Guilty Summer Pleasures

[jonnygospeltent]

Seen any bands this summer that were surpringly good?
I saw BJ Thomas last night and 3 Dog Night tonight at free neighborhood events and they were both really fun.

[guitartech]

I saw the Blind Boys of Alabama the other day with David Torkanowsky sitting in. Real good set.
Amazing, strong vocal harmonies.

[ibjamn]

oh. When I saw "guilty summer pleasures", I came in to tell you about the Blue Bell Summer Cooler that is half vanilla ice cream and half orange sherbert, swirled together..........never mind........ ;)

[Moon]

Fo real. I thought this was about doing twins in the pool.

I have seen Calexico. They opened for Andrew Bird who was interesting and all but that looping shit tainted the rest of the show for me. When his bass player played an clarinet solo, I said "That was nice but was it real."

[freebo]

I thought it would be eating watermelon...

Topless, so you don't get all that juice on yer shirt.
.
.
.
.
.
.

What?!

:D

Seriously: It may not be exclusively a summer thang, but if you live near a Publix supermarket, try their pomegranate / blueberry frozen yogurt. Delicious, especially on a hot summer's evening.

[ohio]

STP last night and Joe Cocker last week- both very tight and very fun!

[mwgirlonherown]

I went to Fitzgerald's for the 4th and saw Tributosaurus covering Elvis Presley.

What a time! I had a permagrin the remainder of the night! My friend Fred, who can't get around well, almost broke a table banging his fist to Suspicious Minds.

They covered the "Sun" years as well as his "movies" and closed the entire two hour set with "American Trilogy. I loved it because they were just playing & singing Elvis; not trying to impersonate.

For those from outside Chicago, Tributosaurus is a dynamic group of Chicago musicians, many from the CSO, who get together once a month, usually at Martyr's and do a set of covers (did I get it correct, Chicago folks?).
Last month they covered the Cars. In the past, they've covered bands as diverse as Led Zep.

I will definitely check them out again! May have to suggest that they cover New Orleanian standards in February!

[festivalgirl]

oh. When I saw "guilty summer pleasures", I came in to tell you about the Blue Bell Summer Cooler that is half vanilla ice cream and half orange sherbert, swirled together..........never mind........ ;)

Ooooh, like a Creamsicle!! Rainbow Sherbet Float for me (in 7-Up) :p


Saw Eddie Palmerie last night - excellent!!

Joan Baez tonight ....... guilty pleasure in advance.

[mrSteve]

I went to Fitzgerald's for the 4th and saw Tributosaurus covering Elvis Presley.

What a time! I had a permagrin the remainder of the night! My friend Fred, who can't get around well, almost broke a table banging his fist to Suspicious Minds.

They covered the "Sun" years as well as his "movies" and closed the entire two hour set with "American Trilogy. I loved it because they were just playing & singing Elvis; not trying to impersonate.

For those from outside Chicago, Tributosaurus is a dynamic group of Chicago musicians, many from the CSO, who get together once a month, usually at Martyr's and do a set of covers (did I get it correct, Chicago folks?).
Last month they covered the Cars. In the past, they've covered bands as diverse as Led Zep.

I will definitely check them out again! May have to suggest that they cover New Orleanian standards in February!

I laughed when I first saw that on the schedule but I'm not surprised they were good, was it last year they did the Allman bros at Fitz and they were outstanding. I believe they have also done The Meters and Queen, Jen would have loved elvis.

[glinda]

I went to Fitzgerald's for the 4th and saw Tributosaurus covering Elvis Presley.

For those from outside Chicago, Tributosaurus is a dynamic group of Chicago musicians, many from the CSO, who get together once a month, usually at Martyr's and do a set of covers (did I get it correct, Chicago folks?).
Last month they covered the Cars. In the past, they've covered bands as diverse as Led Zep.

I will definitely check them out again! May have to suggest that they cover New Orleanian standards in February!
I saw them do the Nevilles once - really good! And yea, they did the Allmans at last years Fitz Fest, terrific!

[i wanna be in NOLA]

I hope to get downtown to see Cedric Watson tomorrow and to Fitzgerald's for the Radiators on Saturday.

[pberman]

Anyone going?

[Doubledown]

The Wall Flowers @ Taste of Chicago, then I called in sick the next day of work :) caugh caugh walking pneumonia. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es31LLwtzrM&feature=PlayList&p=5A893D2C776562D3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=2 Jakob noticed A woman in purple in the front row singing along to every song through the first half of the set, so he asked her if she had a favorite song she wanted to hear. She yelled out Josephine, and they played it on the fly (not originally on the setlist) which is rare for a festival setting, and very cool of them....

[Corona]

Saw Dr. John a couple of weeks ago and catching Rare Earth at our tastefest tomorrow night. Then it's our Bluesfest next weekend! Johnny friggin Winter...FINALLY!!!! :D

[sophisticated sissy]

Steve Earle

Bob Dylan

Willie Nelson

John Mellencamp

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Dr. John & the Lower Nine Eleven

Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy

Feufollet

Bela Fleck

Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys

ON THE HORIZON:

15 July - Levon Helm w/ The Black Crowes
27 AUG- Elvis Costello

PITTSBURGH BLUES FESTIVAL ~ http://www.pghblues.com/

TONIGHT:
Gov't Mule

8:00 PM



Scratch GOV"T MULE. Weather was iffy.

[chicago_bones]

Also saw that Tributosauras Becomes Elvis set - my favorite part was the 11 movie songs in 16 minutes portion.

But the biggest guilty pleasure this summer has to be ? and the Mysterians at James Park in Evanston IL. Mostly original members and they're still garage rocking after all these years. Turned in a heartfelt "Stand By Me" for New Orleans. Plus it was on the same night as Michael Jackson's death. Long live the king of garage rock!

[steeleye]

Saw Dr. John a couple of weeks ago and catching Rare Earth at our tastefest tomorrow night. Then it's our Bluesfest next weekend! Johnny friggin Winter...FINALLY!!!! :D

Rare Earth...did you say Rare Earth? Hey Big Brother...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xRePb7VKrk

[stlbarb]

just got home from Sheryl Crow & Elvis Costello, free! under the Arch. thank you MLB ASG. it was followed by some nice fireworks set to recorded music - which included Dr. John doing 'Take me out to the ballgame' - sweet.

