Look what Dan did!!!  Isn't it beautiful!  I just know my jewel-encrusted throne is arriving any day now.  Along with a table that doesn't require coasters to keep it level.  Maybe I'm asking for too much…

Let's get to business.  Tomorrow we have Blue Krew and a birthday party.  Our own Wenonah is celebrating reaching 21 without a single underage drinking citation.  Congratulations, Nona!  There will be cake, fun, music, and dancing.  For some strange reason, I've not heard Blue Krew before, so I upped the research.  With an introductory paragraph like the following (from their site), how have I missed them?

 
Blue Krewe plays a mix of Swampy Louisiana Roots Music straight from the Bayous of South Louisiana.  Like a good Cajun Gumbo they like to add some different seasonings to the pot, so, while cooking they will add a pinch of Zesty Zydeco, some Cajun Injections, a bit of Mardis Gras flavoring and a heaping helping of Nawlin's Funk.  They will serve that up with a side of Spicy Originals, Funky Instrumentals and perhaps a Rock Classic or two.......Cest' Bon, your taste buds are sure to be satisfied....iieee.

See you tomorrow.

Saturday's busy.  Before Jockamo takes the stage at 8:00, Ronnie Shellist, harp master with the Shuffle Tones, is holding a workshop.  Here's the information: 

BLUES HARMONICA ESSENTIALS WORKSHOP

Saturday July 19, Harmonica Workshop with Ronnie Shellist from noon-4:30pm, Boulder Outlook Hotel, 800 28th St., Boulder.

The workshop will be designed for intermediate players but beginner and advanced intermediate players would likely benefit as well. The cost of the event is $35 and payment will be payable directly to Ronnie Shellist. If you have questions or would like to reserve a spot for the workshop please email Ronnie at RonnieShellist@gmail.com.  You will be able to give input into the topics covered throughout the workshop by submitting ideas ahead of time.  Thanks everyone!

1. Breathing from way down low/tone/airflow (mastering technique)
2. Handling the harp with intention (be specific and say something)
3. The art of bending
4. Pattern Playing
5. Visualize what you hear
6. Letting it out
7. Building Solos and Improvising
8. Determining and playing nuances
9. Self checking our own strengths and weaknesses (use what you got and work on what you don't)

I'm hoping to get over there and do some filming for "Broads on Blues."  Speaking of which, Jill and I would like to thank everyone for their support and wonderful feedback on our second show.  It helps to hear what others think.  Thanks.  We're researching that topless suggestion.  You know who you are.

I've also yet to hear Jockamo at the Outlook.  I heard them in Greeley, so I'm now really looking forward to a more intimate setting.  Skye's voice is tremendous. 

Jumping ahead to next week for a minute, Thursday, the 24^th brings Holly's Bodacious Blues Band, with Holly DeHoog on vocals, Eef Tulip on guitar, Audree D. on drums, and Hilary on bass.  Audree and Hilary are band mates in a killer band called Glass Ceiling.  I've seen them perform but once, last month at Oskar's for the Female All Star Review (spectacular evening), a fund-raiser for Candye Kane.  Along with guitarist, Linda Shay, these three women have an infectious groove and mesmerizing style, particularly watching 6' 3"math nerd Hilary on bass, one of the smoothest moving women I've ever watched.  I had my back to the stage when they began their three-song set, but Linda's first half dozen notes of "Voodoo Chile" spun me around with involuntary force.  They killed it! With Audree's strong vocals and kick-ass drumming, they delivered a memorable set, no matter how brief.    I couldn't take my eyes off of them.  Glass Ceiling hasn't performed the Outlook yet, but I really hope to alter that.  Soonest.  So, mark your calendars for next Thursday; it's going to be memorable, and I'm really excited about welcoming these women to Boulder's Home of the Blues. 

Ok, I just went to the site to check the August calendar, and now I'm dizzy and have to take some deep breaths.  Or maybe eat something.  Food cures everything.   

July ends with Lipbone Redding, which has had me pretty excited ever since reading this from his site: "That's not a trombone you're hearing...It's a human voice. Lipbone Redding gives voice to surreal characters, sings beautiful love songs and makes lots of sounds with only his lips. He's the Jazz, Blues, