passed by posting #1000 with little fanfare

Just like a car odometer passing 100,000 miles, the ol' blog passed post #1000 a few back. I don't get much feedback that people stumbling on to it later ever go back to any of the earlier postings for nostalgia or perspective. Most of the feedback I get is just about the current postings. I'd be wondering if even I would want to go back and read the early postings now!

I visited the Thirsty Turtle last evening to scope out the scene as a possible venue for some of the future tribute/ benefits. Left a message for the owner. Took a peek in the music room. It is very nice, and classy, but small. It seats about 40 (unlike the B-52's chrysler which seats about 20). It has a nice stage, and dance floor area; its own bar etc. So it has some potential, but the size concerns me. Ken Storey and I were discussing ways to make the smaller size work, with a more "exclusive" limited seating concept, but I'll have to think about that, and talk to some others. I also re-visited the 5th St. Pub, still weighing its potential for the tribute shows. I guess I need to track the new management of the Wheel House to see what's going on there anytime soon. People mention the Blennerhassett Hotel, the scene of some pretty cool songwriter nights Todd Burge has put together. Somehow that just seems a little too fancy for my humble events.
Oh, by the way, if you don't know the thirsty turtle by name, its the old club47 out on route 47 just out of town, now just past Rt50's interchange. Its a very nice looking place- the main bar is very welcoming and pleasant, and then there is the little back room- as I said, also very nice. Seems like a friendly crew- the one fellah just had been stung by a wasp out back, swelling up around his eye. Getting lots of sympathy and advice. Some bikers were extolling the virtues of their upcoming trip to Sturgis SD. Some Americana type / country music on the jukebox, as I was leaving.

a music friend sends this bit of news and observations!

Thanks....I had forgotten how to get into your blog, and yes, I have heard you and Andy at your John Prine affair and I've heard The Greens many times, do you know if that festival will take place up in Ritchie County again this year, at the race track? I'm pretty sure Andy's band played that day. (I'd say the promoters took a bath on that tho' and I doubted they could do it again this year, which is sad, because it was a great show with great acts, like THE GREENS! I'VE SEEN ANDY'S BAND AT MBC SEVERAL TIMES TOO. I was up by the drunk who kept yelling at the John Prine show. (ha). There is always one. My friend and I were in a row of Horseriders from Randolph Co. who had all come together. They took up almost two entire rows, and they'd been drinking all day. My friend's leg was in an air caste on the wrong side to be in the right side aisle, so the "drunk cowpoke" by me, yells for his entire row to just stand up and move down one space (for her accomadation), and this is the funny part: but he says to me, "Little Missy are you going with yer friend, or are you staying with me?" ha! (I say, well, I'm going with my friend), so then he yells, "ever-one move down 2 spots! (I need my own blogasphere, huh?). (Sallie would have found this funny).

set list on Todd Snider's upcoming release?

Original Release Date: October 14, 2008
[More information coming soon]
1. Mission Accomplished2. The Ballad of Cape Henry 3. Fortunate Son4. Is This Thing Working?5. Stuck On The Corner (prelude to a heart attack)6. Dividing The Estate (a heart attack)7. Ponce of The Flaming Peace Queer8. Is This Thing On?

This is off the eighteenminutes.com website as the set list for the upcoming release by Todd Snider

Woody Guthrie song- The Great Historical Bum

(The Great Historical Bum)I'm just a lonesome traveler, The Great Historical Bum.Highly educated from history I have come.I built the Rock of Ages, 'twas in the Year of OneAnd that was about the biggest thing that man had ever done.I worked in the Garden of Eden, that was the year of two,Joined the apple pickers union, I always paid my due;I'm the man that signed the contract to raise the rising sun,And that was about the biggest thing that man had ever done.I was straw boss on the Pyramids, the Tower of Babel, too;I opened up the ocean let the migrant children through,I fought a million battles and I never lost a one,And that was about the biggest thing that man had ever done.I beat the daring Roman, I beat the daring Turk,Defeated Nero's army with thirty minutes work,I fought the greatest leaders and I licked them everyoneAnd that was about the biggest thing that man had ever done.I stopped old Caesar's Romans, and I stopped the Kubla Khan;I took but half an hour's work to beat the Pharaoh's bands;I knocked old Kaiser Bill flat, then I dumped the bloody Huns,And that's about the biggest thing that man has ever done.I was in the Revolution when we set the country free;Me and a couple of Indians that dumped the Boston tea;We won the battle at Valley Forge, the battle of Bully Run;And that was about the biggest thing that man has ever done.

Woody Guthrie's song: "while we're on the subject of hard work"

