Cruise'n For A Blues In: News and Reviews 2008-05-09T21:56:50Z http://cruisingforblues.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog The Corn Dog Incident tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-05-08:c9b55567-e5c7-45bc-88e8-763cfcf94eef Debra 2008-05-08T10:59:37Z 2008-05-08T10:15:00Z It took a few days, but I have recovered from a weekend of late nights and a variety of live music.  It all started at the Grand Peking Restaurant in Redmond on Friday having dinner and listening to Sister Ray.  We came a little early and grabbed a seat in the bar and chose a cozy corner booth and settled down to a good meal. 

Sister Ray is primarily Vietnam era rock (late 60's, early 70's) with some blues.  I love the song selection.  Jethro Tull, Neil Young, & Chamber Brothers "Time".  Originals by guitarman Lyle like War Is Not The Answer and Diggin' The Ditch.  Sister Ray was formed just over a year ago with all the members working day jobs together as bus drivers.  While they are relatively new, they have been growing tighter.  I do love hearing bands grow.

Over all the venue sound was fine, but it didn't carry to the back the same as the front, so we moved closer after we finished dinner.  We had a great time, the food was good and the staff friendly.  They made accomodations for the vegetarians in the group. 

Next stop was my friend Sean's recital for his junior year end program for Cornish at Trinity Parish Church in Seattle on Saturday night.  He's studying to be a composer, conductor and master cellist, and he's a beautiful vocalist too.  The evening began with Sean playing the cello, Suite III by Johann Sebastian Bach.  I think Sarabande was my favorite in the movement.  Next came the addition of piano to Henry Eccles' Sonata in g minor.   I remember Largo from my high school days soloing on French Horn.  Not nearly as well done as Sean on cello.  Imagine, this used to be the popular music in its day, much like, yet completely unlike the popular music today and not to be confused with pop music today.  Girl's swooning and heart's palpitating over music that elevated the soul.

The last half was instrumental and vocal compositions by Hanna Benn and Sean Glenn.  Bells tone gracefully, beautiful voices sing and damn, it's the start of a tearful part two.  There's something about a chior of magnificant voices that always make me tear up.  It's like beholding beauty with the ears.  I'll never forget the mystical and moving experience at Salisbury Cathedral in England back in 1999 only a few nights before Christmas.  Children's voices filling the ancient church.  Breathtaking...

And next stop after only four hours of sleep the night before, The Blarney Stone in Seattle for Dano's birthday blast with Nick Vigarino, Larry Dennis, Rob Moitoza, Scotty Harris and Jon Parry.  What a great group of musicians!  Happy birthday Dano!  Hope you got all that chocolate off your lips...

This was my first visit to the Blarney Stone which is located in Belltown just north of the Macy's.  The place is a great place to relax in the city with great food.  The halibut and chips looked great and the hummas plate was divine.  Unfortunately, the corn dogs sounded delicious, but for some reason the cook made a mistake and served two naked dogs on a bed of fries with a side of mustard.  Now I thought it was some English joke, as they have a funny sense of humor when naming their food...I just can't figure out how anyone could make a mistake in serving THAT.  I mean I wish I'd taken a picture.  Two plain, rather ugly looking, hot dogs lying side by side on a bed of fries.  What kinda dish is that?  Yes I ate it, but it was late and I was hungry, and it was an interesting topic of discussion.

Special mention to Aron a guest guitarman of Dano's who played a couple.  Hope to see him around some more!

]]> Craig Caffall at the Hwy 99 tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-04-28:b5e77983-5235-44cd-8826-f0f6611695d9 Debra 2008-05-01T19:41:22Z 2008-04-28T19:04:00Z Well, as it always is, finding blues in Alaska can be hit or miss.  This trip was a miss due to a scheduling glitch.  Bummer.  But I still had fun visiting family.

My friend Victoria Glenn got out to see Craig Caffall at the Highway 99 and Nick Vigarino at the New Orleans Restaurant, and here's her report on Craig Caffall...

Craig Caffall played some smoking guitar at the Hwy 99 on Friday night doing a mix of traditional blues tunes and great covers as well as his own melodic compositions. Backed by some of the best musicians in  the Northwest including BB award winner Scotty Harris on sax, Ron Weinstein on the big B3 with Andrew Cloutier on the drums and Lissa Ramaglia on the bass – keeping the low end funky in her sexy red shoes!

