Long Black Veil

Recently we have heard female artists (Rosanne Cash and Caroline Herring) record the famous hit, Long Black Veil - a song about a man accused of murder who refuses to provide an alibi because he was having an affair with his best friend's wife at the time, and would rather die than reveal this. Thus its an interesting to hear the song with a female's voice and perspective. At first, I was skeptical whether it is believable - but it works. Add this version from The Honey Dewdrops performed with the Sons of Bill.

2010 Old Settler's Music Festival Lineup

Yes, lately we've been excited about recent festival lineup announcements, and we found another to share: Old Settler's Music Festival. The festival "is Central Texas' signature music event featuring Grammy winning Americana, arts & crafts, camping, food & libations. Acoustic jazz & blues, bluegrass, old-time local faves & award-winning artists from around the world." It is held April 15th-20th at The Salt Lick BBQ Pavilion located in Driftwood, Texas, just southwest of Austin. Early bird tickets range from $105 to $435, depending on the number of days attending and whether camping is requested. The lineup is killer; many of our favorite artists.

# Robert Earl Keen
# The Bodeans
# The Gourds
# Travelin McCoury's
# The Greencards
# Fred Eaglesmith
# Hayes Carll
# Dave Alvin And The Guilty Women
# BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
# New Monsoon
# Ray Wylie Hubbard
# The Gibson Brothers
# Blue Highway
# Marc Broussard
# Blackie & The Rodeo Kings
# Great American Taxi with Vince Herman from Leftover Salmon
# The Lee Boys
# Flounders without Eyes
# Green Mountain Grass
# The Belleville Outfit
# Sarah Jarosz
# The Jitterbug Vipers
# The Lovell Sisters
# Julie Fowlis
# Stonehoney
# Spring Creek Bluegrass Band
# The Fireants
# The Rockin Gospel Project
# Ben Mallott
# Betty Soo
# Jenny Reynolds
# The Flyin' $ Bunkhouse Band
# Dan Navarro
# Onion Creek Crawdaddies

2010 FloydFest Lineup Announced

Across-the-Way Productions recently announced the lineup for one of our favorite music festivals: FloydFest 9. Held in late July, adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, this festival is extremely accommodating for families and we highly recommend the event. The initial lineup will be headlined by The Levon Helm Band. Additional artists will be added to the lineup - but we are looking forward to seeing such acts as Bearfoot, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, William Walter & Co., Boulder Acoustic Society, Joe Pug, and the many others:

The Levon Helm Band . Blue King Brown . Soulive . Konono No1 . Bearfoot . Eric Krasno & Chapter 2 . Cornmeal . Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba . The Low Anthem . Pimps of Joytime . Mountain Heart . Flam Chen . Joe Pug . Wiyos . Adrienne Young . William Walter & Co. . R.I.S.E. . Dangermuffin . Miss Tess . Christabel & The Jons . Boulder Acoustic Society . Holy Ghost Tent Revival . Packway Handle Band . Soulhound . Two Man Gentlemen Band . The Mantras . Sol Driven Train . 3 Minute Lovin . Plus the Under The Radar Series . Lingo . Jason Spooner Trio . Lefty Williams Band . Farm Vegas . Galen Kipar Projekt . Ralph Roddenbery Band . Joe Pitts Band . Diane Durret Band . Doco . The Atkinsons . Shortwave Society . American Aquarium . Pedro Arevalo . Electric Codpiece . Dot Line Project . The Mumbles . Corduroy Road . Funkuponya . Do it to Julia . Travis Elliot . The Honey Dewdrops . The Wave

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Lineup Announced

The lineup for the 2010 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was announced last week. JazzFest regularly draws over 400,000 attendees, who enjoy outstanding entertainment over a ten day period. This year's lineup is no exception:

APRIL 23 - 25 (1st WEEKEND)