[Corona]

Rare Earth...did you say Rare Earth? Hey Big Brother...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xRePb7VKrk
ooooh, ya got me even more excited! great video!

[MaloGator]

I got to see ReBirth Fri night.
Ani Difranco last night.
Trombone Shorty this Tuseday night.
Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women Wednesday.
Spearhead on Fri.
Los Lobos, then Alex McMurrayin NYC on Fri 7/24
Alex again the night after that.

I'll try and eat some watermellon while shirtless at some point...and manage to get some work done.:D

[steeleye]

ooooh, ya got me even more excited! great video!

One of my favorite bands from back in the day. Wish I could say I'm not old enough to remember the California Jam, but I can't.

[festivalgirl]

just got home from Sheryl Crow & Elvis Costello, free! under the Arch. thank you MLB ASG. it was followed by some nice fireworks set to recorded music - which included Dr. John doing 'Take me out to the ballgame' - sweet.

Ooooh, two of my favorite things ...... Baseball & Elvis Costello!!! Did he play his new music?

[tabasco]

Well I'm not guilty but I wished I was! While driving down the shore Saturday morning to do some crabbing, drove past the PNC bank arts center and there on the billboard was a concert I would have love to see last night.....Judas Priest with Whitesnake! :eek:

I just got home from a great but not a guilty pleasure festival...The Black Potatoe music fest (http://www.blackpotatoe.com/festivalschedule2009/) Gorgeous day, great music...but I over heard someone talking about their "slightly different" event they saw last night... YES! Judas Priest and Whitesnake!
Damn, I was slightly bummed, when I got home I looked to see if there were any more upcoming shows in the area...NO!...but I also saw that Priest was doing their British Steel album in its entirety! Ok now I was a little pissed :mad:

There, I'm guilty!

More on Black Potatoe (http://www.blackpotatoe.com/festivalschedule2009/) later...Wow!:D

[Lit]

Going to see Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women tonight at a favorite local haunt. Anyone seen them recently and can provide a preview of what to expect?

[freebo]

Dave has Cindy Cashdollar on pedal steel as one of the GW...

That won't suck! :rolleyes:

Have fun, Lit.

[rosetree]

My second date with my husband was to a Whitesnake/Dokken/Scorpions show! LMAO. :D His friend gave him free tickets, so we had a few drinks, got a good buzz & partied on. There was some seeerious metalhair in the house that night!
:D
http://barnabasnagy.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/evil-hand.jpg

[funkkjunkie]

Not a guilty pleasure, but a definite summer pleasure, I'm headed north tomorrow to visit the canajuns. Staying with corona and ed and sammy. Ohio and mrs ohio rolling in on Thursday! Windsor bluesfest and fringefest! Woohoo! Gonna see saturn too!

[Frosty]

I went to Fitzgerald's for the 4th and saw Tributosaurus covering Elvis Presley.

What a time! I had a permagrin the remainder of the night! My friend Fred, who can't get around well, almost broke a table banging his fist to Suspicious Minds.

They covered the "Sun" years as well as his "movies" and closed the entire two hour set with "American Trilogy. I loved it because they were just playing & singing Elvis; not trying to impersonate.

For those from outside Chicago, Tributosaurus is a dynamic group of Chicago musicians, many from the CSO, who get together once a month, usually at Martyr's and do a set of covers (did I get it correct, Chicago folks?).
Last month they covered the Cars. In the past, they've covered bands as diverse as Led Zep.

I will definitely check them out again! May have to suggest that they cover New Orleanian standards in February!

In 2008, they did a tribute to The Meters and The Neville Brothers on Fat Tuesday. I wanted to go but the 8 inch snowstorm put an end to that. I spent the night shoveling out instead.

[ohio]

Not a guilty pleasure, but a definite summer pleasure, I'm headed north tomorrow to visit the canajuns. Staying with corona and ed and sammy. Ohio and mrs ohio rolling in on Thursday! Windsor bluesfest and fringefest! Woohoo! Gonna see saturn too!
See you soon!

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Friends!!!

Just found out that Grace Potter will be playing a free show here on saturday evening---Its up at the Canyons Resort, which is a winter ski and snowboard area located just about 20 min. from my home here in Salt Lake City. (some of you may have seen the Canyons before on television, as there were several Olympic events held there in 2002)

This is the same stunning alpine venue where I (in my wayward "mormon" youth) first saw bands like the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Neville Brothers, Santana, Sting w/ Branford Marsalis, R.E.M., James Taylor and many other world class musicians, all held in a mountain setting that rivals any scenery that the Swiss or Austrian Alps has to offer.............

In addition to being free and open to the public, due to (or maybe in spite of) Utah's famous weirdo liquor laws, they actually allow you to bring your own!!! food and drink into the venue with you---Despite this unusual freedom, (BYOB at a free show is quite rare---Utah aint New Orleans) its actually a very civilized scene, people are pretty mellow, and its usually an older crowd, not a lot of drunken teens.

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing Grace Potter in the beautiful mountains this time, instead of a smoke filled bar---Hopefully the amazing setting will inspire her music and get the (well hydrated) crowd up and grooving!!!

Hope you all are enjoying a music-filled summer, Matthew

[Phatpapa]

Hey Now Friends!!!

Just found out that Grace Potter will be playing a free show here on saturday evening---Its up at the Canyons Resort, which is a winter ski and snowboard area located just about 20 min. from my home here in Salt Lake City. (some of you may have seen the Canyons before on television, as there were several Olympic events held there in 2002)

This is the same stunning alpine venue where I (in my wayward "mormon" youth) first saw bands like the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Neville Brothers, Santana, Sting w/ Branford Marsalis, R.E.M., James Taylor and many other world class musicians, all held in a mountain setting that rivals any scenery that the Swiss or Austrian Alps has to offer.............

In addition to being free and open to the public, due to (or maybe in spite of) Utah's famous weirdo liquor laws, they actually allow you to bring your own!!! food and drink into the venue with you---Despite this unusual freedom, (BYOB at a free show is quite rare---Utah aint New Orleans) its actually a very civilized scene, people are pretty mellow, and its usually an older crowd, not a lot of drunken teens.

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing Grace Potter in the beautiful mountains this time, instead of a smoke filled bar---Hopefully the amazing setting will inspire her music and get the (well hydrated) crowd up and grooving!!!

