Gradually I am getting my old self back. Winters are tough around here and every year I get something in the way of a cold or flu. This year it was a two month cough that got me down. I didn't feel like doing anything, going anywhere, seeing anyone...   The cloud is lifting and I hope to get out for some blues and jazz and rock and other forms of live music.
   Lately I have been to a few private party's with some fine musicians and friends. It was an excellent evening recently with Mr. Billy Quinn and Tommy T-Bone and friends who all entertained a nice group of folks. It just so happens T-Bone and Mr. Bill are headed to Memphis very soon for the IBC as Long Island's (Long Island Blues Society) duo entry. The pair make some clever and entertaining music with Bill Quinn and keys and T-Bone on guitar and vocals..
   The band entry this year is Gary Sellers Band. Gary Sellers was a Sam Taylor student and he learned well. His blues guitar is distinctive and seamless instrumental storytelling along with solid vocals and some lively original music. Get out and see them and support their efforts.
   I also had a rare Thursday opportunity so I ran out to Ed the Hat's jam at Pete's Place in Bohemia. Ed is joined by Jim Moran on occasion and JD Leonard. With an amazing list of guests including Shinya Myamoto, Bobby Rondinelli, Don Moffat and many more it was a great night of music and comedy. Moran and Ed the Hat are a hysterical team of hosts. It's a good vibe and with that talent participants can perform anything they ask for.
   As for weekend entertainment this coming week has something for everyone. Kerry Kearney's Gathering of the Slides is in it's 10th year. The show is at the historic Vail Lavitt Music Hall and with Bennett Harris and Chris English it is sure to be an amazing show of blues (slide) guitar.
   There's a rockabilly extravaganza, That 70's Band 7th Anniversary party/show, and appearances by some of Long Islands best blues acts, King Cobras, Andy Aledort.  For jazz lovers Ian Petillo has shows at least two nights a week with some of the best musicians on Long Island as does Al Cardillo.
   I'm looking forward to catching some of that. 
   I have heard from a few people recently that my playlist is getting stale. I have to apologize! My webhosting service changed the whole system recently and I can no longer upload my own songs to the playlist library. I am now restricted to those on the playlist' website. I am working on changing the service that provides me the playlist so please be patient.
   I would also like to invite bands in the "over 30, Nassau/Suffolk" categories to send me band and artist bios. I will post them either here in posts or list them on another page. I just don't have the time to gather them myself. Maybe someday.
   Thanks for the input and thanks for checking out my site.
bill

   Even though I haven't quite kicked this chest cold I have been able to get out a few times in the past week.
   I stopped in at Joe Vicino's jam last week (12/28) and caught Andy Aledort and Mike Dimeo along with the excellent cast of regular players. The Wed. night jam at Sunset Grill is a good bet these days if you like your rock peppered with blues or vice versa.
   The New Years eve weekend had lots of good shows. I only felt up to going out on Friday night so I caught an appearance by the Blue Roots at Velvet Lounge in Setauket.
   The Blue Roots consist of Paul Bassi (bass), Scott Miccichi (harp), the one and only Mark Mancini (keys), Chris Candida (drums) and last but not least the smooth and talented Carlos DeJesus on guitar and vocals. The set list includes some covers of both popular and obscure tunes including Allman Bros, Hank Williams as well as originals. The performances are tight and it's a show that delivers a good mix of blues and tasteful blues inspired rock. 
   The Velvet Lounge is a great room with friendly help and good food served all night. It was a nice night. Check out both the band and the venue when you get a chance.
   This past Wed. night I decided to try (again) a jazz jam in nearby Babylon at Horace & Sylvia's Rest. I stopped by a few times but often the place is packed and seats are not to be found. I caught it on a sane night and got a place to sit and take in an excellent cast of young jazz guys; Andy Ahr on guitar, Chris Norris on sax, Vincent Loccasiano on keys, Chris Covais on vibes and Higo Lopez on drume. The ensemble was also joined by Giovanni (Mari) Von Essen for a few numbers and it was a nice night in a nice room. Check that out too.
   Even being a cold winter month the calendar is full of good stuff. Keep supporting live music and get to a show or two this week. It's a great way to pass the winter months and rub elbows with some good people.
   Thanks for checking in and keep on keeping me posted.
bill
  