Craigs vocals rocked the house while the ladies lined up in the front to get a better look. As always the dance floor at the 99 was packed and the food was fabulous. Craig will be back again, both on his own and as Maria Muldaur's lead guitar man.

]]> Stolen Guitars tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-04-28:2c37dc9a-98c8-402f-a85d-402a1f8a3f02 Debra 2008-04-28T07:52:02Z 2008-04-28T07:47:00Z This is a bulletin from Jan and Andrew Drew about their guitars which were stolen:

Last Thursday night (4/24) someone broke into our house in Tahuya, WA, and stole 5 guitars (two of Andrew's favorite guitars and all of Jen's basses).

3 of these were distinctive enough you might recognize them if you see them:
(1) - A white Fender Telecaster with a Seymour Duncan pickup and an extra toggle switch on the pick guard. There are 3 decals: On the front there is a circular decal with "THE DREWS" in black letters and a reddish colored EMP sticker. On the back there is a red, white, and blue Native American style picture of a longhorn. This guitar is a family heirloom of great sentimental value.

(2) - A black Fender Stratocaster with a custom LR Baggs bridge and pickup. It also has an extra toggle switch on the pick guard.
Serial # Z6134057
(3) - A black Fender Musicmaster three quarter size 4-string bass, with a notch along the 5th to 7th fret that occurred when it accidentally fell.

If someone tries to sell you any of these, please buy them. We will reimburse. Or if you can't afford to buy them, please at least let us know where you saw them. Most likely they will be in the Seattle, Bremerton, Shelton, Tacoma, or Olympia area, but you never know...
We would really appreciate your help!
Jen and Andrew
The Drews
www. myspace. com/thedrews ]]> The 2008 Best of Blues Night tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-04-21:57faf8ee-ec30-4e06-8f97-5002b8588481 Debra 2008-04-24T09:48:44Z 2008-04-21T09:14:00Z
It was a blast seeing lots of friends.  If you haven't been to the Triple Door or the Best of Blue Awards, it's well worth it.  For a complete list of winners, check out the side bar on cruisingforblues.com.

This week I'm heading off to Juneau, Alaska for some family time and plan to hunt down the blues in this capital town.  I hear there's some on Saturday at The Alaskan downtown...]]> Polly O'Keary at the Oxford tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-04-13:bc94a399-6ae9-411c-86af-c57c6afb0c0b Debra 2008-04-17T17:25:17Z 2008-04-13T17:17:00Z A realization struck within the first five minutes after arriving at the Oxford and settling into the music...I miss it.  The gang was out last Saturday and a party was in the air.  Just going out and listening to good live music and being with like minded friends.  Aahhh… It’s what it’s all about. 

The hot Polly O’Keary steamed it up at the Oxford and the new owners Bo and Nina have taken it over flawlessly.  Polly’s band is first class, really an awesome sound.  The best blues joint in Snohomish county and one of the best in the Puget Sound area is the Oxford Saloon in the city of Snohomish.  With good sound, good food, and great character, the Oxford Saloon delivers as a fun party place with a sophisticated class of music.

Basically I feel music, live blues to be specific, is like a religion for me.  Something that I'm clearly passionate about and will be for the rest of my life. 

Each one of these musicians are fantastic and together they are tight.

A little shout out for a new place to eat in Snohomish, Grilla Bites, owned by our own dancing blues lover Annie.  Grilla Bites serves grilled sandwiches, soups, salads, natural & organic Tuesday through Sunday.  Stop by and say hi to Annie and check it out!

]]> Nick & Larry at the Oxford tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-03-30:dbb2ec3b-4f89-4b6c-937c-17ed699637cd Debra 2008-04-17T17:26:03Z 2008-03-30T17:08:00Z
Sometimes it's just nice to listen to the music.  Most times really, although other times one must dance and dance hard.  I love Nick's music.  I've honestly never seen/heard a drummer quite like Larry Dennis who even when he's not soloing, he is.  It takes two vibrant and talented musicians to pull off a duo.

The girls and I had a blast dancing.  Thank god for women who love to dance and don't want to wait around for the men to ask. 

