One of my missions here with my Billfoolery is to promote the live music scene here on Long Island. The more people go out and patronize clubs and events the more places will prosper and the more opportunities there will be for artists and musicians. All that will give me, other live performance enthusiasts and general music fans more entertainment.

   For that reason I offered to assist LI Pulse Magazine in their effort to publish a piece on Open Mic (and open jam) events on Long Island. That piece in that issue is due out any day now. Look at magazine offerings wherever you see them for the new issue in the coming days and month.

   LI Pulse is a really well done magazine that covers entertainment and other topics pertaining to Long Island. I am thrilled to be part of this effort and I hope it is both informative and helpful in generating more interest in the local scene.

   Speaking of the local scene, Saturday night I headed up to the Dirty Martini in Ronkonkoma. I was in the mood for some gritty blues, Long Island style. There was a perfect mix of musicians and atmospheric conditions up there and it was just what I was looking for.

   The Jim Moran Band core was there with Pamela Betti and some of the Nacho Mama gang. It was Jim Moran of course, Tim Smith on bass, Bobby Rondinelli on drums, Pam Betti on voice and personality, JD Leanord on guitar and vocals. The name for this particular conglomeration was something like The International Submarine Silver Streak Band. It occurred to me that the brand of blues and rock was very "Long Island.

  So there you have it. A Long Island mutation hatched right there in the petry dish called The Dirty Martini. One of their signature jam songs may have to be "Can't Find My Way Home".  Either it was so well done I was moved by it or I was concerned about getting home and that made me nervous. Either way it sounded cool. Pam Betti sounded awesome in the gritty surroundings provided by Jim Moran and Co. It was a really good example of the flavor of blues on Long Island.

   As usual the staff at the Dirty Martini is as good as they come. Annette Funicello behind the bar even remembered my order and in a loud room that helps so much rather than try to talk over the noise to order the specifics.

   Once again, look out for the LI Pulse magazine and pass the word. Let's get the word out about live music on Long Island.

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill

     Having the freedom to attend weeknight events is a rich luxury and I never take it for granted. I know how most people live and I have a generally similar schedule. I just choose to work with it a little more and pay the price when necessary. Sometimes getting through the day requires additional sources of inspiration.

   This week I got late notice of a "Diva" night at Mr. Beery's on Thursday. It sort of popped up but it caught my, and quite a few others, attention. The bill featured Pamela Betti, Sweet Suzi and Perrita. Not a bad collection of Diva's. Not a complete collection but a good one.

   Due to circumstances I could not have planned any better I was able to sneak out for two of the three divas. I arrived around 11 and I just missed Pam Betti.  Bummer. I heard she done good.

   Following Ms.Pamalama was Ms. Sweet Suzi. Suzi had some good moments too. She sort of built to a crescendo and her last tune I felt in my bones. She can bring it when she wants to and she got there last night. 

   There was some damn good company with her, and the others, on the stage. Between Suzi and the final diva, Perrita, Mr.Chris (Crispy Chicken) Laybourne had some time to create.

   Mr. CC was accompanied by Dave Pelegrino and some new faces on drums and six string. Laybourne had some quality moments on sax though. I never get enough of that man's sax. He plays with a nice mix of jazz, funk and soul and it varies a lot which makes it fresh every time. He creates. His playing is expressive of a creative voice which is fun to listen to. It was a nice between set, set.

   Last and not least was Perrita. The soul diva was recognizeable in the room from her sequened outfit and her glittery personality during the prior acts. Perrita is larger than life in many ways, with a big smile, big pretty hair, glam done blingfully and a nice personality.

   When she finally got up and sang her fluid voice was full of soul. Perrita carried the tunes with ease and the joy that was evident in her personality was also evident in her singing. Her sound was strong without being loud and rich like chocolate trouffle. She was fun to listen to.

   It was a surprise and a real treat of a night. The shows with multiple artists seem like a sure hit. Of course the more talent the better the draw. It should be noted by the music hosts on the island that a way to better secure a big crowd is more "show".  