Artist TBA, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, Allman Brothers Band, My Morning Jacket, Dr. John, Darius Rucker, The Black Crowes, Steel Pulse, Jonny Lang, The Levon Helm Band, Drake, Keely Smith, Baaba Maal, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Imagination Movers, Ledisi, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, Better Than Ezra, Blind Boys of Alabama, Elvin Bishop, funky Meters, Sax for Stax featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Lorber, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Pastor Smokie Norful, Terence Blanchard, Cowboy Mouth, The Campbell Brothers, Chocolate Milk, Sam Bush, The Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, Joe Lovano Us Five, Donald Harrison, Lena Prima, Tab Benoit, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bonerama, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Deacon John, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Davell Crawford and One Foot in the Blues with special guests Dr. John and Jon Cleary, The Bounce Extravaganza feat. Big Freedia, Sissy Nobby, Katey Red, Magnolia Shorty, and DJ Poppa, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band 100 Year Anniversary Celebration, Jon Cleary: Piano, Bass & Drums, Irma Thomas’ Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong feat. Wycliffe Gordon, James Andrews, and Victor Goines, Papa Grows Funk, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Theresa Andersson, Jewel Brown with the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, Joe Krown Trio feat. Walter Washington & Russell Batiste, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, The Radiators--Pre-War Blues, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Grayson Capps, Kenny Neal, Treme Brass Band, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Jeremy Davenport, Maurice Brown Effect, James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Glen David Andrews, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Honey Island Swamp Band, OTRA, Leah Chase, Bill Summers & Jazalsa, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, and Ms. Tee, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Rotary Downs, The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Little Freddie King Blues Band, Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows, Rumba Buena, Spencer Bohren, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Louisiana LeRoux with Tab Benoit, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Red Stick Ramblers, Guitar Slim, Jr., Kipori Woods, Kim Carson Band, Ivoire Spectacle feat. Seguenon Kone, The Revealers, Shades of Praise, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Sammy Rimington, The Electrifying Crownseekers, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Betty Shirley, Germaine Bazzle, and Leah Chase, The James Rivers Movement, Leo Jackson & the Melody Clouds, Susan Cowsill, David Egan, Panorama Jazz Band, George French & the Storyville Jazz Band, New Orleans Night Crawlers, Midnite Disturbers, Ninth Ward Navajo Mardi Gras Indians, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers’ Tribute to Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., Frankie Ford, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Reggie Hall & the Twilighters, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Mas Mamones, Lil’ Buck Sinegal Blues Band, Jesse McBride presents the Next Generation, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Septet, Michael Ward, Bleu Orleans, Mahogany Brass Band, Untouchables, Furious Five, and Big Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Creole Wild West and Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants, Gospel Soul Children, Blessed, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, N.O.C.C.A. Jazz Ensemble, Judy Spellman, Leroy Jones, Olympia Aid, New Look, and The First Division Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Comanche, Golden Blade, and Wild Mohicans Mardi Gras Indians, Free Agents Brass Band, The Wiseguys, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, The Revivalists, Rockie Charles, Robert “1 String” Gibson, Beth Patterson, Patrice Fisher & the Honduran Connection, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Tommy Sancton Quintet, UNO Jazz Allstars, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, Comanche Hunters, Semolian Warriors, and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Marc Stone Band, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, Alexis Marceaux, Julio y Cesar, Sonny Bourg & the Bayou Blues Band, Chris Clifton, Miss Sophie Lee, June Gardner, The Guitar Woodshed feat. Steve Masakowski, Todd Duke, and Jake Eckert, Mount Hermon BC Mass Choir, Tonia Scott & Anointed Voices, Resurrection Baptist Church Mass Choir of Schertz, TX, Brass Bass Ensemble, Jai Reed, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Real Untouchables Brass Band, Divine Ladies, Dumaine Gang, and Ladies of Unity Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Johnette Downing, Kat Walker Jazz Combo, Guardians of the Flame, Single Ladies, Keep N it Real, and Nine Times Men Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Voices of Distinction, Nineveh BC Mass Choir, Kevin Thompson & the Sensational Six, Red Hot Brass Band, Lindsay Mendez, God’s House Westbank Cathedral Choir, The Gospel Stars, Da Souljas Brass Band, Single Men, Family Ties, and Big Nine Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Delgado Community College Jazz Ensemble, Natasha Richard of Canada, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Ensemble, Jacquelyn Mayfield, Golden Voices Community Choir, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Greater Antioch Full Gospel Mass Choir, Black Mohawks, Seminoles, and Red, White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians, Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Gospel Choir, The Bester Singers and the Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers, New Orleans Young Traditional Brass Band with the Heel to Toe Steppers, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Mass Choir, Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians…

APRIL 29 – May 2 (2nd WEEKEND)

Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, The Neville Brothers, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Irma Thomas, Gipsy Kings, The Dead Weather, Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes, Teena Marie, Allen Toussaint, Band of Horses, Gov’t Mule, Average White Band, Jose Feliciano, Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Kirk Franklin, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Gil Scott Heron, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Clarence Carter, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band, Tye Tribbett, Juvenile & DJ Mannie Fresh, Take Six, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Galactic, Stanley Clarke Band feat. Hiromi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Richie Havens, Marcus Miller, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Pete Fountain, The Radiators, Blues Traveler, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Anders Osborne, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Martin Sexton, Bernard Allison, Ruthie Foster, Jimmy Johnson Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cyril Neville & Tribe 13, Dee Dee Bridgewater – A Celebration of Lady Day, Ellis Marsalis, Buckwheat Zydeco, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Louis Prima, Jr., Henry Butler, The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, Selvy Singers of Arkansas, Aaron Neville, Chris Thomas King, Dala, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, The Davell Crawford Singers, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Inspirational Souls of Chicago, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, John Mooney & Bluesiana, subdudes, Iguanas, DJ Captain Charles, The Dixie Cups, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, The Jon Batiste Band, Nicholas Payton, The Four Freshman, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Russell Batiste & Friends feat. Jason Neville, Pine Leaf Boys, Eric Lindell, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Banu Gibson with Swing Out & Tap!, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Wanda Rouzan, Barbara Shorts, and Topsy Chapman, John Boutté, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Luther Kent, Astral Project, Germaine Bazzle, Soul Rebels, New Birth Brass Band, Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, PJ Morton, New Orleans Spiritualettes, The Johnson Extension, Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, Bobby Lonero’s Tribute to Louis Prima, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, The Allen Toussaint Jazzity Project, Charmaine Neville, MyNamesIsJohnMichael, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Bobby Lounge, Big Al Carson, Lynn Drury, Vivaz!, Nova NOLA feat. Sasha Masakowski, Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Loose Marbles, Heavenly Melodies, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Kent Jordan, Shannon Powell’s Organ Combo feat. David Torkanowsky and Charlie Gabriel, Forgotten Souls, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, TBC Brass Band, Westbank Steppers, Valley of Silent Men, and Pigeon Town Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Apache Hunters, Wild Red Flame, and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Jockimo’s Groove feat. War Chief Juan and Billy Iuso, Elysian Fieldz, Feufollet, Creole Zydeco Farmers, The Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Band, GROUPA – Nordic Folk Fusion, Tin Men, R. Scully Rough 7, Creole String Beans, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Margie Perez, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone & the XL Band, Kristin Diable, Jimmy Robinson, Kenny Bill Stinson & the ARK-LA-Mystics, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Bamboula 2000, Kora Konnection feat. Morikeba Kouyate of Senegal and Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, Papa Blue Viking Jazz Band of Sweden, Onward Brass Band, Dukes of Dixieland, Tim Laughlin, Val & the Love Alive Fellowship Choir, Jo “Cool” Davis, Zulu Male Ensemble, Phillip Manuel, Roderick Paulin, SUBR Jazzy Jags, Pinstripe Brass Band, Original Prince of Wales and Original Lady Buckjumpers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Orleans Indian Rhythm Section, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, 101 Runners, Evan Christopher & Tom McDermott, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Pfister Sisters, Walter Payton with Snapbeans and Filé Gumbo, Brother Tyrone, Driskill Mountain Boys, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Thomas “Big Hat” Fields, Mark Adam Miller, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Mia Borders, Lars Edegran & the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Classie Ballou & the Family Band, John Rankin, Jonny Frishberg & Bayou DeVille, DJ Soul Sister, Zion Trinity, AsheSon, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective, Donnie Bolden, Jr. & the Spirit of Elijah, Ebenezer Mass Choir, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Voices of Peter Claver, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, Mario Abney Quintet, Lady Rollers, Original C.T.C. Steppers, and Nine Times Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Baby Boyz Brass Band, Geronimo Hunters, 7th Ward Creole Hunters, and Young Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Joe Hall & the Cane Cutters, Eddie “ChopChops” Paris, Hot Club of New Orleans, Connie Jones & the Crescent City Jazz Band, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Lady Jetsetters Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Ladies Sing the Blues feat. Gina Brown, Angela H. Bell, and Tereasa B., Julliard Jazz Ensemble, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, McDonogh #35 High School Gospel Choir, O. Perry Walker Charter High School Gospel Choir, Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Blodie’s Jazz Jam, Xavier University Jazz Band, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Pinettes Brass Band, Scene Boosters, Ole & Nu Style Fellas, and Secondline Jammers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Wave Brass Band, Red Hawk, Black Seminoles, and Black Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, Dwight & Connie Fitch with the St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Marisa y Mariachi Agave, Grupo Sensacion, Dee-1, Lucky 7, Franklin IV, Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra, Ray Abshire, Bonsoir, Catin, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Jamil Sharif & the Jazz Professors, Rocks of Harmony, Some Like it Hot, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, The Wright Brothers, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, St. Joseph the Worker Music Ministry, Heritage School of Music Band, New Generation, Undefeated Divas, and VIP Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Highsteppers Brass Band, Trouble Nation and Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, David & Roselyn, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Morning Star BC Mass Choir, Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed, Gloria Bell & the Revelation Gospel Singers, First Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir, White Cloud Hunters and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians, Tornado Brass Band, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Pastor Terry Gullage & the Greater Mount Calvary Voices of Redemption Choir, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Ayla Miller, Original Four, Original Big 7, and Bon Temps Roulez Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Sioux and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Nashville Children’s Choir, Claudia Baumgartner, Saltimbanqui Puppet Theater of Mexico, Stephen Foster’s Foster Family Program, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, N’Kafu African Dance presented by Young Audiences, O. Perry Walker Kuumba Players, Jazz Fest Residency Showcase feat. Seva Venet and KIDSmART…

