Sometimes a spontaneous thing happens. It's was just a Wednesday night in the suburbs. I was thinking about where I wanted to go for some music and then the phone rang a few times.

   There was some news a week or two ago that there's a new jam on Wed. nights at Lefty's in Lindenhurst. It is being hosted by Tommy "Pizza", a drummer. I didn't think much about it because, well, my Wednesday nights only come once a week and I worked hard to make that happen every week. I go where I know what's going to happen and with whom...generally.

   This very Wednesday night it seems that Papa G was heading to Lefty's. He's one fine bass player. I also heard that Johnny Anderson is going and that makes for some good guitar....maybe some more faces would show up I was told.  

   What the hell. Gas is so freaking expensive that going to another town costs a coupe of double vodkas. I can stay pretty local, save some precious money and have a very short drive home, thereby making my life very safe indeed.

   I sauntered in to Lefty's and was also surprised to find Henning Stumm, Jim Kolman and Arty Panico were in attendance.  It was a fine Wednesday night jam. The spontaneous moments are more tasty because they're sort of free. They're like specials at a restaurant... not on the menu and a good deal and usually very interesting.

   Well the jam Wednesday night was tasty. Papa G shined on a bass solo. A rare thing. It was good!! The boys had jam numbers going,  long ones. Johnny Anderson was styling on some bass. How bout that?  He did pick up his guitar though. Arty P and Jim K both had some 6-string moments too. Henning added some good flavor...always good.

   I know it is near impossible to make that particular thing happen often so I was glad to be in attendance. It is nice to be able to report a night like that. Pick a night to get out and you'll find some magic on occasion...even on a Wednesday night in the burbs.

   See you out there.

bill

   So music fans, summer finally seems to be here and the music scene is heating up as well as the weather.

   Now if only the business climate would heat up and the gas prices cool down. Geesh! It's killing me. If anyone needs any cabinet refacing or woodwork get in touch...fast.

   This humble website is not a financial concern although that may have to change. I write this blog and post this calendar because I want, no I need, the local music scene to flourish. I enjoy this stuff and the blues has become a vital vitamin for me. It soothes my soul.

   I see other websites with advertising and it doesn't seem to hurt anyone. I see other sites selling music and selling t-shirts and stuff. I may do some of that soon. We'll see. I'm resisting because I can play whatever music I want and I can post whatever I want without any other considerations.

   I also want to point out that the coming music festivals in mid July are a week apart.  I like that set-up. I hope it can be like the New Orleans festival that is two weekends and the week in between has other events and gatherings. It will be fun to see if the week in between can generate some really good jams if nothing else here on Long Island. It can be a stage for the local artists to play with some of the more than local acts. I'll see if I can generate some interest in something for the Wednesday night in between. Any ideas?

   So, thanks for reading today and whatever other days you stumble on this site and get out there and support you local live music venue. I hope to see you soon.

bill

  

    The song, Prayer to St. Peter, is a bit melancholy but it is apt for the day. It's a song about the lost lives of young men, soldiers, who have died fighting for their country.

   I think Edwin McCain has nailed it and in the spirit of the holiday I am risking joy and happiness for the memory of lives lost...especially in the name of sacrificing life for a cause; and that cause is our freedom and peace.

   You can argue the merit of war in general but you cannot argue the results of war being our present state of national being. However contemptable, war happens because leaders and their followers are just men. They don't always choose the path of peace. They more often choose a path of vengence or enforcement of an ideal or resolution of a conflict by force.

   We have a lot of evolving to do as a species. In the meantime it is helpful to honor those who choose to fight for our defense and think about what they and their families sacrifice.

   Enjoy this beautiful day and thanks to those that have fought to let us enjoy it.

bill

And it's not over.

   I feel like a pretty lucky guy lately. I got to go out on Friday night and Saturday too. I not only enjoy the music and seeing performers "perform" but I enjoy having more stuff to write about. If I am hard pressed to get out more than once a week it is not easy keeping the posts interesting more than a few times a week... assuming you find this interesting of course.

   Friday night I caught Wonderous Stories at Sunset Grill in Seaford. That's a great location and a good size place. It was packed too! I had a hard time even watching the band when I arrived. WS, with Kenny Forgione, is a tight and talented cover band. They did a real fine job on some Neil Young stuff, some Jethro Tull and more from that American rock Renaissance era. I know the stuff is covered often but not as well as this and by such good artists.

