Todd Burge in Marietta last night

After Watermelon Slim I went on up to Marietta to catch the tail end of Todd Burge's tuesday night session at the marietta brewing company. It was a nice little catch of some fun songs by Todd. He was doing some great guitar work, and did some fun kazoo songs and vocal creations. Had a good little relaxed chance to talk after with a few enthusiastic fans of Todd's. Todd is preparing to record with some support from Tim O'Brien within the next few months.

watermelon slim's show last night

This was a great night of music in Parkersburg. Watermelon Slim and his band are high energy, solid blues music; with their own particular stamp. He is a great entertainer, and obviously has deep roots in music and "life." A very solid band; the drummer is fun to watch putting his energy into a distinctive style. The guitar play was solid- very supportive of the headliner, kept the excitement going. This was a fine crowd for a tuesday night; the word got out decently and there are clearly some blues lovers around. The crowd gave enthusiastic response, and Watermelon acknowledged the short notice of the show, and seemed genuinely appreciative. His song selection, vocals, humor, harmonica playing all were distinctive and memorable. There was an opening act; with a local flavor (WV anyway) who had won a competition in Charleston and were going on to a national contest in Memphis. They earned the audience's attention and got the show off to a good start. Watermelon came on quickly and was really putting himself into the performance, and had the crowd going the whole time. A great job by Bill Poole of getting the show together; Steve Wells introduced and ties a thread together for Blues in the mid ohio valley very well. Gave people a few upcoming dates to look forward to. An enjoyable evening of music for the good ol' mid ohio valley.

watermelon slim tonight

There have been pretty decent ticket sales for the show tonight- still hoping for a lot of folks at the door to hear and see this great opportunity right here in the mid ohio valley to see a top notch blues performer. The show starts at 8:30 pm- come out and you won't be disappointed.

spelling a difficult to spell name

I vowed to never try to spell Jorma Kaukonen's name without having it right in front of me. He is the man behind the Fur Peace Ranch. Was with Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna, etc. He was on mountain stage earlier this year when arlo guthrie was on it, at the clay center. He has a great place there in Meigs Co; and obviously has some great respect among a wide range of musicians who must love to come there, and help him out with the camps. Tough name to spell; I'll just keep this flyer by my computer. www.furpeaceranch.com for info- they said the 2008 schedule might be out in a week or so.

Watermelon Slim- Tuesday night

Tuesday night, the 30th, will be a great mid-week opportunity to hear a great act here in Parkersburg. Watermelon Slim will be at the Front Row. The article in the Friday Free Time of the newspaper painted an intriguing biography which would hook anybody to want to come see this musician. Last night at the Fur Peace Ranch there was a Watermelon Slim CD on the rack, which should be a strong recommendation in and of itself, with the CD display there being truly an honor to be among those musicians! I was tempted to get it, as a preview, but we opted for a Chris Smither CD. I hope a good turnout occurs for the show; I have a feeling it will be a memorable show.

Neil YOung tribute show less than two weeks

WE're within two weeks of the Neil Young tribute show, November 10th 8 pm at the Boreman Wheel House in downtown Parkersburg. This is the last event in the 2007 Americana Music Tribute Series as benefits for Children's Home Society of WV-Parkersburg. We string together a whole year of these benefits, and include the vinyl record sales, and scattered other music events to support the work we do with area children and families. The public awareness purpose is important too. We connect with quite a few people over the course of the year. The Americana music theme remains strong for me; everything keeps working to make me want to keep that theme. The Americana Music Association is having their big event this week in Nashville; I'd still like to work towards some tickets for that event as a year long contest. These are the musicians I gravitate toward. Neil Young won artist of the year last year.
I hope I get some more firmer commitments from some musicians to make sure I can put together a solid night of music. Neil has the new CD out, which I've read some reviews of; he is a prolific producer of music, always stretching and keeping it wide-ranging. Please spread the word to folks to come on out and help us finish the 2007 series strong.

