Greens schedule shufflin'

There's been a little adjusting to the April Greens schedule- opening for someone at WVU-P- Drew Davis Band; we'll have to find out some details about who that is, etc. but that's always a good thing to open for someone touring through. Contacts, contacts, contacts!!
Then the Wheel HOuse is shifted to Friday night from Saturday, and adding the Six Pence Pub for Saturday. Those who are in their own contact with the Greens can verify these details, or just show up at some of these guaranteed to be GREAT shows!!!!

Holly Long's CD "Leaving Kansas"

I have now had repeated listens to this new CD, and as always, enjoy getting to know the songs enough to appreciate things about them. The press release connects her sound to Annie Lennox, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan and Fiona Apple; so that would be the easy way to review - do some comparing. I hear similarities to Grace Potter (and the Nocturnals) especially in the strong emphasis on keyboards in the music. There are already lyrics that are working into my mind; a catch of a phrase, a story, a perspective. I like the background vocals on several of the songs. I hope folks will stop by her website or my space to get a further exposure to her music. Thanks to Patrick Steven Patterson for linking me up with these fine musical performers.
I have a long line of powerful female performers that I have really come to appreciate:
Devon Sproule, Ina May Wool, Corrine West, Sarah Guthrie, Grace Potter, Anais MItchell - that I am always glad to spread the word about, enthusiastically.

I forgot to give a review of the coffee house

I must have already moved WAY past it, but the little experimental coffee house (poetry reading) we tried Thursday night was a wee bit disappointing. We DID have some poetry reading however. And we tried out the room arranging and lighting for future events. We came up with a few things to try out this Saturday at the first REAL event we are trying for. Thanks to Kim and Brendan for coming out to just about anything I try! Kim brought the best books of Poetry, and she has an appreciation for Leonard Cohen. She made the neighborhood boys night by bringing the Shel Silverstein book for them to read from. Nobody can accuse me of being afraid to try something. I am not daunted by failure.

I gotta take a deep breath and try to get into this promoting work of the next few weeks

I've got several good projects coming up, and so any help spreading the word will be appreciated. Kathleen Coffee is up first, next Saturday night. She is a folk singer from the southern part of the state, who I met when we brought Anais Mitchell to Parkersburg last fall. She is a big fan of Anais', and Ani Difranco and similar musicians/ songwriters. So that is an immediate link and kindred spirit. She is coming to Parkersburg at my invitation (a long standing offer, that finally comes to pass!). I know she is an "unknown" up here, but I can guarantee an impressive evening of music if you come out. Bring some friends. I am doing this as a first try at having a coffee house atmosphere here at my work place. "Door number 3" as we say. Its a busy little hive during the day/ during the week, and may not be someone's usual idea of a music venue/ setting. But we'll see how it goes, and Kathleen is game for anything!!! I'm charging $5 just to cover costs; just to see how this "house concert" type setting works for us.
Second, is the second vinyl record sale of the year; April 19th in front of the Sound Exchange. I have been wanting to promote this as part of National Record Store Day (independent record stores!!!), but haven't been getting any cooperation from the newspaper, and with other busy-ness haven't been able to try some other ways of promoting it. I still have a few weeks, but any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Caena's enthusiasm for the record sale (last night at the Greens show) was very uplifting and energizing for me!!! Thanks! (she is also going to the Glenville show of the Greens that night- and is among the top Greens fans of all time- she is contagious in her enthusiasm and appreciation for their great good time music!!!) So anyway, the record sale is 10- 3 that day. Spread the word!! This is an on-going long term commitment of mine to share this classic form of music enjoyment, and try to keep it alive and kickin'.
Third, the 2nd annual Whole Lotta Hank tribute / benefit show. Of course, most people should know the story by now: I have been doing these live music tribute shows for a few years, and Ashley Nutter's (and Jonny's) enthusiastic support has b een the greatest part of this. Ashley came up with this event for last year, and it was a rollicking good time, and created a lot of buzz and long term enthusiasm for the tribute series. We gained some new cohorts and music loving friends. So this year's show is April 26th, down at the Wheel House. A good set of musicians is lined up, with a wee bit of room for a few more. $5 donation at the door, and more generous donations are always appreciated. These are fund raisers for Children's Home Society and the work we do with area children and families.
I always have to have a few things to worry about; so this event's worry is that Jerry Douglas is playing in town that same night, and could draw a lot of music lovers away from the Hank Williams tribute. Let me know what you think or hear, I don't want to change the date, but........
Jerry is a great musician, and worth the show, but I am somewhat stubborn to stick to my set date.

Meanwhile the greens will be popping back in town several times throughout April, so stay tune for enthusiastic reporting and build up!!!!

Holly Long's new CD for review: Leaving Kansas

I've been honored to receive yet another CD to review. This one from Holly Long, called: Leaving Kansas (she has a website in her name, and a my space site)- check 'em out. I have had my first listen, and its still in my car CD player for the ride down to Spencer this afternoon, to visit the "old home place." (!!!!!- ask for the details if you want) A great, powerful voice, intriguing lyrics; nice instrumentation - lots of keyboard. I'll write a longer more detailed review shortly. Good stuff for sure upon first listen.

