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Luther Allison

Stephen Dale Petit

Chrissie O'Dell & One Hot Mess

Go Giants with Richie Cannata,Lawrence "LAW" Worrell, Mario Stoiano, Danny Kean and Rich Thiel

   

                                   Posts  


May 2

   After hearing Kerry Kearney last weekend at Sunset Grill I came away wondering why more Long Islanders don't flock to his shows. The crowd at the Seaford establishment happened to be good but Kerry Kearney  should be a household name with his talent and experience packing houses at every little place he plays.
   With a cast including Mario Staino (drums), David Bennett Cohen (keys) and Gerry Sorrentino (bass) with some flavor added by Tim Jordan (steel drum), Charlie Wolfe (harp), Elisa (djembe) and Ann Sullivan (tamborine) the show was blues at it's best. A first set of slide numbers was followed by a mix with some signature originals. Kerry's guitar moves from beautiful laid back Mississippi numbers with a rich band harmony to butt kicking blues/rock riffs and it all goes down like good whiskey. David Bennett Cohen on keys also had some inspiring moments and Staino on drums shines because he injects style when he has his moments but doesn't ever over hit. It's all so good!
   Kerry has been described as one of the best guitar players in the world and his slide playing is unquestionably near the top of of them all. He has shared the stage with the likes of Allman Brothers and BB King and played everywhere from Memphis to Westbury Music Fair. He generously gives his time to uncountable LI events and causes and he plays regularly in places near you.  Go hear Kerry Kearney Band and you'll love his latest cd, Ghosts of the Psychedelta.
   As for the coming weekend there are lots of great events not the least of which is the "Banding Together" Benefit taking place at various venues and each one has a cast of excellent performers supporting a worthy cause. (kids).
   Get your bad selves out there for some live music, people and thanks for stopping by.
bill
  
  

April 17

    A non committal spring has been losing the battle to a stubborn winter and that's an apt metaphor for the stages that have been defining life for me lately. While there are some signs of optimism in the economy it has been a different world in recent years and this life as self-employed is hard to hold onto. I am perpetually optimistic by nature but even that deep well feels finite sometimes. 
   Something drives me. It's "the force" I believe but it's also a wonderful daughter, a basic family structure,  some good friends and music.  I plug in my iPod at night and am taken away by some sublime artists like Miles and Ronnie Earl and Jimi and sometimes even some old  cd's by Patty Griffin and Jackson Browne and Van Morrison. That stuff saves me.
    I also have the pleasure of live music and that brings me back to talking about some recent experiences.
   Last weekend I caught a whole show of Bodhi Infusion at The West Palm Saloon in E Northport. I love hearing new stuff and new artists and this was a fresh experience.
   Aleshia Sohn (lead vocals) heads a real good cast with Ron Rahilly (guitar), Frank Bisceglia (bass) Gary Q (keys) and George Vahamonde (drums).
   The set list is eclectic and definietly bluesy. (Ana Popovic, Tommy Castro, Grace Potter). Aleshia Sohn extends a good set of pipes with heart and you can see she and the band have put in the work. Rahilly's guitar can carry some of the tunes alone and so can the keys. The rhythm is all good and the collaboration is solid and entertaining!
   West Palm Saloon on Larkfield Rd. is a good size room as far as local blues bars go with an ample size stage area. They have a nice staff and it was a nice atmosphere with the right demographics of over 30 types. As new venues book more music and gain attention the crowds will grow especially if they book (and pay) quality stuff like Bodhi Infusion.
    The coming week has a full slate with some great  multi-band events. Check out some live music and thanks for keeping me posted those who do.
bill


