For the last 32 years there has been an annual event called The Paper Bag. It is billed as the longest running 70 piece rock band. It has taken place at various locations over the years and now it tales place at Mulcahy's in Wantagh.

   I would have written this piece before the event to advertise it but I have never been to a Paper Bag event. I had no idea what it was and now that I attended I can also say that the event needs no advertising. It was jam packed and it was a piece of Long Island music culture that I can tell you is a must-see. It was also fun. It is a novelty event. It is a showcase of unique rock music arrangement. It is a rock opera with dramatic performances. It is rock humor with vaudvillian elements. It's Long Island guitar-mania. It is well run and it's got a life of its own.

   The event went from 10 pm sharp to the wee hours. I left around midnight and the set list was still young. Just for the record before the opening act was a performance of Hendrix's Star Spangled Banner and the show ended with another Hendrix tune (Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire). In between were 40 or so rock standards from Whipping Post to Rock Steady to White Rabbit and every song was orchestral and dramatic. The stage was full with horns, guitars, costumes, singers, drums, keys, synth.'s and dancers of many ages. I stood marveling at the people and the performances.

   I thought I knew a lot of performers on Long Island but there were 70 players on that stage and I knew only a handful. Johnny Cola (one of the dozen or so guitars) invited me. Thanks Johnny, but I knew few others. Mike Guido, a host was a cool MC and vocalist. There were good vocal performances by Lee Thompson and Tony Barca and Joan Pollack and Dawnette D (Darden). You can see the roster and lots of other information at www.paperbagmusic.com.

   Next year I will be able to write something before the event now that I am initiated and I will be sure to remind you. If you have not seen a Paper Bag I think you need to. You'll understand the local music culture better and what kind of music the Long Island audience likes and why. It felt like all the crowds I have been part of for the last, oh, 30 years and it probably was.

   So I now feel fully initiated into the club of the Long Island music audience.

   Thanks for checking in ya'll.

bill

    With a full schedule of good shows and some flexibility in my schedule this weekend I have some experiences with live music to share. It's late on Sunday night though so I am not sure how this will all come out. I could wait until Monday but then the details could become lost in what I hope will be a long deep sleep tonight.

   My need for escape and inspiration is great lately. Managing all the moving parts of a changing life is tiring, Tolerating the political realities that crop up more and more in the music scene is deflating.  I just want to listen to people get up there and perform and gut one out. I need to find those moments of emotional sharing, pushing limits, reaching higher, achieving. So I keep on looking. And I enjoy it.

   Friday night I caught SmokinGun Band at Giacomo Jacks. It's been a good combination, Jacks and Gun, so I tried it again. One can't miss with Bill M on axe and Jeannie B on vocals and Rich Thiel (bass) and in this case Ralph Santiago on skins. They elevate rock and blues/rock a notch or two from the standard cover music to an entertaining exercise with good lead parts, not ever overdone but not to be underestimated. They didn't disappoint! There were some cool riffs, tangy vocals and a fun crowd. 

   Saturday was different for me. I had some free time in the afternoon so I visited the Jim Moran jam at Maggies in W Babylon (a 4pm affair). It just so happened that Russ (Hitman) Alexander was filling in and there was contingent of enthusiastic players lined up for an afternoon of fun. Hitman has a vast repetoire and plays it all effortlessly and he was an amiable host. I only had time for a single screwdriver and a few quick listens. But it was nice to see experienced players like Hitman (and Jim Moran)offering themselves for a jam. The players happened to be good ones but any level player has to love the chance to get up with working, experienced players.

   Saturday night I got out quite late so I headed right to The Viking for Andy Aledort who goes longer into the night than even I do. I arrived at 1am and caught a full set and there was more after I left.

   The set I caught was pretty amazing with Andy Aledort and Mike DiMeo leading most of the songs but filling in for a few numbers was Teddy Rondinelli and Dave Nesdall on axe and Tru Doty on keys. Hard to believe but I have not caught Teddy R up close and personal before and he's a guitar monster! If anyone is ever going to push the limits of guitar construction it is him. He plays the daylights out of that thing. It was like turning up the speed dial and injecting something psychedelic... entertaining as hell. All the players were cool. Aledort wow'd me a few times which is why I go there. It's cool expression by a great player.

   Sunday I had a sort of full plate but I had planned to go to the show "Divalution" at Bobbique's in Patch. I was juggling friends schedules and my daughters schedule and so many other little issues but I got there.

   Sly Geralds (bass) did a nice job of putting a show together. The three "Divas" as it were  were Diane "Sweaty Betty" McArdle, Nancy Bahnsen (Sly Geralds Band) and BettyAnn Fagerland (Behind Closed Doors). All three can belt it out and the production aspect was taken seriously. Sly was sort of a vaudvellian leader with red paisley attire and he plays a loose funky bass. More of that flavor would have been fun. The guitar was also good and all the players were good but more pieces would have been a bonus too. I found myself wanting some horns and some more "attitude" but there were some rich moments of harmony and some solo performances with some gut busting. These three can sing and either together or with their respective bands they are entertaining performers.

   It's a great idea to try and produce talents like those. Bobbique's should also be commended for hosting that and all the other headline shows they put on. Nothing happens if people don't put their asses on the line and perform for you and me. I'm grateful for all the performers I caught this weekend. It was a good one and I needed every bit of it.

   Thanks for checking in and keep on sending me your events and any others you find.. in over-30 stuff in Nassau/Suffolk.

   Stay tuned for the Paper Bag event this week and lots of other fun stuff coming up.

bill

Roast Beef Joe,Deepa and I went down to the first part of the festival last night!

First we stopped by the gallery were they had a special showing of Suzanne Fochino's work!

This woman has an eye that can't be ignored! Get a chance to stop by if you can, you'll be glad you did!

And Susie's show... well this is the first time I ever saw her perform, the only thing I can say is SOUL-STIRRING!!!!

She put us all through a range of emotions through music that was equal to a roller coaster ride!

NO ONE HAS EVER MADE ME CRY WITH "I'd rather go blind", NO ONE! She did... Her closing #  "A little help from my friends" was ETHEREAL! There aren't many that can do what she did to me last night. All I can say is, Susie, like Sam would say "You peed!!!" LOL!!

Heres the line up for tonight!

Please come so that next year this festival will return even bigger and better!!!

THIS WILL BE ONE OF MY LAST PERFORMANCES FOR A WHILE, I HOPE THAT YOU COME!



See ya there!

