Greens branching out (get it?) into Cleveland area

The Greens will be venturing up Ohio way for a Feb. 23rd show in Lakewood Ohio (get out the maps and mapquest). I'll be eager to hear more about this upcoming gig, and how it came to be, from Danny or the guys sometime in the next week or so.
(Greens branching out- he he- you know, green leafy plants, thriving, reaching for sunlight, reaching for bodies of water (lake erie?????) oh well, corny is as corny does.

Tonight at the Parkersburg Art Center

Tonight (THursday, Jan 31st) at the Parkersburg Art Center, from 5:30 to 7:30, the kickoff to the WV MUsic Hall of Fame, traveling exhibit The Art of West Virginia Music" will be going on. This is an opening reception. The exhibit will be there through Feb. 23rd.
This is a "stunning, outrageous, historical (and educational ) collection of LP's, 45's, 78's, photos, memorabilia and historical items relating to the history of WV music. The exhibit also includes a listening station loaded with songs by Clark Kessinger, MInd Garage, Soupy Sales, George Crumb, The Parker Family, Hasil Adkins, Hazel Dickens, Th'Inbred, LIttle Jimmy Dickens, and more. visit www.wvmusichalloffame.com - volunteer! donate!!!

while everyone in america is watching the superbowl

While everyone in America is watching the Super Bowl, and the latest new commercials from all the big companies, we will be at Mountain Stage watching a good evening of live music. I think this is a repeat from some other years. I guess Andy Ridenour and Larry Groce and Michael Liption et al are not foot ball fans either. Hope to see you there!!!

Greens quick add a show in Huntington Groundhogs n' all

The Greens my space site shows a new show posted for Groundhogs Day this saturday at Marley's in Huntington. Been a while since they've played that other WV fair city. HOpe they catch a good crowd, and spread the contagiosity. If the Ground Hog comes up out of his Marshall University burrow, and catches a ear of the greens, he will be staying up and out fer sher and we'll have a quick spring; sounds good don't it? This oughta become the new traditional way to usher in spring early- groundhogs likin' the Greens sound...........................

will kimbrough at fur peace ranch may 3

I will be going to see Will Kimbrough at the Fur Peace Ranch on May 3rd. Several shows are already sold out for the 2008 series. If you are unfamiliar with Will Kimbrough, check him out. He has worked with a lot of good musicians; Todd Snider being my most revered, Adrienne Young- he has been instrumentalist of the year in Americana music I believe. Has some nice "social commentary" and politically charged songs in his bag of tricks. Am also looking at Chris Smither's return to Fur Peace Ranch, and David Bromberg later in the year. You can't be too indecisive with the Fur Peace Ranch, I imagine most shows sell out by the date of the show.

vinyl record sales

I am gearing up for my first vinyl record sale of 2008. It will be on march 1st (weather cooperating?) in front of the Sound Exchange on Murdoch ave. in Parkersburg from 10 - 3. I have announced my interest in receiving donations of records and have had a few responses. To be honest, I am hoping and praying for a little more influx of good "classic rock" etc type donations, because I am somewhat depleted from stuff folks tend to be interested in. I have the offer of a huge (600 item) collection of classical music- that is probably very high quality, but unfortunately just not my "thing." I will take them cheerfully however, in hopes of some interest among the buying public.
I sorted through the big storage amount over in the basement at Latrobe St. over the weekend, I always find a few diamonds in the rough. I found a Connie Smith album- she is a grand ol opry legend, with WV roots. Marty Stuart had gone to see her as a child, and told his parents "i'm gonna marry that woman some day"- (she is 17 years his senior); and sure enough he did!!! There are a few like that that I dug out to bring over for the sale. But unfortunately, there is a TON of junk- I think I will have to have a Ray Coniff album destruction contest (I hope no Ray Coniff fans are going lynch me). I probably have 80 Ray Coniff records. I have over 20-30 Barbra Striesand records, too- so unless there is someone who just LOVES barbra, and wants the big collection, I will probably never sell those. Lots of Andy Williams, too. The Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass may just have a niche market; but I'm not hopeful. It is a deep history lesson in musical family trees to pitch in to these obscure older ones; hoping to see some intriguing thread of continuity to some thing that does interest you....... I will hate the day I pull the plug on some of them, and just throw them away.... aaarrrrggggghhhhhhhh that is against my purist beliefs. But.............. I likewise, get so tired of lugging them around, moving them around. etc. etc. etc

Paste magazine's music sampler / Greens musings

I have been listening to PASTE magazine's new music sampler in the car around town (this is unusual in its self, as I usually just keep it on NPR / (WOUB) while around town. I don't have the artist list while it is playing so usually don't have any idea of the names of the artists. I read about them all, so could start to match them up. I have to say- much of it is not very memorable to me (and me, the "critic" who tries to be positive about everything!!!) - I would much rather be hearing the GREENS, and spreading the word about THAT new exciting sound- than these up and comers from all over the country- their songs just don't grab me. It makes you wonder how we can get the Greens a little wider exposure like this!!!!

upcoming mountain stage (not tomorrow night- next week)