Hope you all are enjoying a music-filled summer, Matthew

Very cool, MM I know you'll have a blast

Hey, do you still have that extra ticket to Mountainside Mardi Gras? And which did you buy? I need one for myself now

[PaulC]

Hey Now Friends!!!

Just found out that Grace Potter will be playing a free show here on saturday evening---Its up at the Canyons Resort, which is a winter ski and snowboard area located just about 20 min. from my home here in Salt Lake City.

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing Grace Potter in the beautiful mountains this time, instead of a smoke filled bar---Hopefully the amazing setting will inspire her music and get the (well hydrated) crowd up and grooving!!!

Hope you all are enjoying a music-filled summer, Matthew

matthew,.. you are in for a treat as grace does quite well in the mountain air....

had my eyes and my ears fixed on her two years runnin' in telluride,.. and never felt a bit of guilt,.. purely pleasure... and although the dates indicated it was still officially summer,.. it got quite cool up there in those mountains... very chilly the 1st year.. i think seein' icicles in the mornin' even equates to freezin' cold........

i'm guessin' the fact that my far better half agreed to spend back to back years catchin' their act at the juke joint night shows after seein' them those very same days on the outdoor stage says sumthin' about their talent... the 1st night show was one of the best live acts we have every seen... have truthfully not seen them bottle that same magic in the four times seein' them since,.. but each time was plenty good enough for me...

saw the newly reconfigured band at wanee six weeks back,... and whatever it is,.. they still have it....

and you get grace in a beautiful mountain settin' w/ a byob policy and no charge for the show.... that's what i call guilt free,.. enjoy, enjoy, enjoy......

[PaulC]

in less than 72 hrs,.. someone will be in new orleans for their very 1st summertime visit... and that someone is anticipatin' nothin' but pleasure,.. guilt need not apply...

and the present forecast seems to indicate that that certain someone very well might be bringin' a cool front w/ him.... :cool: :D

[swag]

Hey Now Friends!!!

Just found out that Grace Potter will be playing a free show here on saturday evening---Its up at the Canyons Resort, which is a winter ski and snowboard area located just about 20 min. from my home here in Salt Lake City. (some of you may have seen the Canyons before on television, as there were several Olympic events held there in 2002)

This is the same stunning alpine venue where I (in my wayward "mormon" youth) first saw bands like the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Neville Brothers, Santana, Sting w/ Branford Marsalis, R.E.M., James Taylor and many other world class musicians, all held in a mountain setting that rivals any scenery that the Swiss or Austrian Alps has to offer.............


Do they use the same slope-side performance space as they do for the winter concerts? I have some fond memories (http://www.swagland.com/festivals/canyons05/2005Canyons.html) of those.

[Leni]

oh. When I saw "guilty summer pleasures", I came in to tell you about the Blue Bell Summer Cooler that is half vanilla ice cream and half orange sherbert, swirled together..........never mind........ ;)

Sounds like the wonderful 50-50 bars that were around when I was a kid. Where can you buy them?

[funkkjunkie]

Have a fab time, paulc.

[funkkjunkie]

Leni, looks like breyers might have an orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream. Dreamscicles. mmmmmm.
:)

[Gards]

Hey Now Friends!!!

Just found out that Grace Potter will be playing a free show here on saturday evening---Its up at the Canyons Resort, which is a winter ski and snowboard area located just about 20 min. from my home here in Salt Lake City. (some of you may have seen the Canyons before on television, as there were several Olympic events held there in 2002)

This is the same stunning alpine venue where I (in my wayward "mormon" youth) first saw bands like the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Neville Brothers, Santana, Sting w/ Branford Marsalis, R.E.M., James Taylor and many other world class musicians, all held in a mountain setting that rivals any scenery that the Swiss or Austrian Alps has to offer.............

In addition to being free and open to the public, due to (or maybe in spite of) Utah's famous weirdo liquor laws, they actually allow you to bring your own!!! food and drink into the venue with you---Despite this unusual freedom, (BYOB at a free show is quite rare---Utah aint New Orleans) its actually a very civilized scene, people are pretty mellow, and its usually an older crowd, not a lot of drunken teens.

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing Grace Potter in the beautiful mountains this time, instead of a smoke filled bar---Hopefully the amazing setting will inspire her music and get the (well hydrated) crowd up and grooving!!!

Hope you all are enjoying a music-filled summer, Matthew

Hey Mathew
That sounds like great fun.as I have told you before I must try and get back to Salt Lake one day,after all I never did get to go to Bryce Canyon last time,which was inexcusable for one thus named.
Where is Canyons and what events did they have there during the games?I think that I might have gone there,but I spent most of my time at Deer Valley,Park City or Down Town,and visited a couple of other places when the boys went Snowboarding,but cant remember where.
Take it easy.
Gards;)

[snookums]

PBS last Friday at Aces was hot! and this Saturday is the Avette Brothers at the Cuban Club in Tampa!

Hey Paul C... thought we'd see you at Aces...?

[PaulC]

Have a fab time, paulc.

ready to give it a go ms. vickory :D ,.. you do the same hangin' with those canajun and ohio lovebirds...

[PaulC]

PBS last Friday at Aces was hot! and this Saturday is the Avette Brothers at the Cuban Club in Tampa!

Hey Paul C... thought we'd see you at Aces...?

thought i'd be there myself......

got a call from a good friend who was bummed about bein' canned from his job and he needed an ear and a shoulder... so we hit siesta key,.. and before you knew it we were havin' a few frosties,.. which led to a few more.... and that long drive to and from ace's,.. w/ all those many red lights and all those cop cars sittin' there waitin',.. became an impediment that i thought was a bit unwise to test..

headless told me you would be there... glad you enjoyed yourself.... gotta get me a driver someday....

[freebo]

snookums!

I'll be working Will Call at the Avett Bros. this Saturday...

I look forward to meeting up with a fellow Threadhead at a WMNF event.

I was at the PBS gig, and it was good, but not great. So PaulC, don't fret. You can catch them next time, or, may I suggest Blueground Undergrass will be at Ace's on August 1st (Satiddy).

They definitely do not suck.

Peace.

[Lit]

Dave has Cindy Cashdollar on pedal steel as one of the GW...

That won't suck! :rolleyes:

Have fun, Lit.

