Stone City Acoustic Showcase 4/29/18

I wish I can type but here goes.

A capacity crowd of jammers limited my set list to three songs.

Songs done:

I Always Want To Be With You
Logic And Lies
Gold Dust Woman

Julie Gordon guest star on the final track.

With

Dave Bonham
Steve Black Wolf
Lane Gaffney
Carl Meiners
Mike Fredericks
Jay Devore
Bill Schlatter
Mike Moran

Photos by Steve Black Wolf

I'm getting more used to the crowd when I play the General Store to the point that today I went with two originals and then on my final number Julie sang Gold Dust Woman.  I just can't bring myself to sing the words.  It was written by a woman for women to sing, although Waylon Jennings did his own version of the song.  If Julie is around, chances are she will sing that song.

It's been a year since we first did Gold Dust Woman after goofing around with it at her place and it has taken a life of its own.  People love to hear it judging from the crowd reaction.  Kimberly Trevillion does a good version of it as well but for that classic feel, Julie will nail it even when I throw off the wall riffs her way.  I look at it this way, she can sing it with anybody she chooses for her duets, Ryan could probably do it, and so can Dave Bonham.   In fact I encourage Julie to play it for others.  It's rock and roll and it's meant to be shared by everybody.  That's what I think.

Two weeks ago, I got sidelined by a fever and a cold and couldn't do much for about 10 days.  I did play Stone City last week in front of my brother and it was a fun time to have him out in the audience. Today I actually sang pretty good.  Steve Black Wolf made his Stone City debut and played I won't build your fucking wall and used the F bomb and forgot all about the kids out on the audience.  He later apologized to a woman who didn't mind it and she later came up to sing a couple songs.   Julie did three originals on her own and then teamed up with Dave to do some songs for their set.  This might have been the earliest that I ever took the stage, I even beat Bill Schlatter to the stage.

(Bear, Jeremiah, Terry, Rick Clay and Jeff Overly-Rumors' Jam) (Ed Butler: photo)

Over at Rumors, Rick Clay joined Mike Clair, Jeremiah Murphy and Terry McDowell for their afternoon jam and Cooters had Dan Hartman and friends.  Rocky Smith was in the Stone City Audience.    Jeff Overly came up to play and sang as well. Also a new Sunday Night jam is happening over at Otis Tailgator's Club from 7-10 (no word if Just Jules still has one going on or not) and I may have to go check that out in the near future.

In the meantime, this afternoon I was going over a few songs and then started playing Driving At Night, a song that I have attempted to record three times in the past 30 years. Somehow we turned it into a 10 minute marathon including using the riff from The Texan, an old TV show with Rory Calhoun.  I might use that version on the next Townedgers album.

Stone City Acoustic Showcase 4/22/18

Setlist:

Six Days On The Road
I Started Hating Cheatin Songs Today
Logic And Lies
Everybody's Talking

With
Glen Gardner
Carl Meiners
Mike Frederick
Jay Devore
Lane Gaffney
Bart Bock
Mike Waite
Aaron Carl
Kim Trevellion
Phil Thomas
Darryl Hokanson
And many others
Including my brother and Aaron

Still not 100 percent but I thought I tough it out and returned to the General Store to play a four song set.  I managed to hold it together and not hack and cough through the songs so I must be feeling better.  In a way I am, but the cold flu crud is still got a good hold on me.  I think I'm about 65 percent done with this shit.

Carl came back from Arizona, but the big surprise was seeing my brother Rick staying to hear me sing. I think he had a good time and we exchanged high fives and devil horns across the stage.  Lane told me that even last week's storm didn't keep people away.  It was actually wall to wall people there.  I probably had better days and there were mistakes made on the songs but for somebody still half crocked on cold meds and a congested nose I managed to pull the job off quite well if I say so myself.



One year ago, I went to see Dreams Of Arcadia play Cooters only to have that show canceled out and then eventually went to her place and took part of a improtov jam and spent the whole night there.  Looking back to see it all, I wished I could have done more than just Knocking On Heaven's Door.  Somehow this the beginning of a start of being together with Julie. Technically December 2nd was the day that we officially started seeing each other. But it was April 21, 2017 that our lives became intertwined.

