Thoughts From The Townedger-August

The end of the month and what have we learned?

Not a damn thing.

Congratulations to Dave Hogendorn for being inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame for his contributions to radio.  For being a legend, I can't believe he's working part time at our place of employment and he's been battling cancer and I pray that he continues to beat the big C and live a few more years. https://www.iowarocknroll.com/dave-hogendorn

It's been a busy month for playing jams and helping out Dreams Of Arcadia, to which Kevin Simnacher took plenty of videos and pictures of the special guest percussionist who helped out Julie and Ryan.  I'm not an official member, they will be playing on nights that I won't be able to play for them and if they need somebody new, they're free to do so.  D J Hovenstat comes to mind.  I'm still proud that I managed to go out with the best vocalist in town for a time  and help support her band efforts. Still will in the future.

(Bird)

This month, my drum playing might have been the best that it's ever been, with what I heard from the recordings that Randy Burghdoff gave me from the jam that featured Billy Bourbon and Jeff Overly, with Bird playing guitar and Mike Clair playing bass.  They are affectionately known as the 3 B's when they jam at Rumors on Sundays.  Is Randy playing for Rare Earth anymore?  I don't know but Randy is playing in Billy Bourbon's Band along with Herm Sarduay.  I think Randy mentioned about starting a band up, (if I didn't work nights) but I think I know their songs enough to help them out should Herm become a handful.

As for Greg and Brenda Mein aka Meinfield, I always look forward playing their music whenever they get together.   It's a shame that I didn't have this chance to play on a regular basis once Tyrus/Paraphernalia broke up in 1984.  I might be fairly better known had I stayed with it and not go into playing my garage rock originals and albums that nobody bought.

I know Ryan gets a bit of negativity  on the local circuit but I know he's very good playing guitar and keyboard and isn't that bad of a drummer either.  I've been vocal that he and Julie has a connection on stage together.   Julie does well with Dave Bonham but something about Ryan that brings her vocals out more often than not.

Since Best Buy quit selling CDs, I have no idea what's out there for new music unless I go to Moondog Music or Co Op Records in Moline.  Still no shortage of great used CDs out there, I still find more than my share of them.  I'll never run out of things to listen to.   I'm great at finding records and CDs.  Not so great at love though.

I did buy a 14 inch K dark crash, and might consider getting the K Sweet Crashes since they're a tad bit brighter than the dark crash. 10 years ago, I went 2002 and then in 2014 saw the error of my ways and return back to the Zildjian K's.  The 19 inch Hybrid crash really sounded great in a live setting. I do think I'm done with power crashes.

Having a Cajole or floor drums does help on acoustic gigs and shows,  So does having congas.  I tend to do quite well with a cajole although they do tend to tire my wrists out.  I still prefer having real drums but I don't think the folks at Ramsey's would like that much, nor Checkers'  I do remember some folks raised a big stink when I took my snare drum there one night and played that.  The Tama Swingstar actually sounded very good for the Cabin Jam last month on the Wapsi.  Which seems to be a distant memory now.

(does this look like a rock star?  hardly)

I enjoy the beauty as I walked among the flowers at the Buchanan Winery last Sunday.  Kevin took many many pictures, probably a bit too many pictures of me. since he was videotaping Dreams Of Arcadia as a promotion for that band.  It's good that there has been some good pictures of me in my three years of being back in the music scene but I do admit there's twice more pictures that make me gag.  Every picture of me is always different.  I like to work behind the scenes and have as little fanfare as possible.  I do know there's a few cute pictures of me and Julie playing but I can't post them.  None have been sent to me.  Only ones of me and Julie came from friends.  Hell the above photo of me...I don't look like a rock star.  Just some old crotchety  dude wondering about looking for butterflies.

While I was putting this blog together, Don Timmons passed away from his bout with cancer.  He had been in poor health the past year or so, I haven't seen him at any jams since I came out of retirement in 2015 but I have seen him play in band in the 80s.  He played in three band with Mike Swearingen, our former lead vocalist, most notably in Cruise but Don played in Madness/Akasha and Redwing with the late infamous Barry Binger.  Don made playing drums and singing at the same time so freaking easy you had to see him to believe it.  There have been some great drummers out there past and present and I have my faves, but overall Don Timmons remained the best of them all.  He will be missed.

P.S.   Greg Nutter was part of the Routers, a offshoot band that played at Hal Staley's cookout in the 1990s, Greg asked me to take part of the band and I did.  We recorded the 1991 gig to which the tapes didn't seem fit for release, some okay moments but pretty much run of the mill classic rock. At that time, Greg had two young boys, Matthew and Bradley, Brad was a baby when we did the 1991 gig.  On Wednesday, Bradley ended his life, he was 27.  I heard that Brad was a pretty good drummer although I never seen him play in person.  It's a shame that a parent has to bury their son in the prime of his life.  Sad to say Brad didn't see any way out of his depression and chose to end his life. I hope Brad finds peace finally and my condolences to Greg and Lorie.

