Greens (duo) at Wheel House last night

A high energy show by Nathan and Andy last night. They were able to do some improvisational stuff being a duo; responding to the audience's "flow" and veering their own way, too. Andy was exuberant in voice, facial expression and guitar solos. A pretty decent crowd; I am not able to compare Friday's at Bogie's to this one, but a decent block of the loyal fan base. We'll be listening again for the song about Barbara, Joseph, etc. Got the name of one recent song; Tuck's Riff- dentist with bad teeth; vegetarian butcher; surgeon with shaky hands; the girl that now just sits there, etc. Nathan and Andy can do some pretty amazing shifts mid-song; tempos, into new songs, etc.
Bobby Kirl - opened; just caught a little, but he shared some enthusiasm.
Johnny and I were both wearing the Americana Tribute series t-shirts; It was good to catch up with Ashlie a little, too.

From Tiffin OHio

Here I am typing away in Tiffin OHio on Saturday morning. We are in a motel; after seeing Arlo Guthrie last night at the Ritz Theater in downtown Tiffin. It was a fantastic show; a great 6 person band- Arlo in great form- storytelling was great- his guitar playing and keyboard playing great- the song selection great. Abe, his son, plays keyboards, and a good multi-instrumentalist, Gordon Titcomb (looking like a certain vintage Frank Zappa) and Terry a la Berry (Terry Hall) on the precussion. David Grover on guitars and Kathy Jo Grover on vocals. Arlo did Alice's Restuarant - a good long energetic, version- (can you imagine doing that night in and night out for 40 years?) He did coming into los angeles, and a very hilarious lead in story. The motorcycle song- (I don't want a pickle....) - with the self-depricating lead in about the mystery of inspiration and creativity that leads people to be able to come up with a song. City of New Orleans, with some stories about his recent benefit tour down the mississippi for Katrina victims. There were some sweet instrumentals mixed in; a very intriguing wide variety of musical styles. His story - stopping this land is your land abruptly TWICE to tell totally different/ energetic stories- one bible story- about Joseph- and the importance of one person's actions to change the world, etc. etc. Another angle- was how much easier it is to make a difference / an impact because the way the world is now is so screwed up; there's a lot that needs done. He basically stayed away from "politics" in the blatant sense, preferring to philosophize more general from his humorous slant on the world. It was a great show. The crowd was very demographically mixed; probably quite a bit of local folks. Afterwards, in the lobby of the theater, he signed autographs; wearing a ball cap over his LONG flowing white/ gray hair- he signed a CD cover for Brendan; and Beth got a picture of the two of them- a little boy was led up to be introduced- Arlo this is Arlo- and pictures, etc. Lots of people bringing old albums up to be signed; Arlo warmly greeting everyone- very down to earth.
I won't dwell on my two person down "neighbor"- a little overserved; and the loudest heckler- mouth - shouting out comments throughout- but you can't fault the guys enthusiasm- and he was impressed with Brendan's air drum playing during coming into los angeles.
We'll do a little driving around Tiffin this morning- seeing some of the Tuck scenes- already we have seen the courthouse and church where the subterranean homesick blues was filmed probably 30-35 years ago. Back in Parkersburg by this evening.

Take a deep breath and plunge ahead

Friday the 28th I am headed with a car load to see Arlo Guthrie in Tiffin Ohio at the Ritz Theater. We got a 5th ticket today so Beth could come along. This will be a grand adventure back to some old stompin' grounds (in a manner of speaking) and to see Arlo "in the great midwest." I'll be missing the Greens show at Bogies Friday night; I'll expect and hope for, some sort of report from someone. Then Saturday, I'll be back for the Greens at the Wheel House; and to convey to Andy how Arlo's show was. Then on to next week; Thursday to see project object at the Empty Glass; the FZ tribute show; I was very excited to be "hit" by a few responses to my mention of the project object last week; and even got a set list from the Cleveland show, and an exchange about the 18 year old drummer. Then Friday night its the Greens for Cinco de Mayo at the 6 Pence Pub. Saturday is the next vinyl record sale with proceeds to CHS in front of the Sound Exchange. Then the next Tuesday, its the first (of what I hope are several) musicians get-togethers leading up to the Woody Guthrie tribute. Come listen to some Woody music via CD's and pass the guitar around to hear a few renditions, and trade "licks." Then I'm scheduled to sing a few "protest songs/ anti-war songs" from the 60's to history classes at PHS on May 18th. Then Fred Eaglesmith and Greg Brown at the hocking folk festival in Nelsonville on May 20th.
New announcement: Todd Snider will be in Nelsonville on July 29th.

clarifying Greens show Saturday night

Saturday at the Wheel House is advertised as a full fledged Greens show. "Bobby Curl" (I think I got that right) is the opening act - 7:30 ish, with the Greens at 9:30. Sorry for earlier mis-info. Somebody's got to set me straight; I am eager and try hard, but......................

update on Saturday night April 29th at the Wheelhouse

There will be an opening act next Saturday at the wheel house, 7:30 -ish; an acoustic guitar performer; more details early next week. And it may just be a solo show for Andy (rather than the afore mentioned full Greens show)- more details when available. In any case, come on out.
Had to bow out of going to see Mountain Stage tomorrow night at the Clay Center; only the expensive tickets left- opted out. I know it will be a fine show of course, but feelin' a little conservative with the funds........ Figurin' May and into the summer will be quite a few shows to see, so........