April  7

   While my motivation for this website was and is blues I have covered most live music for the over-30 crowd since inception and I enjoy having a variety. It garners a bigger audience and it offers a variety of people and flavors for my entertainment.    To be honest I have a hard time keeping up with metal/rock more than most because I know the least about it and I have no volunteers sending me relevant gig information. For folk, jazz, rock and blues I am fortunate to have people sending me fairly regular e-mails with events and updates. I do my homework every Monday night but I do appreciate the help from those helping me in the "other" genre's. 
   Forgive me for not providing elaborate detail of events. Not only does that take a lot of time to post but I don't get all the information I would like and looking for it is time prohibitive. I am not getting paid for this and I have a full time job trying to pay my rent with cabinetry and woodwork.
   Feel free to send me gig information (bill@billfoolery.com) and corrections but please understand if I occasionally overlook the e-mail or mis-state something. 
   I am in the process of adding some advertising to the site in order to do more with it. If you have a company, venue or event that you would like to advertise I am open to posting links or posters. I am saving the relevant space for paying spots.  If I can generate some more income from the site I can advertise it more and get more people here to see the calendar and, hence, attend the events. Feel free to inquire.
   As for music "reviews" I have not been out much lately. I caught Scott Ross, Al Levi, Bill Wagner and friends one night recently with Chrissie O'Dell doing some vocals. That was a fun impromptu event but I have not had time for much else. I will be getting out this week for sure.
   Check out the calendar and take in some live music!
   Thanks.
bill
   



 March 12

   It's rare that I get to travel these days but in the last month I spent a few weeks on the left coast doing some work and trying to fit in some R&R in LA and in Las Vegas.
   I spent a good chunk of time out there in the 90's and there are lots of things I missed like the weather and the sense of freedom I felt when I first moved there and maintained after enjoying some prosperity and other cathartic life events.
   On my recent trip I made some time for some music and was lucky enough to catch Robben Ford who happens to be playing this week, here at The Boulton Center, Bay Shore. For a blues fan Robben Ford is a cool show with some different writing and excellent guitar and instrumental accompaniment. I would call his blues style sort of folksy with more musical, vocal and lyrical complexity. Entertaining on many levels. 
  I also checked out a place called the Baked Potato where some of the best in LA go to jam and play (jazz and blues). I happened to catch Dean Brown Band who come from Long Bch, LI and who highlight the Long Bch Jazz Festival every summer. Great show and excellent players!
   On the local front I have had a few chances to hear some music recently. I caught the Wall Street Jumpers with John Judd, Durand Daniels and Ponytail Mike at Big Daddy's, Massapequa. 
   I've also attended a few jams but it's not as easy getting out these days. There's a good new jam on Tuesday nights in Port Washington with Mark Mancini, Felix Cabrera, Mike Nugent and Ian Petillo. That's a good one but Tuesday nights in PW hasn't happened yet. I have caught the Thursday night at Callahans and thats been good.
   Speaking of which, Curt Arnel with his band Off the Record (Rob Jack, Glen Goldman and Steve Leighton) recently won a battle of the bands sponsored by Gotham Networking Group in Queens, The boys won a gig at Cafe Wha and some cash. Nice job fellas!
   There's some good stuff this weekend as always. King Cobras are rockin on Friday night and for Saturday a few good options are Schroeders Ghost is in Franklin Square and Lex Grey at Carmody's.. 
   Check out those or something else in the field of quality live music. It's all over the place.
   Thanks for checking in and keep on keeping me posted.
bill
   
   
   