Alas, no Cindy Cashdollar last night. The official line was that the stage in this bar was too small to fit all seven of the Guilty Women, their instruments, and Dave. And that part is true. But I think they knew that in advance and decided that three of them could have the night off--probably to see friends in the area, stay behind at the last stop, and/or head to the next stop (Boston) in advance.

So, instead we were treated to Dave Alvin and four of the seven Guilty Women: vocalist Christy McWilson; violinists Laurie Lewis and Amy Farris; and drummer Lisa Pankratz. Because of the change in lineup they decided to do something different. Apparently they have been playing essentially the same set list every night previously on this tour, with lots of songs off their new CD. They still did some songs from the new CD last night, but they did also a lot of Dave's solo material, including several songs from his excellent King of California, and some songs from West of the West and Public Domain. It was a great, carefree, almost reckless mood, and Dave was even taking requests at some points. Not having had much exposure to him previously (except for loving the Knitters), I enjoyed the show very much.

[jonnygospeltent]

I went to Fitzgerald's for the 4th and saw Tributosaurus covering Elvis Presley.

What a time! I had a permagrin the remainder of the night! My friend Fred, who can't get around well, almost broke a table banging his fist to Suspicious Minds.

They covered the "Sun" years as well as his "movies" and closed the entire two hour set with "American Trilogy. I loved it because they were just playing & singing Elvis; not trying to impersonate.

For those from outside Chicago, Tributosaurus is a dynamic group of Chicago musicians, many from the CSO, who get together once a month, usually at Martyr's and do a set of covers (did I get it correct, Chicago folks?).
Last month they covered the Cars. In the past, they've covered bands as diverse as Led Zep.

I will definitely check them out again! May have to suggest that they cover New Orleanian standards in February!

I prefer my tribute bands the old fashioned way,wearing wigs and changing clothes 3 times and playing vintage Rickenbakers through Vox amps. I go see American English doing their Beatle's show at every neighborhood fest I can.I wander if their phone rings at 3 am. if they answer in hokey English accents

[MaloGator]

Alas, no Cindy Cashdollar last night. The official line was that the stage in this bar was too small to fit all seven of the Guilty Women, their instruments, and Dave. And that part is true. But I think they knew that in advance and decided that three of them could have the night off--probably to see friends in the area, stay behind at the last stop, and/or head to the next stop (Boston) in advance.

So, instead we were treated to Dave Alvin and four of the seven Guilty Women: vocalist Christy McWilson; violinists Laurie Lewis and Amy Farris; and drummer Lisa Pankratz. Because of the change in lineup they decided to do something different. Apparently they have been playing essentially the same set list every night previously on this tour, with lots of songs off their new CD. They still did some songs from the new CD last night, but they did also a lot of Dave's solo material, including several songs from his excellent King of California, and some songs from West of the West and Public Domain. It was a great, carefree, almost reckless mood, and Dave was even taking requests at some points. Not having had much exposure to him previously (except for loving the Knitters), I enjoyed the show very much.

Add two more GW to the next show, Cindy Cashdollar, and Sara Brown on bass, to bring the count up to six last night. Selections from the albums above plus a couple from Blackjack David. Not having heard the Guilty women record before going to the show, I wasnt sure what to expect, and thought it may be a fairly mellow affair, considering the venue was a stuffy hotel jazz club and an early show time. But they certainly rocked, and even went electric for the last few numbers. They ended the show with a great version of Dry River. And I was in bed at 10:30...

[denideadhead]

Saw Dr. John a couple of weeks ago and catching Rare Earth at our tastefest tomorrow night. Then it's our Bluesfest next weekend! Johnny friggin Winter...FINALLY!!!! :D
:) Love me some Johnny Winter ...

[sharon_loves_fats]

I've had quite a busy & fun week... Tarbox Ramblers, Back Door Slam and Indigenous. Tonight: Arlo Guthrie & Richie Havens. Crossing my fingers for no rain!

[sharon_loves_fats]

ON THE HORIZON:

PITTSBURGH BLUES FESTIVAL ~ http://www.pghblues.com/





Hey Sissy, which days are you gonna be at Pgh BF? I'll be there Friday for Eric Lindell & Cyril.

[festivalgirl]

I've had quite a busy & fun week... Tarbox Ramblers, Back Door Slam and Indigenous. Tonight: Arlo Guthrie & Richie Havens. Crossing my fingers for no rain!

Oooh, Arlo & Richie. Have a great time!!! :D

[MaloGator]

I've had quite a busy & fun week... Tarbox Ramblers, Back Door Slam and Indigenous. Tonight: Arlo Guthrie & Richie Havens. Crossing my fingers for no rain!

Hey Sharon! I love the Tarbox Ramblers... they used to play every Tuesday at the Plough and Stars in Cambridge, and i'd see them a couple of times a month. Ah, good times...

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

[sharon_loves_fats]

Oooh, Arlo & Richie. Have a great time!!! :D

Thanks FG, it was a great show!!

[sharon_loves_fats]

Hey Sharon! I love the Tarbox Ramblers... they used to play every Tuesday at the Plough and Stars in Cambridge, and i'd see them a couple of times a month. Ah, good times...

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Hey Malo! I love them!!! It was my first time seeing them and I can't wait for them to come back again. The bassist wasn't there because his wife was having a baby, and they still made a hell of a sound. I had to practically drag my friend to the show and then he went nuts over them just like I knew he would!

Thanks! Hope your summer is full of fun too!

[wahinemicha]

A whole weekend of guilty pleasures for this lucky lady.. :D
Friday 7/17: Lowell, Mass. Michael Franti & Spearhead !
Saturday 7/18: Green River Fest, Greenfield, Mass. Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women, C.J. Trombone Shorty, MFSH (yes, again !)
Green River is such a beautiful place in western Mass. First time there. Cj and Shorty TORE IT UP in the dance tent fo sure, and my newest find that blew everyone away was Naia Kete. Check her out.

[sharon_loves_fats]

Sounds like a great weekend, Michelle! Glad you had a good time!!

[redcowgirlboots]

A band called Scythian... they had so many people dancing at the infield stage at the Fingerlakes Grassroots Festival yesterday afternoon that there was a visible GIANT dust cloud!

[sharon_loves_fats]

Hey Sissy, which days are you gonna be at Pgh BF? I'll be there Friday for Eric Lindell & Cyril.

Bumping for Sissy...

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Kids!!!


