B i L L F oO L e R Y

Happy 4th, citizens!!!

The summer is in full swing and the weather is, well, Long Island in full swing; erratic. Let's hope for the best. There are some outdoor events this weekend which are always fun and I could use some sun. Geesh. I'm an indoor dude with the color to prove it and even at night it looks healthy to show some outdoor effects. The "indoor nightlifer" can be a cool look of course but it is tough on the health to maintain and I need some healthy livin...somtime soon. Tennis anyone?

Some of you may notice the Sparky's logo on the old homepage. I am finally getting going with some local business plugs. Sparky's is a fine new spot. You have to check it out for some authentic ribs especially since they are supporting the blues FULL FORCE. They have almost every Saturday booked for months. Key word, "almost". There may be an opportunity in there for one or two Saturday's. Book fast. Call Paul.... and try some Texas ribs!

This past week featured another battle of the Wednesday night jams in the south bay pocket (western suffolk). Lefty's had a good one I hear. That is a mercurial bunch but often has really good players. It is a good idea to make a two jam night of it.

Brightwaters Inn had another good one with some special guests. A Stanton Anderson trumpet-man (Pete Tursi, I believe. I missed the song, damnit!)stopped in wth his sax playing daughter, Grace. They were the buzz as I walked in. Grace stuck around and jammed a bit.

The night was guest-hosted by JD Allen (Jacks O Diamonds)which was a fun twist and there were plenty of guests, good jammers and a great crowd. All the sudden there's music in the neighborhood. I'm lovin it!

So get out there and take in some music for the holiday weekend. It's cheaper than flying, easier than driving and you'll be supporting the local economy. Now that's the American way!

Thanks for stopping by.

bill

Circumstances dictate so much of our lives. I often think of the people I know who seem to have complete control of their lives. For instance, I do business in some of the nicer suburbs on the island and I come across the ambitious, powerhungry types who plan their every minute if their every day. I recently had to be at someone's home early on a Sunday morning, promptly, if I "was serious" about getting the contract. I wish I could make every one jump to my schedule like that and, hence, make my whole day work the way I would like. I know there are trade-off's to living like that. There would be little time for contemplation and life. Smelling the roses is important; no vital. I would rather die with less money and more experience and more smile lines on my face than more money, less recreation and less time with my child.

The kind of escape and recreation I seek and often find as a patron of live music is the kind I need from the very tension and chaos inherent in my life. The difficulty I have arranging time and money for myself and providing the safety and comfort needed for my family with the many limitations I have is the very fuel that drives me to seek the creative outlet. The frustrations of not being able to control my life somehow offer the means to enjoy the time I do get...however erratic. I guess you could say that control displaces anxiety AND a lot of emotion which lessens the desire for emotional realization and discovery.

All this means that I was limited this weekend from getting to all the shows I might have liked to get to...and cest la vive.

Friday night Ms. Bilf and I were looking for something very local since she had a very constricted schedule this weekend. There were a lot of shows Friday night. Luckily there was one close to home. Blue Matter was at Mustang Sally's in W Islip.

The place is large and they could host as big show. They don't book consistently though so the crowd is often not as big as the place.

Blue Matter bills themselves as a favorite jam band and they are...of mine anyway. They offer good guitars with Arty Panico and vocalist Ray Wade and Ralphie Santiago on drums with the pocket princess, Kelly Tyrell on bass. They play a tight couple of sets with some good guitar blues and rock'n roll. There's also a new harp player in the neighborhood. Wally from Brightwaters Inn once again stepped up and blew some nice music with them. The guy can carry a tune with that thing and it's a nice sound.

Saturday night I was eventually free but it was a bit late again so I chose a gig that started late. Bennett Harris was at Sparky's. It's a new BBQ place on New Hwy. in Farmingdale...north side of Republic Airport...just north of Conklin.

The place is the right kind of room, with the right kind of ambience, with the right kind of barmaid and the right kind of owner. It is new to the music stuff. They opened recently with Kerry Kearney and now Bennett Harris so the Man, Paul, knows his blues...and he plays a mean jukebox too. Karen behind the bar has a face you'll fall for right away with a killer smile...a good thing in a bartender.