Can one be in love with music?  The type, the words, the way it's played, the intensity and rythym, the artistic expression?  I think so.  So if I die an early death, please someone ask Nick and Larry to play one for me.  As it is, I'll die without regret and pretty damn happy at that.]]> Catching up with Nick V at the Historic Spar Tree in Granite Falls tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-03-23:702c505a-531d-4215-9d79-53885ed9f370 Debra 2008-03-29T12:43:59Z 2008-03-23T12:25:00Z

Energy is a powerful dynamic with the duo of Nick Vigarino and Larry Dennis.  Intense, raw, absolutely in rythym, a balance of some truely amazing stuff that only comes from the soul.  One kick ass drummer and an artist on guitar.  Larry fills the space with the rythym section of drums and double bassing bringing wholeness to the sound.  From the pounding drumming to the thundering feet, Nick expresses the basic and beastly.  Wormwood.  Play to your hearts content.  Dance 'til it's hard to stand, and exhaust your soul.  His words alone alive and auto biographical. 

Out at the Historic Spar Tree again, I love this bar.  Everyone's friendly and nice.  Great place for women to hang out.  An excellent show out here in Granite Falls.  This place has great sound with the wormwood walls.  Only 20 minutes outside Everett, the Spar Tree is a great little hamlet corner bar to grab a beer and soak in the night of rock'n blues.  Order a pizza from next door to be delivered to your table.  


The after show began with the first song after the "end."  Pulling out his harmonica the energy continued to flow.  Yes I would have listened all night.

Whew!...That's all I have to say until next time.
]]> Double Scotts Opening for the Tulalip All Star Jam tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-03-20:b22c0abb-4571-4f03-8af0-ca0165c469bf Debra 2008-03-29T12:23:36Z 2008-03-20T12:07:00Z
Double Scotts on the Rocks opened Randy Oxford's All Star Jam at the Tulalip Casino on Wednesday night.  They played their consistantly awesome version of blues, jazz and classic rock tunes.  Scott Lind showed his award winning prowess on the guitar while rythem section Chris Leighton on drums and Lissa Ramalagia on bass kept the beat on every song.  Scotty Harris on the sax was true to form--Awesome!

After the first set Randy got Rich Chapman up on the guitar with Johnny Matola on the drums.  Dr Ed did some great guitar work and vocals in this set with Jim McLaughlin on harp and Scotty Harris on bass.

On the next set Mike Wright and his brother both played guitar while belting out great vocals.  Chris was back on drumsand Scotty still on bass.  Rhoda and Lissa both did some smokin' vocals off and on during the evening.

Randy's jam will be taking a break after Wednesday the 26th and will re-open in July on Sunday nights 7-11pm.  Stay tuned for more details.]]> Author Unknown at BC McDonald's tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-03-15:ea4f92fb-bbae-40ee-914e-adf6d81decea Debra 2008-03-29T12:05:32Z 2008-03-15T11:57:00Z
BC McDonalds in Lake Stevens is a guys hangout, a clean friendly bar with pool tables and good food at a decent price.  The stage is surrounded by an ample dance floor but unless you've come with your dancing pals, there's not much to be had by yourself.  It is a pleasant place to listen to music though.]]> Polly O'Keary's CD Release Party at the Hwy 99 tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-03-09:a3416d64-08e5-41de-b122-9116ed5b09c6 Debra 2008-03-29T11:56:24Z 2008-03-09T11:42:00Z
The Hwy 99 is a pretty hip hopping club with an educated Seattle crowd of 30's plus.  The Shrimp Scampi is delicious, the shrimp plump and meaty, and the Garlic Bread good and cheesy. 

So this night it's Polly's O'Keary and the Rythym Method joined by the Morning After Horns.  And after the introductions the show began.  Oh yeh....

The Morning After Horns consists of Ron Hendee on trumpet, Randy Oxford on trombone, Scotty Harris and Joey the Saint on sax.  Polly's quite the show woman, a great entertainer and vocalist to name a few.  Sultry, sophisicated and swinging, she engages the audience with stories.

It was a fun time and an awesome show, and the CD is just as good!

