons it was an excellent weekend but notably it has to do with having excellent music here on Long Island and so many good people making it happen.

   I hope with the buzz that can come from an artist like Janiva Magness and from the many good players playing every week that music continues to grow here and people come out in droves... and bars rake it in and pay the artists well... and hire them to play more and they hire more players to join them... and so on. And you and I get to take it in and feel inspired and create and make others feel it and they investigate and create and make others care and so on.

   Thanks for checking in and check out the calendar for another week of great music at a venue near you.

bill

  

   My post-birthday week was busy if not a bit of a hangover... so to speak.

   I got to some good shows starting with Friday night at Mirelle's for Stanton Anderson Band.

   Mark Fowler is a dynamite vocalist and with full brass and band behind him SAB puts on a fun show. I felt like something fuller than small club blues (for a change) and I got it at Mirelle's.

   After a riveting first stop I headed down to Jessie's Roadhouse for Mark Newman Band... something new for me. I have posted Mr. Newman and Co. often.  I post lots of bands often and sometimes it takes me years to go see some of them. In this case it was blues, it was close so it was an easy call.

   The show was lowkey after Stanton Anderson but well done (guitar and vocals) and they were joined by Joe Vicino for a few tunes which is a perk one gets at Jessies. The cast is usually blues and the host adds a solid guitar very often. For blues fans Jessie's a reliable resource.

   Saturday night I was dad-the-driver until almost midnight but afterwards I had time to run down to Giacomo Jacks for a couple of late sets with Brother Dave & the Brave. That was some "down" blues stuff with Brother Dave but it was late and I was a bit rushed. All in all I was fortunate to get out for a couple of shows and it keeps me connected to all that is going on out there.

   Speaking of which... this weekend offers something special. Janiva Magness is a bigtime national-act blues singer and she will be at Bobbique's in Patchogue on Sunday. Ms Magness is a classy, sultry bluesy singer who has risen to the top of the blues scene and has a new cd out. We are fortunate to have her for a live performance and I'm grateful to Bobbique's for putting that together.

   Check out the calendar for this weeks line-up and make a serious effort to get out for some live music. There is something good near you so no excuses.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

    When one has had over 50 birthdays there are at least a few that stand out. I remember my 12th, (I think it was 12). My dad took me to Wolf's Sporting Goods store in Rockville Center and gave me the green light to pick out whatever I wanted. I will never forget the jubilation, the indulgence... of so many choices.

   There was another memorable birthday in my adult years back in a prior life when I had resources. I visited Vegas for a weekend of  "so many choices" ...of entertainment.

   Suffice to say it was another jubilant occasion taking in the splendor of all kinds of restaurants, all kinds of nightlife, all kinds of sunny-weather activities and staying up all kinds of hours. I am a career night-owl and thats my kind of town.

   This past weekend I decided to take matters into my own hands. Life has taken too many turns in recent years leading me into yet another place and circumstance but now I have a close friendship with blues and music and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

   I had a beautiful dinner experience with my wonderful daughter in the company of Danny Kean & Donnie Celenza at Sonoma Grill in Bohemia. My daughter and I had a great meal, the ambience was warm and comfortable and Danny & Donnie were cordial and entertaining not only for me but for the nice crowd.

   If you crave a tasty steak or seafood bisque in a well run and good size room try Sonoma Grill. It was reasonably priced and well served.

   With that as Part I and a night of music as Part II I was half-way through a really nice birthday night.

   The rest of my night (Apr 30) began with friends, Glen, Papa G and Giavanni Von Essen and I heading up to The Grill Room in Hauppauge to join friends already in progress for the Roxy Perry show.

   Ms Perry was serenading an attentive crowd with her sultry blues as we walked in. Our friends were seated up front so we plunked ourselves down and enjoyed Roxie & Co. which included Jim Moran and Bob Fusco (bass). After a few tunes (it was already late in the show) Ms. Perry took a rest and offered the mic to Ms.Von Essen, my friend and an accomplished jazz singer and Papa G (bass). The next two numbers were some silky jazz pieces. The crowd and I enjoyed a fun night at The Grill Room and that wasn't the end.

   We still had time to run up to Mill Creek Inn in Bayville for SmokinGun Band. We arrived in time for the last set and we caught Jeannie B making Dr Feelgood feel real good and Bill Marino lighting up a few tunes. The place was packed and fun. The band sounded good and were joined for a tune or two by Bruce Dickson on vocals.