While we are on the subject of hard work, I just wanted to tell you that I am a man who likes hard work.I was born working and I worked my way up by hard work.I ain’t ever got no where, but I got there byhard work.Work of the hardest kind.I been down and I been outI been disgusted I been busted and I couldn’t be trusted.I worked my way up and I worked my way downI been drunk and I been sober.I been baptized and hyjacked.Worked my way in jail and I worked my way outta jailWoke up a lot of mornin’s, didn’t know where I was at.The hardest work I ever done was when I was tryin’ to get myself a worried woman to help ease my worried mind.I’m gonna tell ya just how much work I had to do to get this woman I was tellin’ you aboutI shook hands with 97 of her kinfolk and her blood relatives and I done just the same with 86 people whos’ just her friends and her neighborsI kissed 73 babies and put dry pants on 34 of em’ well as othersDone this same thing well there are a lot of other things just like this.I held 125 wild horses and put saddles and bridles on more than thatHarnessed some of the wildest and craziest teams in that whole countryI rode 14 loco broncos to a stand stillAnd I let 42 hound dogs lick me all over, 7 times I’s bit by hungry dogs and I was chewed all to pieces by rattlesnakes and water moccasins on 2 river bottomsI chopped and carried 314 arm loads of stove wood109 buckets of coalCarried a gallon of kerosene 18 miles over the mountainsGot lost – lost a good pair of shoes in a mudholeAnd I chopped and weeded 48 rows of short cotton13 acres of bad cornI cut the sticker weeds out of 11 back yardsAll on account of cuz I wanted to show her that I was a man and I liked to workI cleaned out 9 barn loftsCranked 31 cars, all makes and modelsPulled 3 cars out of mud holes, and 4 or 5 out of snow driftsI dug 5 cisterns of water for some of her friendsRun all kinds of errandsPlayed the fiddle for 9 church meetin’sI Joined 11 separate denominationsI joined up and signed up with 7 best trade unions I could findI paid my wages, um, a, dues 6 months in advanceI waded 48 miles of swamps and 6 big riversWalked across 2 ranges of mountains and crossed 3 desertsI got the fever, Sun stroke, Malaria, blue, moonstruck, skeeter bit, Poison Ivy and the 7-year itch and the blind staggersI was give up for less, lost and dead a couple of timesStruck by lightning, struck by Congress, struck by friends and kinfolks well as by 3 cars on highways A lot of times in people’s hen-housesI been hit and run down run over and walked on knocked around.I’m just sittin’ here now tryin’ to study up what else I can do to show that women that I still ain’t afraid of hard work

great woody guthrie quote (its on the wall at the Canal St. Tavern in Dayton Ohio)

"I hate a song that makes you think that you are not any good. I hate a song that makes you think that you are just born to lose. Bound to lose. No good to nobody. No good for nothing. Because you are too old or too young or too fat or too slim too ugly or too this or too that. Songs that run you down or poke fun at you on account of your bad luck or hard traveling. I am out to fight those songs to my very last breath of air and my last drop of blood. I am out to sing songs that will prove to you that this is your world and that if it has hit you pretty hard and knocked you for a dozen loops, no matter what color, what size you are, how you are built, I am out to sing the songs that make you take pride in yourself and in your work. And the songs that I sing are made up for the most part by all sorts of folks just about like you. I could hire out to the other side, the big money side, and get several dollars every week just to quit singing my own kind of songs and to sing the kind that knock you down still farther and the ones that poke fun at you even more and the ones that make you think you've not any sense at all. But I decided a long time ago that I'd starve to death before I'd sing any such songs as that. The radio waves and your movies and your jukeboxes and your songbooks are already loaded down and running over with such no good songs as that anyhow." - Woody Guthrie.

another version of Ruby Jean's musical interests....

Steve Earle, Holy Modal Rounders, Captain Beefheart, Malvina Reynolds, Lucinda Williams Gillian Welch, Neko Case, Lana Davies, Fiona Apple, Weedhawks, the Makeshift Ashtrays, Violent Femmes

This makes for a very intriguing list of musical influences: Ruby Jean's "other my space" site lists these. This could make for a pretty interesting afternoon, evening, morning, of web searches and following up on connections........ I'm just givin' y'all this, to pique your curiosity to come on out and see the Weedhawks this Thursday night at the Front Row. Ask her about some of 'em.

WNCW in western carolina's

I was extolled of the virtues of radio station WNCW today; so pass along that hint to some great radio. It is a worthy web search, and probably leads to many other neat things; especially with a Carolina flavor to broaden my "mid ohio valley" perspective.

Andy taking up his new instrument- the Hawaiian uke

You can begin to imagine the new creative forces being unleashed from a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii!!!!!!!!!

quote about the Weedhawks music

"something you and your pub crawlin' grandma could rock out to."


ya gotta love it, don't ya?

Weedhawks listing of influences on their MY Space

Johnny&June,Gram&Emmylou,Steve Earle,Rolling Stones,Carter family,HankIII,George Carlin,John Lee Hooker

well, do you see the connections with my overall "americana music tribute series" concept, between these kinds of listings, and Ruby Jean's on the previous post? There's something going on that links crazy folks like us. Even despite my incredibly poor promoting skills, I will continue to try to get people together around their love of all this wild and wonderful music.

Come see the Weedhawks this Thursday in Parkersburg, at the Front Row, 8 pm, with friends Nick Barry and Todd Burge. This is a benefit celebration so come out and get a guaranteed night of excellent music, and help out a good cause. I can almost assuredly guarantee some people will be there who know Bobby's body of songs pretty deep, and if you are new to them, you will be amazed at the requests and reminiscing. I can also guarantee some impromptu something-or-other that will be memorable, and worthy of relating as a story later on. KNow what I mean?

Ruby Jean's my space list of music influences-

Woody Guthrie, Ry Cooder, Bruce Springsteen, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Etta James, the Kinks, Blind Willie McTell, Beck, Gram Parsons, Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, Gillian Welch, Ten Years After, Wayne Hancock, John Prine, John Hiatt, Dr. John, The Band, The Staple Singers, Loudon Wainwright III, Iris Dement, Violent Femmes, Merle Haggard, James Marshall Hendrix, Jim Croce, Neil Young, George Jones, Tom Waits, Lorretta Lynn, Joan Jett, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Carla Daruda, Burl Biggs, Bobby Lane, Dale J Gordon, Mrs Mary Wilson, Lana Davies, Captain Beefheart

Ruby Jean, of the Weedhawks, lists the above as some music influences. Pretttttty Decent, eh?

second part of an interview

TMJ: What are some of the things that have grown out of working on this blog, and your efforts to do benefit/ fundraisers, and promote live local music?

