Johnny Cash tribute recap

WOW! we had a great time last night at the Wheel House, with the 3rd annual Johnny Cash birthday tribute. The musicians really put their heart and soul into the celebration; I want to thank them most especially, as well as Cory doing the sound. They make it all happen!!! Jonny Nutter started us off, played drums as part of 1313, and had another solo set later in the evening. He is so supportive and hard working on getting a good set list together, plus he and Ashlee bring an enthusiastic entourage as often as they can to enjoy the evening and support Children's HOme Society. Diane and Steve Williams were new entries into the tribute events, and did a nice couple of tribute songs; Tyler Storey returned to the events, and keeps you excited about the "younger generations" carrying on the musical traditions- he will be a "force to be reckoned with" into the future as he is developing a good stage presence. Bobby Kirl was a nice addition to the line up and he played two sets, and had a good entourage himself; he was very supportive and enthusiastic, and we will try to give him some support and "air time" on the blog when we know he is playing around town- he has a good drive to perform, and has a great voice and delivery. Later in the evening, he kept things going well, with a diverse set- once we had exhausted the Johnny Cash portion of the musical evening.
Steve Peck was a new comer showing up ready to play, and he had a great set and good combination of voice and guitar playing- he got the crowd livened up and kept the momentum going - we hope he will return to some of the other events in the year.
1313 was their usual great show and really got the crowd going- a lot of folks came in (probably) just for their set and were not disappointed. They have been a great "story" of the americana music tribute series, getting started with the first Johnny Cash tribute, and contributing throughout the events since then. They are great guys, and I will always be promoters of them when I hear they are playing.
Todd Heslep came for a later set, after a LONG day at chef-ing- and even did a second set far into the night- Jonny Nutter and Bobby Kirl did also, just to keep the live music flowing and let the late night crowd enjoy a little variety and individualization.
I think the Wheel House management had to be happy with the turnout and the variety of folks- I thank Jimmy for keeping the cooperative venture going through the management changes that the Wheel House went through last year. It was good to see Chris and Shauna there supporting the cause as always.
Lots of good folks there; lots of encouraging conversations and suggestions. Thanks to everyone who participated. Cory Smith, doing the sound all night, and keeping so upbeat and trying his darnedest with everybody's different sounds/ techniques/ levels of experience in front of a mike, etc.
As always, I get relieved when the events are over, but immediately get excited planning for the next ones!!!
With a little interlude with the vinyl record sale this Saturday, (distracting me for a bit)- we are on to the Whole Lotta Hank show April 26th for the next tribute event in the series. Stay tuned for details, but don't hesitate to give me any thoughts or suggestions or offers to help!!!