Kim Crawford The Artists' Lounge

One of New Zealand's best known wineries if Kim Crawford, makers of excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay - among many others. The winery is pushing the social networking principle further than the usual suspects by creating their own "The Artists' Lounge" - an "online community as a place for emerging artists and those who appreciate the arts to share inspirations and artwork with each other for the chance to inspire." The site consists of two lounges, The Artists' Lounge and a Music Lounge. The first contains an "Artists in Residence", a community of emerging artists representing various artistic categories: fashion, music, photography, print making and poetry. There is also a forum which allows members - anyone who registers - the ability to post ideas, "a work of art, or anything to ignite and inspire The Artists' Lounge community". Finally the The Artists' Lounge contains a Member Gallery where both members and resident artists can share their artwork.

Whereas this lounge will undoubtedly interest many readers, our focus and interest are in the Music Lounge. Every few months the lounge selects a handful of artists to showcase - some from Oceania, some from North America. We felt the site legitimize themselves immediately by selected The Greencards and Sarah Bettens as one of the initial artists. The remaining artists were unknown to us - one important rational for visiting the site - to find new artists. I really liked the soulful vocals of Daphne Willis, Nathan Gaunt, and the jazz sound of Weather Pending and Sutro. The others were also good: Boh Runga, John Zambricki, Leftover Cuties, and Van Risseghem. Now, the goal of any good social networking site is to draw traffic and promote their brand. Kim Crawford's "The Artists' Lounge" has perked our interest. Not only will we be regular visitors to this site - we plan to look for Crawford's wines during our next trip to Norm's Beer & Wine.

Levon Helm Grammy Nomination

Our friends at LevonHelm.com sent us a message reminding us that the legendary performer has received his second consecutive Grammy nomination, this time for Electric Dirt. Obviously Levon Helm is thriving despite recovering from recent throat cancer. He has followed Dirt Farmer, which won a 2008 Grammy for "Best Contemporary Folk Album" with another successful CD - this time nominated in the "Best Americana Album" category. Congratulations.

Railroad Earth & The Infamous Stringdusters

Friday the 11th we follow up with our commitment to Travis and ventured downtown to the Nightclub 9:30 to see The Infamous Stringdusters open for Railroad Earth. This was a wise decision, not only getting to see two great bands, but also since it would probably be the last time the Stringdusters routed through the area in a while - they have a left coast tour scheduled for early next year. The venue was packed when I arrived and the opening band looked at ease, but excited, to be playing for about two thousand people. For many of these in attendance, it was their first chance to hear the Stringdusters and from the rumblings I overheard - it was a positive first impression. Even Travis mentioned it seemed like a first date - ready to move on to that second glass of wine. And I just don't know how many times I can comment their style - solos - surrounded by the other players - duos - and also entire band together. They played some newer material this evening including "Good in the Kitchen" which I last heard recorded by Bearfoot - but they heard it from Danny Barnes. In any case, The Infamous Stringdusters are a fun band to watch.