Although my life remains chaos, I'm happy that she is a part of my life.  I enjoy the things we do together, singing on stage, watching movies, even spending time on the treadmill watching tv, she's a revelation upon herself.  My love for her remains stronger than ever.

Weekend Jams-Brenda's Birthday Bash

Songlist:

Turn On Your Lovelight
The Last Time
I Fought The Law
Ring Of Fire
Everybody's Talking
For What Its Worth
Paint It Black
Can't You See
The Weight
Mary Jane's Last Dance
Dock Of The Bay
Within You
Lyin Eyes
The Deranged Toaster
The Weight Part 2
Turn The Page Part 2
Whiplash

With:

Greg Mein-Guitar, vocals
Brenda Hoskins-Mein-Flute, keyboards, vocals
Maki Dervo-drums, panflute, guitar vocals
Kim Bean-drums
Donna Jo Eisner-Vocals, percussion
Russell Keeney-Guitar and vocals
Bruce Bingman-backing vocals
Bobby Montgomery-Sax and drums
Tami Wildcat-vocals

Traci Jarvis:Photo Credit. R.Smith, Brenda, Greg, Russell Keeney, Bruce Bingman the band.

Just like the Rubies Benefit, I had to pull out of the Quentin Duarte Benefit with Baggy Spandez Commadores and CR Dicks on Sunday due to the fucking flu and yet another snowstorm.

I was beginning to get the chills last night after loading the drums up and having a decent set with Brenda and Greg's duet group.  Some good times with a guy that brought a saxophone which we extended my songs out to ridiculous lengths   There's seems to be potential for a new band out of all of this and we'll see what happens.   But my body begin to failed me last night and today.

So for my reward I stayed home and did not play in the jams and benefit for today.  GFD my life.

Four Day Creep played CRL, only to have the power go out and Troy Mitchell falling off the stage and breaking his foot in two places.  Their next gig is first week in May at Aces And Eights.  No word on who will be playing drums.  The guess would be Terry or Patrick.

Just announced:  The Bacon Jam which, three years ago I sneaked up to see at Checker's has now been revived and ready to play on Wednesday Nights at the Silver Star Saloon, which also on the same night that Checker's has the acoustic Wednesday night jams.  If I didn't have a evening job I would be playing every night..................

Parlor City Blues Jam-Gordon Paulsen Memorial Tribute

Songs

The Letter
Wild Night


Julie Gordon-Lead Vocals
Tommy Bruner-Guitar
Dave Bonham-Guitar
Byron Stevens-Bass
R.Smith-Drums

With:
Tom Giblin
Dan Johnson
Miles Damaso
Steven Bray
George Hanna
Miko Dervo
Barb Myers
Jeremy Jacobs
Frederick Jones
Laura Henshaw
Stacia Riccio (look out Samantha Fish, this girl is the next guitar slinger, she also took the photo)

(Tommy Bruner, Julie Gordon,R.Smith, Dave Bonham, Byron Stevens)

Gibby gave me a choice to play drums earlier in the set but I opted to wait for Julie and Dave to show up.  The intensity of the early songs and interplay between Miles, Tommy, Tom and DJ was fun to watch.  Later Jeremy Jacobs played a long set with George Hanna playing

So by the time they got done, we only had time for two songs.  Which I didn't mind. I could have played about four or five with the others but since Julie and Dave were coming, I told Gibby that I rather wait and jam with them.

As usual, Julie sang great, Dave and Tommy compliment each other and Bryon is very good on bass. I proceeded to lose my drumstick on The Letter but managed to keep the beat and wow the audience with my carpal tunnel issues.   Wild Night was the first time I tried it with Julie and Dave ever.  It was actually came pretty close to the record.  But after that, 10 o'clock rolled around and that was it.

Notes:  Julie and Dave play at Coralville on Friday the 13th.

Stacia Roccio is a rare find, a female lead guitar player just learning the trade and has been a part of the blues jam from time to time.  She blended in very well with the jammers.  We need more folks like her to take up the guitar and play.