Jan 23
  
   Since I haven't had a lot of time to post here I have quite a few nights out to tell you about. I do this exercise as a way to generate interest in the live music scene. It's something I've become fond of as a means of social networking (live) and artistic enjoyment. In times of economic challenges there is a lot to be enjoyed locally that is every bit as good as what you can buy commercially and a lot easier to access.
   I got out on a Thursday night since my last post and after a stop at Wickers for Al Cardillo and friends for some fun jazz I got called to join some friends at Callahans for the Curt Arnel jam. The turnout that night at Callahans in E Meadow was good as usual but I caught a particularly good set with a cast that included Dave Patrick on bass, Sweet Suzi on vocals of course, John Judd and Steve Farella on guitars. I'm pretty sure it was Curt A on drums and Fred P on keys.That's a great cast for some blues and they blew the roof off with a couple of numbers.  That jam has been getting consistently good casts of players and people.
    Speaking of which I also caught a Joe Vicino jam at Sunset Grill last week and that's another quality jam. Mr.'s Judd and Farella happened to be at that one as well (a week later) and with Joe V its an incredible guitar event. There's always a nice group of players and people and the wings at Sunset Grill are exceptional!
    When I can't get to Seaford I stop in at Horace & Sylvia's in Babylon for the Wednesday night jazz jam with Open Mind which includes Dave Pellegrino and Andy Ahr with a great cast! That's a nice room with lounge chairs and a fireplace and a great menu. The jazz is top notch!
    Last weekend (1/18 and 19) I got lucky and attended a few excellent events.
   JT Swan plays the Grill Room on many a Saturday night and last week he was joined by Gail Storm for a really nice night of jazz, blues and some standards. Joseph Swan is a seasoned guitar guy specializing in many genre's not the least of which is jazz. Gail Storm spices that up with dynamic vocals and piano playing.
   This week I was invited to sit in for Long Island Blues Warehouse taping at EKO studios. Mark Klein puts together an entertaining showcase and interview program every week (airs Sunday night. LIBlues.com  8pm). You can also check out his vast archive of programs on the website. This week the guests were Bodhi Infusion, a new collaboration with Aleshia Sohn, Ron Rahilly, Frank Bisceglia, George Vahamonde and Gary Q doing contemporary "power" blues . I enjoyed the show and some eclectic music and fun personalities.  You can also hear Bodhi Infusion at Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse in Huntington this Thursday night.
   The coming weekend has some great stuff including Kerry Kearney's Gathering of the Slides, an annual concert with Kerry (as good as it gets on slide guitar) and always a great cast. Check out the calendar.
   Ms. Franny Mae is making a comeback and reunion appearance with Joseph (Felicetta) at Bobbiques and frankly there's so much more. Citizen Cope is in town and Sunday night features Jazzaphonic with Frank Bellucci and a great cast performing some of that cool jazz like Miles used to do.
   That's enough for now. Thanks for checking in and keep on doing the live thing!
bill
   
   
 
 Jan 8    
   Happy New Year music fans!  
   I for one am optimistic about 2013 as last year was a rough one. It can only get better and it will!
   Musically I still search for blues and jazz gigs.  These are not the most popular genre's.  My best guess is that people are distracted by television and ideals of wealth and material success while the act of sitting and listening to live musicians must seem too idle or lacking some greater benefit.  Perhaps a reason it is called blues is because it requires being in the moment... a scary thing for many! They may find that life is about today and the journey rather than the goal and it could be sobering but that's not so bad sometimes.  It lowers the rpm... for me.
    I am also optimistic about some of the local talent of late.  I mentioned here fairly recently a band called The Last Internationale. They are a "blues/boots"/rock trio with all kinds of talent and a year of touring europe behind them now. I saw them at 89 North recently and they had some great moments. Edgey on guitar was just screaming monster riffs down on one knee while Delila was backing that up with dreamy vocals and "the Elephant" was a sublime presence on drums.  The crowd that remained after a cool Popa Chubby show (with Frank Latorre) seemed as enthralled as I was. I look forward to lots more of those young bluesicians and more shows at 89 North... a venue developing a following for it's many excellent qualities.
   There's been more recently. I  happened on The Singing Websters at Ziggy's in Massapequa. The Websters are a rock-a-billy band who have been around since the days of My Fathers Place and they put on a great show. The cast which includes Joe Kmiotek, Steve Garcia, Bob Boto and Andrew Harris were joined by guests Big Daddy Deluxe, Johnny Cola and BA Fagerland.  Good time there!
   I haven't had a lot of other weekend opportunities but I have visited a Sunday night jam or two at Brickhouse Brewery in Patchogue.  Jim Kolmans jam gets a good cast of players and a nice crowd for a fun Sunday night. The cast often includes guest Bobby Rondinelli on drums and other talented locals like Tru Doty, Jay Sharkey and young guitar gun Jesse Berlin with Justin Time (no kiddin). That Berlin kid can play! The whole jam can get it goin!
   So here we go.  2013!  Strap on your sturdiest shoes and make it a good year. It's gonna take effort but it will be done.
   Thanks for stopping by and keep me posted (bill@billfoolery.com).
bill
  