I admit that I'm a relative newbie to the Railroad Earth train - having followed them for only 2 1/2 years after seeing them at FloydFest. But their latest CD, Amen Corner, is one of the best of 2009 - every song is a hit. But watching them live is where you can truly appreciate them as musical geniuses. Todd Sheaffer is the conductor, fronting most of the songs, playing a mean guitar himself, and subtly instructing the other band members when to take a solo. Tim Carbone is perhaps the most famous member - known as a violin virtuoso. My favorite part of the show is watching Andy Goessling play any number of instruments. By the end of the first set he had matched every one used by the Stringdusters save the Fiddle - and during the second set brought out the pennywhistle. Let's see; the guy can play the acoustic guitar, banjo, dobro, mandolin and didn't even bring out the sax or flute. Amazing. John Skehan on mandolin and Carey Harmon on percussion round out the band along with bassist Johnny Grubb - who is leaving the band after this year to spend more time with his family. He will be missed. Over two sets and into the early morning of the next day Railroad Earth showed why they may surpass the Allman Brothers as the heirs to the Grateful Dead crowd. Their were plenty of Dead Heads in attendance - as well as former hippies turned yuppies and a new contingent of youngsters. Could to see this generation appreciating quality music instead of the crap emitted by pop culture. It was also nice to see Andy Hall brought onstage to add his dobro skills to the sound. Wish I could travel north for the next two shows. Great show.

More photos are available at the MyJoog Gallery.

Memphis 59 CD Release Party

Before last month we had heard of the local rock band Memphis 59, but never took the opportunity to see a live show. However, over the last 40 days we've witnessed the band 4 times, including their CD Release party at Jammin' Java. The band consists of Scott Kurt, Chris Zogby, and Richard Lewis, plus an additonal guest guitarist. For "Ragged But Right", that position was fulfilled by producer John Jennings and Jon Manitta. For the CD Release party - Nate Taylor occupied that role. And for this evening the band invited Laura Tsagarris and Fools & Horses to start and end the evening. Unfortunately I spent most of the time that Tsagarris perform talking with members of all the bands - including some that played in the early show. Also being local, we will make sure we attend one of her shows in the future.

I've mentioned several times, what attracts me to Memphis 59 and these attributes were on display again this evening; they are a traditional rock band - no power pop - no metal - just rock and roll and maybe a little alt-county to get that 50's flavor. Except for one Petty cover, they played the entire CD starting with "Gone" and "Me, Myself, and Eyes". I think my favorite were the slower tunes "Knock Me Out" or "Way With Words". And "Killing Time" and "Black and White TV" are other good ones. Playing with two extra guitarists, they produced a bigger sound than previous outings - and they were tight. Scott Kurt is a charismatic front man and I think being a southpaw adds a little more character to his performance. All in all - this is one band we recommend seeing and I've already listened to the CD a few times. Its good.

I was pretty beat by the time Fools & Horses so I only stuck around for a few songs. What was readily apparent is that this is one polished band. They easily transitioned between songs and exuded a great sense of professionalism and musical ability. Matt and Tim Hutchison must have a nice pedigree. And Steve Herrera can play the guitar. They had a slight power pop sound that was a disincentive to see the rest of their show - but don't take my biased preferences. This band was the Grand Prize Winner of Starbuck's National CD Contest and Music Monthly's Reader's Poll two years straight as "Best Modern Rock Band".

MyJoog Venue: Margaritaville Cafe

One of the few benefits we've found with the XM\Sirius merger is access to Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville - channels 55/31 respectively. The channel is not merely 24 hours of Buffett material; it includes music from popular artists like James Taylor, Sonny Landreth, and John Hiatt - plus lesser known reggae and caribbean artists. One feature we really enjoy is when DJ JD Spradlin broadcasts LIVE from the Margaritaville Cafe at the Universal Citywalk in Orlando, Florida. Wherever we are - at work or on the road- this broadcast "changes our attitude" by forcing us to envision listening to music during happy hour at a harbor or beach. Ahhhh - with a rum concoction in hand. Spradlin does a nice job incorporating the cafe's atmosphere into his broadcast - sometimes allowing visitors on air and incorporating requests into a pre-defined song list.

During our Thanksgiving Florida excursion we were sent to Citywalk by friends and spent a fun afternoon at the venue. The staff is extremely accommodating and friendly - from the host to the servers. And the Margaritas aren't too shabby. It was also entertaining listening to the sound system, knowing the music being generated nearby was being broadcast across the globe. Yes, we were no where near the ocean - but with all the photo's of Buffett and beach paraphernalia - it was close enough for this day. So next time in Orlando - take a peak at Margaritaville Cafe at Citywalk - and make sure you include Bob Marley's At Universal Citywalk in your plans.

December 2009 MyJoog Calendar

Here are the shows we have added to our calendar for December.