   After a full set there I figured I would find another show if I could.  I was lucky enough to meet some other music fans at The Sunset Grill and I dragged them with me to Lefty's for some Jim Moran Band. Thanks again for your fun company Ginny and Dottie.

   Lefty's was more fan friendly. There was still a little room to hang and watch and Jim Moran Band had JD Leonard with them on vocals. In fact when I first arrived I caught the last number by Miss pretty-face vocalist, Kindara, who you may know from The Venetian Beach Hut and other local venues.

   She said her good-bye's and sped off somewhere into the night.

   The JM Band with Big Jim, Tim Smith, Ed the Hat and JD Leonard were fun. Leonard has a real nice voice and plays some good guitar. He's a nice fit with those guys. It's another good rock show with a little more blues mixed in and a little more elbow grease than, say, a Wonderous Stories. It was all good though. I enjoyed both shows and all the fun company along the way.

   Saturday night I got another late start so I stayed fairly close and figured I would patronize some good pals and players. Pamela Betti was strutting her stuff at Giacomo Jacks and she has a very fluid line-up lately as she's been busy gathering traveling players for her new life as a "signed artist".

   Ms. Blues-blond-dynamo signed recently with Muletrain Records and is getting quite busy. I even heard last night that there will be an Atlantic City show coming soon and lot's more fun stuff to follow. Is anyone else thinking field trip? Atlantic City is always a consideration and with PB there it could be quite a party.

   Saturday night she had Papa G on bass, Johnny Anderson on axe, Mike Scalzo banging the drums and Arty Panico also sitting in for some guitar. I think I missed a number by Rob Lepano (of Lefty's) who was leaving when I got there (hmmm, that seems to happen a lot). But it was another case of getting to hear more than I expected. Pam Betti alone is a show, Papa G was great... You really gotta get out a lot to hear all this, people. There is so much going on and it's not far from where you live.

   Thanks for the fun stuff this weekend...so far. There's more.

   Check back to see the schedule and thanks for stopping by.

bill

   Even the time to sit and write about my night is hard to come by these days. But better late then never that I share my Wed. night excursion to Jessie's Lipsmackin Roadhouse in Merrick.

   Being that Wed. nights have become an opportunity to travel and find new and exciting music scenes I would have been remiss to have missed sharing my recent experience.

   I have been posting the Wed. night jams ever since...but I have not yet caught the one at Jessie's with Joe Vicino and company. I have had the pleasure of hearing Mr. V play but not on his home court.

   The place is perfect for a jam. It's got the quintessential pub atmosphere with lots of tables and plenty of room to see and hear the band. There is the amiable barmaid, Betsy. There is the Main St location (27a) in Merrick and there is the charismatic (musically speaking) lead player, Joe Vicino. I got what I went there for.

   I arrived a little after 11 and I still heard 2 hours of guitar, some good blues. There was a cast of decent players, another good guitar, but names were hard to come by. This was my first trip there. I'll see about getting some more names. Vicino had plenty in his quiver. He played almost the whole time. There was probably 8 or 9 musicians in all and it flowed smoothly from cast to cast. It was a good amount of good music for a Wed. night and it seemed like a good opportunity for players too. There are good jams and more than a few on Wed nights. They are spread out so you have to pick one and make a night of it unless you try Patchogue which has Sam Taylor at Bobbique's and a blues show every Wed night at Brickhouse, across the street. That town ends a little earlier than the others. Take that into consideration. But take in some weeknight music. It's not hard to find and it's good stuff.

   There's a great menu of music this weekend. Make sure you get out and find a show or two. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the show info. I received from many of you.

bill

  

    I can't help but mention where this song (Wild Horses) takes me.

   One of my former lives was lived in Los Angeles. I lived on the left coast for about eight and a half years. During that time I got to know a wonderful family through the in-laws. One of our best friends then was a divorced mother of a rock-n-roller and a few other really nice kids. Our friend, Diane, had married young and had children young and one of them was Gilby Clark (guitar player) who spent some time playing with Guns & Roses and later on was on a TV reality show casting a rock and roller. "Supernova" or something...? I really need to take more notes.

   Anyway, as a friend of the family we were invited to the wedding of Gilby and Daniella who is a real beauty and also a nice person. (they are still married by the way). She happens to run a cool clothing business (Frankie b Jeans) and of course is a former model.