   Many places have a hard time drawing a crowd with any frequency, hoping that a band will bring a crowd. There are a lot of shows around, and lots of places and people are afraid of driving far and drinking. These things make it challenging. A show with a bigger bill will be better at dragging people out of their houses and people need to be dragged out of their houses.

   Bar owners, bands and other interested parties need to promote often and everywhere so venues can sustain music.

   Some places have been doing it for a while and it may not be easy and the artists may not be getting rich at those places but at least they offer a place to play and serve people and give me and you a few moments of inspiration.

   Enjoy. There are lots of really good shows. And thanks for stopping by.

bill

   As I remember this has always been a popular time of year for birthdays. I was reminded last Sunday night while taking in the jam at The Brickhouse Brewery hosted by Jim Kolman.

   That was the first time in a long time I was there for a Sunday night. There was a good turn out.

   Along with the vocabulous host, Jim K, there was the easy-on-the-ears Josh Allen, a big guy with a lot of attitude, John David...or something like that and he was on any instrument he could fit behind. He played a pretty mean guitar, albeit a loud as hell one. There were a few less experienced jammers but not bad ones and it was all handled pretty well by the experienced host. That seems like it can be a real movie set at times. Luckily they were slipping in some Hendrix so I got lost in the music and thats where I like to be. Allen and Kolman are comfortable with some of that Hendrix stuff.

   As for the birthday reference, the man of the night was Jay Sharkey on drums. Jim did all but reveal the mans age but he did manage to get some digs in there for the record. Kolman likes doing that.

   As for Sharkey, I like the guys playing but ever since I heard him sing at Toomey's Tavern on the Krik about a year ago I wanted more vocals. I guess it's not that easy if the guy isn't a regular vocalist but he has a good vox instrument as well as good hands. I'd be happy with either gift. It was nice to hear him play and there was some nice music at the brew jam.

   There also happens to be a birthday event at the ET Quiggs jam Thursday night for Ralphie Santiago. That's another good jam and another nice player and friend in the local music world.  There are lot's of good players with the enthusiastic Santiago on drums.Check that one out!

   Speaking of noteworthy dates there is an anniversary tonight at The Global Sports Cafe in Medford. The Nacho Mama boys have a happenin band there and with the cast coming for the bash it sounds like a real party. I wish I could get there...Cest la vive.

   The new calendar is posted for the week. Please feel free to let me know what I am missing. As usual I will be adding as I do more investigating but  e-mails are welcome.

   Thanks for checking in music fans.

bill

  

   If you ever feel that your family dynamic is hard to work with I suggest you call me and I will show you something that will bring you back to earth. Long story; no, thats a novel. The point is I was sure I was going to get out over the weekend at least one night and I got skunked. No Friday night and no Saturday night. Ouch! I missed a lot of good stuff.

   I guess I still have some good karma left in the universe because it just so happens that tomorrow is a school holiday so I don't have to get up at an ungodly hour. I can possibly, perhaps, just maybe, fingers crossed...go out tonight. Sunday nights don't suck either. There happen to be some good jams so all is not lost.

   It could end up being a nice January Sunday. Football playoffs, a roaring fire on a cold night and some blues somewhere to cap it off and help me get over my frustrating Saturday night.

   Come join me for a Sunday night jam somewhere. I'm thinking Dirty Martini or maybe Brickhouse since they are the closest but I could be pursuaded.

   I'll be back tomorrow or Tuesday with the new calendar for the next week and something to post about this almost lost weekend. Thanks for stopping by. Go Giants!

bill

  

    As I was running a few nighttime errands Tuesday night I was reminded about the jam at Dempsey's Grille in E Meadow. I checked it out. On this occasion Jim Coleman was subbing for Russell "The Hitman" Alexander. Mike Post was on bass, Jay Sharkey was on drums and there were a few others with instruments lurking around.

