Hi folks ...
Welcome back to your friendly neighborhood bassman's corner of the web. Nothing can get you through a gray dreary day like live music. But throw in a ribs and chili competition, well ... just in case you missed it....
The Dukes of Destiny were on the road to Vineland, NJ for the Rock'N'Roll'N'Ribs'N'Chili Cookoff, a hard fought yet sweet and tender competition held on the main drag down the center of Vineland. Set up like a street festival, Landis Ave. was cut off for blocks as perveyors of mouthwatering meals offered samples up for the right to be called Grand Champion.
Providing the ambience for this party, The Dukes topped off the event with some hard rockin' blues to get all those folks who had sampled all that food up and dancing. Gotta burn off the calories, and what better way than to shake yo' money maker in the middle of street.
Rockin' Blues, Chili and Ribs. What a bargain!
Thanks to the city of Vineland for having us out and thanks to Jim (a heck of a drummer as well) for booking us on the extravaganza!
Thanks to all the food venodrs. Delish!
Of course, thanks to CC, Arlyn, Bud, John and Ray for the ruckus!
PEACE, Rich
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ The Mermaid Inn Oct 11, 2008 9:30PM
Dukes of Destiny @ Vineland, NJ Rock'N'Roll'N'Ribs'N'Chili Cookoff Sep 27, 2008
Dukes of Destiny @ Sellersville Theater Sep 26, 2008
Hey Folks ...
The Dukes of Destiny returned to the Sellersville Theater Friday night to headline the "Blues and Brews" event. What can I say? It was a blast. Beer tasting, great food from the Washington House next door and some lively music from three hard driving bands. So, let's get it on, just in case you missed it ....
It was an early call for soundcheck but that made for a relatively easy commute. Surprisingly, getting into Sellersville on a Friday night can be a trial unless you plan ahead, what with the Route 309 construction project and those folks ending the work week with a trip to the mountains. Our trek was easy enough and we arrived with little hassle. The Sellersville Theater is an old restored movie theater and easily the most identifiable landmark in Sellersvile. You're just not going to miss it.
After loading in and having Dan the soundman get us all mic'd up, we were escorted to the Washington House for dinner. The doors were to open at 7PM and the first act would go on a half an hour afterwards. We were pretty much left to our own devices for the next few hours. You generally hang back stage with the other musicians exchanging anecdotes about this show or that until you're on. You also catch some great performances from time to time and this night was no different. Both Kind of Blue and Blues Night Out came to play. They had the house hoppin' and we were ready to take it even higher!
After a brief intermission, The Dukes took the stage and you could see much of the theater just "troop move" down to the floor in front of the stage. The dancefloor was officially 'open' and all took advantage of the fact. One of the highlights of the show was Arlyn performing her song, I Call It Love. I don't think I've ever seen a crowd connect to that song as much as they did then. She sang the smack outta that tune. Ray got down and growlin' nasty on Wish You Would later in the set and Chicago Carl pretty much took us to school all night long displaying his versatility with both The Dukes and Kind Of Blue. Definite WOW factor.By about 11, we were ready to close the show but the crowd wasn't. We got an extension from management and fired off Mission Temple Fireworks Stand! Pretty incredible!
Thanks to the Sellersville Theater for having us back. We'll do it again sometime.
Thanks to the Washington House. Great food. I had the grilled Salmon and it was exquisite!
Shout out to Matt Roman and Kind of Blue as well as "Mad Dog" Moyer and Blues Night Out. They're both great live entertainment so catch them when you can.
Of course, thanks to Arlyn, Ray, Chicago Carl, CC, Bobby and John for keeping it live!
PEACE,
Rich
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Vineland's Rock'N'Roll'N'Chili Cookoff Sep 27, 2008 6PM
The Dukes of Destiny returned to the Sellersville Theater Friday night to headline the "Blues and Brews" event. What can I say? It was a blast. Beer tasting, great food from the Washington House next door and some lively music from three hard driving bands. So, let's get it on, just in case you missed it ....
It was an early call for soundcheck but that made for a relatively easy commute. Surprisingly, getting into Sellersville on a Friday night can be a trial unless you plan ahead, what with the Route 309 construction project and those folks ending the work week with a trip to the mountains. Our trek was easy enough and we arrived with little hassle. The Sellersville Theater is an old restored movie theater and easily the most identifiable landmark in Sellersvile. You're just not going to miss it.