Corinne West's second sight

Corinne West's new CD Second Sight is an exciting piece of work; original songs with a rooted sound in Americana music- an accomplished song writer, and backed by great instrumentalists. I still haven't had my chance for a good listening on a road trip, but have been listening enough while puttering around the office to be getting familiar with the tunes. I enjoyed her bio on her website. We'll keep talking her up, and checking out her touring schedule when she is in the East.

trip to the Fur Peace ranch

We had a great first visit to the fur peace ranch last night. Chris Smither and John McEuen were fantastic performers (we'd seen Chris before) and to have them both on one bill was doubly great. The venue is an impressive place, they treat the guests very well, and there is a great musical spirit about the place. The audience is truly focused on the music and appreciative of the musicianship. Its a fairly intimate setting and very well set up for listening.
Chris Smither has a solid guitar style and some intriguing lyrics. He has an obvious deep, rich background in many styles and years of honing his craft. John McEuen used his portion of the show for a great story telling time about life with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and the many musical heritages tagged over that time. He is a multi-instrumentalist who clearly sees a role at this stage of his career to make connections and tie things together for an audience. He is very funny in his stories and delivery.
This is a definite destination for music lovers- you have to plan ahead and look closely at the season line up, as most shows seem to sell out.

Fur Peace Ranch tonight

Heading over to Darwin OHio tonight to the Fur Peace Ranch; look for a report in the next few days.

Greens show recap

The Greens had a wildly successful show at the wheel house last night; a great crowd; a great interplay between the greens and the crowd; a happy holiday party was had by all. There were costumes for the halloween season, the greens were in fine form, as a tune up for them, for their trip to NYC today. They went through two long hardworking sets- covering a great deal of the Greens songbook from all different eras. The new CD was unveiled and many took the opportunity to pick it up at a special price. It was a great gathering of some of the most loyal of the fanclub. Andy, sporting a karate outfit/ ninja type looking attire; Ben was in an oil slick costume with poor little furry animals stuck to the oil slick. I did dress up in a home made "Thunderwear" costume, and yes, there are pictures if you can contact the right people.
Thanks to the Greens for making this a benefit with a part of the proceeds; we will receive that next week, after they make it back from NYC on Sunday.

It was announced that the Wheel House will be having a new management/ operator starting next week; more info on that soon. The Neil YOung show is still on just fine - November 10th.

watermelon slim

there is a great article about watermelon slim today in the free time of the friday parkersburg news. It gives a good biography that definitely hooks you in to wanting to see this fellow, and hear him, and see what he's like. that was a good boost hopefully. come on out tuesday for that show, and keep Bill Poole encouraged to keep booking these kinds of shows passing through the area.

Greens show tonight (friday october 26)

Come on out to the greens show tonight; a rollicking good time is anticipated. "Them Greens fanz know how to have a good time."
I am eagerly awaiting (and a slight bit nervous) to see if the new CD will actually be available! There is a certain air of mystic to some of this sort of thing!
The Greens will definitely also be excited and looking ahead to the big trip to New York City on Saturday for their return engagement at Fat Annie's in the heart of the city.
I am not sure the advance publicity was great for the show tonight; and there are a lot of other halloween type events to spread people's commitment around; but we'll see. The sign out front of the wheel house catches a lot of eyes over the week leading up to the event. There is a message about "changes" at the wheel house starting Oct. 31st, so I want to see what that's about too. and check in about the neil young tribute show Nov. 10th.

see if you recognize an old familiar face.......

Aaron; off of a gallery of pictures on Corinne West's website!

I'm listening to her new CD as I type; great stuff; getting psyched! She is in cleveland November 6th at the beachland ballroom.