   
   
   
   

Dec 11
   It's hard to talk about live music when I can't get out for much of it. I'll try not to bitch about missing the Benefit for Hurricane Sandy relief at 89 North with Roger Earl and all kinds of cool rockers or the show at Sunset Grill with The Electrix and Andy Aledort. 
   Even for a guy who prefers blues there have been lots of good shows lately and more coming up in the coming weeks.  I will get out when I can, post something when I can and probably keep on bitching when I can't.
   Due to limited resources and opportunity I have been keeping it local. I try to get out on Wednesday nights but that's been affected as well. I like the Joe Vicino jam when I can but with late evenings of work and chores I have ended up stopping for a tune or two at Horace & Sylvia's in Babylon. The jazz jam now features bass player Dave Pellegrino with Andy Ahr and a good cast of young jazz guys.
   I have had a few occasions for Thursday night escapes and there are some good ones. Al Cardillo has a fun group jamming at Wickers in Hicksville. He gets a good group of players including Frank Bellucci and Dominick Dunne not to mention a bevy of singers.
   Of course there is also the Curt Arnel jam at Callahans in E Meadow which is a great time and gets some good blues characters (as well as a big rock crowd). Brother Dave was there last week as was Jeannie B (vox with SmokinGun) and the Blue Matter guys, Ray and Artie.
   Speaking of blues, which I try to do as often as possible, I caught Schroeders Ghost at The Viking recently.  Pam Dixon and the boys perform an eclectic array including blues, rock, a little ska and they do it with flair. Pam Dixon is a charismatic performer with a great voice and dynamic delivery... an excellent lead with a multi-faceted group. And The Viking is a favorite place with a nice staff, plenty of seating and some tasty wings!
   Thanks for the blog support I have been hearing from a few folks. I don't have a lot of the features I used to have here like the playlist but I am working on getting that back and more. I have had a tough year but I'm glad to still have the calendar going and glad to have the music around. It's a valuable source of ... a lot of things. Keep live music alive!
bill



Nov 14
   It's been a month of many things other than music. Hurricane Sandy devastated our area and so many people's lives. We thought we couldn't see that kind of destruction to our modern society with the weather warning systems and modern construction and generations of underwhelming storms with lesser contributing factors. Yet it happened and we realize we are vulnerable and dependent on our conveniences and even on each other. There must be a few lessons in there and at least a new appreciation for the love of neighbor (at least most neighbors !)
   Keep an eye out for the many benefit events coming up and attend if you can of course. Our friends in Long Beach and surrounding areas were hit hard and they will need our help as well as shore areas all the way out to suffolk; Mastic and other areas.
    Many in the reach of Billfoolery are musicians who are living lean lives to start with and this is overwhelming. Let's do what we can.
   Before and since the weeks of hardship I was able to get out for some much needed music and companionship.
   The talented alternative blues and rock band, Last Internationale, made a few appearances after returning from a hugely successful European tour. I caught Delilah and company at The Pool House in Bellmore. The young, attractive and talented group pulls off some gritty old blues tunes with a retro vocal sound (Delilah)  as well as rock and alternative numbers from any decade you choose... as well as some originals. They give blues a kick into the future and I look forward to their upcoming cd and their future beyond that.
   On the day before  Sandy arrived I enjoyed a day with LI Blues Society and the fundraiser for the winners of the IBC, Frune and Frank Latorre. 
   Frune is an eclectic New Orleans sounding collaboration with Tommy Keys, Frank Celenza and a cast with trumpet, guitar and percussion. They make a fun full sound and add a welcome dose of flavor to the local mix.
   Frank Latorre always brings genuine stuff as well with his renowned harmonica and guitar chops. The event was also blessed with an appearance by Chrissie O'Dell and One Hot Mess, some members of which came down from upstate just to take part and were blown home with the help of Sandy just in time.  
   Maples in Manorville was a cozy setting for that event and the shroud of the pending storm created a unique ambiance for the late afternoon event. Sometimes it's the unforseen elements that contribute the most distinctiive impressions.
   I was also glad to find a new jam in Bay Shore (my home town) with Steve Interrante and friends (Nutty Irishman, Tuesdays 8:30).
   I checked it out last night and was thrilled to see such a great hosting cast that included Mr. Steve on sax, Carl Roa and guitar, Tru Doty on keys, Jay Sharkey on drums and some great players joining them. Diane McArdle sparkled the place with some gorgeous numbers as did a cast of others. That's a great room, excellent sound, awesome wings and a nice host and atmosphere. 
   Thanks for coming back here after a few weeks of no internet. I try to do more with this but times are tough. I will keep the calendar going even when I don't have time for anything else but I will get back to regular posting and an active playlist as time and resources allow.
bill
 