Rumors' Jam-One Big Happy Family

Songs

Night Moves
Oklahoma Cowboys
Sexy And 17
Ain't No Sunshine
Roadhouse Blues


Billy Bourbon-Lead Vocals and Guitar (Night Moves, Oklahoma Cowboys)
Randy Burghdoff-Lead Vocals and Guitar  (Ain't No Sunshine, Roadhouse Blues)
Mike Clair-Bass
Myron sang lead on Sexy And 17
I played Drums

Terry McDowell-Host Drummer
Tommy Bruner-Host Guitar

(Ryan and Julie and the special guest percussionist)

NOTES

My back spasms continue to plague me, so I opted for a couple of Bendryl and a 10 hour sleep before waking up to get an irate note from Julie wondering where everybody's at to do the Dreams Of Arcadia gig at the Buchanan Winery Sunday Afternoon.  It started at 2, which meant that we had to leave her place at noon to get there to set up and play.  When a woman is upset, you can't argue with them.  I did pick the congas up at Ryan's place and high tailed it to her place at a little after noon.  Julie wasn't exactly pleased.  But we did get there before one and it took about 20 minutes to get things right.

(I gotta hand it to Julie and Ryan for putting up with my antics)

The Winery is outside of Buchanan on a gravel road.  It was pretty humid but we had a wind coming that kinda made things tolerable.  Alas, the fucking flies were terrible and for the three hour set we had to deal with them.  I didn't play guitar, just percussion and Kevin Simnacher came out and shot a video and a few pictures.  It also rained a little bit after the first song.  After we got done, Ryan put everything into his car and him and Julie went home.

Once again Ryan broke a guitar string.  The same string that broke when he played Solon last weekend.

(That rare moment where somebody actually catches me smiling)

I went on to Rumors to do the jam instead of Stone City since I didn't have my guitar.  And there were plenty of people there.  It was strange to see three of Tommy's ex girlfriends there.  For the first time since I've saw her at a Estate sale across from her house I saw Jean Gilmore and we chatted for a while.  On my set of songs, Randy switched over to guitar and Mike played bass.  Some guy came up wanting to do the Stray Cats song She's Sexy And Seventeen, and nobody played it before, but I think we did okay. A lot of improvising for sure.  Billy redid the Oklahoma Cowboys Rolled Their Joints All Wrong, a song that Belinda and Mark Randolph did in the EGADS.  I think Billy and Bird play certain songs for that damned texas shuffle beat, something that I had to compromised and redo since it's hard to play it.  I must do a fine job, since they keep doing Roadhouse Blues.

Billy asked me on how I was doing on writing new songs and I told him about my writers' block.  He's a good guy and I wouldn't be surprised if I filled in for Herm sometime in the future.

The fallout from last week is done, and everybody is back on speaking terms.  At least I hope so.  I know Julie continues to wonder about me and vice versa, love is that way. We talk and promise but sometimes get so used to our ways that we don't notice the drifting apart.  I know we love each other. But I continue to let her decide if I should spend the night rather than show up unannounced.  If I look at the little things in life, I know she still cares.   While there certain jammers out there that have issues with Ryan, I don't.  He's been fair and upfront with me and he's gracious enough to let me play his congas during the Gig Sunday.

Done with the jam, I went to Cancun for Mexican supper and got stuck with a waitress too busy checking her smart phone and not coming around if I needed a refill.  So it was a rare time that I didn't leave a tip.  I usually do, if the service is good or better, but if their cellphone is more important then they won't be getting their 20 percent tip.  I'm sure she could have used that 2.15 for something but maybe the next time she'll learn to be a bit more concerned about her customers.

This ends my week long week of jam and it's back to work again.  I need a bigger paycheck and living on 400 dollars for two weeks isn't cutting it. Time to kick back and take it EZ till the Labor Day weekend comes up.

Then we'll be back and at it again.

