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