Music Fun Week of Feb. 11-18, 2014

SAY IT ISN'T SO! 

NICK FITCH passed on Friday afternoon, February 6, after a severe illness of several months.  Nick was the mastermind behind the last several years’ music renaissance at the San Rafael Elks Club, and particularly the summer series at Magnolia Terrace.  Like so many of us, he LOVED Music, and wanted everyone to partake.  I’ll miss you, Nick!

Memorial celebration to be held March 14.  Details will follow.  

NICK FITCH

Another friend in my community, Jamie Schoen, passed on January 28––way too soon.  She was beautiful, youthful, vibrant.  Life ... take nothing for granted.

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.” – Dalai Lama  [thanks, Teri!]

Just saying …

My calendar:  something is wrong with blogger.  I cannot import my calendar without everything re-formatting:  everything goes in as BOLD and I have no control over spacing!!!  Bah!  This is taking LOTS of time.
(I am going to the Corte Madera Big Band Dance shortly, and will deal with this tomorrow.  Plenty of good shows happening for the coming week!!  Stay tuned ... )

Lots of running around this past week – but only 2 music events – and both were extraordinary and totally different!

Friday night the James Moseley Dance Band at Hopmonk …a packed house in spite of the rain, and they totally rocked it!  One of the best shows ever, and some very happy dancers -- food for the soul, R&B and funk lovers!

On Saturday night (how about that great weather!?) Carlos & I made it to the Seahorse for DJ Richard Habib’s extravaganza:  Gimme Shelter clothing drive, Aquarian birthdays, and a special celebration honoring Steve Sodokoff’s years of donating his time and considerable energy to run this event.  Those fantastic samba dancers, driving rhythms, dancefloor continuously filled … I’ve never seen the Seahorse that packed ♫♪♪♫

This week: last night (Wednesday) I escaped my computer dysfunction for the Big Band Dance in Corte Madera – an interesting crowd, lots of new people.  But where were YOU?  This monthly dance is one of the best-kept secrets in Marin, and a fun social.  Hope you try it out some time.

I’ll be taking the night off, then looking at the weekend … possibly Presidio Yacht Club on Friday for Before the Bang (I haven’t yet heard them play, but have heard they make a joyful noise); and on Saturday again PYC for Doc Kraft Band (I keep missing them because of other commitments—and I know there will be a fun crowd). 
ALSO, hope to attend the Marin Symphony Concert on Tuesday evening.

But plans change, surprises arise, who knows what the “future” will bring.  My best to all of you!  ♫♪

SORRY THE APPEARANCE OF THIS CALENDAR IS SO MESSED UP!  BLOGGER PLAYING TRICKS ON ME!!

Music Fun Week of Feb. 4-11, 2015

More good news for our fabulous Marin Music Community!

Lib-At-Large, Marin IJ: John Zee and Teal Collins (link)

WHY DO I TELL YOU where I’ve been and who I’ve heard? Because I am so very grateful that Music is such a big part of my life, and that these Musicians bring so much Energy, Spirit, and Pleasure to our existence ♫♪♫  Sooooo …

Wednesday last: Hopmonk Open Mic feat. Roseberryjamband –a great Barry White-Motown cover band, young talent: our musical future is in good hands.

Thursday CD Release Party at Fenix for The Last Call Troubadours:  Barry Blum, Tom Rhodes, along with Ric Wilson & Tom Heubner & Friends put on a great show with inventive, entertaining original tunes for a packed house—happy we were there!  ♫♪

Friday back at Hopmonk for Terrapin Flyer with Mark Karan & Melvin Seals -- excellent accompaniment for all us freestylers!