   Thurs. Oct 4
    I have been lucky enough lately to take in some excellent local live music. There is a lot to see from rock to blues to jazz and some great folk and country. I am often drawn to attend shows with friends so I am prone to see some bands more frequently but when I am exploring alone I try to visit new music and places and some that I have not seen in a while.
   I attended the "Almost Last Waltz" which was a tribute to Jerry Schaefer of Graveyard Blues on WRCN radio. The radio station had threatened to cut the show from their schedule and the entire Long Island blues community responded in a matter of hours to show support for Jerry and the work he does supporting the blues.
   The line-up at 89 North in Patchogue included Todd Wolfe, Kerry Kearney, Toby Walker, Joe Vicino, Pam Betti, SmokinGun Band, Phil Varca, Frank Latorre, Memphis Crawl, Curdoroy Sky... and more.
    Catching any one of those is a great show. To spend a day at a great venue and see/hear all of them was a rare treat.
   Jerry, who I recently had the pleasure to meet, is one of the nicest guys and best supporter of blues  you will find. It was a great cause (including the fact that it was a benefit for Make-A-Wish Foundation) and a really fun day.
   I have actually had a good number of nights out, albeit short visits so I have a lot to mention. When I get a weekend night I try to catch a few shows.
   In case you haven't noticed Patchogue is becoming a beehive of entertainment on weekend nights. Brickhouse Brewery always has a good crowd, Bobbique's hosts some of the best blues acts on Long Island, 89 North is one of the best music rooms you will ever find and The Emporium has had lines of young music fans circling the block and all of the the venues are practically in screaming distance.
   I caught a set of Lex Grey & The Urban Pioneers at Bobbique's recently and in a packed room caught glimpses of Lex and Co. tearing down the house. Lex Grey has been wowing blues fans from upstate NY to Washington DC for longer than I have been back in the area and she still delivers that rock-n-roll rebel, blues-vixen performance that captivates me every time.
   After a set of all that I had time to meet some friends at Madisons Martini Bar in Northport for Pam Betti Band.  Pam Betti is a force of mother nature who doesn't know how to have  a bad time. With John Haseth on lead guitar I enjoyed  a set of blues and rock, guitar and vocals.
   As the weekend approaches take a look at the calender and get your hard working asses out for some live music. There's some great stuff on the calendar.
   Cloud William is someone you have to hear. SmokinGun at Callahans is a fun night. SNAP is a good time and gets people dancing. Dog House Blues Band puts on a good show, Sweet Suzi is on the calendar. There's a folk festival at Heckscher Park in Huntington with some great acts... just a few suggestions.
   Thanks for stopping bye.
bill
  