I've been listening to "Timeless" (a tribute CD to Hank Williams)

I found in the library, the tribute CD from Lost Highway of Hank Williams songs. Its a great mix of appreciating his songs, and nice versions by many familiar voices.
The line up: Bob Dylan - I can't get you off of my mind
Sheryl Crow - long gone lonesome blues
Keb Mo - I'm so lonesome I could cry
Beck - your cheatin' heart
Mark Knopfler and his band - lost on the river
tom petty - you're gonna change (or i'm gonna leave)
keith richards - you win again
emmy lou harris - alone and forsaken
hank III - i'm a long gone daddy
ryan adams - lovesick blues
lucinda williams - cold, cold heart
johnny cash - I dreamed about mama last night

This is a great little listen, and very inspiring leading up to the whole lotta hank tribute show here locally April 26th. I have not heard much of Hank III, and so this is a nice little intro and segue into his own particular music. So many of the others are major favorites of mine, so hearing their particular interpretations is fun. I think John Gallagher has a copy of this CD for sale at his store; don't beat me to it!!!!

Greens/ Coal Canary at the Marietta Brewing Co.

Nate has been in Florida, he is on the way back. Filling in on drums for the Marietta Brewing Co. show (filling in nicely!) was Jeff from Coal Canary. You can visit their website linked off the Greens. They played once before in Parkersburg, I think last summer, as I recall it being hot at the Front Row!!!
Coal Canary opened, with Andy standing in on Bass. They are a good band, Jen is the vocalist, and belts 'em out strong and impressive. The guitar work is solid and driving- so all in all an enjoyable band- seems to be most if not all originals (except a second version of Angel from Montgomery for the evening!) Its fun to watch Andy on bass; he is his usual enthusiastic energetic self, and puts his all into it. I figure most in the audience were just expecting the Greens, so hopefully they were okay with the addition- its good to be exposed to some other good stuff some times!!! So then the Greens quickly switched around things- Jeff staying in on the drums, and Ben taking over the bass, and Andy moving back to the guitar and vocals.
the set list for the Greens portion of the show:
tide turn again
big ol' betsy
tunesmith jones
10-4 good buddy
flyin' solo
heavy mentals
something is wrong with me
conversation with the lunatic in the mirror
quirky turkey
cinnamon girl
swamp queen
lovely and ugly
crazy thomas
thunderwear
"rock and roll is what you desire"
beekeeper
kenya dig
a medley/ jam - rap included
Tuck's riff
mercy
little warrior
flippin'
penny
what a ride (short intro to
apocalypso
(back to) what a ride

And remember, this was after a solid, decent fast paced set by Coal Canary. So folks got a great night of music.
It seemed a little smaller crowd than usual up at the Brewing Co., but a celebrating, good time crowd as always for the Greens.

Andy's solo show at River City Tavern and Grill in Marietta

Andy played an early show at a new venue for him Friday night. River City Tavern and GRill (in the Comfort INn in Marietta; right off the interstate). This was a nice venue, and Andy seemed well received. There is a nice wide open feel to the place, and friendly staff. Danny says they are in discussion about using the very nice big wide open "lower" area for a full fledged Greens show this summer, moving some tables and making it nice and big for dancing and a good crowd. Maybe even something about blocking off some available guest rooms so folks can spend the night. This has some good prospects!
Andy was in great solo acoustic form for this two hour show, 7-9 pm. Despite the Friday afternoon happy hour atmosphere (lots of talking!) It seems he got good response throughout. He was in fine voice, and guitar licks were sharp- some hot harmonica work also!
Here is the set list:
Down
Cars and Horses
(then he took a very short "ribs" break!!!)
What a Ride!
Flippin'
Little Warrior
Come on back to me
5 card (forlorn) blues
Its not enough (restlessness?)
homeless melody
tide turn again
I'd ruther be in some dark holler
tonight I'll be staying here with you
when things go wrong (blues)
Lodi ( CCR song)
Angel from Montgomery
Will the Circle be Unbroken
Chinaski
a little instrumental ditty
Castles made of sand (Hendrix)
Tunesmith JOnes
(another very short break!)
Anon
10,000 Days
* a newer song, I couldn't capture...
* another newer song, I couldn't capture - this was when things were getting really loud across the bar- we were clear across the room!!!
Flip Side
Apple Pie
The Animal Song (animals with three syllables)
Vacuum Blues

Then Andy was loaded up quickly to head over to Marietta Brewing Company, for the main event!

A pretty good crowd, lots of "regulars" getting to see Andy in a different time and setting, and so that was a definite good thing.

zooming past 800 posts without noticing

Wayne Towner, who edits the Free Time Friday entertainment section of the Parkersburg News has been letting me down these last two weeks! I have been trying to get some advance publicity for my April events, and he hasn't been putting them in!!! The Whole Lotta Hank show on April 26th, and the vinyl record sale (National Record Store day) on April 19th (and its writing contest!!!) and Kathleen Coffee's show next Saturday, the 5th. I guess I saturated the market with my barrage of news bits, but you'd think they'd be glad to have all the events they could put in there! I hope the modest band of folks who reads this will get the word out anyway- that's kind of discouraging, because that's my main form of promotion. Oh well, I'll just keep plugging away.

Jason Wilber

I've had another communication with Jason Wilber, and there is still the opportunity to host him in the area on June 8th (Sunday) after he has played in Marietta Saturday night. Ideas?