   It's hard to believe how fast the holiday season approached not to mention how fast the year went. By recent personal standards it was a fairly tame year. That's a good thing! I have had too much on my plate at times in recent years and too much drama as many of us have. It's nice to have some boring times for a change. That has meant less time for music however. I have had a chest cold for weeks and weeks. I have spent so much time at home I am getting used to it. I have not felt like doing the traveling and I have fallen out of touch to a degree.
   One of my New Years resolutions is to achieve better health. With a growing cabinetry and furniture business I am not sure if I can manage growth of Billfoolery.com. I expect to maintain the calendar for a while because I enjoy having it for my own purposes and I realize there is a shortage of coverage of the local music scene. I know someone with more expertise could do more with a blog like this so if anyone has any ideas I am all ear.
   For the final weekend of the year there are some good shows to celebrate the end of what has been a tough year for many and the hope for a new year with better opportunities.
   Friday night the Blue Roots with Carlos DeJesus and Paul Bassi, Mark Mancini, Chris Candida and and Scott Miccichi play the Velvet Lounge in Setauket among many other good shows.
   Saturday night Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers will be bringing in the New Year at Bobbique's in Patchogue. Ms. Grey puts on a ballsy show with a talented cast. There's a full slate on both nights so check out the calendar and celebrate with live music. There's nothing better than the vibe of good live music in room full of people.
   Happy New Year! We deserve it.
bill

   Seasons Greetings live music fans! I hope you are enjoying the holiday atmosphere. I seem to have a cough from hell and I am trying to ignore it and go on as usual. Because of this pain-in-the-ass condition my nightlife episodes have been severely limited. I got out on Saturday at about 11 after waking from a cough syrup induced snooze and felt like taking in some music.
   I headed to Giacomo Jacks for Sweet Suzi & Sugafixx.  Suzi's new gang (formerly The Curbdogs John Puglisi and John Pagano and drummer Ronnie Sciascia) bring more of a rock sound than Suzi's former collaborations but these days Suzi is as soulful and "bluesy" sounding as ever. Sugafixx is a high-energy and talented rock bunch and Suzi's bountiful experience brings it all to some real highs. It was bluesy rock with soul and amazing vocals of course.  I didn't last long but I got a Fixx and it was nice to get out. 
   The holiday schedule is sparse but Friday has a good roster of shows. Tough to choose especially when I"m so hungry for music.
   I hope you all enjoy your holidays. I will try to get out more and keep the conversation going.
   Thanks for checking in.
bill
   
  

  Still sick and it's making me crazy! I will be getting out soon hopefully but I still look at the calendar and the goings-on and I see so many good shows out there.
   This weekend (9th to 11th) I'd like to be able to get to one of my old favotites, Smoking Gun Band with the dynamic guitar playing of Bill Marino and Jeannie B's gritty vocals, or perhaps JD Leonard Band with Karen Kateridge and Jim Moran, another fierce guitar guy... just to mention a few of Friday nights shows.
    Saturday night features Buttered Soul with Craig Hopping's powerful vocals with Bobby Rondinelli on drums and guest Jim Moran on guitar. Talk about a talented cast! The Welldiggers with Rich Lanahan playing well paced country and rock mix are having a cd release party. Thats a good one to catch if you haven't already.
   Sunday the LI Blues Society is having their annual Christmas party at Brickhouse Brewery ($5 for non members) with Danny Kean & Friends (Don Celenza and Phil Bloos) from 4 to 8. I'm hoping I'm able to get to that one, damn, I hope I get to something this weekend!
   Also check out some of the great Benefit events which always have great music and a good time.
   Sorry I haven't had more to share lately but I have been under the weather and plum tired as soon as I hit the chair after dinner.
   I hope ya'll have a fun weekend and I really hope to see you out there soon.
   Happy Holidays!
bill