Greens friday night at the wheel house

I don't feel I've done enough to plug the Greens show friday night around town- I am hoping their own circles of news/ updates will carry the day; that and a holiday event (for many folks- halloween) will bring a good draw. I am a little nervous whether the CD will be ready; but I won't say that out loud! I'm in for a couple of busy, whirlwind days, so I hope I just come up for air friday afternoon and everything goes well. I don't know if Nathan will have his "the scream" costume out for this one.

todd snider opening for John Prine Dec. 7 in charleston

I just checked to see who might be opening for John Prine in charleston in december, and its listed as Todd Snider (the next night in Pittsburgh also!)- so that is especially a great night! wow; exciting!

Chris Smither at Fur Peace Ranch this coming saturday

I'll be making my first trip to fur peace ranch this saturday. John McEuen and Chris Smither were very worthy ones to see on a first trip there. I'll be taking it all in! Reading about Levon Helm's midnight rambles at his place in Woodstock NY sounds kinda similar; I guess a good idea crops up over again.

Greens show re-cap

The Greens played at the marietta brewing company friday night. Ben is settling into the bass parts of the Greens song list; a little deeper each time. Andy worked among three guitars for different parts of the long, solid two sets.
Early on there was a new song; just being brought out for Nate and Ben. Lots of re-workings of some of the early songs into this next phase of Green-dom. It gives both a fresh listen, and an appreciation of the deep song list available these days.
I haven't heard a report yet from the Wheeling show. The Greens will be back in Parkersburg next Friday night for a halloween show at the Wheel House.

Neil, Neil, Neil - upcoming tribute show

Neil Young has a new CD out- saw a brief review, and then lost it. Maybe someone will contact me, and give ME a review????? I will be making some contact calls this week to secure some musicians for the benefit in 3 (or so) weeks. I'll try to drum up some creative ideas to finish out the americana music series for the year with a flair. SATURDAY- Nov 10- at the wheel house. I know I confuse a few folks with the day of the week switcheroo back and forth.... I'll keep giving reminders.............

Corinne West's new CD

I have been given a copy of Corinne West's new CD to review- Second Sight. Look for my review soon; hopefully this weekend I'll be able to sit down and listen to it. Some intriguing advance publicity. This is the singer-songwriter who is friend's with Aaron Phillips, (the greens saxophone player/ multi-talented all round good guy) who has been in California these last few years. He should about be done with his graduate studies out there, so we'll be eagerly listening for his plans. We are always excited when he visits WV in hopes of having a few reunion shows with the Greens. He is so talented and versatile, he can play music in a very wide realm. And he's a good guy who goes back with the Tuck clan for a LONG way!

Greens tonight in Marietta

The Greens will be playing at an ol' stompin' grounds tonight; the Marietta Brewing Company in downtown Marietta. This is a great, steady, on-going venue for the Greens music. There is an appreciative audience always at the ready. There is a lot of momentum building for the Greens (over the next few weeks) and so, it will be fun to see what they are saying, looking forward to, etc. I hope there is a good representation from the loyal throng of Greens fans, and some new inductees! Then Saturday, its on to Wheeling to Tony and Cleo's, a repeat venue, which I have never ventured to. Next week is the big Halloween wing-ding at the Wheel HOuse. I suppose tonight I will hear how the new CD distribution is coming along. And then on to NYC for the return engagement at Fat Annie's! Chris Hopkins has graciously agreed to be the driver for the tour bus! I'm already exhausted for the band with that whirlwind two weeks; then its back to Six Pence Pub the next weekend, etc. etc.

watermelon slim

bill poole's got watermelon slim coming to the front row on a tuesday the end of the month (the 30th)- I hope there is a good turnout- I'll make every effort to be there. Check out the announcement on the frontrowlive.net website I imagine; bill was sending around an e-mail.