I am just heading up the mountain to see Little Feat tonight (old favorites of mine) at Snowbird, a ski resort just 25 min. from my home SLC; the scenery is every bit as stunning as the Swiss or Austrian Alps, and it happens to be the place where I first learned to ski, way back when I was just a wee little Mormon..........

Tuesday, Soulive is playing a free gig at the Canyons, which is another ski resort, and where the 2002 Olympic ski jumping events were held; also a beautiful venue for music, and because of Utah's famous bizzare-o liquor laws, this place cant SELL alcohol, so instead they allow you to BYOB (it makes no legal sense, but it's sure nice and easy on the beverage budget to be able to bring your own in with you!!!)

Looking forward to the next few daze, spent up here in the beautiful mountains...........

What about you???

Any good shows coming your way???
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope everyone is enjoying a safe, sun-drenched and music-filled summer, Matthew

[festivalgirl]

Hey Now Kids!!!


I am just heading up the mountain to see Little Feat tonight (old favorites of mine) at Snowbird, a ski resort just 25 min. from my home SLC; the scenery is every bit as stunning as the Swiss or Austrian Alps, and it happens to be the place where I first learned to ski, way back when I was just a wee little Mormon..........

Hey Matthew, have a great time at Little Feat!!! That was a great show we saw here with you & Robbie!!! Snowbird will be a hell of a lot nicer than HOB!! ;) :p

Drink a few for us.

[MormonMatthew]

Chrissa, your on!!!

I will definately be thinking back to the great night we all spent at Little Feat in November.........

Say hey to everyone for me, and will hopefully see you kids soon!!!

PS---Got the disc back yesterday----Thanks Again, Matthew

[festivalgirl]

Chrissa, your on!!!

I will definately be thinking back to the great night we all spent at Little Feat in November.........

Say hey to everyone for me, and will hopefully see you kids soon!!!

PS---Got the disc back yesterday----Thanks Again, Matthew

Cool! Thank you.

We'll be seeing Dr. John & Buddy Guy at the Bowl in a few weeks .... should be a great night.

[ohio]

Hey Matthew, that sounds great! Need me some Feat, haven't seen them since that awesome set at IAC '08

[Bluemon]

Little Feat played a short free show under the arch on the riverfront last Saturday night. The show was great!

[charlotte]

Just got back from camping a few nights in Washburn, WI (Cheesehead country) at a wonderful campground right on Lk Superior. Steve Earle did a sweet show Wed. night at the Big Top Chautauqua tent, a solo show with guitar, harmonica, mandola, one song with mandolin. He did lots of tunes from his new "Townes" cd, as well as quite a few of his oldies but goodies, including: "Goodbye", "Taneytown", "Ft Worth Blues", and as one of his encores "Copperhead Road", in an incredible blistering rendition that he just rocked the hell out of on his acoustic guitar. I love Steve Earle!

[steeleye]

Just got back from camping a few nights in Washburn, WI (Cheesehead country) at a wonderful campground right on Lk Superior. Steve Earle did a sweet show Wed. night at the Big Top Chautauqua tent, a solo show with guitar, harmonica, mandola, one song with mandolin. He did lots of tunes from his new "Townes" cd, as well as quite a few of his oldies but goodies, including: "Goodbye", "Taneytown", "Ft Worth Blues", and as one of his encores "Copperhead Road", in an incredible blistering rendition that he just rocked the hell out of on his acoustic guitar. I love Steve Earle!

Love him too, Charlotte. Sounds like it was a great show. Glad he's gotten his act together. Was afraid he was heading down the same road as Townes.

[ohio]

Just got back from camping a few nights in Washburn, WI (Cheesehead country) at a wonderful campground right on Lk Superior. Steve Earle did a sweet show Wed. night at the Big Top Chautauqua tent, a solo show with guitar, harmonica, mandola, one song with mandolin. He did lots of tunes from his new "Townes" cd, as well as quite a few of his oldies but goodies, including: "Goodbye", "Taneytown", "Ft Worth Blues", and as one of his encores "Copperhead Road", in an incredible blistering rendition that he just rocked the hell out of on his acoustic guitar. I love Steve Earle!Me too Charlotte! Just saw basically the same show at the Windsor Bluesfest last weekend.

Steeleye- yep, I was too until I read a great article about Steve in last month's RS, though his son who is also a performer may be flirting with that lifestyle...

[Gards]

Me too Charlotte! Just saw basically the same show at the Windsor Bluesfest last weekend.

Steeleye- yep, I was too until I read a great article about Steve in last month's RS, though his son who is also a performer may be flirting with that lifestyle...

A mate of mine promoted Justin Townes Earl down here last year and by all acounts his shows were fantastic,I think he may be bringing him down here again soon so I will go and have a look and see what he is like and get the mail on his behaviour.
I have been meaning to buy Steves album of Townes songs which is very good,so I am told,and he has had his shit together for a while which is what I presume some of the RS article would have been about.

[snookums]

snookums!

I'll be working Will Call at the Avett Bros. this Saturday...

I look forward to meeting up with a fellow Threadhead at a WMNF event.

I was at the PBS gig, and it was good, but not great. So PaulC, don't fret. You can catch them next time, or, may I suggest Blueground Undergrass will be at Ace's on August 1st (Satiddy).

They definitely do not suck.

Peace.

Concur!
We're heading down for Blueground - see ya'll there?
or at Skipper's on Fri. for Tab?!

[Bluemon]

Saw the last show of Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women's tour last night at Blueberry Hill's Duck Room. There were 5 of the 7 women with him. Cindy Cashdollar played lapsteel and dobro and was great!! Sarah Brown played bass, also great!!! They seemed to have fun together and put on a well balanced show. A few slow or more quiet songs, but mostly they were rockin'.

[glinda]

Really enjoyed the "Bon Taj Roulet"* show at Ravinia Friday Night. The fresh peach margaritas helped, ahem, but the separate and combined talents of these two and their incredible bands (even without Jon Cleary) was terrific. When they played together we could have danced all night. Even in the r*!n. Ponchos were twirlng and bopping.

[festivalgirl]

We saw Mr. & Mrs. McManus this week - sadly not together.

Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes on Tuesday (gotta love Goldstar.com) ... great, great show. The new music is terrific. Lucinda Williams opened and did a couple of songs with Elvis. His new band is amazing!!

