for some reason I couldn't get on blogspot on my computer

I've not been able to post anything for a few days; I kept trying to log on from my computer and couldn't- I kept thinking it was a problem with blogger, but it was my computer, 'cause I can get on somewhere else. The Greens are heading to NYC tomorrow for their two shows up there- I'm billing the second night as "big ol' bessie" meets fat annie's. Good luck fellers!
The Anais Mitchell show Sept. 20th at the front row is ready to go- bill brought me over some nice flyers yesterday. I'll get those out, and time a story; Paul LaPann from the newspaper talked about the show the other night when we bumped into each other at city park.
I'll make a push for the August 25th benefit show before I leave for vacation this weekend. john Prine is going to be in Morgantown Sept 21st- t his show just announced this morning.

Sam Baker, Austin songwriter

Read a review, and then did a little browsing to find out about Sam Baker a Texas singer/songwriter. visit myspace: (sambakermusic) or a web site himself; www.sambakermusic.com - just an early visit, but definitely intriguingly up my alley. More later.

new song contest regional finals last night

Attended the new song regional round at the Blennerhassett Hotel last night. 11 finalists performed two songs each. A solid line up of songwriters/ performers. These were from WV, Ohio and Kentucky. Ellery (a husband and wife team from kentucky, outside of cincinnati) won, to move on to the international finals in NYC in September. They had a keyboard and guitar duo, with the woman doing the lead vocals, with a powerful voice, that must have captured the judges attention above all the other fine candidates. Tim Peacock, Larry Groce, an arts and entertainment journalist from Morgantown, and the guy from the newsong contest were the judges. It was a well put-together show, smooth running and an attentive and appreciative audience; a full house for the size of the room. The musicians seemed to be treated well; everyone was gracious in their accolades. Look for follow up on: www.songwriternight.com, and clips on the first sunday of the month on 106.1 FM 7 pm.

Anais Mitchell at the front row in September

Righteous Babe recording artist, Anais Mitchell will be coming to Parkersburg Sept. 20th for a show at the front row. Bill Poole and I worked out the details and so we now begin some promotion work, to get a good crowd out to hear her. She will then be at mountain stage on the 23rd of Sept. Visit her site, ask me for details, etc. I have some posters to put up; I have a complimentary copy of her CD, but you can listen to songs off her myspace site, and her own site, and see stuff on Righteous Babe's site about her. Help talk it up! We can bring in more good stuff like this if this goes well!

have dragged my feet getting a ticket to the songwriter contest at the blennie

Saturday night is the songwriter contest for mountain stage at the blennerhassett hotel- I haven't got a ticket yet, and its likely sold out. Andy didn't make it into this final round, so I was a little disappointed. A good event is organized for the weekend, with stuff going on friday night for the participants, and some workshops on the music biz on saturday during the day. visit: www.songwriternight.com for info- go out and support the effort! (if you can still get a ticket!)

I am listening to Hasil Adkins

Nick Barry dropped me by a CD by Hasil Adkins, which I am listening to as a work. "Look at that caveman go"- the one man band (hasil adkins and his happy guitar) from 1993- recorded live at: the corner pocket in madison wv; the empty glass in charleston; gumby's in huntington wv, maxwell's in hoboken nj and a few other places! Little more can be said- hope you can get a listen.

sorry, I tried to go directly to something....

Sorry, I tried to go directly to a flyer/ announcement about Andy playing solo next monday night at 123 pleasant st. as part of a lineup of music- it was just one of the posts in their my space site- I guess you can go look it up yourself through the usual means- I'm a novice.

andy at 123 pleasant st. next monday

www.myspace.com/thegreens

Greens at the wheel house- "review"

The Greens returned to the Boreman Wheel HOuse last night after a gap in time. Mid-summer unknown for a crowd turnout; what with AllGood festival, vacations, outdoor fun, etc. And the turnover in management since the last time they played there. The Greens didn't disappoint, and the crowd was decent. Tony filled in on bass, with his usual enthusiasm and flair. Two times, Andy and Tony traded instruments and put on a versatile show / instrumental inspiration. Lots of Jimi Hendrix early, while they were waiting for Tony to arrive; with just drums and guitar. A diverse crowd from the night before; indicating a wide reach for the two days in Parkersburg; I counted probably only 5 people or so that were at both shows. A pretty different set list, though with Tony there, the songs played both nights even had different twists; some different tempos etc. Several more instrumentals and extended jams with this show. The audience seemed to appreciate the band coming up with their own seques; not much need to call out requests; though I requested cars and horses and tide turns again. They played long sets and covered a lot of ground. Wes was a trooper (trouper?) keeping his balance and dancing his heart out right up front. The bachelorette party didn't interrupt things too much, and they didn't stay too long.
I guess there are no local shows next weekend for the Greens (I thought there had been a gig at 6 pence?) But according to the my space schedule, its on to Tony and Cleo's in Wheeling in two weeks. Give andy a chance to rest up his voice. Things are still on for the NYC trip; PIttsburgh coming up too. Then some busy weekends in August. Hopefully, the timing will work out to get the CD out by mid-August (I should say CD's).