Thursday night- trying out a coffee house

Thursday (march 27) we're trying an open forum coffee house here- somebody could come do just about anything they had a mind to. Its an all ages event, so that would limit the audiences appreciation for certain performance art. Its deliberately vague as to intent, just to see who shows up and what they thought they were coming to. I'll report on it after tomorrow night, and see where it takes us. 7 pm, here at 1739 St. Mary's Ave. door number 3. track me down for more information. One thing I will be doing for sure, is trying out some arrangements of the couches and chairs, and lighting, for next week's Kathleen Coffee show; just to see how different arrangements look and feel.

can't wait to show off my new prize for the Hank Williams tribute

Everything seems to be shaping up nicely for the Whole Lotta Hank tribute show on April 26. 8 pm at the Wheel House. $5 donation for the benefit of Children's Home Society and our work with area children and families. We had a typical day of helping kids today for instance. Spring break and a number of neighborhood kids needing a positive recreation place to come by to.
I've got the makings of a solid line up of musicians, with room for a few more if anyone wants to contact me. I prefer knowing a head of time, but last time worked out fine for someone to just show up ready to play. I'll be conjurying up a audience participation contest again- something new perhaps. Ideas are always appreciated.

rambling conversation

I had an enjoyable conversation with a Nashvillian yesterday; he was very knowledgable and enthusiastic about some Americana music type stuff. He connected me to a musician named Mike Farris- visited his website and myspace. He sounds like a great entertainer, a good bio story line, and some great connections to other musicians. He apparently stole the show at the Americana Music Assoc. show last fall. Then we got off talking about Goose Creek Symphony and their annual fest (Todd Snider is there this year)- its in Kentucky. Unfortunately its the night that Jason Wilber will be here in Marietta, so that will be my choice. We talked about one of the guys from Bread, Rob Royer and what he is doing now, scanning the back of a Bread album we had here, and he was already out of the group by then, Larry Knetchtel taking his place by then. He wrote "For all we know" that the Carpenters did, and won an Oscar.
He talked about being a "local" when the hordes descended for Bonaroo. An enjoyable chat.

Andy- two shows Friday night in Marietta

The Greens have their regular session at the Marietta Brewing Co. this Friday night, and a newly added early show at the River City Bar and GRille in Marietta listed as an acoustic show at 7 pm. Those are always a fun change of pace, and a new venue at that. Eager to get back to some Greens music and good times. Keep an eye on the show schedule- it seems there are added dates regularly!

podcast of Jason Wilber's interview with Todd Snider

http://www.isoasradio.com/todd_snider_podcast.htm

I hope this link will take you to an interview Jason Wilber has with Todd Snider on his radio show, in search of the song. Its an enjoyable discussion among two of the key connections to John Prine's music; very relaxed and fun.

petition to reinstate Hank Williams

Reinstate Hank Williams
23438 Signatures
Published by Steven Riola on Feb 19, 2003
Category: Arts & Entertainment
Region: GLOBAL
Target: Steve Buchanan, President, Grand Ole' Opry
Web site: http://www.hank3.com
Description/History:
This petition calls for the reinstatement of Opry legend, and country music star, Hank Williams. Fifty years have passed since the tragic and untimely death of country music's greatest performer, who made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on June 11th, 1949. A few years later, in 1952, Hiram Hank Williams was asked to leave the Opry -- with the intention that he would sober up and make a return to the stage that he loved so much. Before he could make that return, he passed on, in the back seat of a car on the way to an Ohio show. It's now 2007, and Hank Williams has yet to be reinstated to the Opry. Hank Williams has been one of the most influential artists to ever record; changing the face of music, and the way that we view country music. Since his passing in 1953, he has posthumously achieved numerous rewards and achievements. In 1961, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a few years later, he was added to the Country Music Hall of Fame Walkway of Stars. In 1973, he was the recipient of the Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music. He received a Grammy for 'Your Cheatin' Heart' in 1983, and was then inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. That same year he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Life Magazine even ranked Hank Williams #1 on the 'Most Important People in Country Music' list. Within his short years with us on earth, he had 11 #1 singles, including 'Lovesick Blues,' 'Kaw-Liga,' as well as 25 other Top 10 Singles. We, the undersigned, feel that it is past due for Hank Williams' reinstatement to the Grand Ole Opry. Hank Williams was one of the most influential people to ever record or write music, and his untimely death made it impossible for his to 'redeem' himself in the Opry's eyes, but after 50 years we feel that his legacy has more than made up for any objections that the Opry may have had about his personal life. His lyrics and music helped create everything traditional country music became. Sincerely, The fans of Hank Williams, Sr.
Petition:
This petition calls for the reinstatement of Opry legend, and country music star, Hank Williams. Fifty years have passed since the tragic and untimely death of country music's greatest performer, who made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on June 11th, 1949. A few years later, in 1952, Hiram Hank Williams was asked to leave the Opry -- with the intention that he would sober up and make a return to the stage that he loved so much. Before he could make that return, he passed on, in the back seat of a car on the way to an Ohio show. It's now 2007, and Hank Williams has yet to be reinstated to the Opry. We, the undersigned, feel that it is past due for Hank Williams' reinstatement to the Grand Ole Opry.

go to www.songwriternight.com

There is a big picture of the Greens jumping out at you when you go to the songwriternight.com website- they will be featured on the april 5th 7 pm broadcast of the radio show, live local music, 106.1. The Weedhawks are featured at a show at Tamarack on May 4th at 2 pm. And there is starting to be the promotion for Jason Wilber coming to Marietta on June 7th at the evening performance, after the all day songwriter event.

Hank Williams tribute musicians lining up

I've had some success contacting the musicians and getting some commitments for the Hank Williams Tribute show April 26th. It will be an on-going thing between now and the show, but its always nice to get those enthusiastic early commitments!!! Door prizes are accumulating, probably nothing as intriguing as the Johnny Cash action figure doll, but any suggestions are appreciated; and any help with gathering some is greatly appreciated.

Greens new shows added

Danny's been hard at work, line up some diverse venues for the greens coming up. Glenville WV! wow! On the night of the vinyl record sale, April 19th, folks can careen around the winding roads to Glenville; better spend the night! The Greens in Pittsburgh, the Greens back to the Front Row, etc. etc. Check 'em out, in the new venues.