Diana Krall last night. Fabulous show, as usual. Apparently, she's fallen in love with Brazil so her music has a little samba beat to it.

[ohio]

Saw the last show of Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women's tour last night at Blueberry Hill's Duck Room. There were 5 of the 7 women with him. Cindy Cashdollar played lapsteel and dobro and was great!! Sarah Brown played bass, also great!!! They seemed to have fun together and put on a well balanced show. A few slow or more quiet songs, but mostly they were rockin'.
That sounds great, Mon! I don't think Dave made it as far east as us this tour. Is Blueberry Hill where Chuck Berry plays?

[wladybugw]

I saw the Bon Ton Roulet show last weekend in Boston, I thought it was terrific.... I ran into LIsaRI there too...Cindee

[Lit]

We went to a local (but quite large) agricultural fair in a neighboring town here this afternoon/evening and The Guess Who were playing on the main stage. To our pleasant surprise, they actually sounded very good. I played the hell out of their "Best of" album in college but haven't thought about them much since. Great to hear those songs again; they really had so many good ones. There are obviously some new members in the band, but at least two of the main members remain.

Now I've come home on a kick to acquire it all digitally again. I just made a list including them and similar bands that I need to get on my iPod so I can listen to them again: Guess Who; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Three Dog Night; Grand Funk Railroad.

Oh yeah, speaking of guilty pleasures, the food was amazing. Tremendous bratwurst, a Polish combo plate, apple fritters and...a fried Snickers bar.

Yeah, I'm guilty alright. Time to break out the stretchy pants...

[Rossvegas]

We went to a local (but quite large) agricultural fair in a neighboring town here this afternoon/evening and The Guess Who were playing on the main stage. To our pleasant surprise, they actually sounded very good. I played the hell out of their "Best of" album in college but haven't thought about them much since. Great to hear those songs again; they really had so many good ones. There are obviously some new members in the band, but at least two of the main members remain.

Now I've come home on a kick to acquire it all digitally again. I just made a list including them and similar bands that I need to get on my iPod so I can listen to them again: Guess Who; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Three Dog Night; Grand Funk Railroad.

Oh yeah, speaking of guilty pleasures, the food was amazing. Tremendous bratwurst, a Polish combo plate, apple fritters and...a fried Snickers bar.

Yeah, I'm guilty alright. Time to break out the stretchy pants...

I think its funny that Randy Bachman got skinny and Burton Cummings got fat!

I've always been a fan of the Guess Who, being from Winnipeg and all. In fact, their drummer Gary Peterson (who may or may not still be playing with them) used to teach me drum lessons. The guy would walk into the room, light up a bowl, play the crap out of the kit for a few minutes and then say "ok, now you do it." Worst drum teacher I ever had!

[swag]

The Guess Who is one of those bands where it's just impossible not to sing along.

[Rossvegas]

Yeah, except I took a look at their website, and the band that's out there right now is BARELY the Guess Who. No Bachman, no Cummings - those two have their own act and it's definitely worth seeing. The Guess Who lineup now includes just the original drummer and bass player, plus some local Winnipeg vets - all of who are talented, but if you don't have BC's voice...

[Lit]

That's true Ross. IMO the greatness and durability of so many of their songs is a function of very good songwriting, but especially great vocals by Burton Cummings. He was a one-man call-and-response; his ability to escalate with a kind of instant anger/rage on his response to his own call is really what elevated very songs to great songs imo. I was happy enough to be reminded of those songs last night and to know that at least two of the original members were in the band. The others were fine musicians and the vocals were a decent approximation of Cummings' original performances, but YYR he owns those trademark performances in the first instance.

One of the great things about seeing the Guess Who though--in any incarnation--is that they can fill an entire performance with hits. They are no one-hit-wonder; they are one of those bands where you find yourself constantly thinking "Man, I forgot they did this too..." almost every time they start playing their next song.

And Swag, YYR too about the irresistible urge to sing along. Much to my family's dismay, it has lasted well into the next day, so far...

[rosetree]

I've always been a fan of the Guess Who, being from Winnipeg and all. In fact, their drummer Gary Peterson (who may or may not still be playing with them) used to teach me drum lessons. The guy would walk into the room, light up a bowl, play the crap out of the kit for a few minutes and then say "ok, now you do it." Worst drum teacher I ever had!

I'm glad that I know you Ross.
I get two degrees of separation from so many people through you...:D
I love your stories, when is the book coming out? ;) :D

[Rossvegas]

That's true Ross. IMO the greatness and durability of so many of their songs is a function of very good songwriting, but especially great vocals by Burton Cummings. He was a one-man call-and-response; his ability to escalate with a kind of instant anger/rage on his response to his own call is really what elevated very songs to great songs imo. I was happy enough to be reminded of those songs last night and to know that at least two of the original members were in the band. The others were fine musicians and the vocals were a decent approximation of Cummings' original performances, but YYR he owns those trademark performances in the first instance.

One of the great things about seeing the Guess Who though--in any incarnation--is that they can fill an entire performance with hits. They are no one-hit-wonder; they are one of those bands where you find yourself constantly thinking "Man, I forgot they did this too..." almost every time they start playing their next song.

And Swag, YYR too about the irresistible urge to sing along. Much to my family's dismay, it has lasted well into the next day, so far...

Yeah, it's kind of like the Doobies, except their current lineup is pretty close to the original. When you see them, you realize that their entire setlist is just hit after hit after hit!

I'm definitely willing to cut a lot of the old dogs some slack, but having the singer (or someone who can approximate him/her) is the key. You can have all of the Creedence Clearwater Redone bands you want, but if they don't have Fogerty...

There are a couple of exceptions out there - Pink Floyd managed to get a couple of guys on their last tour who sounded exactly like Roger Waters - but I think its definitely a lot easier to replace a drummer or a guitar player than a voice. I recall seeing Brian Wilson and expecting that the vocals might be weak, but the dude can afford some of the best singers in the world...and he got them.

But back to the Doobies. I don't know WHY I expected that they might not be as good as "back in the day", but I was definitely wrong. It's not like most musicians get shittier over time, and they can all still sing REALLY well.

[Rossvegas]

I'm glad that I know you Ross.
I get two degrees of separation from so many people through you...:D
I love your stories, when is the book coming out? ;) :D

Thanks, Rosie - I'm really glad I know you too!