fun singing some harmonies with andy

Without any rehearsing or preparation, andy and I sang a pretty hefty number of duets the other night at the JOhn PRine show; pulled all them-there lyrics out of somewhere. Todd Heslep has a very impressive song list going very deep, and he was in fine form Friday night. Matt Starcher, a new comer, wasn't feeling well; so that was a downer; hopefully he'll keep coming back- he adds a lot of enthusiasm. And of course, Jonny Nutter, is a great supporter and works hard to learn new songs. It was nice that his mom (a long time Prine fan) came along; too bad no body could play "killing the blues" for her..........
The contests were typically anarchistic and chaotic, but there is something there worth it to keep trying!!!!! and the build up and suspense of the big raffle drawing got pretty exciting. Becky McCrady won the big prize, and she was dutifully excited and amazed. I (as usual) felt sad for all the hopeful participants who hoped they had the winning ticket............ well, you can still pursue buying some tickets (I don't think its sold out yet).

now, looking ahead

The Neil Young Tribute is the next show of the Americana Music Tribute series, November 10th- its a saturday this time around- at the wheel house. I am in need of musicians for this one; especially since I have been some "drop outs" lately. So please get the word out and talk it up.
Of course, in between, there is the Greens, october 26th show also at the wheel house; and the new layout should be beneficial to the greens fun crowd and phenomena. This is a benefit for CHS; as well as a CD release party, and a halloween costume contest. More upcoming in the next two weeks.
I will be gathering input on the 2008 americana music tribute series from here on out; so any ideas or feedback will be appreciated.

thanks to all who made the JP tribute a success

Thanks to everyone who made the john prine 5th annual tribute/ benefit a rollicking success. The wheel house folks; who have steadily supported these fundraisers and getting people out to enjoy live local music; the musicians who really put their soul into their work; the sound guys who toil tirelessly (well maybe they DO get tired) and have a cheery attitude all the way through, the audience who show sparks of appreciation and enthusiasm that keeps it going- the supporters who came, bought raffle tickets, won door prizes enthusiastically. I think the crowd might have been down from some years, but there seemed to be lots of satisfied patrons throughout the night; some new folks. I'm wrapping up the details; all my crazy stuff to unload, re-distribute, etc. so I am still reeling from the details, but thanks to everyone.
We, as always, carry some momentum on to the next event- I like that people seem to be always boosted up and looking forward to the next event!
The greens halloween show in two weeks; the neil young show in less than a month- I need some more musicians by the way! more later

Corinne West

I heard from a publicist/ promoter, based on mentioning Corinne in a blog post earlier in the year; it was also the one who had noted my mention of Minton Sparks last year I guess. She is playing at the beachland ballroom in cleveland in november; and a few places in NC sooner than that. I'll keep looking for a closer venue, as I think even that Cleveland trip wouldn't work out. The Beachland is the home of the famous slovakian music troupe picture where Bill had folks believing I was one of the guys in the picture.
Corinne has a new CD being released which I'll get a copy of and circulate the word about.

john Prine tribute tonight!

Well, the day has arrived for the 5th annual mid ohio valley john prine birthday tribute and benefit. 8 pm tonight at the wheel house. I'll be getting there about 6:30 to get things set up; any help is appreciated. One of the musicians was a last minute cancellation, so that gives the others a little more time and songs!
We've got our plug on the jp shrine website; Matt Starcher put a little birthday greeting in there too! We've had some good steady announcements in the friday Free Time of the local paper, and it seems, pretty good word of mouth. We'll just have to see! I'm spending a lot of today gathering up my prizes, knickknacks and such. Probably forget something.

greens in nyc at the end of the month

here's a flyer for the greens upcoming trip to NYC on the 27th.

wheel house new look (for the upcoming shows!!)