STUCK: Through Righteous Babe records (being on a mailing list) I was contacted about setting up some kind of show for Anais Mitchell as she was touring through this area. That was fun to be involved in making those arrangements. She played here in Parkersburg last fall, at the Front Row. She is a wonderful songwriter/ performer / musician, and a really fascinating person. Please check out her my space or web site. I will be following her career now for sure. I'd like to think if she was doing some touring through this part of the country she would consider another show locally. It might be Athens, or something, though.
Jason Wilber, who is from Bloomington Indiana, and a great singer/ songwriter, but who also happens to be John Prine's accompanying guitar player, got connected through his website and e-mail. I have been purchasing all his CD's as they come out, and enjoying his music all along, as well as being an obvious fan through John's concerts. We communicated about pursuing a Mid OHio Valley area show, and I connected him with Todd Burge, and a gig in Marietta was arranged. We hosted him the following night in Parkersburg at our coffee house setting. So we got to spend a couple days hosting him here, he is a gracious and sharp guy; we'll fondly remember that visit, and hope to keep catching him when we can.
Through the Anais Mitchell show, I connected with a songwriter from the southern part of the state, Kathleen Coffee, and she came up and did a show; we also encouraged her to enter a songwriter invitational in Marietta, and she won that event! She is coming back to Parkersburg in October. I saw the other day on her website that she is entering the Peace Corps, so that's an exciting adventure for her, but we will miss her in the Appalachian music scene while she is adventuring!
Some of the tribute shows I've organized have led to some musicians "spreading their wings"- a local rockabilly band, 1313, got some of their first exposure doing our Johnny Cash tributes- the Cash Bash we call them. And Stone Road first "played out" in a version of their current crew at a Neil YOung tribute a couple of years ago. Jonny Nutter has stretched his music-ship (particularly his singing and solo acoustic work) at many of the tribute/ benefits over the past few years.

TMJ: What's your hopes for the future with this music "promoting?"

STUCK: I'd just like to keep doing some of these small scale, low "risk" benefits, tributes, shows. I love giving people a chance to perform to new audiences, get out there and play. But I'd also like to (at least try) to do something on a little bigger scale at some point. I've made some attempts to bring someone like Todd Snider to the area, when he is playing somewhere near here before or after. I'm sort of stumped now, without really knowing the venue I'd be looking at. Just challenges to work out. I value steady, small efforts, rather than big, bold ventures, I guess.

TMJ: What's next?

STUCK: Well, the show July 31st. The Weedhawks will be here, thanks to Nick Barry for brainstorming that idea with me. This is a little different, because its bringing someone in, rather than relying on local musicians for the tributes. I just wanted to try that. Nick and Todd are so rooted and deep on the local music scene, so I hope we get some turnout on that basis. I know I'LL enjoy it, and that keeps me going. There are risks- being a Thursday night, stuff like that.
That same night, earlier, I'm experimenting with a little children's show- based around the theme of Woody Guthrie's children's songs, but really anything goes. Don Howerton will be playing along with Nick and the Weedhawks. Don has been a mainstay of the tribute shows, and he and Cynthia are such "kindred spirits" music-loving wise; we exchange a lot of enthusiastic updates and upcoming new show announcements. With their three new kids, they recently adopted, and their more limited chance to get out for music, I "creatively" gave them an opportunity to combine things! I don't know what kind of turnout will be, we've mostly invited people word of mouth who have young kids, to really focus on this. After all, these are shows supporting a children's service non profit organization!
Don Baker is doing a coffee house Saturday August 23rd here at St. Mary's Ave. Don played at the JOhn PRine tributes right from the beginning, and I have followed him at some songwriter events ever since.
In the fall, somewhere, somehow, I'll have the 6th annual John Prine birthday tribute, and the 3rd annual Neil YOung birthday tribute. October and November. I need to seek out a venue for these.
Just last night, we came up with a concept, we'll be pursuing: as part of our Neighborhood Day, September 20, we might try to have a parking lot music show.
Kathleen Coffee is coming back to do a show on October 18th.
I still was hoping to plug a The Band tribute show in here somewhere, but that might need to carry over to 2009. I wanted to either try to recreate the Last Waltz soundtrack/ concert, or work off of Music from the Big Pink, and the work with Dylan on the Basement Tapes.

TMJ: More ideas than you can manage!

STUCK: Yeah.........

Stone Road gig last night

Things went off very well last night in the latest experiment at bringing live music to the humble 1739 St. Mary's Ave. Suite 3 coffee house setting. Stone Road band (great big thanks to Craig, Dave, Al and Norm for a great show, even if you didn't do "band introductions") put on a great show, 3 hours of music! They are a solid band on all instruments, drums and bass keep the rhythm section going with diverse styles - Dave and Al trading off on guitar leads and vocals.
They have a relaxed between songs banter, and a well thought-out set list, working their way through some different eras of musical diversity with skill and ease. They showed diversity with a little mini-set of Irish music, and Craig wanted to especially highlight the "Celtic Rock" number. They reprised the two Dylan songs off MOdern Times, and really do those songs great justice. They could bring it down slow and soft, and cut loose with some good ol' rock n roll.
You could get a chance to catch them outdoors, on Tuesday over at Civitan Park in Belpre, as part of one of those evening park concert series. 7:30 pm. They seemed pleased with the opportunity to perform and contribute to this benefit, while "playing out." We had a good audience turnout, and folks again, seemed to like the setting for music. Thanks to all who turned out.

a report on some of the venues in town

The word was right, the Wheel House will be re-opening soon under new management. They have been spiffing it up (no major changes in the building/ layout I understand). This new management will operate all three floors (the big upstairs ballroom, the main floor bar area, and the basement room, as well as the poker machine area).

I stopped in to check out the 5th St. Pub last night, as a potential location for future benefits, live music shows. There is a newly built stage and the operator has certain plans for different expansions/ remodeling. There is not a lot of seating for my type shows- it seems geared towards the music where people like to stand/ dance/ sway / jump up and down throughout the show; so that would need to be creatively addressed. I got a good first impression of the fellow running the place. I'll muse on that some more.

I feel like a homeless waif with my benefits as my venues drop away; maybe I jinx the places.

