Flowerful Holidays...
Of course there is an explanation for this flower-bedecked lead guitarist of the New Orleans street band
Yes Ma'am.
The other 5 band members did not make it to the gig Saturday night at Tin Roof.
He gallantly sat in with the opener and gave us quite a show.
Two fans stepped forward with - I guess - a thank you bouquet of flowers.
There were no vases so the long stems were stuffed into his t-shirt and his guitar.
I had seen this band before and looked forward again to hearing a bit of rompin' & stompin' NOLA Royal Street music the day after Christmas.
Hey, as they say, the show went on and dancers danced and ribald stories were shared.
The spirit of the Xmas holiday season and the birth of Jesus, was kneeling to the right of the stage.
This, of course, was the non-retiring other "Joe" in Charleston as the end of the year looms.
The jaunty Santa hat was another nice holiday seasonal touch.
It's no secret that I enjoy live music here and overseas.
It's also well-known that I usually have my trusty Canon SX280hs in my hand on musical evenings.
A nice "shout out" to the Tin Roof for the improved lighting onstage.
Speaking of being out of the country, a buddy of mine has served in Germany and Western Europe for many years as a civilian contractor.
Now he's wearing government credentials in Kabul, near the NATO headquarters, in Afghanistan.
He was able to pose on Christmas day with a svelte Santa, a wheelbarrow filled with candy, a helpful "tree" and a flirty elf.
They continued on their rounds after the picture was snapped.
Set my camera on black & white to capture
Steve Cheesborough and his vintage metal
Dobro guitar.
He was at
How Art Thou by the Terrace Theater on Maybank Highway Tuesday night.
Steve travels from his home in Portland, Oregon each year around Christmas and this was his final night before heading home.
I've seen him perform several years ago at Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ in West Ashley and know he specializes in music from the 20s and 30s leading up to WWII.
Last week I had just missed his set at the Tradesman Brewing Company close by off Folly Road.
Glad to catch his last night in town as he played with
Shrimp City Slim on keys and
Juke Joint Johnny on harp.
I learned there is a good chance Shrimp will be adding a second night of Blues (Friday?) at the cozy music, beer , tapas and coffee spot.
(Click on the photos and links for more details and information.)
Thanks for stopping by.
Happy New Year's Eve Eve.
Labels: Dobro American resonator guitar, HAT, Home Team BBQ, How Art Thou, Juke Joint Johnny, Kabul, NATO Hq, Shrimp City Slim, Yes Ma'am NOLA band
Ouch! Too much enjoyment!
Oh, my aching back.
Four days of sitting and standing, listening to great music at the Lowcountry Blues Bash, has affected me.
A sore back that eases after I walk around a bit.
Too long in one position ... a bar stool, a bleacher bench or a folding metal chair.
B.J. Emory, master of the trombone, was an exciting part of the Chi Town Blues Revue Sunday at the Isle of Palms Rec Center.
Three acts there on Saturday and three more on Sunday.
Caught shows at BOTH Home Team BBQ locations.
This is
Mike Milligan and the Steam Shovel Band in West Ashley.
That's quite a drive after spending all day on the Isle of Palms.
Even though we were having a brief chilly spell, all of the performers pointed out how bad their weather was back in Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis.
Yeah, we have it good here in the Lowcountry.
At the IOP Rec, saw a familiar face - er, tall person - dressed in black.
Wearing a top hat.
He was buying a CD from the Mandolin Madman,
Rich DelGrosso from Houston.
Believe they were selling for 2 or 3 "Lincolns."
Rich is quite an expert on the mandolin - something you expect to see in a Bluegrass band - and his two instruments date back to the 1920s.
His partner from Texas,
Jonn Del Toro Richardson, accompanies on guitar.
They too commented on the weather back home.
The back is feeling better so I'll be heading downtown to
Mad River for the early show (7-9) by
Eddie Shaw & the Wolf Gang.
That's a great-sounding venue for the Blues. All that wood and a high ceiling in the former chapel makes the music mellow.
I may stand awhile.
(Click - twice - on the pictures to see more detail).
When your back hurts, you hate to flinch... but you do.
It really does feel better . I just sat too long.
Remember: sit in moderation.
Labels: B.J. Emery, Holle Thee Maxwell, Home Team BBQ, Jonn Del Toro Richardson, Maurice John Vaughn, Mike Milligan, Rich DelGrosso, Steam Shovel Band
Sounds Great ...
BBQ and Island Characters.
Fiery Red's
Home Team remodeled Bert's old place and now there's a brand new music venue on Sullivan's Island.
Home Team also is still in West Ashley.
Sound tech Scott Rosenbrook fine-tuned the board to make sure
Delta Highway had clarity, separation and definition.
Oh, and plenty of volume.
The hard pounding group from Memphis was scheduled to play again the next night at the original Home Team on Highway 61.
Makes sense. It gives a band two gigs and a chance to park the van overnight.
I remember a few years ago that
Wild Wings would book acts to play its mini-circuit when - in addition to the three here in Charleston - they also had an eatery in North Myrtle Beach and down at Hilton Head.
And, for those who like to plan ahead, (I got my Seinfeld tickets about 5 months before his show) mark your calendar now for Sunday October 18 at the PAC.
That's when the
Life on the D List lady, caustic comic
Kathy Griffin, charges into Charleston.
Kathy has a new book out and I guess she didn't want to wait and see if Oprah would endorse it. The book is titled
Official Book Club Selection.
Catchy and misleading. I like that.
Labels: Brandon Santini, Delta Highway, Highway 61, Home Team BBQ, Kathy Griffin, Oprah Winfrey, Sullivan's Island, West Ashley
MORE than a cup of coffee ....
A good musical experience is one you can share.
A band passing through town on tour MIGHT be back again but you can depend on a good show at 7:30 every other Thursday at
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar.
Judging from the crowd, I must be the only person not familiar with the
Palmetto Acoustic Thursday celebration on Highway 61 in West Ashley. I found the last empty chair.
Big Bill Morganfield, son of
THE Muddy Waters, has played a few times during Blues Festivals right down the street at Home Team BBQ but THIS venue was nodding along with opener Singer/Songwriter Kev Rowe on acoustic guitar.
He was followed by The
Barnard Sisters. That's Kara on the left and Pam Barnard Hays smiling on the right.
These talented folk/pop sibling singers have a new CD out all about Charleston called
"Flying Down King Street." I didn't even know that some coffee shops serve cold beer. This one does.
Labels: Ashley River Road, Barnard Sisters, Big Bill Morganfield, Flying Down King Street, Home Team BBQ, Hwy 61, Kard, Kev Rowe, Muddy Waters Coffee Bar, Palmetto Acoustic, Pam Hays, West Ashley
Ottawa Version Of The "Blues."
Caught some
"Northern Blues" from Canada a few nights ago at Home Team BBQ.
The
JW Jones Blues Band just released its 4th CD and response has been strong. They play some rollicking Chicago and Delta blues licks.
Here JW gets some "help" on his guitar from Jesse Whiteley who usually is on organ. Backing them is drummer Jeff Asselin.
It's important to know who plays what because the three rotate around the tiny stage and switch off on all the other instruments.
And each of the talented trio does all of it well.
Look for them to return. You'll have a great night. eh.
Labels: Canada, Chicago Blues, Delta Blues, Home Team BBQ, JW Jones Blues Band, Ontario, Ottawa