Project Object

The Frank Zappa tribute band, projectobject will be at the empty glass in Charleston Thursday May 4th. Also in Pittsburgh the following week if I recall. They have an incredible touring schedule; here there and everywhere the next night.

Musicians get together for Woody Guthrie tribute

Any musicians who are interested in playing at the Woody Guthrie tribute in July, are invited to get together Tuesday, May 9 at 7 pm at 1739 St. Mary's Ave. Parkersburg (third store front) to hear some Woody Guthrie songs on CD, look at some sheet music; bring a guitar and play a verse or two (or 13) of a song; see if anyone else wants to sing harmony, etc. This is just to "test the waters" as to who is out there; get familiar with the songs and other musicians. There will probably be a least a second one of these, so if you can't make it don't worry. I will be making some phone calls to contact some interested musicians from previous shows, etc. But feel free to spread the word. You might have people call me to let me know who's coming; or when you see me at upcoming Greens shows, or around town, let me know of your interest. This is three days after the next vinyl record sale at the Sound Exchange, too.

musical updates

New Date: the Greens will be at the Wheel House in downtown parkersburg, on Saturday, April 29th at 10 pm (maybe a little earlier?) This adds to their Friday night in Parkersburg the 28th at Bogie's. For those hearty enough to dance to the Greens two nights in a row................ as you recall, I will have to "miss" a Greens show for a rare occurence; going to see Arlo Guthrie. And then the next weekend, Cinco de Mayo (I stand corrected- though that reminds me too much of mayonaisse) the Greens at 6 Pence Pub. (If you don't go back far enough listening to andy's solo shows; you'll have to ask him to play the Professional Amateurs (with the line: its Cinco de Mayo, and I'm somewhere in OHio.......)
Speaking of Andy solo shows: he is playing Saturday night at the Brew Pub in Morgantown - so go out and see him up there, too.

Bob Dylan Tribute

Todd Burge announces the Bob Dylan birthday tribute on Friday May 19th, at Six Pence Pub in Parkersburg. Todd is also playing at the Hocking Folk Festival on the 20th of May at 1pm; with Greg Brown and Fred Eaglesmith on the schedule later in the day.

Greens updates

The Greens playing in Georgia this weekend fell through; money issues at the race track. The Greens will be playing at Bogie's IN parkersburg, Friday, April 28th at 10 pm. And Six Pence Pub on May 5th (friday, also at 10 pm) Cinco di Miyo (spelling please?).
I will miss the Bogie's show; being in Ohio (... somewhere in Ohio....) to see Arlo Guthrie (Tiffin actually). It will be a rare miss for me of a Parkersburg Greens show; I know the rest of the crowd will make them feel appreciated, and remind the local music venues that this is one of their best draws.

Going into the Weekend

I'll not be able to make the trip up to morgantown tonight to see the greens at the Brew Pub (and catch up on Georgia news)- if anyone attends that can give me an update; that would be great.
I appreciate the gradual groundswell of communication- thanks Ryan for the suggested Tribute theme- to go along with some other recent ones. We'll be taking all that into account for future events. I'm pretty close to finalizing a first musicians get together to listen to some Woody Guthrie CD's and have a little guitar pull (passing around the guitar for a song or two)- Tuesday, May 9th here at my office on St. Mary's ave. I will have finalized this by next week, as I start to get my next round of publicity out for the next vinyl record sale May 6th. And lump "cinco de miyo" (May 5th)- the Greens next Parkersburg show.
I am warming up for the Arlo Guthrie show in Ohio April 28th; I'll be talking about that quite a bit leading up to it, and when I return. Undoubtedly I'll be as excited as the Hank III fans were from their expedition.
I don't know if I'll be out any on the prowl for any live music this weekend or not.

Mid week (well, Thursday) update/ musings

Thanks to Ashlie for her report on the Hank III show in Morgantown, too. The "damn band" and all. I guess he has three different configurations throughout the night.
And yes, lots of good brainstorming going on about future tribute/ benefit themes- yeah, good stuff.
Andy has been down in Joe-ga (Georgia) this week; I'll be awaiting to hear if he got to play anywhere; at an open mike of anything. He will be back in WV for Friday night in Morgantown at the Brew Pub. Next week is the bigger Georgia trip to play at an auto race track. (Atlanta Speedway?)
I am glad to be seeing how people's names are spelled, so I can get 'em right in the blog.