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   My favorite time of year approaches. The sweltering weather seems to be behind us. Busier business season approaches (hopefully) and there are some excellent festivals on tap.
   This weekend (Sept 21 and 22) there is the Long Beach Jazz Festival and the Cedar Beach Blues Festival.
   Last year one of my favorite shows was the Dean Brown Band at Long Beach. Dean Brown (contemporary jazz guitar) with the likes of Schuyler Deale, Gerry Etkins and Marvin Smith to name a few are a "global fusion" contemporary jazz, funk, samba and Latin influenced band and they put on an amazing show. They will be back this year along with a full roster and a great variety of jazz artists. Check out the link and the schedule on the Calendar page.
   The Cedar Beach Blues Festival in Mt. Sinai offers a full roster of some of the best blues and other artists from Long Island. It's a popular event in a nice setting and I am going to try and get to both. It's too bad they are on the same weekend. That link and schedule are also here on the Calendar page.
    In the past few weeks I only had a few occasions to get out locally.
   I finally got a Thursday night so I visited Curt Arnel's jam at Callahans in E Meadow. Curt runs a great jam with a nice mix of players and a great atmosphere. I was treated to some great blues (thanks Glen), some crooning by Mr Tim Smith and a bevy of guitar slingers. Good ones.
   For the suffolk crowd there is a new jam starting this Thursday night. The Blue Matter boys are kicking off a new jam at The High Note in Amity. Blue Matter with Ray Wade, Arty Panico and joined by Poppa G on bass bring a friendly crowd of blues and rock players and with Poppa G (Glen Palermo) it could fuse into some jazz and funk. Check that one out as well.
   Since Babylon is so close to me I caught a quick tune or two last week at Andy Ahr's jazz jam at Horace and Sylvia's (Wed nights). It's an excellent young jazz group and a nice crowd. Nice room too!
   I spent last Sunday at the LI Blues Society's IBC (blues competition). It was a full day with some great stuff by Motu, Frank Latorre, Jim Kolman's Josey Wales Band, Bob Petrocelli Band, Brother Dave and the Brave and Frune with Frank Celenza with Tommy Keys and a huge cast.
   The winners were Frank Latorre (solo) and Frune (band). They will be performing in Memphis in a few months so get out and support them at the various fundraisers that will be taking place.
   Keep getting out there and supporting live music and the blues! Check out Jerry Schaefers , Graveyard Blues on WRCN (see schedule) and Mark Klein's Blues Warehouse to hear up close and personal pieces with local and national artists.
  Thanks for checking in.
bill



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    I wish I could say it was a good summer. The weather wasn't bad. I did a little traveling. But it was one of the hardest times I have had in many years.  A slow economy  and business cycle came during a summer when I had numerous losses befall me and my family.  I also had to try and stay up for my daughter who began college last month and that was demanding. There were some tough/dark moments and consequently I was not able to get out much or even manage a social life. It was a real test of patience.
   I got through it, miraculously, and my daughter is safe and studying hard in North Carolina and my life now has an entirely new outlook. I must now change gears from single father with more than half a mind spent on my child and home to a single man with at least a third of my life ahead of me and a clear road to... wherever!
   During that time I also had to change web hosts and I had to start almost from scratch in bringing back this site. I had realized a severe spike in traffic (bandwidth usage) a few months ago and I was served with a massive bill for sudden expansion of usage. It turns out the excess usage was the product of hacking of my music files from asia among other places and my protests fell on deaf ears, so... I had to say good-bye to Earthlink. Good riddance to them! I also found that there are no more places to build and post a music playlist like the one I had...even if I use my own (local) music. I will be searching for ways to bring that back.
   I also decided to try and commercialize the site so I can pay for some high profile advertising and, hence, offer more traffic and exposure for the calendar and music scene here on Long Island. The local music scene seems to be depressed as venues are having trouble paying bands and people are not finding a lot of choices.
   I am offering ad spots for any interests that would benefit from this demographic. I will hit the road (or internet highway) and seek out some more sponsors. I am also planning a concert (blues of course) to raise money for advertising.
   The monthly expense of hosting a site is not great but the expense of advertising and growing it is considerable. The benefits would be great. I look forward to having the kind of traffic that will ensure an increase in interest in the local music scene.
   In the few weeks since I have been more free to get out I took in some good local music. I caught a few jams like Joe Vicino's Wednesday night at Sunset Grill. Joe always delivers quality music and blues and his band and guests were a good mix. I enjoyed Rob Jack and Rich Lanahan to name a few.
  I also enjoyed a night at Jim Kolman's Sunday jam at Brickhouse Brewery in Patchogue. That has been a busy night with an eclectic roster of players including Kenny Forgione! It was a treat to see Mr. Ken doing his acoustic rock thing for an appreciative suffolk audience.
   I had some time on Saturday night to catch some jazz at Tap & Barrell in Smithtown. Skip Scott Trio featured Skip on drums, Dominick Duval on bass and Tim Salerno on guitar. The trio are skilled veterans performing smooth jazz. It was a nice low key show which lends itself to a more sociable evening without having to scream over an over-amped band. The Tap & Barrell is a nice size room for a three or four piece in an intimate setting. There are no obstructions to seeing the band and it's in a good location at the corner of Rte 111 and 347.
   One other show I slipped in last week was Scott Ross and Blue Ruin at Giacomo Jacks. Scott performs blues and jazz with ease and I have to say it was a pleasure hearing blues guitar without the excessive volume and without the same five tunes I hear so often. Blue Ruin offers a more sophisticated product and for the right venue and crowd it's a great show.
   I look forward to getting out more and checking out the venues and bands I haven't seen yet. There are some good shows coming up. Check something out and bring a friend.
   And thanks for checking in.
bill
   