Saturday Grand re-opening celebration at [Bandworks]-Sunnbolt Studios on Mitchell.  Several bands, among them Bait & Switch Blues Band with Carrie Sousa on vocals (and special guest James Moseley); S’Cream with Knut Kramer, Beth Reynolds, Chris Carpiniello, & Jeff Piccinini.  Also Veronica Page, Jonathan Lovitt, and many more.  Final band of the night blew away the few of us who stayed that long:  The Family Jules Band! A quartet of 20-somethings, Jules Leyhe & friends, so fresh and so proficient in fusion jazz, rock – WOW!

Sunday:  Unity in Marin; then Super Bowl Party with Friends!  Was not rooting for either team—so it was all just strange entertainment. 

Tuesday evenings are now reserved for a NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) 12-week class—finding out all I can to assist my brother in Philadelphia. (And soon my Monday nights will be filled with Marin Symphony Chorus rehearsals, in preparation for our April 12 & 14 performances of the Poulenc Gloria.) ♫♪

Coming up for the week:  expect to be at James Moseley Dance Band at Hopmonk on Friday … Doc Kraft Band is at Seahorse—I miss you guys!  But always too many places to be ...  Another choice to be made on Saturday night:  Do we go to Seahorse for DJ Richard Habib’s extravaganza?  Or up to Twin Oaks for old pal Johnny Z and Medicine Man!?

Sunday looks like fun at Sweetwater with Doobie Decibel System (noon show).  There’s Scott Capurro Comedy Show at Hopmonk Sunday evening – have yet to hear this guy, maybe that’ll be the night!

And then we do it all again!  Hope you have a groovy week.  ♫♪

Music Fun Week of Jan. 28-Feb. 4, 2015

Can you imagine dancing like this!?  Shag, baby! (2012 Junior Division, National SHAG Dance Championship.  He's 17, she's 15.)

Last week, my Gratitude for Musical Blessings: 

Thursday at Peri’s, for beloved Ted O’Connell’s Memorial Celebration.  Between 40 & 50 musicians awesomely made A JOYFUL NOISE for Ted!  Special thanks to Dave Burns for putting it all together ♫♪

Friday back in Fairfax got my sizzle at 19 Broadway with Zydeco Flames. 

Saturday I did get up early enough! And Carlos and I made it to the Coffee Roasters in San Anselmo in the AM  for more Treble Makers, and more Ted O spirit. Then a walk down memory lane through San Anselmo, and in Fairfax, where I lived for 28 years before moving to Novato.

Saturday evening REVOLVER at Hopmonk.  Great crowd, wonderful vibe, fun gig for all the dancers--and Dan, Barry, Michael, and Ric having fun right back at us.

Sunday:  Unity in Marin; and a long walk around our neighborhood. I need me that sunshine!

I’ve also been going to NAMI support meetings for the past several weeks, to help me get a handle on my brother’s mental illness, my [over?]-involvement as a long-distance caretaker, and my own sanity … Very good information, sharing.

Coming up for the week:

Wednesday: Hopmonk Open Mic feat. Roseberry Jam.  Rob P’s son is the Barry White-sounding talent.

Thursday:  CD Release Party at Fenix for Last Call Troubadours:  Barry Blum, Tom Rhodes, along with Ric Wilson & Tom Heubner will find the sweet spot, I’m sure.

Friday:  Terrapin Flyer with Mark Karan & Melvin Seals at Hopmonk; Fenton Coolfoot & The Right Time album release party at 19 Broadway; Doc Kraft Dance Band at Presidio Y.C. …  Wish I could do it all!

Saturday:  Grand re-opening celebration at [Bandworks]-Sunnbolt Studios on Mitchell.  Several bands, among them Bait & Switch Blues Band with Carrie Sousa on vocals (and special guest James Moseley); S’Cream with Knut Kramer, and others.  Also Albert Lee at Hopmonk; Key Lime Pie at Nourish in Strawberry; aaww-- take a look below and find your fun.

