So while out, about, and taking in some jam last night I took in some news and other items of musical interest.

   First of all I heard a few recent gigs at Blue Parrot have been quiet and I personally would like to promote the Blue Parrot. The bands that played there are not usually playing to empty rooms. I know there have been past issues in the realm of band compensation at the place and I take only the side of the ethical whomever that may be. I just know it is hard for venues to survive and just as hard for artists to do the same. There has to be an understanding of the true economy involved in order for a middle ground to be found. I hope all principals involved work it out to keep the place jamming with happy patrons and players. It is a good room and a good location and I will promote all gigs there of musicians I know.

    I am bumming that the show at IMAC this weekend with Joe Bonamassa and Dirty Love is sold out and has been for weeks. I have been trying every angle I can think of to score a ticket but no luck. If anyone has a ticket they may not use or may want to sell please let me know. Thanks.

   I enjoyed the hell out of the Lefty's jam last night. Josh Allen stepped in, Poppa G and Henning Strumm also played. Josh informed me that he and Phil Gardner (of Rythm Kings) will be playing at Bobbique tonight (7pm). They have an acoustic jam there on Thursday nights. That sounds good. Josh (JD) Allen is a nice player and a good guy.

   Every night there is something good to see so please check in often to see and go patronize some local stuff. Thanks for checking in.

bill

  

  

   It was screaming hot out there today as I tried to squeeze in some work on my deck late in the afternoon. I must be getting old. I felt like I was gonna melt and I get in a really nasty mood these days when I come face to face with my 40-something limitations. What is it with this physical aging stuff? My whole damn system gets cranky and it ain't pretty...my poor daughter.

   Anyway, it is Tuesday and in a growing number of places it is Bluesday. Tennessee Jacks, for instance, has Bennett Harris tonight (6pm).

    I also got word that tonight (7 to 9) Sweet Suzi is on WUSB Radio 90.1  hosting The Blues Show. The number there is (631) 632 6901. Tune in and have some fun with Suzi. She's good on the radio and she plays the good stuff.

   I have some catching up to do for the weekend schedule. I'll get that to you tonight. There's lots going on as usual and some big shows this weekend

   Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back soon.

bill  

    Suddenly it's summer and my overtaxed brain is being flooded with notions of summer things.

   Friends called me from the beach yesterday, the Mets have lost to the Braves 3 times, the Yanks are talking about firing and trading some non-performers, I'm sick of cutting the grass already, we got eaten by bugs last night and there are shows at Jones Beach I want to see that are sold out. Yep, summer is here and it's not even June yet. I can't keep up.

   I think that's why I liked living on the west coast. There are just two seasons out there. Summer and everything else and there's not definitive margin between them. It was never an issue of changing wardrobes or seasonal yardwork or installing the air conditioners or putting the boat in the water.     

   Maybe that's why New Yorkers and easteners in general are more stressed out. There is so much more to do in the way upkeep. Anyone who wants to join me for a mass migration west let me know. If I can get my 100 closest family and friends interested it's happening.

   As for the here and now I'll be looking around for more stuff in the way of live music for tonight. There are the good Sunday jams and I imagine they will be rocking tonight and there is a blues and New Orleans music thing going on at Big Daddy's in Massapequa (6:00). If I find more I'll post it so check back if you're looking for some entertainment tonight.

   Thanks for stopping by and enjoy thie summer weekend.

bill 

    Sorry, I have to vent about last night. I chose to see Kane Daily at Bobbique and there were other shows I could have gone to and wanted to see. I have not seen Mr. Daily in a long time and my last attempt was ruined by a brawl at 454. So I invited some friends and got there at a decent hour. 11:00. For me that's a decent hour anyway.

   So I go to the bar and as I am waiting for the barmaid to notice me I hear the band say good night. 11:00!  Is it me or is that a little shocking on a Friday night? There were people there, maybe 20 to 30. With that the barmaid shows up. On que. Now what do I do? No music and I finally get noticed by the barmaid. I was so pissed off I wanted to say "bye bye" but I had friends there (Outside chatting) and they had come a distance for a night of music too.

Well, I did order a drink because I knew some other people there and it was too late to drive to the 2nd show on my list and I didn't want to walk out on my friends.

   I later heard that the owner had prompted the early close due to lack of an audience. That was bogus though. There were at least 20 people and if there are two people there shouldn't the let the show go on?