Tom Rush review (preview) for a show at the Ark in Ann Arbor Michigan

Tom Rush may not be as well known as some fellowveterans of Club 47 in 1960s Cambridge, MA--people like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and JudyCollins. Yet he's second to none in terms of hisimpact down through the years. Rush's threealbums for Elektra in the 1960s were keyfounding documents of the entire singer-songwriter concept, and he's influenced everyonefrom James Taylor to Garth Brooks. A performerwith an abiding love of being in front of anaudience, Rush is a rib-tickling storyteller, anexpressive singer, and a guitarist capable ofreal melancholy. He's an Ark favorite, and, saysthe Chicago Tribune, he's "probably the only manalive who should be allowed to sing JoniMitchell songs." Tom Rush is, in short, folkroyalty.

new album by Fred Eaglesmith

Tinderbox is the new album by Fred Eaglesmith. He calls it alternative gospel. (Gospel for non-believers).It's full of backsliders and people living on the margins.It rocks and rolls with distortion and preachers and end times.It happens on dirt roads and in little clearingswith snakes and field workers and people driving away.Shock Inc. (LA) calls it the best album of 2008.Starbucks has already called and asked for a licenseto play it in all ten thousand US stores.People say it is the best album Fred has ever made.Believe.

going into the weekend

There is no local Greens show this weekend for the Parkersburg area, and so that puts the Greens fans in a melancholy mood. Seeking other ways to enjoy themselves. I see there has been a show added for the wheel house for April 12th. Hmmm what sort of day is April 12th, worthy of celebration....... you'll have to let me know. In the meantime (Greenwich mean time) we'll have our two coffee houses at 1739, and see how those go, and whether they become a regular thing. I will not go anywhere this weekend for music, taking a little breather. Drum up some ideas for the vinyl record sales and national record store day perhaps. Listen to some Van MOrrison on the rod-e-o. Is there where Andy got his pronunciation of the word radio? Turn on your electric light. Van the Man. The rock critic Greil Marcus says Van was the one who really got the Lost Waltz going with Caravan.

Songs About Hank Not Sung By Guys Named Hank -- The 9513

Songs About Hank Not Sung By Guys Named Hank -- The 9513

Kathleen Coffee performing in Parkersburg april 5th

Kathleen Coffee, shown here, will be performing at Children's Home Society's office space in Parkersburg on April 5th. Come on out for an enjoyable evening of music, and get inspired by someone with a great passion for music, and her message to the audience. Keep checking back for reminders!!!

musicians for the Hank Williams tribute April 26

I will be contacting the potential musicians for the Hank Williams tribute beginning this week. If anyone knows of someone that wants to play, have them contact me. I like a good diversity for this one (well, all of them really!!!) This one is still a little unknown for me, what kind of performers are out there. All the others I'm usually pretty confident of the pool of performers. The show is April 26, 8 pm down at the Wheel House.

not necessarily a musical event

I am hosting a coffee house, Thursday March 27th at 7 pm at our neighborhood drop in center at 1739 St. Mary's Ave., suite 3. This will be an open invitation for people to read poetry, perhaps perform a song (no amplification), or listen to some records. Light refreshments will be available for a donation. I am especially reaching out to students/ young people. Since all the live music fund raisers we do are by nature "adult" events, I want to give an opportunity for an all ages event to get a try. I will have some poetry to read, but would love to have a good turnout of others who wish to read or perform. Come on out and see what happens.

listened to some vinyl records last night

I finally broke out some of the vinyl records I got from Pete Shew a few months ago. These are folk and country and blues records. Patrick Sky, Tom Rush, Pink Anderson, and Ian and Sylvia. These were excellent records (not great condition, but playable)- but great music. The liner notes are excellent also, with lots of information and perspective on this area of interest for me. There is a lot of listening to do when I get the chance. I keep the folk music history book (40's- 70's) close by to thread through the connections.

Greens helping their fans put on the Green

The Greens had a festive show at 6 Pence Pub last night. A good venue for their dancin' fans, and plenty of seating up around the rim for the ones who are a little more chair-bound. Kim had the place decked out in green for sure. The Greens roared into town and got going quickly.
Set list (as best I can recall!!)
flyin solo
country maestro
hey horse, why the long face
crossroads
tuck's riff
moving picture
anon
the latin beat (andy has a name for it, but I can never catch it or remember it)
heavy mentals
kenya dig
tunesmith jones
all over everywhere
flippin'
what a ride!
10-4 good buddy
penny
a blues number I don't recall the name of.....
thunderwear
some extended jam
confessin'
lunatic in the mirror
quirky turkey
oil rags
should I stay or should I go (Clash)
without mercy
something is wrong with me
foxy lady
beekeeper
what is that smell? (the funk smell)
The Media
jimi hendrix song- manic depression?
tide turn again
10,000 days
chinaski
little warrior
swamp queen
a Cream song
Strange Brew
a classic rock and roll song- hey hey, what'd I say?
mary jane
apocalypso

40 some songs!!! That is a night's work! It was neat to see Robby (from old Bogie's days) behind the bar, sporting his green t-shirt/ faux tuxedo shirt.

visit the new/ updated Greens website

www.thegreensmusic.com is recently revamped- a good sign of things to come! There is a new home (a swirling dervish of choices!!) and then some new things to see and do. My blog is part of the contact section, and that is nice to see! Keeps me motivated to keep spreading the word, and making news! Give Danny and the guys some feedback when you see them, and some encouragement to make it as interactive as possible!!