   The place is a quality location. It is right on Hempstead Tpke. and just west of the Wantagh Pkwy. North side. The room is nice. New, and about the size of The Brickhouse and there is plenty of parking.  There is an outdoor-facing glass wall behind the band making for a classy looking stage area. The crowd was on the small side but a nice demographic...so to speak. Youthful and attractive. Coleman had their attention and one of the young ladies was inquiring about getting up and trying her chops with some vocals.

   I never had that much confidence. I wonder what that feels like. The young lady barely knew any titles but she thought she could pull it off somehow. I didn't have time to find out unfortunately. It would have been educational seeing how her ample self esteem handled a vocal "fender-bender" at best.

  By the way, Jim Coleman has been handling open jams for others and himself for years. He is better versed than most on a guitar having played all over the country and he runs the jam at The Brickhouse on Sunday nights which gets a good following. Check that out some Sunday. It's a good time.

   This weekend has a lot of good options for local music. It is tough to pick a show sometimes.

   Andy Aledort is always a favorite being that I am pretty much a guitar slut. His Viking shows are pretty cool. No cover usually and you can often get a  good seat...and it is a late start which always helps me. His keyboard player, Mike Demeo, is a hotshot entertainer as is the vocalist Todd.

   There are many other good ones though. That 70's Band has so much talent, MISbHAVIN is hot and Sweet Suzi & The Blues Experience are always good. Tommy Keys has a solo show which should be good. There is Russell Alexander who is a current Grammy candidate and puts on a dynamite blues show. Kerry Kearney has a gig too. KK will be in the Gathering of the Slides in the coming weeks. There are so many. I am usually reluctant to pick out favorites but it is worth discussing the issue of where to go and why. Many people pick something based on location so I doubt I am swaying much of the public especially since I only speak to proportionately small amount of the general public with my humble blog. Try something local if you're driving and having a drink. Try something new if you're not.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

   I love the Sunday afternoon events. It feels sort of decadent to be partying in the daylight, to be doing it with so many people and with such great live music and high spirits. No one can say there is not a good sized, passionate contingent of blues artists and patrons on Long Island.

   I walked into the full house at Buchmann's Grill for their last day of business. A sad note. It is a nice place, big room, great customer-friendly ambience. They are closing their doors after a good run.

   It was also a send-off party for the the winners of the LIBS Blues competition who will now be competing in Memphis, TN for an interntaional blues competition. The winners this year are Steve Robinson a multi-talented solo artist and JP Blues a young, 3-piece, kick-ass blues band.

   JP, I had seen the night before and he knocked me out. The young guy is skilled and puts together riffs that stir your heart with the energy of youth and some gritty blues-rock passion. Regrettably, I could not stay for their set yesterday. They closed the show. Sunday afternoons are also difficult days to manage personal priorities.

   Steve Robinson put on a set yesterday of melodic and intricate guitar playing with  polished vocals and good original songs. His array of skills is impressive.  He honed those skills in Irish pubs and other out-of-the-way venues here on the island over the years emerging as a multi-talented, seemingly "overnight" artist. His skills tell a story of a lot of work however. Long Island is well represented...again.

   Perhaps one of next years winners will be C&B Blues Revue. The guitar duo of Pat Russo and Dave Swanson (bass) with Ed, the Hat, on drums are another young talented act (okay Ed the Hat brings the average age up a tad but his grit is a nice element). Russo is another immensly talented and fairly well seasoned lead guitar player with a future...and a half. Their set Sunday also included original music and they just stand there and deliver wonderfully pitched, high energy blues and Swanson does a nice job on vocals. It is nice to hear decent vocals with good instrumental; easy on the ears.

   Speaking of good vocals Sunday was also noteworthy for a reunion of Pamela Betti with Dirty Love. The charismatic singer had a split earlier this year with her signature band Dirty Love. Seeing them together felt like putting  on an old favorite suit and still having a good fit. It hasn't been that long but with the players having been active locally with other collaborations  it was comforting to have them back in their once familiar spots. The blond meteor, Ms. Betti, had her mojo goin. She was digging deep and sounding great and the boys had some good energy too. Marino always seems to deliver a little more juice that he appears to have with his calm demeanor. It was a fun set.. It will be interesting to see how good that fit felt for them as the year progresses.