   I liked the place before and I don't give up easy on people or places so I'll be back but I am just here as a journalist writing about my experiences and that one was disturbing.

   Thank God I ran into Franny Mae and a friend.We hung out and chatted about things and I vented to her too but at least I got some socializing in and it is always fun to chat with Franny.

   I'm not sure now what is in store for the remainder of the weekend. It has been a few nights in a row and I may need a presidential pardon to get out another night.

   Thanks for listening to my little bitching post. I am sure my next one will be more useful. Have fun out there.

bill

   As schooldays dwindle and late morning opportunities occur in my workweek some chances to explore weeknights arise. Ah, summer days and nights. This week was the first of many, I hope, when I get to visit the many jams on nights not called Wednseday.

   Wednseday at Lefty's was, well, a Wednesday at Lefty's. The Blue Matter boys (who can be seen tonight at Blue Parrot w/ Charlie Labs on keys) jammed themselves silly. They make a nice night of some bluesy guitar stuff so check-m-out. The Blue Parrot is an old fave of mine...a good place for some blues.

   Last night I got to witness the much heralded Thursday night jam at ET Quiggs. It was cool! John Judd and Durand Daniels on guitars (Nick Pinto on bass and Ralphie Santiago on drums) get sort of a pyschodelic rythm thing going and play off each other with some artsy riffs. The other pieces there were all good too. If you're a fan of the era inhabited (and defined) from Hendrix to Zeppelin, to name a few, these guys are a rare and valuable commodity. I spend a lot of time looking for the "roads taken" by my favorite artists of that genre. There aren't many who do much more than cover that stuff. These guys play with it. They jam with it and take you on some nice rides through some magical city streets. I want more.

   Now I have to figure out how to work at least an occasional Thursday night into my schedule. It took lawyers and hard negotiations for me to work in a regular Wednseday night every week. This is going to have to be masterful relationship negotiations and I am by no means confident of the outcome.

   I'll be thinking about it as I cruise the venues of Long Island this weekend taking in as much of the great stuff as I can put myself in front of. I hope to see you all out there somewhere and have a festive Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks for checking in.

bill

   I'm quite a rhymer apparently.

   I heard that Pub 454 is no more. Bummer. I liked the place. I liked the gigs they had. I liked that is was close to me. I liked the lady at the bar. "Karen" I think. She was nice. Tough business I see. What are you gonna do?

   Last week I went there to see Kane Daily and the place erupted into some rough stuff. That was unfortunate and I see now that the problems were greater than that. I hope the good people involved with the place find something new so they can continue what they started without the drama or whatever the problems were.

   Today I was on the phone booking a trip to LA for this summer. As I was on hold (forever) I went online and noticed that there is another Festival this summer and it is July 14th weekend. The American Music Festival and it has a cast that I do not want to pass up. When the operator finally came back on the phone I told her that while I was on hold all that time I came up with some new plans. I had to be home for that weekend.  I also thanked her for her amazing yet fortunate lack of urgency with regard to my travel arrangements. 

   There are going to be some demanding times in the month of July. I had better start hitting the gym and getting in shape for some blues marathon come July. I saw the link on the LI Blues Society page. Check it out.

   Thanks for stopping by and please continue to let me know of any gigs you have coming up in the realm of Bluesy-RnR, Blues, Jazzy blues, bluesy jazz and other bluesy stuff. (Nassau and Suffolk basically).

bill

    I have grown accustomed to hanging in on Sunday nights. I love Sundays with my little family. I love tending to the yard and veggie garden, the smell of the grass, the big dinner, calling the folks in other parts of the country and sharing the family news. It is the best that "daytime" has to offer...not that there is not other good stuff in the weekly matter.

   Last night, however(!), I am now regretting. My friend and fearless reporter, Ms. Audrey Flash Stashin Cashin (do not attempt to translate that literally) was fortunate enough to be out (what a surprise) and she has informed me of the details of an amazing night in Patchogue. Yes, Patchogue has amazing nights for those not aware of the density of blues venues in that general patch of Lawngiland.

   I posted late word Saturday of the show at Bobbique. (It was a benefit hosted by I'm-not-sure-who but Breakaway, Howie, was involved and it was a dandy of an event). The cast included Breakaway, PP and Hooch, Dare Ya Band, Tommy Keys, The Smokedaddy's and... (ladies and gentlemen(!)...)Hubert Sumlin. I posted it and tried not to think about what I was missing.