Dreams Of Arcadia Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52RVjGlsHHY&feature=share

A New Blues Jam To Speak Of

Uptown Soft Opening  New Blues And Jazz Jam  songlist:


Let's Work Together
All Along The Watchtower
For What Its Worth
Dead Flowers
Time Is Tight

With:
John Hernandez-Bass
Molly Wade:Keyboards

Turn The Page
Knocking  On Heaven's Door
Sweet Home Chicago
Mustang Sally  *sigh*
Red House Blues
Steam Roller Blues

(John Hernandez, Dave Bonham, Steve Black Wolf, Glen Gardner, R. Smith)
Elizabeth Di: photo credit


With:

Steve Black Wolf-Lead vocals, guitar Turn The Page, Knocking On Heaven's Door
Glen Gardner: Vocals and guitar (Steam Roller Blues)
Adam Dinsell-Lead vocals on Sweet Home Chicago, Red House Blues, Mustang Sally
Jay Dean-Bass
Dave Bonham-Lead Guitar
Elizabeth Dinsell-Bass Guitar

And then:

You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover
Spoonful

Jay Dean;Bass

I played guitar

(Sofia Chesney: Photo)
John Hernandez and Molly Wade hanging on by a thread

Notes:

For this particular jam, there were notable jammers there, so I opted to go with a more upbeat song playlist rather than the sad ballads that have been part of my song repertoire.  John Hernandez helped out on bass on my numbers and then Jay Dean (Blues Scratch) replaced him.  It's been a while since I jammed with Jay.  I'm thinking this might have been the first time ever I jammed with John with me playing guitar.

There was a girl that wanting to sing a Sam Cooke but nobody knew the song she wanted to do, I think it was That's Where It's At.  I am surprised somebody even mentioned a obscure song like that.

I did an encore of You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover and Spoonful with Jay, I kinda ad libbed the words of the latter song.

At the moment, this jam was the first and only, Adam couldn't find a drum set in time.  There was supposed to be a house drum set but it didn't arrive in time.  I probably should have gotten out my cajole but didn't think about it till it was too late.  In typical August fashion, not many jammers were involved although seeing John and Jay both there was kinda cool, Both guys didn't have to play that night and was free to play. I always enjoy jamming with both, they're excellent players.

I had no clue on how to play Red House Blues although Dave did tell me the chords but I couldn't make heads or tails on what to play.

Molly asked to help out play keyboards on my set list.  She did very well despite us never playing together.

Artisan Sanctuary Acoustic Showcase

Songs;

Me And Bobby McGee
Please Don't Leave Me
One From The Heart
Get It Over With
What's So Funny About Peace Love And Understanding?

(Jim Jacobmeyer took the photo)

With

Gregdon Cole
Phil Bo King
Shawn Ster
Jim Jacobmeyer
Phil And Darryl
Mike Moran
Sofia Chesney
Steve Black Wolf
Lauren Shuster
Glen Gardner
D. Harris

(Laura Shuster: Photo)
Notes:

When I play depressed I play a lot more angrier.  Day two of coming back from my depression, I returned back to the last player on the set.  Which is fine by me.  I lost half the people when I took the stage to start up with still ragged version of Bobby McGee and also revisited Please Don't Leave Me from last night.  One From The Heart, from Long Time Forgotten made it debut.  For the final song I gave the option of Peace Love And Understand or Logic And Lies, and Jim picked the former.  And I managed to nail the song and not miss the breaks but then I been working on the song the last couple days too.

Mike Moran made his debut tonight.  Glen decided to go electric jazz guitar and play three jazz classics.  Mike did three songs before he broke a guitar string.

I suppose taking my frustrations out on my guitar brings the intensity level up.  The hurt and the anger seemed to boil to the top on One From The Heart and Peace Love And Understanding.  Upon playing Get It Over With, I saw a woman peeking in from outside and she kinda scared me a bit. But I sat there and waved and said Hello before going back into the song.  I'm also surprised my guitar strings didn't break.  My Guild guitar can take a beating.  Even during a breakup, it can take it and keep on playing.  I love that guitar.

Checkers Acoustic Showcase 8-22-18

Songlist:

What's So Funny About Peace, Love And Understanding?
Me And Bobby McGee
Behind Blue Eyes
No Expectations
I Started Hating Cheating Songs Today
Cinnamon Girl
Lynch Party
The Race Is On
Please Don't Leave Me (How Can We Miss You When You Won't Go Away)
Fox On The Run
Not Fade Away
For What It's Worth
If I Were A Carpenter
Slippin Away
Tulsa Time
Summertime Blues

Julie Gordon: Assorted percussion and backing vocals

Encore

I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Here There And Everywhere
Something
Wooden Ships

Molly Wade-Keyboards and Vocals (on the Beatles Numbers)
Glen Gardner-Guitar and vocals on Wooden Ships
Dave Bonham-Guitar and vocals on Wooden Ships
I played percussion on the four songs.