   I have not posted in over a week because I have not been out. Flu season is upon us and I got it good like I get it every year it seems. Maybe I will try a flu shot next season. It only takes 50 some-odd years to learn a lesson. Geesh.
   In lieu of going out for music and company I have been tortured by TV and no good books to read right now.
   The Republican nomination process has been entertaining and while I consider myself a true moderate these days (I seek a balance or divided government as neither party shows they deserve to own the process). The field of nominees seems to be getting weeded out by a natural process as the debates showed depth on very few candidates and balance and wisdom in even fewer.  I am deciding if I like Gingrich. He seems to have the experience and ability required but I have yet to decide of he has correct answers. Ron Paul has answers but if he ever gets taken out of his game plan I am not sure he has any alternative ideas other than rash isolationism and austerity. He is certainly no phony however and he adds a lot to the spectrum. Romney seems like a good candidate but I'm not sure he'd be much of a president.
   As for the Dems, I wish there could be other options. Not because I don't like the man, O'Bama, but he is not playing well with others and his moves so far have not exactly instilled confidence in many people other than the blind followers which are frustrating in both party's.
   We seriously need less party fanfare and more discussion of some of the troubling issues. What would happen if someone showed up with an unfamiliar party name and had good ideas for five main issues, a sane health care plan, limited pro-choice, flat tax, tort reform, moderate defense cuts and how about easing the political correctness required for candidates ? What ever happened to learning from mistakes? Is anyone perfect and do we trust anyone who appears to be?
   The middle ground doesn't seem that hard to find. Does it?
   These are just some observations from someone who needs to get out for some music and watch less tv because I am not hearing much in the way of balance or sanity on any of the TV channels, political or otherwise.
   I hope to get out this weekend. There are some great shows, Lex Grey is in town. There are some benefits for Breast Cancer; check out Bartini's on Saturday. And another good looking benefit show for Toys 4 Tots with Joe Vicino and Friends at Sunset Grill on Sunday.
   Thanks for allowing some political discussion. I know it's a hot topic but it can be discussed if we step out of our party's and take it an issue at a time.
   Happy Holiday shopping ya'll and get yourself a flu shot!!
bill

   It's fun when I get to talk about a band like the one I heard last Saturday night. I hear about new people and places from many sources; friends, e-mails, newspapers (Good Times Mag) , magazines (Elmore, Blues Revue), ReverbNation and facebook of course.
   I heard about Last Internationale from Elaine Duvall, someone I love calling a friend. Elaine has been talking about the young blues, alt.rock band for over a year now and I caught them once before. Sometimes first impressions are not accurate.The first time I heard Last Internationale with Delilah and Edgey was at the Pool House in Bellmore and they didn;t have their regular cast and the place was noisy and uncomfortable that night. This time we caught them at a new place (for me); Black Sheep Ale House in Mineola.
   The place was not distracting in any way, except for the strange guy who tried to seat my female friend right next to him ignoring me and the others. That was a little wierd.
   We took a table, sans the aforementioned creep, right in front and I was able to concentrate on the amazing and talented Delila; lead singer and also filling in on bass. On guitar was Edgey and he too has some chops using both rhythm and lead combinations and roles.
   Delila's vocals are as strong as you could want with perfect clarity and pitch and an edginess (no pun intended) that her range handled with ease. She easily reached some rock and roll highs and some low earthy blues. I was stunned to hear such standard blues sounds coming from a hot, young artist but it was all there.
   Guest guitarist Rich Lanahan sat in for a few numbers. The set list included some Johnny Cash and other folksy stuff and Lanahan was a perfect complement. Edgey with a sharp rhythm and Lanahan adding some country-folk lead filled out the ensemble for a a few truly euphonic (and euphoric) moments. Last Internationale left the next day for a eurpoean tour and I have little doubt it is just the beginning for them/her.
   My other stops for the week included a Wednesday night visit to Joe Vicino's jam which as usual had a great cast of guitar and other players including John Judd, Steve Farella, Guy Daniels, Rich Lanahan, Rob Jack (bass and vox) and many more.
   Speaking of John Judd (again) I caught the JD Blues Band (John and Durand Daniels with Ralph Santiago and Johnny Pizza) at Giacomo Jacks. The JD Blues guys put on an excelent blues guitar show with Judd streaming live with stunning displays of blues riffs.
   I had my share of blues last weekend and, no surprise, it was a good week!
   I give thanks this Thursday for that and for all the excellent live music around here and for good friends, an awesome daughter, family and life in general.
   I hope you all have an abundance of thanks to give and an enjoyable holiday!
bill

