A return to the Varsity Lanes and Kami’s Bday. We had a pretty good crowd and thanks to all who stopped out. Kami’s Bday was March 4th and her gang was all there. She behaved a little better than her 21st – thank goodness. Bob used his electric set for the 1st time. We all thought it was cute and sounded good. It almost looks like one of those toy sets but it’s very high-tech. I believe he got a good deal because the previous owner couldn’t figure it out! Jason wasn’t feeling well so we didn’t play a few of our new songs. Cyndi, Matt, and I did a few more of ours and we got through it. It takes a lot of the enjoyment out when you can’t perform up to your standards. I’ve been there many times and the rest of the band has covered for me. It happens. Cary and I played Friday at B’Ners in Footville for Billy Barns’ 50th Bday. We had a good crowd and a good time. We’re playing again at Boxcar’s on Saint Patty’s day, March 17th (Wednesday). Sunday was the Castaway Jam and another good time. Thanks to Cyndi, Bryan and family, Matt, Stacy, Kami, and John for stopping out. Cyndi sang a few and sounded great. Matt was there a little later and tore it up on the guitar. I sometimes think people forget that Matt can hold his own on guitar, along with being a solid bass player. I really enjoyed playing guitars together with him. We had a few more jammers this time, which added some variety. I’d also like to thank Bobster and Lisa for being regulars. They were at the Varsity and Castaways. Next week has us back at the Owl’s Club – 1st time this year I believe. On a personal note, my red Prism, which I’ve had over 10 years is now not worth fixing so Holly and I are looking. The car has a lot of memories – I taught Corey to drive in that car. Things do come to an end and we move on. Whatcha gonna do…Stop out to the Owl’s next weekend. See you there!
March 1st, 2010
Club Belwah / Elk’s Club / Bob’s Bday
Friday at the Club Belwah was fun. Kurt, the drummer from the Castaway jam, called me to play Friday and was looking for other players. I suggested Cyndi, who suggested Denny. It was a “dressy” place and we played very quietly. Kurt used brushes all night long. Thanks to Cary for letting us use his PA. Nina, Bonnie, Stacy, and Dorothy showed up which was nice. We played from 6 – 10. Denny had it in his head that we were meeting at 6:00 and showed up 5 minutes before starting time. We started a little late, but nobody said anything. We might be playing there again, possibly on some Wednesday nights. I jokingly called us the Cyndi Meyer Band, but Cyndi seemed to like Sid Rock. Saturday had Cyndi and I doing our duo at the Elks Club. It went well too. And thanks to Nina, Arden, Bonnie, Laura, and Dave for stopping out. I bought some lights and an extra stand so I could play standing up. We might be doing some more jobs there. On Sunday, Holly and I drove back to Janesville for Bob’s birthday at the Prime Quarter. It was a nice get-together although Jason, Tim, and Trevor didn’t make it. Cary and I are playing Friday at B’Ners in Footville for a friend’s 50th party from 8-12. The band is back at the Varsity Lanes on Saturday. Should be fun. Sunday has me back at the Castaway Jam from 3-7. Busy weekend for me, but I’m not complaining. See you this weekend!
February 22nd, 2010
Tremors/Castaway Jam/Bdays
A busy weekend at Tremors and thanks to all who stopped out. Nanette and her sisters were out as she is going to the hospital this morning (Monday) to have a tumor removed. We’re hoping it goes well and there’s no mention of the “C” word. We had good crowds both nights and it was nice to see some familiar faces. Bob’s bday is next on March 2nd so be sure to wish him a good one. Gotta admit that I not sure what this number this is – younger than me whatever it is. The band is off next weekend although we’re advertized at the Elk’s Club. Cyndi and I are once again doing our duo there. It’s not the band; just us and very few RB songs on the list. I went to Castaways on Sunday to find the band already set up and a red drum set. No idea at first as Scotty and I were trying to figure it out. I mentioned Tim Pogorelski had a red Yamaha set, but this person had a straw hat sitting on a cymbal. I knew Chris Hart wore a hat like that, but these were not his drums. After I saw Randy, I knew it was Tim. Turns out he and Cary set everything up so they could surprise me. And Scotty was in on it all along. We had a good turn out and thanks to Stacy and Dorothy for stopping out. Brian Hughes played, as did the General, and even Dan Reilly. I’ll be reviewing the duo songs this week and working on some more band tunes. Next job has us back at the Varsity Lanes on March 6th. Matt’s daughter and my niece, Kami, will be out celebrating a bday. And wish a good one to Bob, Bob, Bob. See you there.