Rosanne Cash with Lissy Rosemont - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Scythian - Fado Irish Pub Washington, DC: Thursday, December 03, 2009

Hot Tuna - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Thursday, December 03, 2009

Uncle Dave Huber - Frederick Cellars Frederick, MD: Friday, December 04, 2009

Fools & Horses, Memphis 59 “Ragged But Right” CD Release, Laura Tsaggaris - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Friday, December 04, 2009

Johnny Winter - The State Theatre Falls Church, VA: Saturday, December 05, 2009

The Sherwood Blues Band - Bangkok Blues Falls Church, VA: Saturday, December 05, 2009

Doc Watson w/ David Holt and Richard Watson - George Mason Center for the Arts Fairfax, VA: Saturday, December 05, 2009

Forro in the Dark - Grosvenor Auditorium Washington, DC: Saturday, December 05, 2009

Zekiah Swamp Cats - JV's Restaurant Falls Church, VA: Saturday, December 05, 2009

Cross Canadian Ragweed - Nightclub 9:30 Washington, DC: Sunday, December 06, 2009

Dickey Betts - The State Theatre Falls Church, VA: Sunday, December 06, 2009

Greensky Bluegrass w. Todd Sheaffer of Railroad Earth - Rams Head Onstage Annapolis, MD: Sunday, December 06, 2009

Todd Sheaffer (Railroad Earth) + Greensky Bluegrass - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Sunday, December 06, 2009

Dom Flemons (Carolina Chocolate Drops) - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Monday, December 07, 2009

Jerry Douglas, John Oates & Maura O'Connell - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Monday, December 07, 2009

Shane Gamble - The Old Brogue Great Falls, VA: Wednesday, December 09, 2009

John Cowan’s Christmas Show - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Skyla Burrell - The Cat's Eye Pub Baltimore, MD: Thursday, December 10, 2009

Santa Jam XIII - The State Theatre Falls Church, VA: Thursday, December 10, 2009

Larry Keel & Natural Bridge - Bentz Street Sports Bar Frederick, MD: Friday, December 11, 2009

Tender Polman Band - The Old Brogue Great Falls, VA: Friday, December 11, 2009

Railroad Earth - Nightclub 9:30 Washington, DC: Friday, December 11, 2009

Donna the Buffalo - Mr. Smalls Theatre Millvale, PA: Friday, December 11, 2009

The Smokin Polecats with Marianna Previti / Jamie Lynch - The Zoo Bar Washington, DC: Saturday, December 12, 2009

Justin Trawick - Dogfish Head Alehouse Falls Church, VA: Saturday, December 12, 2009

Cathy Ponton King - Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle Bethesda, MD: Saturday, December 12, 2009

Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mt. Boys - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Saturday, December 12, 2009

Ralph Stanley II - Lucketts Community Center Leesburg, VA: Saturday, December 12, 2009

Jerry Douglas Band w. special guests John Oates & Maura O'Connell - Rams Head Onstage Annapolis, MD: Sunday, December 13, 2009

An Evening with Rory Block - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Monday, December 14, 2009

Doug Parks and The Lonewolves - Lion & Bull Haymarket, VA: Thursday, December 17, 2009

Scythian Live Christmas Party!!! - Fado Irish Pub Washington, DC: Thursday, December 17, 2009

Bill Kirchen Holiday Show - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Friday, December 18, 2009

Last Train Home - IOTA Club Arlington, VA: Friday, December 18, 2009

Junior League Band & Justin Jones & The Driving Rain - Nightclub 9:30 Washington, DC: Saturday, December 19, 2009

Justin Trawick - JV's Restaurant Falls Church, VA: Saturday, December 19, 2009

Last Train Home - IOTA Club Arlington, VA: Saturday, December 19, 2009

Mary Ann Redmond - Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle Bethesda, MD: Sunday, December 20, 2009

Last Train Home - IOTA Club Arlington, VA: Sunday, December 20, 2009

Aaron Neville & His Quintet feat. Charles Neville - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Sunday, December 20, 2009

Doug Parks - Bangkok Blues Falls Church, VA: Saturday, December 26, 2009

Laura Lea & Tripp Fabulous - Clarendon Grill Arlington, VA: Saturday, December 26, 2009

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes - The Birchmere Alexandria, VA: Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The 3rd Annual “Robbie-noceros” New Years Eve Party for Kids - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Thursday, December 31, 2009

The 3rd Annual “Robbie-noceros” New Years Eve Party for Kids - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Thursday, December 31, 2009