     It was a nice autumn night last Friday. I had a long day making sawdust and battling the southern state parkway while trying not to think about working Saturday.
   I made a dinner of leftovers and a salad and plunked myself in the big blue chair in anticipation of enjoyable entertainment on the tv for a change. That didn't last long. I channel surfed for an hour or two and after my hand cramped up and I ran out of curses I bolted out of the chair and stormed over to the computer to see if there was something going on that I didn't have to fill the gas tank to get to. I write the calendar on Monday and I edit every day but when it comes time to go out I have little recollection of what is going on out there.
   I had an old friend in Massapequa who hinted about going out last weekend so I decided on King Cobras at the R Bar, a new establishment on Merrick Rd.
   It was late-ish of course but the place had a nice crowd and the King Cobras were full throttle into their boppin blues thing. I was glad I didn't succomb to the big blue chair on a Friday night.
   I grabbed a stool, flagged down a double from the awesome Cara behind the bar and took in the entertainment I was jones'n for.
   Shane and the boys were showing off some of the stuff from their new cd, Corn Liquor Action. These guys are good! Their influences are all the Kings and everyone else with a blues name. It's shuffle and bop with some twang and some good writing. Never a dull moment with Mr. Shane at the helm and Tony and Steve bringing up the rear.
   So after trying my best with a genuine cutie (I was high on blues damnit!)and soaking up the King Cobras I headed east with some newfound ambition and stopped in on Stevie Cochran with Brian Carroll at the Corner Galley.
   That was a whole 'nother scene. It was a real "corner galley". The late nighters were all that was left but Stevie C and BC were obliging with some two-piece blues requests. Theirs was much more a metal and rock take but still some capable hands. It was a good last stop and a little closer to home.
   I finally surrendered at that point and went home for a good Friday night sleep.
   Another toilsome week beckons but there is always more music than work so I am inspired. Who knows where and when I will hear the call to wander Long Island this week Check the schedule and get some inspiration for your own selves.
   Thanks for being here.
bill
   
   
  