Pat

   Well I am happy to report that I had a busy weekend of live music and it was a weekend of classic Long Island live music.

   Friday night I began with the Stanton Anderson show at Mirelle's in Westbury. Once again it was a full house and an appreciative crowd for the high energy semi big band with horns and keys and guitars and of course Mark Fowler vocals. SAB puts on a good show using good solos and the force of a big band with a four piece horn section (two Tersi's and two not) . It was one long set of some good covers like Hwy 61 and some original takes. It was a good time. I left there feeling energized. Mirelle's on a weekend night is a good time.

   The location and the time of the Mirelle's show made it a good fit for a stop at Bad Moon Saloon in Merrick where Pam Betti Band was playing. Head south on Post Ave. and you'll end up on Merrick Ave. headed right at Bad Moon. It was a short trip and we got there for plenty of Pam Betti Bands second half.

   The Divaliscous one is in great form these days not only physically but her gut is still full of that blue grit she likes to dig down and pull out. With a tight sounding band they had a good crowd (especially for Bad Moon) fully involved. As good as Pam Betti and the band (with Jim Kolman, Derek Hensley, Frank Centrone and a good new bass player) sound it is also entertaining as hell watching Pam fully give it up for every number.  I had the idea while driving south to Bad Moon how much fun it could be to see and hear Mark Fowler and Pam B on the same stage. I even hinted to a Stanton Anderson player that we were heading to Pam's show and it would be fun to hear. I like hearing certain artists playing together. I thought that would have been an interesting dynamic... but thats just me. I have no idea how performers feel about that kind of thing.

   It was a good Friday night. I enjoyed some quality live music.

   Saturday night I was late in starting but I had a hankering for some Sweet Suzi and Johnny Anderson with the Blues Experience. They were at Craigs Signal 8 Saloon in Copaigue with a cozy and appreciative crowd.

   Suzi was playing with some lower-key vocal numbers and it was a good couple of sets. I also dug on some Johnny Anderson licks who has a great ear and plays a tasteful blues number.

   I have an issue with my hearing that makes it hard to hear bass instruments. In this case Suzi's young bass player was a nice fit and he even contributed some decent vocals but an unexpected surprise was a couple of good pieces by Tom Foschino on drums. I happened to be sitting practically on top of the band as that was the only table left but Foschino displayed some good numbers and some cool hands and I enjoyed the couple of numbers of TF in a little zone. It was also cool that they have Armando on keys which makes for a full sound. He had a Hammond but it was a portable number...not the B3 that he often wheels in.

   It was tasty little show but the weekend was not done and I was off to the Brightwaters Inn for my last stop and a reunion with the Blue Matter Band.

   It was a weekend show for the former Wednesday night jam band and most of the old players were on hand including Papa G, Tim Dorsey and Clem from O'Zone with Blue Matter. There was pretty much non stop music at least while I was there and it was fun. All the people who frequented that jam enjoyed the hell out of the many years they played together and it showed.

   It was a good weekend on Long Island and there was lot's more that I didn't get to see. Well, there's always next weekend (and tonight too as a matter of fact).

   I wanted to say a little about Fathers Day and I may expand on that later on tonight. It is a poignant holiday here as I raise a child of my own. The responsibility has defined my life and I also write a journal on the many ironies that have arisen in my parenting experience. It is basically another story for another medium and another time.

   Thanks for checking. Have a great Fathers Day and be appreciative of whoever plays that role. It's not always a man or your father. I often feel as much a mother on mothers day.  I personally relate to the single mothers who have to play two roles als so to them Happy Day also.

 Enjoy this and every day.

bill

   I barely know where to begin today as I had an enjoyable weekend of music and an annoying few episodes of local politics. I will make every effort to stay out of the relationships between musicians and "blues society". In the past I have been completely ignorant (and hence blissful) of the behind-the-scene goings on during the times leading up to the Blues Festival every year. I have been to the last three events and I have enjoyed my time each year.

   This year I had the pleasure of getting to know more artists and principals of venues and society's and I have been privy to more of the "maneuvering" that goes on. The degree of friction seems a bit large however and I would be surprised if it is always like this.

    The festival booking methods employed are unclear to say the least. It seems arbitrary and open to manipulation. Many local artists feel that way and when so many people are offended there is probably something wrong.

   In the few hours since I posted this I have heard from a few party's and it is now clearer in that the LI Blues Society are not the people booking the acts... but the process is still a mystery. And it seems a few spots on the calendar are available for those who do charitable events, donate and do volunteer work throughout the year.

   The fact remains that the coming festival is noteworthy as much for all the good names included on the bill as it is for the names not included. It is a little startling not to see Sweet Suzi or Pam Betti and their bands for example. Those artists, among others have worked hard in this market to generate interest, to expand their performance, to entertain and to be worthy of the celebrity that they have garnered. I hope this comes up at the next meetings where ever thay may be.

   In the meantime I have been privelaged to cross path's with them and so many other talented musicians over the past year. When people start talking about the politics my eyes kind of glaze and I am torn between caring about their "working" enviornment and trying not to get "corrupted" by things other than the performances. My presence here is motivated purely by my love of performance and music. When I am sitting and listening I could care less how much they are getting paid or how they are being treated by the local society's but when I step back and look sometimes I scratch my head and it concerns me, yes.

   One of the new entries in this years Riverhead Blues and Music Festival is Chrissie O'Dell who is being featured with The Mike Scalzo Band (with Brother Dave whom she often plays with). Chrissie O'Dell is new on the scene this year and, an independent artist, is invited to be part of another band for the event. Good for Chrissie (and Dave, and the others). She is certainly worthy of the recognition as a "featured artist". There are questions involved with the situation and the "unclear methods" I referred to and that is subject to discussion ...suffice to say. It would not be fair to focus that discussion on the artists however. The festival is a big stage and it is a rich opportuity to have oneself heard..something most artists cherish. The process is what needs the attention apparently.

   So this weekend I had the pleasure of being at Harvey's Lounge in Cedarhurst on Saturday night. Danny Kean and Friends (Donnie Celenza and Phil Bloom with Nicholas on percussion) were doing their regular weekend show and the music is great. DK and DC are joyful to behold. Celenza's psychodelic and creative interpretations and Kean's multitude of talents are apt reward for making the trip to Cedarhurst. This week there was a noteworthy cameo by the aforementioned Chrissie O'Dell who was out enjoying a night of music. The first set was a medly of Kean and Donnie C traveling seamlessly from rock to R&B to everything else with some jazz along the way. For the second set they invited Ms.O'Dell up and it got real bluesy real fast.