   Well, Ms. Flashy Cash filled me in and I'm hurtin. She sat and listened to this right there at Bobbique, Patchogue, NY.

   To rub salt in the gaping wound she also told me she hung out with a few of these people because across the street is the Sunday night jam at Brickhouse Brewery with Josey Wales.  So she, my very virtual and good friend Franny Mae hung out for an amazing night of listening and playing and it happened on a Sunday night in Patchogue.

   I'm glad to know and to be able to report that there are those among us that are able to take in all this rich culture. Often.

   Bless them and bless all the really good artists that are out there playing often and everywhere and I hope it never stops because I see some openings coming up this summer and I better catch some more of this stuff with Sumlin. 

   Thanks Cash. Hows it goin Franny? Thanks for stopping by blues fans.

bill

    From a Friday night in a "blue" room to a Saturday night with a bluzman it was a good weekend of music.

    The Blue Parrot hosted Sweet Suzi & The Blues Experience Friday night and I have a soft spot for that place...for a few reasons. I guess the main reason is because it is a crawl from where I grew up making the "demographics" sort of comfortable for me.  I have also met a few of my favorite local artists there. It offers a cozy enough atmosphere that one gets to meet the band.

   In such an "intimate" setting I got a different feel from SS&BE Friday night. In the last set, which is the only full set I caught, Suzi, and John Anderson displayed some warm moments to a thinned out crowd. She, and they, can really bring it when the room allows but this time I enjoyed the "bluer" mood. Her boom boom voice has a nice mellow range as well and Johnny's guitar sounded good with some soft touch and subtlety.  He never plays with a heavy hand but I heard him better Friday night in a quieter room. He/They had some nice moments.

    Saturday night I was lucky enough to catch The Sam Taylor Band at Lefty's. That is a another favorite room of mine. A good size place with a fair amount of good vantage points and always good company.

    It was a nice night with Mr.Taylor and company. The man has it goin on. He and Gary Sellers make some glorious guitar music from funk to rock n roll blues to flat out blues. I couldn't get off my seat until they stopped and I was sad when they did. There were some new faces with The Taylor band too. Ed, the Hat, was on drums and there was a "Dylan-looking" piano player who was real good. No one sitting near me knew the mans name, sorry about that. They were tight though. It was a good show but real pro's.

    I enjoy the variety of blues around here and I feel lucky to not only be able to hear it but to be able to share that enjoyment with a few people.

Thanks for checking in...hope to see you soon.

bill

    I had one of those nights when I got what I was lookin for and I got it good. No, not that. I got to The Brickhouse for their Wednesday night thing and I caught Kerry Kearney and Co. What a treat! Those guys filled the room and my soul with bountiful blues and rock n roll. (no rhyme intended)

   I was not able to sit close as I had company and there was not a place for two up front so I garnered a few seats toward the back. I don't like that because I like to see people performing. Given my limited hearing capability I use my eyes to help gather it all in sometimes. Last night I was not able to do that so I was unnecessarily concerned about enjoying the show. I heard just fine and I can still hear the guitar and there are few better around here especially with Celenza, Murphy and Co. for accompaniment.

   So far the Wed. night at The Brickhouse has been pretty freaking good. Last week I caught MISbHAVIN for a set. I wonder if that happened there on a Wed. because of the occasional praying I do. It is just do-able for me with my usual night out. It is timed well and allows me to move on at not-too-late an hour to a jam. Thank you God, and thank you KK for last night.

   As for a jam, I got to Lefty's and there was quite a lot going on. Not five minutes after I arrived in comes Poppa G and a band of merry players; Tim Dorsey, Billy Klinghart, Henning Strumm. Those guys got up and got pretty damn funky. I was having another moment. What a fine night I was having.

   Unfortunately my toils caught up with me.  I felt myself fading so I departed. Upon arrival at my humble abode I reclined in my drivers seat. I was listening to my new CD, The Benefit Concert (with Warren Haynes) and I didn't want my night of music to end. I ended up walking in to the house over an hour later and I had to explain my lateness to my lovely. I told her I was just listening to music. I got the  mm-hmm.  I slept well. It was a good night. I want more.

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill

    So it's Wednesday and I'm heading out on my search for inspiration tonight. There are some good options every week, in fact every night there is something. Tonight, if I'm lucky, I'll get out early enough to catch some of Kerry Kearney at the Brickhouse and then on to a jam somewhere. 