Notes:

I really debated about sitting this one out but Julie talked me into doing this.   And I ended up doing a whopping 16 songs in a 45 minute setting.  Julie and Dave were battling various cold and allergies so I stepped in for them.   I did attempt the first go through of Bobby McGee and Slippin Away with various success and failures.  I was struggling with my performances and was shaky most of the time.  The version of Cheating Songs sucked  I was trying to ad lib through the song and it came off like a parody.  Julie took a video of it.  We were cordial to one another, that's all that matters.   Ryan Paul showed up later but didn't perform.  Dave's new girlfriend Molly played keyboards and I decided to add some sort of percussion and not hide in the shadows.

For originals, Please Don't Leave Me got a debut and it went fairly well.  That's off the Long Time Forgotten album.  I passed on I Don't Know Why You Keep Me On, but did debut a version of Slippin' Away, the old Jean Shepard 1974 country hit.  It seems that country songs from the 70s are perfect for my type of playing.  I'm sure I'll be adding more songs as I go along.

I did go out of my comfort zone to mix up my songs and bringing back forgotten songs like Peace Love And Understanding, Behind Blue Eyes and If I Were A Carpenter.  And with the Sanctuary open mic, I'll be moving toward more originals as well.  There are so many chords to Peace Love An Understanding and I usually fuck it up towards the end and tonight was no exception. So it's bad to polish it up and hope the next time it comes off better.

I suppose I could have bought my cajoles up for percussion work instead of the mini coffee cans that Julie brings but they provide enough beat to make the songs go okay.

Dave wasn't too thrilled of seeing Ryan there and I heard about that on the way on the car.  I'm sure Dave made that clear the next day that he might quit hosting the jam.  I hope that's not the case, I just hope that Dave was still trying to get over his illness the past few days.

Yesterday, was Kyle Oyloe's birthday, he would have been 49.  Julie misses him dearly.

Jam Weekend-Otis Tail Gator's, Rumors Etc.

Let's see

Saturday, I went to Solon and played percussion to Dreams Of Arcadia.  Belinda James and Mark Randolph, back in love again and I played as the EGADS and played Fever and Blue Bayou.  And then backed Julie and Ryan up.  They paid me nicely for my effort.


Sunday Funday Jam with

Jeff Overly-Sax and Vocals
Billy Bourbon-Lead Vocals and Guitar
Bear Clair-Bass Guitar
Me: Drums

about seven songs including two Billy Bourbon originals, plus covers of Sweet Home Alabama, Before You Accuse Me, My Baby Loves My Automobile, Runaround, a Polka version of Rock And Roll All Nite and You Shook Me All Night Long and Evil Ways.  Not a lot of jammers to speak of but Steve Stratton, Joe Hutchcroft and Herm Sarduay showed up later.


Otis Tailgators' Jam Night

Julie Gordon-Guitar and vocals
Ryan Paul-Keyboards and vocals and drums
Me on Drums

And then

Gold Dust Woman
Cinnamon Girl
Ring Of Fire
Let's Work Together
Everybody's Talking
Jet Airliner
Teri My Love
It's So Hard
Cocaine Train
Summertime Blues

Julie sang lead on Gold Dust Woman, Cinnamon Girl
Ryan Played drums on Let's Work Together and It's So Hard
I played Kyle's guitar.

There wasn't much of a jam crowd but I did play a half hour with Julie and Ryan on drums.

Jockey Full Of Bourbon
Whiskey Song
Hey hey yeah
Season Of The Witch
and a few others.

(Ryan Paul on drums, Julie Gordon: Photo Credit)

Notes;

Lane Gaffney was sick and Bart Bock couldn't find a replacement so the Stone City jam got canceled, so I came into town and played at various bars.

https://www.milb.com/quad-cities/news/schreibers-home-run-the-difference-as-bandits-win-series-finale/c-291215558?tcid=tw_article_291215558

On Monday, I decided to take a chance and watch The Quad Cities River Bandits play Peoria on a rainy crappy day.  Usually when I go to Davenport it's for looking for records but since there hasn't been much luck, I decided to stick with baseball.  Anyway, the game had plenty of home runs, as both teams hit four home runs.  Nolan Gorman hit one that bounced into the stands and back on the playing field, outfielder Chandler Taylor retrieved it and tossed it up to me.  Very nice of him to do that.  Taylor would later hit one of three HR's that bounced into the stands, hit the concrete and then bounced into the Mississippi River, Gorman hit another HR to tie up the game.  Final HR into the river came from Scott Schriber for the 6-5 Bandits Win.  Tanner Duncan picked up the victory, Brenden Feldmann the save.  Not a lot a people there (1,765 were in attendance but there was plenty of empty seats and where I stood in the right outfield stands hardly anybody was there).  Gorman's first HR was off ace Bryan Abreu.

