Stone City And Rumors-End Of The Month Wrap Up

Fox On The Run
For What It's Worth
Good Time Charlie
Summertime Blues
Everybody's Talking
Cinnamon Girl

Sharon Eide sang on Fox On The Run with me

From the Stone City set list.

Back row:  Bird, Terry, Jeff Taylor, R. Crabby
Front:  Jeff Craft, Kimberly, Tommy, Billy, Ed,Nick,Dan Hartman
Photo: Leeon Adams

The Rumors Sunday Funday Jam  Songs  Includes

Wicked Game
We Live For Love
Petticoat Junction
Gold Dust Woman
Middle Of The Road
Drift Away
Love Me Like A Man
Further Up The Road
Call Me The Breeze


Richard Edward Butler-Vocals and guitar on Wicked Game, We Live For Love, Petticoat Junction
Kim Trevallion-Lead Vocals-Gold Dust Woman-Call Me The Breeze

Tommy Bruner-Guitar and vocals
Randy Burghdorf-Bass
Billy Bourbon-Guitar and vocals
Jeff Craft-Keyboards
Jeff Taylor-Keyboards
Nick Lnenicka-Harmonica

There was a forth song that Ed sang but I'll remember it eventually.

(Stone City 6/30/19.  Donna Sutton-Shaw took the photo and the rest)

Notes:

The stage at the General Store was quite toasty as I battled the hot and stuff air and the 100 flies that were inside.  The monitor speakers didn't work, they got blown from the Evan Stock Band playing the other night.   Basically I played it safe with the songs that I knew by heart.  Donna Sutton Shaw took plenty of photos and it was a rare time I got to see and chat with John Shaw.  He mentioned that Smokin Guns will be calling it quits after this summer.

(Fox On The Run, Sharon Eide on vocal,  probably very tempting to let her sing the chorus alone)

Sharon has been Dave Bonham's girlfriend for about six months but she's been a regular at the Stone City acoustic jams and such.  She sometimes comes up to help me sing background.   She helps a lot.


A rare Sunday that no other drummers showed up to play outside of myself.  Jeff Craft, a keyboardist by trade can play the drums, he did that on Tuesday Night with Kevin Burt, so he became the other drummer to play after I was done.  Unless somebody else showed up after I left.

Tom Berdo came up to ask me about filling in on drums for his band Notes from The Underground in Solon in July.  Told him I'd be happy to help out.  With that, I don't have a Saturday Night off in July.

For Wicked Game, it was Ed doing the honors of singing, which is supposed to be a more subdued uptempo drumming to which I only played it right since returning, with the Boy Scout Hippies.  With Dreams Of Arcadia it's a slow tempo.  Randy continues to think it should be played with a more forceful beat.  I think it's the only song that I pound the drums on.  But perhaps he's not a big fan of that song.   I know Ed did four songs but as usual that last song I can't remember.  Afterwards, I backed Kim from Blue Scratch up on a few songs.  Probably the most we did together since the Blue Scratch November gig I sat in with them.

On the way to Rumor's we got hit with a monsoon storm that knocked power out at home and had 50 MPH winds at around 6 tonight.  Some downed trees in Waubeek.  Brian Bunce mentioned his walnut tree fell on his garage as well.

Second straight time I went to Rumors and was the only drummer there.  Of course it's Forth Of July week too, but still it's weird not to see any other drummers past couple nights.  Jeff Overly had to leave so I didn't jam with him.   Al Hendricks got a laugh out of my Skull shirt, he thought that was so cool.

Usually, the end of the month is me reviewing the month  and comment on things that seem important to me.  We started the month off right with good performances at Whittier with Belinda James singing, then went back into the valley with some off nights before rebounding with a excellent set at The Picnic In The Park, to which all songs were sang from memory.  To which there is a upside to this, the ability to remember a song and go with it, on the other side,  it prevents me from playing new songs and not use the book.  But most musicians will use a lyric book or Ipod to see and sing the words.  I'll continue to play around with new music and then add them once I'm comfortable enough to remember the words and music.

(Nola Drake: Photo of the Waubeek Jam Band, Chuck Savage, Lenny Drake, Phil Bo King, Jim from LA, Nelson Borden, Leo Thompson, playing at the Linn Co State Fair, Central City 6-29-19)

It doesn't bother me anymore on the pairings of musicians and if they're not the A list of hall of fame rockers, everybody brings something to the table.   I rarely jam with Dan Johnson at Parlor City, it's Mark Awad, and he is quite good.  Ed Butler is another eccentric who's become a part of my jam band lineup.  It works out very well.    For drumming behind Julie, I cherish the moments that we do play together.  On guitar, it's a whole different type of sound and not exactly she is looking for.  To which the term it is what it is comes to mind.   She does quite well with others playing guitar.  I just play guitar to amuse myself and see how far I can take it without being bored.

