|
I hope this
finds you all well and happy! |
|
|
What a wonderful
summer! Many thanks to all who made it happen. Let's get started
.... Thanks to Janet, Dave, Vickie, and all
the "Buffalo Bill Days" staff for inviting us to be a part of the line up of entertainment of the event. It was an honor to
be asked, an honor to perform, and more than an honor to
open for the "RAGIN' CAJUN" himself -- the legendary DOUG KERSHAW.
He still rocks! I had a brief opportunity to converse with him during the stage
transition, and, I have to tell you, he was still as gracious and kind to me
as he was when I first met him 40 years ago. You don't see that very often in
this industry. He has paid more than his share of dues, been through more
heartache than I could have ever beared, paved the
road for an entire genre -- damn near writing the book on Cajun Music -- bringing it into the hearts and souls of
Americana -- in my opinion a true American Icon -- and yet he remains
remarkably human. I've been a fan for 45 years. Still am ....... .......... And I won't leave out my
appreciation for the amazing audience! To share the stage with band mates Sam
Ray on bass, and Bruce Crisman on drums is always a
privilege. To have an audience respond with so much positive energy and
delight... .... well, would that every performance
be as fulfilling. God bless ya, and many thanks! Thanks to Mark and Rob at DIRTY DOGS for
inviting me to play at the DIRTY DOGS STURGIS location during bike week. I
arrived in Deadwood (that's where we usually stay for bike week -- many
thanks to Gary and Shelly for putting me up!) ... at 2:45 pm. Had time for a
shower and was onstage in Sturgis at 4:00 pm. What a great trip! I had the good
fortune to share the stage with the amazing TONY ROSARIO. We would split the
day up -- I'd play, then he'd play, then I would, then he would,
... Never an empty stage. Then, later in the week, we were joined by
the BAR NOTHING BAND. Rockin' all week long! Who could
ask for more?
And thanks to the aforementioned for inviting us back to the
WESTERN WELCOME WEEK
festival. We were postponed for a few minutes -- just as we took the stage at
12 noon, the rains came down. Hard. 20 minutes. We started 25 minutes late.
The rain scared a
lot of folks away, but the real fans stuck around, and we had some fun! And while we're there
.....Thanks to Greg and Chris Reinke for
inviting us again this year to be included in the REINKE
BROS. HAUNTED MANSION line up. As you probably know, they have been under a massive
re-construction, and although the shop has been open, the Haunted Mansion has been down for
3 years. At long last, they are re-opening. Friday, Sept. 28th and Saturday,
Sept. 29th are the set dates for the Grand Opening!!!! And GRAND is the word! There will be 2
stages set up in the parking lot outside the shop with different bands
performing their sets. We are the Reinke's
"house band" -- we have our own stage, and will perform while the
other acts go through the set changes on the second stage. As a result, there will
be no break in the entertainment. These 2 dates we will play the "electric
set". Friday's entertainment goes from 6:00pm to about 10:30pm, and includes
us, That Damn Sasquatch, and Woodshed Red. Saturday's stages open at 1:00am and go to
11:00pm and includes us, Thunder and Rain, Brothers of Brass, Banshee Tree, Part and Parcel, and That Damn Sasquatch.
This promises to be an amazing time, and the perfect prelude to the Halloween
Season. You won't want to miss it! Then the following
weeks through the season, we will be back to our usual setup inside the shop
where we will play the smaller set -- much more intimate, and VERY improvised.
Our performance hours are 7 to 11pm. Ya never know
what will happen at the REINKE BROTHERS' SHOPPE. It's not
just a store ..... it's an
adventure! For all your
costume, make-up, magic tricks, and accessories needs -- or if you are just in need of
inspiration or ideas for your own Halloween Soiree -- this is the place to
be. The staff is well versed, experienced, knowledgable,
gifted, artistic, and most creative. You will never be disappointed. I give
you my word on that! So, with that in mind, my regular
schedule at the SHACK will be disrupted through October. I will not be there
on the 6th or the 20th, but will return November 3rd.
And, if I don't have time to post it beforehand, I will be visiting
family in Wisconsin for the Thanksgiving Holiday. My bride, Lisa, and I have
been going there every year for the past few. So I will miss playing the Rock
Rest on Nov. 21st, and Dirty Dogs on Nov. 22nd. |
|
|
As always, thank you for your
continued support --- you are the best! |
|