   Living in suburbia was a lot easier as a married person... for material and practical reasons. The challenges of managing details like bills, domestic and automotive upkeep, childrens education and health, etc are consuming and keeping up with the latest information and methods is harrowing when the stakes get magnified with all the modern media.
   For emotional reasons there are advantages to being single; not having an opposing agenda to contend with, not having another persons schedule to mind and not having any criticism is sometimes heady when I think back on certain times in the past.
   These are just some general observations but when I factor in the challenges of the economy I realize why lately I (we?) feel like I (we) have spent the day walking through molasses. I climb into bed with an appreciation for solitude and the opportunity to turn off the "machinery" and turn on some music. I would not know what to do without the whiskey voices of blues emanating from my iPod and soothing my wounds.
   This partly explains why music matters to me and live music not only provides the substance but it provides some emotion and people and faces to reflect on and relate to. It is a network of people living and sharing some similar and other experiences.  
   I hope to invite more people, single and attached, to take part and live a richer life among their fellow Long Islanders.
   Speaking of which... I had a few opportunities in the past week to visit some live music.
   Last Wednesday I stopped in at Donnie Celenza and Dave Patrick's jam at the new location, Mickey Mo's in Lynbrook. On the north side of Sunrise Highway the location is easy to find. The room is big and bright with good sightlines and a nice upscale feel.
   The cast also included Randy London on drums and some good guests including Mel "guitar" Williams and Rootman on harp... among others.
   It was a fun show. Don Celenza weilded his magic guitar and the busy jam had a fulltime buzz of blues and other good tunes. 
   Saturday I had a brief experience with a mercurial date and for a short time I enjoyed Kerry Kearney and Co at The Maples out in Manorville. The place is cozy, warm and there was an appreciative crowd for KK, Sly Geralds, Tony Campo and Mario Staiano... a fun bunch!
   Like I said it was a brief moment of weekend bliss but it's about quality not quantity and I got some good stuff last week.
   This week has a good slate of events including Friday night's Hearts Across America. Check out the list of venues taking part and support one of them... and catch a great show!
   Thanks for checking in.  I thank those who help me with information and who seem to appreciate the calendar and those who organize music and events. I have been dabbling a little and trying to place blues acts and it isn't easy! Have a great week.
   Enjoy.
bill

     In an effort to promote blues I have been getting involved in some booking recently. A few people and bands have asked me to help get them gigs and some I have offered to help because I want to generate market for the music I love and for the music scene in gereral.
    I have had mixed results.
    It will not be a full time endeavor and I will do what I can but I continue to take part in the music scene for altruistic purposes mainly. I have a worthy challenge keeping up with life as a single parent and that takes all of my resources.
   I had an experience recently that may be useful to share. In booking a gig at a club in Baldwin. I negotiated terms for payment with the gal who books Friday nights. We agreed (in numerous texts) on a full payment and a lesser payment in the event of them being disappointed. That was the term used. If they were "disappointed" the lesser payment was "x" and we both agreed and booked the gig.
   The show was a blast and there was a little more than a half-full room for about half the show and less for the rest. So after the show I acted as go between and was given $50 less than the agreed lower payment. The band showed up  based on my word that they would get a minimum of "x" amount. They got less. I guess I trusted the wrong person!
   I am putting my word on the line and that involves trust. There are repercussions when you do shit like that.  I guess she/they didn't care. I for one am never going to book there and won't be attending the venue until something changes there. I heard that others have had trouble booking there. Feel free to write or ask and I will be happy to t ell you who the shady party is.
   If anyone has anything useful to say about the matter please feel free. (Bill@billfoolery.com).
I will share responses.
   My musical escapes this week were few.  With a late start I stopped in at a Wednesday night jam; Joe Vicino at Sunset Grill. That was another quality turnout . 
   My weekend consisted of my "disappointing" night in Baldwin (albeit a great show) and that was it. I was otherwise  pre-occupied with life and other intrusions... not all bad.
   The current calendar has good stuff for the weekend but also numerous new mid-week jams. Weeknights are getting crazy. I hope I can figure out a way to get out more. A noteworthy venue recently is 841 Lounge (841 Jericho Tpke., Hunt) hosted by Rich Rivkin on Wednesday night this week. The show invloves live fine art coinciding with jazz fusion (Fusion Collective) and thats a nice room. Nice to see something different going on. 
   Check out the calendar and get your bad selves out for some live music, And thanks for stopping by.
bill