After loading in and having Dan the soundman get us all mic'd up, we were escorted to the Washington House for dinner. The doors were to open at 7PM and the first act would go on a half an hour afterwards. We were pretty much left to our own devices for the next few hours. You generally hang back stage with the other musicians exchanging anecdotes about this show or that until you're on. You also catch some great performances from time to time and this night was no different. Both Kind of Blue and Blues Night Out came to play. They had the house hoppin' and we were ready to take it even higher!
After a brief intermission, The Dukes took the stage and you could see much of the theater just "troop move" down to the floor in front of the stage. The dancefloor was officially 'open' and all took advantage of the fact. One of the highlights of the show was Arlyn performing her song, I Call It Love. I don't think I've ever seen a crowd connect to that song as much as they did then. She sang the smack outta that tune. Ray got down and growlin' nasty on Wish You Would later in the set and Chicago Carl pretty much took us to school all night long displaying his versatility with both The Dukes and Kind Of Blue. Definite WOW factor.By about 11, we were ready to close the show but the crowd wasn't. We got an extension from management and fired off Mission Temple Fireworks Stand! Pretty incredible!
Thanks to the Sellersville Theater for having us back. We'll do it again sometime.
Thanks to the Washington House. Great food. I had the grilled Salmon and it was exquisite!
Shout out to Matt Roman and Kind of Blue as well as "Mad Dog" Moyer and Blues Night Out. They're both great live entertainment so catch them when you can.
Of course, thanks to Arlyn, Ray, Chicago Carl, CC, Bobby and John for keeping it live!
PEACE,
Rich
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ Vineland's Rock'N'Roll'N'Chili Cookoff Sep 27, 2008 6PM
Dukes of Destiny @ Chris & Sarah's September 13, 2008
Hi Folks ...
Now, ordinarily I don't give you news from private parties. Hell, recently I haven't been giving you info on much of anything! What can I say? Shit happens but usually it doesn't. So, as I was saying, now I have something to report as Mickael Brecker's Chime This plays in my ears. So without further ado, just in case you missed it......
I generally like playing private parties. In most cases the people we do parties for know the band, have heard the band and enjoy us so you don't have to set out to win people over. You just do what you do, people have a great time and all is well. Our host, Sarah, was familiar with the band and wanted us for her end of summer bash, an annual affair that has become legend among her friends. Great idea. Just one wrinkle. We're setting up in the back yard and the weather calls for rain.
As we start, the moon is peeking through a puffy blanket of clouds and you can feel the humidity rise. You know that smell in the air when rain is about to pour? Nowhere to be found. Nonetheless, by the second song of the night, there was the tiny droplet of moisture every 10 or so seconds that just said, "Hi, its gonna rain!" It would get your attention for a minute or so and then ... nothing. And you're lulled into thinking you have dodged a bullet. Nah, its the weather, man! Its foolin' you and you don't like it! The entire night it would spit for a bit and then stop for a bit then start a bit. Back and forth. Kinda like having your finger on the button. Watch and wait. In the end, it didn't pour but it was a touch and go feeling all night.
We'd actually gotten to the last song and I was feeling pretty relieved that the rain held off when the next challenge arrived in the form of the po-po. I guess someone out there wasn't groovin' to our vibe. It really wasn't that late and I didn't think it was all that loud, but sound does carry. I saw one of Philly's finest approach our host making a slashing gesture across his throat and looking quite determined. My host appeared to be pleading a case (I couldn't hear her) but after a few moments they both walked away and when Sarah returned, she was alone and we had finished our song, said thanks and were packing up gear.
I hear it told that Sarah wears a blue uniform and a badge while performing her day job.
Thanks to Sarah and Chris for a great time, some wonderfully interactive guests and above all else the ability to defuse a "situation".
Thanks to AC Steel and Bud Manton for filling in. Great job, boys!
Of course thanks to Arlyn, CC, Carl & John for keeping the flow.
NEXT UP: Dukes of DESTINY @ Sellersville Theater Sep 26, 2008 07:30PM
Now, ordinarily I don't give you news from private parties. Hell, recently I haven't been giving you info on much of anything! What can I say? Shit happens but usually it doesn't. So, as I was saying, now I have something to report as Mickael Brecker's Chime This plays in my ears. So without further ado, just in case you missed it......
I generally like playing private parties. In most cases the people we do parties for know the band, have heard the band and enjoy us so you don't have to set out to win people over. You just do what you do, people have a great time and all is well. Our host, Sarah, was familiar with the band and wanted us for her end of summer bash, an annual affair that has become legend among her friends. Great idea. Just one wrinkle. We're setting up in the back yard and the weather calls for rain.
As we start, the moon is peeking through a puffy blanket of clouds and you can feel the humidity rise. You know that smell in the air when rain is about to pour? Nowhere to be found. Nonetheless, by the second song of the night, there was the tiny droplet of moisture every 10 or so seconds that just said, "Hi, its gonna rain!" It would get your attention for a minute or so and then ... nothing. And you're lulled into thinking you have dodged a bullet. Nah, its the weather, man! Its foolin' you and you don't like it! The entire night it would spit for a bit and then stop for a bit then start a bit. Back and forth. Kinda like having your finger on the button. Watch and wait. In the end, it didn't pour but it was a touch and go feeling all night.
We'd actually gotten to the last song and I was feeling pretty relieved that the rain held off when the next challenge arrived in the form of the po-po. I guess someone out there wasn't groovin' to our vibe. It really wasn't that late and I didn't think it was all that loud, but sound does carry. I saw one of Philly's finest approach our host making a slashing gesture across his throat and looking quite determined. My host appeared to be pleading a case (I couldn't hear her) but after a few moments they both walked away and when Sarah returned, she was alone and we had finished our song, said thanks and were packing up gear.
I hear it told that Sarah wears a blue uniform and a badge while performing her day job.
Thanks to Sarah and Chris for a great time, some wonderfully interactive guests and above all else the ability to defuse a "situation".
Thanks to AC Steel and Bud Manton for filling in. Great job, boys!
Of course thanks to Arlyn, CC, Carl & John for keeping the flow.
NEXT UP: Dukes of DESTINY @ Sellersville Theater Sep 26, 2008 07:30PM
Jim Dragoni Outside of O'Doodles May 02, 2008
Well, wasn't this a nice idea? Live music along Chestnut Hill's retail district on Germantown Ave. Its not really a novel notion. Its been going on for years and if you're from the area, its something you look forward to as the spring temperatures take hold. This is the setting for my rendezvous with Jim Dragoni and Webb Thomas last night and the soundtrack for the evening was sublime, so just in case you missed it ...
Chestnut Hill is a great place to be, just ask Erica Kane or Agnes Nixon. And when you add live music it can be an even more exciting place to set one's self down and take in the scenery. This is what many did as Jim Dragoni's group lit up the ave with electric guitar laden jazz tunes. The trio bopped around from Jim's original compositions such as Dawn, from his recently released "Gargantua", to respected jazz standards such as Embraceable You.
Now, if you happened to hear trio instrumentation but see only a threesome of teens, well that was the group that would spell Jim while his group took a break. Although their Twist and Shout could use a bit more time in the garage, I'm the last one to tell a kid to put the instrument down.
I remember when I couldn't play. I remember when I sucked. I remember when I felt embarrased playing in public.
I think I can say that I don't suck anymore.
Someone who can play will always look out for someone who is putting forth the effort.
Anywho, a good time was had by all, it didn't rain and we didn't get shut down by the cops.
Thanks to the Chestnut Hill Chamber of Commerce.
Thanks to Fran and O'Doodles for your support.
Shout outs to Dan, Dave, Dr. Sue, John, another John with family in tow and Gwen's Crew for stopping by and hanging out a bit.
Of course, thanks to Jim and Webb for some notes of note.
PEACE
Rich
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ The Mermaid Inn 09:30PM May 03, 2008
Chestnut Hill is a great place to be, just ask Erica Kane or Agnes Nixon. And when you add live music it can be an even more exciting place to set one's self down and take in the scenery. This is what many did as Jim Dragoni's group lit up the ave with electric guitar laden jazz tunes. The trio bopped around from Jim's original compositions such as Dawn, from his recently released "Gargantua", to respected jazz standards such as Embraceable You.