So the place is good. The band was too! Bennett Harris Blues delivers blues, guitar blues. I like Bennett Harris Blues. They are no nonense, talented, blues playing mofo's. I mean that fondly. I stayed to the end, just after 1 and it was good night's work and the man BH can play. I tried to take down the names of the players behind Mr. Harris as he rattled them off a few times. Bass player, Gary Brooks, was a nice player, creative and stylish. Drummer, Phil Kester was a stand out drummer for my one ear. He had a unique beat, stylish also and he did a nice solo which I was hoping for. The other 6-string was Mike Nugent and he also was a crafty soloist and did a really nice couple of tunes. They covered some different artists, like Gary Davis and they also moved into some classic blues tunes. Harris has confident vocals and hands and a good repetoire. It was a nice new mix of influences for me. I know these guys are not new, although I now know it was a new mix of players. (Thanks Bennett) I have not caught them in a small venue before...believe it or not. They have not ventured close to my habitat very often I guess. This time they could not escape me.

I look forward to the summer and all the outdoor events and the festivals and just the more frequent happenings. This is an exciting time of year...could have something to do with school being out. I don't have to get up at 6-something every morning. Yeehaa!

Enjoy your leisure and smell a few roses and get out for some live music. It will inspire. I promise.

Thanks again for checking in.

bill

After a few busy days I realize I never got a chance to talk about a fun jam last Wednesday night at Brightwaters Inn with the Blue Matter boys.

That was a premier event for what will be a weekly jam. If the first week was any indication it will be a good one. Where there was a vacuum for a few months in southwestern Suffolk on Wed. nights there is now a plethora of quality jam. Remember to bring toast.

The first night at BI was a blast. Hosts; Ray Wade, Ralphie Santiago, Arty Panico and Kelly Tyrell (Blue Matter) were in good form. With guests, Sweet Suzi, Josh Allen, Jim Kolman and some good local newbies it was a festive night with some magical moments.

Artie Panico and Sweet Suzi rocked the crap out of Soulshine. You have to hear that sometime. Kolman and Allen played the hell out of a few tunes and affable bartender/bluesman Wally stepped up with a harp and did a helluva job on a few tunes. His son also began a jam career with some nifty guitar playing. Lot's happening at the ole' Brightwaters Inn.

Now there are options aplenty on Wednesday night.

As for the weekend I had some fun Saturday night at Big Daddy's in Massapequa with The Pam Betti Band. Did you know she is now with Muletrain Records? Once again, Congrats Pam!! PBB also just returned from a gig at the Tropicana and AC! Well, Pam Betti does not need any additional momentum especially in a place as intimate as Big Daddy's but she had some and she hit all the notes. That blond can belt it out! Where does all that force come from?!

I wish the place was a little roomier around the stage area because it ain't easy chillin there. I hear the food is amazing, real cajun fare, and the atmosphere is festive. It was a fun night with lots of friends and local musicians.

Saturday night I was not able to comsume any local blues. Sunday might be different. There are some good ones around. Fingers crossed.

Remember, Monday there is a summer jam at The Venetian Beach Hut in Lindenhurst with Blue Matter and the Beach Huts offer a great setting for summer music. Check them out. Smith Point, W Hampton has one and Lindenhurst.

Emjoy your Sunday and thanks for stopping by.

bill

On occasion I get a bonus night of music. I know well what is out there on Wednesday nights and I do a lot of homework for the weekend calendar. As for the other nights I post what I find and what others show me but I do not know the jams well or some at all.

Fathers Day I got a Sunday night to go out for some blues. I have been to the jam at the Brickhouse but never for very long. This time I could sit down and take it in. There is a good cast at the Jim Kolman (Josey Wales) jam pretty much every week. I have stopped in before and I always saw more than a few good players. This week was no exception.