   Unlike the facebook experience your BiLLfOoLeRy.CoM experience will not include political propaganda. I do want to make one point however.
    I go on facebook to gather information for this website and to write to friends. It has become a form of US Mail and telephone service for personal communications. The use of facebook and other social media for the utterance of political views is so annoying I feel pain now when I try to read daily posts and have to sort through that crap. Most who post political opinion do so without any concern for the other sides view and don't tell me the other side doesn't matter. We are basically a two party system. The current set of laws is a result of two political views and those participants hammering out ideas and voting out bad ideas. To try to argue with someone who hates the other side or thinks the other side is evil is pointless. In order to understand something one has to be open-minded and vice-versa. Please don't tell me Democrats are socialists or liberals are anti-American or that Republicans are racists. I know too many in both party's who are neither. To generalize is ignorance and it inhibits understanding. I am a promoter of civil discourse and the adoption of ideas from both sides of the aisle in order to achieve a balanced system that helps the truly needy and frees the truly independent to achieve without limits both economically and artistically.
   It is an important issue for me but I do not feel like discussing it with those who hate my position because of how I register or because I disagree on the degree of governance by only a few degrees. Get past the simplistic messages our party leaders are trying to sell us and think for yourselves. Vote for yourselves.  
   
    As for music I had a busy week. My weekly jam night included a visit to John Judd's Wednesday jam at McBrides. JJ had a good bunch of players including some new names here like Steve Farella, Ed Canova and Johnny Cola... and quite a few others. Judd alone is worth the trip by the way. He launches into some trippy riffs almost every time. It's a good idea to get to McBrides early (8:30ish) and then you can move on to one of the numerous other excellent jams on Wednesday nights. Check the calendar. Wednesday night has gotten good!
   Friday night I headed east to Grey Horse Tavern in Bayport. That's a nice room; not huge but wide open and comfortable. I caught Joseph (Felicetta) & Friends for a fun couple of sets of classic rock and folk in various guitar and vocal harmony's, all well done. It was a nice crowd and an excellent show! Check out Joseph and Friends and Blues Box, both collaborations by Joseph and Co.
   I still had some energy on Sunday night so I checked out the jam at Cafe Oasis in Baldwin by Debbie Knapper and Company. The place was full as usual and there were lots ofs talented vocalists and players. The guitar and bass; Al Cone and Sean Whitley held down a vast array of styles and singers with some nice grooves. It was a fun jam. That's another one to check out when you have a Sunday night free.
   The coming week has another full schedule. Being partial to blues I'd like to point out Mike Nugent and Co, Chrissie O'Dell and One Hot Mess, Coco Montoya, Frank LaTorre, Amos Lee.  
   Thanks for stopping by and feel free to correspond (bill@billfoolery.com). I would love to post some relevant pieces by some of you.
bill

     As usual the jam/open-mic landscape is ever changing. I usually take my weekly jam on Wednesday nights and I have been having some good times at Joe Vicino's jam at Sunset Grill where the cast has been good including visits from Andy Aledort, Mike Nugent and John Judd, Dave Patrick and the regulars like Rob Jack can who do a lot of things.
   The oldie but goodie jam with Don Celenza (and Dave Patrick ) and Randy London is moving to Mickey Mo's in Lynbrook from many years at Harveys. This will be easier to find I'm sure.  There is also a new home (and night) for John Judd at McBrides in Bellmore. That makes for some good variety in Nassau and it should help all events as more people get used to a happening night on Wednesday. Make the rounds and tell your friends.
   Thursdays don't suck either. I checked in on Ed the Hat and Jim Moran at Pete's Place on Church St in Bohemia last week. JD Leonard was in the house and there was a fun crowd and a good jam going on.  Jim Moran is not only a good player but he has a good stand-up act. His one-liners were worth the price of admission.
   One other new twist on Thursdays is Scott Ross Trio at Behind Bars in  Bellmore. Thats a jazzy trio but they cover a wide range with some real good players including Papa G on bass. The Thursday list always has John Haseth at Bobbique's which I am over-due to attend. Haseth and friends are good players (rock, blues and more) and a good bunch of guys.
  Speaking of new twists I stopped in at The High Note in Amityville recently to hear B-Side with Clem Allen, with kim Allen (vocals) and a good cast including John Willis on guitar. I could only stay for a few numbers but they have a great (R&B, Soul) sound and the High Note is a great room for music.
   I hope the owners keep booking it and promoting the place. The success of a room has more to do with the owners than what the bands bring since the bands change weekly... of course. It is often brought up after a quiet night who is supposed to do the promotion. Well how about both party's promote. Often bands play in new areas and fans don't all travel the miles that the band does. Venues can do many things to keep the music crowd interested like jams/open-mics, charity events, food, a variety of good bands and musicians. Good old advertising doesn't hurt either. Hint; I sell spots here on the home page, cheap! 
   Last but not least I attended the LI Blues Society fundraiser for the IBC (International Blues Competition) Long Island winners, Gary Sellers Band and T-Bone & Mr. Bill (Tommy Mezzapella and Bill Quinn). The event also featured Chrissie O'Dell, Motu and Dog House Blues Band. The Viking in Islip was an excellent host for a really nice afternoon of music.
   It was a diverse expression of blues with Motu and Co. dishing some delta, Dog House with some sweet rockin blues, Chrissie O'Dell with some dynamic blues-soul vocals, Gary Sellers and his stylin blues guitar and T-Bone and Mr. Bill's piano-boogie,good-time tasty blues... all put forth by the Long Island Blues Society.       
    Support your local blues group. The LIBS get little support, little praise and they do it because they love blues and live music. Get involved if you love blues, blues rock and be part of the music scene.
   As usual the coming weekend has some excellent events including BB King!! Check out the calendar, and take in some live music...will you please!!
   Thanks for checking in.
bill
  