The end of the month thoughts always seem to be around me and her.  Or Ron for that matter.  For a hobbyist like myself it has to be fun.   For Dreams Of Arcadia or Boy Scout Hippies I fill in and add beats and make it dance-able.  Being a temporary drummer it works out for everybody if we know the song and yes getting together to practice makes the songs more polished and tighter.   However I am a lazy sod anyway.  If I know the arrangements and don't overplay, I'll be fine.  And so will be the band.

I am very disappointed that there wasn't any pictures of me playing the Picnic In The Park this year. So I guess we'll have to settle for this photo that Julie took of me that hasn't been published yet.

For the Townedgers' new album, we're  really not in a hurry to complete it.  There hasn't been much of a demand for new product.  I think we have done a fine job and have a good discography to show off the music.  Perhaps we'll record a live performance and go with that.  But I just don't think there's not much of a interest to do another album of 10 to 12 songs and keep it around 35 minutes.  I could be wrong, but if I'm not feeling it, the listener won't either.  That'll be a waste of time.

Till the next time.

Artisan Sanctuary Showcase: The Silver Headed Devil And I

Sundown
Fox On The Run
Never Trust A Sleeping Train
Let's Worth Together
Does It Matter
I'd Rather Not Cry
Cinnamon Girl
For What Its Worth
Logic And Lies

(Jim Jacobmyer: Photo)

I caught Tommy Bruner all by himself at the Marion Square reflecting on what he was going to do for his list of songs at Ramsey's tonight.  I was on the way to grab supper before heading up to the Sanctuary for my set of songs.

New strings were put on the guild for this performance.  Nothing sounds more nicer than new guitar strings on your guitar.

It seems that I'm beginning to focus on a select few songs to remember them from memory.  Had some trouble on Sundown and I switched verses 2 and 3 on For What Its Worth. But I think overall, I had a good performance.

I'd Rather Not Cry was dusted off for the first time in about a year.  I think I tried playing that at Checker's one night but Julie thought I was playing something else, so it went into Everybody's Talking.

Tony Nickels made his Sanctuary debut.  Right before he was supposed to come on stage, he broke a guitar string so he borrowed Philbo's guitar.

Jim mentioned that Julie might show up later, and I told him if that's the case I'd pay him back the 100 dollars for playing Saturday.  Thankfully, she didn't show up, otherwise Mr. Big Mouth would have to pony up the bucks.  However, Ron LaFleur popped up and penciled in the BS Hippies to play last.  Dakota showed up but by the time the woman singer got done singing, he was gone and I saw Dakota exiting with guitar and amp in hand.  I suspect we'll have another 3 AM tirade from the head Scout master on this.  In Julie's case, probably a good thing she didn't make it.  That would have been one big explosion forthcoming.

I led off the jam by playing first.  I rarely do that but at that time only Phil and Darryl (The Cedar River Whalers) and me was there.  Phil Bo King, Mike Fredericks, the girl singer and Tony showed up afterwards.   Some band was playing a crappy version of Margaritaville outdoors.  That band was done before nine, so was Tommy.

The Wednesday Night Jam Scene 6-26-19

Dead Flowers
Fox On The Run
Sundown 
Never Trust a Sleeping Train
Good Time Charlie Got The Blues 

Cinnamon Girl 

Stop Dragging My Heart Around **
I Fought The Law
For What Its Worth
Jolene **
Me And Bobby McGee**
Gold Dust Woman **

Julie Gordon-Lead Vocals*
Lisa Harbit-Percussion on the first three songs.

This set list was performed at Checkers.  Julie Gordon hosted it.  I helped her on a couple songs and played till my guitar string finally broke.  It wasn't the D String which has shown signs of breaking up but  it was the A String that gave up the ghost.  Afterwards, I played hand drums on the guitar for Jolene and Bobby McGee before using her guitar for Gold Dust Woman.  DJ and Kim Hovenstat were the only other folks that came up to support the efforts.  Lisa Harbit played percussion on my songs.  We had three little kiddies dancing and jumping off the stage at times.  Gotta start them out young.

Franklin has shown a lot of improvement from Monday.  He's now running around the house and did bark when I knocked at the door after the Checker's Jam.  He is doing better.

Rumors.  Wednesday With Terry McDowell and Mandela Effect band.

Songs included

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Kiss (by Prince)

Tupelo Honey
Jilted Love
Some Kind Of Wonderful 

Rain (Tommy Bruner: vocals)

For What It's Worth (Tommy Bruner: vocals) 

Teddy Bear (Dan Hartman: Vocals)

Lonesome Fugitive (Dan Hartman: Vocals)

And a few others

Billy Bourbon: Lead vocals (except where noted), Guitar and Bass

Tommy Bruner: Guitar and vocals

Randy Burgendorf-Bass

Dan Hartman: Lead Vocals and guitar

I actually played for almost an hour, with the guys doing a whole bunch of songs that I haven't played at all.  It was fun to try out new songs.  Dan did three songs, Billy did sing the majority of songs but my memory of those songs is vague.  I'm sure once I go to bed, I eventually figure out the rest of the songs that we did.  The Prince song (KISS) was the surprise of the bunch, but the most fun was Rain.  I have never done that song, usually Barb Francisco sings that song but Tommy took the vocal duties.  He did tell me that the lineup of Billy, Bird and Terry are the most fun guys he's ever share the stage with.

