Summers Coming

Well, summer is coming soon and the Concert Season is kicking off in full bloom. The cost of gas is a concern of mine right now, but I will do the best I can to attend as many as I can. So far the calander is looking full already for Jun with Ringo, Jhon Densmore (Original Doors drummer), Boz Scaggs, Robert Hazard, Cactus, Outlaws with Honeytribe (Greg Allmans son's band) and B J Thomas. Then July has Daryl Hall and Get the Led Out. This of course does not include any of the shore (Wildwood) shows like the Rip-Chords, Jimmy Van Zant and more. So hopefully the price of gas will go down a bit or ill get a payraise to cover it, and bring back more great stories and pics for you all to enjoy

Kansas

Well, unfortunately, I was not able to see Kansas this past Friday. It was a series of events that precluded me. I was working the show, and my jobs on call pager went off. I asked the HM if I could make a call outside and he said yes. Well, I made a few calls, and the opening act was on. I had a hand full of programs, and a cell phone in hand, and Kansas was backstage getting ready to go on. Well I started getting phone calls from my boss at work about the problem that was ongoing and decided that I needed to get home to work on the problem. The issue was not resolved till 1230 in the morning and the Kansas show had been since 1030. I was/am upset that I missed a good show and of course, some more autographs.

New Rascals Reloaded

Well tonight was the DVD shoot for the New Rascals. Dawn and I were not feeling good and really debated on going or not. Finally, at 1:15 this afternoon, we jumped in the car for the hour ride to the club. When we got to Centro, the guys were already inside for the sound check. We listened, and they sounded really great. Then, we asked Bill, and got the guys to sign the guitar for us. Gene is a great guitarist(he mentored Leslie West), Dino was one of the first power drummers and showed it tonight that he still has it. Charlie (Ex Tom Petty bassist) is remarkable, and Bill, is THE GHOST OF ROCK, just all were in fine form tonight. They told us they were going to break, and be back for a full set rehearsal. Dawn and I went to eat, and went back to the club. The set was great and I got many good shots and tons of video's of the band. It was really treat to see the guys after a year. They sounded so good and I had forgotten how great the harmonies of the Rascals were. But everyone there tonight heard the beautiful sounds that are "The New Rascals".

This weekend

This is a big weekend for us as we get to see old friends. First on Friday, I work the KANSAS show at the Keswick. Looking forward to some great music and hoping that I can get all the guys to sign the guitar after the show. Also hope that it is not raining afterwords, as it tends to smear the signatures. Then on Sat at noon, we leave for upper New Jersey and hang with the New RASCLES for their DVD shoot. It has been a year since we saw the guys in Fl and Dawn and I are really looking forward to connecting with them all again. Bill and Charlie are just great guys, and Gene and Dino are the best. All of them are accomadating to their fans and not head strong, I AM A STAR, that one tends to think. It will be fun hanging with them all afternoon and then for the show at night. It makes for a long day before mothers day, but thats what friendship is all about.

More reports on both shows next week.

Chyna

Here is a picture of Chyna from the Dag walk on Sun. She was not too happy about puttin her mug in the hole of the cutout and almost knocked it over 3x's. Finally Dawn was able to get her in. Doesn't she look so happy to be there??? She was good most of the time but towards the end of the visit, she stated to get a bit rammy and went after 2 or 3 smaller dogs. We left immediately after a friend of Dawn's came to say hi after 2 yrs apart and Chyna almost had her dog for lunch. She is not usually like that around other dogs (at least in the Past dog walks) and it may have to do with her hyper sister Spatz being hard to handle all day. We really do need to work on both of them being out and about more.

This weekend

This weekend was the WMGK Dog Walk. Of course Dawn and I went with Chyna and Spatz. We always enjoy attending WMGK's events, for they are always so much fun. We got to talk to Ray, Andre, John all DJ's we listen to everyday. Also got to talk to GO GO (aka Rich Russo). I asked Andre if he could help me to get Ringo's autograph on the Beatles related guitar when we see him next month in AC, and he told me that he could not. But he did know who I would have to see, and he told me if he sees her (Ringo's manager) that he would put a word in for me, which is great. This coming Friday I will be seeing Kansas at the Keswick, and then we are off on Sun to see our friends Bill and Charlie, and the New Rascals for their DVD shoot. So remember to keep coming back and checking the blog for new reviews. Also I will be moving the site soon to a new domain I have purchased. When I get that set up I will let you all know how to get to it.

James Cotton and his blues band

Well, Dawn and I got to see the Legend himself Friday nite in Sellersville. His band is incredibly tight. The band consists of Slam Allen, guitar, vocals; Tom Holland, guitar, vocals; Noel Neal, bass; Kenny Neal, Jr., drums, and of course SUPERHARP - James Cotton. This has got to be one of the top 10 shows I have seen in the past 6 years, because the band was so tight. They went from song to song with non-stop action. Everyone got to solo on several songs, and My Lord, the bass player is just a madman. He has to be in the top 20 of all time. Just incredible. The vocals were always on point, and of course, Mr. Cotton, was just fantastic. He certainly lived up to his reputation that night. After the show we got to meet Mr. Cotton and he signed not only the guitar, but also a harmonica I bought just for this evening. He asked Dawn if she could play it. She replied, Hell no, I don't play and I would not attempt to play it in your presence, SIR. This put a big smile on his face, and he proceeded to sign it for us.