I like playing music but I also like a good minor league ballgame.  Going to the Quad Cities and their stadium is always my fave place to watch a game.


There has been talk about me joining Dreams Of Arcadia as a percussionist.  I'd love to help them out if and when I can.  Sunday, while we played it was business as usual, but Julie and I didn't talk much if at all.  She managed to take a picture and shoot part of a video of Let's Work Together but after that she exited outside and didn't come in to hear my set.  We did go out to the parking lot and I tried to rekindle our relationship by suggesting to go see a play on Friday but she wasn't interested.  She wasn't exactly pleased to see me pop over her place before we went out and perhaps I should have gone on home.   For 9 and half months she was my GF this weekend, it was over. There's no Johnny and June revisited, her Johnny passed on, the result was more Linda and Richard Thompson.   We can hope for just to be friends and share the stage and sing a song or two together.  Still, in the back of my mind, I don't think it's completely over,  she'll always be my favorite singer.  But sometimes it's best just to live our own lives and hopefully she'll find somebody that will light up her world.

I hope she can, but nobody will ever take the place of her bestie.

Checker's Pam Harrington Birthday Celebration Setlist

Songs:

Everybody's Agreed
Realitiesville
Six Days On The Road
Logic And Lies
Fox On The Run
Ring Of Fire
Get It Over With
Everybody's Talking
Tulsa Time

(David Arnold, Adam Moritz, Cathy Hart, Donna Jo, R.S.Crabby)
With

Cathy Hart
Lorie Parker
Luther Parker
Carl Meiners
Mike Spina
Donna Jo
Bill Eisner
David Arnold
Glen Gardner
Abigail Bunker
PJ Harrington
Pam Harrington
Craig McClure
Bart Carfizzi
Cathy Carfizzi
Kathy Runnells
Adam Moritz

Notes;

It was Pam's birthday.  My mom is also born on this day.

Got caught in a rainstorm on the way over, so wasn't in the best of moods.   I wasn't too thrilled with some girl out in the audience singing karaoke on my set so we had a war of words.  This was the first time I ever had that happen to me and I thought it a bit rude of her part.  If she wanted to sing beforehand that would have been okay.  But not when a musician is singing on stage.  Get some manners.

I played congas on Carl and Glen's sets.   Carl passed on Your Cheating Heart.

I've been pretty much down in the dumps ever since Sunday.  It just seemed like every decision that I made turned out to be not in my best interests.  Cathy did compliment that I never sang better this time out.  But there was a lot of missed chords on the songs I did (Six Days, Fox On The Run).   Even though I worked on Everybody's Agreed this afternoon, I still didn't get it quite right on the lead part leading to the final chorus.   I promised a special guest star but Donna Jo didn't show up till much later and right after Everybody's Talking.   Julie had band practice.

I have done Ring Of Fire in a different sort of way.  1st Verse, Chorus, Chorus again, then second verse, then repeat the Chorus twice before ending it. Take out the repeating chorus and the song doesn't go over 2 minutes.  I did give Julie a copy of my songs and cover versions, I doubt if she even listened to either one of the CDs.

It was a big turnout for Pam's birthday but everybody pretty much wondered off and Bart and Cathy had to leave since Bart's back was acting up.  Plus his daughter was in town.  Kathy didn't stay long either, she missed my set.

Aces And Eights suspended their Wednesday Night jam.  Still, we didn't have that many jammers.  I think Glen, Carl and I filled in about an hour and half of our songs.

Of course Lorie did her Booby song.  She had to.  It's Pam's favorite song.

EGADS Reunion-Whittier Acoustic Showcase 8/11/18

Songlist

I Don't Know Why You Keep Me On
The Race Is On
It's Been A While (Belinda James-Vocals, Mark Randolph-Guitar)
Fever (Belinda James-Vocals)
I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better
Paradise (Carl Meiners-Vocals)
House Of The Rising Sun (Belinda James-Vocals)
Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover
For What It's Worth-(Tim Nemec-Vocals)
Ring Of Fire

Notes;

It was the first time I played the Whittier Jam since April.

It was the first time I jammed with Belinda since my birthday bash in January.

The EGADS were back together, Mark Randolph, Rose Slaymaker, Tim Nemec and Belinda James were all there.  I played guitar on all the numbers.

The photo above was me Friday Night to watch Dr. Z's Experiment when Kevin Sinmacher came up and shot a few unflattering photos of me.  I just got done having my back worked on an message that cost about 80 dollars.  Curtis, the doctor, had major problems getting my back knots out and working the hamstring that got real tight. Also, Amanda Marshall, Tami Soukup and Andi Clay stopped down to say hi.   It's been a while since I've seen  Four Day Creep play.  I should pay them a visit.

