How Old is that Gibson in Guitar Years?

This is a shot from Port Angeles photographer, Dave Logan, at Melissa's and Devin's wedding reception last Saturday. Todd and Tom really helped us out with getting people on the dance floor and generally rocking out all afternoon. Tom even doubled as MC for the various reception activities such as the cutting of the cake and the tossing of various wearables. It was a memorable event for us and, hopefully, for the bride, groom and families. Oh yeah, they said they liked our music!

Not sure what's wrong with the weather out here on the Olympic Peninsula, but it's already foggy in the morning, kind of like Fall in August. Oh well, the summer winds down fast now anyway, and the forecast is for great weather over the weekend.

It could be a somber event at the Forks Family Festival with all the bad news about a fallen soldier from out there and the extensive local news coverage about effect on the family and local community. But maybe we can offer some healing tunes and entertain people to some good effect. Hope so.

Meanwhile, guitar strings have been changed, a new thumbpick has been found, and the guitar has been cleaned up, at least a bit. It's amazing how lasting guitars, good ones, that is, really are. Our audience often gets reminded that my guitar is older than Stephanie. How long do guitars last anyway? People talk about "dog years." Can there be something like "guitar years?"
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]
[guitar]
[northwest]

Lessons in Proper English

So I received some lessons in “proper English” from my friends Alby and Richard in Australia and England, respectively. Apparently, one should refer to BS as “rubbish” and never as “trash,” for instance. I can’t wait for the next lesson. (They don’t know that in real life I’m a school teacher..hehe). Richard was surprised I wasn’t wearing a baseball cap…quintessential Port Angeles head gear.

After a wonderful weekend playing the reception at the Red Lion in Port Angeles for Melissa and Devin’s wedding, there was an opportunity to see our drummer, Tom, play with a jazz quartet, and what a treat! Having never been to the old town section of Silverdale, we now have a bead on more music venues for future gigs. After hearing Lee Pence use it to great effect, I will have to get a tremolo unit or finally change the worn out tubes in my ’66 Bandmaster and plug in at the next opportunity.

This weekend will be even busier with the Open Aire Market in Sequim on Saturday, Bill’s party on Friday night, the Forks Family festival on Sunday at 2:00 PM and the Junction later that evening.

Hood Canal oysters are still closed. Apparently the eighty people now reportedly sick from ingesting the creatures did not drink wine with the meal as advised by Ronald over at Cornichon.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]
[Hood Canal]

How to Save Money on Weddings

First of all, don't tell anyone you want to save money on your daughter's wedding! For crying out loud--you don't want the cousins to think you're cheap. However, unless you want to wimp out and hire a dj, you can still get live music, which everyone know is better, and still have enough left over for the cake and flowers. Start by looking for a local band, say "Rollin' Waters," if you live on the Olympic Peninsula. They are really reasonable and you can negotiate with them. Furthermore, they are experienced! This summer alone they booked four weddings within two summer weeks. If you don't live on the peninsula you are not completely out of luck. Rollin' Waters will travel unless you live in Spokane or Denver, or some other silly place. In that case, check a local music store and ask they guy that doesn't any piercings or noticeable tattoos if he can recommend a local band for the wedding. It really is that simple. All about knowing who to ask. Rollin' Waters has so many wedding gigs this summer that I've had to give jobs away to other guitar players and bands, and there is some real satisfaction in knowing that we're sharing some work with our musical colleagues.
Don't forget to read John Nelson's column in Thursday's Peninsula Daily News to find out about all the musical happenings on the peninsula. Even if you don't like music, it's a good read because John's a fine writer, and sometimes in these long summer months one struggles to find enough good reading material. On the other hand, avoid the teacher bashing letters to the editor on the opinion page. Some of those are murder and enough to make one want to write a protest song!
One more thing, if you're hesitating to eat the oysters from Hood Canal, read the article over at Cornichon. It might help you enjoy some of our local restaurants.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]
[Hood Canal]