  
  
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   It's been a full month of trials and tribulations with my website and with life but  BiLLfOoLeRy goes on and apparently so do I.
   With the challenges I managed only a few nights of music but they were good ones.
   I have had only one Wednesday night recently and a few friends were joining John Judd at the High Note in Amity for his new jam so I headed there. It was only the second night but the attendance wasn't bad. John was joined by Charlie Craig and a few unfamiliar but excellent drummers. Some guests included Sterling Sax, Johnny Cola and John Aggeson not to mention a few good local singers. Judd was crazy good on guitar as is usually the case. Sterling Sax lit up the stage and Johnny Cola and John Aggeson (half of Atomic Red Hots) also put a jolt in the crowd.
   With Joe Vicino in Seaford on Wednesday nights I will have to try and share my time with those and a few others like Don Celenza. It seems Wednesday nights are smokin guitar nights.
   Saturday, August 4th I caught a new hot band at the Blue Parrot in Massapequa; Rickity.  The cast of the rock band is Teddy Rondinelli, Randy Pratt, Perrita Kitson and Paul Gifford. They were all pretty amazing. I'm more of a blues guy but I know Perrita's chops and I've heard Teddy Rondinelli at Katies in Smithtown on a few Tuesday nights. When I heard they were teaming up with a great cast I was curious. It was at least half originals and a few covers but between Perrita's soulful vocals and TR's passionate guitar the power was formidable. It was a riveting show. I'm sure you will be hearing more good things about them.
   I've been posting and hearing a lot (lot lot) from 89 North, the cool new venue in Patchogue. They have a good, full roster of live music every week and it just adds to the attraction of Patchogue which already has a handful of excellent live music venues (Bobbique's, Brickhouse and numerous summer locales). Last weekend (8/11) I headed to 89 North for Big Brother and the Holding Co with a guest appearance by Kerry Kearney.
   BB&HC features Sam Andrew (guitar and vocals),Ben Nieves (guitar), Peter Albin  (bass), David Getz (drums) and lead vocals by Lynn Asher who gives the Janis Joplin role a nice shiny edge. With a difficult job of covering the over-covered she delivered the sincerity of original performance in iconic roles with a nice biting tone. They even breathed life into Bobby McGee!
   Another equally entertaining aspect of the show was the set with Kerry Kearney. KK started on the side adding some blues flavor but when he broke into some slide and deeper blues riffs he was pulled to the center of the stage and with an encouraging cast proceeded to turn Big Brother & The Holding Co into an ass kickin blues band. Kerry was inspiring!  I know and love his laid back and original guitar story-telling style but hearing him kick into high gear was an adrenaline rush. 
   I feel blessed to had had such good experiences in the few times I've had to get out recently. I expect to get out more soon though so please keep on keeping me posted and thanks for stopping by.
bill

BiLLfOoLeRy is on the list. Scroll down (far) and it's there.          Enjoy the read!