Tim does For What Its Worth is a much different key than I do.  It's out of my style and range to play. I am more used to playing in E rather than the F or whatever he plays it at.

Sunday Funday Jam-Rumors

Dan Hartman-Lead Vocals and Guitar
Tim Canfield-Bass
R.Smith-Drums

Songs

Two More Bottles Of Wine
Corn Liquor
Oh Boy
Mountain Of Love

Hosted by Terry McDowell, Rick Clay, Billy Bourbon, Randy Burgdorff

An afternoon of yoga exercises and wandering around New Bo led me to Rumors to partake in the fun and hopefully jam with Rick Clay.  That didn't happen.   Dave Bonham was there but he jammed with Mike Lint on Drums.   I have done Corn Liquor with Chuck at the Waubeek jam but wasn't quite sure how to play this, nor did Tim.   All in all the set was shorter than the 14 minute Free Bird jam preceding.  Which probably should have played last.

Whipping Post is a bitch to play. Terry did a fairly good job of it.  I'm guessing he did Dreams I'll Never See earlier in the afternoon. Otherwise, I would have played it.  Or not.

With: Tami Soukup, Drum Store Mike, Rick Krejeci, Herm Sarduay, Steve Stratton, Shelly Foley, Sonya Adair, Jeff Brown, Andi Clay, Randy Faulkner,and a few others.

Tuesday Blues Jam.  I got there late and didn't play.  I was watching the Quad Cities River Bandits blank the Kernels 5-0.  Billy Bourbon mentioned that the Aces And Eights Wednesday Jam has been put on hold till the fall due to lack of jammers.  I managed to chat with Bryce Janey, Gibby, Jon Wilson and Dan Johnson.

The Wednesday Aces And Eights Jam has been suspended for the time being due to lack of jammers. It will start up again in the fall according to sources.  In the meantime the Checker's Jam goes on.  They have withstand about five attempts in the past year for competition for jams.  But for the most part I have gone with Checkers since Julie hosts it and I do my best to support her.  In the future we'll see what happens.

Artisan Sanctuary Acoustic Showcase 8-9-18

Songs:

I Don't Know Why You Keep Me On
The Race Is On
Logic And Lies
When Will I Be Loved
For What's It Worth

With:  Aaron Caryl: Fiddle

Plus.
Jim Jacobmeyer
Patrick Lower
M.J
Glen Gardner
Ron LeFlure
Bob Studebaker
Shawn Ster
Lane Gaffney and Friend  as Good Vibes Only
D. Harris
Shawn's Wife


Plus:  Sat in with Dreams Of Arcadia at Ramsey's

Gold Dust Woman
Ring Of Fire

Julie Gordon: Lead Vocals
Ryan Paul: Keyboards and Guitar

(Jim Jacobmeyer photo: Aaron  and me)

Notes:

Wyde Nept was the band playing in the park tonight.

Dreams Of Acadia was playing at Ramsey's so I took an early opening slot and then popped over to support them.  Aaron Call, who is part of the Stone City Acoustic Jam, guest starred on fiddle.  I think it was the first time he played there.  Ron made a debut at the Sanctuary as well.

It doesn't bother me to have another musician on stage, if they know the song.  Since I Don't Know Why was only played for the second time, it was the first time he heard it and played counterpoint to me.   I think he does a fine job  considering I'm not a true country star but a garage rocker playing folk country to the masses.   Maybe I'm too lax on this but I'm happy to share the stage with anybody.  I can trust Aaron to play the song and make it sound good.

I played cajones for a few songs with Ryan and Julie.  I think Julie was still dealing with allergies but  she sang well.   Lane popped at Ramsey's for a quick glass of wine before playing at the Sanctuary when I got back up there after Dreams Of Arcadia finished up.  I had supper at Urban Pie and chatted with Tony Nickels for a bit before playing.

Still dealing with a sore back after a week of this.  Next up, back to the acupuncture specialist tomorrow to see if he can make me feel any better.

Aaron backed Glen and Shawn up as well.

Checkers' Jam 8-8-18

Songs:

The Race Is On
I Don't Know Why You Keep Me On
No Expectations
Everybody's Talking

(Photo: Barb Myers,  Glen Gardner in foreground)

Notes:

Spent part of the night over at Solon supporting Julie and Dave's outdoor's show.  Then headed over into town.

When I got to Aces And Eights, they were packing up.  It was 9:15. Only Steve Stratton was there outside of the three B's and Terry.  I didn't stick around.  Perhaps the Joan Jett concert kept people away.  For the second time in as many weeks, there were more jammers at Checkers than Aces And Eights.