    Lately things have felt like toil. Work has been steady but slow and the payday remains like a carrot, still ahead of me. Such is the life of a freelancer.

  Family is full of pain, sad to say. Is that common because it surprises me every time?  Funny how understanding and forgiveness come last from the ones who are supposed to love you the most. Is that a way-of-life or is it me?  I ask these questions, not expecting answers. It's more like observations and items that befuddle me.

   On my night(s) out I like to take in some streams of music and go into some streams of thought. Music does that for me. That's why sometimes I sit alone and listen, in fact, I need some of that. There are so many things I wonder about and there is so little time in my day to actually think.

   On a musical note, there are again, lots of good shows this weekend. I would love to see them all but I'll be lucky to catch two. Thats my new goal; two shows a weekend and any more is gravy. During the week it is all gravy.

   Maybe I'll come up with some helpful answers to my questions tonight. Believe me, I'll share it with you if I do.

Be careful out there and thanks for stopping by.

bill

    Via some investigative help from "Cash" I heard there was quite a show on Saturday with Sam Taylor, Dirty Love, Frank Latorre's King Bees  and some other friends at Vail Leavitt.

   That was the show billed as The Mother of Mothers Day Shows and I'm sorry I missed it. Due to personal and family obligations I was occupied elsewhere and, musically speaking, ended up with nuttin that night. Yes, I had a nice time with family and that counts but... I heard it was a good one.

   Joining Sam Taylor and the others was Richie Canatta and Maria Staino for a few tunes. Also stepping in were Gary Sellers, Ken "The Rocket" Korb, and Johnny Cola (joining The King Bees). Nice line-up and I heard Frank Latorre put on a helluva show. Thats a lot of entertainment, Richie Cannata, Sam Taylor, Dirty Love (with Pam Betti), Latorre, Gary Sellers...  I drive to seven places, seven nights to see all that. Damn.   

   I just finished taking in Jacks o Diamonds CD, Find Something New. What is amazing is that Josh Allen and his boys wrote all that stuff. I was happy to give it a listen and I wrote a little piece in the way of a Review (from my very impressionistic standpoint) and posted it on Page 2 here. If you want to hear some RnR Blues in the realm of SRV and George Thorougood by a talented young couple of guys check it out nd keep an eye out for these guys. They are busy and will be playing someplace near you soon.

    I also heard Kerry Kearney is playing at Brickhouse Wed. night (8pm). That place is getting some good stuff on Wednesday nights...and other nights. They are a fulltime venue of some of the best music around.

    Thanks for stopping by and come back soon for the weekend schedule. I have been trying to post earlier so I can spend the end of the week looking for other stuff, planning my weekend and checking the accuracy of the information I find out there.  See you soon.

bill

  

    I guess it will be a fairly traditional Mother's Day here. Tradition, for us, is something altogether different however.

    I have my child, my wife has hers and it is sort of a mixed bag of celebrations. I even take some Mothers Day glory, thank you very much. In fact let this be a place to celebrate a Mothers Day for men...talk about catering to a niche market. I may never reach anyone with the subjects I tackle. For anyone raising a child and taking the day-to-day responsibility, bless you and may you find patience and grace every day.

     Friday night was a blur of an effort. "Cash", Rob Lepano (of Lefty's) and I decided to try for a trifecta and it didn't work. We caught some Pam Betti/Dirty Love at Cherrywood and they rocked (Yes, I am a loyal stalker) and we then tried to catch Suzi Smith at Giacomo Jacks. We were going to stop at Sunset Grille, in between, to see Wondrous Stories but it got a little late. Well, we blew it. Suzi was wrapping up and we were stranded in Amityville with nowhere to go. I don't think I have ever made it to three shows in one night and I am learning that it is just not worth it. Obvious that I am a "lost cause dreamer". That explains a lot, no?

   So last night was a tough one too. A family party kept me out late so I took a shot at The Brightwaters Inn (so local it is dangerous) for Bluestone. It was too late. Know what? I need a theme song titled "Too Late". I'm working on it right now.

     At The Brightwaters inn (a decent little venue) I ran into Josh Allen (Jacks o Diamonds). Is that guy the hardest working dude on Long Island or what? I run into Josh everywhere and I enjoy hearing him play by the way. I am just about finished taking in his CD and I'll write up a litte diddie about it here in a day or so.

   Thanks for hangin and enjoy the beautiful day with a mother figure if you are so lucky.

bill

  

    I mean that literally and figuratively.  I sit here taking in the wiffs of spring air through my window slightly ajar. Funny thing about the air around me. It seems to carry particles of things from my past.