   Having arrived after the 2pm start I missed the opening act, Out of the Blue (aptly named). I only know that lead singer Laura Kelley has been seen jamming around Long Island at places like Lefty's and ET Quiggs among others. It goes to show you that the jam nights are good places to go to put things together. That was quite a spot for a new collaboration.

   It was a fun afternoon of live music. The multi-band events have to be valuable to the local scene. They make money! They provide a big audience for local talent and they stimulate interest in the local scene. And it is all done with a big afternoon party with fun people, music and the celebration of blues, the music of the real world.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill 

  

   To make a good stew you need good stuff to put in it. Kind of like a good band. You add stuff to get more flavor.

   I thought of that reference last night as I was enjoying Nacho Mama at The Dirty Martini. The Nacho guys are a good mix already with Steve Interrante on sax, Charlie Interrante on bass, Tru Doty on keys, Bobby Rondinelli was on drums for most of what I caught and joining them last night was Jim Moran on guitar and Jeannie B for some vocals. They had some really good moments with all those pieces.

   Interrante on sax always delivers those good sax moments and all those tasty pieces with it make a big party sound. The extra bit of spice was Jim Moran. His bit of fury lifted the heat index a notch or two. It came together well.

   Some other good moments came with Jeannie B who's voice is aging nicely. The little more rasp with the little more range take her songs a little farther. I enjoyed her "Joplin" last night, among others, and she blended nicely with the big band behind her.

   For an added surprise, JP (of JP Blues, Long Island's winner of the LI Blues Competition) stepped in for a cameo and he, with Moran, had some killer moments. The dude can really rip it. I felt a little magic there too.

   There were a lot of really good moments. Interrrante deserves a lot of credit for the sounds he puts together. Nacho Mama and his other band, That 70's Band, are exercises in blending and it's all good.

   The Dirty Martini is a favorite of mine too. Maybe it's the name, maybe it's the dim lighting, maybe it's the gorgeous and amiable barmaids. I know it has something to do with the people who play there and there are a pretty good amount of places to hang and watch the band. That's impotant too.

   I was lucky to get out last night, sort of a last minute reprieve and I was damn lucky to end up there.

   Today, Sunday, check out the big show at Buchmann's Grille in Smithtown. It is a send-off party for the Blues Competition winners ($10 donation), the last call for Buchmann's (shutting the doors the day after) and, get this, a reunion of Pamela Betti & Dirty Love. That all begins around 2.

   Enjoy...and thanks for stopping by.

   bill

   My cat, Ricky, has occupied my chair behind me and he is gesturing loudly for some neck scratching. When I need my "neck scratched" I would get laughed at if I asked so obviously but then, maybe I should try something different. The subtle approach goes mostly un-noticed lately.

   One case in point... I stopped by Lefty's Wed. night on the way back from Manhattan. A city show ended up early-ish and I had time for one (okay two) more. Lefty's was on the way home (okay, a slight detour). There was a younger lady out back with friends next to us guys as I accompanied the musicians for a smoke break. The lady was showing her tatoos to her friends. We were caught looking. She came over and offered us a better look. "Um sure, why not. Let's see them" we answered in unison. She proceeded to lower her already low waisted jeans on the left hip, then the right. I asked if there was anything in between. She hesitated, then walked away not really commenting on my request. Soon she returned having thought about something and showed us what was in the middle. If there was a tatoo there it was "subtle" to say the least.  Her candor was, um, welcome and a jaw dropping surprise.

   A little later the lady came up to me as I sat at the bar interviewing an olive. She told me I was attractive for an older guy. Luckily she hadn't heard any of the interview she had interrupted. And, however backhanded,  it was a welcome comment. Now here is an opportunity to test one's approach. I opted for "subtle". I said "thanks and how old are you". She had me guess. I was close and the moment fizzled like, well, a vodka with no olives. (The very reason I was conducting the interview).  At least there was a good supply of those. I left with no more incident and subtleties tucked deeply in pocket. I know it would have amounted to little if anything but prolonging those moments is an art for arts sake...at least for someone who deals in words so often. Such fodder is rich content as you can see.