So I went over to Checkers' and they still had a lot of jammers there.  Bart and Barb hosted the jam since Julie and Dave were playing tonight.  I debuted I Don't Know Why You Keep Me On.

Had a woman intercept me outside asking if I knew how to play Desperado.  I didn't and was trying to keep a straight face.  I guess she sang it without instrumental accompaniment earlier.

I destroyed my guitar pick on one song so I played with half a pick the rest of  the setlist.

Those in attendance:

Lorie Parker
Bart Carfizzi
Randy Faulkner
Tim Canfield
Barb Myers
Kathy Carfizzi
Donna Jo and Bill Eisner
Luther Parker
Steve Black Wolf
Mike Fredericks
The woman that sang Desperado accapella
Pam Herrington
And the Checker's Faithful

Stone City Acoustic Showcase 8-5-18

Songs:

Listen To Love
Games People Play
The Race Is On
Fox On The Run
I Started Hating Cheating Songs Today

Aaron Caryl-Fiddle

After a month being away, I returned back to Stone City and the General Store for a fifteen minute set of country songs.  The songs were well received.

This weekend, Cedar Rapids had the Evolve Festival to which Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson played, but on Sunday, most of my musician friends were playing on the main stage.  I heard that Amanda Marshall might have played her last show with Four Day Creep,  I hope that's not true.  They are a fun band to watch (and play a song or two with).  I was still dealing with back issues and decided to stay close to home.   Even with a muscle spasms, I did help Julie by putting up a pallet fence for a neighbor with a couple dogs.  Buddy and his wife, Steve Black Wolf and Dave Bonham did the dirty work.  At least it felt good to help somebody out.  Julie had a gig with Ryan at a private party, so I went to Waubeek to play drums for the jammers up there.  Helped out Steve O, Chuck and Lenny on their songs for a couple hours before calling it an early night.

Sunday:  We had storms going through the area, and I really didn't want to get wet with wave after wave of monsoons at the Evolve Festival.  For the first time in over a month I returned to Stone City General Store and played a mostly country set.  Yesterday, at the Viola Gospel Bluegrass Festival, a band did a version of Fox On The Run and so I modified my version to make it a bit more bluegrass sounding and not so much rock.  Aaron helped on fiddle.   I stumbled over Listen To Love and Games People Play but people seemed to like it.  Got a big applause on The Race Is On and I Started Hating Cheating Songs Today, which seems to be a strange song to end my set. I could have done a couple more but thought five songs was enough since I only did a run through on the songs at home before leaving.

Phil Thomas was part of a bluegrass collective yesterday at Viola and he ran into me while I was walking back across to my house.  Had a nice chat with him.

Jordan was a Stone City Resident and she liked my version of the Race Is On. She mentioned that she loves the Grateful Dead.   I doubt if I was playing their version.

Carl Meiners was at both the Waubeek and Stone City jams, he didn't play last night but did today and did his usual fan favorites including Your Cheating Heart.  I do think he enjoys the women yell OH CARL after the bridge.

It was the first time since the Marion Sanctuary Freedom Festival In The Park that Ed Butler and I played together.  Like the previous, he led off with his song including a folkish remake of Pinball Wizard.

Those in attendance:

George And Vic
Richard Edward Butler
Lane Gaffney
Bart Bock
Mike Moran
Jordan
Carl Meiners
Danny Diaz
Aaron Carl
Maki Dervo
Rocky Smith
Dave Bonham (With a date)
Shawn Ster (At Waubeek only)

(Steve Kofron-photo)

Notes on the Tuesday Parlor City Blues Jam

Brook Hoover-Guitar
Tom Giblin-Keyboards
Byron Stevens-Bass
Matt Burger-Guitar
Me-drums
Jon Wilson-Host

Songs:

Chicago Boogie
Sweet Home Chicago

Got to play a couple songs with 11 year old Matt on guitar. Somehow the jam ended at around 9 40.
Basically a boring jam tonight. Gibby had to coax my playing down a bit on Sweet Home Chicago. Somehow I seem to play it too fast for them.

Thought tonight they had the acoustic jam at Dick's Shake And Tap but when I got there, it was closed.  Perhaps Ramsey's would have been better suited for me tonight.

Working on some SONGS  for the next Townedgers album and wondering if I'm failing in trying to make Julie happy.  Things are changing and not for the better.  I've been dealing with major back pains and have not been around much to help her out.  The usual things, money matters.  Trying to find time to spend together.   There are times you just want to give up, count your losses and wish each other well and try to stay friends.  I hate to see her suffer, offering to help out finances and pay off outstanding bills that she might have and car repairs.  Somehow, she won't take the money, she's too proud.   I'll go to my grave and try my best to help her out (if she's willing) and  love her, maybe somehow this will work itself out.    But I don't know, all I see is dark clouds ahead.