Getting back to Mountain Stage next Sunday (Feb. 3). The group we were excited to see is the Carolina Chocolate Drops, after seeing them in Nelsonville last summer. They are young folks who carry on the tradition of the black string bands from the Carolinas, etc.
Kane Welch Kaplin is another act. I had followed Kieran Kane since his days partnering with Jamie O'hara as the O'Kanes, a country act, in the 80's. Jamie O'Hara went to my high school back in Toledo, so we followed his intriguing evolution from a high school star athlete to a Nashville musician. The Cherryholmes (a family blue grass band- the dad has a long zz top beard and plays the bass- the children are featured instrumentalists and good energy and tight harmonies- they win a lot of awards and accolades. Bare Bones is a west virginia accapella group- they are featured on the west virginia music hall of fame tribute CD for blind alfred reed singing "there'll be no distinction there"- which is a great introduction (I imagine) to their music. And finally, the line up is rounded out by Claire Lynch, who I have not heard of- it appears to be in the bluegrass vein.

3 Girls and their Buddy

The show last night in Athens was great- it was a singer in the round arrangement, where each of them sang a song in progression- with lots of harmonizing and backup instrumentation. Emmylou led it off, Patty Griffith was next, Shawn Colvin and ending up each go-round with Buddy Miller. Buddy accompanied pretty much every song with some great guitar work, with a stable of guitars. The women often accompanied someone with back up acoustic guitar or various tambourines, and such. There was a rich variety of styles of songs, songwriter's - lots of gospel-y type stuff, lots of story songs. Lots of relaxed between song banter and telling the story of the songs. They referenced flying by the seat of their pants on song selections, tunings, etc. but seemed to enjoy the arrangement, and the audience, and the venue. They were all very equal in impressive songs and voice. You get to know that I am a softie for the fine female vocalists, and great harmonies. Buddy's guitar work is smooth and right for all different genres.

Jason Ricci and New Blood collage of pictures from the Front Row show

Here's a little collage of pix from the front row (Bill Poole) with a fond memory of the great night of music with Jason Ricci and New Blood. Thanks Bill for being a great photographer on all the "big name" shows that come through!

show in Athens tonight

I will be braving the elements and road conditions to go see Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, and Patty Griffith tonight over at Ohio University in Athens. Apparently they are all on the stage at once, so it must be some sort of songwriter in the round type thing, or some pretty good harmonizing and sharing of tunes. (I'll let ya know!)

Listened to kd lang (her tribute to fellow Canadian songwriters) and the Band's Music from the Big Pink, on a ride over to Clarksburg and back today. Saw a mini van flipped over on its side on the way over, due to the sudden snow I guess. Will only need one or two CD's over to Athens, and maybe should just listen to WOUB to see about the weather for the return trip!

Andy's opening set for Jason Ricci

Andy adds another good set to his "opening acts" opportunity last night at the Front Row, opening for Jason Ricci and New Blood. This ranks in excitement to opening for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in Morgantown, and Scott Miller last year at the Blennerhassett. (There are undoubtedly more, but those are off the top of my head- names that you will hear growing in renown.....)

Andy played a good variety of styles of songs- working the versatility of his songwriting and deliver. He bookended the set with Blues numbers to segue into the star act, but added a couple of brand new songs throughout the set- ones which we'll see if get incorporated into the Greens shows. Down here in Parkersburg we forget that Andy does open mikes weekly up in Morgantown, so is likely showcasing these new songs more consistently up there.

jason ricci show

This show was everything that it was billed- they are a high energy, infectuously enthusiastic band, they have so much unique talent and showmanship it is a memorable, guaranteed "seeking out more chances to see them" kind of group. The crowd was a little smaller than what I expected; such a great opportunity to see this music locally!- but the crowd definitely was appreciative and into it- and as in the best of shows, the crowd fed off the band, and the band feeds off the crowd for a great experience. They put on a solid two hard working sets, with great variety to their music, showcasing all the musicians. Jason is an incredibly high energy, engaging showman- who leaves it all on the stage what appears to be night after night after night. Be watching for their rise in the national music scene- if they do open for Dave Mathews tour, that will be some well deserved wider exposure- but they clearly have a solid fan base of their own, just a little under the radar perhaps. Bill took another gamble, and once again, has to impress people with his willingness to bring these acts into the area.
I'll be waiting for some of his classic pictures to come across the e-mail.

I pulled in to Nazareth

Just take what you need and leave the rest but they should have never taken the very best.

It's just ol' Luke and Luke's waiting on the judgment day.

Go down miss moses, there ain't nothin' you can say.

Back with my wife in Tennessee, and one day she says to me; Virgil quick come see there goes Robert E. Lee.

up on Cripple Creek she sends me, if I spring a leak she mends me, I don't have to speak she defends me.

Post # 700 (phew..... exhausting......)

Better get yourself on down to the Front Row early- when there are these epic shows it fills up fast, especially for a good seat up front. Kelly said there were folks coming from a pretty decent radius- who vouch for the great show these guys will put on. In 2006 they did something like 316 shows. Do the math, that's quite a few days of the year. I can't remember where they are coming from, but they are playing in Erie PA the next night. I will be aiming for 7:30 or so, to hope to get a seat for andy's opening set. I haven't talked to him this week, so I don't know what kind of solo set he has in mind. I wonder how early the New Blood band is getting into town, and how they set up and sound check.