As for the book, I think I might have to wait until either a) the statute of limitations expires or b) the subjects of the stories expire. :>)

[Lit]

Yeah, it's kind of like the Doobies, except their current lineup is pretty close to the original. When you see them, you realize that their entire setlist is just hit after hit after hit!

I'm definitely willing to cut a lot of the old dogs some slack, but having the singer (or someone who can approximate him/her) is the key. You can have all of the Creedence Clearwater Redone bands you want, but if they don't have Fogerty...

There are a couple of exceptions out there - Pink Floyd managed to get a couple of guys on their last tour who sounded exactly like Roger Waters - but I think its definitely a lot easier to replace a drummer or a guitar player than a voice. I recall seeing Brian Wilson and expecting that the vocals might be weak, but the dude can afford some of the best singers in the world...and he got them.

But back to the Doobies. I don't know WHY I expected that they might not be as good as "back in the day", but I was definitely wrong. It's not like most musicians get shittier over time, and they can all still sing REALLY well.

I honestly didn't know that anyone from the Guess Who was still performing in any capacity any more until I saw that they were on the bill for the fair yesterday. I would not have gone out of my way to see them otherwise because I would expect a significant drop-off from the past 30+ years, but it was a very nice lagniappe for me to listen to while we stuffed ourselves with fair food, fawned over livestock and watched our kids on the midway rides.

I agree on the importance of the vocals for most popular music; but I also think it depends on the type/style of vocals and how easy (or not) it is to approximate them. Cummings is great and he is definitely responsible for the sound for which the Guess Who became famous, but his sound actually appears to be one of the easier ones to imitate. I think the harder ones to imitate are the ones that are not necessarily great singing voices technically, but they have a very unique quality to them. Not to conflate threads here, but I think the singers from the Band are among the hardest voices to imitate. Danko, Manuel and Helm, each in their own way, had incredibly distinctive voices. And I've heard many poor attempts to approximate Danko especially (Jimmy Vivino had a very hard time with it when he first started trying; he eventually got better, but it was still always missing the plaintive quality). That's why it was such a nice surprise to see Donald Fagen doing the vocals on some of the Band classics the other night, because he shares a similarly odd, slightly-off, plaintive vocal quality and sound with Manuel and Danko imo; I would never have thought about it until seeing/hearing it, but now that I have it makes perfect sense. Levon is another situation altogether. He doesn't have a great technical voice either, but it is one of the hardest to imitate imo. I don't think it's possible unless you've covered the miles he has, and there are few who have.

I totally agree with you about Fogerty. His voice makes those songs. He can recreate CCR by himself; but it can't be done without him.

[VWGal]

That's true Ross. IMO the greatness and durability of so many of their songs is a function of very good songwriting, but especially great vocals by Burton Cummings. He was a one-man call-and-response; his ability to escalate with a kind of instant anger/rage on his response to his own call is really what elevated very songs to great songs imo. I was happy enough to be reminded of those songs last night and to know that at least two of the original members were in the band. The others were fine musicians and the vocals were a decent approximation of Cummings' original performances, but YYR he owns those trademark performances in the first instance.

One of the great things about seeing the Guess Who though--in any incarnation--is that they can fill an entire performance with hits. They are no one-hit-wonder; they are one of those bands where you find yourself constantly thinking "Man, I forgot they did this too..." almost every time they start playing their next song.

And Swag, YYR too about the irresistible urge to sing along. Much to my family's dismay, it has lasted well into the next day, so far...

So is this my cue to break out the Winnipeg stories? Ross is right Lit, what you saw were former band members who won the right to use the Guess Who name alive, and keep the money coming in -- regardless you are right, they can do an easy 90 minutes of just the hits. Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings have buried the hatchet a few years back and now tour together as Bachman-Cummings, and with them you get the Guess Who's best, with sides of BTO. Burton's solo career and some vintage Winnipeg stuff like early influences of Randy's such as Lenny Breau. Burton's voice is still pretty good and I agree with you that his voice was truly instrumental in the hit making formula that was Bachman/Cummings/Guess Who.

You can hear Randy Bachman on CBC Radio online with his show Vinyl Tap. Randy is a keen student of musical history -- example just recently where he did an entire show on famous basslines in rock history. http://www.cbc.ca/vinyltap/

So, the story...one of many for anyone who lived in Winnipeg in the Guess Who era...just after the Guess Who broke up, Randy was off to the west coast to do his own thing having found (or remembered) religion, and Burton was at loose ends in Winnipeg, and as it turned out, was writing his first solo record. But he was not being heard from and the gossip was that he was devastated over the breakup, until suddenly a local jazz singer Dianne Heatherington who was playing at a somewhat upscale lounge called The Paddock was enjoying packed houses, lines around the block...night after night...and while Dianne hadn't changed her set, she did have a new piano player. And so, we were truly lucky to see Burton Cummings any night of the week supporting Dianne and trying out his new material. It was never announced that Burton was on the bill, but there was no need to ensure the house was packed every night even in the dead of a Winnipeg winter.

[Rossvegas]

So is this my cue to break out the Winnipeg stories? Ross is right Lit, what you saw were former band members who won the right to use the Guess Who name alive, and keep the money coming in -- regardless you are right, they can do an easy 90 minutes of just the hits. Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings have buried the hatchet a few years back and now tour together as Bachman-Cummings, and with them you get the Guess Who's best, with sides of BTO. Burton's solo career and some vintage Winnipeg stuff like early influences of Randy's such as Lenny Breau. Burton's voice is still pretty good and I agree with you that his voice was truly instrumental in the hit making formula that was Bachman/Cummings/Guess Who.

You can hear Randy Bachman on CBC Radio online with his show Vinyl Tap. Randy is a keen student of musical history -- example just recently where he did an entire show on famous basslines in rock history. http://www.cbc.ca/vinyltap/

So, the story...one of many for anyone who lived in Winnipeg in the Guess Who era...just after the Guess Who broke up, Randy was off to the west coast to do his own thing having found (or remembered) religion, and Burton was at loose ends in Winnipeg, and as it turned out, was writing his first solo record. But he was not being heard from and the gossip was that he was devastated over the breakup, until suddenly a local jazz singer Dianne Heatherington who was playing at a somewhat upscale lounge called The Paddock was enjoying packed houses, lines around the block...night after night...and while Dianne hadn't changed her set, she did have a new piano player. And so, we were truly lucky to see Burton Cummings any night of the week supporting Dianne and trying out his new material. It was never announced that Burton was on the bill, but there was no need to ensure the house was packed every night even in the dead of a Winnipeg winter.