   The wedding was unassuming. Gilby was not the superstar quite yet but he had been with G&R and had had success prior to them with his own band(s) in Los Angeles (Candy, Kill For Thrills...among others) and since with Slim Jim (of Stray Cats) as Col. Parker and doing a solo tour.

    At one point, during the dinner I think, Gilby went to the front of the room and grabbed an acoustic guitar and sat on a stool. This would be interesting I thought. I was right. He played and sang Wild Horses to his wife at his wedding. It was one of the most poignant performances I have ever seen. I thought it was a wonderful tune for a love song and it was so well done and so gritty coming from such a "metallic" musician. It was one of those original moments that we all come across sometimes and I thought I would share.

     Another interesting note; I have heard that Gilby hosts a blues jam in LA @ a renowned jazz club, Baked Potato, in case anyone finds themselves out there and wants to check it out. I have heard the jam gets a pretty amazing cast of players as you might imagine. I will find out more and include it somewhere here on my site. It might make for some interesting reading to see who plays and... what.  

      Thanks for checking in... hope to see you out there somewhere soon.

bill

    The best laid plans... matter little when the realities of a teenager, a family and life on Long Island are concerned. I had intended to get to at least two shows this weekend.

   There was the new band, Good Intentions, Friday night that was interesting. There was all my favorite diva's over the weekend. Chris Laybourne (Crispy Chicken) at The Brickhouse with a spicy sounding group. I haven't caught Kerry Kearney Band in a while but I thought I would catch them at The Brickhouse Sunday along with so many others. That was a default possibility.

Not to bore you with all the particulars but because of school functions, family functions, work and other domestic considerations I was available only Saturday night around 11-something. That limited the options to something local...especially if I was going to try an catch Breakaway at The Viking which is usually a venue I can catch on the way home.

   So I consulted BilLfOoLeRy.com to see what was around. I actually forget whats on the schedule sometimes after writing it only a few days earlier. Geesh! The 80's....   My best option was catching Sweaty Betty at Eleanors and then, if possible, Breakaway at The Viking on the way home. If I traveled too far, like Port Jeff, I would have caught little of PBB and the same was true in the other direction.

   Sweaty Betty does a really nice job of publicity and just staying busy. I get notices all over the place from them; e-mails, My Space messages and comments...It must pay off. There was a nice crowd at Eleanors when I arrived and they were dancing and the place was jumping.

   I hate to admit it but that place is almost my perfect demographic; lot's of 40 to 60 types, divorced and otherwise out-on-a-Saturday-night types. When I put together this idea of writing a blog and keeping a calendar of local live music I was doing it for these people. I figured there are lot's of suburbanites out there that don't feel like getting back on a train to get some entertainment and who would be out having fun and dancing if they knew there was a decent band with a singer who can carry a tune playing somewhere close to them. That place gets that crowd and/or Sweaty Betty brought them there.

   Ms. "Betty" was working a long set when I got there. The range was pop to blues to R&B. She has a nice crisp voice that has some umph in it. There were no seams in the Joplin tune I heard or the Tedeschi number she snuck in there and her band was capable and comfortable in their roles. The guitar man, Doug Johnson, was nifty in a few spots. He even worked some slide into the mix. Sweaty Betty mixes in the pop,dance stuff and gets their own juices going with an occasional blues number. That makes sense when you look around the room and see lot's of people. It pays to know the crowd I guess... and to give them what they want.

   I stuck around for the beginning of the next set and then looked at my watch and realized if I was going to see anything else I had better run. It was around 1am already.

   I got to The Viking late even for that place and sure enough, the band was packing it in. Damn. I had not heard Breakaway in a while and I was looking forward to some more blues. No such luck. Late starts don't often allow for two-show nights.

   The coming week and weekend better be different; Memorial Day weekend, summer arriving (please)... Let's hope for plenty of happenin shows and nice weather.

   Thanks for the entertainment SB and have a good week ya'll.

bill

    It was an unusual Wednesday night in that I didn't catch any live music for the first time in...I can't remember.

   I had a busted headlight, a leak in my one tire and a head full of a lot of crap. I decided to stay local, not give cops an excuse to say hello and give myself some time to chill a little and think. I ended up at the local and good ole' Brightwaters Inn. Wally is an amiable and blues saavy bartender and my weekly wanderlust was satiated...somehow. Wally has the best iPod collection I have heard to date. We exchange notes and I get to hear new stuff. That is rich for me. I live for hearing new stuff and finding new stuff...especially if I don't have to travel far to hear it. Stop by the BI some Wed night and say Hi to Wally.