Besides Jim there was Josh Allen, JD Leonard, Tru Doty, Tim Smith, a good sax player, various drummers including Derek Hensley...many more. It was a treat of varying sounds and styles including a magical few moments with Kolman, Doty, Hensley, Leonard and Mr. sax. It was a series of solos that all played off each other and worked as a synergetic jam moment. Unfortunately, like Patchogue often does, it ended early-ish. Oh well, I got some off-night magic. I imagine it happens often there with the cast of players that comes to jam.

Speaking of off night jams. I failed to list the Monday night summer jam at The Venetian Beach Hut in Lindenhurst. That one began this past Monday evening and will continue throughout the summer. It is hosted by the Blue Matter boys (Ray Wade, Ralph Santiago, Arty Panico and Kelly Tyrell). A nice bunch of players and a really nice setting. Check that one out too.

Thanks again for checking in and thanks for sending me your events. It makes my life easier.

bill

I would be writing a different post if I had gotten out Friday for exploration instead of Saturday.

The calendar was so much fuller on Friday and the weather was nice.

Friday night I was with Ms.Bilf and we had time for one quick drink at Brightwaters Inn, a very local joint for us, where Sweaty Betty was belting out some pop stuff. It was like Bay Shore school teachers night so the show was geared to a dance and pop crowd. It was a great crowd once again for SB and the female patrons were riled up by the time we got there. We stayed for a drink and caught some strong vocals for a couple of rock tunes and called it a night. Ms. McCardle (Betty) has a great set of pipes as they say. I look forward to hearing more of her vocals in some different settings.

Saturday night was my only opportunity to explore and with a somewhat limited offering and gloomy weather I headed up to Chesterfields in Huntington. Yes, Chesterfields, the place that has been taboo since they mistreated the loved and respected Donnie Celenza a year or so ago. The fact is, back then Donnie said himself not to boycott the place since there are not all that many places to host blues and Huntington is a good location. That was classy of him. I did sort of boycott the place anyway for the last year as the only gigs I listed were some of the Jim Moran jams and I have not been there in a year at least.

So last night I was back. I have read some posts about Mamafunk & The Mudcats on Craigslist musicians page. They may have been self serving posts but the band works pretty often and they offer some blues so I thought I'd give a listen.

It was not a bad crowd for a bad weather night. As usual Chesterfields had cute and capable barmaids and there was an available seat at the bar so I grabbed it.

Mamafunk is a singer that reminded me a few times of Franny Mae but maybe a "greener" version, vocally speaking. Franny Mae (as in T-Bone & Franny Mae) has more nuance and range...and gravy so to speak but the resemblences are numerous...from pitch, to style to song choices. It was occasionally uncanny. The Mudcats were capable with some good guitar and keys and a solid rhythm section. I'd say the rave posts on the Craigslist were a bit biased perhaps but the band offers a creative blues flavor and some good potential. I welcome creative interpreters of blues and I think she/they are headed towards some of that.

This being Fathers Day I am lucky enough to be able to spend time with my father who is 85 and courageously fighting Parkinsons. The parental units are up from Florida and we are all together; the family. We were raised in Massapequa and since the late 80's we have scattered (some returned to Long Island, like me) and rarely spend time, as a family, with dad.

Back then (baby boom) the fathers worked hard and the mothers did most of the "raising"...at least in our neighborhoods. I am still getting to know my father and these times are valuable. We're lucky that he took care of himself and that he has good genes (yippee) and that he was successful and lucky and had a good marriage. There is some luck involved in a good life and he had/has it all.

I hope you enjoy your Fathers Day whether you get to be with your father or just spend some time remembering him or if you get to bask in the warmth and adoration of your children and family.

Thanks for stopping by.

bill

I think I should be clearer about the recent jam at Lefty's in Lindenhurst on Wed. nights.

Up to now it has been attended and hosted by some really good players; Papa G, Chrispy Chicken (Laybourne), Johnny Anderson and originally appointed host, Tommy "pizza". So far it has been interesting and last night finally got interesting after a first set of amateur hour that was guest hosted by Laybourne. He has game show host written all over him...kidding. But he handled the inebriated spotlight junkies with aplomb...and it was good for a few laughs.