For jammers, me and Dan were the only ones before I had to go and help Julie out at Checkers.  Despite the big turnout for Kevin Burt's Blues jam last night, tonight nobody showed up.  It was kind of a disappointing night but usually in the summertime we don't get very many jammers.  The Rumors' jam might have been the worst turnout since starting up in April.  But I did managed to get plenty of practice with the guys.   

Parlor City Blues Jam With Kevin Burt

With:

Richard Edward Butler-Lead vocals and lead guitar
Kevin Burt-Rhythm guitar
Tom Giblin-Keyboards
Mark Awad-Bass
Nick Lnenicka-Harmonica
I played Drums

Dan Johnson and Eric Douglas-The Host Rhythm Section



Songs:

Jesus Just Left Chicago
Petticoat Junction
Come Together

(sharing a dog moment with Franklin after playing the blues jam-Julie took the photo)

Notes:

A capacity crowd of jammers flocked into Parlor City to get to jam with Kevin Burt.  Even Jeff Craft played drums on a couple of numbers.

Miles Demarso came into his own playing drums.  I thought he did his hardest rocking performance in the time that I have seen him.

Tho' Kevin was the main attraction, It was Ed Butler taking over the final three songs and led the collective jammers  to his more rocking cover of Jesus Just Left Chicago and he let his freak flag fly on Petticoat Junction.   Kevin had that wide eye look on his face when Ed did it.  I'm sure he wasn't used to this sort of music, but as for myself I wouldn't expect anything different from Ed.

Mike Williams and Bonnie Harrison got there late in the jam so they didn't play.  I would have given up a song to let her fit right on in.

Afterwards, I had to check on Franklin since I was in town.  He was having breathing problems over the weekend so Julie took him to the vet.  He had pancreatic problems but the vet gave him some meds and ordered him to a strict diet.  He has improved the past couple days but still gets a bit tired.  He was quite happy to see me as I came over to give him some quality time together.  He still hasn't been able to bark but he did wag his tail when he saw me and put his paw on me to let me know he's grateful that we're thinking of him.  He's been through a lot.

Stone City/Rumors: Words Of Wisdom From A Hall Of Famer To A Hobbyist

At Stone City General Store:

Never Trust A Sleeping Train
Fox On The Run
I Fought The Law
Sundown
Good Time Charlie
Let's Work Together
Everybody's Talking

With Danny Dias, Bill Sclatter, Maki Dervo, Lane Gaffney, Bart Bock, Ken Becicka, Greg and Brenda Mein, Mike Frederick and others.

(Tony Potter: Photo)

Rumors Jam:

Terry McDowell: Your Host
Randy Burgendorff-Host bass player

Songs:

Feel Like Making Love
Margaritaville
Blister In The Sun
You Shook Me All Night Long
Call Me The Breeze
Two More Bottles Of Wine
Little Sister
Jailhouse Rock;

Vocals:

Russ Glackin on Feel Like Making Love And Margaritaville
Brad Smith on Blister In The Sun and You Shook Me All Night Long
Dan Hartman-Guitar and Vocals on Breeze, Wine and Little Sister
Billy Bourbon-Guitar and vocals on Jailhouse Rock

Tommy Bruner-Lead guitar all songs
Mark Awad-Bass on all songs
I played drums.




Notes:

Terry McCauley has been instrumental in trying to get me to sing songs from memory rather than the lyric book that I have been taking to jams.  Brenda laughs and says unlike him playing the songs in the same key.  Tho' I took a couple of lyric sheets up there on the music stand, I really didn't need them and for the first time made it through Sundown without any looking at the cheat sheet.  I'm beginning to develop a style to keep playing certain songs till I got the chords and words right.  This would have never happen even when I did return to play after retiring.   Even in playing live with The Townedgers I had sheets of lyrics to cover my ass when I couldn't remember the words.  This is still fairly new to me to sing from memory.  And somehow I can remember Never Trust A Sleeping Train but still dealing with memory loss on If You See Her.    It does help to practice and go over songs before leaving.

My performances are like peaks and valleys.  Once I reach the bottom, I think about hanging it up but continue to sing n play.  Musicians will always do that, even the hobbyists out there. I wasn't mad at Julie for giving advice after the Checker's debacle a couple weeks ago, but I knew where I went wrong.  And if I feel like I'm bored on stage, chances are people out there will be bored too.  Even if there's only 4 people at the bar watching ball games on TV.  I vent my vitriol at Jim for forgetting me for the picnic in the park festival but in the long run, forgave him after Julie couldn't make it and gave me the 1 o'clock slot with his blessings.  And in the process, gave my best overall performance ever. And in the process getting 100 dollars for playing that hour in the park.

