Hey, I just got in from the maiden voyage of John Colgan-Davis' project, Black Men Blush at LaRose Supper Club. Wow, what a gas! Black Men Blush is John on harmonica and vocals, AC Steel on guitar and vocals, "Chicago" Carl Snyder on piano and vocals, Mike O'Rourke on drums and myself on bass and vocals. The project has been in development for the past year and it's very satisfying to finally bring the group to the people. From what I gathered, the people were happy to have us.
Folks who are in the know are recognizing LaRose's as a choice venue to catch live blues music in Philadelphia. Tonight, a smallish but enthusiastic crowd helped launch the new group and truly a good time was had by all. Even "Chicago" Carl! Rockin' a new axe, Carl was in rare form with a smokin' pass at the Fat's Domino classic, "Josephine". With AC in the house, it was Steelmeister time once again with tunes like "Green River", "Rock This House" and "Steelman's Back in Town". I guess it's official, "Mustang Sally" is my signature tune so I'll shut up and play. What the heck. But tonight, in this group, John Colgan-Davis was the primary voice as he brought to life tunes like Paul Reddick's "Dreamin'" and John's original, "I'm Gonna Rock". What a great night!
Thanks to Dr. LaRose and his staff for a warm welcome.
Thanks to Joe on sound. Rock on, brother!
Shout outs to Dianne and her crew, Susana and her mom, Ona, Adrienne, Jay, Robbi, Penny, and all the rest of the folks who helped make this a special night.
Of course, thanks to John, Carl, AC and Mike for the incredible sounds.
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Rock 'n' Roll 'n' Ribs 'n' Chilli cookoff in Vineland, NJ at 7PM.
Black Men Blush @ LaRose Supper Club September 25, 2009
Dukes of Destiny @ Holy Smoke May 30, 2009
At the risk of being redundant, ...
Holy Smoke! (I couldn't resist)
A newish barbecue and blues venue, great weather and many really cool people can make for an enjoyable spring Saturday night in Roxborough. Throw the Dukes into the mix and you've got one hell of a party. That's the way it was on Leverington tonight, but just in case you missed it...
It is rare that I post back to back on the same venue. I mean, since the last Holy Smoke date the Dukes have been to the Poconos for Cigarfest, New Brunswick for the New Jersey Folk Fest, and of course the Mermaid Inn. No grass growing under these guitars. But I must say that our first two forays into Holy Smoke have been entirely out of sight (who says that?). As we arrived, many familiar faces were already enjoying the ambience of the venue so it was up to us to take it up a notch. After a challenging sound check we were off!
Early on, it was business as usual with first set tunes such as Paul Riddick's "P.R.'s Jubilee" and the blues standard "Messin' With The Kid" but as we moved along in the evening we took some chances and went balls to the wall with the soul of "Midnight Hour" and the Dianan Krall song "Temptation". Along for the ride and sitting in on a few tunes was Steve Bernstein, fresh outta Austin, Texas. As I am sure you all know, Steve was the Dukes' sax man when I joined up in 1995 and we hung out until his departure circa 2000. Steve joined us for several tunes including the aforementioned "Temptation", "Nadine", "Mustang Sally" and "Wish You Would". It was a blast.
With the smells of barbecue wafting through the air, the sounds of laughter and hearty cheers drove the band through the evening. This is definitely a special place.
Thanks to the folks at Holy Smoke for having us back. C-ya soon.
Thanks to Marilyn (happy birthday, darlin') and Susana for putting a great group of folks together for dinner and a show! Good work!
Thanks to Steve Bernstein, Marc Grossman & Carl Crabtree. They share the distinction of being the Dukes sax players past and present and they all were in the house tonight. I like to point those kinds of things out. Sue me.
Thanks to Marilyn & Milt, The Verona sisters, Susana & her mother, Lorraine all of the Blues Meet Up folks, Sharon, Marc, Neil, Pete and Pam, Eve & Rob, and of course Chris and Sara whose party we played last year that got busted by the police during the last tune of the night ... of course it helps that Sara is a cop. We promise to play just as loud next time. Maybe we'll just end earlier. No, Chris you cannot have a sip of my martini, I don't care how well you fed me.
Needless to say, thanks to CC, John, Arlyn, Carl, Ray and Bob for the tunes.
