Movement

Movement is good, proves we're alive and brings new learning. The last edition of open mike at Brooks and Browns occurred on July 12, 2011. There was the usual mix of regulars and new faces, and the event was outside on the patio, until the weather threatened. The light went weird, before the sky began to grumble and flash. It was a suitable ending for the run at Brooks and Browns. The next week, Louis and Teri were  scheduled in the same Tuesday 7-10pm slot at the Lucky Strike Casino.

 Louis Bond

Teri Llovet

Brooks and Browns had been home to this open mike crew for about two years. There was always back-up waiting for any performer desiring assistance in the form of guitar and bass players, drummers, and occasionally dobro, saxaphone and other instruments. Bands formed and reformed among the instruments and mike stands in the Holiday Inn's bar. 

Now, the locale has changed, and many of the regulars have already relocated.

 Ciara @Brooks & Browns, June 28, 2011

 UFOkies @B&B, June 28, 2011

 Sister Fix with Roger on the drums and Sue guesting on fiddle @B&B July 5, 2011

 Ciara invites Kristin, her old Slowly but Shirley partner, onstage at the Lucky Strike, July 19, 2011.

 Suddenly, there are photographers coming out of the woodwork, as a group of RMSP students break out their gear. They are shooting everything from every angle.

 Sister Fix @Lucky Strike, July 19, 2011

 Big Sexy and the Meanfingers @Lucky Strike, July 19, 2011

Open Mike @B&B, Jan 12, 2010

I have developed a little problem. I tend to fall asleep in my chair or in the floor, while reading a book. Then I wake up close to midnight and go to bed. Tuesday night, I almost did it again, but woke about 8:30 and rushed to Brooks and Browns to catch some open mike action. The event takes place weekly, 7-10p, and is growing into something very special, indeed.

(?), Roger, Mike Avery, Teri Llovet are playing when I arrive. Louis is comfortable on sound.

Roger plays with more bands than I can count.

This gentleman writes music based on the poetry of Rumi.

Happy New Year 2010

First Night Wanderings

MAM hosted jazz bands and fans during the afternoon. This is Discount Quartet in front of Shimomura's art in the main gallery.

I saw the Frederico Brothers at MCT, but that theater prohibits photography.

The first thing I saw at the UC was the Octopus playing chess against a bunch of competitors.

Cash for Junkers were playing in the Commons.

Burning River, a trio with John Floridis up front, played next in the commons.

Mike Freemo

Meanwhile, upstairs in the ballroom, the Big Sky Mudflaps were romping.

Old friends, Andrea and Louis rocked the lounge.

The Tomatoes, with Michelle replacing Tom on the fiddle, brought in a crowd.

Mike Milch and Ruthie Dada with Zeppo in the commons.

Charlie B's only has music three nights a year, and New Years Eve is one. Combine that with Voodoo Horseshoes, a band I had never photographed, meant I had to go there. When El Zombi Gato cancelled at the Palace, I wound up ringing in the new year with this happy crowd.

Good-bye Prophets

Full Moon Prophets performed their last set together at the Top Hat on Sunday. Then friends and fellow musicians joined the Prophets remaining on stage, and the jam began. A number of drummers participated with the array of drums,

Including Ed Stalling,

and Roger.

Ellie Nuno

Teri loves to invite her sisters on stage for some fun.

Some of those who played this night are regulars at Brooks and Browns open mike on Tuesdays 7-10pm. Find B&B in the back of the Holiday Inn at the end of Pattee.

After this party wound down, I caught the last act at the Palace. Electric Dandelion has its own set on flickr, and there is a large set of the Prophets farewell.

Andrea's CD Party Rocks Top Hat

Andrea Harsell's latest CD, Rock and Roll Love Child, was released at the Top Hat last Friday (Sep 18, 2009). The lady herself not only starred at the event, but served as MC.

Noted members of the music scene and Andrea's band watched another group with interest.

Wolf Redboy, with Lee MacAfee at his side, stirred the crowd and prepped them for Andrea's performance.

Then Andrea and her band the Night Lights took the stage and rocked it.

The crowd loved every minute.

Andrea even had a trumpet for the evening, as Mike Milch of Zeppo, played along.

Mason Jar String Band finished the evening, which from start to end had to be rated a huge success.

It is time to toot my own horn just a little bit. My photos are on the front and back of the new CD, and more adorn the fanfold insert with the lyrics and credits. None are reproduced here. My suggestion: buy the CD and have a look.

Each of the three bands featured in this post has a set on the flickr archive. Check them out for a more complete view of this event.

Bands may purchase any photo from the archive as a full-sized, printable jpeg, pdf or tif file for posters, flyers, ads, album covers and personal use. Email the Kitchenpoet to explain what you want and why. Rates will remain reasonable, until Rolling Stone comes calling. I'm still open to barter, at this point, also.