Bogies was a certain vantage point demise in the Parkersburg music scene, because of its length of time, and certain era. Many of the others that came and went quickly are hardly recalled (Hagie's Cabana comes to mind!) The Front Row is sentimental, just because Bill was such a kindred spirit and contemporary in the music eras. We'll just keep our ears open, and seek out opportunities.

Stone Road band tonight at CHS

I hope readers in the Parkersburg area will come on out tonight and see the band Stone Road play at our coffee house setting here on St. Mary's Ave. 7 pm will be the show time. These fellahs will really put on a good show, they are primed and ready. They play music in the classic rock vein (I hope that's an alright characterization to them). This will be another in the line of shows I am trying to host to create a relaxed, all-ages/ family friendly live music setting. There will be more to come, but I appreciate the feedback and response along the way.

Todd Snider's new CD ?

I listened to Mission Accomplished this morning. Yeah Todd!!! Great stuff. I watched "america's favorite pastime" (the doc ellis song) the video, produced by Don Was, the other day. Studio recording footage. Cool musicians shots all around. I am struggling with whether I could try to get up to Cleveland on the 1st of August (Beachland Ballroom)- its a split bill, and I don't know how much will be Todd. Ann Arbor on Monday the 4th? unable to attend. Bloomington on Sept 6th? Well, I'll be visiting www.eighteenminutes.com; and the my space, and the regular website a lot these next few days.......... A funny little "bio" interview is connected to some of these places, describing the new album Peace Queer. This "album cover" picture is vintage Todd- a shirtless hippie holding Todd at gunpoint; its described as. Somebody tell me more.

interview

TMJ (Tuck's music journal): What got you started with this blog?

STUCK: I stumbled into this concept (blogging) very naively/ dumbly, and actually started something related to a work project; helping some young people I work(ed) with on a youth empowerment project try to use blogging as a communication tool. While I was doing that, I was initially, pretty simply, just trying to convey some "news" about some musical benefit events I organize as fundraisers for the non profit agency I work for. I also enjoyed trying my hand at "reviewing" and sending out news for my son, Andy Tuck's, band, the Greens. I felt, even though they had a website and a my space site, there was not enough current, up to date, "fun" info about them for people to check out. I played around with some posting "set lists" for their shows; giving sneak previews about developments and upcoming shows, stuff like that. Then it got into just little posts about shows I went to see, things I was listening to, while driving, and news bits about musicians I like.

TMJ: It seems your entries are kind of spontaneous, and not very well thought out, or having much content really. Is this a fair observation?

STUCK: Yeah, I think so. I am somewhat of a lazy writer. My ideas sort of overwhelm my discipline of writing. Early on, I was never really sure I would carry this on, and I didn't want to be presumptuous enough to think any one would be interested much. I know that is the "slam" against blogs in generally, they are pretty self-absorbed. I TRIED to be a little humble about it; not really thinking I was too big of a deal! I am kind of busy in my work life, and so I never really intended to make it into something too serious or developed, hence the "shallowness." I became amazed at the little glimpses that people were reading this, and connecting with it from pretty strange vantage points.

TMJ: What were some of the strange "vantage points?"

STUCK: When the Zappa tribute band (project/ object? or something like that?) was coming to the Empty Glass in Charleston, I commented on that, and the father of the drummer (a very young fellow) connected to my blog. When Minton Sparks, a spoken word performer, was opening for John Prine in Prestonsburg Kentucky, I mentioned that, and a nice guy who does some promotion work for her, sent me a free DVD to review!!! When I've mentioned Steve Goodman (a lot!!!! cause I really dig (dug) him) - Clay Eals who wrote this great biography on him - sends me an e-mail everytime I mention Steve's name in my blog! (That's a lot of "City of New Orleans" mentions). Just last night at the Steve Earle concert at Stuart's, a fellow who works at Stuart's when I was picking up my "will call" tickets, commented on reading the blog!

TMJ: You could be criticized for always making such "pollyanna" posts- sort of a "rose colored glasses" approach to life.

STUCK: Guilty as charged. I actually haven't even read that many blogs, or feel I am really versed in the world of blogging. But I get some sense that there is a lot of : sarcasm, cynicism, put downs, etc. out there. I try to stay positive; focus on things I get excited about; try to be encouraging of others, especially musicians, people trying to make live music survive and thrive. I know it leaves a lot of room for criticism, but I'm standing my ground. I read a listserv (or whatever you call it) among Greg Brown fans- occasionally there is a little flair up of someone who attends a show of Greg's and criticizes his performance, or compares it to some previous time. Then there is some back and forth from folks on different sides / perspectives: folks who will always stay loyal and say good things, people looking to shoot down the veteran musicians when they stray from a formula, or previous style, etc. I like the exchanges and think its healthy. I'm just tending to stay on the one side in what I post.

TMJ: Anything new likely to be upcoming?

STUCK: I don't know; probably keep more of the same mostly. I rotate among: reporting on the Greens, my music events, and the local music scene, and updates from musicians I like. That can tend to keep me pretty busy. I have had a few postings where I tried to reminsce about music and its influence on me, or digging back for some connections, but those are pretty few and far between. I have a novel in my head that maybe someday will start out as excerpts. You could dig back into the past postings for hints of what might be involved. It has something to do with Greg Brown's song "Rooty toot toot to the moon"- and some coffee house folk music places in the midwest. Its got certain "rites of passage" elements.

TMJ: Thanks for talking to me. There will probably need to be a follow up interview at some time; I'm kind of slow on the uptake with questions.