Sunday:  Super Bowl Party with Friends!  ♫♪

Music Fun Week of Jan. 21-28, 2015

Words of Wisdom?  Not so much – maybe just a reminder to self to slow down and breathe once in awhile.  And then on with the Show!  ♫♪♪

Huzzahs, THANKS for the Music this past week:  Wednesday the Ray Simpson Big Band Dance at Corte Madera;  Friday night Soul Section at Twin Oaks, thanks to Larry & Sue.  We can count on a wild ride when Ray Clement and Rich Armstrong (and Larry and Sue) are along!

Saturday Carlos & I didn’t have to go too far for some heavy-duty rock & roll with AZ/DZ at Hopmonk. Dave Vincent, Tal Morris, Monroe Grisman, Bagel, and Boris blew it all out—phenomenal show, and not my usual fare LOL!

Sunday morning the serenity of Unity in Marin.  Then for the evening, the always-a-treat UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES at Sweetwater with their new lineup (and happy to see Mark Banning in the mix again!).

Unauthorized Rolling Stones with fans Karen, Ellen, Jenni 

My picks for the coming week: 

Thursday at Peri’s, of course, for beloved Ted O’Connell’s Memorial Celebration.

Friday back in Fairfax at 19 Broadway for some sizzle with Zydeco Flames.  Other choices: 7^th Sons (and a Daughter) at PYC, IrieFuse at Hopmonk; Joe Tate & The Blue Monday Band at Seahorse! And there are a dozen more below.

Saturday planning on REVOLVER at Hopmonk.  If I can get myself out to San Anselmo in the AM I’d like to get to the Roasters for more Treble Makers, and more Ted O spirit.  Craig Caffall Band is at Cruising Club, Papa’s Bag at Fenix, Buck Nickels & Loose Change at Rancho, Lumanation opens for The Grain at Spancky’s in Cotati—and so on.

Sunday?  Danny Click is doing an acoustic show at the new Listening Room at Hopmonk Sonoma; Eddie Neon is at 19 Broadway; Blues & BBQ at Twin Oaks; Spark & Whisper at Rancho …

Whatever you may find -- Enjoy ♫♪

Music Fun Week of Jan. 14-21, 2015

A BALANCING ACT … the good and the bad, happy and sad, beauty and not so much.  We have to keep that balance to keep our sanity!  We’re all just children, and continue to grow through the process ...

After last week’s troubling news about Ted O’Connell, I can share something upbeat, about friend and former neighbor John Maxwell. ♫♪♪

 http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_27284200/lib-at-large-golden-gate-transit-bus-driver

John and Bella

Happy too for another beautiful human Danny Click, who is raising funds to record with a well-known L.A. producer:  http://www.gofundme.com/k52myk

Last week’s music in review (my cold was banished—I must have done something right J):

Friday Carlos & I made it to the Cheeseballs at Hopmonk, for some pop funkiness, after stopping at Trek Winery to enjoy a few members of the MSA Jazz Band -- fronted by 16-year-old Kirk Stevenson, who easily transitioned from jazz piano to guitar and back again, joined by bandmates Joey & Brandon.  Good chops from these up-and-comers.

Saturday morning I FINALLY came to a The Treble Makers gig at Coffee Roasters –after all these years got myself out of Novato on a Saturday morning and headed for San Anselmo, to honor Ted O and the wonderful friends he left behind. The Music will not die. 

Back at Trek Winery Saturday evening for James Moseley Dance Band –a beautiful treat for more than my feet!  We happily hung out til the end, and hoped to check out The Zins at Hopmonk —but they ended early too. 

On Sunday there was a gathering at the Log Cabin for Ted O’Connell – Frank told me just for family and close friends – and I should not have been surprised when we showed up to a couple hundred people gathered in his honor.  Sweet and Sad, bitter and salty.   [another Memorial Celebration planned at Peri’s on 1/22]

After that made our way down to Sweetwater to help celebrate the birthday with another great guy, DJ Richard Habib.  Blessings, Richard ♪♫♪

Coming up:  tonight the Ray Simpson Big Band Dance at Corte Madera, if I can get myself together by 8pm!