If you haven't been in the wheel house for a while; i think you'll like the new wide open look- great for the greens shows and dancin' - they took part of the middle low wall out, and it really opens it up nice- good for the viewing of music etc. We had the musicians get together tonight, and I really appreciated the enthusiasm and spirit of the guys getting together, and swapping titles and set lists. Its gonna be fun! bring a few friends and enjoy a night of good songs and comraderie- be ready to win a nice prize, too! Friday night; two days away- john prine birthday (belated) tribute/ benefit - 8 pm at the wheel house 406 Avery st. parkersburg- e-mail me for more info or details!

poster for Greens show on October 26th

A poster for the Greens show on Oct. 26th at the Wheel House, which is 3 in 1- CD release party; halloween costume contest; and benefit for CHS.

lots of stir late in the john prine tribute lead-up

Aw gee, there is getting to be a lot of stir here toward the end of the john prine tribute- some interest in the raffle tickets- some folks have been casting a pretty wide e-mail list net- I guess we're finally getting this communication stuff down...... maybe by 2008 we'll really get it...........
I'm getting song lists for the musicians; inquiries about the extent of prizes!
Keep directing people my way!

jpshrine.org - john prine fan site -with birthday bashes

Check out the great John PRine fan website- www.jpshrine.org and see our event right up there on the home main page- with two events, one in texas and one in australia - yeah! that is a great website that I visit frequently to get John Prine updates and uplifts- you can spend a lot of good, deep time with fun veering off in directions you weren't expecting. I'll have to remember to send in a report, and maybe somebody can help me with some pictures......

600th post? WV MUsic Hall of Fame!!!

Friday, November 16th at the cultural center in Charleston, the WV Music Hall of Fame will induct its first class of 10 musicians. All 5 of the living inductees are slated to attend. Tickets are $35 and only approximately 218 will be available for public sale. The best way to learn about the project is to visit the website: www.wvmusichalloffame.com there is a way to become a "friend of the wv music hall of fame. There is a CD release - a tribute to blind alfred reed with tracks by many wv musicians. Some sort of connection to this effort will hopefully be a future part of the americana music tribute series I try to develop each year.

anais mitchell you tube video - 1984

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6HLTBwCFO0
I hope this link gets you to a video clip of Anais mitchell singing her song 1984- a fun little clip; a good capturing of her singing and guitar playing in an intimate setting-

come on out to the John prine tribute

Come out to HEAR John Prine songs (sorry, not to SEE him in person.....) and to SEE Andy Tuck and HEAR him play a few Prine tunes. AND WIN A CHANCE TO SEE John PRine in person in Charleston on Dec 7th.

another anais picture from Sept. 20th show

I sent some of these off to Anais' publicity person and booking person; they quickly replied appreciation for sending them. She is in a reprieve from her long touring stint; she starts back up in St. Louis MO, and a few other midwestern cities. We're trying to get Beth to go see her in St. Louis; and go up to her, and tell her- my dad's the one who made lasagna for you in West Virginia, and see if she remembers!!!

john prine tribute show - less than a week countdown

I have been scouring through the previous years memorabilia getting ready for this year's event- some of the contest entries, etc. and e-mail lists, etc. I have hastily thrown together a musicians get together for wednesday at 6 pm at the wheel house; trying to get some lyrics, chords and sheet music over to Jonny Nutter, and giving Matt Starcher a chance to meet a few of the other musicians. I'll try to get a set list from andy some time this week. I have a GREAT prize (a surprise) to give away that night, as well as some of the usual stuff. and the raffle drawing for the two tickets to see john prine in december in charleston. I checked out the jp shrine, and they don't have our event listed like the last two years; focusing on a john prine tribute event in Texas; complete with pictures from their event last year- that's fun to look at; see the musicians and audience down there in texas; looking not too unlike the musicians and audience here in wv. HOpe people are out talking up the event, and the quick turnaround to the neil young event; a month later. Stick in a Greens halloween CD release party half way in between, and you have some good party opp's to support a good cause.

songwriter night at the blennerhassett the other night

I went to the blennerhassett's patio for the first time the other night to catch a songwriter night. Rob Szabo, from Canada was the featured songwriter. Todd Burge played an earlier set, and Chase Brady, John Ratcliff. Todd has been having a flurry of songwriter events around the region. The local radio show on 102.1 is tonight, featuring athens area musicians.

anais mitchell pictures from the front row show?