STUCK: no problem, any time.

interview coming up

Stay tuned for an interview here on this blog soon. HOpefully later today.

major heavy heart

It was with a major funk/ glum / heavy heart, that I get word that the Front Row is ending its fine run as a Parkersburg live music venue. I am really bummed. Its going to take a while to process the impact; not only all the hard work Bill did bringing in the national touring acts, to spark a little enjoyment, but the special connection with the Greens and Andy's acoustic shows. (The Thanksgiving tradition over the last 6-8 years comes to mind....) I expect that there will be some exchange of dialogue among the loyal live local music scene folks about the implications and conclusions folks may want to draw.
Please, Please, Please, come out to the Weedhawks show on July 31st, and the Watermelon Slim show on Aug. 3rd to give Bill's efforts a fitting send off. The Weedhawks will be a great show I promise you. Please visit their my space site, and let it immerse you in their world and great music and fun. Tell your friends, help out a good cause, and visit the Front Row one last time before it undergoes its changes.

Steve Earle and Allison Moorer last night's show

WOW! Steve Earle and Allison Moorer played a fantastic show to a packed house at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville. Steve Earle has an amazing array of styles, instruments, (fans!) and he put his all into it last night. Working with a DJ for part of the show, was some of the most innovative work I have seen from a solid, veteran alt-country/ folk/ rocker ever, and it was very enjoyable and "works" well with his diverse music. Allison's voice is so powerful, and the duets were excellent. Steve played probably 6 instruments, adapting from his impressive body of work, updating versions, playing them solid and straight and everything in between. This was a SRO crowd; diverse in that intriguing way that an intriguing musician/ songwriter can attract people for all different kinds of reasons. Not knowing his full body of work, you could get the sense he pulled from all different eras, and had appreciation from different parts of the audience for all of it. He does some really interesting electronic stuff with his DJ- which I'll have to let someone else describe, who has more technical know-how- I don't know what the heck he had going on most of that time- but it worked to create a very enjoyable sound and vibe- especially in the unpredictability of "what was going to be next"- this is very unique and refreshing to experience. I hope readers will do some web searching about Steve from this, and find out about his music. He has solid social insights, political passion, human caring, to go with his intense life experiences, and he conveys that well to an audience that is receptive. He makes respectful references to Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and other revered musical legends in a way that has to pull some new appreciation in. Stuart's folks have to be, once again, proud and acknowledged for doing a great thing for the southeast Ohio area, by arranging to bring such acts in, time and again. There was an excitement surrounding the show, that keeps momentum alive for the other upcoming events, and all their fund raising efforts.

Andy's back "stateside" - so Greens gearing back up!

Andy and Brandy are back on the continental 48 states, so things will starting gearing up for some Greens shows. "Where we left off....."- was just completing recording some songs for a new CD upcoming, and a line up of shows clear through the end of the year; with some things in the works such as North Carolina, NYC, etc. Filling in the Morgantown area calendar, etc. "The Great Convergence" of Danny and Nate moving to the Morgantown area, so things can be focused from that "base of operations." I saw some "restless" Greens fans the other night, who are looking eagerly toward some upcoming shows in the Parkersburg/ Marietta area..............

steve earle review (and Alison Moorer) for tonight's show

Steve Earle's gripping new album, Washington Square Serenade, is a loving tribute to that era, that movement, that music and the city that gave them all a nurturing home. "That period changed pop music," Earle says. "It made lyrics much more important. Rock & roll could have become a subgenre of pop if it hadn't been for that literary aspect, which completely came out of a four-block area in New York City in one brief instant of time."
Like Freewheelin' itself, Serenade is an album that combines songs of love and protest, a stirring chronicle of both the connections between people that make life worth living and the things that must be changed in order to make such connections more possible for everyone. "I knew it was going to be pretty personal," Earle says about the album, which he recorded at Electric Lady Studios, the famed Greenwich Village recording complex that Jimi Hendrix built in the late Sixties. "The best part of my personal life was going so well I knew that chick songs were going to be no problem. As for political songs, I don't think I've ever made an apolitical record. The last two before this [The Revolution Starts … Now (2004), Jerusalem (2002)] were overtly political, and unapologetically so. This one is unapologetically personal."Washington Square Serenade – in its commitment, its values, its musical intelligence and, finally, its very American optimism about the possibilities for a better world – demonstrates why.Allison Moorer
When Allison Moorer decided to make a record of other people's songs, you know she wasn't just going to grab a handful of whatever and set her slow burning alto to them like a low flame to dry twigs. No, the woman whose very first single was nominated for an Academy Award, whose albums have been marked by an artistic restlessness and passion and whose willingness to expose her deepest truths has yielded some of pop music's subtlest, but most enduring treasures wanted to do something special - and in looking around the vastness of American music, she realized how much of the glory of women songwriters was overlooked and oversimplified.
“I think true feminity is not encouraged,” she says in that smoky drawl. “In the music business, you have two little boxes. Either you're a whirly twirly girl or you're a too-angry raging woman - and that's just not even close. Men face their own share of problems, but they don’t face that.”
For more information, visit www.steveearle.com

will kimbrough news

So channeling Bob Marley was a good thing. Will came home fresh and relaxed with a happy family. And then Will got some good news.

The first bit of news, is all about LITTLE FEAT. Little Feat's soon to be released JOIN THE BAND cd comes out August 26th and features Will's song "Champion of the World," co-written with Will's Oscar nominated friend Gwil Owen. Little Feat's version of the song also features Jimmy Buffett on guest vocals. "Champion of the World" was originally released on Will's album Home Away, as always available at willkimbrough.com.

And then more good news came. TODD SNIDER, Will's long time friend and collaborater is putting out a new cd, PEACE QUEER -- In stores September 16th, and Todd's album features a Will Kimbrough co-write, "Cape Henry", written back in Will's Todd Snider and the Nervous Wreck Days. We are very excited about a new Todd release.

Sunday, July 27th brings Will to his birthtown of Mobile, AL at Callaghan's Irish Social Club in Mobile, AL. Come hang with Will's ENTIRE family and have a pint of Guinness.

And after a quiet summer Will gets busy touring again this fall, stay tuned to willkimbrough.com for new dates and news. Also check out Will's myspace.