   If I have not raved enough about Ms. O, let me do it again. Chrissie (with Donnie and Danny and w/ Nicholas on percussion) layed down two Koko Taylor numbers that were so gritty they were downright subterranean. Her "straight from the woodshed" (to use Brother Dave's phrase) delivery was a stunning blow to the demeanor in the room. The contrast from the prior set of jazzy rhythm, finesse and harmony and then the raw emotion and vocal blues charge of Ms.O'Dell's performance was striking. It was a cool set of blues put on by some wonderful artists. The audience was completely enthralled by the performances as was I. I live for moments like that.

   It was like a John Judd (with Ralph Santiago and Bill M) moment from a recent Wednesday night. It was like an earlier Memphis send-off party with Sam Taylor and Pam Betti and Sweet Suzi and it was like a recent Pat Hunter moment I had at Mirelle's. This is great stuff.

   I usually sense a cooperative and open enviornment around here and I hope it stays that way and I hope people don't take for granted the blessings. I hope artists take their concerns to the people making the decisions and I hope those people listen. Speaking of which...

    I saw a notice last week, after posting the Sunday event at Bobbique's with Carolyn Wonderland, that Ms.Wonderland was suggested by Kerry Kearney. He apparently communicated to the local blues society that she is a talented artist and they came through and got her for our very own Long Island audience. I had not heard Carolyn Wonderland and I was not all that curious especially because Sunday afternoons are not easy for me.

   After reading KK's post and looking her up on My Space I decided I needed to hear her. I have mentioned to a number of local "promoters" and principals that I would love to hear certain artists and it is nice to see that there are ways to make that happen. Blues is not an easy genre to market but there are moments...good to see.

   I caught one set on Sunday. Carolyn Wonderland is a real creator. She is gunuine in her writing, in her covers and in her playing.

   She played a version of a mandolin and various guitars. Ms.Wonderland is a unique player sometimes using a slide style and sometimes employing a sort of slap on the fret board with uncanny precision and real delicacy. Hers is a delicate but really agile and clever style.

   Her vocals were equally creative and ranging. One cover was The Wind Cries Mary and she then went into a western style slide number that went way off the page. It was anything but "the usual" and she was a great find.

   Thanks to all involved, including Kerry K for that one. 

   I intend to be sort of a whimsical and positive portrayer and occasional abstract provider (in words and portrayal) of blues art around here. I try not to knock anyone else down who is trying to put something artful out there so take my words in that light, please.

   Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the really good music here on Long Island.

bill

    A couple of nights out this past week and I caught some good Long Island talent. Last Wed. night I was planning on going to the Reflections thing as it winds down at that particular location. The place is closing soon and these are the last of the excellent Donnie Celenza/Dave Patrick RVC jams. Those guys are now hosting on Thursday nights at Harvey's in Cedarhurst. As often happens though I got sidetracked with details at home and by the time I left it was too late to make the drive from Bay Shore.

   I headed to Big Daddy's in Massapequa for John Judd and Co. That's a happenin jam also. John Judd, with Bill M last week and the regulars, Batman on bass and Ralph Santiago on drums had some magic moments. The things Judd does on guitar are rare moments of inspiration. The great cast around him doesn't hurt either. The off-the-chart moments have been frequent with Judd lately. He has had some great gigs with The Wall Street Jumpers and his jams don't disappoint if it's Bill M or Chrispy Chicken or Sweet Suzi or Josh Allen or Jim Kolman  or Joe Bivona or Johnny Cola...it's been good.

   I followed that with another visit to Papa G's jam at Lefty's in Lindenhurst. Like I say almost every week, that's a different variety and the players there are good too, if not blues. The funk dudes from O'Zone and some jazz cats sit in and the outcomces are funky. It was typically creative last week with Suzi hanging for a few numbers which was a surprise and Brian, an excellent jazz guitar player was also cool.

   The weekend was a mixed bag. I started at Bad Moon to hear Pat Hunter Project. Sitting in on axe was Stevie Cochran and what they lacked in coordination they made up for in individual moments of enjoyable performance. Cochran ripped it up a few times and Pat Hunter delivered some rich blue sultry moments. Her stuff made my night....even with some uneveness in collaboration.

   I had some time Sunday, very little time in fact, but I ran out to Bobbique's just to catch something on a busy Sunday. I wanted to show some love to Lance Ong (again) and to see a great cast out at DJ Riders but I did not have the time for that. The show at Bobbique's was a good artistic cause and that was closer.

   Scott Grimando has a new book published, "The Art of the Mythical Woman, Lucid Dreams", a collection of beautiful and inspired graphic art by Scott G. The turnout at Bobbique's was really good and the Pam Betti Band was putting on a fun show for the book signing. It was a beautiful day in Patchogue, the music was good, Pam looked amazing in a colorful print dress looking Grimando-inspired and sporting a buff physique and staggering smile.

   Kolman also starred on a Santana tune as Pam worked the room a little. These were some good performances and events this past weekend and I am happy to have had a few moments to enjoy some of them.

   I raced home on Sunday evening to pick up my vunderchild right on time and fixed a nice little Sunday dinner for my precious one and I... to cap off a nice weekend.

   Tomorrow is another Wednesday and while I imagine myself sitting in front of all kinds of shows this week it will, as always, depend on when I get out and what voices I hear calling as I make my way out of Bay Shore.

   Come on out, everyone, and get some blues on.... and check out the interesting schedule this coming weekend.

bill

    There is a weeks worth of travels to talk about but it wasn't all newsworthy and my first attempt to write it down here got deleted. I had a fairly lengthy take on some good, bad and average entertainment since last Wednesday, 6/27 and the weekend after that. After getting t all down at an ungodly hour on Sunday night I deleted it with the erroneous touch of a button and I had to say "f&^k it". I was too tired to try again.

   Now my memory is even more vague so I will give you a general overview beginning with Wednesday night at Big Daddy's in Massapequa.

   The John Judd jam was just what I needed. I have been jonesing for some blues as it is not easy to come by. The popular stuff  around here is usually more rock than blues and it is often the upbeat stuff which, if done well, is great. Luckily we have some good performers in these parts so the next best offerings are still good.

   John Judd has some good players both with him (Ralph Santiago-drums and batman-bass) and joining him as guests; with Josh Allen, Joe Bivona, Jim Kolman and Johnny Cola and on occasion Chrispy Chicken and even Sweet Suzi....and more.  Judd and Co. is the kind of stuff I can sit and get lost with.