   As for the show in the city I was lucky enough to be invited to see The Harlem Blues Project at BB Kings. The Harlem Blues Project is Junior Mack on guitar, Saron Crenshaw on guitar, Jerry Dugger on vocals and bass and Barry Harrison on drums. Mack and Crenshaw head their own blues bands as well as front the HBP. Both had some magic hands and Dugger was as smooth with bass as he was on vocals. The four dapper dudes kept it going for two hours with an entirely upbeat blues, guitar roll. Great stuff for a guitar fan and some cool vocals.

   The warm-up act was Lipbone Redding. He had a bass and a drummer for company.Good company.

   Lipbone is a clever singer and guitar player and he also plays an air trumpet. Not a bad one either. Louis Armstrong might not be proud but he would have enjoyed the soulful covers. Lipbone is in-part a Louie Armstrong impressionist. He also has some fun original stuff and he is an entertaining lead guy.

   The acts were definitely entertaining. As a matter of fact both lead guitars in Harlem Blues and Mr. Redding all had hats, Derby's. Was there a memo I missed?  They looked cool. I doubt I would.

   It is good to go to new neighborhoods. Thanks Kathy Bluesbrat and Audrey C. It was good food for the senses and the memory bank. All those details of the music, the places, the people can't be made up.

   I also picked up a new issue of Aural Fix Communique at Lefty's. It is a surprisingly relevant periodical every time I pick it up. It covers Long Island and it covers the acts that play in your own back yards..so to speak. They also cover a lot of the younger stuff and I get some of my 411 about that from them.

   Of particular note in the current issue is an interview of Pamela Betti. The lady attracts a lot of interest with her vocal chops of course but also with her sense of humor (professionally honed) and her glowing blond charisma. Something about the depth of her blondness stuns me. I get trance-like and I imagine smelling white flowers in a meadow and a light spring breeze.  I get a little lost (not that I need an excuse). Anyway, it is a nice little interview. A nice paper.  I enjoy it.

   Thanks for checking in and getting through this long winded post. I hope to see you out there this weekend.

bill

    First of all let me point out that it is midweek and there are jams galore. Check out the jam schedule for a jam (or open mic) near you.

   Of special note this week is the last week of the Buchmann's Wed. night jam with The Jim Moran Band and Pam Betti (who joins in often). Buchmann's Grill is slated to close after the weekend. Apparently the Sunday show for the Memphis contingent (see sched.) is the last show we will be able to enjoy by the wonderful hosts at Buchmann's Grill. It bums me out when a nice place like that has to turn the lights off. Anyone out there with some money in the bank and a love of music can probably pick up where they are leaving off and take a shot. I know it is a hard road but it is worth the effort. There is some great music around here and especially in that neighborhood and the demographics don't suck up there for a nice eating, entertainment establishment...one would guess. Anyway, I hope all involved make it out okay and something else nice pops up ...there or somewhere.

    I expect it will be a busy week for me...with a few shows I want to make on nights and days I don't usually do. That's a good sign for the local scene. There are always good shows. Too many for me to get to.

   The carrot keeps moving. I keep searching and tomorrow is another chance for inspiration.

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

  

  

    Whatever it takes to get a crowd is a good thing I guess. Saturday night I walked in to Lefty's in Lindenhurst to catch Flaming Merkin and for the first hour I was entertained by the AFC Wildcard football game between the Steelers and the Jaguars. It was a helluva game and I enjoyed watching the Jaguars gut one out (on like, 6 tv screens). The crowd was into it, mostly for Pittsburgh. Many people split when the game ended. The place was jumping. Lefty's has to like that.

   The remaining crowd was still pretty big and they turned their attention to the opening act which was a solo singer/guitar player. Not bad but not my type...sort of John Mayer but with more strumming than blues licks.

