Bootsies

The first really rough night in a while for me. While I was sick, I could at least do the material admirably albeit rearranged a little to avoid the high notes. Tonight the old pipes wouldnt cooperate and I just wasnt satisfied with my performance. It became such a distraction that I wasnt playing all of my instruments properly either. Damn sinus infection dripping onto my vocal chords. But the silver lining was that there were 15 people there in the first set and then another 15 added 1/2 way into the second.

One of these days, I'll get Norma to stay for a whole TWO sets... or maybe even 2 and a half! (Haha) But I totally understand because the weekends usually take as much out of me as the work week. Ah, no rest for the weary working 14 hours a day and getting to bed between 8 & 9 during the week only to stay up til 6 AM Sunday morning after a show Saturday night. Way past MY bedtime, So anyone who works a similar crazy schedule???? I can surely understand if they can't make it thru a whole show. Ahhhh kisses so sweet.

The band sounded OK although I thought there were power surges during the night and I was right. Unfortunately I believe that even though my amp was surge protected, the keys and foot pedal werent and I think the boost blew a channel in my amp. DAMN!

Rick

Hog Wild

What a great night. One of the things I love about Ellwood City is that you could play a different bar every weekend there, have a great big raucus crowd and only play to about 5 or 6 of the same people. Hog Wild was a great time and though the venue is small, it ROCKS! Sorry 6 packs cancelled, but we picked up Hog Wild at the last minute and put on a helluva good show. We'll be back Jan 9th and cant wait. Tonite we play Bootsies in McKeesport. Last time the Jaeger girls were there and all had a good time. let you know how that went later.

Rick

Homestead We Love YOU & THANKS!!!

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT! Thanks to whoever dropped the $100 in the tip jar! It was GREAT to have Holly back in the house and thanks to Timmy for finally getting out to see the band. The band was tight, the room was full, and danced and sang and yelled and shouted for more... I wish everywhere was that gracious and fun. Ellwood City ROCKS! And there were pretty women out the wazoo there too. Thats a good thing because then the guys come out to see the pretty girls and the girls come to be seen and meet guys. Its a cause and effect thing. Its a good thing.

My new guitar finally stayed in tune and I was able to play rhythms while Moe and Frank dueled out solos on Green Grass and High Tides and Highway Song. Happy Birthday Laci and Happy Birthday Ty! After 3 weeks of fighting that residual respiratory infection, I sang Journey's Lights and Stay Awhile and NAILED IT! It felt good. I hit all the high notes on ALL the material and didnt have to stay away or rearrange any of my vocals.

The band played really well except for the last song of the night and I'm STILL trying to figure out why and how that happened. Fortunately liberal amounts of alcohol applied generously throughout the crowd made it alot less noticeable to the audience. Looking forward to Friday and Saturday night next weekend. I wonder how many will show with Black Friday and the start of hunting season. I'm not expecting much, but you never know. As always, a special thanks to our faithful roadies Randy and Justin. Sorry about what happened between the second & third sets Justin but we don't have much control over perceptions when you get wrongly accused of crap. Special thanks to Randy who lets me dance with his girlfriend Holly while I sing the slow stuff. Its all at her insistence but I enjoy it too.

Rick

A VERY special night in Manor PA

As I sit here typing and trying to stay awake... having been up for the past 24 hours,,, and eating for the 2nd time in that same period, I can honestly say that tonight was ONE of the most special nights that the band has played. While the guys played well, the sound was REALLY good considering that we did not have any sound reinforcement on any of the instruments, and its a large hall with high ceilings and a small but appreciative crowd..... I was absolutely THRILLED when lo and behold (after I made a flipant comment about coming to see the band to a lovely young woman I have been speaking with but had never met) this thing of beauty came walking down the ramp into the hall and IT WAS HER!!!! What a GREAT surprise!

And while my voice went a little sharp and flat against my will from time to time, & cracked every now and then, she was very gracious and flattering. Pretty good kiss after the 1st set too!!! What a sweetie. Thanks for comin out Norma! Even if it WAS only for a little bit, it was very special for me. I hope you enjoyed it and I cant WAIT to take you to Bootsie's in 2 weeks the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Hmmmm, may have to stuff the bird.... and eat some pie and... HEY! Y'all gitcher minds out da gutter now..... (cept'n you NA, thats your perogative! ROTFL)

Anyhoo, lookin forward to next weekend at the Homestead in Ellwood. Those Ellwood City crowds are ALWAYS great whether they are large or small. Its always a good time. Regardless.... I owe someone a special surprise to repay the one I got tonight.... Don't worry, I'll think of something

Tired and stupid and hoping to be up by Steeler time...

Rick

Thanks Tony and Y-103!

Was a really good night at Town and Country!!! What a GREAT crowd! Thanks to the promos on Y-103 the evening was a success. Tony the clubs owner is a class act! (and dont tell him I said he's a stand up guy too) The band sounded very good despite the frog in my throat... (I still havent shaken my respiratory infection completely and it may take another week or two). Looking forward to the Manor Legion next weekend. Havent been there in a while due to some flooding there.

Rick

The Alpine Inn and A BIG one next Saturday

There is not much I can say about the Alpine Inn except it was a VERY good night for the band. I have to admit I was really concerned as to how my voice would hold out since on Wednesday I started coming down with something, Thursday I was off work and being treated for swine flu ( I didn't have a fever though so if it WAS swine flu, it was non-contagious and a mild case), Friday I worked 13 hours and my nose ran liike a faucet up until showtime and my voice was extremely hoarse. But I'll be danged if my voice performed better than my brain did last night! I guess after 30 years, you learn to "sing above" a cold as it is put. I hit almost every note I aimed for and while I noticed a difference in tone and timbre, everything was in tune and rockin well!

I do feel bad about giving it to my cat Wink though.... poor guy has runny eyes now. Today I can honestly say I feel MUCH better.

Next week is a big show at the Town and Country Lounge on Rt 422 just west of New Castle. That place is a cozy little joint that has great food and good people. Tony the owner is a class act all the way. Listen for the radio ads this week on Y-103 in Youngstown, OH for the show! I really want to pack that place for Tony and make him a lot of money next week because He always treats us so well.

Hope to see EVERYONE there.... except my ex-wife! LOL

Rick