Live Music and Dancing in Port Angeles

If you've ever wondered whether people would dance to music played on acoustic guitars and a few voices sans bass and drums, the answer is "Hell yes!" That very question was answered on Sunday night at the Junction between the hours of 7:00 PM and 12:20 AM. We're supposed to stop at 11:00 PM but there were lots of players to get on stage and everyone seemed to be having fun so we went longer. Conventional wisdom dictates that a band must have bass and drums (especially drums) before people will get out on the dance floor. Not necessarily true. The proof is in the pictures. It has happened before, but it still surprises and inspires. The next best thing for a musician is seeing people in the audience singing along with a song that has moved them to vocalize. Nice.



For the second week in a row we had no drums at Crazy Fish, but there were plenty of electric guitars and my borrowed Peavey Classic 30(thanks Strait Music). Rudy, as always shined on bass and he's starting to sing more with fine harmonies. Kelly was missing in action but will be back next week. Dan, from Rate Limiting Step, and Mike from the Soul Shakers, once again sparkled on electric blues, drums or no drums. Patrick played lick after tasty lick on my Strat and voiced good reviews for the Classic 30. I must admit it took several songs for Stephen and I to find a groove in the first set, but his vocal on Route 66 perked up the crowd. Hope to see you all at the jam at the Junction on Sunday.

Rain on the Olympic Peninsula

The rain is returning to the Olympic Peninsula this week. It never leaves for very long, however. The streets are wet and skies are gray. Normal. Election day has passed, and apparently few bothered to vote, and Jefferson County had more voters than Clallam County. Why is that? Different worlds in some ways except when it comes to music. A lot of musicians travel and perform between the two counties even though the rural miles are long, especially during the frequent rainy nights.

Here in Port Angeles Sunday night at the Junction got a boost from Cindy and Mike of the Soul Shakers when they revved up the crowd with rockin' blues. Even without electric guitars! In fact, the vocals were right up front where they belong. Very cool. Check the sidebar for pics of Phyllis and John who also lifted our spirits on another musical night at the Junction.

Last night at the Crazy Fish was really fun. Kelly wowed the large crowd with new songs and Dan Lieberman accompanied on my Stratocaster while Marty added harmonica. Cory was in fine form wth Rudy and Patrick playing the blues. Bill never fails to bring the dancers to their feet with his classic version of the Wanderer. Back in New Jersey, Dion is proud of you, Bill. Stephen added some jazz classics including Route 66 and Wonderful World. Teachers and firefighters-each out of uniform-made up much of the lively crowd.