May 24th, 2010

I’m back! Tremors / Engagement news

Our computer is up and running again thanks to Trevor. I opened a message on Facebook that turned out to be bad virus and it pretty much destroyed our system. I know there are a few skipped weeks, but it looks like Cyndi has been up to date. Of course, the big news this weekend was Matt popping the question to Stacy. Apparently, it was a “girls night out” and with most of her friends there, Matt took advantage of the situation. We had two pretty good nights and thanks to all who stopped out. It was Bob Flaskamp’s Bday this weekend and we wish him a good one. Also Doug Brookins was raised up a number on Sunday. Happy Bday to both Bob and Doug. Dale Schultz, who I haven’t seen in some 12 years, was out Saturday. As mentioned on Facebook, I hung out with Kurt Wheeler on Saturday afternoon. Kurt has been buying inexpensive guitars, taking them apart, reconditioning the wood, and putting them back  together using high-end replacement parts. They look and play great and I had fun checking them all out. Also mentioned is that I’m now in the Guitar Center’s “King of Blues” store finals,June 3rd, here in Milwaukee. I was really nervous in the preliminaries and figure this will be the same. The main reason for doing this was to meet a few more local players. I should go to more, or different jam sessions but I’m getting older and enjoy time at home. On some sad news, former member Tim Pogorelski’s mother, Helen, had her visitation Sunday. It was fortunate I was in town and able to go. My uncle Irv also passed recently. Another nice guy that the family is going to miss. Todd Algrim, one of my childhood friends, has ALS. We had a little band in grade school and also took guitar lessons together. We scheduled our lessons back to back and then his and my dad took turns taking us. We lost touch over the years but exchanged emails this week. My son, Corey, broke his hand skateboarding which I heard was pretty bad. I haven’t seen him since this happened, but I guess he’ll be okay. Anyway, we’re back at the Owl’s Friday and Saturday, and then Crazy Horse campground on Sunday – busy weekend. Cyndi and I will have to miss the Castaway jam this Sunday, but Scott and Kirk have it covered. Stop out and give a congrats to Matt and Stacy. We’ll see you at the Owl’s Club.

By admin in Uncategorized  .::. (Add your comment)

March 22nd, 2010

Suds / Castaway Jam

A good night a Suds. The band was in good spirits and I thought we played well. Thanks to all who stopped out. Before Rainbow Bridge, I was in a band with Brad Kuster and Rick Mattelig called Country Unlimited. Brad was out Friday along with my classmate Rinald  Kersten. It was good to see them both. Also ran into Bob Geise (hope I’m spelling these right) another area guitar player, who said he was coming to the jam on Sunday, but didn’t make it. I was disappointed as I’ve never played with him. He was in Union Pacific, which was a very popular band. Also got to meet Rob Tamorow (spelling?) the conductor of the Janesville-Beloit Symphony, and a jazz guitar player in the area. I’ve wanted to meet him for a long time as I have a lot of respect for what he does. He turned out to be quite a character, much to my surprise. I’d love to hear him play some time. The Castaway jam was fun Sunday with Tim Pogorelski back on the drums. We had more jammers this time and thanks to Matt, Kami, and John for stopping out. My main Les Paul was having some fret problems and now I find it needs a total fret job. Scotty Vogel is doing the work. I try to spread my playing out between different guitars so I don’t wear them out, but it happens. We’re off for a couple of weeks now. Cary is looking into getting us some duo work but nothing yet. The next gig for me will be back at Castaways on Sunday, April 4th. Time to hit the blues jams!  See you in a few weeks.
     
     
     

By admin in Uncategorized  .::. Read Comment (1)

March 15th, 2010

Owl’s Club

A return to the Owl’s Club and not a bad night. We had a practice Saturday and learned “Who Knew” by Pink and also brought back “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough” by Patty Smythe. Both songs went well. Thanks to Jim and Deb Millard from Frank & Company, and Jamie Cox from 2 Left Feet for stopping out. Matt was on call again this weekend so Denny Wayne was there and ready. Denny played the last set with Matt on guitar. We did some Journey and a few Fleetwood Mac tunes to finish off the night. Next week has us at Suds in Beloit on Friday which should be fun. Kind of a post St. Patty’s day party. Cary and I are playing Boxcars on Wednesday from  6 – 9 and I’m looking forward to that. Stop out to Boxcars and Suds for a St. Patty’s party. What can I wear that’s green? See you there.
 
P.S. Trevor’s Bday is Friday, the 19th. He won’t be at Suds, but be sure to wish him a good one.
 
P.S.S I’ll be at the Castaway jam again Sunday from 3 – 7. Tim Pogorelski will be playing drums.

By admin in Uncategorized  .::. (Add your comment)

March 8th, 2010

Varsity Lanes / B’Ners / Castaway Jam

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!
 


By admin in Uncategorized  .::. (Add your comment)

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!
 

By admin in Uncategorized  .::. Read Comments (2)

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.
 

By admin in Uncategorized  .::. (Add your comment)

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!

By admin in Uncategorized  .::. (Add your comment)

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!

By admin in Uncategorized  .::. Read Comment (1)

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.
 

By admin in Uncategorized  .::. Read Comment (1)

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.


By admin in Uncategorized  .::. (Add your comment)

« Previous Page — « Previous Entries
Next Entries » — Next Page »