Greens at 6 Pence Pub tomorrow night

The Greens are playing in Morgantown tonight, then head over to Parkersburg tomorrow night for a night of Guiness-heads and frolicking- there's plenty of dance floor and some good seats up along the rails; I don't think they'll be showing Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory up on the wall behind them tomorrow, as I have a faint recollection of some other show there at the 6 pence pub.

I would like to be a master falsettist, or at least a master yodeler

Master falsettist..... hmmmmm Lou Christie from Pittsburgh ; Popsy Dixon with the Holmes Brothers

Master Yodeler: Jimmy Rodgers; John LIlly from Charleston

add to the list?

Holmes Brothers tonight in Marietta

Virginia-born brothers Wendell and ShermanHolmes, along with drummer and master falsettistPopsy Dixon, distill modern African Americanmusic down to its essentials of blues, soul, andgospel. The current Holmes Brothersalbum, "State of Grace," features uniqueversions of songs by John Fogerty ("Bad MoonRising"), Hank Williams Sr. ("I Can't Help ItIf I'm Still In Love With You"), Nick Lowe("What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love AndUnderstanding?"), and Lyle Lovett ("God Will"),but the brothers are all fabulous originalsongwriters as well. There's a lot of gospel inthe soaring harmonies and heartfelt idealism ofthe Holmes Brothers--but a lot of the roadhouseas well. As Wendell says about their blend ofthe secular and the sacred, “Jesus turned waterinto wine, not wine into water.”

just got tickets to this event!

Headlining this year’s festival will be The Avett Brothers on Saturday night and Pennsylvania’s Akron/Family on Friday night. Other national acts include folk-legend Michael Hurley, Bettye Lavette, New York City’s O’ Death, the Cajun swing of the Red Stick Ramblers, Justin Townes Earle, Justin Gordon, and Uncle Monk (Tommy Ramone’s bluegrass band!). The Nelsonville Art and Music Festival will also feature many local and regional acts including Southeast Engine, Woody Pines and the Lonesome Two, Silo Circuit, and Casual Future. Many more bands will be announced on the Stuart’s website (www.stuartsoperahouse.org) in the next few weeks!
Along with 3 days of over 20 bands, the festival also features camping, art vendors, kids activities, local food, and workshops all in the setting of the beautiful Hocking Hills. This is the fourth year for the Nelsonville Art and Music Festival, but first at Robbins Crossing Historic Village. Robbins Crossing had been home to the Hockhocking Festival, but after nine years that festival’s organizers decided to pass the torch to Stuart’s Opera House. Stuart’s decided to move their one-day summer festival to Hocking College and expand it to the whole weekend which formerly featured the Hockhocking Festival. “Hockhocking was a great event, our hope is to help carry those traditions on and continue to offer a weekend of great music that will continue to bring people into this area” said Tim Peacock, Executive Director of Stuart’s Opera House and former co-cordinator of the Hockhocking festival.
For more information, visit www.nelsonvillefest.org

Lucky # 777

This is post number 777 (or something like that). I stopped in to try to catch up with John Gallagher today at his music store on Dudley, behind the YWCA building. He was rushing between a lesson and leaving for a church rehearsal. I gave him a 1 minute version of my idea for April 19th and the national "independent record store day." (And broadened it for independent music store day). He seemed interesting in brainstorming that, so I will return. Love his CD selection. Wanted to pick up a Hank Williams tribute CD, but didn't. Saw the brand spanking new edition of the original John Prine songbook, looking spiffy compared to my well worn, thumbed through copy. Arranged to rent some modest equipment for Kathleen Coffee's show on April 5th; supporting the local business and getting that detail taken care of early so I wouldn't be scrambling later. Just heard a Bonnie Raitt and Norah Jones duet on WOUB, and then Tony JOe White and Shelby Lynne duet. Earlier some WHO. "The soundtrack of my evenings."

Holmes Brothers in Marietta Friday night.

I'm dancing a little Irish Jig in anticipation............

The Greens will be at Six Pence Pub this Saturday night, the closest we could get to St. Patrick's Day with everybody's busy schedule. I don't know if I can come up with a gaudy enough GREEN thunderwear costume for the occasion. I don't know if I ought to warn people to wear some protective body armor, in case there is a dart tournament going on across the dance floor. I guess we should brush up on the full Greens song list to be ready to make some requests long into the night.
I guess the show the following weekend for Pittsburgh was unfortunately cancelled due to some scheduling conflicts for the band. The show in May up in Pittsburgh is an outdoor festival I guess at a park there called washington landing; formerly Herr's Island, for anybody who knows Pittsburgh. We'll keep plying for more information.
Nate told us the other day that he and Holly are moving up to the Morgantown area for next school year, working in Preston County, but probably living in Mo-town. So the band will be centrally located for practice and a base of operations.
Danny's sure got his sights set on a west coast road trip somewhere down the line.

Trying a new thing; live local music!! Yeah!

On Saturday, April 5, at 7 pm I will be hosting Kathleen Coffee, a singer/songwriter from Athens, West Virginia at our agency's youth room for a concert. I met Kathleen through the Anais Mitchell show last year here in Parkersburg, and found out she is a musician and performer, who wants to get around to play and stretch her reach. She is described as "acoustic/ folk/ visual sensational songwriting with introspective lyrics and an angelic voice." I will connect with more info shortly. We are charging a $5 cover at the door, and will create a nice, pleasant, coffee house atmosphere at our suite # 3 at 1739 St. Mary's Ave. in Parkersburg. Mark your calendars, contact me for more information. I hope this link will get you to her my space site.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=170861909&MyToken=559ff0cb-8950-49f4-ac47-dea6a614a283

album I mentioned this morning- details

Based on a conversation with Bill Poole, I provide this information about the Sir Douglas Quintet album Mendocino. More info to follow perhaps.