Greens on the rah-dio

Off the Greens my space site there are two references to the Greens being on the radio up that MOrgantown-Pittsburgh way. The radio station in Morgantown must have been some sort of interview; and Pittsburgh was "Tunesmith Jones" on the radio, on the radio, on the radio. This is good. Several people around Parkersburg mention hearing the Greens on 106 occasionally.
I listen to WOUB almost exclusively, and probably take it too much for granted. I did finally make an unsolicited pledge for their pledge drive at the end of the month. I have not figured out the internet radio stuff, so in the old fashion way, I am just as happy to have someone else making the selections and being pleasantly surprised.

Buddy Miller, EmmyLou, Shawn colvin, patty griffith

Next Tuesday I am going over to Athens to see 3 gals and their buddy. I haven't mentioned this show much I don't guess- its at the university - the blackburn memorial alumni auditorium (or whatever it is called). This is a great line up- its a Tuesday night, but should be great. I have seen Buddy Miller on MOuntain stage, and hear him a lot on crossing boundaries, and know he is in on lots of good music. The woman singers are all great- it will be interesting to see how it is organized- like a mountain stage, or singers in the round, etc.

Jason Ricci reminder

Two days till the Jason Ricci show at the Front Row in Parkersburg. Bill has been sending me many good items- magazine articles, a new updated flyer, with the announcement that Andy is opening starting at 8 pm. I hope we'll get a great turnout to see a guaranteed great night of music. Check out Jason's regular website, or my space, and look for the article in the Blues Review. I tried to transport it to this blog, but couldn't quite manage that. I will be buying my tickets today hopefully, and keep spreading the word.

songwriter night last night at the blennerhassett

There was a somewhat disappointing (to me, at least) crowd at the excellent songwriter night at the blennerhassett last night. I guess it just goes to show you, you can't rely on the Parkersburg live music crowd to appreciate the opportunities out there a lot of the time. Ellery was a husband and wife music duo from the Cincinnati area who play keyboard (she) and guitar (he) and she apparently does most of the songwriting (and singing)- he does some gentle little harmonies- but she has a powerful voice. Lots of quiet songs, and a very attentive and appreciative audience. The open acts also had to benefit from the "listening room" atmosphere, as they had a quieter style that suited the setting too. These will run on the second friday of the month for a few months- check out the songwriternight.com website for updates on who is playing and opening, and when the radio broadcasts will be, etc.

weekend dynamics

Well, I am sorely disappointed to have petered out on a trip to Cleveland to see Fred Eaglesmith tonight at the Beachland Ballroom, but I missed my window of opportunity to get out of town. So in its place is the songwriter show at the blennerhassett; which is always a good show. And maybe catch the blues band later at the Front Row. Bill Poole sent me a link to a video concert footage of Fred and his band, and that will have to do for this weekend. It was good to watch it, and remember why I like his music so much. More reports on the flip side- I talked to Andy briefly and told him I was excited that he would be opening for Jason Ricci, and that I would be intrigued by his set list selection as the opener for such a high powered music- so that will be fun to see how that unfolds. That's next Friday night the 18th.

Jason Ricci website

This is going to be an exciting night of music, next Friday the 18th when Jason Ricci comes to town. Visit his website and listen to the music, and read the rave reviews.

Andy Tuck opening for Jason Ricci at Front Row

Andy Tuck will be the opening act when Jason Ricci comes to the Front Row next Friday, Jan 18th here in Parkersburg. Jason Ricci, and his band, New Blood are touring in support of their debut CD "Rocket Number 9"- this national touring act is getting a lot of buzz. Check it out and spread the word.

meeting tonight; planning for 2008 Americana music tribute series

I am gathering some folks tonight at 6:30 pm at the wheel house to brainstorm ideas for the 2008 americana music tribute series- hopefully finalize at least some of the shows and schedule. Come on out if you can, to give some input.

Jason Ricci at the Front Row January 18th

Parkersburg has yet another great opportunity to hear some excellent music locally when Jason Ricci comes to the Front Row, January 18th. A much praised blues musician, with word that he will be open for Dave Mathews possibly this summer. The Free Time today (the 4th) had a good article with some idea of the name he is creating for himself. Come out and support live music in the 'Burg, we'll keep reminding ya!

Greens rocked in the new year

A very happy and celebratory crowd shared the new years festivities with the greens last night at the Wheel House; completing several years of traditional greeting of the new year with the Greens. Once again, for the fourth show in two weeks, the Greens put on a great high energy show, and the fans fed it back to the band with great enthusiasm. The new sound system sounded great. The Greens adapted back to being the three piece very well, with great versatility and variety, but heavy on the dance numbers as befitted the occasion. Lots of rollicking dancing throughout. A very good crowd, with most of the most loyal throng, and some holiday revelers mixed in. We'll look for the 2008 shows to start popping up on the my space site.