The second set featured some better moments with some guest players including Joe Behar on trumpet who has been gathering momentum lately and some good drum work with Bill Post and another new face...name escaped me. Chicken had some cool moments on sax and bass...no less.

The last set got it all going. The mix of G, Chicken and Johnny A with Post on drums was a great set of jam music. Those guys can all play and if they keep showing up it will be a happy place for me on Wednesday nights.

I still want to make some hay at St. James, Rockville Center and Patchogue on Wednesday nights but again I have alternative close to home which will save my ass on occasion and keep me happy.

Fathers Day weekend approaches. There are some good shows out there and on Sunday too. I wonder if I could actually go to a show on Fathers Day...hmmm. It IS Fathers Day and the fam may want a break from me...might be an idea. We'll keep that in the hopper...

Hope to see you all out there music fans... Thanks for checking in.

bill

My Sunday post was a tad hasty in that I wrote it before knowing I would get to the Bay Shore Arts and Crafts Festival late in the day. There I caught The Willie Steel Band who were playing for Smoking Al's, a really good rib place in very cool downtown Bay Shore.

I wanted to quickly mention a great band, Willie Steel Band. They have Frank Bellucci on drums, with Willie Steel on guitar and the keyboard and sax players, not to mention bass were all amazing. I know, I have good stuff to say about almost everyone I see. If you read carefully you'll see this is an unqualified rave for a great bunch of players....who happen to be playing tonight at Molly Malone's in Bay Shore.

That's a first for a blues band. MM's has been a popular and casual Bay Shore dining spot and local watering hole for years and I actually like the fit of WS at MM's.

Willie Steel Band is lead by Mr.Willie Steel who is a sort of satiric performer. He and they are pro's pros and the songs are sometimes played like farces that are done really well (like Fly Me to the Moon with some blues edge) and sometimes blues numbers played with a twist. Steel is brash, irreverent; the players are solid performers all on the same page. It is a tight show. Catch them tonight if you see this in time or look them up (My Space) or find their shows here on BilLfOoLeRy.com.

Another mid-week note...I was driving home from Queens Monday night and was reminded about the jam at Jessie's Roadhouse as I was passing by Merrick and on the phone with a friend.

I popped in for a quick look and was amazed with the cast of players. It was a jazzy jam with Papa G, Chrispy Chis Laybourne, Chris Carrol on drums Ralph Peglese on keys, Dave Berg on guitar...some other good jazz players and Johnny Anderson was hanging around for looks... I didn't get to hear him play unfortunately. It was a quick look but a worthwhile one. Thats where the funk and jazz players go to show off their funky shoes and air out some metaphysical notions. I wish that was a Wednesday night show. I like the attitude.

So there's good stuff every damn night. No excuses. Find an hour, any night, and go git some of that musical inspiration.

So many choices, so many people and places. It is tough to decide where to go on a weekend night when I have to miss shows that I want to see. Throw in some friends that decided to come out and the fact that they live in, like Rocky Point, and the decision gets narrowed down suddenly.

So Friday night I trucked up to Port Jeff and I had found and listed two players for Tumbleweeds that night. I was going to get a chance to find out what that was all about.

It turns out that Tommy Keys was the show and there was a scheduling snafu so Gary Sellers was not. No sweat. I have not seen the busy piano man, Tommy Keys, since probably last summer. Hmmm, he may be a harbinger of summer. I'll have to make a note of that.

First of all I like Tumbleweeds. It has a beachy motif and the front door is open to the patio which is open to the huge parking lot behind Port Jazz. There was a lot of human traffic which is always interesting. The bar is big for a bar, small for a restaurant but the outside area makes it bigger. The attitude is casual, great for blues.

Tommy Keys was just playing his stuff...as the people came and went. He went from down and bluesy to jazzy to swing and party. Amazing how versatile keys are and he who plays them so well.