So I'm back up around the peak again, playing my best be it guitar and vocal or drumming with the Rumors Sunday Funday Band.  I did take the lyrics to Sundown and Tulsa Time but chose not to sing the latter and on the former went through the song and remembered all the lines.  Never Trust A Sleeping Train got played first and then Fox On The Run.  Usually Fox On The Run has been the lead off song but I have found that keeping the songs under three minutes I can actually do more songs and move on to the next without any problems. Thankfully the crowd actually liked my songs that I played.  For some reason I didn't include Cinnamon Girl, I decided to close with Everybody's Talking.   Later on, Greg and Brenda Mein surprised me by showing up and playing that song with the right Drop D tuning and even the tag ending that Neil Young did on the original recording. Greg Mein is very underrated on guitar.

I would have gone to Rumors sooner had the Meins not show up but I did get there at around seven and Terry was gracious enough to let me finish the jam.  Russ came up and did his usual songs of note and I'll leave Margararitaville with him. Tommy did a fine job as always on guitar and instead of Bird playing bird, Mark Awad was in town and he was my bass player of note.  Brad Smith came up and we did Blister In The Sun, a song that I rarely play and You Shook Me All Night Long.  Then Dan Hartman did three uptempo numbers and Billy Bourbon ended things with a short Jailhouse Rock.

(vintage photo of Al Hendricks in the 1960s, that might be Del Shannon to the left, From Dan Johnson's archives, enhanced)

Before I left, Al Hendricks paid me a cool compliment by saying I was one of the four best drummers that he's ever played on stage with.  I'm guessing for the Rumors' Jam, Al has been playing music since 1953 and I could spend all night hearing him talk about the bands he played in.  I can only hope when I turn 80 that I can play as well as he can.  He was part of The Good, Bad And Ugly bands, Danny And The Juniors. When Al complimented me, I was floored.  It really means a lot when I have a hall of famer telling me that I'm one of the best that he's played in.  He then made a suggestion that I should sing and play guitar more often.  I just smiled and winked.  Told him I might take up his suggestion to do that.

As for the Rumor's jam, I got there late and most of the crowd thinned out, I replaced DJ Hovenstot on the final numbers and figured that Terry will call me up and play a few numbers.  He did let me finish the jam.  Four different vocalists sang and the songs were the usual classic rock number tho' Blister In The Sun and You Shook Me All Night Long I rarely play.  I got to chat with Ben Smith afterwards and told him I was surprised he didn't sing Take Me To The River.  My guess was Tommy sang it earlier.

Randy, in preparation for his Rare Earth summer tour, took it easy while Mark Awad played bass.

Carl Meiners went bike riding.  He's still suffering from the Summertime cold so he wasn't at Stone City.  Neither was Steve Black Wolf, he was probably recovering from playing yesterday in Marion.

Billy Bourbon took this photo of Tommy Bruner and myself.  Cheers Billy!

Picnic In The Park-6-22-19

With:




Nice picture of my pants.  Sofia and Steve are the acts.

Steve Black Wolf And Sofia Chesney (I played percussion)
The Uke Squad
Cedar River Whalers  (Phil and Darryl)

Picnic In The Park Setlist:

Fox On The Run
The Race Is On
Greenback Dollar
Cheating Songs
Cocaine Train
Realitesville
For What Its Worth
Goodtime Charlie
We All Sleep Alone
Baby Wanna Dance
Logic And Lies
The Life We Lead
Everybody's Talking
Turn On Your Love Light
Cinnamon Girl
Teri My Love
Summertime Blues
The Last Time
Never Trust A Sleeping Train

This was a special event. For the first time, I played a full hour set of songs and without the trustworthy songbook. And managed to remembered all the words to the songs played. Opening act Steve Black Wolf and Sofia Chesney I played percussion to their set. Other acts included The Ute Squad and the Cedar River Whalers I was taking matters into my own hands by playing the Guild with a string ready to be broken but it held firm on the songs that I played. Barb Francisco was busy drawing people but I know she always does a fine job. It's a special time when I play Marion, Within eyesight remains the old places I used to hang out, the OK Lounge is now the Marion Libarary and The crappy strip mall had my favorite hangouts, Marion TV n Records, Salvation Army, Town's Square Bookshoppe and Ole's Ham N Egger not committed into history. But I remember.

Thanks to those who showed up. It was a last minute deal but I can truly say I was happy with my performance today. It was great to see Russ and Debbie Swearingen pop up to see me for a few songs. Julie couldn't make it, she had to tend to Franklin, her prized puppy dog but she was there in spirit. I was supposed to be the opening act and filled out the usual set list and added a couple just in case she made it to the park (you know which ones) but it turned out to be a full 58 minute set.

Finally, special thanks to Jim Jacobmeyer, who has supported the efforts of my music and originals and had to overcome some health issues to put on this picnic in the park showcase. Thank God he's still alive.

And thank God for keeping the thunderstorms away this afternoon.   And since nobody bothered to take any pictures of me playing,  I'll put up something from last year that Julie took.

