Thoughts From The Townedger-October 2021

It's been a long week at work, so I have missed out on a lot of jams this week.  However Kat Blue held the fort down as she sings at Rumors this Sunday.  Ronny Boles and Herman were there to provide beats and Herman asking why Belinda hasn't returned his phone calls.

The Bohemian is getting a nasty bad rep.  They managed to double book and threw out Hart Parker for Taz Bryant and The Blues Gang and this isn't the first time a band got thrown out.   I have thought about contacting the owner about Blues Rox playing there or bring it to Brian's attention.  

Blues Rox got screwed out of a couple of gigs as well.    Life goes on.   Blues Rox tried to get a last second cancellation at the new North Point lounge but they went with Robin Banks or Retro Rockets instead.  I really don't think much of the owner of that place.  But then again, my opinion means nutz. Just like Aces n Eights, the North Point owner tends to have the same four or five bands rotate there. I am not holding my breath about playing there anytime soon.  Maybe in 2022, Blues Rox will be back at J and A Tap.  Key word: Maybe, tho nobody is too thrilled about the 9 30 to 1 30 time slot.  Even for grumpy ole 60 year old, I rather be in be before 2 30.  

With the Bohemian snafu, consider the source.  

I hope to go to Okeefe's in Moline sometime next month to participate in the open mic Mondays but I'm not sure if I want to be judged by Michael Moncada.  He brings  a strange vibe that repels the last time I was there. 

I have not been in the best of mental health of late.  I seem to be withdrawing from the music world and in life in particular.   Of late, I have not picked up the guitar once again and my drumming is on the decline.  Hearing loss has been a big issue and I'm not looking forward to wear a hearing aid.  A pulled rotator cuff, has been my fave past time walking really painful.  feels like a heart attack of sorts.  I may be one of the lucky ones that is getting a early indication of Demetria.  Turning 50 I still have my hair, my hearing, my sight, turning 60, I'm seeing these things being taken away from me.  It hasn't been the best of times and with fall processing and dealing with work issues, I tend to tire out quite badly.  On a good note, I have been sleeping through the night.  Julie does her best to try to understand the situation that befalls me,  she has their own demons as well.  But throwing my burdens on her is not what I want to do.  Alas, my mom is suffering a lot more than I am.  There's nothing more depressing to call her on the phone and she doesn't recongize my voice. 

When I started documenting, the happenings of the past jams and open mics and gigs, I wanted to leave behind some sort of memo of the good and bad times.   And if my mind allows it, I'll try to continue to do that, participate at the ones I'm involved with.  I do think that I'm once again retreating away from the stage and music, to live out this life in solitude.  I hate to think that I will slowly lose all the things I was born into and the music that I played in this time of living.  It's a shame to lose the things that made me enjoy this life.  Seeing the photos of me and DJ's grandson Jasper really does seem to be the changing of the guard.   I was young once and looked forward to playing drums.  Just like when Mr. Keeney sold me the Zickos set.  But I had nobody watching over me, like I did watch Jasper play away. 

I'm trying to get Russ to go to more of the jams and check out the other musicians and I think the Checker's Avey Grouws Band has gotten him to the Wed Whisky Jo's jam tho he declined to play. He must have impressed Terry, which is cool.   Russ did mentioned that Blues Rox was at their best that night.  And I was glad I could do a long lunch to play.  I also think that had I not showed up, that Terry would have done a fine job on drums.