Thursday

Smoldering! As you can see, the good weather has returned to the Olympic Peninsula, and last Saturday, at Arts in Action in Port Angeles, the heat was downright oppressive. But the music played on, and Stephanie agrees it was one of our better shows. The crowd was very generous with applause, the sound was good, and Miles took some pictures, although he wasn't satisfied with the the intense sunlight. Many thanks to Mike and Dwayne for the good work on sound and staqe and for organizing such a fun event. We're looking forward to playing outside again at the Clallam County Fair in August.
This last Saturday we played at Kat's wedding out at the Lake Crescent Lodge in the equally warm weather. Photographer Dave, my neighbor, couldn't resist taking extra pictures of Stephanie, so some of them may show up on this blog later this summer. We have another wedding coming up on the 5th for yet another teacher tying the knot this summer. Melissa's event will happen on August 5th, and we are scheduled for the reception at the Red Lion here in town. And, it looks like yet another wedding will employ Rollin' Waters later that same month. So nice to be musically busy!

Our deepest sympathy goes out to fellow musician Rick Thanem for the tragic loss of his son earlier this week.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Arts in Action

Eighty three year old Doc Watson played at the Zoo Tunes show in Seattle last night, and Mick and I were there. What a treat to hear "Shady Grove" and some of "our" other songs played so well by the legend. Most of the licks are still there and his voice is the same--sure gives one hope for a long life of playing music.
On Saturday at noon we play at the Port Angeles Arts in Action event down on Hollywood Beach in what is normally the parking lot. It's probably the sand sculptures that bring most of the people to the Olympic Peninsula this weekend, but the music promises a lot starting tomorrow with our colleagues, Deadwood Revival and Stephanie's dad's new group, Second Nature. Now if that doesn't sound "all in the family" enough, consider that their guitar player, Mike, and singer, Kelly, have performed with us in previous bands over recent years. Sometimes the isolation of the peninsula makes one wonder if we don't have a lot in common with Appalachia, the Australian outback, and the Gallapagos.
So, a busy musical weekend looms-after the Arts in Action gig, we play a wedding at Lake Crescent Lodge on Sunday before the Junction open mike and jam. The weather is perfect, and that doesn't happen too often around here so, as they say on television, "let's get out there!"
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]
[Doc Watson]
[Arts in Action]

Dog and Jury Days

It's never been clear just what "dog days" really means, although I know it has something to do with midsummer. The weather has improved on the Olympic Peninsula, just in time for jury duty! Luckily my number was high and there was no seat for me. It's quite possible the defense would have rejected me anyway. Living in Port Angeles for 26 years causes me to know lots of people in and out of law enforcement, not to mention those involved in music.
The Junction crowd was minimal to start with but grew along with the evening, and it turned into a good summer evening. Joe and Johnny played some unheard songs and we jammed along while Bill debuted a new Moody Blues medley. The pictures tell the story.  
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Farmers' Market

Friday night and the weather on the Olympic Peninsula still seems like Fall. Clouds cover the sky and drizzle periodically scars the decks of homes throughout Port Angeles. But the music plays on! Forget about the Lavendar Festival, (it’s for grandmothers!), and get yourself down to the Junction Sunday night for the Jam/Open mic or on Saturday to the Farmer’s Market in the County Courthouse parking lot. As usual, Rollin’ Waters will host and play blues, folk and even some rock and roll. People will dance and do whatever they do, and Stephanie and I will tempt you with our new cd just off the presses and ready for your reviews and listening pleasure. You’ll notice guest appearances by some the finest musicians in the northwest, certainly on the north Olympic Peninsula. What a thrill that they are eager to play with us and record when the opportunity beckons. And, we are in daily rotation on Cygnus Radio out of Ontario, Canada! We hope to have some reviews of our new cd from other sites and venues soon. Be sure to check our Myspace site for more information. And keep stiff upper lip, it can’t be cloudy forever!
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Clouds on the Peninsula

Clouds cover the Olympic Peninsula and rain threatens, but none of that dampens the fun at the Junction in Port Angeles. Sunday was great with Bill, Bob, Johnny Mustang, George, Ida and Gabriel all on hand to play and sing through the night. The crowd not only listened to our songs but danced to the more upbeat numbers. What fun! John Nelson, from the Peninsula Daily News, was there and we played "Shenandoah," his favorite of our songs. Sometimes the Junction reminds me of the old TV show, "Cheers." It's a place with personality, regulars, and the best gin and tonics north of Los Angeles.

