Blues&JazzView
by Eric Benson
If you luv music you’re gonna love this
And the seasons change, for better or worse, the rain has blessed us with a deluge; let’s hope more is in store. The MAMA’s were amazing and a lot of musicians won their fair due but let’s keep the live music scene happening all year long. There is a lot of amazing talent that we need to showcase and nurture to continue to create a scene right here, right now! If you have something you want to do, bring it on and let’s promote it and make it happen. My guitarist mentor Davis Ramey who played everything from classical guitar to straight ahead and was first call for any artists touring the west coast when asked “Davis I have tickets to Herb Ellis, Tal Far low, and Barney Kessel playing in town, do you want to go?”. Davis replied, “No man I need to concentrate on more opportunities for us local cats to play. I need to concentrate on Davis.” And so as much as I love all the musicians elsewhere USA my heart is making it happen for us here at home: Matea Overstreet, Francesca Bavarro, Josh and Andrew Rosenblum, Jonny Valdes, Tim Allen, Dave Hawks, Jamie Dubberly, Pat Governor, the Sensations, and so many more great local players!
Blue Monday Party & Invitational Jam returns to the Barkin’ Dog Grill this Nov 14h with Ultra Lounge, with special guest to be announced. We will be playing everything from straight ahead Jazz, funk, Latin, rhythm and Blues and yes some POP. The band is a super group of all the best players in the area with 7-piece house Band hosting. The Blue Monday Band features: lead vocalist, guitar and bass player Dave Sousa, Johnny Valdes guitar, Tim Allen bass, vocals, Dave Hawks on drums, Eric Benson & Pat Governor for keys, and horn section: Andrew Rosenblum Sax, trumpet, and Jamie Dubberly trombone. The band plays Jazz, R & B, Funk, Latin, Rock, and a little of everything else with special guests sitting in for dancing and listening. Show from 7 to 10 PM with food and drink available in an all age venue. Call the Dog for reservations: 572-2341. If you play, come on down and sit in with the best musicians in the area, it’s gonna’ be smokin’!
The Gallo Center for the Arts has bringing in some great shows, I’ve been there for Sheila E, (of Prince), Blue collar comedian Ron white, love that red-neck material he’s still doing for 30 years, Robin Ford Guitar Army, (smokin’), and the Guess Who, I guess I should rent a room there! For November; Nov 9th Celtic Thunder, Nov 13 Vocalosity, Nov 29 Pink Martini Christmas show, and SAVE THE DATE Dec 22nd Brian Setzer (formerly of the Stray Cats) Rockabilly Christmas show. If you love the Stray Cats you’re gonna love this with full big band backing up one of the baddest singer, guitar slinger front men playing rock-a-billy today and he brings it here to the birthplace of Rockabilly.
One of our new venues the Tilted Turtle is going to start some Jazz and Rhythm and Blues showcase with local talent on Thursday nights in December, will keep you updated on local bands playing there. The room is newly remodeled with showcase for music and full bar. Count me in!
Come back out for third Thursday Art Walk 5 to 9:00 PM for some great art, and music in the downtown!
.Lowdown on the jam session in the downtown: Barkin’ Dog Thursday night jazz jams with Dave Dow, Queen Bean Sundays open mike night also in an all age environment.
Remember please support our local live venue’s for live music and the arts. So take some time out to hear some live music and the arts of our own town as well this month, think globally and act locally.
All the best, peace out! Eric Benson, cell 209- 918-7033.