The Mendocino album by the Sir Douglas Quintet (smash records / mercury) (1969) has the line up as:
Augie Meyer, Harvey Regan, John Perez, Frank Morin, and Doug Sahm

The song list is: Mendecino (written by Doug S)
I Don’t Want (Doug S)
I wanna be your mama again (Doug S)
At the crossroads (Doug S)
If you really want me to I’ll go (Delbert McClinton)
And it didn’t even bring me down (Doug S, F. Martin, and M.Fierro)
Lawd, I’m just a country boy in this great big freaky city (Doug S)
She’s about a mover (Doug S)
Texas Me (Doug S, F. Martin, J Perez, A. Meyer)
Oh, baby, it just don’t matter (Doug S)

There’s a quote from Ralph Gleason: “There is relatively little originality aside from the original San Francisco bands. The only band I have heard play blues recently that was really listenable in a musical sense (rather than volume and rhythm to be experienced in a physical sense) is Sir Douglas and he is great just because he doesn’t do it like all the others.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

vinyl record reflections

I know this will seem a stretch to most people, but I have been enjoying the intriguing juxaposition between gathering these stacks o' wax and my interest in music trivia and veins of musical connections. Yesterday someone brought in a Doug Sahm album (someone who I stumbled on to early, the sir douglas quintet (she's a body mover) and then bob dylan recorded wallflower with his band, and he is connected to other texas music (and died early, etc.) and then there was a Lou Christie album (that real high falsetto- lightening strikes, and a few other big hits in the 60's- so I go on a website of his to see what he has been up to since those days, and get an interesting biography (he was from pittsburgh, and had those hits in his teens, etc.) and then there is this "chi-lites" album (have you seen her?) big ol' afro's, etc. And after Bill Poole sent that version of "cowboys to girls" (with lucinda williams singing)- I had to look up the INtruders from that philly soul era, etc.etc etc. The Hacienda Boys have that song on a recent album. So all this music stuff gets jumbled up in a fun way.

Greens at Empty Glass last night

The Greens braved the treacherous road conditions of I-79 to venture down to the Empty Glass in Charleston Saturday night. This was their first appearance there. The Glass is a great little place for live music in Charleston. The walls are lined with interesting posters and stickers and other memorabilia of the many interesting / diverse performers over the years. There is an intriguing ambiance to the place for a true music fan. The Greens were duly excited to be playing there, and put on a fine show. They referenced having a pretty good show the previous night in Morgantown at 123 Pleasant St. with Treasure Cat. So they are packing in some pretty solid weekends, with no particular let up.
Here is a set list from last night's show: (forgive the titles, some are just what i call them!!!)
swamp queen
the wilderness
mercy (without mercy)
heavy mental
the Latin Jam ("the machetes")
Its not enough (restlessness)
all over everywhere
drag yourself (through the day)
kenya dig
hey horse, why the long face?
Chinaski
The Tide Turn Again
Part Two
Flying Solo
Flippin' (through the pages)
What a Ride!
Conversations with the lunatic in the mirror
BREAK!
vacuum cleaner blues
moving picture (starving artist)
Anon
Y
Stacks of Cash!
The Media
10-4 good buddy
Tunesmith jones
one more chance; let me give it to you
thunderwear
(another Latin flare instrumental)
lovely and ugly
homeless melodies
ain't too proud to beg
quirky turkey

As staunch Greens fan's can see, any night of good solid music leaves many of their favorites out, the set list is just too good/solid/ long to play them all any given night.

Thanks to Crystal for getting the gig set up, from when she stopped by the Front Row at the holidays, looking for a little local live music. She is from Calhoun County, and lives in Charleston now, and likes Mike Morningstar's music. She liked Andy and My set at the Front Row; that kind of music. But she enjoyed the Greens sound too!!!! Thanks to Roadblock for making the sound work and running the show.
The Greens were in fine form; a solid show, to hopefully build another city into their network as it grows.
There were flyers around the Glass, announcing they have been chosen among the top 100 nightclub and bars in the country by a national survey. They are having a celebration of this on March 29th- check out information about it - there are mostly "big city" venues on the list- de lazy lizard in morgantown is also on the list.
The Greens will be in Parkersburg next weekend for a St. Patrick's day tradition; this year at the Six Pence Pub on 7th St.
Look for details soon about the Greens 10 city mini-tour in June!!!
Give 'em some encouragement when you bump into them- they are working hard and creating a great buzz!!!

Todd Burge's CD release songwriter night

Friday was an enjoyable evening of songwriter music at the Blennerhassett Hotel; part of the second Friday evening series. This time Todd himself was the featured artist; showcasing his recently completed new CD Lost and Found. He sang quite a few songs from it, and a few other songs from his songlist. He had bass and multi-instrumentation back up from Billy Matheny and Will Crichton; for some excellent music. Some good variety of songs/ styles / lyric content, and enjoyable banter between songs, explaining the origins, etc. Lots of acknowledgment of others contributions and influences. Opening up were a variety of local songwriters each singing just one song, with John Lilly and Ron Sowell (from Charleston) doing two songs! Ron is the leader of the mountain stage band, and John is the editor of Golden Seal, and a solid contributor to Wv music. Marlin created quite a stir, marching right up to the front part way through, and bounced to the music and kept trying to engage Todd in dialogue. Todd handled it well, good naturedly - it kept going on!! The otherwise attentive and "behaved" audience were also tolerant of this amusing distraction!!! TAKE A listen to Todd's new CD, and give him some appreciation for the work he does for the local music scene.

no Carpenter Ants show in Parkersburg tonight?