Our new cd is delivered and ready to be heard. In fact, one cut, "Deep River Blues," was played on internet radio this evening. Check out Cygnus radio from Ontario, Canada. That makes two radion stations that have played our songs this year. Although I rarely listen to our local KONP AM station here in Port Angeles for fear of Rush Limbaugh, the station, thanks to Karen Hannan, played and promoted our local gig at the Seven Cedars Casino earlier this year. What a thrill to hear yourself on the radio!

Saturday we're at the Farmer's Market in Port Angeles, starting at ten in the morning. Cds will be available!
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Summer

What is it about summer schedules and teenagers? Sleep until noon or later and stay out until 3:00 AM when 90% percent of the job prospects are only attainable during the daylight hours. I don't want to think about the kind of economic possibilities associated with the teenage hours. Next thing you know, your kids become musicians working at the Ritz on first avenue in Seattle for an audience of bikers. Well, that's another blog entry for a later date.

The sun has returned to the Olympic Peninsula, and summer is officially in session. Rollin' Waters might perform "Summer Wine" Sunday at the Junction in Port Angeles in honor of this natural event. Tomorrow we rehearse with Rick Thanem who plays at least three instruments and will help us out with an upcoming wedding show. I've worked with him before and he is a quick study...can't wait to play "Billy in the Lowground" with him again. Maybe, if my recording equipment is working well, we'll get to record a few songs, too. Talked with a reporter from the Peninsula Daily News this morning about a feature on the Arts in Action event in Port Angeles coming up on the 22nd of this month. I hope Stephanie likes the picture they choose! It's a fun event with lots of food and people in a near carnival atmosphere right there on Hollywood Beach.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]

[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Fourth of July

 A lively crowd joined us at the Junction in Port Angeles on Sunday. Stephanie's extended family stayed for most of the night, and Art, the harmonica player with the Jersey accent, performed after a six month absence. He also sang a cool version of "Stormy Monday" with very nice harmonica solo. Johnny Mustang was under the weather and could not be convinced to sing or play. Same for harmonica Bob, but Bill Tiderman brought newcomers to the dance floor, as usual, and he did a great solo version of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'." Going to a barbecue at his house later today--haven't had a hot dog in ages.

The weather continues its splendor on the Olympic Peninsula, and we're waiting to hear where we are on the schedule for Arts in Action and for the next gig at the Ajax in Port Hadlock. So glad it's summer...busy, but in the best way.

I can't wait to do some more recording in my soon to be "cleaner" home studio where some new equipment is finally taking shape and making sense to a slow learning curve. Over 500 listens to "Wonderful World" on the my/space site! 

Pegasus

Last night we played the Pegasus Coffee House on Bainbridge Island. Cool place with tables and chairs set up and an outside sitting area which our friends from Poulsbo used. The weather was warm. Norm, the owner, seemed to like Stephanie's voice and my finger-picking blues. It's weird when people sit and read a book while we're performing, but what a thrill when they focus on us rather than the book! It reminded me of making people cry at a wedding with just the right song or performance. Then it's clear the job is well done! So, with two weddings coming up this summer, we'll have to keep that in mind!