I decided to go to Parlor City since we were short on work and they offered ATO.  But with that, I decided that the Wednesday Checker's Acoustic Showcase I would have to give up.  I think Lorie Parker will be fine with Bart Carfizzi subbing for Cathy Hart.

Steve Bray was there, so we chatted a while and even Maki Dervo popped in to do two instrumental numbers dedicated to Gordon Paulsen, the KCCK DJ who passed away Monday of  cancer at age 64.  To me he was the voice of KCCK.  RIP.

GORDON JON PAULSEN
Cedar Rapids

Gordon Jon Paulsen, KCCK jazz radio "icon" and lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, April 9, 2018, in Dubuque. Gordon's memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at the Keystone Turner Hall in Keystone, Iowa. Pastor Don Drahos will preside.

Gordon was born Nov. 4, 1953, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Dr. Donald and Ruth (Franzenburg) Paulsen. He graduated from Washington High School, Cedar Rapids, in 1972 and attended Drake University. Gordon worked at KCCK radio as the jazz programmer and radio host for 37 years. Most listeners remember him for his deep, comforting voice, which one devotee said was like settling into an easy chair and pulling up a warm
blanket. Many others expressed gratitude because he introduced them to a love and appreciation for jazz.

Gordon is survived by his son, Adam Paulsen, Cedar Rapids; sister, Gretchen (Bill) Enke, Coralville; brother, Greg Paulsen (Mary Coan), Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Glenda Paulsen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated to KCCK/Jazz Under the Stars, Gordon Paulsen Memorial, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Special thanks to Dr. Ian Koontz, Dr. Mark Herman, Dr. Aruna Turaka and Tony Heiar, ARNP, of Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque for giving Gordon excellent health care.

Various Jams-Waubeek/Stone City

Set list:  F B Company-Waubeek 4.8-18

Six Days On The Road
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Woman
Ring Of Fire
Every Mother's Son
Turn On Your Love Light
Everybody's Talking
For What It's Worth

With
Phil Bo King-Backing Vocals
Kirksey-Guitar and vocals
Nelson-drums
Jay Devore-Guitar
Mike Frederick-Banjo

I played drums for Phil Bo King, David Lam, Steveo, Lenny Drake on their set.


Notes: They saved me for last once again, but this time out I had people out there.  Nelson backed me up on drums the majority of my set and so I basically extended some of the songs out.

I went to watch the Cedar Rapids Kernels play Quad Cities at home and only got to hang around for 5 innings before I had to make my way to Waubeek.to play the jam.  Even with a winter coat and jacket, I still froze in the 35 degree temp despite the sun being out.  Not a lot of people there and most did leave before I left.  However the game went 10 innings and Cedar Rapids won it 4-3.


Stone City Acoustic Showcase 4/8/18

Songs

White Christmas (Snippet)
Six Days On The Road
I Started Hating Cheating Songs Today
Woman
Logic And Lies
It's My Time
For What It's Worth

With
Lane Gaffney
Bart Bock
Ron LeFlure
Cory Baker
Glen Gardner
Richard Edward Butler
Jay Devore
Mike Frederick
Rocky Smith

Yet another snowstorm (we had more of them the past month than of all of November-Feb) so I stayed close to home.  That didn't stop Glen nor Ed from making the trip from CR and Coralville to play a few of their songs.   I started up with a teaser of White Christmas before going into Six Days On The Road.  I Started Hating Cheating Songs Today made its debut.  It was a fine crowd and they liked the majority of songs that I did, which slanted more toward country than rock.  To after the final song, I said Merry Christmas and thanks for having me Stone City.