greens put on a great show last night

The Greens were in fine form last night at the front row in Parkersburg. The crowd was slow to gather, and not the largest there's been, but the Greens gave everybody their money's worth. A good cross section of songs from the different eras of Greens music; a crowd pleasing mix of a few more covers than sometimes they play. "Feel like Making Love" ??????? Oh well, somebody asked for it! Pink Floyd got in there again, after a reprieve; sublime; shakedown street.
I got to hear thunderwear, drag yourself through the day, (what I call) Starving Artist (catherine zeta jones, etc.) and most of the stellar popular ones. Good long sets; not a lot of dancing among the audience; andy referenced the dancers might be at the allgood festival....... Andy told a few good stories, and worked some good intro's to the songs; changed some lyrics - like seeing the Matrix movie up on one of the tv screens, and sticking that reference into a song.
On to the wheel house tonight- wonder if there will be a different crowd, or will folks move along from one venue to another. We hope the fellas can sustain the energy!

Greens - 2 parkersburg shows this weekend

I don't have much to add; other than tonight at the Front Row; its the Greens; and tomorrow, they play at the Wheel House. HOpe to see you there. Andy's had a busy few weeks, and I look forward to catching up. He was suffering from an ear infection for awhile; hope that is cleared up so he can hear !

new records in today; don't know how to categorize

I got some donated records today; they are a very eclectic set; hard to summarize. They are older than what i was expecting; lots of 78's; some older 45's than I would have thought. Not much classic rock or 60's-70's type; there will be a few good finds; there is a ray charles and several like that. There is some big band stuff that Larry will like I figure.

Vinyl record sale was a good event

Had some new folks stop in to the vinyl record sale, and a few "regulars." Made a typical amount of sales - over 200. Nobody was able to contribute to my dusty ol' pile of vinyl records though. I was trying to amass my herb alpert "whip cream" collection; but one guy even bought one of my four on hand. Two guys were aggressively vying for some classical music records.

Greens - two chances this weekend

The Greens will be in parkersburg both friday and saturday nights- take 'em both in! Friday its the front row, saturday at the wheel house. Lots of great music! With the "buzz" created by the new recordings, with previews on the my space site of a few of them; and a t-shirt for sale; come out and support the guys. They are going to be in Pittsburgh in a few weeks, and on to New York City in early August; then at the Pennsboro festival; their morgantown amphitheater performance; parkersburg's homecoming, a CD release celebration, etc. etc. etc.

Vinyl Record Sale today (saturday)

From 10 am to 3 pm today I will be having a vinyl record sale at 1739 St. Mary's Ave in Parkersburg, suite 3- I'll be keeping the AC on. Come on down, I have to admit I don't have a whole lot of new stuff this month; but its good for the deeper browsing. If there are enough "kindred spirits" milling around, I'll debut the "todd snider's dusty ol' pile of vinyl records" campaign, where I am trying to gather a record from all the people he mentions in his song. I have the lyrics and the t-shirt with the names on the back in the way they were sung in the song. I'm about half way there to start with, but it will be a long, patient challenge to gather all of them. I'll give a report later. Maybe have to make some trips to Columbus or Pittsburgh.

Then if anyone shows up, I'll show the steve goodman dvd at 4 pm. More on that later, too.