   One of the focal points of my deleted post was the issue of being on the wagon. I have been resting my liver for the last month and it has resulted in a restlessness. I have been jumping around from show to show looking for some real down blues...the kind of stuff that will keep me locked in my chair. It ain't easy to find.

   Over the weekend I had Saturday night to roam around and I was trying to hook up with friends and coordinate multiple choices. I ended up unsatisfied but I had some good company which was okay.

   Sunday I had a little time to wander so I checked out the pig-roast at Giacomo Jacks. The band was O'Zone and the place was packed on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

   O'Zone was getting funky with a crowd of happy people dancing and generally having a good time. I was amazed at how many people they fit into the area in front of the restaurant and what a fun scene it was. I enjoyed the festivities but it was a short stay and I was back at home in time to make dinner for the vunderteen.

   The weekend was a blur. I am back in midweek form and anticipating the coming weekend already. I'm eyeballing some blues events hoping for something soulful. I will keep searching for stuff for the calendar this week.

    By the way, I have a request for the bands and musicians who find my calendar useful. I wonder if you can mention my website to the people at your show as a place to find your gigs...after you mention your own websites of course. As my readership grows so will the audience that frequents the events on the calendar. I don't advertise as this is not a monetary venture (at aleast not now). It is an artistic endeavor. I am promoting live music because it inspires me. I am writing about it because I feel that the benefits of patronizing the arts are important for happiness. I am trying to share that experience in my own impressionistic way.

   I think the calendar is helpful. I created it out of my own need to find this stuff. I have found people along the way who agree that there are not a lot of places to find these events. The local papers pretty much ignore it. What's that about?!

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill

   It's been a long weekend and a long day of writing about it. The three day weekends are rare and so are the ones when I get to out on three occasions.

   Not only was the weather beautiful on Long Island this Memorial Day weekend but there was lots of good music.

   Sunday was a highlight for me at the benefit show for Lance Ong. It was a sunny day in Brightwaters. The Brightwaters Inn on Orinoco is a nice room with a few tables, a pool table, a Hammond B3 brought in , lots of other equipment and it was mostly full the whole day from 3 to 7pm. It felt like a family party with nicely dressed people, smiling faces and a communal mood.

   First band up at the "Ladies for Lance" benefit show was The Sweaty Betty Blues Band. Diane McCardle, lead singer for Sweaty Betty, was in her home turf so-to-speak. SWBB is a popular act on the local scene and it's has a lot to do with a great voice, a familiar and tight band and a nice personality. The set was mostly standards with the exception of Amy Winehouse number which was cool. Diane is always entertaining and it was nice of the whole band to do the benefit. They were a top notch act for an opening and they did a nice job.

   They were followed by The Pat Hunter Project which included an impressive band of musicians. The group included Donnie Celenza who ended up on the Hammond B3, Gary Sellers on axe, Ed Davis III on bass, Eric Smith on keys, Shinya Miyamoto on drums and Ms. Blues Deluxe, Pat Hunter. Ms Hunter displayed deft range and nuance with some sultry lows and some crisp highs. There were more than a few fans and singers in the audience admiring her rich performance. She had me mesmerized. She is in great vocal form and her band was also a rich show.

   A tough act to follow, Pat Hunter, but next up was the high energy Pam Betti Band. Pam Betti is a number of natural resources all rolled up into a blond dynamo. She looks amazing, she has amazing energy and she wills her voice to go anywhere she wants it to go...and she wants it to GO. I get winded watching her sometimes and this day she was bringing it. Pam and Co. are a tight act lately with Jim Kolman on axe, Derek Hensley on drums, Frank Centrone on keys and a new and able face on bass, Craig. Also noteworthy is the fact that Pam can include an original tune and it's at least as good as her covers. Betti's Blues was good. Pam, like Pat Hunter and the others, added weight with her presence at such an event. It says a lot about the people and the community that will do this for someone... not to forget Sweet Suzi who hosted and organized the event. She and Wally from BWI and the BWI staff did a nice job.

   Speaking of which Sweet Suzi finished off the day as the final act. Little Cliff was also billed and Mr. Cliff stood in for a few numbers on harp with various bands. The man can play and it was a nice blues touch for a few numbers.

   The Sweet Suzi Band which was Johnny Anderson on guitar, Tom Foschino on drums, Armando on Hammond and a new bass player who all brought good energy. Johnny A is a guitar favorite of mine and he was nice to hear. Suzi was feeling a lot of love and was bringing a lot too. She was a congenial host all day and she was smooching or getting smooched every time I caught a glimpse of her. It was a nice mood and her good spirits translated into a hearty set even for Suzi.

   It occurred to me that these women are all so high energy. It takes that to succeed as they all do. It takes energy, skill, practise and heart...and they all have it and it was all given to Lance Ong and Nicole Hart and may God bless them both.

   Nicole had just released a new CD, Treasure, and had just signed with Blues Leaf Records when this all came upon them, Imagine the range of emotions and how that must have felt;  joy, disappointment, fear, anger?

   I heard Lance has been responding well to cancer treatment. They are handling it really well and they are kind people and it was nice to see so many people caring.

   Support our local artists. You can see how that helps in so many ways.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

  

    Back when I was going to bars to hang with pals and socialize, before life got serious, as it were, I was a fan of Bad Company. I dug the guitars and Paul Rogers vocals. I've always enjoyed a dynamic lead performer. As I have described here many times I enjoy a performer's personal expression. I enjoy the soul behind the song. A skilled performance is even better of course but sometimes just a gutsy performance is good.  It feels like a more personal work of art when the artist gives it more nuance. It also means a lot to feel a person sharing themself and connecting with people in an often impersonal world. Even rock performances could be soulful.

   So I was interested in hearing the Bad Co. tribute at Mirelle's on Friday night; Rock Steady. I thought I was getting an early start but in fact I didn't walk in until after ten and I had missed that part of the show. I immediately pulled out my pocket, Billfoolery calendar and checked out what else was around. No offense to Red White & Blues, the heaadline act, but I have specific wish-lists when I get nights out and I have seen RW&B. Well I ran into some friends and the first music I heard from the blues/rock band was good... so I hung out for a set or two.

   Once again there was a nice crowd at Mirelle's. It's a comfortable setting with nice demographics so to speak; over 30 types who can carrry on a conversation and enjoy good music.

