Notes On A Napkin
Please pray for PE&D as we weather this economic crisis! In the 32 years we have been in business, I can't remember a more critical time, except in 1980 when my partner died in an auto accident. I put an ad on Crag's List a couple of weeks ago & got a barrage of replies that I need to address after this issue is printed. I pray that my marketing angel is among them!
Geraldine & I ventured out for St. Patrick's Day festivities at the West Slope Bar & Grill off Canyon Rd; we joined friends & staffers Ginger Caviness of GC Productions & photographer Kim Taylor at a table that revolved with different fellow revelers/musicians. We were blessed w/the presence of bass great (& PE staffer) Lisa Mann, guitarist/ vocalist extraordinaire Dennis Mitchell & Mike Simone, who identified himself as a "groupie." We arrived in time to hear a few tunes by the marvelous Beth Willis Duo w/Todd Chatalas on guitar. Beth's unique vocals were especially evident on her original Novocaine. I look forward to hearing more of this fine vocalist. Next up was Robbie Laws' new rock band that did not disappoint! They performed brilliantly on one of my favorite tunes of all time, After Midnight... and much more. I've always enjoyed Robbie's music and this new configuration is a true winner! Stay tuned!
After our visit at the Slope, we stopped in at Monty's for a dose of Bolt Upright's jam. Dancers filled the floor as the trio rocked out on tunes like Walkin' the Dog, Jumpin' Jack Flash & Brick House, sung by Ashbolt Stewart, who's always smilin' behind the drumkit. Wife/bass player Suzie Stewart did a fine version of Somethin's Got a Hold on Me with her fine deep vocals, while keyboardist Ken Brewer shined on Maggie and Wild Nights. Bolt Upright hosts the jams at Monty's every Tuesday & Wednesday. Do be sure to stop in (See Bandstand for more dates).
One of the most entertaining highlights of the last month was the fantastic Kingsmen show at the gorgeous Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro. Harry & I had front row seats, thanks to Ginger, who booked the show. I could write a whole article about this show, but Ginger already did a wonderful job. The Dennis Mitchell Band, a rockin' act in its own right, opened the night with some of the same members of The Kingsmen, including brother Mike Mitchell. All the musicians in both of these bands are veterans in the business of music and it shows. Their flawless delivery left the audience begging for more. Tunes like Some Fun Tonight, Long Tall Sally, I Put a Spell on You, Paint It Black, Jolly Green Giant, Long Tall Texan, Gimme Some Lovin' & Twist & Shout brought back memories of high school dances at D-Street, among others. The boys may be a little grayer these days, but certainly just as energetic as ever! The Venetian is one of the most beautiful theaters around, with excellent acoustics. It's about the same size as The Aladdin, but new, with plush, comfy seats; a real plus for us boomers! Be sure to check ad & Music on Tap this issue for upcoming shows at this nice venue. They also feature music in their lounge (it was Terry Robb this night) and their food is delicious.
The Cascade Blues Association's last meeting featured the up-and-coming Lucy Hammond Band; I was blown away by Lucy, a truly dynamic bundle of energy & powerful vocalist (I swear she could sing without a microphone just fine). Besides a terrific original tune called Doors, Lucy drew everyone's attention on tunes like Shaky Ground, Hold On I'm Comin', Love's Sneakin Up on You, Love Letters and "for the blues purist" Love Me Like a Man, a song she sang for the first time "at 25 at Euphoria," a popular club from days gone by. I feel very lucky to have Lucy helping me with writing & delivery of the paper. She is a very positive influence & really "connects" with everyone. Keep an eye out for the Lucy Hammond Band, a certain rising star.
KT, Geraldine & I stopped in to catch our cover band Danny Hay Davis jam at Queen of Hearts one recent Thursday and were treated to numerous styles of music ranging from old rock 'n' roll tunes Lido and Space Cowboys to blues The Thrill is Gone and Use Me Up; Latin beats were also represented in Santana's Black Magic Woman, as well as showtunes like Pink Panther. It's like the proverbial box of chocolates...you never know that your gonna get!
I also stopped in at Mama Maria's for Danny's Wednesday "family friendly" jam & tried their manicotti. I can't say which was more excited...my ears or my taste buds! Either way, it's a fine combination, zippy, Italian sauce & tasty guitar licks.
Veteran guitarist/vocalist Ron Ruedi finally found a new drummer for his Hurricanes. Cliff Smith, also a new PE writer, auditioned recently at Lydia's & got the job. He is a fine drummer & also plays the harp & sings, a real plus! Be sure to visit Lydia's any Friday or Saturday soon! And stay tuned for his next article in PE.
'Til next time, pray for peace & PROSPERITY!............Bonnie Carter, ed.