Trekking to see Arlo Guthrie in Tiffin Ohio

We'll be making the trip to Tiffin Ohio in April 2006 to see Arlo Guthrie perform at the Ritz Theater. This is one of those over 100 year old theater's that a small northwest Ohio community re-vitalized a few years ago, and has been able to bring some variety of acts to. Tiffin Ohio is the home of the famous Tuck family "home movie" / precursor to music video, etc. Circa 1972-1973, Dave Tuck, fresh from a film class at Harvard commandeered (though it didn't take much persuading) several other family members (younger siblings and a guest cameo from the patriarch of the crew) into filming surreal sketches from Bob Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues at the downtown church and courthouse square. (We will be sure to visit the courthouse square and the church when we are there). We only got through about the first verse and a half. But there are excellent portrayals of some of Bob Dylan's finest images. "Maggie comes fleet foot, face full of black soot," etc. man in a trench coat ; man who's got a bad cough, thinkin about the government, etc. etc. etc.
When the junior Tuck family recreated The MOvie in downtown Parkersburg for the approximate 25 anniversary of the original filming- marty recreated the trench coat scene; beth gamely gave her best Mary Tuck role of Maggie coming fleet foot, etc. Our camera person was not quite as adept perhaps- but the coonskin cap was the EXACT SAME ONE from the original movie!!!!!!!!!
I am looking forward to Arlo's current sense of the world; recently hearing about his 40th anniversary "tour" of alice's restuarant; and now, this month- he's making a benefit trip following the route of the City of New Orleans down from illinois to New Orleans for flood relief. eagerly awaiting that adventure.

On another note: "fantasy lottery winning splurge" - I would love to see Jerry Jeff Walker and Todd Snider at BB King's Bar and Grill in NYC on March 10 and 11. First announcement I've seen of any shows for Todd for 2006.

Andy playing at Bogie's Friday Dec. 16th

Andy will be playing at Bogie's in Parkersburg on Friday December 16th. I will update later whether this is a Greens show or solo. There is a private party here in Parkersburg the week of Christmas, and I would imagine a Front Row show sometime in the holiday week. The Wheel HOuse may be up for a live music show by then; getting their stage back after some moving things around (moving the lottery area out into the front entry area). Trying to get any Morgantown dates to post here on the blog; stay tuned........

thanksgiving night- front row

For the fifth year in a row; Andy, and some variant of the Greens played at the front row in Parkersburg Thanksgiving evening. There was a WVU football game on (the backyard brawl with Univ of Pittsburgh) going on till almost midnight which took precedent over music till the game was over. Andy and Nathan then switched the gears of the crowd to music. Nathan was playing an improvised style favoring his injured wrist, but gamely set the rhythm throughout the night. Plenty of enthusiastic fans; out of towners in for the holiday, then looking for a night out to see old friends, etc. was the dynamic that has been building over the five years. And many of the Parkersburg fan base (who are sensing the fewer and further between gigs for the Greens in Parkersburg). Andy was up for the task of keeping folks engaged and hopping- incorporating stories and songs (with new meanings) after his recent travels. As the evening builds, he not only has his own fine sense of what the crowd is ready for; but graciously accommodates some requests (that are often far a field!).
When I got up to sing the duets/ harmonies of some of the old favorites, Andy even let me do the yodeling on Cripple Creek (The Band). Earlier in the day, at home we were listening to Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie in a live performance doing a little yodeling, so that was the inspiration. It was good to see Nathan Vincent in town (from Chicago and culinary school) - soon to be heading to colorado (after the christmas holiday).
Looking for the Greens at Bogies the weekend of Dec. 16 or 17th. Otherwise, Andy is back to the construction work "day job" next week, and the regular open mikes etc. in Morgantown during the week.
Having Beth and Andy "sparring" over groups and solo performers (the music critics) was fun on the holiday- Beth is an avid eclectic music seeker, too. We almost have to give her her own sub-blog for a slightly different set of genre interests than Andy or I............

todd burge's CD release

Todd Burge's new CD is out (I believe as of yesterday) and he is making the rounds for some CD release parties. Parkersburg's is Dec. 9th at the Blennerhassett Hotel. We heard some of the songs at the Clay Center at his show with Jamie Hartford. Hope he gets a good response around the state. Great website!