Peace & love,
The Will Kimbrough Music Team

Steve Earle

Steve Earle - Wednesday night at Stuart's OPera House in Nelsonville. Probably sold out by now, last week only 10 SRO tickets left, or something like that. We'll see what Steve's up to these days- having moved to NYC, living in the old folk village scene. I've kind lost more track of him lately than a few years ago. Enjoyed the show at Stuart's a few years ago.
I had never really followed him much in the Copperhead Road, etc. years. Maybe even really just following him since the Dead Man Walking soundtrack, and Ellis Unit one. And then eagerly eating up lots of "making up for lost time." Since then, I've been on a steady diet of his new releases; was pretty amazed at the productivity for some years there. Started liking all the benefit CD's he was on, and the causes he was playing for. Absorbing the interviews and speaking out he did. So it will be good to "catch back up a little" tomorrow night.

traveling music yesterday -clarksburg and return

This is one of the shorter trips, and I usually am too ambitious as to how much music I can squeeze into this trip. I was feeling kind of guilty because I hadn't listened to Tommy Womack for a while after the exciting show in Pomeroy, and my manic enthusiasm for his music right after that. I thoroughly enjoyed "There I said it" upon re-connecting to it. Likewise, I was feeling guilty about not having listened to Jason Wilber for a while, since the great flurry of listening around the time he was here in the Mid Ohio Valley, and I got really engrossed in his songs. I listened to "lost in your hometown" and was taken back intensely to the feeling of appreciation for his great writing skills, and delivery of his music. I finished up with Mermaid Ave. (vol. II) in honor of the Woody Guthrie tribute show coming up next week. I wish I could re-create "against the law" in some version - such a great social commentary song across the years. To sit in awe of 1) not only Woody writing the lyrics "joe dimaggio done it again"- but to have Wilco and Billy Bragg take lyrics like that and weave them into a "modern song" is worthy of amazement. Stetson Kennedy makes you realize topical songs CAN BE timeless, even though hardly anyone today would have any understanding of WHO stetson kennedy was, the song still stands up. It makes the perspective that "topical" songwriters today, can still expect their songs COULD stand up............ speaking of which: Steve Earle tomorrow night in Nelsonville at Stuart's opera house. Remember the controversy when Steve Earle wrote the song shortly after 9/11 and the start of the wars in the middle east, about the american young person who joined the taliban or el quaida, or whatever. Ol' Steve got himself embroiled in a lot of controversy then, didn't he? The song HOt Rod Hotel is an eerily timeless song, too. Good stuff like that. So, I had the other Tommy Womack CD, another Jason Wilber, and the other Mermaid Ave. CD all in the car, but ran out of Rt. 50 mileage before I could play them. Oh, I fall behind playing all the music I want to hear.

Walter Trout show at the Front Row last night

Walter Trout and the Radicals put on a stellar show last night at the Front Row. A fine, solid blues and rock performance, an appreciative audience. There are the beginnings of some renovations going on at the Front Row; gave a different feel to the place. I guess it was what is becoming a typical mix for these national touring acts coming through; the loyal live music local fans, and some folks who travel a distance to see someone they follow. Walter is a "paid his dues" kind of solid musician, and his band are all strong in their roles. Keep it going, Bill- you're bringing in some great stuff. Watermelon Slim in less than two weeks comes back to the Front Row.

1313 at Par on Emerson

After the songwriter night, I stopped by to see the later part of 1313's show. These guys were really going all out. They are a fun and impressive band to watch. All three are high energy at their instrument, and make a party out of it for sure. I love Jonny's drumming, he really puts his all into it. He is a pretty impressive versatile musician; doing all the tribute shows with some acoustic solo work in a variety of styles; playing some bass with some compadres, and this drum work, that really suits Shawn and Dave's distinctive 1313 ways. Shawn does a great job with the guitar work and vocals, (and I assume most of the song selections?). And Dave is the great showman with what he does with that standup bass- it is so fun to see people experiencing him for the first time- he makes for a memorable live music performance. They get a pretty enthusiastic audience going long into the night. Not having been in this venue much, it is a little hard to gauge the "regulars" vs. those out for this particular band, etc. And I don't know what the fighting was about; pretty bizarre. But it flared up and died down quickly. It was great to see Ashlee and Jonny out and about. And it was intriguing to see many of the regular Greens fans out to see some different music and late into the night in a different venue. The bar staff were working very hard, and several of them recognized me connected to Andy.

Songwriter Night at the Galley in Marietta last night

I stayed for the full line up of songwriters last night at the Galley in Marietta- somewhere around 14 songwriters? I enjoyed sharing a table with Micheal Beardmore from Marietta, and then enjoyed his songs late in the show. Todd Burge and Joseph Henry "duet-ed" on Todd's songs, and Joseph also joined RJ Crowdery on hers. Todd said she won for songwriting at the Kerrville Festival. Joseph's keyboard playing is very solid, and his own songs are ear-catching. Todd can pick three songs out of his repetoire and always make them classy and well-presented.
You had to feel a little sorry for those last two-three performers late into the evening, and "the luck of the draw" to play after 3-4 hours of music. They put a lot of spirit into it, and clearly enjoyed having a forum for performing. Check out Todd's www.songwriternight.com website for info on upcoming events still this summer. You can link to podcasts of the radio shows, too.

see a picture of me now on the blog, up in the corner?

For the astute, I added a picture up in the corner of the blog. This was one of the pictures taken by Bill Poole at the Bob Dylan birthday tribute show, with me doing my "emcee" duties; with the eerie picture of Bob Dylan looming over my shoulder, making sure I did things right. Oh, did I mention the Cajun band did a nice little rendition of "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" the other night? They acknowledged it wasn't a Cajun song, but they sang some mighty fine harmonies, and had their nice little Cajun / Louisiana dance hall take on the song. I am a great "squeeze box" fan- Their musician came out with two draped over his shoulder, one kinda "slinky-ing" behind him. Since he also played a duet fiddle on some songs (not to be confused with playing second fiddle..........) and a few tunes on eeee-lectrick geee- tar, too. He was therefore the most versatile with the others, solid on their first instrument.
The great dancing by the audience is still fresh in my mind; such exuberance!!!!