   Red White and Blues offered some standard blues/rock fare with some good playes. Len Campanelli on lead vox and guitar brings some good stuff and his guitar was entertaining. The band was also good especially Steve Greenbaum on harp who got blue for a few numbers and then I was pleasently surprised with an appearance by Mike Dimeo. Dimeo was the lead performer with Rock Steady who I missed in the first act. He is a talented keyboard player/vocalist. I have seen and heard him play with Andy Aledort on numerous occasions. This was a nice surprise and he rocked. Dimeo has a muscular voice... so to speak and his keyboard playing great stuff too. I didn't get the covers of the old Bad Co t unes but I heard some good performances. It turned out to be a good set and I had another good night of music at Mirelle's.

   Saturday night I got a late start and I was heading out to Giacomo Jacks for the Wall Street Jumpers featuring John Judd when I got a call from my old friend who was at the Village pub in Massapequa. He had a friend playing with Sound Advice, a rock/blues cover band who I had not had the pleasure of seeing before. I always opt for something new so I veered north in Massapequa rather than south in Amityville. I head that I missed most of the crowd. It was late and I also missed most of the act. I did catch a set however and lead singer/guitar, John was a good player/performer. I am always surprised by how many musically talented people there are out there (and yet how amazing that I have none) that perform right here on Long Island and that I have yet to see. Sound Advice were mostly rock in the final set, AC/DC and some Brit rock stuff, sort of a JD Leonard sound and they were good. It was also my first time at theVillage Pub. It was on Broadway south of Southern State Pkwy. I'm surprised there are not more blues shows there. It fits the description of so many other local blues joints.

   I anticipate even more this weekend so I will be following up with some more to share. Thanks for stopping by and keep me posted on events and I'll do the same for you.

bill

  

   It has been a while since I shared a nights observations with you. It is not for a lack of trying. I have had my usual Wednesday night and at least one night on the weekend lately. I have not had any of those extra times to catch an off-night show or a Sunday event and thats a bummer because there have been some good ones lately.

   Lance Ong, the husband, producer and band mate of Nicole Hart, the talented and vivacious blues singer from this area has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Lance and Nicole are friends of the Long Island blues community including myself and there have been and will be more events to help raise money for Lance and Nicole. Like many self-employed people they don't have full insurance coverage and fighting cancer takes a lot of money... and prayers.

   One of those events took place this weekend and it pained me to have to miss that one. There will be others and I will post them as well and I will do what I can to at least get to the events. I am not a person of means so my announcements here and my presence at events is about all I can do.

   The shows I did get to were on Saturday night. My first stop was The Bad Moon Saloon in Merrick. The newly named place has been a hot spot lately for blues in Nassau County. The turnouts have been spotty but the shows have been good and the word will spread. It is a good location (Merrick Ave. between Sunrise and Southern State Pkwy.).

   This Saturday night I caught The Gail Storm Band with Joe Vicino on guitar, Shenole Latimer on Sax, Bernice Brooks on drums and Gail Storm on keys and vocals.

  I arrived to a half-full room. It is a good room for enjoying music with lots of tables and good sightlines from the back. The music was my kind of stuff in blues with a good guitar, vocals, a sax and a lowkey rhythm.  Vicino has great hands and guitar-attitude and he's made for that stuff if you ask me. Gail Storm has a gutsy voice and plays some cool keys. Shenole Latimer on sax handles blues nicely and coming from a jazz background he offers some edge. The offerings were a little different than the frequent Stevie Ray and rock stuff I hear in these parts; more "Marcia Ball" on keys with a long and eclectic set list.  Ms. Storms varied background and experience filter through in a well run, casual feeling but professional performance and collaboration. It was good entertainment with talented players. 

   I have been taking my annual respite from the usual dirty-vodka routine. I give my liver a rest for as long as I can stand it every year and so far it has been the month of May. I find that I get a little restless and I jump around a little more during these times.

   Saturday night I left The Bad Moon mid-set and headed to ET Quiggs for some SmokinGun and the company of some friends. I usually make my entertainment choices based on the music rather than the company. It is hard to get a consensus among people anyway. I like to hear new stuff as often as possible and keep it varied. I miss the company of friends sometimes and I often look for that on my second choices.

   ET Quiggs also had a half-full crowd but it was late. I know I missed some people and SmokinGun usually gets a nice crowd. They offer a fun, down-home, damn-good-stuff kind of blues with Bill Marino, Rich Thiel, Jeannie B and Ralphie Santiago was on drums. They do some jumpin stuff and some yeehaa guitar blues especially when Marino has another 6-string player in the house. Last night Joe Bivona lent a hand along with others and there was some good guitarin' goin on. They closed with a Rod Stewart number and Jeannie B will beat me up if I complement her on it so I won't. Sometimes I like the effort and the vocal quality might be right-on for the song. The artist may not have liked the performance however. God forbid I should complement a performer when she didn't like the effort. Geesh! So for all but the last number they were good. It was a good Saturday night in Nassau.

   Stay tuned for the coming week and the Lance Ong event(s). There's a doozie coming up at Brightwaters Inn with a bevy of Diva's... always fun!         

   Thanks for checking in. Ya'll come back now, ya hear?

bill

This weeks featured Juke Joint is Terra Blues, NYC http://www.terrablues.com Terra Blues is a modern-day blues saloon on the second floor overlooking Bleecker Street in the heart of Greenwich Village. For Fifteen years it's arched ceiling has carried the sound of some of the best blues guitar players and singers from New York and around the country. Little Milton, Edgar Winter, Robert Lockwood Jr., Johnny Clyde Copeland, Phillip Walker, and The Holmes Brothers are among the names of the national acts that appear on Thursday nights. Doors open at 7:00pm. Acoustic acts begin nightly from 7 to 10pm. These shows are the intimate portion of the evening. Usually consisting of a solo performer who plays guitar and sings. Get lucky, and you might catch HoneyBoy Edwards, Louisiana Red, or Hubert Sumlin in a stunning up-close performance that is matched by none.
After 10, the band plugs-in. Weekday performances (Sun-Wed) consist of sit-down, shuffle blues with an upright bass. It's a real down-home, down-south atmosphere where all the hot locals strut their stuff. Thursdays are reserved for national acts from other cities including Chicago, Baton Rouge, Clarksdale, and Austin.
A NYC favorite-- Be sure to check it out--you won't be

   It's been a busy few days for music. My Wednesday night got interesting at Big Daddy's in Massapequa and then Lefty's in Lindenhurst.