People really seem to like Todd's double bass on our newest songs posted on myspace. There's something about the fine instrument he plays, his skill/talent, and the way we recorded him in Port Townsend this spring. He is truly a treasure of the Olympic Peninsula.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]
[folk/blues]

Wednesday

 Wednesday, known to some as "hump day," arrives as the fourth warm day of the summer, and one wonders how many more sunny days there are coming up this year. The Olympic Peninsula really shines on such days, rare as ant's teeth. Such was Saturday at the Ajax Cafe, and extra warm on the tiny stage--now it's clear why some performers (mostly male) go shirtless, but to the relief of our audience, that's not going to happen in my case. Instead, we're looking into stage fans, the kind that fasten on to mike stands...small ones, this is. If anyone out there knows where such things can be purchased, please let us know before we succumb to the "heat wave" here in Port Angeles.
The crowd at the Ajax was especially generous with their applause and reactions to our music on Saturday. There was hand-clapping on "I'm Looking Through You" and one guy came up to the stage and sang along on "Wagon Wheel." Some even hooted and hollered when Stephanie sang "Stormy Monday," which isn't unusual, just a first at the Ajax. There are more pictures from the Junction jam/open mike that I will publish soon. I promise! Now it's time to get back to work on our cd..oh, and check the new clips on myspace! 
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[acoustic music]

Sing Along

 Before school let out last week Stephanie helped us with the Sing Along at Franklin Elementary School in Port Angeles. What a treat for the kids! In the past, we've had Deadwood Revival, Luck of the Draw, and other local musicians join us for the weekly sing along event. You might be surprised to learn that "Louie Louie" is a favorite every year. One day, at least twenty years ago, I looked up and the kids were doing this hand movement, hand jive kind of thing that I certainly had not taught them. Ever since, it has been handed down from one year to another.

But enough of school, which is out for the summer, and back to music on the Olympic Peninsula! Stephanie and I will perform at the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock this Saturday starting at 6:00 PM. The food is exceptional and the hats are a riot (see several posts back). Get a reservation at 360 385-3450. After that we're back at the Junction in Port Angeles for our weekly Jam/Open Mic starting at 7:00 PM. More pictures shot there appear next week as promised. With all this nice weather on the peninsula, maybe number two son, Miles, will take some outdoor pics of us next week, too. That is, if he isn't being interviewed on Northwest Afternoon again for his video work in the Seattle Times contest. Yes, I taped the program, and it was very cool.

Alright then, it's off to get a much needed haircut and work on our recordings. 
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[acoustic music]

School's Out!

DSCN0111,
originally uploaded by barre1953.

Sunday arrives once again, and we're off to the Junction, the Olympic Peninsula's showcase for live blues and the weekly jam hosted by us, Rollin' Waters. With school out for the summer, Stephanie and I travel more to locations like Bainbridge Island and Port Hadlock. Who knows where the summer might find us? Port Angeles has a hold on us, for sure, but locations near and far beckon. We'll see what happens. Without a doubt there will be music and lots of it!
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[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction]

Sunday Jam at the Junction

Many thanks to Ida and the gang (see photo) and Cindy (see photo)for another fun Sunday at the Junction in Port Angeles. It's certainly one of the must "go to" places for visitors to the Olympic Peninsula. As noted before, Cindy makes great drinks, and I'm particularly fond of her gin and tonics. Lots of pictures were taken last night, and we'll try to get more of them posted later this week. Such a photogenic crowd at the Junction! And they can sing, too. More later!
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction]

Sunday at the Casino in Sequim

Many thanks to all of you who came out to see us Sunday night at the casino. The band had a great time playing for you, and although we had some trouble with the sound setup, especially in the first set, the crowd didn't hold it against us and danced the evening away. It sure is fun to play with the quintet again. Tom really nailed "Shake, Rattle, and Roll," and his new song, "Help Me." Stephanie wowed the audience as usual with her versions of "Stormy Monday" and "Guilty" among others.

We have many more gigs on the Olympic Peninsula coming up this summer. School is almost out! We're looking forward to the farmers' markets in Port Angeles and Sequim and our first time at the Port Townsend Brewery in August. We'll be at the Ajax Cafe on the 24th of this month and my mouth is already watering. And of course we'll be at the Junction again this Sunday hosting the jam/open mike.

