Jeff’s Blog

Cyndi got the call late Friday afternoon that Tremors wanted to go ahead with the gig on Friday. It was understood that if it was slow, we would quit early. I was a little concerned having to drive from Milwaukee, but got out of work an hour early and allowed for extra travelling time. Anyone who’s lived in Wisconsin all their lives has seen a lot worse! We wound up playing 2 sets and called it quits as it was a slow night. Thanks to Steve Peck and Sully from “Petty Things” for stopping out.

Gary and Cyndi spent Saturday afternoon at the Hammy’s Jam with Jerry Dabson. I would have gone, but had an appointment with Scott Vogel to do more work on my new Telecaster guitar. Scotty did a nice job and I played the guitar again Saturday night.

Saturday was a good night and helped make up for Friday. Thanks to all who stopped out – Shawna Schultz, Gary (Paradise Guitars) and wife, Bonnie, Kaj (RuffCutz Band) and Mary Anderson, and Kelly (The Ritual). Our former light person, Trevor Hoffman, was there as he and Bob worked out video tapping and recording the band. I don’t know all the details, but am curious as to how things turned out. It was nice to see Trevor again. Both our new songs, “Baggage Claim” and “Drink in My Hand” got good responses.

“Cyndi & the Sensations” are at Café Belwah in Beloit this Wednesday from 6 – 10. Rainbow Bridge returns to Spirits this Saturday from 9 – 1 and we’re looking forward to that. I’ll be at the Sand Trap jam in Edgerton on Sunday afternoon from 3 – 7 with Cary, Scotty, and Kirk.

On a personal note, January 21st is the anniversary of my 1st guitar lesson in 1966. I again thanked my dad for paying for and driving me to lessons all those years.

Also, on Friday, the oldest member of the band moves up another number and joins senior citizen status – hard to believe. Anyway, stop out this weekend and say hello. We’ll see you there!

Once again family night at the Varsity lanes with parents, and nieces with boyfriends stopping out. And I’d like to send a happy 20th to Tasha, Matt’s daughter, and my niece. Thanks also to Doug and Deb Brookins and friends, Nina, Bonnie, Earl, and Mark and Shawna Schultz for stopping out. We had a good crowd and a good time. After an afternoon band practice, we debuted two new songs: “Baggage Claim” and “Put a Drink on My Hand.” Both songs got a good reaction.

Sunday had us at Hammys for an afternoon gig; another good crowd and good time. There were motorcycles in the parking lot, which I thought was cool. Thanks to Shawna Schultz for stopping out and sitting in for a few. I recently sold a speaker cabinet and with the money, bought a new Fender Telecaster that I played that afternoon. Can’t have enough guitars…

The band is off this weekend, but I’ll be with the Gary McAdams Band at Café Belwah in Beloit this Friday from 6 – 10. Regular guitarist, Cliff Fredrickson, recently had surgery and I’ll be filling in for him. No Sandtrap jam this Sunday due to the Packer playoff game.

I’d also like to mention that local country icon, Jerry Dabson, had a fall and broke an eye socket. Last I heard he was still in the hospital. We hope he’s better soon.

We’ll be back at Tremors on the 20^th and 21^st. See you there!

Everything worked out fine having Jason back for our Tremors weekend. Gary is in Texas for Christmas and we were lucky to have Jason fill in. We had decent crowds both nights and thanks to all who stopped out. Thanks to Nanette for the snack tray too!

 My amp selector pedal went out on Friday. This envelope sized unit allows me to change channels (sounds) in my amp. I had recently met Gary, who does amp repairs at Paradise Guitar in Beloit. He said,” Give it to me and I’ll see what I can do.” I saw him sitting at a table on Saturday with the pedal in front of him. I approached him with my wallet out and he refused payment and just said to, “Bring him some amp repair work”. Best I could do was say thanks and buy him and his wife (?) a few drinks.

 Happy and sad note this week – Holly’s birthday was Friday and we’re planning on a nice dinner out tonight. On a sad note – long time band supporter, Earl Young, lost his mother this week. Our thoughts and prayers got out to Earl and his family, especially over this holiday season.

 Had a good time at the Sand Trap jam on Sunday and thanks to Nina, Bonnie, Matt, Stacy, Billy and Cathy for stopping out. The jam has been a “hit and miss” as there’s no jam when the Pack has a 3:15 game.

 The band is off until New Year’s Eve. “Cyndi & the Sensations” will be at Café Belwah, in Beloit, on Wednesday, the 28^th, from 6 – 10. Cyndi and I will be with the “Gary McAdams Band” at Hammy’s on Friday, the 30^th, I believe from 6 – 10. The band is playing a private party on New Years’ Eve.

 “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” to everybody and we’ll see you in 2012!

I really enjoyed the Hammys gig this Friday. We had a pretty good crowd for our 7:00 start that stuck around the whole night. Thanks to all who stopped out. We used our “small” setup so it was an easy in-easy out gig. Although, Bob did not get the message about the change in starting time, and was already set-up when I arrived. Speaking of Bob – he purchased a handful of mic, and extension cords that really helped make our small set-up more efficient. Local country legend, Jerry Dabson, also sat-in for a couple of tunes. Afterwards, Nina, Bonnie, Nanette, Matt and I headed over to Tremors to watch Decade of Rock finish out the night.

Jason returned to the band for our Christmas party gig at Lake Lawn Lodge. Gary already had a party booked, in the same building, so we swapped singers for the night. I thought the job went well, and had a good time. Cyndi had a fall while setting up and went down on both knees. She was hurting throughout the night and probably is sorer today. We had a gang as Hannah, Nina, and Bonnie joined us for the event. It’s a good gig, as we set up early and get invited to eat. On one of the breaks, we found Gary, who was also on break, and said hello. Jason will also be returning for our next Tremors weekend – 16th & 17th as Gary will be in Texas.

Our next gig is Saturday with a return to Bazingas from 9 – 1. I’m recording with Jerry Dabson this Tuesday night and have been busy preparing for that. Once this is done, it’s back to work on new band tunes, which I’m looking forward to. Also, thanks for the comments on Facebook about the blog. It’s nice to know that some people actually read it and it’s not just typing practice!

We’ll see you Saturday at Bazingas.