I guess the Carpenter Ants aren't going to be here in town tonight. The Front Row has Mike Morningstar listed. I'll have to follow up on that with Bill. See if I got the date wrong, or its changed or what not. Mike is slated there the first Friday of the month as a regular thing, continuing the "old" Bogart's traditional first Friday (there it included Saturday!). There's a little lag in the front row's website calendar listing which is still on February. I'll be promoting the Bob Dylan Birthday tribute/ benefit shortly for May 24th there.

Greens preview from the GAZZ - Nick Harrah's article

MUSIC: Going Greens on a Saturday night
by Nick Harrah
In their sixth year as a band, Morgantown’s The Greens have been busy making a name for themselves locally and regionally. The trio — singer/guitarist Andy Tuck, bassist Ben Sweeney and drummer Nathan Yoke — brings its diverse roots-based rock to Charleston on Saturday, March 8 for the band's first show at The Empty Glass.
Talking with Tuck over the phone, he recalls a metal show the band recently played in Cleveland. It went surprisingly well, he said.
“We were the band playing with our shirts on,” he laughed.
“We went out there, said, ‘We’ll do our thing; play for 45 minutes’ and at the end people were dancing, hooting and hollering. We even sold some CDs.”
Story Continued after Advertisement

Tuck bemoaned the lack of availability of their latest effort, “Broken Science: Vol. 2.” “We need to get some more of those,” he admitted.
The Greens not only play a diverse style, which you can hear on their MySpace profile (www.myspace.com/thegreens). They’ll do a show with almost any band of any style. Before Saturday’s show, they’ll play at 123 Pleasant Street in Morgantown with “instru-metal” three-piece Treasure Cat.
“I love those guys,” Tuck said. “They’re all good friends of mine, and Will [Mecum] has been around forever. Joining forces with Treasure Cat has been a long time coming.”
The Greens stay busy during the year, doing about 100 shows on average. They finally got some help recently in the form of a manager.
“Up until about three months ago, we did everything ourselves — the booking, the studio, everything,” Tuck said. “It helps to have someone outside the band. He’s a go-getter, and he’s helping to get us a wider audience.”
Not only do The Greens get out and perform, they’ve put their music online for fans to hear, and they use the Internet to network and book shows. Their CDs are available to hear and purchase on their Web site (www.thegreensmusic.com).
“The record companies are dying,” Tuck said. “It’s one of the things that’s happening now — bands networking and using the Internet.”
Tuck said he expects The Greens’ style will fit perfectly at the Glass. “I’ve been there for some after-’Mountain Stage’ parties. We’ll bring some friends down, and we’ve got a few friends in Charleston. There should be a good energy at the show.”To contact Nick Harrah, e-mail tronnik76@yahoo.com.
If you go:
The Greens, 10 p.m. Saturday at The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St. Cover $5 to $8. Call 345-9893 or visit www.emptyglass.com.

traveling music

I listened to a parcel load of music on a long, white knuckle trip to Princeton the other night, and then high tailing back to Parkersburg (by way of Columbus?) yesterday. Anais Mitchell, Tom Waits, Todd Snider, Lucinda Williams, John Hartford (the new one I mentioned the other day- a quick arrival)- Sarah Guthrie and Johnny Irion, Corinne West- a long line up of good stuff.

Greens reminder

The Greens will be traveling to Charleston to play at the empty glass Saturday night. We are looking for an interview that will hopefully be in the GAZZ or the Gazette before the show. If anyone sees it, and can let me know, I'd appreciate it.

jeff healey obit

Guitarist and bandleaderJeff Healey dies in Toronto hospitalFollowing a lengthy struggle with cancer,Healey passes away on the eve of therelease of a new blues rock albumJeff Healey, arguably one of the most distinctive guitar players of our time, died today (Sunday March 2) in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto. He was 41, and leaves his wife, Cristie, daughter Rachel (13) and son Derek (three), as well as his father and step-mother, Bud and Rose Healey, and sisters Laura and Linda.Funeral and memorial arrangements are pending.Robbed of his sight as a baby due to a rare form of cancer, retino blastoma, and he started to play guitar when he was three, holding the instrument unconventionally across his lap. He formed his first band at 17, but soon formed a trio which was named the Jeff Healey Band.After his appearance in the movie Road House, he was signed to Arista records, and in 1988 released the Grammy-nominated album See the Light, which included a major hit single, Angel Eyes. He earned a Juno Award in 1990 as Entertainer of the Year.Two more albums emerged on Arista, with lessening success as the ’90s passed. Various “best-of” and live packages were released, and he recorded two more rock albums, before turning to his real love, classic American jazz from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s.By then, however, Healey was an internationally-known star who had played with dozens of musicians, including B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and recorded with George Harrison. Mark Knopfler and the late blues legend, Jimmy Rogers.A family man with a three-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter he preferred to stay close to home. “I’ve traveled widely before — been there and done that,” he told friends, determined to avoid the lengthy, exhausting tours that marked his life in his twenties and early thirties.A long-running CBC Radio series saw him in the role of disc jockey — My Kinda Jazz was a staple for a while, but in recent years he had hosted a programme with a similar name on Jazz-FM in Toronto. A highlight of his broadcasts was always the use of rare — and rarely heard — music from his 30,000-plus collection of 78-rpm records.As his rock career wound down as the millennium came, he recorded a series of three album of early jazz, playing trumpet as well as acoustic guitar in a band he called Jeff Healey’s Jazz Wizards. The most recent was It’s Tight Like That, recorded live at Hugh’s Room in Toronto in 2005, with British jazz legend Chris Barber as guest star.At the time of his death he was about to see the release of his first rock/blues album in eight years, Mess of Blues, which is being released in Europe on March 20, and in Canada and the U.S. on April 22. The album was the result of a joint agreement between the German label, Ruf Records, and Stony Plain, the independent Edmonton-based label that has released his three jazz CDs.Mess of Blues was recorded in studios in Toronto, with two cuts recorded at the Jeff Healey’s Roadhouse in Toronto and two at a concert in London England. The backup group on the upcoming CD — the Healey’s House Band — played with him regularly at the downtown Roadhouse, and at a previous club bearing his name in the Queen-Bathurst area.Early last year, Healey underwent surgery to remove cancerous tissue from his legs, and later from both lungs; aggressive radiation treatments and chemotherapy, however, failed to halt the spread of the disease.Despite his battle with cancer, he undertook frequent tours across Canada with both his blues-based band and his jazz group; he was set for a major tour in Germany and the U.K. and was to be a guest on the BBC’s famed Jools Holland Show in April.Remembered by his musicians — and his audiences — for his wry sense of humour as well as his musical playfulness, Healey was a unique musician who bridged different genres with ease and assurance.—end—