You should check out John Nelson's column in Thursday's Peninsula Daily News to find out about live music on the peninsula.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]

Casino

We're really looking forward to our gig at the Seven Cedars Casino Sunday night. There will be dancing and Bill and Ida have pledged to be there helping us sing "Wagon Wheel." Contrary to what the casino says, we are not funk! Blues and folk would be more like it, thank you very much!
But last Saturday we played the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock. For a region with relatively few people and lots of open space, the Olympic Peninsula sure has some fine restaurants, and the Ajax is certainly one of them. Not only is the food great, but there's live music and hats! Yes, even Stephanie and I donned hats that aprticular night, although not altogether voluntarily, as several were thrust upon my head by Maria and her rowdy entourage. What a lively gourp theya re as you can see by the accompanying pics. I had the halibut (for the "halibut") and it sure was tasty. Lots of people were trying the ribs which have not entered my mouth to date. We tried some new songs, including "Jackson" and "Move It On Over" and "Tore Down." Still a bit rough, but the crowd was generous with their applause. It's a fun place and we're there again June24th. Get reservations.

Then there was Thursday night at the Landings in Port Angeles and the open mike with Kim and Jason (Deadwood Revival)and we have more pictures of them, Bill and Stephanie, and Larry on guitar. It was a good that will have to wait for another posting. I'm going to bed!
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction]

Junction

 
Sunday was Stephanie's birthday celebration at the Junction in Port Angeles, and it was a festive event. As you can see, Ida and Bill were in fine form as were Paul, Gabriel, Bill Jagger and Patrick, all of whom contributed enormously to a great jam. It was one of our best to be sure, and summer on the Olympic Peninsula looms ahead with the prospect of many more great jams/open mikes and live music.

Later this week look for another post about Saturday night's show at the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock with more pictures!We just heard that we get to play the Port Townsend Brewery in August and September.

Don't forget to come to the Seven Cedars Casino in Sequim for our show this Sunday starting at 5:30 PM. We'll have the quintet and there will be dancing!
 
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction]

Live Music on the Olympic Peninsula

Sunday night at the Junction in Port Angeles was full of mostly pleasant surprises. The weather was the more typically gray and cloudy but fairly warm in the early evening. Berry, the resident cat, was inside the bar for most of the night, and most of the "regulars" including Bill and Ida were in attendance and ready to sing and play. Paul, Bill and Ida joined us for "Wagon Wheel" early on and it was so much fun we repeated it later the same night. Bill Jagger was there with his banjo and Stephanie and I accompanied him on "Billy in the Lowground" and "Old Joe Clark."

Later in the evening, Freesound showed up and mentioned that they would like to play a few songs if they could borrow a guitar or two. We gladly came up with a couple guitars and they launched into wonderful versions of "All Along the Watchtower" and "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay." Then Kim and Jason, aka Deadwood Revival, walked in and joined them on vocals and bongos. What a treat! People, including Stephanie and Tina, got up and danced. The crowd really liked it so they played a few more songs, including "Stir It Up." A big part of the excitement at a jam/open mike or any live performance, for that matter, is that each night is different with surprises either in the form of new songs, new performers or even the weather.

We're looking forward to this weekend when we'll be at the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock hoping lots of you show up and wear a hat!
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction][Port Townsend][Ajax Cafe]
[live music]

Rollin' Waters and Jazz in Blume

On Wednesday we went down to the Crazy Fish in Port Angeles and participated in the Jazz Jam hosted by our friends Tracy Blume and the Jazz Express Band. What a treat for us and what a great audience! Tracy really has a great jam going there and everyone has a good time, both musicians and audience. We played three songs: Wagon Wheel, Fine and Mellow, and Stormy Monday. It was another opportunity for us to play with Tom Svornich, Ray Wood, Jim Rosand and Ed Donahue. Ed and Tom also perform on our demo cd, adding great trumpet and drums. One of the nice things about the Olympic Peninsula with its sparse population is the opportunity to play on numerous with musicians of their caliber. They are truly A-list players by any region's standards.
Last night was fun at the Landings where we hosted the jam/open mike for the second week in a row. Many thanks to Stephanie's dad, Bill Tiderman, Patrick, and Paul for playing with us again. Much larger crowd last night, too! Hope to see you all at the Junction on Sunday.
[Port Angeles][Olympic Peninsula][Junction]