Here is Anais and michael and noah ! more to come.

in a minor miracle........

Now I am able to log on to my blog on my own computer after several weeks/ months of there being a problem with that; and having to use other computers. So, that's a relief. More frequent quick updates will be possible again. Getting the musicians together next wednesday night (that want to) to trade song lists, and sheet music, lyrics and chords. Getting some more flyers out this weekend. Sending off a few more e-mails; hoping they don't bounce back- previous john prine tribute fans are apparently a transient lot (with their e-mails anyway). No greens shows in town this weekend; hoping andy is resting up and catching up on school work! A songwriter show tonight at the blennerhassett hotel - one of todd burge's organizing events.

greens have new songs on my space

in a sign of broken science volume II ready to burst on the scene; there are two new greens songs on their my space site; including bushwhacker.

neil young tribute show

I haven't been touting the neil young show much yet- it comes fairly quickly on the heels ofthe john prine show- saturday november 10th at the wheel house. the last event of the 2007 series, and hopefully enough musicians to give it a good strong showing. I will work up some ideas for it right after the prine show- but bring on the ideas if you have any. Last year, we were riding high on Neil's anti-war CD, and of course, as always, appreciating the rich, diverse legacy. I still wish I could combine my fund raising for CHS with a little support forthe bridge school, but i guess that's a little down the road. I do appreciate the wheel house hanging in there, and being willing to solidly support these events, despite their ups and downs.

fur peace ranch show

I got tickets to finally get to the fur peace ranch in darwin ohio- jorma's guitar school/ performance hall. seeing chris smither and the guy from nitty gritty dirt band. october 27th. looking forward to being at that venue finally. many folks sing its praises; and its so close by! Jorma, (and I'm not going to even attempt spelling his last name without seeing it in front of me) is a great intriguing legend; and his name pops up all over the place. Saw him on mountain stage when arlo guthrie was there; and uncle earl, and john hammond.

anais mitchell gets to rest for a few days

Michael Chorney mentions passing through Parkersb(erg) in a blog off his myspace site, reflecting on anais' southern swing of a tour- he has a cryptic writing style, I guess suited for those who know him and certain references to previous tours and shows in certain towns. Anais' booking person checked in to see how we thought the show went; I thanked the advance person, and Anais has a few days off before a midwestern swing- missouri, wisconsin, minnesota, michigan, etc.

trying to come up with an idea for a theme party

I'm getting under a little (self imposed) pressure to come up with a musical theme for a party in two weeks; something I can throw together quickly; I often get myself in these predicaments. It will either have to involve canned music, or music trivia, or both. I don't know where I can quickly gather such a beast. I may have to scour a store (gasp!) for a boxed game.

Greens benefit for CHS - spooky event

The Greens will be having a CDrelease/ halloween party/ benefit for children's home society of wv on friday october 26th at the wheel house in downtown parkersburg. The deal is similar to the greens smash event during homecoming- the door will be $5 or $10 will get you in and a copy of the new CD- Broken Science Vol. 2. If you recall, the Greens recorded enough songs at their recent recording session in Morgantown to release two CD's close together, so this is the second one. The first one, of course, is also still for sale- I happen to have some myself.
There will be a costume contest of some sorts, for which I will be "MC'ing" so that ought to be interesting. I may go against my general boycotting of dressing up for halloween and deck out in some silly outfit. The Greens are graciously going to donate a portion of the nights proceeds to their favorite children and family service agency. Look for more details as it unfolds. This event is the night before the Greens head back to NYC on saturday the 27th to play at Fat Annie's again, for a prime weekend show. TheGreens will also be in the p-burg/marietta area the previous weekend at the marietta brewing company. Andy will participate in the JOhn Prine tribute show the 12th before the Greens hit columbus on oct. 13th.
Andy had a birthday show on the 29th up in Morgantown as part of a multi-band show, which I haven't heard any reports on yet. (hint)