Checker's Showcase: Oh well

Carl Meiners, Mike Frederick, Kevin Moore: Brothers In Arms

Song list:

Fox On The Run
Margaritaville
Spoonful
Lynch Party
Good Time Charlie
The Race Is On
Everybody's Talking
Summertime Blues

Notes;

Contrary to rumor, Rumors still had their Wednesday Hump Day jam going on.  I got there too late to contribute to anything.

A disappointing crowd, 10 people, and three jammers to go with Kevin Moore.

The Jimmy Buffet cover was debuted and maybe I shouldn't even attempt it.  Mine version was lifeless and I ad libbed some nonsensical lyrics as well.   The lack of a crowd really drained everybody.  Carl was fighting a cold, Mike plunked a few guitar leads on his songs.  And I cussed out Jon Lester of the Cubs for giving up a home run (little did I know the Cubs were still ahead and would win 7-3, oops)   I think from here on out, Margaritaville should be left to the ones that can sing it with a straight face.


Oh well, it was a dull night.

Stone City Weekend: I Think We Did Well

Fox On The Run
Sundown
Greenback Dollar
Cheating Songs
Summertime Blues
Cinnamon Girl
For What Its Worth
Logic And Lies


And with Wooden Nickel Lottery

Rich Toomsen: Lead guitar
Rick Gallo: Lead vocal and guitar
Jess Toomsen: Bass
Delayne Stallman-Drums

I guest starred on drums on Tennessee Whiskey and Ain't No Sunshine.

(Jess Toomsen with  me and fan.  Rich Toomsen took the photo, he took another photo but this was the best of the two)

Saturday Night:  The past three years I took part in the World Naked Bike Ride in Madison but this year after three years of doing that, I figured I would stay close to home.  Besides we had storms in the area.  It was the first time in over a year  that I've seen WNL, and almost four years since me and Jess were the rhythm section.   It was outdoors and while the rains held off, the gnats were terrible. So I had my trademark hat and sunglasses on.  Delayne had a trash crash sounding K that seemed to work well for him.  Last time he had a dark crash 18 inch.  The trash crash is not cheap.  This is the first time I got to be a guest drummer for WNL in their live appearances.  And I had fun.

If memory serves me well, Jess was the first bass player that I paired up when I came out of retirement in 2015, and it was during the Honey Badgers Rumors Jam.  I'm thinking Terry McDowell should consider doing a Honey Badgers reunion.  Perhaps I can talk Julie into doing that if it happens.

Out of the bass players, Jess remains the best looking too.

(Jess didn't like this other photo so at her request we cropped her out, the fan in the back stayed in the picture.  I kinda like his curious look as I played drums on Tennessee Whiskey)

Sunday found me returning to Stone City as Dave Bonham filled in as host and I stayed the whole four hours in support.  Back at Rumors, Tami Soukup made her singing debut with These Boots Are Made For Walking and Rocky Smith filled in for me. I'm sure other drummers showed up as well, namely Mike Lint.   For my acoustic set, there was a mess up on Fox On The Run, that fucking final chorus got the best of me.  I was going to debut Margaritaville, but the fan on the ceiling kept knocking the lyric sheet off, so I just went with For What Its Worth and closed with Logic And Lies.  Dave had enough jammers up there to close the jam at 8 oclock so there was no encore.   Overall, it was a fairly good showing, tho' Thursday Night was the best of the week's jams that I participated in.

On a different note, Jim Jacobmeyer suffered a mild stroke the other night and he says he is fine.  I hope that wasn't in reaction to my performance Thursday Night when I was mad at the world for not getting included in the picnic in the park this Saturday.  I plan to be there anyway but performing?  I am not sure.

Ray Larson, Bill Sclatter, Maki Dervo, Mike Fredericks, Aaron Carl, Carl Meiners, Sue Ellen, Katy Merrifield, Danny Dias and a few others were in attendance.

Artisan Sanctuary Showcase: The Crabb Returns

Since I was late to the party on the 22nd picnic in the park festival, we're doing our show tonight.

Fox On The Run
I Don't Fall In Love
Wolfie
Good Time Charlie
Go Out And Get It
Logic And Lies.

(Jeff Allen: Photo)

It was the first time I played the open mic since Glen Gardner left.  I think they have forgotten me.

There was no wondering off on the songs that I did.  Despite Go Out And Get It being short, the rest of the songs went according to plan.  I was going to use the Silvertone guitar but I broke a string just before I had to go into town and decided to go with the Guild.

I don't fall in love made its debut.  I wasn't in the best of moods and the pissed off attitude worked well.  I tend to think that any song off Pawnshops For Olivia is depressing and not for human listening.   The Sanctuary is where I can get away singing original songs and those songs speak from my heart a lot better than Wagon Wheel or Brown Eye Girl.  Spitting the words out to I Don't Fall In love is a way to unleashed the demons that keep me at bay in life.  The song was written in 1988 and was finally worked enough to be included on P.F.O.   Since I rehearsed the song this afternoon, it was ready to be played tonight.  Call it ego, but since I lost out on playing on the Picnic In the Park, my ire was directed toward Jim for not keeping me in mind when he did the lineup.  Afterwards, Jim mentioned that Julie can ask me about joining her,  I told him that's up to her.