I just wish I could write previews like this:Tonight: SEE and HEAR the “postmodern jug band” known as Asylum Street Spankers, whose music blogcritics.org describes as “one part blues, one part old-time jazz and one part Western swing. Skim any excessive seriousness off of the surface and add a liberal splash of humor. Shake briskly and enjoy. And I do mean enjoy.” NPR writes, “Their music is drawn mostly from the early 20th century, yet many of the lyrics aren't suitable for NPR -- they're a bit too naughty. But as Jacki Lyden notes, the act is witty and wacky, a bit reminiscent of the late, great Spike Jones and his orchestra.” The Japan Times (!) writes, “Sex, drugs and other staples of rock 'n' roll excess dominate the lyrics, but don't expect mosh pits at their shows. The Spankers play acoustic blues and hot jazz -- well, sort of. Their genre-bending formula mixes the clarinets and fiddles of ragtime and Tin Pan Alley with the guitar picking of country-western, blues and roots-rock. Mark Keresman of Jazz Review once described them as ‘a cross between R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Serenaders, Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, Tom Waits and The Squirrel Nut Zippers, with a touch of the mutant/eclectic sarcasm-rock of Camper Van Beethoven and They Might Be Giants!’” (This is a preview of tonights show at the beachland ballroom in cleveland ohio...... where the famous look alike picture of me in my croatian outfit resides.......)

thursday night at the front row (thanksgiving)

I just talked to andy; he is definitely playing at the front row thanksgiving night; Nathan said he would like to play but his wrist is still questionable; he's talking about a left handed version of drumming. Sorry not to be able to be more definitive. stay tuned.

tunes to morgantown and back monday

I listened to: Greg Brown (if I had known); a John Lennon compilation; and Tom Waits (used songs) on the trip to Morgantown and back monday.

marietta brewing company- saturday night

Andy ended up playing a solo gig saturday night at the marietta brewing company. There was a good size crowd (biggest I've seen for a show there) and andy was in great solo form. He went through a pretty standard set list including at least two new songs (I had never heard before). He sounded strong on songs that usually are trademark "full sound" Greens songs; even if he has to tailor them to a solo performance. It seemed there were quite a few new listeners; and I was glad to see Lori and Thad there. Toward the end, the loyal crew up front seemed to really enjoy Tide Turns Again. Andy was going very non-stop and energetic throughout the evening; he laid it all out there!
Stay tuned for an update on the Thanksgiving night show at the Front Row; its a little unknown about the Greens status for that one too.

weekend update

I'm hoping to see Andy play saturday night at the marietta brewing company; don't know/ don't think it will be a Greens full-fledged gig; I understand Nathan's arm /wrist is hurting. So, hopefully Andy will be able to play it alone (or some combination?) In the Free Time it was listed as "the Greenes" (which is a local gospel family group!!!) Today is when the Johnny Cash movie premieres; so I'll be listening for people's first reviews. I anticipate this will help build a little momentum for a tribute/ benefit in February. If andy isn't going to be playing in marietta, we may try to go to stuart's opera house saturday night and see the horseflies. I heard a little interview on WOUB the other night.

andy back in morgantown

Andy (we presume) made it back for his tuesday night gig at the Brew Pub in Morgantown. He checked in yesterday about the rest of the trip; Brady Young had hosted him in Nashville; and Marty in Louisville. It will now be a time of reflecting with some new input on locations and music scenes. Waiting to hear the exact details of several upcoming shows; Saturday and next Thursday. I'll keep updates as I know them.

music to indiana and kentucky and return

The CD's are getting a little jumbled in my mind after a few stretched out days. We seemed to stagger a female voice with a male voice. We had Abigal Washburn; Guy Clark, Adrienne Young, Kris Kristofferson, Lucinda Williams (live at the Fillmore), Donovan, the Indigo Girls, John Prine's duets (IN spite of ourselves), Neil YOung (After the gold rush).

andy in parkersburg

Andy arrived at the Tuck household last evening from Louisville; I didn't get to talk to him to get an update on his travels, and he may be back to Morgantown today.

hellooooooo

Well, I am back from wanderings; I see that the greens are supposed to be playing at the Marietta Brewing Company saturday night the 19th, so I guess that is so. Andy is probably in Louisville kentucky as we speak, hopefully checking out the live music scene there, on his way around the southland. We had a good visit with Marty there on SUnday, and then andy was on I-65 coming north from Nashville I reckon. Tomorrow I will have some recordings from CD's that were playing in the various Prizms we were driving over the last few days. Didn't actually have any LIVE music over the last few days; I guess the HORSEFLIES at Stuarts are the next thing coming up...... But of course, if there is a conflict it will be the greens in Marietta......... trying to sort things out.......

talked to andy last night

Andy, reporting from Georgia, said that he has played in both Athens and Atlanta this week. He has sold some CD's and distributed some to other (hopefully) key contacts. He (unfortunately) missed Todd Snider last night. I don't know his exact time schedule but he's hoping to head out to Kentucky, etc. on this trip, aiming to be back in WV the week of Thanksgiving.

mid week vantage point

I'll be sorry to miss the carpenter ants at the Front Row this saturday, being out of town to Indiana and kentucky. But I am arranging to have someone pick me up a CD. I am also sorry to be missing Stuart's Opera House's fund raiser with Beausoleil that same night. I will be sending a donation to keep that great music venue supported too. The Cajun music is that much more meaningful these days after the hurricane struck Louisiana. "There will be other opportunities." "Get out and see some live music" as Larry Groce says.
Haven't heard from Andy in Georgia for a day or two.

andy reports from Georgia

Andy e-mailed today from Monroe Georgia. He has seen a little of the Athens scene, and is plotting an approach to Atlanta. I was VERY excited that the timing was right for him to be able to see Todd Snider in Athens Thursday night at the Melting POint (check out their web site). I hope andy can keep the e-mails coming while he is down there, so we can get vicarious updates of the music scene in "the southeastern music capital."