   I sometimes breathe deep and take in some sweet air and my thought goes somewhere very specific. Is it something familiar I smelled from the time I am remembering or is there some of life carried in my/our atmosphere?  

   Today I am reminded of when I was kind of hurting at one point years ago. Losing someone close can do that. It was also spring as a matter of fact.

    As I was driving along Sepulveda Blvd. in Hermosa Beach, California I heard a song on the radio and it penetrated deep. The song was Moses by Patty Griffin. Know it? It is just the song to do that. I made a note of the name and bought the tape (CD's were just making their move). The music was cathartic. A new movement of music in my life was under way.

   The thing that made that possible was me being vulnerable. Maybe for me that was rare. Maybe most people are that way and it just took me that long to get there. Not sure. I do know that if more people let music (or any art form) in they will find company for any thing they feel. I suspect that is why teenagers feel such an affinity for rock n roll. 

   It's about feeling like we are part of something and we are. We all share something. Music is one of the "languages" that speaks to us all because it is not just about the words. It is also about the emotion expressed in the music. For me, most of the time, words are perfunctory...sometimes poignant, mostly invisible. That may have something to do with the fact that I have bad hearing.

    I enjoy the effort of a person sharing themself and his/her feelings, putting it out there. If it comes out like the voice of an angel, or a magic carpet ride on electric strings all the better.

   Please forgive another "deep" discussion of musical exploration. I  just choose to express some things even when there is no particular event to do that through. (see? I need to get out more). The weekend is here though. I will go out and get some of that good stuff and I suggest you all do too.

   Thanks for listening and thanks for stopping by.

bill

  

    A rare thing is a Wednesday night show and by none other than MISbHAVIN. I took the opportunity (Wed. night being My night to explore) and caught a set of a slightly modified version of the dynamic quartet. Donnie Celenza was not present. Danny Keane was a bit under the weather apparently but Pam Hunter seemed to have her edgy self goin pretty well.

   With all the "distractions" from their norm they sounded good to me.  I'll always miss not hearing Donnie C though...as capable as the axeman was last night.

   Some originals, Everyday and Ask Your Man  are great songs and with my "impressionist" ear they sounded great. Pat and Danny also pulled out an impromptu It's a Man's World  that was also pretty well done. I only caught one set but it reminded me what a dynamite thing they have going on. It was a treat for a weeknight or any night.

   The show at Brickhouse Brewery ended early enough for me to get to Lefty's for the big Wednesday night jam with Blue Matter. There was a good turnout there too...both musically and of listeners and friends.

   Josey Wales was crankin when I got there and the mysterious Jeff (with no last name) was also making some nice guitar sounds. I understand he also does the Thursday night jam with John Judd. Check that out.

   Oh well...theres a great spring line-up this weekend so get out and enjoy and let me know if I missed anything.

bill

 

   I have played this Al Green song a few times here and for me it never gets old. He inspires me with his feeling. I really think his motivation to preach, being a Reverend, comes from the same place... and not all Reverends have that in them.

   My interest in blues came at an emotional time in my life, no coincidence. I heard something in a song that moved me and I followed that lead to find more consolation. It felt comforting to find people sharing those feelings and it still does. Hence, my interest in all the good artists here on Long Island...and elsewhere.

   My particular focus has been on lead singers and guitar players. I do enjoy what I hear from the other players like some sax players, bass players, harp players, piano players. Maybe I try to listen to whomever's voice is "speaking" and the "lead" players happen to be singers and guitar players for the most part.  Every now and then someone lets loose with a solo from somewhere else on the stage though, that sounds pretty personal. I can listen to that stuff from whomever says it.

    The challenge, as I see it, seems to be keeping the creativity at hand and fueled and many do.  I look forward to discovering more of that and "fanning those flames" and warming my hands on the fire.      

   Inspiration is necessary. I need it to keep "going" and growing" myself.  Things can get routine here in the burbs. The roles I need to be in can rob me of myself and make me forget what I need to be doing.

   Just some thoughts about why this stuff matters to me and maybe some of you.

   By the way, I read a good piece by Kerry Kearney on a LiBlues Society page, Newsletter I believe. It is an amusing anecdote about a gig out east. There are pieces by blues artists that I enjoy reading like another one, posted earlier on that site, by Pam Betti about Dirty Love's experiences while in Memphis at the Blues competition in February. Check em out.  