   Finally...Flaming Merkin came on. They were a pleasant surprise. I wanted to hear something new. They were new. They worked at a lower volume which was a revelation. They expressed a full range with a nice melody and nary an instrument nor a voice busted a tube or a vein. They played mostly originals. The influences were Radiohead and some other Brittish and ska sounding  ideas and they were tight. It was a promising event. The fact that it was largely original was promising too. They are worth the price of admission. Check them out sometime.

   The coming week has some cool stuff. I'll post the schedule as soon as I gather it all. I did see on the billboard at Boulton Theater in Bay Shore that Edwin McCain will be in town on the 11th of this month. Check him out sometime. I also saw that Kerry Kearney is playing the Boulton in the coming weeks.

   The Boulton Theater in Bay Shore is a really nice venue and they get national acts regularly. Check it out sometime soon. There is a link on one of the Links pages here.

   Also...if a band or musician has to cancel a show they can let me know. I'll post it immediately.(Bill@Billfoolery.com) I know this ain't Newsday but I try to get people to come here for the calendar so I like it to be accurate. By the way if anyone would like to place a big freaking ad on the home page here for a commercial cause I am willing to discuss it with some renumeration. The holidays destroyed any financial cushion I had (and I had none) so I might want to make some moolah here with my humble little site. It gets a good number if hits so it may be worth it. Let's talk.

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill

   Lefty's still had holiday decorations up and the room still had a festive look. This night was Arty Panico's birthday and it was the Wed. night jam so the place had a pregnant feel about it...like it could be, might be a special night at the old Lefty's jam.

   The characters sauntered in one by one seemingly and after a while, maybe eleven thirty, there was a good array of guests and players. The frigid winter air must have kept the younger crowd away who usually occupy the outside, beer-pong area and who filled some of the spaces in the front room. It was a better than average, but less than overflowing... but friendly and appreciative crowd.

   Other than the Blue Matter boys there was Jim Kolman, Popa G, Derek Hensley, Johnny Cola, Rich from Fourteen Feet and a few others that hung out and listened. It was a good night of music.

   The last set, which whittled down to Ralphie Santiago on drums, Arty Panico on git and Popa G also on a 6 string, got funky good. That usually happens when Popa G gets on a roll. I think the last song opened and closed with the Flinstones theme song and in between was sort of "Felix the Cat with a blunt". Let a couple of free-spirits go at it and all kinds of references come up...kind of like the objects flying by the windows as Dorothy's house was traveling on the tornado.

   Hmmm, maybe I was the one in the house. Anyway, it ended up being a good night of some free styling and jamming and Happy Birthday Arty. Thanks to Dawn (Naked Body Guitar) who brought the mother of all canoli's for some of the best munching I have ever enjoyed. Yee haa.

   See you all someplace this weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

bill

  

   I don't know about you but 2008 is more welcome than a sorority girl at a frathouse. I am grateful for every day I have with my family, friends and "interests" but the price is high sometimes and I think it should be, and will be, easier in the future; starting now!

   My "resolutions" are to look forward and enjoy every day...as best as possible. Find a way to make the best of every circumstance and find a way to create better ones in the future. Another is not to let the significant birthday I have coming in April (Taurus fans?) affect me in a negative way. In fact I hope it motivates me to try and get back the physical form I vaguely remember having. That's for starters. I'll probably add to that list in the coming weeks.

   As for the immediate future I will post a new schedule for the week very soon. But speaking of significant birthdays a fellow soldier in the march of the baby boomers, Arty Panico of Blue Matter, is celebrating his "significant" birthday Wednesday night at his usual Open-mike jam at Lefty's. Arty is a talented artist and guitar player and he chooses to mark his moment doing what he loves, playing guitar.

   It happens to be a holiday week for many still. Can I suggest you come down to Lefty's and hear a talented player who does it because he loves it? If you happen to be a player come down with an instrument. Arty loves playing with others. It is a good jam and a friendly crowd. Bring your friends too.

   And Happy New Year you all!

bill