]]> More Than Just A Guitarman tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-03-07:170d4e6a-98c0-48e1-bb2a-bd9174f1c18b Debra 2008-03-07T18:57:03Z 2008-03-07T18:01:00Z I have to say this as I peruse the nominees for the Best of Blues Awards.  This being just an example of what I would consider to be an understatement of who should be nominated for what.  Now you all know that I've been following Nick Vigarino for the past few months (well actually his drummer Larry Dennis who I believe is one of the best, but I invite you to come out and see for yourself since it could be said that I am bias) .  It's been very interesting to me to do this for a few different reasons and I try and relate my experiences through this blog because maybe you might find it interesting too. 

Nick is popular in all the towns he plays in.  A lot of people get out to see him, and I never see more than one or two of the same ones at each place he plays, but I do see the same ones showing up in the same places if that makes any sense.  Anyway, Nick is much more than just a great guitar player.  He's an awesome showman, songwriter and entertainer.  For those looking for Canada's Real Blues Magazine article written about him, here is a portion...

  • Real Blues Magazine (Jan 15,08) A. Grigg compares him with Robert Cray, Curtis Salgado, Paul deLay and Linda Hornbuckle.  "While each and every artist mentioned has their own totally unique and 'Star-level' talents, Nick Vigarino could be called Mr. Blue(s) collar, a dispenser of rough-and-tumble Alley Music played for an audience who wants to stomp-their-Blues-away and Nick V. has a track record second-to-none. Regularly a recipient of various awards pertaining to 'Best Live Act', 'Best Slide Guitarist' and/or 'Most Exciting Blues Act', Nick Vigarino has a lot of pride in what he delivers to his fans whether it's a live performance or a CD and his fans love him for it.  "What You Do" is the opening autobiographical number and it says a lot in its 'weary-but-pissed-off' lyrics.  Nick's alone on this tune and those who haven't heard him before will be mightily impressed by his Country Blues picking as he addresses the armchair Blues Nazi critics.  "Temptation Road", the title track, is next and it's a band performance that by song's end reveals itself as a deep moral/ethical statement on decisions we make (or don't make).  "Rumba Bluz" introduces us to the talents of sax-woman Sue Orfield, and as the song title says, there's a Latino flavor to it although it's unlike any other Rumba you'll hear.  Larry 'Fishbone' McClure gets special mention for his snappy stickwork (McClure handles drums/percussion on 2 tunes while Chris Leighton is on 11 numbers) and Nick V.'s regular guitarwork shows him to have depth/chops that puts him right at the Top for Pacific North West Blues pickers.  Nick's far, far more than 'just' a slide guitarist but on "Boomchuck" he pulls-it-out to prove that he's 'King of The Slide' - the title is an understatement!  It really is a mind-blowing number and I found myself hitting Replay 5 times just to make sure I was taking it all in.  And, Nick also whips out his harmonica to further amaze listeners.  "Cut Me Off" is a Funky/R&B meats-Rock number that is another amazing original tune (and original idea) as Nick plays his ass off on a solo that can only be described as Chet Atkins-meets-Freddy Stone, that shows the world that Vigarino's just bursting with both imagination and fearlessness.  Bassist Rob Moitoza and drummer Leighton keep things perculatin' and Orfield blows great tenor sax.   And then - boom!  Right back to the Delta Blues with tasty and mean slidin' and pickin' as Nick delivers a scathing sermon on "Torn" is a track aimed at those who have excuses for turning-their-backs on Humanity, Brotherhood and the other Important things in Life.  "Cow Song" has a great big New Orleans Beat to it and it's one for the dance-floor as Leighton shows his stuff.  "Zihua Stomp" is another amazing slice of Vigarino's creative stockpile.  The man never ceases to amaze as he rips through a Flamenco/Slide workout at breakneck speed.  "Corndog" is something that anyone with any taste for Red Hot RedNeck Boogie will go Apeshit over.  Nick V.'s fingers are a blur and I defy anyone alive to recreate anything close to this.  I played this over the phone for 6 different people, which is a measure of my excitement as it's something I do only 2 or 3 times a year.  I must admit, even though I've been digging Nick Vigarino for over a decade (since 1993) this CD proves to me that even I had no inkling as to the depths of Nick's talents and creativity.  While there are perhaps 2 dozen World-Class Blues Acts in Washington/Oregon, Nick Vigarino shows that he belongs in the TOP 3 or 4.  Oh yeah; the man can sing too...so, this is Nick Vigarino's career high point and one of the Best Indie. releases of the last year or two.  Anyone who digs Southern Fried Boogie Blues and especially slide will also LOVE this CD.  If Nick gets over to Europe soon, the audiences over there will go nuts for his Blues and he'd probably never worry about gigs again with such a huge and rabid audience digging him.  5 Big Bottles of Jack for the hottest Boogie Blues you'll ever come across these days and this album may get Vigarino crowned as The New North American King of the Slide."