   Thanks for stopping by and let me know what I missed in my calender for the coming days.

bill  

   I often ask for input here especially for shows I cannot get to. I welcome eyewitness information from either patrons or players from any live event around here. If I don't know the source very well I will figure out how to present it. If I do I can edit it accordingly. So feel free to let me know what I missed.

   Having said that, I can now post something from my friend, fellow music fan and "intrepid reporter",  Audrey C. Many musicians and patrons of the local musical arts know Audrey. She has a way of getting to know people. That's a skill and it seems to work best with sincerity which she has. 

   So last night Audrey got herself out to The Brickhouse for Josie Wales' jam and she was having so much fun she text'd me, like fifty times. I figured since I had all that information I had my Monday post. Thanks "Cash". And t he lady knows her blues.

   So Jim K (Josie W) had a cast of tens apparently. I'd get a text with a new name every 10 minutes. "Freddy on Keys", "Mike on Bongos", "Jay Sharkey on vox", "Clutch on bass", "JD (Josh) is up", "Marlon on guitar". It was fun but hey Jim, can we get some last names? I know many of these guys but not all and I enjoy giving shout-outs when I can.

   They played an awesome playlist last night too. For that, as well, I was envious of "Cash".  She takes in a lot of music! The jam included; "How Does It Feel., Stormy Monday, Little Wing, Purple Haze, Pride & Joy"....among others. There was also a group, The New Daytona's, and they played more of that 'surf rock" and it went down well. I'm hearing more "surf" themes lately and it can be a good influence I guess.

   So, I like having an able set of ears (among other formidable parts) out there and I appreciate that there is so much to see/hear. I will continue to try to get to as many shows as I can but I will have my challenges and there lies the fodder for conversation.

   Thanks for stopping by and thanks, Audrey, for your keen insight and intrepid nature.

bill

   But Pam Betti may wonder, considering I caught parts of her and Dirty Love's two shows this weekend.

   Knowing there were so many shows to see I tried to plan it so I could catch some stuff I had not seen. Friday night friends and I planned to go to PB and Dirty Love because,well, we enjoy them and their locale was "user friendly". Saturday was going to be a hit and run affair with a few other shows.

   Well, I had it planned pretty good but things changed last minute, a show cancelled.  I had to re-group.

   I started at Cherrywood and enjoyed the hell out of The John Judd Band. With Judd (guitar) was Durand Daniels (guitar and vocals), Nick DePinto (bass) and Ralphie Santiago (on drums of course). They covered some good stuff including Led Zeppelin and the guitar work was good. Better than good!

They are versed in jamming and creative in their interpretation. Judd takes his licks in a lot of interesting directions and with Durand there to supply some zesty flavor, both vocally and with guitar, they all make for some good listening. For a "listener of guitar" I was real happy sittin and listenin last night. I recommend that act. Check them out whenever you get the chance.

   From there I wanted to check out T-Bone and Franny Mae but theirs was the the show that cancelled (booking issues, basically). I then considered heading out to Ronkonk to see MISbHavin who I am really looking forward to seeing for a whole show sometime soon but, frankly, I had to reconsider based on the distance from Wantagh and the fact that I had a few already. In fact I was feeling a little out of juice by then.

   So, at the risk of being labelled a stalker I figured I would stop at Lefty's (it's on the way home) and see some friends and, sure why not, catch the end of PB & Dirty Love. Well when I got there Ms. Betti was belting one out. She's pretty amazing. The night before she was concerned about her voice making it through the weekend but there she was, second night, and she had it goin on.

   I didn't last long there as it was a tiring weekend for me.(I'm no Pam Betti) and I got into some complicated "discussions" as I was hanging out and that hastened my departure as well.

   Well, I got a few shows in this weekend, they were all good. I will now be targeting the stuff I missed and hopefully I'll get a glimpse of some of that next weekend. Maybe the weekend after. One never knows.

   Thanks for checking out the page.

bill

  

   Pub 454 that is. It's in Bohemia on Rte. 454, west of the Islip airport and last night Pamela Betti & Dirty Love were there making some nice music.

   The usual cast of Dirty Love; Bill Marino, Rich Theil, Mike Scalzo and now Frank Latorre, with Pam have gotten tight and entertaining. Last night was a good showcase for them and it was highlighted by a harp duet moment that seemed almost too good to be spontaneous. Was it? I should have checked.