Greens at Wheel House dates

I see the Greens have made contact with the new management at the Boreman Wheel House, and there are dates set up between now and the end of the year there; including next week end (Saturday the 14th) and after the homecoming performance in August (18th) which is billed as a CD release party. and then on into Sept, the fall, and finally even, Dec. 22nd. So, they must have struck up a mutual good feeling for booking a string of shows; in one of the Greens "home fields." (home court advantage, and all)

Todd snider "mix" cd

Fred brings me over this compiled Todd Snider home made CD this morning. I always enjoy a new enthusiastic fan. Its a cross section of songs off different eras and CD's. Its in the CD player for the second time in yet another LONG day at work, with its varying ups and downs - disappointments and good moments.

greg brown's birthday

Someone is wishing Greg BRown a happy birthday, so I guess it must be around now. Greg is a great songwriter, singer and storyteller. I discovered him around about like many others; through a song written by him, that someone else sang, then diving into his music very appreciatively, then bumping into him in many other cross-connections, such as marrying Iris Dement. Then avidly seeking out opportunities to see him perform, mountainstage, nelsonville, etc. then visiting his listserv to see how many people follow him avidly. And then there is the rooty toot toot to the moon connection- the potential source of my great american novel upcoming. Ask me about that.

www.myspace.com/thegreens

www.myspace.com/thegreens

oooohhhh this is a scary 6 eyed GREENS face with a healthy set o' choppers......

Willie P. Bennett

Willie P. Bennett, Fred Eaglesmith's band member (mandolin, harmonica, etc.) had a heart attack during a show recently, and is recovering but without health insurance. There is a benefit event up in Ontario in the works. Willie contributes greatly to the show in a Fred performance; he'll change a string on Fred's guitar, while Fred tells a story; he plays a very unique style of mandolin that is very driving and compelling. Hope to hear he is doing well soon. I also got an e-mail announcing a "Hobo" magazine that Fred's website is putting together, and seeking submissions of stories, material. Check it out if you can.

Greens myspace site

The Greens are rotating through a lot of songs off the new recordings on their my space site; you should check it out if you haven't lately. Tuck's Riff is on there today, for instance. I had an enthusiastic response to Swamp Queen the other day. So, all of them are sounding good. There are a couple of new shows listed for the Six Pence Pub- including one in July and a couple in November I think. Andy has been seeking feedback about the CD distribution, with the two full CD's ready to go. I have not heard or seen anything about how the show at 123 Pleasant St. went Friday.

Steve Goodman DVD showing

I am listening to Steve Goodman on a CD right now; and gearing up to show the DVD of his performances on Austin City LImits (and others, and interviews) this Saturday, July 7th, at 4 pm at my office, on St. Mary's Ave. I'll have my copy of the Clay Eals book to browse through, it wouldn't be bad if someone brought a guitar to attempt a few songs, too, if they want.

Vinyl Record sale "challenge"

For the vinyl record sale this Saturday (JULY 7th), I am officially announcing my attempt to gather records from all the artists mentioned in Todd Snider's song about "that dusty ol' pile of vinyl records sittin' on his floor." You may have seen me wearing a Todd Snider t-shirt with the musicians listed on the back-
willie, waylon, woody guthrie, jimmy buffett, lyle lovett, and bobby gentry......
Elsewhere on this blog I've posted a link to the full lyrics. I am slightly embarassed to say I only have about half of the records so far. Of course, I have a lot of them on CD's and tapes, but........ I realize some are pretty obscure for hopes of getting from the Parkersburg area, so this is a "long haul" project. And, stupidly, I have given some away (or should I say, sold them in my sales)- Like that Hank Williams record I just gave away a week ago. There are basically two categories I am seeking: obvious, easy to gather ones, which I just don't happen to have, like: the doors, the grateful dead, patsy cline, lynard skynard, u-2, jimi hendrix, kiss, johnny cash, june carter cash, yardbirds, sam and dave, tom petty. And ones I consider a wee bit more challenging: lyle lovett, donnie fritts, keith sykes, country joe and the fish, mojo nixon, booker t, bobby bare (I think I had that once....... it must have sold), steve forbert, steve fromholz, the t-birds, the New York Dolls.
I'll be willing to talk about purchasing rather than trading, but I hope people approach it in the spirit in which I am announcing it. I know I could do some e-bay searching but want to wait a little into announcing it, to see what generates.

Vinyl Records

Vinyl Records

the lyrics to vinyl records by Todd Snider; watch for my reference to it in Free Time this Friday, as I am promoting my sale this Saturday.

Urban Legends Reference Pages: Dock Ellis

Urban Legends Reference Pages: Dock Ellis

Todd Snider is performing a song about Dock Ellis in his recent shows. This colorful summary of some of Dock Ellis' baseball legends fits nicely into Todd's body of work I believe.