Tonight at the Galley in Marietta-songwriters galore!

In conjunction with the Sweet Corn festival in Marietta today, at the Galley at 9 pm there will be a songwriter night; part of Todd Burge's on-going efforts to promote local songwriters, and the live music scene. It sounds like (from an e-mail from Todd) that there are going to be a lot of songwriters getting up on stage- so the variety and diversity should be great!

Walter Trout show Sunday night

The Walter Trout show at the Front Row has crept up on me; its tomorrow night! 8 pm at the Front Row. Bill is excited about yet another national touring act coming through. He has sent links and forwards with some video footage of Walter performing, and you can track down my space, and website links to get some flavor of what is in store Sunday night. Bill has never steered us wrong with these steady stream of quality evenings of music, has he? Hope to see a good turn out of appreciative music fans; get out of the steamy, sweltering summer heat and humidity to hear some "hot" music (of the good kind of hot........)

Cajun music got the crowd going last night

Feufollet ("foo-fo-lay") were a fantastic band of Cajun music last night in the sweltering late afternoon/ evening environs of Nelsonville's public square. These young Louisiana folks played a solid evening of music, much to the extreme enjoyment of music lovers of all ages. There was plenty of sweaty dancing. Their musicianship was fine, they diversified things; trading off singing and harmonies; had solid fiddle, accordion and the traditional instruments. A very pleasant event in the on-going fine events that Stuart's puts on.

Weedhawks promo - again!!!

Look for this flyer image to start showing up around town in our promotional flyers. Its a nice little variety to our usual pictures for flyers. I don't know if I'd like a cartoon picture of me, but I like this one of Bob and Ruby Jean. I can't wait to see them perform, and also to have Nick and Todd share some songs among the whole mixture. July 31st at the Front Row. 8 pm $5 donation to Children's Home Society of WV

Nashville Scene - You Are So Nashville If...

Nashville Scene - You Are So Nashville If...

Cajun music tomorrow night in Nelsonville 7:30 pm

Although Feufollet has often been hailed as the future of Cajun music, a more current assessment must admit that they are now the present of Cajun music. Once idolized at at early age for their precocious musicianship and sent all over the world as youthful emblems of Acadiana's cultural resurgence, the members of Feufollet have, in the meantime, grown into the music as young adults. While Feufollet remains central to the neotraditionalist brush fire they helped ignite as youths, their latest album finds the band coming into its own and pushing the envelope, leading the way once again as Cajun music extends itself into a new century.For more information, visit www.feufollet.net

Here's a little blurb about a free outdoor show tomorrow night at good ol' Nelsonville - 7:30 pm- outdoors if the weather holds, and indoors at Stuart's if it rains.

Weedhawks coming to Parkersburg july 31st

The Weedhawks, coming to Parkersburg (The Front Row) on Thursday, July 31st for a show! 8 pm show time starts; guarantee some fun music!

Come early to Children's Home Society on St. Mary's Ave in Parkersburg to see what all the hubbub is about when they entertain the whole family at the Black Bear in Morgantown; they will be up on the tables and all over!

Trying to get back in the swing of posting

I am trying to re-build my momentum for posting, maybe its summer doldrums or something.
I sent off some publicity announcements for the upcoming events to the Parkersburg newspaper. The Stone Road band show on the 25th, and the Woody Guthrie event here on the 31st, and the Weedhawks show, also on the 31st at the Front Row. I hope Wayne prints them. We've got flyers for these, that we'll start to get out to the music stores and other good public notice places. I'll be hoping for good word of mouth for the first two events, but really needing some wider publicity for the Front Row event. Walter Trout's performance next Sunday evening should be fun. I saw that Andy (Tuck) is on the bill at the Galley in Marietta on August 23rd for a solo show (unfortunately, that is when Don Baker is playing here, so that will be my priority that night, hope we can get two good turnouts!) maybe a little early and late action?

sounds like a great event...............

Hillbilly Haiku Americana Music Festival September 6, 2008 Upland Brewing Co.

Upland Brewing Company is hosting a music festival to raise money for Sycamore Land Trust.Music will be provided by:Todd SniderJason WilberLarry CraneSara PetiteAaron PersingerThe Stringtown Pickers...and more!Tickets are $20 and will be available July 14th at the Sunrise Box Office in Bloomington, IN, online at www.bloomingtonarts.info, or the day of the show at Upland.Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge.Come join us for a full day of local art, music, food, and beer!

hillbilly haiku; there is a reason for this post which will follow

.
hillbilly haiku

A poem, spoken by hillbillies, that *sounds* something like haiku but doesn't scan like it. A hillbilly haiku doesn't fit the 5-7-5 syllable scheme, or even have three lines, because hillbillies can't count.
This is a hillbilly haiku.

Dead dogs Dead, dead dogs.

My Damn Channel

David Glauber sends out this announcement that a video of Todd Snider recording session of "America's Favorite Pastime" (his song about Dock Ellis's no hitter while on LSD) with the legendary producer Don Was, will be posted soon on his site: www.MyDamnChannel.com - be patient it may be a few days delayed. you could also check out his facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Damn-Channel/25676425050
If you have trouble without more information about this, get back to me. I mentioned a hotel room version a few weeks back, this is a version with Don Was on bass, and Jim Keltner on drums.

upcoming benefit in the Americana Music Series

Bill Poole does a great job on these posters doesn't he?