   An aspect of the music scene like other creative cultures, I suspect, is that new stuff happens and the old stuff evolves... thank god.
   I have been posting new collaboratiions of some of our local regulars like Rattlesnake Dawn with Diane McArdle, Adam Tese (sax) Pete Kiernan (bass) and Frankie Gee (drums. It's a country take with some good players.
   I ran into Johnny Dunn playing with Kane Daily and was also turned on to Mr. Dunn's Band which is also a good collaboration with Mike DiMeo and Frank Latorre.
   Last week I was notified of the birth of a new band. They are a blues band so I went to hear The Rohling Band at Cafe Oasis in Baldwin.
   The cast for Rohling Band is Gary Rosa (guitar), Mark Sanders (vocals), Bob Fischback (drums), Rich Marans (keys), Tony Rohling (bass) and joining them last Friday was Tony C  on harp. They were all good for the entirety of three sets. The set lists included standards like Mannish Boy, Reconsider Baby, Hoochie Coochie, Before You Accuse Me and others and some originals that  fit the set list seamlessly. It was a good show and a welcome new band to the local blues scene.
   Speaking of local blues I spent another Wednesday night at Joe Vicino's jam at Sunset Grill. It was a solid cast of regulars including John Judd and Steve Farella and surprise guest, Dave Patrick (bass) added some real juice for a few numbers including a memorable Little Wing with an inspired Joe Vicino on guitar.
   To round out my week I stopped in on my olf friends Blue Matter at Giacomo Jacks. The jam boys had some good players visiting including Clem Allen on bass and some new faces for a good mix of some good ole rockin blues. 
   Speaking of Clem Allen his band B-Side will be at The High Note in Amityville this weekend. Clem's wife Kim is a dynamite vocalist and they put on a cool show of R&B, Soul and some funk n blues.  I, for one, would love to see the Amityville establishment succeed as they have a good location and a perfect room for music.
   There's lots on the calendar this week including Don Celenza celebrating a birthday at his show with Danny Kean.
   There's so much going on and thanks for the info I get from ya'll. The calendar gets better every week. I hope you enjoy.
bill
  