Wolfie was played next.  I think I only played this once before but I had to counter the anger of the previous song.

When Julie talked to me about the perfect performance after last night's fiasco jam, I looked back in time to wonder if and when I had a gig I was happy with.  Picnic In The Park 2018 might have been the best overall performance, my folks were there, and Julie helped me make it sound better.  Last year's Stone City jam which people were singing to Tulsa Time was another highlight.  But in reality, I have never had a perfect performance night be it drums or guitar.  But I had good nights, great nights, average nights, sub par nights and not worth a shit nights and the latter tends to cloud my judgment on songs I did great.  I fight myself every time I get on stage and sometimes I win and most of the time it's a draw.  And when the demons win, I go on social media and threaten retirement. I did this morning and promptly went to Maquoketa to get the car's hub fixed.  But then Julie thought I was ignoring her by not saying anything since last night.  That's not the case, I don't have a smart phone to reply back.    And it's not high on my list of things to get.

Julie means well and yes I took her advice and applied it tonight.  My mind tried to wonder off a couple times but unlike last night I had more of a consistency that was missing big time last night.  Doesn't mean it was a perfect performance but judging how I been feeling the past week, let's say that it was a small victory and I can continue to do my Acousta Crabby shows.    Until the next big blow up and then we're back where we started again.

Oh to be Ron LaFleur.

It was one year ago that I went to participate in the WNBR Madison.  Douglas Otto took the photo but we had to edit this big time to make it as PG as possible.  I didn't go to the 2019 WNBR and probably will abstain from here on out.  But I did have a good time riding with the others in the buff. I did get sunburn in places you usually don't get sunburned, even with SPF 50 Sunscreen spray.   The poor guy on the left really got baked.

P.S.  Next Saturday is the kick off to the Freedom Festival with the uptown Marion Picnic In The Park.  Phil and Darryl return for the second year and Steve Black Wolf kicks things off.   Update:  I'll be opening up for Julie at 1 AM.  She has to work at her regular job and she also plays later in the day at La Cantina/Marion with Dreams Of Arcadia.  She may or may not get there in time so for the most part I will start out the show and once she arrives, we'll finish with Gold Dust Woman and she'll take over.

And now the official announcement of Picnic In The Park 2019.



 Celebrate July 4th with the Patriotic Picnic in the Park! Music, fun interactive activities, food and community!
Picnic in the Park Music 6/22, 11-3 pm Downtown Marion Square Park
11-12 Sofia and Steve
12-1 The Uke Squad
1-2 Rodney Smith/The Townedgers And Julie Gordon
2-3 The Cedar River Whalers

Checker's Acoustic Showcase: Improvisation Gone Wrong

Fox On The Run
Greenback Dollar
Spirit In The Sky
Cinnamon Girl
I Won't Back Down/
Everybody's Talking
Rock Me Baby
Summertime Blues
Bring It On Home/
Bottle Of Wine/
I Fought The Law

Ryan Paul-Percussion
Julie Gordon; Vocals on Spirit In The Sky and Cinnamon Girl

Technical overkill part two.

Ryan Paul let me used his twelve string guitar for this segment.  The first four songs went pretty well. I managed to make Neil Young sound like the New Christi Minstrels   The improvised songs later on didn't work at all.  You know you're in trouble when you yourself know that you're struggling and not helping things by redoing songs.  I heard it from Julie and I heard it when Terry Bainbridge seen the videos.  And even Geoff Redding said the medley added no sense.

I like the 12 string sound.  It's progress to make it through Fox On The Run without no mistakes or tripping over the A chord in the chorus.  However 12 bar blues without any leads just don't cut it if you're playing 12 strings, 6 strings or 2 string.

So far, in a week of improvisation and trying to think of songs I can play without the songbook, I have overextended my tenure on stage.  Perhaps from here on out, I'll just stick with four or five songs and not  hog up the stage time.  I've come a long way from the debut on the very same stage, a bit frightened but managed to get through the songs.  And lately thinking I can just make up songs as I go and not go through them first.  I did attempt Bottle Of Wine at home but that and Bring It On Home suffered a great deal of messed up chords, overconfidence and full of myself.  Even the worthy I Fought The Law suffered from me speeding up the song at the end, trying to get it over with, but at the same time trying to find a sense of humor of doing that.  Which didn't work.

So I went out of the jam, tail tucked between my legs and feeling a sense of defeat.  I'm sure Julie meant well when she pointed out the problems but I was looking her with a bit of disdain.  I thought we would end things with Gold Dust Woman, like we usually do but that didn't happen.  Certainly not after the bombing of the Bring It On Home/Bottle Of Wine/I Fought The Law travesty.  And I basically had to get back to work.