   I heard another episode of "bar chisels band" after a weekend show. In fact I was at the show in E Northport last weekend (Capt' Blackbirds) for the Blue Roots. When I got there it was light on people but by the third set there was not an available seat at the bar...or not many. The people that came in stayed. My bar tab alone paid for a player.

   That was a circumstance when I can say there had to be enough to pay a band. I am not sure how much more they made but there was no sign on the bar with either a bar name or that there was a show that night. There were at least a few that were there for the band and any patrons that came in by happenstance stayed. That's not bad for a bands first gig at a new place. The bars should know that it takes time to build a following and that was not the worst start I have ever seen by a longshot.

   Well the weekend is upon us and there are some good shows out there...not the least of which is a Sunday gig at Brickhouse. Gravefest 08. I haven't been to a Sunday afternoon bash in a long time. I hope things fall into place and I can make that one.

   Thanks to you all that sent me your show info. this week...and every week. It helps me so much to put a calendar together. Enjoy the weeks offerings and keep sending me stuff.

bill

 

    Happy Mother's Day all you mothers. After the life I have led as a parent no one knows better than me how important mothering is. Love your mother's. You're lucky to have one.

   So, it was Saturday night and I didn't have nobody. That's fine by the way. I get to choose where I want to go in that case and I get to sit and listen.

   Last night I headed up to E Northport to catch The Blue Roots at Captain Blackbirds. The place was quiet when I walked in but a crowd mozied in as the night went on. There was a real interesting collection of characters up there. I think the band would agree. At one point, between songs, I heard a circus riff on the piano...that was appropo' and a funny touch by the keyboard player, Mark Mancini who I think was filling in for Tru Doty.  I have not seen Blue Roots in a while so I am assuming the new faces were subbing. Ed the Hat was in on drums also for another pleasent surprise.

   It was Mancini on keys, Paul Bassi on bass, Scott Micciche on harp and Carlos DeJesus on guitar and vocals and Hat on drums; a good cast and thank heavens some BLUES!!! I went up there for blues and I got me some blues. The guitar was good, the keys were a really hot by Mancini and Bassi, Micciche and Hat were a tight bunch.

   I often catch weekend shows of rock/blues, jazz/blues, funk,  funk/blues, rythm & blues, soul...all of which I enjoy but I don't catch a lot of blues/blues. The Blue Roots mix in a little pop and rock with their blues but it's about (once again) blues. I enjoyed the circus, the band and the whole night of music...a few more normal 30 to 40 types would have helped the ambience but hell, you can't have everything.

   The place (formerly Bungalow Bills on Larkfield) needs to be promoted heavily I see but it was a good room and it was easy to find and Northport should be a good location.

   The Blue Roots stay busy and they are a good show and the more places they, and others, play the more the crowds will be made aware of the quality stuff that is out there. It was a good night of music. Thank you all!

   Catch  MisBhavin tonight (9pm, WRCN, 103.9) or try the happenin jam at Brickhouse w/ Jim Kolman for a fun Sunday...and thanks for checking in @ BiLlfoOlery.

bill

 

 

   Back on Long Island, it's Wednesday night and I couldn't have been happier than to be at Reflections for the weekly jam hosted by Dave Patrick.

   I was headed there anyway, even with the drive, since Wed. nights have whittled down to a few when there used to be many jams. Donnie Celenza and Co. are so good it is worth the trip and there are always good guests. Last night was a special treat as Gil Parris, guitar player extrordinaire, was on hand.

   Mr. Parris, sponsored by Reverend Guitars, was in town doing a promotional appearance and guitar seminar and was brought down by Johnny Cola and friends.

   Gil Parris has that special power in his hands that elevates playing to another level. He and Celenza had some special duets and Parris' solo's were synergetic combinations of dexterity, experience and just artful expression. It's mesmerizing when sounds carry that extra energy. The reverberation is tangible. That's special...always.

   There are always good moments at the Reflections jam on Wednesdays and there were others last night with Celenza and Adelson, Dave Patrick, Johnny Cola had some good riffs and Lou Corolla carried a few tunes well. His vocals added some good flavor. Ajax is a talented horn player and entertainer and he was cool last night too.

   I will get batter acquainted with the many names and faces there. There were some other good players; a 6-string bass player (Kieth? I think) was good and some conga's and Freddy on keys and Steve on drums...lot's of good stuff.