By the way, there's a blues festival at Tumbleweeds with 6 bands and a pig roast and that sounds like a blast! June 22, 2pm. Mark that on your calendar. Pam Betti, Little Cliff and lots more.

I was in luckyland this weekend. I got another night out so I headed to Patchogue Saturday night. Again, I had friends coming out and that is always a consideration and, of course there was good entertainment at Bobbique's and The Brickhouse. Those places rock...as they say.

Sweet Suzi and the Blues Experience were lighting up Bobbique's Sat. night. I got there mid-show and enjoyed the hell out of a set and a half. Suzi was full throttle, of course. I also love Johnny Anderson's guitar and the Blues Experience gave me that...blues experience that I need so often. Suzi even added some James Brown to the mix.

Something I am noticing about the local blues fare. It is getting influenced (favorably) by the strong presence of a talented local funk/jazz scene. The Johnny Anderson's and the Chris Laybourne's who play with the Papa G's and the Henning Stum's sprinkle the pollen's of the varying styles to the jams and bands of the blues people I know. There is more mixing of styles than those few, in fact the weeknight jams all have players who mix and influence others. It is creating a blend that is distinctive to these parts and it is fun to hear.

After SS & the BE I floated over to The Brickhouse Brewery for one of those distinctively Patchogue doubleheaders.

The Jim Moran Band was kicking some glutious with their recent lead guy JD Leonard. Holy crap, that guy can sing and play! He brings some "european" (okay British) flavor to the JMBand with some Pink Floyd (which is popular recently) and some zepplin-esque vocals and guitar. He has really strong vocals, which I knew, but his guitar last night was another show by itself. Add Tim Smith's vocals and even some Ed the Hat personality and the JMB is all the sudden multi dimensional. It was a regular revelation... and a helluva Saturday night in Patchogue.

Another interesting note...At the Sweet Suzi show I was introduced to Ken Shankman, a reviewer for Elmore Magazine. That is a great magazine. I ran into it online about a year ago and it seems to be doing nicely. They had free hard copies there Sat. night and I was thrilled. I have a link to the mag. on one of my links pages. Check it out and pick up the magazine. It not only has necessary blues and Americana music coverage but it has great graphics. It's a really nice publication.

Well, I cannot complain at least for a while now. I have had two weekends of multi-night entertainment and I have even had company ...most of the time.

And today is the Bay Shore Arts & Crafts Festival...always a fun day!

Life is good.

How was your weekend?

Thanks for stopping by,

bill

For all you Wednesday night music fans there was another spontaneous music affair at Lefty's last night. Apparently many of you were either at Reflections, St. James or Patchogue. I understand. There are good music events in those and other places. Like last week this was an underappreciated event... however terrific.

There happens to be a geographic slot on the south shore/western suffolk and apparently someone seems to be trying to fill it. Given that my address is in the afformentioned slot I am finding myself easily lured to Lefty's if even a hint of something good is going to happen. The fact is I have to watch the old drink and drive ratio so this is worth pursuing.

Last night the Tommy "pizza" jam was attended by Papa G but the remainder of the cast was different and really good also.

Mike Ernst who was on 6-string the whole night, was versatile...and good. There were all kinds of styles going on, from Jimi Hendrix with Roy Leftenant (O'Zone) on drums to some R&B with Chris Laybourne (yes, Mr. Chrispy Chicken). The cast also included Tommy Pizza and Bill Post on drums, Paul Bassi on bass, Joey Inserra on drums...and PapaG who is a catalyst for jams in the area and a creative monster in his own right.

There were some good moments. Little Wing was cool and Chrispy on sax just lets it fly.

I have heard CC a number of times with Sweet Suzi and at Mr. Beery's once or twice but I have missed a number of jams where he showed up and people have raved about the fun music that ensued.

I go out for jams so often I love it when a talent on something other than a guitar or vocal shows up. It's all good but new stuff is fun sometimes. Laybourne brings that. He leads like an instrument should lead. He doesn't go out on a limb he takes a leap off the tree. He takes the slot in the song and writes his own piece using the setting provided by the song. The song is just a premise... a neighborhood to play in. It's joyful. It is like hearing something new all the time. He lives the moment. That kind of creative expression is what it's all about.