   For starters the cast at Big Daddy's was the A-team with John Judd, Ralph Santiago on drums and "Batman" on bass. There were some dynamite guets again too. Chrispy chicken on bass, Dave Burns on axe, "Ray" with trombone and Joe Bivona showed up for some guitar as well. It was a raucaus jam with those creative juices flowing and then some blues broke out when Sweet Suzi waltzed in during the last set. That kicked in another gear both in music and energy levels.

   For such a small space there was a lot going on and once again that jam was fun couple of hours.

   As the players and patrons were mingling and packing up gear I mentioned to Suzi that I was heading over to Lefty's. It was not that late and there is usually another set or two going on over there. Well all you have to do is suggest something like that to Sweet Suzi and she's in high gear recruiting the idea to the band. I left as she was lobbying the idea and arived at a break in the music at Lefty's on Hoffman Ave. in Lindenhurst. Popa G, Tim D, Andy Witt,Henning Stumm, Bill Galante, Clem (bass, O'Zone) and others were huddling at a table looking like they were holding a committee meeting for a bookie operation. I mentioned that Suzi might be arriving and soon enough she walks in with the travelling Chrisberry's behind her.

   Chrispy, "trombone Ray", Dave Burns and others followed and the jam at Lefty's took off as well. That one played on well into the night and it got more interesting every minute. I eventually headed home but that was as good as it gets, musically, on a Wednesday night in suburbia.

   My weekend was less eventful but not bad. I bounced around a bit before ending up at Millers Place in Masapequa. It's a new venue for me and a nice one; a real classy joint as they say.

   Trick Bag was playing and there was a nice looking crowd and good music. Dave Burns offers a unique sounding guitar and Craig Bestoff is a smooth lead vox and harp player. The rhythm is solid and it was a good cast all around. Whatever they cover isn't obvious and it it's done for a reason. I tried a few other shows but either the crowd was too large to deal with or I was not happy with the set list. I found the "just right" set of elements with Trick Bag and it was a nice show.

   I have to move on today, Mothers Day. I have things to do, like make a few calls but this is a tough day in our house. I don't hear many media sources mention the homes that are "mother challenged".  I'm trying to keep it low key here but I hope you enjoy yours. It's a worthy cause. No one has to tell me how important the role of "mother" is.

  Enjoy!!

  Thanks for stopping by.

bill

  

    Before the past weekend becomes history I wanted to give it a mention. I had an enjoyable Saturday night at Bad Moon Saloon and I have been swimming furiously in the mire of life unable to find the time and a quiet moment to sit and tell you about it. Tonight, finally, I have that.

   I liked the show for the location (the Bad Moon, formerly J Farrells, is not too too far) and the time of course. I had to tuck in the details at home before I could enjoy a night out so as usual I arrived around ten thirty to a light to medium crowd and with the Pat Hunter Project performing with a five-piece. Those were keys, bass, axe, drums, conga and Ms. Hunter. By the end of the night the room had filled nicely.

   They looked dressed for blues, men in black even some hats and she in browns and black with a decidedly western flavor. Pat looks lean but sounds deep and bluesy lately. The band was tasty with Eric Smith on keys, Al Davis III on bass, Shinya Miyamoto on drums, Dave Nesdall on 6-string and Manny Martinez on conga and they were all good.

   The Pat Hunter Project are making some cool sounds lately. By the way, they will be performing at a big shindig at Brightwaters Inn on May 24. It's a fund raiser for local friend and artist, Lance Ong (Nicole Hart's husband and keyboard player) who has been diagnosed with cancer. That looks like a great show as well as a great cause with PHP, Pam Betti, Sweet Suzi and Sweaty Betty. Stay tuned for more details.

   The show Saturday was a nice mix of blues and R&B including some Chaka Kahn and and some other stuff that inspired my friends to wish they had a dance partner... which I am not. It was good listening though with Eric Smith and Davis adding some enjoyable solos. There were some good cameo's as well with Lynn Watson and Allan Tootal on vocals and Joe Bivona on guitar.  All that made for an interesting night of quality entertainment.

   The coming weekend has some exciting stuff so check the schedule and get out there. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you soon.

bill

  

    I've been so damn busy I haven't had time to post about all the fun and blues I've been having. That's a good thing though. With the stalled economy I am lucky to have work as a self-employed cabinetmaker. I'm grateful for all the good people who have been calling me for work.

   As for the music, I not only attended the Brother Dave & The Brave show at Brightwaters Inn last week I helped book it. I learned a few things about booking music though. It takes a lot of promotion to get a few people and the word "blues" does not excite a lot of people...if they only knew. I happen to think blues is inspiring. It is a message that speaks to and nurtures the soul. I feel that Brother Dave & the Brave are a rich source of that soulful sound. Mix in Chrissie O'Dell and it's blues with a beautiful melody.

   I may be swayed by the fact that Dave includes some soulful Hendrix tunes. I was introduced to blues by the Hendrix cd by the name "Blues". Saturday night he did a Red House cover that was "straight from the woodshed" as he calls it. It was a simple, vocal and guitar rendition without distortion but with nice guitar licks and gritty vocals. I don't hear that often.

   Chrissie just stands there and deals rich vocals, one tune after another without busting any veins and without putting anyone to sleep. It's blues storytelling at its prettiest. I enjoyed that show immensly.

   There were not a lot of people there however. I tried targeting the local Brightwaters folks to get them out of their living rooms for a local show of something rich and genuine. I see I will have to work harder at that ...or find a more fitting venue. I like Brightwaters Inn though. It is a good size room with a good feel and it's in the middle of Bay Shore, a big town. We'll have to see about that.

   Wednesday night I tried the same routine as the previous few Wednesday nights. I started at Big Daddy's in Massapequa for the John Judd/Ralph Santiago jam and I was treated again to Chrispy Chicken (Chris Laybourne) on sax. Mr. C and John Judd were stupid-good as they segwayed to and from some of the most incongruous of tunes including Pink Floyd and the Beatles and I think I heard Dixie. Each player took their own creative detours to just some amazing places. It was jazz-infused blues and rock in paisley pajamas. Ok, the pj's were something that happened in my own little head but they happened.