NEXT UP: DUKES OF DESTINY @ Kennett Flash June 5, 2009 8:00PM
Holy Smoke! (I couldn't resist)
A newish barbecue and blues venue, great weather and many really cool people can make for an enjoyable spring Saturday night in Roxborough. Throw the Dukes into the mix and you've got one hell of a party. That's the way it was on Leverington tonight, but just in case you missed it...
It is rare that I post back to back on the same venue. I mean, since the last Holy Smoke date the Dukes have been to the Poconos for Cigarfest, New Brunswick for the New Jersey Folk Fest, and of course the Mermaid Inn. No grass growing under these guitars. But I must say that our first two forays into Holy Smoke have been entirely out of sight (who says that?). As we arrived, many familiar faces were already enjoying the ambience of the venue so it was up to us to take it up a notch. After a challenging sound check we were off!
Early on, it was business as usual with first set tunes such as Paul Riddick's "P.R.'s Jubilee" and the blues standard "Messin' With The Kid" but as we moved along in the evening we took some chances and went balls to the wall with the soul of "Midnight Hour" and the Dianan Krall song "Temptation". Along for the ride and sitting in on a few tunes was Steve Bernstein, fresh outta Austin, Texas. As I am sure you all know, Steve was the Dukes' sax man when I joined up in 1995 and we hung out until his departure circa 2000. Steve joined us for several tunes including the aforementioned "Temptation", "Nadine", "Mustang Sally" and "Wish You Would". It was a blast.
With the smells of barbecue wafting through the air, the sounds of laughter and hearty cheers drove the band through the evening. This is definitely a special place.
Thanks to the folks at Holy Smoke for having us back. C-ya soon.
Thanks to Marilyn (happy birthday, darlin') and Susana for putting a great group of folks together for dinner and a show! Good work!
Thanks to Steve Bernstein, Marc Grossman & Carl Crabtree. They share the distinction of being the Dukes sax players past and present and they all were in the house tonight. I like to point those kinds of things out. Sue me.
Thanks to Marilyn & Milt, The Verona sisters, Susana & her mother, Lorraine all of the Blues Meet Up folks, Sharon, Marc, Neil, Pete and Pam, Eve & Rob, and of course Chris and Sara whose party we played last year that got busted by the police during the last tune of the night ... of course it helps that Sara is a cop. We promise to play just as loud next time. Maybe we'll just end earlier. No, Chris you cannot have a sip of my martini, I don't care how well you fed me.
Needless to say, thanks to CC, John, Arlyn, Carl, Ray and Bob for the tunes.
NEXT UP: DUKES OF DESTINY @ Kennett Flash June 5, 2009 8:00PM
Dukes of Destiny @ Holy Smoke April 18, 2009
Holy Smoke!
The Dukes were at this new Barbecue and Blues spot in Roxborough on Saturday night. With really good spring weather and a taste for good food, many folks came out to eat, drink and dance the night away. So, just in case you missed it …
Holy Smoke is a newish restaurant in Roxborough previously operating as Farley’s. It has a decidedly southern barbecue cuisine and they appear to be serious about promoting live music. Although still in the process of assembling a respectable sound system, the spacious dance floor and multiple bars should keep the crowd happy. It sure did the other night as we laid down some smokin’ blues!
Sitting in with us on drums was my Galvanizer pal, Bud Manton. But along with the regular Dukes as well as many of our regular fans, it was the same house rockin’ Dukes of Destiny show that Philly has loved for over 20 yeas. On the repertoire were many of the usual faire such as Mudcat, All Your Love and I Go Crazy. Add to that recent additions like Midnight Hour, and some of John Colgan-Davis’ original tunes like Why and Garden of Earthly Delights … you got yourself a barn burner there. And that we did.
Thanks to the Holy Smoke staff for you hospitality. Dottie at the bar, you rock!
Thanks to Bobbie and Brenda and Virginia, Evan (damn you’ve grown), Arlyn’s family, Karen, Nurse Mary from around the way, Phil and Joyce, Susana, and members of the Philadelphia Blues Meetup Group for coming out and hanging with us.
Of course, thanks to Bud, John, Arlyn, Carl and Ray for the tunes.
NEXT: Dukes of Destiny @ New Jersey Folk Festival April 25, 2009 5:00PM
The Dukes were at this new Barbecue and Blues spot in Roxborough on Saturday night. With really good spring weather and a taste for good food, many folks came out to eat, drink and dance the night away. So, just in case you missed it …
Holy Smoke is a newish restaurant in Roxborough previously operating as Farley’s. It has a decidedly southern barbecue cuisine and they appear to be serious about promoting live music. Although still in the process of assembling a respectable sound system, the spacious dance floor and multiple bars should keep the crowd happy. It sure did the other night as we laid down some smokin’ blues!