   That's a great time. Check it out.

   There are lot's of good shows this weekend. I hope to get to a few and get back to my Long Island blues. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see ya'll out there somewhere.

bill

    Good blues is hard to find. I wonder if Long Islanders realize that there is a better than average amount of quality blues, if not live music in general, here on our suburban island.

   This past weekend I was celebrating a birthday in Las Vegas (thank you again my dear!). I did some homework before going in order to find some good blues shows at some nearby locations. I put together a decent list and went on my way. I also have some friends who now live in sin city and I was also relying on them for some input.

   I am back and I don't have much to report. The big venues, House of Blues and the major hotels on the strip had pop and "vegas" stuff going on. H.O.B. had ASIA. Remember them? The hotels had nothing even remotely resembling blues.

   I found some smaller venues; Sand Dollar, Sonny's, Blue Diamond,  The Joint, Metro Music Cafe...and only one had a blues show Saturday night and they were all listed under blues venues. That one show was not close to where we spent the evening and it was expensive for a partial show of a non headline act.   

   We were invited to a show of  Zowie Bowie at the Red Rock Casino. It is a new, ambitious casino 15 miles off the strip. They pay real well I heard and have been hiring name acts there. I did not know this act and was hoping they were a Bowie trubute or something like that. Wrong!!!!

   It was Vegas cheese. They are a "Steve and Edie" act (considered good). Holy crap! I kept looking around to see if people were taking it seriously. I thought they were "tongue in cheek". Now I'm not sure. There was a good crowd from the casino patrons, they were 12 pieces including a 4 piece horn section. I'm sure they got big bucks considering the circumstance, location, timeslot, etc.  

   It was disappointing that good music was so hard to find. I realize it could be a factor of music styles and marketing targets not being compatible but nevertheless, I live here and I'm glad for that fact if nothing else.

    The weather is not to be beat out there. The "sights" are unparalleled both of people and nature. The energy is intoxicating and stimulating and I was able to leave Long Island in my wake for a few days.

   Now I want some good live music.

   Thanks again to the venues and the musicians for putting it out there. Thanks to you all for stopping by.

bill

  

    The days, weeks and months are busy lately marked by daily chores, routines, work schedules, play schedules and the occasional noteworthy days.

   Yesterday was one of those for me. A birthday. A big birthday! There is a lot of mention of aging and taking note of where one is on a landmark date. I have been sort of forced to have that conversation lately. Frankly, I don't give a damn.... about my age right now.

   One makes decisions in ones life. We have to. Opportunities and situations arise and we gather the information available at the time and we move forward on whichever path seems the brightest at the time. Sometimes we look back and see how the information was insufficient and therefore inaccurate. Another path may have been brighter...up to this point. We never know. We can only get up each day, put our feet on the floor and start walking. Whatever floor that is, whatever time that is, where ever we walk that day is all just details.       

    We are lucky to wake up each day... and have a set of challenges. There will always be challenges, hopefully. It matters not what those are. It matters how we (I) manage them and what I do with the time when I am not managing challenges.

   I don't have a lot of money, I don't have a fancy car (hey that sounds like some lyrics I know) but I have my senses (no comments please) and I have family and I feel emotions and I feel part of life. It's all fine. It is all I need... so on this noteworthy anniversary of my time here on the big round rock what I seemingly lack in terms of material possessions I seemingly have in terms of insight. We'll figure out the accuracy of all this when we "get off the rock" but in the meantime it is nice to be here with all you blues and music loving mofo's.

   I am enjoying the hell out of the local music and all the other music I find out there. Music makes it all so good. For the record I celebrated by driving all over suffolk, as usual, on a Wed. night. I missed whatever show was at Bobbique's so then I headed up to the nearest jam at that hour; the Jim Moran and Pam Betti jam at St. James Tavern. There were some nice players other than the usual nice players. Papa G, Paul from Blue Roots. Ed Terry (I think that was his name, a killer vocalist) among others. They put together some nice stuff...even a Hendrix number. Thank you.

   I'm not done.

   We're going to Vegas for the weekend and I will be missing the local fare for the next few days. I'll be busy seeking signs of quality sounds in sin city but I will be dilligent and I will pass on anything good I find. The bad stuff you will have to ask me about. I try to keep this website fairly clean. Thanks for imagining... and thanks for stopping by and thanks again for the music and the good company.

bill