However, there wasn't much going on at work, so I ended grabbing a Chef's Salad at Parlor City and played back what went wrong tonight.  It wasn't all bad, Richard Edward Butler did compliment me on a mostly good performance and a couple other folk as well.  I may have to get out the songbook for future jams.

Or just go back to play just drums only.

In attendance:
PJ and Pam Harrington
Richard Edward Butler
Mike Frederick
Lorie Parker
Donna Jo
Ryan Paul
Julie Gordon

Stone City Acoustic Showcase: That Extra Song

I Just Want To Make Love To You
Realitesville
Everybody's Talking
Good Time Charlie
Greenback Dollar
Summertime Blues
Cinnamon Girl
Ring Of Fire

Bubs Johannes-Host



Plus Sunday Funday Jam with Terry McDowell and friends.

Al Hendricks-Guitar and  Lead vocals
Nick Lnenicka-Harmonica
Tommy Bruner-Guitar
Tim Canfield-Bass and lead vocal on Get Together and Mr Spaceman
R.Smith-Beats

Songs include

All Shook Up
Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away
Born In Chicago
Mr. Spaceman
Get Together

We did five songs.  A small crowd and then Rocky Smith followed me on stage.

Sorry Bubba, I sneaked in about three more songs than usual, but there wasn't much of a crowd and I figured if I did three short songs nobody would noticed.  I knew Dave Bonham was going to play Midnight Rider, but I thought I'd be a smartass and teased him with the opening riffs to that, then off into Everybody's Talking.

I did about three more songs than usual, but since Bubs was outside on a smoke break, I thought I'd sneak in two quickies, Summertime Blues and Cinnamon Girl before concluding with Ring Of Fire. Once again I opted to go with songs I knew the words with, only I just want to make love to you I used the cheat sheets.  Realitesville replaced Logic And Lies as the original and I got through most of the song and remembered all but one line.  Not bad for not playing it for a while.

Talked to Nick and he did say that there was not much of a crowd at FB company for the BSH show and while the girl drummer held her own against the Head Master and Dakota, it wasn't the same without me there.  It's a nice thought to hear that I made the BSH sound better.  I told Nick, I was only there as a temporary fix.  Had a good time but I'm not dedicated to the BSH's cause.

Wasn't much of a crowd in Stone City either but since I got done early, I went to Rumors and hung out for a while.  That crowd thinned out as well, but I managed to do five songs with Al Hendricks on guitar, the 81 year wunderkind.   With Tommy Bruner and Tim Canfield on stage, I was playing with the hall of fame legends. I forgot most of what Al sang (perhaps it will come to me later).  I guess I have selective thinking half the time, it's a wonder I remembered what I sang.

Usually Rocky Smith doesn't go to Rumors all that much, but I suspect he might have followed me into town tho' he played last night with Chain Reaction.  Terry remarked on how quiet Rocky played tonight.  Even I noticed that too, I think he couldn't figure out to approach Hello Josephine.

Either way, I didn't work up much of a sweat on my time on drums.  I'm getting to the point of playing more conservative    I have to protect what's left of my hearing as well.

Overall, a nice leisurely romp through the oldies.

Whittier Acoustic Showcase with The Egads!

I Just Wanna Make Love To You
Ain't No Sunshine
Fever*
Six Days On The Road
Quinn The Eskimo
Stormy Monday Blues (instrumental)
Money (That's What I Want)
I'm A Man
Come Together*
Spirit In The Sky
Blue Bayou*
My Girl
It's Been A While*
Fox On The Run
Knocking On Heaven's Door
Good Time Charlie
I Hear You Knocking
Cinnamon Girl
Gold Dust Woman
What's Up
The End.

With:
Belinda James-Lead Vocals*
Mark Randolph-Guitar and vocals (Ain't No Sunshine, Stormy Monday Blues, I'm a Man), Blue Bayou)
David Lam-Guitar and vocals on I Hear You Knocking and Six Days On The Road.

I can't think of Belinda's friend that showed up but he played Ripple and Knocking On Heaven's Door.

The other couple that was there, played Sundown as well.

Notes:

Mark Randolph came up to hang for about an hour. He helped Belinda on Blue Bayou and I helped him on a couple of songs he played.  He disappeared after Julie showed up.  Julie was feeling the after effects of being out in the garden too long and had a sore shoulder.  At that time, the AC wasn't running and the Community Center felt like a sauna.  She opted not to play.

I used the Silvertone guitar that Julie gave me and it did a fine job with the songs that I played.  We played a lot of Motown songs and I played Money for the first time on a whim. Couldn't remember most of the words but for a first time it went well.

Belinda was there and she is still emotional after the passing of her son.  She cried through Spirit In The Sky and then came back to deliver a powerful It's Been A While.   Without Julie around, Belinda did sing Gold Dust Woman.  Certainly, Julie owns that song, but Belinda owns Fever and now our version of What's Up.   I had trouble trying to find the chords so we went with Come Together instead before What's Up.

Belinda requested The End, so I dusted that one off to play for her.  There's a good song in there once you forgo the Killer awake before dawn segment.