While I'm not nearly as good as A Grigg in expressing my excitement about Nick's shows, I am a huge fan.  I would have nominated him for more than just the guitar slots for the BB's, and I am not alone it seems.

]]> And The Nominees Are.... tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-03-07:2db19dbe-4a2c-40cd-be70-352527835fd0 Debra 2008-03-07T18:00:53Z 2008-03-07T17:42:00Z Your comments are welcome...

The 2008 Washington Blues Society Best of the Blues Awards Nominees

Blues Male Vocalist

Colonel

Mark Dufresne

Charles White

 

Blues Female Vocalist

Mary McPage

Polly O’Keary

Suze Sims

 

Electric Blues Guitar

Tom Boyle

Scott E. Lind

Jevon Powell

CD Woodbury

 

Slide Blues Guitar

Rod Cook

Billy Stapleton

Mark Riley

Nick Vigarino

 

Blues Bass

Howard Hooper

Rob Moitoza

Dominique Stone

Les White

 

Drums

Jeff Hayes

David Hudson

Marty Vadalabene

Billy Page

 

Horn

Scotty Harris

Ron Hendee

Randy Oxford

 

Harmonica

Bill Davis

Kim Field

Paul Green

Jim King

 

Piano and Keyboards

Eric “Two Scoops” Moore

Eric Robert

Ed Vance

Beth Wulff

 

Acoustic Blues Guitar

Ryan LaPlante

Son Jack Jr.

Nick Vigarino

 

Best Blues Band

Blues Orbiters

Mary McPage Band

Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin’ Daddies

The Red Hotz

 

Traditional Blues Act

Little Bill

Ryan LaPlante

Son Jack Jr.

 

Solo/Duo Act

Aemmer & Clarke

Cooke & Green

Son Jack Jr.

Ryan LaPlante

Alice Stuart

 

New Blues Band

Free Reign

Kim Field & The Mighty Titans of Tone

Curtis Hammond Band

Unbound

 

Blues Performer

Mary McPage

Suze Sims

Becki Sue

 

Blues Songwriter

Brian Butler

Son Jack, Jr.

Polly O’Keary

Mark Riley

 

Blues Recording

Wait All Night, Brian Butler

Big City Blues, Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin’ Daddies

Headhunter, Hudson Blues Band

 

Blues Club

Highway 99

Monahan’s

Salmon Bay Eagles

 

Blues Writer

Roy Brown

Rev. Deb Engelhardt

Malcolm Kennedy

 

Blues Image

De Lay Montage/ Hunnewell

Becki Sue CD Art by Phil Chesnut

Mount Baker Poster

 

Graphic Artist

Phil Chesnut

Dennis Hacker

Teri Anne Wilson

 

Blues DJ

Clancy Dunigan

John Kessler

Dave Samson

 

Keeping the Blues Alive

Blues in the Schools

Laurette Langille

Mary McPage

Rhea Rolfe

 

Lifetime Achievement

Tom Boyle

Paul Green

Hans Ipsen

Chris Leighton

Mike Lynch

Alice Stuart

 

Hall of Fame

Brian Butler

Paul Green

Billy Stoops

 

Best Non-Festival Event

Blues Vespers

Jam for Cans

Peace Concert with the Red Hotz

WBS Summer Picnic

 

Best Festival

Sunbanks

Mount Baker

Winthrop

 