   That jam ends at 11:30ish which is perfect for a wandering fool like myself. Massapequa is well situated for more, later happening events. I decided to  head back to Lefty's for Papa G and Co. I usually find more of that "different" stuff over there. The Big Daddy jam put me in a jazzy mood. Well Lefty's was unusually quiet by then on this particular Wed.  Lately it is a good next stop. I still got to hear some good stuff with Papa G, Henning Stumm and Tim Dorsey so it was no loss. Jams are fickle things which is why we all have to patronize them often. One never knows what might happen at a jam and if they were not there then nothing would happen. That make sense?

   Well, I may get a Thursday night of music this week so I will be out looking for some more magic. Thanks for checking in. I will get back soon to share what I find.  Enjoy your weekend and keep sending me your events.

bill

 

  

   I hope you all are enjoying the amazing weather today, Saturday.  Days like this are a rare thing of beauty in these parts so soak it up by day and take in some live music by night.

  Last night I had some time for a show so I headed to Giacomo Jacks in Amityville for SmokinGun Band. It's sort of a comfortable arrangement with a good ole' blues joint and a good ole' band.

   SmokinGun has the familiar players; Bill Marino on guitar, Rich Theil on bass, Jeannie B on vocals, Jay Fields on drums and last night they had Pete Antonio on keys. There was also Roast Beef Joe sitting in on keys for a few tunes and they all made for a very entertaining couple of sets. Jeannie B has quickly become a nice vocalist. She nailed a few tunes last night prompting some nice comments from an appreciative crowd and Marino adds a whole lot of mojo. Theil and co. bring a great vive too. It's a fun show. Check them out and check out Giacomo's. They keep it casual and fun and have good music every weekend.

   Tonight, Saturday, offers some good stuff as well. There's Brother Dave and the Brave w/ Chrissie O'Dell at Brightwaters Inn. That's another tasty collaboration in a comfortable setting. BD&B are distinctively blues with some country influence as opposed to the more popular rock/blues stuff but Dave has a good repetoire and he tells a good story instrumentally along with some good vocals. Ms. O'Dell is a special treat vocally. She is refreshingly talented yet unassuming and she brings a genuine blues attitude. The band will grab you with some real-deal guitar and vocal blues magic.

   There is also the amazing John Judd and the Wall St. Jumpers. (great name). Judd is another must-hear for his guitar prowess and creativity. They will be at ET Quiggs in Bellmore.

   Check the calendar for lot's of good shows and drag someone with you. It's Saturday night and quality live music is cheaper and better than a movie.

   Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

bill

 

   With the holidays over it was back to usual and I feel lucky to have gotten one night out this weekend. Friday night I wanted to make it out for numerous shows. I didn't get out at all but that's okay. My teenage daughter had a fun night and I did some ceiling repair in the bathroom. I had a very productive night here. (help!)

   Saturday, thank god, was different. I got a later start than I would have preferred but those repairs needed some paint and with all that fun the time just got away from me.

   I figured I would take a chance and head to Patchogue. I call it "a chance" because shows often end early out there and if it is before midnight and the show is over it would be too late to drive to Nassau and too early to call it a night. I was fortunate though.

   I started at Bobbique's for Lex Grey & The Urban Pioneers. The Pioneers were not as big a posse as the last time I saw them and the faces were different except for Vic Deglio on guitar and Lex of course. Those two are a cool show so it was okay. Deglio has a good amount of that guitar magic and Lex feeds off that. She was in good form and I enjoyed that she did a few  ballads mixed in with her rock n roll. Lex was tireless and her trademark raunch was working well. It was a good crowd at Bobbique's and the whole place was in sync with the show. It was a good time and they played past midnight. Cool!  I heard Lex and Co. will be back to the Patchogue BBQ joint regularly in the coming months so I look forward to more of that action.

   It may have been after midnight but the night wasn't even over in Patchogue. My little posse and I walked across the street to Brickhouse and caught a set of Mike Scalzo Band with Dave Likhtiger (Bro. Dave) and Johnny Cola on guitar, Sly Geralds on bass and Big Mike on drums of course. Those guys were rockin to another good crowd. Patchogue was a happenin place Saturday night and I'm glad I made that choice. Mike Scalzo Band had some tasty guitar stuff going on. Dave and Johnny make a good combo with Sly bringing up some stylin base. It is sort of a casual collection of players but it was pieces that fit together fairly well. You can get some good collaborations on Long Island and it's a good show because these guys play a lot of shows and they know a lot of tunes...and they know each other. They had a good crowd and a good time was being had by all.

   I can't complain about my Saturday night. I caught some quality entertainment. I got to hang out with new friends and I got some energy from some good events.

   There are plenty of good shows on weeknights with jams and regular shows so check the calendar and see if you can make it out one night during the week. I make it my religion to get out on Wednesdays and I can tell you that I would not be the sane and rational person I am (just an opinion) without that weekly ritual. I recommend it for every stressed out Long Island suburbanite. It is theraputic.

   Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for the new schedule for the coming week. There's some cool blues in the coming week.

bill

  

   Since I have a little time today I thought I would mention what a good Wednesday night I had last night.

   I started at Big Daddy's in Massapequa for the John Judd/Ralph Santiago jam and was pleasently surprised to find Chris (ChrispyChicken) Laybourne playing some sax with a good cast.

   It was a little raucous, very much adlib and somewhat vaudvillian... which spells entertaining, which is what you get with Mr. C and a cast like that. Chrispy and Judd were off the page and the chart too for that matter and the rest of the jam cast was having all kinds of fun. Johnny Cola had some inspiration on lead for a number or two and there were some good stand-in drummers, keys, harp, all kinds of influences. I had planned to stay for a set but it ended up a good stay for a great jam.

   The night was young. So after that I headed to Lefty's in Lindenhurst for Popa G and Co. who jam on some funk, R&B, soul and bop. I like the contrasting flavors as I move around the island. That jam was jumping too with a stage full of instrumentalists from Henning Stumm with percussion pieces to Bill with Conga's to Tim Dorsey with keys, Giovanni von Essen on vocals and a Mr. Ernst on 6-string who was a good show. Speaking of guitars Jim Kolman on axe and Clem (bass) from O'Zone were also among the many pieces.

   Neither of the two jams were formulatic and there were lots of new faces making for a great night of music.

  Speaking of a great night of music check out the schedule for the coming weekend. There are some good ones and there's always one close bye for even a small taste of R&R which we can all use these days.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

   The week of spring break and the Easter holiday is over. I had a wide range of experiences and I'm tired. I have some good moments though. I used my time off to go to live shows; a good number of them. I have been sharing some thoughts on this with some other "performance junkies" on Facebook recently and it seems we have an addiction for which we may need a "program" someday. In the meantime I need this stuff for myself to wind down. When I find some good blues or a tuned-in artist giving it all on stage I connect with that and I feel an emotional bond.