Nashville Scene - Guitar Hero

Nashville Scene - Guitar Hero

Greens photos in Morgantown's Daily Athenaeum last week

Kendal Montgomery, a music reporter for the WVU paper, caught some fun pictures of the Greens recently. In the JUly 2 issue, there are four pictures. Andy, showing his mugging picture posing, is blowing on a harmonica with his eyes wide open. Tony is wailing on a guitar, Ben is chugging on the bass, and Nate is ecstatic on the drums. Danny says the Athenaeum is enthusiastic to cover the Greens, so we appreciate that greatly.

There is bound to be a little lull in Greens news, but keep listening for more show dates starting back up in August, and any news about the release of a new CD with the recording done late last month.

Stone Road band performing July 25th 7 pm

Here is a photo of the Stone Road band, previously mentioned in the blog. They are performing out my neighborhood center on Friday, July 25th at 7 pm. They are a great "tight" band with a solid sound in the "classic rock vein." They are contributing their night of music as a donation to Children's Home Society of WV-Parkersburg. Donation of $5 is asked (but those that know me, know I'll consider any circumstance- smaller, larger, what you can afford, etc.) They share the vocals, guitar work, etc. and we guarantee an enjoyable evening. This breaks a little new ground, in that previously I have just had solo acoustic guitar performers. Everyone who has attended a show in this venue has been pleased with the sound and the atmosphere of the place. Smoke free, all ages, plenty of parking!!! This is the start of a string of events upcoming in my Americana music series, so stay tuned for more announcements.

wedding (music report, anyway!!!!)

Andy and Brandy got married this weekend; there was a great crowd, and things went very well; there were a lot of comments that this was the greatest wedding people had been to! This post won't be all the details of the wedding, but in keeping with the theme of this blog, I'll report on the music related to the event!
The band, New American Groove provided most of the live music for the reception. They did a great job of providing the kind of music suited for the reception- nice, solid cover tunes, good variety for the varying ages to dance to, etc. The traditional dance of the newly weds was to Andy's "What a Ride." The Greens performed a short solid set late in the festivities; to much enthusiasm and acclaim. At this point I can't recall the set list! But it was a good mix of their styles and gave many "relatives" their first glimpse at the Greens great talents.
The polka tradition of having a whole bunch of male relatives and guests putting their ties around their heads and taking turns dancing with the bride was very cool. Then at the end, the groom tries to make his way into a crowd of guests to get to the bride. Andy did some old basketball fakes to spin his way in.
There was a group of solid Greens fans in attendance along with huge quantities of relatives and family friends. Andy and Brandy are off to Hawaii for about two weeks.
The Greens have a good batch of songs recorded from their sessions a week or so ago. Details for late summer and fall gigs are being lined up.

I didn't make the trip to Clarksburg

Sorry to have missed the Greens in Clarksburg Friday night. I just punked out; tired after a week of long hours at work. I haven't heard any report how it was, or about the recording work last week. I guess I'll get a report this week at the wedding festivities from someone or other.

Steve Earle at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville

I'll be making the return trip to see Steve Earle at Stuart's opera house this month. I saw him there a few years ago; also to a packed house. This is July 23rd, its probably sold out by now, last week they were down to 10 balcony seats. Steve has a deep body of music, and it will be interesting to see what he is "into" now; he has links to many, many common passions for me.

Earlier evening festivities July 31st

In order to keep my Americana Music Tribute Series true to its original billing (the back of the 2008 t-shirts!) on July 31st, we will have a little Woody Guthrie tribute, from 5-7 pm at the CHS "coffee house" at 1739 St. Mary's Ave (suite 3) Parkersburg. This will be an event particularly geared for young children, but all ages will enjoy the Woody Guthrie songs. Bring your kazoo. We'll have light dinner refreshments, and plenty of audience participation songs and activities. This is just for a donation, so come and be generous, and enjoy a good time. Stay tuned for more details, after I get back from the wedding!

Weedhawks to perform at a CHS benefit July 31st

The Weedhawks, a well acclaimed MOrgantown duo, will be coming to Parkersburg, Thursday, July 31st to participate in one of our CHS Americana Music Tribute series events, at the Front Row in Parkersburg, at 8 pm. $5 donation to CHS at the door (advance "tickets" are appreciated!) Check out their my space site for some fun! They are a hard traveling duo, with some great history and stories, and a prolific song base. Joining them for the show will be Nick Barry and Todd Burge. Stay tune for more details closer to the event.

Don Baker performing at CHS August 23

Don Baker, a local singer songwriter, will be performing at the CHS "coffee house" on Saturday, August 23rd , 1739 St. Mary's Ave. Parkersburg, Suite 3. Don is an accomplished singer songwriter, who participates in many of the songwriter events in the Mid Ohio Valley. His songs are excellent glimpses into everyday life, with a poetic eye for observation about the world around him, and human nature. Don has participated for several years in the John Prine birthday tributes/ benefits. This is how I connected with him; he saw the announcements a few years back, and has been a steady nice connection ever since. I always enjoy his contributions to the songwriter events, and he steadily is creating new songs. His song at the recent songwriter event in Marietta about the price of gas, comes right out of the Americana genre's best sentiments. His vocals and guitar work are solid, and you come away with a strong sense of his roots and values watching him perform.

Stone Road band playing at CHS July 25 7 pm

The Stone Road band will be performing at 7 pm on Friday, July 25th, at the "coffee house" at my agency, children's home society of wv, at 1739 St. Mary's Ave. Parkersburg, (suite 3). A donation at the door goes to support the work of CHS with area children and families. This is a family friendly, all ages venue, no smoking, etc. It has comfortable seating and good sound all around. It is an intimate setting, where the performer(s) can interact with the audience in a relaxed way. Stone Road has performed at the recent Bob Dylan Tribute show we did at the Front Row, and also previously performed at our Neil Young tribute two years ago. They have a great sound, and perform many stellar versions of classic rock songs. Contact me for info.