Down the road, The Boy Scout Hippies were playing FB Company with the best drummer they ever found.  I'm sure they drew a good crowd but I had no concern to go out and see them.  I was dealing with allergy problems and decided to stay home and not see Four Day Creep or Chain Reaction who was closer in town.  Mowing the yard took a lot out of me today it seemed.  Plus we have about five baby  bunny rabbits around the yard that I scared them off while Mowing.  I did try to put them back into their safe zone but they kept wandering out.

To be honest I never thought Mark and Belinda would cross paths again but they did.  Mark remains an odd sort of fellow, good heart but he tends to go out on his own.  He was only up there to trade guitars with somebody and once that came to be, he simply left.  We just deal with it.

Waubeek/Stone City Weekend Jam: Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Ron

Good Time Charlie
Logic And Lies
I Fought The Law
Spirit In The Sky
Bring It On Home
Let's Work Together


Richard Budde: Drums


The Waubeek All Stars

David Lam-Bass
Dave Bonham-Lead guitar, bass and vocals
Maki Dervo: Pan-flutes, guitar, percussion and vocals
Nelson Borden: Steel Guitar
Ground Chuck:  Guitar and bass
Dakota McWhortor: Lead guitar and steel guitar
Rodney Smith: host drummer
Jim Myers-Drummer from LA

Notes:


I hosted the Waubeek Jam with David Lam and Maki Dervo  last night.  It was a nice night and most of the jammers decided to take the night off.  The shock of the night was seeing Dakota pop up to play guitar for a few numbers and then switched over to steel guitar.  The other shock was seeing Ron pop up.  For somebody who wasn't going to come to the jams, he went out of his way to do that.  Later on it was revealed that when Ron found out Dakota was up there, he decided to show up, and then raised a big stink when Dakota borrowed Chuck's guitar to play lead on a couple numbers.

I can always when things will go to crap when Ron starts drinking and he had about four shots of something other.  Ron showed up about twenty minutes after Dakota and he pal'ed around the bar then later came up to shout some unintelligible words to I Just Want To make Love To You.  And then proceeded to drink some more shots.  I think he said something to me prior to the song but I really didn't hear him well.  Soon afterwards he went home and tore Dakota up with the usual instant messenger banter. I caught wind of some of this, but the keyword was turncoat.  No wonder Dakota was upset when I left.

This afternoon Ron left a cryptic announcement that the BSH gig at the Office Lounge was canceled due to his foot injury not being healed enough and the foot screws were not removed. A better guess is that his foot went back to his mouth again.  Dr. Jekyll turned into Mr. Ron once again.

It's not the best of times for the BSH band and the head boy scout master isn't doing them any favors with his late night tirades that has caused a lot of the bars to say no to them.  Callie Jean has found a job and that's not going over very well either.  There's not a money to be made playing music, it's strictly for fun and perhaps a bit of gas money but it's not going to pay the bills, at least not for me.   What started out to be a promising year for them is slowly falling apart.  Dakota has  upped his game since the Mad Dogs and he has turned into a damn good guitar player.  Perhaps he should consider looking for another band to play in or find musicians his age to do music with.  Ron has now been a part of the music scene for almost three years and he can bring a crowd to dance.  He's good at that, but his attitude has put off most musicians and bass players will not give him the time of day.  I can't vouch what he says about me. Is it true he doesn't like his band to play at jams?  It never stopped me before but then again I was a temporary anyway.  He did keep his word and paid me as prescribed when we played.   However, the tirades are becoming tiresome and it's better to have him made true to his promise never to play at jams anymore.  We don't wish ill will on him, just him to go away.  You're not going to make it big at F B Company in Waubeek anytime soon, especially if you're 60 years old.

For Stone City, Maki told me about the events of last night and when I told him about BSH canceling the afternoon gig due to his "foot issues"  I mentioned that they have to surgery remove his foot from his mouth and we all bust out laughing for about 10 minutes.   The highlight of the jam.

Terry McCauley threw a challenge at me and dared me not to use my cheatsheet song book for the songs so I decided to take him up on that.  Richard Budde played drums on my set list, which helped me dictate a better song selection, tho Logic And Lies and Good Time Charlie have been holdovers for the past couple months. Spirit In The Sky (Kentucky Headhunters version) was dusted off.  I haven't done that song in a year or so and Bring It On Home was debuted.  I ran threw the songs before heading out so that they didn't sound too rough.  Over all, it actually sounded pretty good considering the songs and situation.

Steve Black Wolf was dealing with headaches so he stayed home.  Dave Bonham was practicing with his new band.  Carl Meiners, Bill Schlatter, Maki Dervo, Rocky Smith were in attendance.   Things ended around 7 due to lack of other jammers.  Doing an encore was considered but we didn't follow through on that.

On a side note, I went and sold some CDs to Half Price Books.  Bob Dorr, our fave DJ, managed to pick up my copy of Hound Dog Taylor And The Houserockers Deluxe Edition.  There's more where that came from.