Ooh, Diane Hetherington - she was a hottie back in the day! (At least to my eyes.) Donna, if you check the Guess Who's website, you'll get a big smile out of some of the players' bios...one of them played with Diane Hetherington (Leonard Shaw) and another (Laurie Mackenzie) is from Dauphin. The singer is from Thunder Bay.... :>)

I was actually just in Winnipeg and drove past the "Burton Cummings Community Centre". (Of course, the place was a complete shithole!)

[VWGal]

Ooh, Diane Hetherington - she was a hottie back in the day! (At least to my eyes.) Donna, if you check the Guess Who's website, you'll get a big smile out of some of the players' bios...one of them played with Diane Hetherington (Leonard Shaw) and another (Laurie Mackenzie) is from Dauphin. The singer is from Thunder Bay.... :>)

I was actually just in Winnipeg and drove past the "Burton Cummings Community Centre". (Of course, the place was a complete shithole!)

Well, here's some great pics and a bio on Dianne. She must have been back to Winnipeg for the long-standing gig at the Paddock as this says she left Winnipeg for Toronto in the early 70's and I'm thinking we saw her in 73/74.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiHayapaVnc

Anytime I go to Winnipeg, I spend time driving around to all the old haunts. Poor old Winnipeg.

[Rossvegas]

Well, here's some great pics and a bio on Dianne. She must have been back to Winnipeg for the long-standing gig at the Paddock as this says she left Winnipeg for Toronto in the early 70's and I'm thinking we saw her in 73/74.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiHayapaVnc

Anytime I go to Winnipeg, I spend time driving around to all the old haunts. Poor old Winnipeg.

Wow, thanks for that! I had no idea that song was about her!

I seem to recall seeing her sing at the Paddlewheel restaurant in the Bay around '73, so you may be right, Miss Donna. They used to have some pretty cool bands playing there - Mood Jga Jga among them - and for a 13 year old pup, it was a good place to be.

And yeah, poor old Winnipeg indeed. I was recently at the airport in Toronto, talking to some woman who was originally from the 'Peg, and she was going on about what a great city it is...or more accurately, was. I've been spending a lot of time there because my Dad is now at Riverview (unfortunately, he's headed for the exits), and the place is now...how do they say it in French? A shithole. :>) (But I still have a soft spot in my heart for the place - always will.)

[VWGal]

Wow, thanks for that! I had no idea that song was about her!

I seem to recall seeing her sing at the Paddlewheel restaurant in the Bay around '73, so you may be right, Miss Donna. They used to have some pretty cool bands playing there - Mood Jga Jga among them - and for a 13 year old pup, it was a good place to be.

And yeah, poor old Winnipeg indeed. I was recently at the airport in Toronto, talking to some woman who was originally from the 'Peg, and she was going on about what a great city it is...or more accurately, was. I've been spending a lot of time there because my Dad is now at Riverview (unfortunately, he's headed for the exits), and the place is now...how do they say it in French? A shithole. :>) (But I still have a soft spot in my heart for the place - always will.)

Sorry to hear about your dad Ross -- I know he was a huge influence in your life. I hope he is getting great care. I know my mom had absolutely fabulous care in the little Personal Care Home in Souris before she passed. It did help that everyone on staff knew her from her many years teaching sewing, baking the top prize bread at the fair and attending church so faithfully. You never know, one day Winnipeg may be rediscovered -- once global warming makes the winters livable ;)

[Rossvegas]

Thanks for the kind words, Donna. I'm REALLY happy that he's at Riverview (I actually sought (and received) a court order to keep him out of Deer Lodge :>), and he's doing the best as can be expected. It blows, but what can you do?

I think my opinion of Winnipeg has been clouded a bit by my recent experience there. Rhonda and I were staying at his place, so I spent last weekend shuttling between an assisted living home, a chronic/palliative care home and a funeral home. Fun, fun, fun. I finally told Rhonda that I needed to get horizontal in Assiniboine Park for 10-15 minutes because the whole thing was a little much, you know?

It reminds me of the scene in Spinal Tap when they're all at Graceland, and the singer says "a little TOO much reality, if you ask me".....

[Blitzzzzz]

...I spent last weekend shuttling between an assisted living home, a chronic/palliative care home and a funeral home. Fun, fun, fun. I finally told Rhonda that I needed to get horizontal in Assiniboine Park for 10-15 minutes because the whole thing was a little much, you know?

It reminds me of the scene in Spinal Tap when they're all at Graceland, and the singer says "a little TOO much reality, if you ask me".....

No fun at all, Ross, hardly what we're used to hearing from you, and I feel for you. I took that ride early last summer with my Mom. My best wishes, and bless all those care givers who deal with this every day, too!:cool:

[Bluemon]

That sounds great, Mon! I don't think Dave made it as far east as us this tour. Is Blueberry Hill where Chuck Berry plays?

Yes it is. Once a month, I believe. It's a good room to hear a show if you can stand on concrete. Like everywhere else, never enough seating.
Blueberry Hill is a great burger restaurant and bar upstairs (street level) in the University City Loop neighborhood. The space where the Duck Room is, used to be another bar, Cicero's. You literally had to duck going down the stairs to keep from hitting your head. They jacked up the walls and dug the floor deeper when it was added on to Blueberry Hill.

[VWGal]

Thanks for the kind words, Donna. I'm REALLY happy that he's at Riverview (I actually sought (and received) a court order to keep him out of Deer Lodge :>), and he's doing the best as can be expected. It blows, but what can you do?

I think my opinion of Winnipeg has been clouded a bit by my recent experience there. Rhonda and I were staying at his place, so I spent last weekend shuttling between an assisted living home, a chronic/palliative care home and a funeral home. Fun, fun, fun. I finally told Rhonda that I needed to get horizontal in Assiniboine Park for 10-15 minutes because the whole thing was a little much, you know?

It reminds me of the scene in Spinal Tap when they're all at Graceland, and the singer says "a little TOO much reality, if you ask me".....

Glad he's not at Deer Lodge -- I trained there (first career as a lab tech) -- can't imagine what it's like now. Knowing he is getting good care is everything for you and Rhonda to have some small peace of mind.