Now, if you happened to hear trio instrumentation but see only a threesome of teens, well that was the group that would spell Jim while his group took a break. Although their Twist and Shout could use a bit more time in the garage, I'm the last one to tell a kid to put the instrument down.
I remember when I couldn't play. I remember when I sucked. I remember when I felt embarrased playing in public.
I think I can say that I don't suck anymore.
Someone who can play will always look out for someone who is putting forth the effort.
Anywho, a good time was had by all, it didn't rain and we didn't get shut down by the cops.
Thanks to the Chestnut Hill Chamber of Commerce.
Thanks to Fran and O'Doodles for your support.
Shout outs to Dan, Dave, Dr. Sue, John, another John with family in tow and Gwen's Crew for stopping by and hanging out a bit.
Of course, thanks to Jim and Webb for some notes of note.
PEACE
Rich
NEXT UP: Dukes of Destiny @ The Mermaid Inn 09:30PM May 03, 2008
Dukes of Destiny @ NXNW April 19, 2008
Its always kool to perform alongside people with whom you don't ordinarily work. Like my friend, the drummer Rob Smith says,"We do it for the hang." It was with this in mind that I looked forward to the Dukes opening for Deb Callahan at North By Northwest in Mount Airy last night. One of the better rooms in town with one of the better singers of the area as well as a short commute. Nice!
It was about an hour before show time when I got to the venue for soundcheck. Deb's bassist Gary Lee was gracious enough to allow me to use his rig and I began to get things in order. As we progressed and the crowd began to gather, I was totally comfortable with beverage of choice in hand and a few friends arriving to enjoy the show. After some pleasantries the show began and it was like a well oiled machine. All things in their place and the sound was surprisingly good. We banged out one entirely lively set before turning it over to Deb and the crowd was enthused and, after a brief intermission, ready to enjoy another set of rockin' blues.
Its been a while since I've seen the band live but I've run into Alan James all over Philly for years and its always nice to hear him play. I haven't consciously heard Gary Lee before now but he's got flair, style & substance and with Doug Masters back there on drums, Deb has put together an engaging and road-worthy unit. As their set began I sat towards the side kinda checkin' the vibe and noticed that folks were indeed ready for the vocally-fueled, 4-piece combo that Deb presents and there was rapt attention. With each song their was more and more reason to listen to what this group was throwin' down. Definitely a blast.
Thanks to NXNW for a great night of live music.
Thanks to Tracey for the sound.
Shout outs to Adrienne and Allison for makin' it out. Way Kool!
Thanks to the Deb Callahan band for having us along for the ride.
Of course, thanks to Arlyn, Carl, Bobby, CC, John and Ray the notes off the page.
PEACE
Rich
NEXT UP: Sunday Musicale @ The Rotunda 03:00PM April 20, 2008
It was about an hour before show time when I got to the venue for soundcheck. Deb's bassist Gary Lee was gracious enough to allow me to use his rig and I began to get things in order. As we progressed and the crowd began to gather, I was totally comfortable with beverage of choice in hand and a few friends arriving to enjoy the show. After some pleasantries the show began and it was like a well oiled machine. All things in their place and the sound was surprisingly good. We banged out one entirely lively set before turning it over to Deb and the crowd was enthused and, after a brief intermission, ready to enjoy another set of rockin' blues.
Its been a while since I've seen the band live but I've run into Alan James all over Philly for years and its always nice to hear him play. I haven't consciously heard Gary Lee before now but he's got flair, style & substance and with Doug Masters back there on drums, Deb has put together an engaging and road-worthy unit. As their set began I sat towards the side kinda checkin' the vibe and noticed that folks were indeed ready for the vocally-fueled, 4-piece combo that Deb presents and there was rapt attention. With each song their was more and more reason to listen to what this group was throwin' down. Definitely a blast.
Thanks to NXNW for a great night of live music.
Thanks to Tracey for the sound.
Shout outs to Adrienne and Allison for makin' it out. Way Kool!
Thanks to the Deb Callahan band for having us along for the ride.
Of course, thanks to Arlyn, Carl, Bobby, CC, John and Ray the notes off the page.
PEACE
Rich
NEXT UP: Sunday Musicale @ The Rotunda 03:00PM April 20, 2008