Well appreciated response to the Hank III show

David McIntyre replied to my request for a report on the Hank III show in Morgantown last week. The fact that Jesco was there, and dancing sounds great. I figure all who went had a great experience. Yeah!

Vinyl Records sale update

Well my patron saint purchased another huge quantity of records Friday, (100 dollars worth) and he intends to be back Monday to finish his browsing. He will have, not only greatly supported the cause monetarily, but will have given me a great sense of direction and focus for the next sales. He has a nearly unbelievably wide range of knowledge and interest in music; and has given me a good overview of "what all is there." Look for the publicity to start back up in a week or so, for the May 6th sale in front of the Sound Exchange. Spread the word, too, if you can. This seems like its following the pattern that the record sale follows a Friday night trip to 6 Pence Pub.

Greens updates

That one picture on the Myspace site, from the guy from Thred is a little much.
Andy is expected to be traveling down to Georgia this week - he will be back by Friday for the show at the Brew Pub. There is talk of organizing a Parkersburg contingent to attend that show. Then the next week is the trek to Georgia for the Greens to play at the car race track. Seek out your normal mode for getting updates from that point.

Last Night's show

It was good to have a bona fide Greens show last night at 6 Pence Pub. They have a wide open area, and a good dance floor (which was well used). It was Terry's birthday (23rd). There were some CD's sold; probably indicating some new fans. Nathan video taped the first two hours of the 4 hour show. Obviously, lots of the later stuff would have been nice to have; after a while, somebody was almost always sitting in front of the one light that was at least somewhat shining on the band. So I'm not sure what you'll be able to see in the video footage. It was good to get a wide range of Greens songs from the three CD's, again showing the richness of the "full body of work" up to this point. Its great how the new(er) songs fit into the sets. A pretty good size crowd, and clearly enthusiastic; I suppose the Pub owners were happy. Cinco de Mayo is supposed to be the next show there- May 5th. The trip to Georgia is in between, and a few shows in Morgantown. (14th at the Brew Pub- maybe a show at chick n bones, too.)

Yes, the Greens are playing tonight at 6 Pence

Sorry, if this is too late; the Greens are playing tonight in the Back Room of the 6 Pence Pub- they are setting up as we speak. I am trying to get some minor equipment needed to video tape the show. Three CD's have already been sold. There is a big wide open space where everyone has a good seat. Na, Na Na, I got in for free.

Vinyl Record update

I had an uplifting day yesterday, where a fellow I know, who had stopped by the sale on Saturday, stopped in to look at "THE COLLECTION," and came away with $70 worth of sales- a very eclectic mix- so it gave me some hope that true music lovers would find something still there. He cited some good jazz, some classical, some opera that he thought was pretty intriguing and likely to have some interest. Any one else who wants to take a personal gander at the collection, just contact me through whatever means, and I can let you in over there to browse.

Friday, April 7

I cannot totally confirm the Greens tonight at six pence pub, since I haven't talked to Andy, I'll try to give a last minute confirmation later in the day. (Its on the marquee, so I hope its worked out!!!) 10 pm.

meanwhile: Todd Burge is with Johnny Statts and Robert Shaffer at the Blennerhassett Hotel tonight.
Adrienne Young is making her swing through our neck of the woods playing last night at the Purple Fiddle, tonight in Columbus, saturday in ann arbor and sunday in cleveland.

Hank III at 123 Pleasant St

I'll be waiting to hear how the Hank Williams III show at 123 Pleasant st. in Morgantown goes tomorrow night. I heard a little excerpt from an interview on the NPR radio today with Hank III. I'll be counting on a report (hint, hint)

Andy's show Friday night at 6 Pence

Andy played at 6 Pence Pub Friday night. Not as big a crowd as St. Patrick's Day, so a little less enthusiasm. A bloc of the loyal fans was definitely present of course.
I'm a little confused about the upcoming weeks; I know there is a georgia trip in here somewhere in April. I'll have to get it straightened out in my mind. I don't really know a next Parkersburg date for Andy and/or the Greens.
We enjoyed singing Fish and Whistle; and had a little trouble with the standard You Ain't Goin Nowhere.
Hi Ashley (sorry I don't know the spelling of your name; you'll have to correct me if its wrong); thanks for coming out, and being so enthusiastic. We will make the Daytime Woody Guthrie show a great event. (of course, the night time one will be, too)

Vinyl Record sale- great success

The vinyl record sale in front of the Sound Exchange yesterday went very well. Thanks to all the enthusiastic record hunters who came out, bought some records and exchanged news and ideas. I liked meeting Johnny Nutter's boys; after hearing the story of the KISS birthday party. I think I sold over 250 records; so there were definitely some good ones in the collection. Thanks to Andy for driving the table and record rack over and back. The Sound Exchange manager thought it went well from her viewpoint, bringing customers around. I got the word out about Children's HOme Society, and plugged the Americana Music Tribute series shows. I've got a guy who will look at the bigger collection of records and give me some overview of what's what with all the classic music, jazz, big band era, easy listening stuff.