There were more moments of that last night and other nights but usually they are rare and they occur "here and there". I guess that's the point of jams in general...putting different pieces together and seeing what happens.

I hope more people get out there and hear this stuff. It's art! That's important if you need to find joy.

Thanks for checking in and thanks for the music, boys.

bill

My awesome weekend started Friday night. Let me go back a step. Last weekend I was at Wonderous Stories (Sunset Grill) and I ran into some single 30 to 40-something types who were out for a night on the town. They were of the female persuasion and they were in fact, the demographic I seek to address here in BilLfoOlery-land. Ginny and Dottie are the fun type. They like being out and they like adventure...so I nagged them to get their bad selves out this weekend. They showed up.

We were at Pub 454 to hear Stevie Cochran. The choices were determined by geography and the shows available in the target area. I caught Mr. C at one of the festivals last summer and his guitar caught my attention. I know, I'm easy. Guitars somehow permeate all my defenses and that's mostly good.

What I like most about Stevie Cochran, besides his really good hands, is his choice of music. Naturally I like original stuff and creative interpretations of interesting songs. But I also like the Beatles and that genre.

I hear, and love, so much blues but I was entertained by some new song choices mixed with his playing style. I enjoyed the "Steamroller" cover and I enjoyed the Beatles interpretations. It was a blues night but it was done with some different tunes, not many of which were traditional blues songs.

I dug the show. I can recommend a night of Stevie Cochran anytime. I look forward to hearing some more of his repetoire.

Saturday night started off poorly I'm afraid. I erroneously listed the O'Zone gig at Maggies, where they played a few times prior. I got to Maggies at a decent time for the first time in ages. When I walked in though, the friendly barmaid pointed out that they were not playing there that night and they usually play there on Fridays. Also, I could go online to their website and find out where they might be tonight. I tried to hide my beet-red face, thanked her, and bolted. That might not have been a good time to introduce myself and my blog to the young lady.

I found out from Tim Dorsey, keyboardist for O'Zone, that they were at Molly Bloom's and luckily that was not far. (corner 27a and Rte.110, Amity) I got there in 10 minutes and just caught the start.

O'Zone is a cool funk band with some really good pieces. They play the stuff that people like to get up and dance to; James Brown, George Clinton funk, some Stevie W, some R&B.

Ahmed, lead guitar has two strong lead instruments; a really smooth voice and a good guitar. With Dorsey on keys and some vocals, Roy on drums and Clem on bass they make for a fun night.

Molly Blooms is a big venue. There is room for a big show and I would think the place is a good choice for an ambitious show this summer or soon...before they change hands again. The place would need a big promotional effort from all parties involved to fill the room.

It was not a bad showing and everyone was having a good time.

Being Saturday night I had to stop in at another show especially since I got the earliest start all year. Luckily there was an Andy Aledort sighting at The Viking in Islip. Every now and then you can catch one of the best damn guitar players there is right there at the modest little Islip hangout.

I got there for the last two sets and it was hot. His usual cast with DiMeo on keys are all so good. It is the best Hendrix, SRV, etc. you will ever hear. This Saturday Gary Sellers was in the house and he got invited up for a few numbers. Sellers and Aledort played a wild jam of a Howlin Wolf number for one. It was cool because Sellers has his own moments of guitar magic and he is also masterful at complementing a player like Aledort. Sellers has had years of sidekicking with Sam Taylor among others. There was a comfortable exchange of leads between the two. Sellers did a nice job of setting-up so to speak and it was a memorabale performance by both. It is always a memorable night of music there, and with The Groove Kings.

That was about it for me. I would have loved to get to The Brickhouse Sunday for the Henry Butler performance but family matters took over and my musical wanderings were over for the weekend. It was a good one.

I hope you all had a good weekend and thanks for checking in here. I hope to spend a busy summer of music with ya'll.

bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you out there.

bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

bill

And it's not over.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's a great time. Check it out.

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

bill