   There are some good players around here and you too can have these good times with many of them. I recommend it.

   I started out on Friday night hearing Terry Reid at Mirelle's in Westbury. Terry Reid has been around since the 70's. He flirted with chances to play with Led Zepplin and others but went his own way. I had only known a few songs; Seed of Memory, for one and I was curious to hear more.

   Mr Reid is an original vocalist. His experience is evident in his style and sound. It is two parts blues, one part country and one part folk. His vocals are strong and he has nice melody. His sound  is enough to get me over his looks which is almost mad-professor but in the end it didn't matter. I was sold on his conviction to his music. A career artist with a style all his own and a life of rich experience makes for some interesting expression. After listening to so much local stuff it is ear-opening to hear such ease and clarity and someone different and so "bluesy" by my sort of intrinsic definition. Check out Seed of Memory and then some of his other stuff.

   Saturday night I was taking in as much local music as I could get to. I started at Reflections for some Sweet Suzi and the Blues Experience. Suzi was entertaining a decent sized crowd when I arrived late with her Blues Experience and they were enjoying it. She is a force especially when she is heard for the first time. She had that audience all lit up.

   Johnny Anderson was good as usual on guitar and SS&BE have a traveling Hammond player these days (Armando) and he adds a lot. It was a good show even though I only stayed for one set.

   I was off to Merrick for a set or so of Brother Dave & the Brave. Mr. Dave is another artist with a strong strain of blues in his sound. (and a little bit of country coincidently). Joining Bro D and the B was Ms. Chrissy O'Dell who rings true to me too. Chrissy has a dynamite voice and she uses it well with good use of inflection and moderation. I get lulled into a nice warm place with a down home and pretty sound with them. It has a roots feel and enough other stuff to make it interesting. I enjoy being with that kind of music.

   I enjoyed being with all of it. I had the time and the opportunity this weekend to pick my stuff like a live jukebox. I got all kinds of experience and I woke on Easter satisfied with how I spent my time. I was also happy and poised to pick up my child after her trip and spend the day with some fam.

   The events of my Holiday were personally noteworthy but it is all so hard to put into words sometimes. Family, home, personal beliefs; they all are being tested and going through changes now and I am glad I have music and this space to feel, share and express. Can anyone doubt the value of music and the arts? It is saving my ass.

   Thanks for checking in and thanks to the musicians and venue owners for a good week. I hope it was good for all you.

bill

   This is my big week off and I'm having a real "blues" weekend. That doesn't mean I'm at a blues festival or even that I am living a blues event every minute although I am getting out a lot more than usual. Tonight in fact I am heading to Mirelle's for Terry Reid which I am looking forward to.

   My gut is aching though for so many reasons. My child is away and I have not been apart from her for any length of time in a few years. I often fantasize about all the fun I can have with this circumstance but it just doesn't work out like that. I miss her.

   I am also still dealing with a fractured relationship and that is an amazingly horrible dynamic. I have been through some doozies but this is a tough one and many of you know the tribulations. I never leave the house without a pain somewhere; my head, my heart, my stomach. Maybe tonight will be different. Maybe she will just say "goodnight, have fun", suggesting that she gets why we are where we are. I'm dreaming I know. I just need peace.

   In any case I have been taking in music and even some blues. Thursday night I stopped at ET Quiggs and heard some good players, JD Allen got into a nice groove. There was a new guy on bass; Jeff Phillips, who was a welcome distraction and knew how to entertain. There were some others doing a nice job; Ralph Santiago of course and a Dan B on guitar. Nice job.

   Anyway, I got restless and headed to Jim Moran's jam at the 50 Yardline for a quick listen. I wanted to catch as much new stuff as I could as I don't often get out on a Thursday night. 

   Moran's was a busy jam scene. I only caught a few tunes. They were all good but I got a text message to meet a friend and I was off again. It was good to buzz around but when I am as funked up as I am now I need a long steady flow of blues and I'm out again tonight and tomorrow too...looking for that.

   Seek and you shall find.

   Enjoy your travels and Happy Holiday.

bill

   Tonight I am coming to you from the land of grandparents, palm trees and orange groves...and not a lot of nightlife; Treasure Coast, Florida. I have a rare occasion to travel and it's been too long since I have been here to visit with the parental units. They are two good people living out good lives in decent health... for mid-80's, big family, depression-era survivors.

   The weather sucks unless you like humidity and clouds...and bugs but it is a new landscape and I'm with the folks...

   Before I got myself out of town I enjoyed a few brief moments of music this weekend.

   Friday night I visited Lefty's Candlelight Bar in Lindenhurst for the tail end of a double bill with The Outpatients and The King Cobras. It offered some good moments even though I missed almost all of the Outpatients. I caught some of Johnny Cola serenading the crowd with some choice "pick and twang". It's a distinct flavor one gets with the Outpatients. Call it surf-a-billy, call it modified rhythm rock but call it something a little different. I wish I caught more. At least I got some Cobra. The KC's have some talent there and I thought to myself  "I wish I could play and sing like that. I coulda been a contender".

   I enjoyed a casual setting with some good players. I mentioned last time I caught them that they are a good bunch and I got the same impression. Twice satisfied.

   I have to be brief here being on a strange computer and without any back-up material so forgive the abbreviated entry.

   Saturday I had an abbreviated night. I had lots of preparation before leaving town so after all that (it was even late for me) I shot over the my local joint, the Brightwaters Inn, and caught the Blue Matter Band for a rare show. It's been a while for the boys and girl with blue matter but it was a nice show, a nice crowd and it felt like home. The Tursi gang showed up too and Pete belted out some trumpet licks and Grace emoted with some saxy licks. The whole collaboration used to make for a nice Wednesday night jam but those days ring like fond memories and distant sounds of blues in the night. There was an apreciative crowd.

   There were lots of shows this weekend that I would have liked to get to in addition to the few I caught but I feel lucky just to get out at all and to be able to take in live music, friends and some blues.

   I'll be back Monday with a new calendar and remember to send me your gigs and information if I miss anything or if I need some corrections. I appreciate it all.

   If you are so lucky as to have a parent or two, enjoy them when you get a chance. It is hard to make time for non-work and unscheduled things and people but it matters a lot.

   Thanks for checking in and thanks to the folks that tell me they like some of the things I write here. That means a lot too.

bill