   It was a full night of excellent music and I even had some friends along for some designated driving. A birthday well spent!

   Saturday night I had some last minute  freedom so I met a friend or two at Jessie's Roadhouse for Pamela Betti Band. Jessie's was jumpin and Ms. Diva herself was shaking the place with her vigorous renditions and the physical force of her vocal expression. She brings the hell out of her songs with boundless energy.

  We stuck around for a few sets and some chow. Pam Betti made me hungry and the wings and chilli there are inspiring.

   Someday soon I'm going to do a wings contest and Jessie's is a contestant.

   With just enough time to catch the Blue Matter boys and the 1st Saturday jam at Brightwaters Inn I headed that way to cap off my weekend. I got to the BWI in time to catch June Eysel cavorting on stage with Arty Panico, Ray Wade, Kelly Tyrell and Ralphie Santiago. There were many others there but the night was winding down and so was my birthday weekend.  I was spent.

   I had a blast and I had too many choices. There were so many shows I'd like to have attended for that celebratory feeling but I had to choose and I had to consider location, time and all that crap.

   Thanks to my friends who accompanied me and drove and the tremendous musicians who's music I enjoyed this weekend and every other weekend. There is a lot of quality stuff on Long Island and I am truly grateful.

bill

   A new week of music began on Wednesday night with a few stops at some of the usual Wednesday jams.

   I get lofty notions sometimes of heading to Manhattan or heading to Patchogue for something early. There are some jams I just never get to due to early times or distant locations and it takes a special occasion for me to make those things happen. Unfortuantely this past week I was local again but I got a halfway decent start at 9:30 or so.

   I began my wanderings at The Bad Moon Saloon in Merrick where the wildly entertaining June Eysel hosts a weekly jam and sing-a-long. Ms. Eysel happens to have considerable chops and a completely unpredictable presence ranging from bold, bluesy and ballsy to outrageous and unfathomable. It is all on display at the Bad Moon (and other jams) along with a usually good cast of players and singers.

   This past week it was sort of low key albeit with June Eysel keeping things fun until just before midnight when a cast of players including Frank Pace and Melvin Williams waltzed in for some good blues and other tasty stuff. Overall it was an entertaining night with awesome buffalo wings, an entertaining host and some good music.

   As long as I was in Nassau I figured I'd stop by Jessie's Roadhouse for some Joe Vicino guitar. After all I am only in this for the blues... and maybe some chicken wings and soft pretzels.

   Jessie's had blues going on and Mr. Vicino was hard at work. The cast was also joined by the ever-present Jim Kolman for a few numbers.

   The attendances at most Wednesday jams lately has been only moderate but the music has been good. As these things seem to flow in cycles I am not necessarily disturbed by short-term fluctuations. I'm just happy to have good live music to attend and to hear such good players out there offering quality enrichment.

   The state of live music must be watched however. There have been some troubling issues lately involving local officials and Nassau live-music venues.  It seems some genius in Nassau has decided to enforce the rules of cabaret licensing however outdated the laws may be. And even if it means (in fact it may be BECAUSE it means...) shutting down all the busy venues the enforcers have been out, during weekend events, fining owners and quieting venues. The current discussion does not clarify whether new cabaret licenses can or will be issued or if there is some resolution in the offing. All is known is that "chops" are being busted and owners are being squeezed. The current economic conditions are not difficult enough to warrant sympathy or consideration apparently. The ability of local politicians and officials to sense the pulse of their local economy is either absent or it is a lesser priority than some other political consideration. I'd LOVE to know what that could be. It seems putting owners, their staff's, musicians and those dependent on the above out of work is somehow necessary or unavoidable. The timing is genius, the appearance is evil. The decision-making is moronic! Please consider your Nassau officials in the next election. I will be providing names when I find them.

   Let me also offer, once more, the opportunity of showcasing your (musicians) cd's and other cool stuff here on Billfoolery.com. My new store is up and while I am still trying to find the time (and money) to build it up I can sell now and I am putting together a few items for sale soon.

   Thanks for stopping by and thanks for sending me your gig information. I enjoy posting the calendar and I want include every relevant live music event for and by over-30 folks. Got it? Good.  Have fun out there.

bill