Julie's Birthday Bash-Parlor City And Checkers

Parlor City Blues Jam

(Frank Smith: Photo from the 4DC show 3/17/18)

Hosted by Tom (Gibby) Giblin, Dan Johnson, Kevin Burt, EG Madison

With:

Julie Gordon-Lead Vocals
Dave Bonham-Lead Guitar
Tom Listebarger-Keyboards
Mike-Fett-Guitar
Byron Stevens-Bass

Songs;

Cold Shot
Runaway
The Letter
Blue Bayou

Notes:  Kevin Burt hosted the jam, which bought out a lot of people at Parlor City.  It was standing room only and I really didn't think I'd be jamming at all,especially when I had to get back to work.  Thankfully Gibby managed to get me to play before I had to leave and the best part he paired me up with Julie and Dave.  Tom Listebarger and I jammed a couple times back at Rumors (usually when Dan Johnson took part in that) and I come to find he's very smooth on the keyboards.  He really nailed the keyboard part on The Letter, even though he nor I played that ever before.  Julie and Dave performed that song last Sunday with Rob Haskill on drums.

EG Madison is a very expressive drummer and his cymbal line up is all over the place.  He had a Saluda Crash next his Paiste 602  21 inch heavy ride and Paiste Dimension 18 inch crash.  He had a K high hat but his favorite was the Sabian Paragon Splash. I liked his 602 Ride the best.

This was the first time I was at Parlor City since August of last year.  I thought I was there later in the fall but I guess I didn't.

Julie's birthday was Tuesday and to keep things low key, I wished her a happy birthday from the Townedgers Music Site, since nobody hardly goes over there.  I do think we both have a positive effect on one another, she really has helped me find my inner true spirit again. I know she misses Kyle even two and  a half years after his untimely passing, there's plenty of memories and music that they made together out there.  At the same time, Julie also fills a void that was missing in my life, that special somebody to make music and hang out with.  At that stage in life, I gave up after my last relationship ended in 2012 and opted to settle into a life of obscurity before my music comeback, which begin with No Exit/30 and to better effect with Forthcoming Trains and then back on the music scene again. And then somehow fate bought us together.   I do wish that Kyle was still alive, I would have learned a lot from him, and I'm sure the songs that we would play would be quite astonishing. And off the wall.

While Parlor City was packed, Ramsey's had their Tuesday Night Acoustic jam going on.  Tony Nickels, Lenny Drake, Ed Butler and Glen Gardner all took part.  I have yet to visit Ramsey's on acoustic night.

(Jules and Guitar Dave)

Checker's Acoustic Jam 4/5/18

Setlist (incomplete)

Can't You See
Knockin On Heaven's Door/Helpless
Lyin Eyes
Turn The Page
Last Kiss/This Magic Moment/Stand By Me
All Along The Watchtower
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Six Days On The Road
Stop Draggin My Heart Around
For What It's Worth
Gold Dust Woman
Ring Of Fire
Everybody's Talking
Eve Of Destruction

With:

Julie Gordon: Lead Vocals, percussion
Donna Jo-Backing Vocals
Steve Black Wolf: Lead Vocals, Guitar
Dave Bonham:Vocals, guitar
Kip Webb-Guitar and shouting (Knockin On Heaven's Door)
Tommy Bruner:Guitar And Vocals
Kim Trevillion-Lead Vocals

Plus:

Ken Webb
Brenda Hoskins-Mein
Greg Mein
John Hernandez

(Jules and Crabby)

Sofia Chesney photo of a clean shaven Steven Black Wolf, who's actually smiling.

I think I was more disappointed that the turnout was low than Julie was, but we made the most of what we had, with a extended set from Steve.  For All Along The Watchtower, Dave did the Dave Mason version rather than the garage arrangement that I usually do.  The first five songs I helped play along with Dave or Steve, and then my segment I started out with the debut of I Heard It Through The Grapevine.

My set list could be considered the beginning of the Jules and Crabby show. If she wasn't singing lead, she was singing backing vocal, to which the only song I sang by myself was Six Days On The Road.  Dave and her are still working out the kinks of their duo and they'll be fine with more practice and more familiarity.  Julie is very compatible with anybody she pairs up with, she adapts to any and everything.  Even before dating her, we always had our own style.  Her life revolves around music, so does mine, she is more inclined to be a dynamic performer with a original voice, she is more of a entertainer than myself.  I tend to be happy behind the scenes or just playing guitar and let her sing the songs.  And I'm very happy with her, when she sings alongside me.