Greens add two new Pittsburgh PA shows

Take note that the Greens have added two shows in Pittsburgh; one in March and one in May. Getting some bigger city exposure/ moving slightly north in their reach! Thanks to the Greens for adding my "review" of Saturday's show to their my space site- its a little sloppy, but the heart and enthusiasm is what I try to convey through-
Talking up the Empty Glass show!!!
St. Patty's at 6 pence: a holiday tradition. Watch out for the dart tournament.

Second, the Greens: a most excellent show

The Greens outdid even themselves last night, putting on a truly amazing show. They were in some higher plane of performing and connecting with the audience last night.
The scene: there was an opening act: awkward silence (?- did I get the name right?) from Cleveland. This was some sort of home/away deal, related to the trip the Greens took up to Cleveland last week- they had not seen this band, so it was sight-unseen, but a common promoter or something. They were alright, nothing spectacular. Loud, hard driving. Nothing that makes them very memorable a few days later. They were pleasant enough guys, and won us over, because they REALLY got into the Greens sets later in the evening, and were out there on the dance floor with the rest of the throng. We wish them well, and will follow them in their pursuits as we can.
Andy did a short little acoustic set to open the whole thing- 4-5 songs; to much appreciation, as folks like his variety in this set up. The Cleveland band played about 45 minutes or so.
Then the Greens went to work- weaving their great songs/ their intriguing blending of songs, styles, responding to the audience; surprising people, getting the crowd into it, and then taking it to new heights and levels of enthusiasm. The mix of guitar work; song selection, vocals, interaction with the crowd were masterful as always. They kept going into a long encore sequence. They didn't even touch their full possible set lists, due to the opening act, and a set break interlude by two of the Cleveland band. Leaving the crowd satisfied, but aware there is so much more!! I was going to write down the set list, but didn't get started, so scratched that idea after a few songs. They wove in a new song or two, and are really working the recent new songs well into the full line up of Greens songs.
Well, I'll be plugging this all week, but the Greens at the Empty Glass in Charleston, next Saturday night, is worth a trip. They appreciate the venue's place in WV live music scene, and will undoubtedly put on a great show for the Charleston live music fans. It would be nice to have some loyal fans make the trip, and show their support, and show a new audience that the Greens have a following that knows their songs and how the band and audience can feed off each other in a high energy way.
Got to love: conversations with the lunatic in the mirror!!! "The Media" is getting to be a familiar mainstay. Oily Rags; "Y", these are relatively newer ones that are getting very solid in the line up. The covers worked in, were mainly "segue's" from other Greens songs, and then finding their way back around to the song that was started with.

First, the record sale recap

I had an enjoyable day, in the brisk March 1st air, selling vinyl records in front of Sound Exchange yesterday. This benefit fund raiser (lots of work on my part!!!) raised over $300, (some advance sales in there!) by selling records at $1 a piece. So lots of records were pored over, and many hopefully happy music lovers on their way with some new tunes (or old tunes as it were). Lots of good eclectic mix going out- so that keeps me pumped that the odd mix I have is worth continuing. I had many of my "regulars" eagerly waiting for me at 10 am- got the table set up while keeping the wolves at bay, and then the feeding frenzy began- the first 45 -60 minutes is CRAZY- then it tapers off, but a steady stream of folks. THanks to Kim and Brendan for spelling me for a quick bit to eat at Tim Horton's. Thanks to Joe, Melissa, and Elmer at the Sound Exchange, they are very friendly and hospitable to me, and encouraging and enthusiastic. Melissa has a shrewd eye for some good records, and quickly picks some that have some sort of interest for her- she called some folks up and they stopped by. Two donors brought records right there on the spot, and one set was very good- the first arrivers even missed these good records, so there were some good ones left for folks later in the day. Its on to the next sale- April 19th, which is "national independent record store day." Stay tuned for more announcements of some possible special events leading up to that celebration, in conjunction with the sound exchange. My little creative wheels are turning....... hope to get some dialogue going about the value of independent businesses in the community, and especially local independent music outlets........ thanks to everyone who donated; bought, encouraged, tolerated, put up with...... etc etc. etc.. forging on to the next one (after lugging a ton of boxes all over God's creation the rest of the day yesterday and all day today.......- ooohhhh my achin' back)