Best Open Blues Jam

Broomdust Jam from the Past at Conor Byrne

Randy Oxford’s Jam at the Tulalip Casino

Oxford Saloon’s Thursday Night Jam


]]> The Historic Spar Tree with Nick Vigarino tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-03-02:300a3fac-81bd-4477-a468-39b633815d77 Debra 2008-03-29T11:41:52Z 2008-03-02T11:33:00Z
You can't get away with not smiling here at the Spar Tree.  The guys are friendly and all seem really nice.  (Hint to the women out there.)  Pizza arrives from next door for a couple in the corner.  The Spar Tree reminds me of a hang out with beer and chips, pool and live music.  A place for the working folks to play and relax.  I encourage you guys to check this place out.  ]]> The Wild Buffalo tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-02-24:caa219be-3712-40a7-9291-6713b812c9de Debra 2008-03-29T11:23:16Z 2008-02-24T10:57:00Z I feel like I'm on a road trip in a sense, a different venue every weekend getting to experience the travels, in the footsteps, of two musicians.  Tonight we're at the Wild Buffalo, in Bellingham, who's White Buffalo Pizza I have looked forward to all day.  Basically a cheese and garlic pizza with herbs and seasonings.  Absolutely decadent. 

The Wild Buffalo has lots of great art on it's wall.  My favorite is the striking detail of George Jartos.  Check out his stuff at www.georgejartos.com.  This time, seated on the opposite wall from last time, there's a whole new view to this interesting venue.  On one side is an old brick wall with cool drapes and artistic tapestries.  One made of straw the other quilt like.  The other side a modern take in the form of giant bricks breaking away to what looks like sky.  There's a lot of orginal character to this place.  The pizza's are all hand made, the dough slowly fermented, and all have a gourmet quality.  Next time I'm having he Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Ceasar with a slice of White Buffalo Pizza.  Yum... If I had to vote on the best stage I think I'd have to say the Wild Buffalo is the coolest, and the ample dance floor fills in this dancing town.

Things can happen, and finally after an indecisive 20 minutes, a replacement amp is found, and the power light appears with a hellish red glow.  Speaking of oasis', his first song reminds me of the sandy dunes of the Arabian Nights.  Larry kicks in the next song, an intense warm up to the night to come. 

]]> Nick V at the Tulalip tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-02-23:d417b9f0-1586-4bda-bd5c-332f2272c283 Debra 2008-03-29T10:56:37Z 2008-02-23T10:35:00Z
Food for every budget, from "fast" food to 5 star gourmet, gambling for every comfort zone, and complimentary comedy and music shows.  The Tulalip attracts every age bracket.  They have a great stage and dance floor, and an inhouse sound man.  The place has an audience.  It's a great place to play and get exposure to the general public.  With the addition of their new hotel and spa, the largest I've seen in these parts built in time for the 2010 Olympics up north, this is a well exposed attraction.

With their amphitheatre attracting national acts, this could very well be a great place to make the center of the Northwest music shows.  At least in the greater Puget Sound area. 

As I sit waiting for the start of the show featuring Nick Vigarino and Larry Dennis, Slop Jar Delta Funk, I watched some recent videos to a very LOUD abnoxious pop? music...ugh!  Very painful.  I remember the birth of the video era with MTV when it wasn't full of stupid shows and advertising.  Pathetic is really all I can say.  Would be pretty ool to do some blues videos on MTV or at least VH1.  Make it catch and good and go national to a younger audience.  Dreamin'...

I hear on the weekends you should arrive early to get a table.  The place fills to capacity pretty quickly.  Tonight is no different.  Nick's music is like an oasis.  The crowd's vocal, starting with the opening song.  Soothing guitar work met with a cheering crowd.  There's nothing like live blues. 

Soloing the first few songs, Larry slips in behind the drums.  As a duo these guys rock.  As much as I prefer the intimacy of a smaller venue such as Grinders, I'm glad to see them on a bigger stage.  High intensity, the Red Bull of blues.  What a crowd tonight.  Holy Cow.  I heard there was a line that couldn't even get in at over capacity.   For a 9:30 show get here by 8pm.  ]]> Washington Blues Society to Host "HoneyDripper" Screening tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-02-19:3c51f9d8-0734-4da6-82bb-c80e62554005 Debra 2008-02-19T12:44:30Z 2008-02-19T12:41:00Z
Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at three Silver Platters locations.  Tickets will be available beginning on Monday, February 18th at:

Silver Platters Northgate: 9560 1st Ave NE,(206) 524-3472
Silver Platters Crossroads: 15600 NE 8th St, (425) 643-3472
Silver Platters Mercer Street: 701 5th Ave. N., (206) 283-3472

The Washington Blues Society will host the Seattle premiere of “Honeydripper,” the new film from independent American filmmaker John Sayles. The screening will be held on Thursday, February 21st at 7:00 PM at the Landmark Metro Cinema at 4500 – 9th Avenue NE in Seattle’s University District.