And I really do not  want that.

Speaking of dark clouds, we got rained upon four times today, including a big monsoon at 7 in time for the Balloon Glow at New Bo.  It rained so hard this afternoon to a point that somebody's car hydroplaned off the road and into a flooded medium during monsoon number 2.  We had off and on rains the past three days and I'm basically sick of it.  Can't mow the yard since it's underwater.  Things should dry out tomorrow.

I hope.

A New Month And More Jams To Start The Month Off

Songlist:  Checker's Acoustic Showcase

The Race Is On
She Belongs To Me
Games People Play
Fox On The Run
Everybody's Talking
For What It's Worth
Switch Board Susan
Ring Of Fire
Summertime Blues
The First Cut Is The Deepest

Donna Jo-Backing Vocals and Tambourine  (Games People Play, Everybody's Talking, For What Its Worth)
Steve Black Wolf: Backing vocals  on For What Its Worth

On Turn The Page, I played congas, Steve played guitar and sang and Lorie Parker added vocals.

Plus

Cathy Hart
Lorie Parker
Barb Myers
Carl Meiners
Mike Frederick
David Arnold
Luther Parker
Mike Spina
Abigail Bunker
Doug Ducey
Tim Canfield
Kim Trevillion


Aces And Eights Wednesday Night Jam with the 3 B's and Terry McDowell

6 songs including

Lay Down Sally
Smoke Smoke Smoke That Cigarette
Little Red Riding Hood
House Of The Rising Sun
Far Away Eyes


Billy Bourbon-Lead Vocals and Guitar
Bear Clair-Steel guitar and electric guitar
Bird-Bass
Me-Drums
Terry McDowell-Host


With
Doug Ducey (Again)
Steve Stratton
John Hernandez
Lisa Fox

(Cathy Hart took this photo and a few others)

(Steve Black Wolf with Doug Ducey)

(Jeff Gage getting a good laugh over something, Carl Meiners checking out the Facebook happenings, me deep in thought, Kimberly chatting about music and Steve Black Wolf digging the scene)

Notes:  My mental capacity is driving me crazy.  I can't remember half the songs that I did with The 3 B's  but if I can uncloud my thoughts I'll update them as they go.

Doug Ducey was both at the Checkers' and Aces And Eights Jam.   And I got there late and didn't intent to jam.  Terry did let me finish the jam.  A lot of the songs were on the mellow and on the grooving side. I think Terry likes the new simple and direct beats that I play.  I don't see the need to crash and bash.  Besides, I'm working with great professionals musicians that would kill me if I went full Keith Moon.   It was actually the first time I got to chat with Doug Ducey. He's a excellent guitar player from what I heard of him playing along with Steve.

Bird told me he has been recording the jams and when he gets the time he'll make me the best results.

I have no idea if Carl did play after I left (I'm thinking he didn't)

No new songs to speak of.  I did play The Race Is On in E rather than G,C,D.  It was based on the arrangement that Dan Hartman did when he played at Rumors Sunday and I decided to see how well that worked.  And was surprised at the results.

Kim popped in for a few minutes before going to Aces And Eights but the time I got down there she was long gone.  I think she wanted to play a song or two, but I did tell her that Billy was down at Aces and Eights and she could get on stage that way.  Wonder if she did.  We could have done Gold Dust Woman if need be.

Lisa Fox was at Aces n Eights but she didn't sing, Billy ended up singing House Of The Rising Sun on his own.

The absence of other drummers the past two nights is kinda hard to believe.  Last night, it was just me and Bob Dorr and tonight it was just Steve Stratton and me at Aces And Eights.  A big contrast from the all star drummers of the past two weeks at Rumors.

This weekend is the first annual Cedar Rapids Envolve Festival to which plenty of bands including headliners  Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson will be at New Bo.  Already they have closed most of the roads into Czech Village and New Bo to which a giant stage is being erected outside of the bars.  Most of the musicians will be there on Saturday/Sunday.  But this might be the perfect time for me to return back to Stone City.  Julie has a gig in Davenport with Dave Bonham on Friday and a Saturday gig with Dreams Of Arcadia.  Which leads me to probably stay home and check out the bluegrass gospel fest across the street here in town and perhaps go to Waubeek for their monthly jam.

Finally Tracy, my boss did post some videos of my playing at Parlor City Tuesday Night.  I have yet to see him but I heard they turned out pretty good.  I think I shocked him on how well I played.  We do have some great musicians at my place of employment, Louie and Rod Albaugh.  Perhaps something might come of this.