   Ken "The Rocket" Korb happened to be there and he stepped in and blew a beauty with Latorre, both on harp. It was special. The two seemed in perfect sync and everyone in the place took it in and enjoyed.

   I also ran into Mark Klein of the Long Island Blues Warehouse and he was gracious enough to allow me to use the clip you are hearing of C&B Blues Revue. Mark had the young guys on his show a few months back. I hope you enjoy that as much as I do.

   By the way, Long Island Blues Warehouse is only accessible on the iternet right now. The station was sold but come February Mark and the show will be back on the airwaves and I will get that information to you when it comes. Check out liblues.com for more info and to access the show online.

   Like I have been saying there is lots to see this weekend and I hope you all enjoy. Even during the day, today...a few shows. Bike Fest at Splish Splash with Sweet Suzi and the Blues Experience is going on, MISbHAVIN has ane arly show (2pm) and Smiling Dogs has a 5pm show.Then you can move on the the night shows. Take your vitamins and drink some coffee and have a good time!!!

   Thanks for checking in.

bill

    Some friends and I have been talking about where to go this weekend with so many options. I wish I could take a Saturday night show and move it to Friday for instance. That way I could catch at least my two "most intriguing" choices and maybe more. The way it is I may have to pass up one of those but I still may get to more than two.

   I checked my childs temperature every day this week to make sure we are okay this weekend. She is wondering about my motive, though. I guess thats understandable. I  DO care that she doesn't miss another soccer game though. That is every bit as important as my blues habit. The kid is starting to smell the coffee though. God bless her...in fact she keeps asking me for some.

   Last night at Lefty's was some good jamming. Poppa G stepped up again and he gets some funk going as well as some hip hop vocals. He and Blue Matter always get a little roll going. The low gravity guitar of Arty Panico got going later on...after he bitched about his hands being tired or something. I guess they woke up. Arty can roll and he did. Ray Wade's vocals are moving forward to some bluesy places which is fun to hear and Ms. Kindara played with some vocals and shes fun when she hangs in there and pulls it out of herself. 

   As usual there was a mix of some experienced and juicy stuff and some relative rookies, cutting their teeth.

   A new face and an experienced pair of hands was a guitar player named Jeff and he lit up a few bars. I didn't get a last name but he's a Nassau guy, tall...I'll get a name next time.

   In the meantime come on down to Lefty's or any of the good jams. It's great music and no cover.

   Keep an eye out for some updates on some of the shows. The Biker Fest sounds like fun and I'm adding some details.

   Have fun and come on back.

bill

   So I hear I missed another geat jam last night at JD Gates with Ralph Santiago and co.  My "sources" tell me it was a good showing with Anthony Steele, John Judd, Nick Pinto and others joining Ralphie Santiago and co. up there. Damn. These weeknight shows are freaking good. It's not enough that I have to miss shows on the weekend. Now I'm getting all jones'd up on weeknights and it is making me think about hiring a live-in to handle my life so I can go and experience all this good stuff. I'd better start playing lotto more seriously if I'm going to pull that off. Wish me luck.

    Tonight (being Wed. night) I will be making my rounds out there and I would love to check out some other jams as well as Lefty's. I enjoy that one almost every week and probably tonight too but maybe a pit stop somewhere first..hmmm.

   Thanks for the corrections of some of the show info.(Bluesbrat. She is both helpful and a nice friend). I welcome anyone else letting me know of shows...even last minute. Get in touch   bill@Billfoolery.com.

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill

    A rare Monday night I spent out last night and since I was probably going to "toss a few"(a birthday was being celebrated) my bud and I decided to stay local and check out Bartini for Dave Drew's jam.

   It was nice to see a "happening" down there. Dave gets a cast of quite a few who do some 1, 2, 3 and 4 piece things and most weren't bad. The place is actually a pretty good space for the player I would imagine and it is a very friendly atmosphere. My friend commented that it looks like a good place to experiment with a solo act. I concur but there were also some good pieces for some collaboration.

    Being Tuesday I should also remind anyone here about the jam at Tennessee Jacks in Islip tonight. I think Tommy Keys is there this week. Better confirm but there's usually someone good. There are some good jams too. I hear Ralphie Santiago gets a good jam going in Glen Head @ JD Gates.

    Have fun out there and let me know if I missed any gigs for the coming weekend or if I mistook any of the information.

   Thanks for stopping by.

bill