“Honeydripper” won the “Best Independent or Foreign Film” award at the 2008 NAACP Image Awards in Hollywood, and has received critical acclaim from The Los Angeles Times, Variety, Screen, and Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times.

“Honeydripper” features an all-star cast including Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Stacy Keach, Mary Steenburgen, Yaya DaCosta and Sean Patrick Thomas; as well as such notable musicians as Eddie Shaw, Keb’ Mo’ and Dr. Mable John.  “Honeydripper” also introduces a major new talent, Gary Clark Jr. who makes his electrifying film debut as Sonny.  More information: honeydripper-movie.com/

Arrive early: seating is first-come, first served.  Tickets do not guarantee a seat as the theatre will overbook the venue to ensure a full house.

]]> Mulebone at Eddie's Trackside tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-02-17:21774ac5-6b25-4518-a406-9adfe8043ae5 Debra 2008-03-29T10:35:10Z 2008-02-17T10:28:00Z
After ordering the French Dip and it's arrival before me, my first impression was wow!  Beautiful.  I hoped it tasted as good as it looked because it gave me an appetite looking at it.  Victoria's fish and chips looked fabulous too.  Eddie's is a pretty nice place to eat, relax and listen to your favorite band.  The sound is good there too.]]> Grinder's With Nick Vigarino tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-02-10:79f49552-05d6-4b2e-89d8-9b7d50e4efe8 Debra 2008-02-16T17:32:39Z 2008-02-10T14:24:00Z
Their awesome sandwiches are big enough to share, grinders to be exact, ranging from $9 - $12 with home made chili, soups and salads, desserts and beer and wine on the menu.  The desserts are a work of art, equally delicious were the cheesecake and the tiramisu.  The Dipper grinder was tremendous and took two of us to scarf it down.  It was really good! 

The decor is equally as classy as the desserts, colorful yet mellow with dark wood furniture, a fireplace and a wall of family pictures.  The sound is great in this intimate venue and the crowd loved it.  From casual to dressy, the crowd was as classy as the place.  This is definately a place that I'll hang out at more often. 

Tonight slide guitarist Nick Vigarino with Larry Dennis on drums played with special guest Chris Leighton on percussion.  Chris was an added pleasure as he meshed his collection of percussion to Larry's beat.  All together they were a powerhouse of rythym to Nick's guitar.

]]> Promote Your Shows tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-02-09:d8cc4de0-cbd1-487b-8a01-eeb75fba8d88 Debra 2008-02-17T23:02:16Z 2008-02-09T15:25:00Z www.comeseemyshow.com and use it to post your gigs in the Seattle area.  Remember the more your name's out there in web land along with website links the better ranking you'll get on the search engines.  If you can link back to www.comeseemyshow.com on your site all the better. 

There's lots of free event listing sites out there such as www.king5.com, www.craigslist.com, etc.  Help promote the blues by adding your gigs to as many sites as you can find.   You never know who's reading these things and it might just boost attendance. 

]]> Shaking it up at Monahans with the Fabulous Roofshakers tag:cruisingforblues.com,2008-02-09:bb8e0fa2-5ccb-417b-97fb-6a8f8313db56 Debra 2008-02-16T15:31:33Z 2008-02-09T14:24:00Z
Somehow I feel protected sitting in the wings of the front door, a relatively quiet place to watch and listen to the band...and the rambunctious patrons.  I had my favorite meal there of Pulled Pork and a vodka tonic.  Jeff the cook came out to say hi and make sure everything was great.  And I noticed the sound was a little better in Monahan's and found out they'd done a little adjustment to their equipment.

I like The Fabulous Roofshakers.  These guys have got a groov'n beat and a great song selection.  Great dancing tunes.  Thanks for the fabulous evening of music!

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