February 16th, 2010
Silver Saloon / Jason Turns 30
The Silver Saloon in Brodhead was a good time. Thanks to Earl, and the Brookins gang for stopping out. I thought the sound was good and the crowd seemed to like whatever we played, be it country or rock. I hope we get some return gigs. The big news of the night was Jason turning 30. And, he had a new amp to play through. Gotta get those tax deductions. Next week has us back at Tremors where we’ll have the whole setup again. Looking forward to that and playing the new songs. I’ll also be at the Castaway jam on Sunday from 3 – 7. Stop out to Tremors and wish Jason a happy 30th if you missed us this weekend. See you there!
February 8th, 2010
Varsity Lanes
Back in action at the Varsity Lanes – a good turnout and a good night for the band. Thanks to all who stopped out and we’ll be back there in a month on March 6th. I hope this turns out to be semi-regular place to play as it was fun. We had a practice Saturday afternoon and put “Need You Now” on the list. It kept the excitement up not only playing our regular songs again, but debuting a new and current song. Not a great “dancer” of a song, although people did slow dance to it, but everybody seems to know and like it. That, and it is a girl/guy duet which suits us. We were all a little on edge hoping to remember all our parts after not playing for month. I did a lot of reviewing on my own but was still hoping my fingers would know where to go! But the band still sounded tight – nothing fell apart and the new song went well. Next Saturday (13th) has us at another new place, the Sliver Dollar Saloon in Brodhead. Stop out if you get the chance. Maybe we’ll have some Crazy Horse campers show up – who knows. And thanks for the Bday wishes. It was a good one. I think Jason’s is next on the 15th if I remember right. We’ll have to celebrate in Brodhead. See you there!
January 5th, 2010
New Year’s and playing with Cary
2010, hard to believe. We had a good time New Year’s at Tremors and thanks to those who stopped out. Matt was on call Saturday night and had former member Denny Wayne ready to fill in. Former drummer, Tim Pogorelski, was in the crowd and we had both Tim and Denny sit in for a few. I need to review “I Know a Little”! New Year’s was a late night, playing till 2:30, but fortunately we did not have to tear down. The band had a get together at Bob’s for a lasagna supper which was fantastic! Holly and friend Erin were both along for the night as were the other spouses. Jason and Hannah’s new-born son, Jackson, is having some serious health issues which has them both worried and not sleeping much. We hope Jackson will be better soon. The band is off until the 2nd week in February, but I’ll be busy playing with former member Cary Farmer. Here’s our schedule:
Sunday Jan 10: Castaway Jam in Indianford 12:00 noon till game time
Saturday Jan 16: Beaner’s in Footville (duo) 8 – 12
Friday Jan 22: Snuffy’s (duo) 8 – 12
Saturday Jan 23: Deano’s in Janesville (duo) 8 -12
Sunday Jan 24: Castaway Jam in Indianford 3 – 7
The jam at Castaways is every other Sunday until they fire us and I might be doing more duo jobs with Cary if all goes well. Stop out if you get the chance and the band will see you in February. Let’s hope 2010 is a good year for all of us.
December 28th, 2009
Moonlighting gigs
The Hammy’s job on the 16th (Sat. afternoon) was a good time. I haven’t played with Jerry Dabson in years and it was nice to be asked to fill in. Thanks to Nina and Bonnie for stopping out. Jerry has been around a long time – Bob has played with him many times as well. I’ve always thought of Jerry as the Willie Nelson of southern Wisconsin. He does traditional country as good as anybody. He’s a natural band leader, and he understands the music business. The harp/guitar player, Steve Baker, played on the Hal Leonard Christmas Harmonica book – a series which I’m now in charge of. Small world…The Castaway jam on Sunday was moved to the Sandtrap as Dan Rielly was already booked at Castaways. We had a good crowd at the Sandtrap and thanks to Matt, Meghann, and Torrie for stopping out. Also thanks to Bob and Lisa for the Christmas gift. I’ll enjoy it! We’ll be back at Castaways in 2 weeks (10th). The band pretty much has taken January off due to Jason and Hannah’s 2nd child being due. Of course, they just had the baby boy, Jackson, on Saturday and congrats to them. I’ll be playing a duo with Cary at Beaners in Footville on the 16th. Hopefully, that’ll go well and we might be doing more jobs. The funny story of the week was that I got my days messed up and actually drove to Indianford on Saturday, thinking it was Sunday. Holly didn’t figure it out either. Now it makes sense why I couldn’t find the Packer game on the radio! I just stayed over and played Sunday, after taking quite the ribbing. Holly talked me in to joining Facebook as it seems that’s where everybody’s at these days. The band is back for New Year’s Eve at Tremors – should be fun. Time to review the band songs! We’ll see you there.