NOTES:  A surprise to see Kenneth John Webb and John Hernandez up at Checkers' I can't recall seeing either one of them at all at Checkers but it was to reconnect with them.  Ken's son Kip played a few songs and added something different to the equation.   Brenda and Greg also popped up after work, although they didn't play anything but we chatted a spell.  Greg is talking about leaving Crazy Delicious to simplify things with a new band.  I would love to rearrange my nights to actually be in their band or help them out.

My original intent was to let Tommy and Kimberly sing Gold Dust Woman after I finished up my set, but they were still eating so we kept going on and Julie suggested doing that song.  They both came up with a couple cool songs, one of note was Sonia Dada's Lover Lover You Don't Love Me Anymore.   They wanted to do their version of Gold Dust Woman which they really didn't need my permission.  Kimberly really does a good job on that song, We did that song at the Artisan Sanctuary jam last year.  Tommy was thinking of doing some songs with Kimberly for a forthcoming project. Worth a listen once they get done with that.

Finally, once we got done, I went over to say goodbye.  Dave's doggie, Eli, who was a bit shy and skiterish greeted me with a jump on my lap and I got a barrage of doggie kisses.  First time that ever happened.

Maybe I'm becoming a positive influence on the furbabies too?

Rumors Reunion Jam

With:

Glen Gardner-Lead Vocal and guitar
Greg DeGood-Electric Guitar
Dave Bonham-Bass
R.Smith-Drums
Bob Gleason-Harmonica
Nick Lenicka-Harmonica

Two songs:  Can't You See and Baby I Love Your Way

Host Band

Brook Hoover
Tommy Bruner
Dan Johnson
Terry McDowell
Jeff Overly

With:

Julie Gordon
Rob Haskill
Greg and Brenda Mein
Ernest The Soul Man
Rick Clay
Kyle David Miller
Tami Soukup
Ann Mishmash
Mike Lint
Jay Devore
Mike Frederick
Sonya Adair

And many others.

I backed up Glen on a couple numbers.  It was the first I backed Glen up on drums and it went well.

Since I have become involved in Stone City Acoustic Jams, I haven't made much appearances at Rumors. Since it was Easter, the General Store was closed.

Brook was dealing with the flu so he laid low for most of the afternoon.  Jeff made a surprise showing but had to leave during the first break.  Jay and Mike surprised me by showing up.

I didn't play along the hosts of the jam which was a bit surprising now that I think of it.  Brenda and Greg wanted me to help them on their songs, but that didn't happen either.   Terry was kind  enough to pick my drumsticks up from the floor while I was taking to Brenda and Greg.

Julie would show up later and wowed the people with her singing.  With Rob Haskill on drums and Tommy on guitar and Dan on bass  she debuted The Letter and she really sang that song quite well. For Wicked Game, Rob added a more rocking beat than usual but he was spot on.  She also sang Stormy Monday

Since I had to get to the recycling center before sundown, I bailed when  Rick Clay started up Dreams I'll Never See Again. I'm certain Terry did an excellent job playing drums but it does seem like when I play it, it's a lot more faster and more intense.

I talked to Brenda about helping her and Greg get some kind of a band project going in the near future.  She said she couldn't hear herself, the monitors were not working.  Their songs were Going Up The Country, Heard It In A Love Song, Amie and Shooting Star and one other that I can't think of the name (it wasn't Tom Petty).

Cooters did have a acoustic jam, and Dave went to that.  I went to the Recycling Center and emptied my recycling bin and then spent the evening with Julie as we watched Portlandmania and she made organic pizza.  I surprised her with a dinner and a movie and we watched The Shape Of Water, a pretty good fantasy movie.  I also found her a saucepan  at Goodwill and gave that to her as a present. She doesn't go to jams very often, certainly not Rumors but people were happy to see her.

With that, we're probably back at Stone City once again.  It may be a while before I return back to Rumors as I continue to find my own music playing guitar and singing.  I just needed to get some practice playing drums.



."It was incredible watching and listening to such an outstanding group of talented musicians play so many great tunes today! High five everyone!"- Terry McDowell.