   For a Wednesday night it's been nothing to write about. I am hanging home with a sick kid and TV sucks.
   Thank god I had some fun this week and it it was about some awesome music and some good stuff to talk about.
   I stopped in at Big Daddy's in Massapequa Friday night for a late one. Big Daddy's is a place known for good cajun food and they usually have good music' There isn't a lot of space in the lounge area but somehow I always find a spot. Kane Daily was playing with John Dunn. I knew Kane Daily was playing, I had no idea about Mr. Dunn (bass). We caught one set and it was good blues and some rock (a cameo by Johnny Cola for some additional rock ambience) and some original stuff. John Dunn has written some good blues (Dare Ya Band) and he has a new cd (John Dunn & Co., Gallows Humor). I am enjoying it and will get some of it up on the playlist as soon as I figure out how to get that fixed. This digital stuff is always evolving and sometimes I have to figure it out the changes as I go.
   I enjoyed the edgy guitar and vocals of K Daily and the mix with Dunn. Check out that one when you get a chance.
   Saturday I actually got an early start and I headed in to Long Beach for some jazz fest. I caught the Dean Brown quartet at Sutton Place and... Holy jazz Batman!
   The cast was Dean Brown on guitar, Schuyler Deale on bass, Lionel Cordew, drums and Gerry Etkins on keys, all amazing. These guys play with the best and hearing them together was a treat. The upbeat jazz fusion was a non-stop stream of great solos and inspired collaboration. I was reminded of Spyra Gyra as well as some Ronnie Earl-type guitar moments. There were lots more familiar references in all that but I am still catching up with the jazz world and it's fun. The place was packed and the whole room enjoyed a great jazz vibe.
   I was spolied by that one but it gives me a high target to aim for and some good music for my head.
   I am fixing and adding to the old blog so stay tuned for some new music coming on the playlist and as always, great stuff on the calendar.
bill

   Sometimes jams and open mics are fleeting things. They open up at a new venue and sometimes they start strong. Sometimes they build slowly and sometimes they never build at all. There's no harm in trying the way I see it. It is usually little cost to the venue and there are always a few people there at least. The name of the place gets around. Often the events do well for a time and then the crowd comes and goes. Success often has to do with the season and the frequency of other jams in the area not to mention the leadership skills of the host. Whatever the case it hurts a little when they disappear after too few weeks. I enjoy the live music scene around here. I enjoy my Wednesday nights and any other nights I get and I live for weekend nights with great music. The jams help feed the supply side so they seem to matter.
   I love that there are long running jams like Don Celenza and Dave Patrick at Harveys and Joe Vicino now at Sunset Grill and Jim Kolman at Brickhouse, Jim Moran at Maggies and Al Cardillo at Wickers and Fox Hollow and Painters on Wednesday nights and Dunton Inn on Wednesdays. There's Bartini on Mondays. Cafe Oasis on Sundays and so on and so on but so many more come and go. This is just a note to bar owners. Give a jam a chance. It takes time for people to find it and for them to tell other people about it and it brings people to the place on weekends when you book a gig. It's a good thing.
    Speaking of Jams I stopped in a few times recently at The Dunton Inn for Vincenzo's Wednesday night jazz jam. There's a good cast including Bill Rignola on sax, Don Sands on keys last week and a nice cast of others. 
   As for weekend shows I was lucky enough to get to Stone Turtle (now closed btw) for Chrissie O'Dell and One Hot Mess. They put on a jumpin blues show and it was a blues highlight for sure. Original blues headliners are a rare breed especially as good as Ms. O'Dell and the boys and those tunes!!
("If I Had a Dime", Go get yourself a copy)  
    I caught my first Russ Seeger show recently as well. It was also the first time I was at Shooters in Wantagh. I liked Mr. Seeger (acoustic guitar) who played a duet with Steve Kaplan on bass. The fare was classic rock and folk covers, all well done. The man has been around and it shows in the originality of the takes and some b-side tunes. Shooters is located on Wantagh Ave between Sunrise and Merrick Rd. Good location and good size room. The food was real good too. 
   The weekend is approaching and the calendar is full with blues, jazz, rock, country and more! Check out the calendar and take in something new this week.
   Thanks for checking in and feedback is greatly appreciated. (bill@billfoolery.com). I'd like to know about your gigs, your bands (over-30 stuff please), your venues and what you think could help my site. I will do what I can with the time and resources I have.
bill