December 14th, 2009
Isley Party / Knutes / Moonlighting
Haven’t written since the Christmas Party – which went well overall. The Isley company wasn’t sure about even having the party this year. We’ve played this one for a long time now and hope it continues. I came down with a cold a few days before which limited my singing. Jason and Cyndi were both feeling it this weekend, but we got through Knutes just fine. The weather Saturday at Knutes was an issue with the rain, and eventually icy roads. We had a decent crowd and a good time. Cyndi and I played the Elks Club on Friday which also went well. It’s a complete departure from the band songs and fun to do. A big thanks to Bryan Meyer for having the flashlights. We read charts on stage and didn’t think about the lighting. Bryan had a couple of small flashlights that we duct taped to the mic stands, proving once again that duct tape fixes everything. I was back at Castaways on Sunday. We had a good crowd and I had a lot of fun. We should be back in two weeks (27th). The band is now off until New Year’s at Tremors. Time to dig out Auld Lange Syne again! I’ll be playing this Saturday (19th) afternoon at Hammy’s with Jerry Dabson. Keeps me busy. Another note – Stacy had a shirt on Saturday night that I thought was perfect – “Temporary Vikings Fan”. Gotta admit that I’m also still a Favre fan and have been following both teams. Anyway, plan to bring in the new year at Tremors. Can’t believe we’re nearing 2010 – seems like a long time since 1976 when the band started. We’ll see you there!
December 2nd, 2009
Thanksgiving weekend at the Owl’s
| Busy and not so busy this past weekend. We wound up quitting early both Wednesday and Friday nights at the Owl’s. The story was that we didn’t play our 3rd set until Saturday. But thanks to all who stopped out on Thanksgiving weekend. After quitting early on Friday, we decided to have a band practice to learn “Toes” by the Zac Brown Band. It went pretty good and we played it Saturday night. Normally, I don’t like to have anyone outside of the band at practice sessions, but it was just too convenient having everybody there. Matt and I hung around afterwards to chat with some of people who stuck around. It seems we played a wedding years ago where had a lady sit in and sing. She had just come out of a bad relationship and was having serious self-esteem issues. Singing with the band was a small turning point on her way back. After quitting early for the 2nd night you start to wonder if it’s worth it anymore. Hearing this story made my night and I guess sometimes it is worth it. On a side note – letting people sit in is not something I, or the bar owners really appreciate – that’s what jam sessions and karaoke are for! I try to limit it to former members and members of other bands who have let us sit in. A wedding or private party is a different event. If the person hiring us has a request to have a family member come up, it’s no big deal and often fun. Didn’t mean to get into that now. Maybe I’ll discuss band guidelines in the future. Anyway, it was a nice story and something we usually never hear about. The Castaway jam on Sunday was fun and we’re back in two weeks. It’s a good time and I hope it continues for a while. You never know. Speaking of side jobs – Cyndi will be playing at the Elks Club on Friday, the 11th, and I’ll be playing with Jerry Dabson at Hammy’s on Saturday afternoon on the 19th. This Saturday has us back at the Isley Company Christmas party. It’s also the same night as my company’s Christmas party, but I go where the band goes! We’ll be at Knutes in Orfordville on the 12th. See you there! |
November 23rd, 2009
Tremors / Castaway Jam
After two weeks off it was good to come back to Tremors. The deer widows weekend helped as we had good crowds both nights. Surprisingly, the new songs were tight even after the break. I have to review parts constantly to remember solos and lyrics. After 33 years, the memory files are pretty much full and finding space for new info is tough! Jason is thinking about a new guitar and it was fun to talk about what’s out there. Holly will tell you that I’m probably set, but they’re all different and you can never have enough. The Thanksgiving holiday has us once again at the Owl’s starting on Wednesday and then back for the weekend. That’s been a tradition for a few years now. I’m debating taking some time off work but there are too many deadlines to meet..we’ll see. The Castaway jam was fun on Sunday and we’re back again next Sunday from 3 – 7. It’ll be a lot of playing for me, but it’s what I like to do – and I’m thankful to have a wife who understands that. Anyway, happy Thanksgiving and stop out to the Owl’s Club. See you there!