Friday night another feast of choices:  Danny Click at the Sleeping Lady, Lumanation at Presidio Y.C.,  Gary Vogensen & his Ramblers at Rancho, and on and on.

Saturday there’s the (morning) Treble Makers at the Roasters; AZ/DZ at Hopmonk, Before the Bang at Presidio Y.C., Soul Ska at 19 Broadway  …

Sunday hope to be there for UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES at Sweetwater.

Have a look-see at the Calendar below.  Enjoy ♫♪

Music Fun Week of Jan. 7-14

TED O’CONNELL, R.I.P. 4/29/57-1/3/15. Beloved member of Soul Satellites, Treble Makers, pal of Bonnie Hayes, Frank Bohan, and so many of us.  Aaaww, Teddy.  Thank you for what you brought to the Music World of Marin. The World, period. ♫♪♪ 

Many of Ted’s friends posted on facebook, but it was Danny Click’s simple yet eloquent words that moved me to tears. In very brief part: “… every day we’re reminded that you just never know …”

Here’s the Marin I.J. article on Ted:  TedmarinIJ 010715

Last Friday night Carlos & I made it to Presidio Y.C. for The 7^th Sons (and a Daughter). Small but mighty crowd. Then Saturday Pop Fiction at Hopmonk, and they couldn’t have squeezed any more dancers in the place.  Sorry we did not make it down to Sausalito for Doc Kraft Band and Johnny Z ♫♪♪

 

I’ve picked up a little cold, so have been laying low – but working in a walk in the sunshine (when I can find it!) most every day.  Trying to make that a habit.  Resting up for this next weekend.

Friday coming up our local music is Cheeseballs at Hopmonk, and MSA Jazz Band at Trek Winery.  Or further afield there’s a Swing Dance + Lesson at Marin Theatre Company; and Petty Theft at Hopmonk Sebastopol.—along with a dozen other music events.

Saturday morning The Treble Makers will be at Coffee Roasters as usual, with an empty seat for Ted.  The Music will not die.

We’ll be at Trek Saturday evening for James Moseley Dance Band.  That’s an early show (7:30), so perhaps swing by Hopmonk afterwards for The Zins!  At WhipperSnapper earlier in the evening, you can catch Debra Clawson & Mario Lewin. 

On Sunday DJ Richard Habib is hosting a special Birthday Celebration at Sweetwater—would hate to miss it!  San Geronimo is at Rancho, Love Rockit at 19 Broadway, Lonestar Retrobates at Presidio Y.C. … and more.

I hope your week goes well. Take nothing for granted.  Be Kind.

Music Fun Week of JANUARY 2-7, 2015

WHAT’S NEW??  The year 2015, of course, what else?  Resolutions—do you make ‘em, do you keep ‘em?  Hoping we all have reasons for Gratitude, for overcoming the challenges we encounter ...  with LOVE, and FRIENDSHIPS, and MUSIC ♪♫♪ to help us along the way …

As I suspected, last weekend’s music was at HOPMONK for Carlos & Ellen:  on Friday night for B-Side Players, Saturday for a special Holiday Open Mic with Dennis & Ruthie, and Sunday for Fenton Coolfoot opening for Orgone. Awesome funkiness!  and they got quite a crowd on a school night!

And then came NEW YEAR’S EVE, for us at Seahorse to celebrate with the JAMES MOSELEY BAND – what would I do without them??  Thank you James, Jack, Carrie, Haley, Jean, Marina, John, KC, and Marlon!  Hope yours was Merry too.  James Moseley Band at Trek Winery on January 10.  ♫♪

Friday (tonight) hope to get to Presidio Y.C. for The 7^th Sons (and a Daughter).  Then Saturday Pop Fiction is at Hopmonk, and Doc Kraft Band (with Johnny Z) is at the Seahorse.

Maybe more … playin’ it by ear ♫♪♪

Friday, January 2 –  Happy Birthday, Clark P!