Sitting in with us on drums was my Galvanizer pal, Bud Manton. But along with the regular Dukes as well as many of our regular fans, it was the same house rockin’ Dukes of Destiny show that Philly has loved for over 20 yeas. On the repertoire were many of the usual faire such as Mudcat, All Your Love and I Go Crazy. Add to that recent additions like Midnight Hour, and some of John Colgan-Davis’ original tunes like Why and Garden of Earthly Delights … you got yourself a barn burner there. And that we did.
Thanks to the Holy Smoke staff for you hospitality. Dottie at the bar, you rock!
Thanks to Bobbie and Brenda and Virginia, Evan (damn you’ve grown), Arlyn’s family, Karen, Nurse Mary from around the way, Phil and Joyce, Susana, and members of the Philadelphia Blues Meetup Group for coming out and hanging with us.
Of course, thanks to Bud, John, Arlyn, Carl and Ray for the tunes.
NEXT: Dukes of Destiny @ New Jersey Folk Festival April 25, 2009 5:00PM
Dukes of Destiny @ Kennett Flash March 07, 2009
Way Friggin' Kool!. The Kennett Flash is absolutely a Way Friggin' Kool venue. Great sound, humorous staff and even discounting the flight of stairs, a great place to hear live music. But I've gotten ahead of myself so let's backtrack ... Just in case you missed it ....
It's no surprise that The Dukes of Destiny were thrilled to be in the Kennett Square area. Our most lively following appears to be in the Chester County area these days. With the help of the Turtledove Folk Society, we've been able to bring our brand of blues to the good people of West Grove for over a decade now. We've been rewarded with staggering attendance figures in the area and we are truly greatful. So, arriving at this new venue for us, we were very hopeful and looking forward to a great evening.
Its located in what looks like your average office building. In fact, I think some medical offices share the space. But after five o'clock, its time to put the stethoscope away and get your art vibe on. The Flash has been host to some "listening style" concerts and our show was the first to encourage use of the hardwood floor for dancing. We weren't disappointed.
From the first note, the dancefloor came alive with people yet there were still many in the audience quite happy to enjoy the music from their seats. I noticed at least one couple who set up two chairs just off of the dancefloor and sat through the entire show. They never left their seats but applauded enthusiastically throughout. How about that?
We even had a request for a tune from that Midwestern Summer Knight, Chicago Carl, and obliged with "Hello Josephine". A new song that we've worked into the set is "Midnight Hour" and that was well received. Probably the greatest ovation, and no wonder, was for Arlyn's tune, "I Call It Love". It's quite a powerful tune and she and Carl play the hell out of it.
Shout out to Julie, Sharon, Lee and Biff at the Kennett Flash. Thanks for having us and lets do it again soon!
Shout out to all of our Turtledove and Zydeco contacts like Lou, Leslie, Jackie, Anna, Chris, Trish and Eddie. You guys are the best. I know there were more of you but its my fault I'm lousy with names.
Of course, thanks to CC (you is one funny dude), John, Ray, Arlyn, Bob, and Carl. You guys make this easy!
PEACE
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Holy Smoke April 18, 2009 9:30PM
It's no surprise that The Dukes of Destiny were thrilled to be in the Kennett Square area. Our most lively following appears to be in the Chester County area these days. With the help of the Turtledove Folk Society, we've been able to bring our brand of blues to the good people of West Grove for over a decade now. We've been rewarded with staggering attendance figures in the area and we are truly greatful. So, arriving at this new venue for us, we were very hopeful and looking forward to a great evening.
Its located in what looks like your average office building. In fact, I think some medical offices share the space. But after five o'clock, its time to put the stethoscope away and get your art vibe on. The Flash has been host to some "listening style" concerts and our show was the first to encourage use of the hardwood floor for dancing. We weren't disappointed.
From the first note, the dancefloor came alive with people yet there were still many in the audience quite happy to enjoy the music from their seats. I noticed at least one couple who set up two chairs just off of the dancefloor and sat through the entire show. They never left their seats but applauded enthusiastically throughout. How about that?
We even had a request for a tune from that Midwestern Summer Knight, Chicago Carl, and obliged with "Hello Josephine". A new song that we've worked into the set is "Midnight Hour" and that was well received. Probably the greatest ovation, and no wonder, was for Arlyn's tune, "I Call It Love". It's quite a powerful tune and she and Carl play the hell out of it.