CD's in the player charleston and back

Saturday night's trip to Charleston and back had: Daddy (at the Women's Club) in the CD player; then we listened to the Greens Volume 3 for the rest of the ride down and a little way back. The song split up was Bushwacker. We listened to Michelle Shocked (mercury poise 1988-1995) on the way back and were finishing up with Donovan- a retrospective CD when we pulled into Parkersburg.

"the wind is howling like a hammer" today.

jamie hartford show in charleston

Attended a concert by Jamie Hartford and his band at the Walker Theater (part of the Clay Center) in Charleston last night; Todd Burge was the opening act. Jamie Hartford is John Hartford's son. He has been through a good early music career and has a new effort to honor his dad's music. He has a great band of musicians; dobro, mandolin, banjo, bass (and he is on guitar) and a nice harmony singer. The mandolin player (a multi-instrumentalist you could bet) is from West Virginia- Jane Lew. A very enjoyable two set show- good songs, good mix of John Hartford songs and their own; good instrumental solo's by all throughout the show. Todd did a fine opening act; hopefully continuing to showcase to some new folks. Ron Sowell was the host of this event. The little theater at the back of the Clay Center is a great music venue- tables set up- probably seats about 200. Nice sound, nice comfortable atmosphere. Hartford's crew will be on mountain stage tonight; show is sold out.

Andy heading off for adventure and a musical business trip

Everybody wish Andy "good luck" as he heads off for the Atlanta/ Athens Georgia area (today I think) to check out the music scene there and begin a little promotional effort outside of West Virginia. I guess he had enough of a space in his gigs/ show schedule to give this a whirl. We will be giving updates as we hear them; and eagerly awaiting the reaction and response he gets. In the meantime, newcomers visit: www.thegreensmusic.com for info about the band, and the chance to hear a few songs. I came back from my work's conference needing to send a few CD's to a few folks, getting the word out.
Looking ahead, we know at least of the Thanksgiving show in Parkersburg at the Front Row; so that will be a chance to catch up on Andy's travels for the Greens fans in the Parkersburg area.

Hopefully bringing some new folks on board

I hope I am welcoming some new viewers to the blog, after the Children's Home Society annual conference. I put the plug in that this will be the place to find information about 2006 musical benefit fund raisers. Starting with the Johnny Cash tribute we are in the planning stages for February. Woody Guthrie tribute in July; 4th annual John Prine tribute in October, and the culminating event- in November, the Neil Young tribute. Look for future word about the guitar raffle throughout the 2006 events.
Thank you to all the agency staff attenders at the annual conference for your enthusiasm and commitment to the work of the agency. I always appreciate the newer attendees who show some energy and willingness to undertake late night adventures; getting the most out of the conference experience, with many good stories to tell later.

listening to Daddy at the Women's Club

Driving to Clarksburg Wednesday I finally had the opportunity to listen to Daddy at the Women's Club (Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack etal) It was great- there are the two funny songs- the one about ronald reagan and the one about Martin Luther- and then a bunch of great rocking songs. I will be purchasing several copies for distribution to key people who would appreciate this music. Michelle Shocked also got a little playing time on the trip and Abigal Washburn was still in the CD player at the start of the trip, so I finished that CD up on the first stretch.

struck out finding a re-broadcast

Being the novice at internet/ web navigating that I am, I couldn't figure out if there was a way to listen to the broadcast from sunday afternoon at 4 pm. i did see the playlist, and saw that andy was on there twice- bushwacker and what a ride. I cruised the radio station website, and saw Nick barry's friend bobby lane had done a show on october 10th; but alas, also, I could not find a way to listen to it after the fact. But it does seem like a good site supporting the music scene in morgantown. good job fellers; especially Todd burge for promoting all the good WV music......

tuesday evening

Andy had finally been able to register and get on blogspot, so please note his comments; hopefully they will become a regular thing!!! And I keep encouraging others to add comments. I will be down in Charleston for the next two nights, hopefully taking in some live music down there, while at a work related conference. I will be spreading the word about the blog; the Greens; the Children's Home Society of WV 2006 fund raiser benefits/ live music shows, and the Guitar Raffle, etc. etc. etc. I will be listening to a little music tomorrow on a quick side trip to Clarksburg and back in the morning, before heading to Charleston in the afternoon.
I'll be playing detective here in a minute, to see if I can track down the morgantown radio station's website for the live music radio show from sunday afternoon...... hhhhmmmmmmm- will I find it?