Shout out to Julie, Sharon, Lee and Biff at the Kennett Flash. Thanks for having us and lets do it again soon!
Shout out to all of our Turtledove and Zydeco contacts like Lou, Leslie, Jackie, Anna, Chris, Trish and Eddie. You guys are the best. I know there were more of you but its my fault I'm lousy with names.
Of course, thanks to CC (you is one funny dude), John, Ray, Arlyn, Bob, and Carl. You guys make this easy!
PEACE
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Holy Smoke April 18, 2009 9:30PM
Dukes of Destiny @ West Grove Meetinghouse January 26, 2009
Question: What do you get when you cross the Turtledove Folk Club with The Dukes of Destiny? Answer: Another meetinghouse-rockin' show in West Grove, PA. Believe the hype, my children, because it doesn't get much better than this for up-close and personal unabashed fun. No snow either! Bonus! So, just in case you missed it .....
The Dukes were continuing our annual appearance with the Turtledove Folk Club. Its been over a decade, little about the event has changed and I love it that way. Oh, a few faces have changed but in the end the mission is the same; Peace Through Music. I say it over and over but its an event that you kinda can't really describe ... you just have to experience it. I mean really, the notion of a loud rockin'blues band in a Qauker Meetinghouse is a little, well, different. And yet, we've been doing this since '96.
Okay so you know the drill, a hike down Route 1, a brief sound and light check, a generous pot-luck dinner and a great show! We took the stage to an anxious crowd promptly got the party started with Messin' With The Kid. A few new tunes were added to the two sets and one we brought out early, Midnight Hour. As to form, you can count on Chicago Carl to roll his eyes if you don't play that song precisely at midnight. I of course got my groove on with "All Your Love" and "Mustang Sally". CC chimed in with his take on road food with "R C Cola". Leading the night's vocals was Arlyn with "Dr. Feelgood" and her own composition, "I Call it Love". All in all we kicked some serious onion. That's booty for those of you not in the know.
Thanks to Lou and Leslie for your hospitality yet another year.
Thanks to Kevin and the Turtledove Folk Club for a great relationship.
Thanks to Arlyn's sister Emily and her crew; Jackie and all of the Zydeco folks who made the trip; Holly; Barbara and Wayne, Cyndi and Tom; Danielle, Lois and the gentleman whose name escapes me; and all of the folks who braved the cold but dry roads to come out and have fun with us. See you again next year, but hopefully sooner!
Of course, thanks to Bobby, Chicago Carl, CC, Arlyn, John and Ray for yet another barn burner of a night.
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ The Mermaid Inn February 7, 2009 09:30PM
The Dukes were continuing our annual appearance with the Turtledove Folk Club. Its been over a decade, little about the event has changed and I love it that way. Oh, a few faces have changed but in the end the mission is the same; Peace Through Music. I say it over and over but its an event that you kinda can't really describe ... you just have to experience it. I mean really, the notion of a loud rockin'blues band in a Qauker Meetinghouse is a little, well, different. And yet, we've been doing this since '96.
Okay so you know the drill, a hike down Route 1, a brief sound and light check, a generous pot-luck dinner and a great show! We took the stage to an anxious crowd promptly got the party started with Messin' With The Kid. A few new tunes were added to the two sets and one we brought out early, Midnight Hour. As to form, you can count on Chicago Carl to roll his eyes if you don't play that song precisely at midnight. I of course got my groove on with "All Your Love" and "Mustang Sally". CC chimed in with his take on road food with "R C Cola". Leading the night's vocals was Arlyn with "Dr. Feelgood" and her own composition, "I Call it Love". All in all we kicked some serious onion. That's booty for those of you not in the know.
Thanks to Lou and Leslie for your hospitality yet another year.
Thanks to Kevin and the Turtledove Folk Club for a great relationship.
Thanks to Arlyn's sister Emily and her crew; Jackie and all of the Zydeco folks who made the trip; Holly; Barbara and Wayne, Cyndi and Tom; Danielle, Lois and the gentleman whose name escapes me; and all of the folks who braved the cold but dry roads to come out and have fun with us. See you again next year, but hopefully sooner!
Of course, thanks to Bobby, Chicago Carl, CC, Arlyn, John and Ray for yet another barn burner of a night.
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ The Mermaid Inn February 7, 2009 09:30PM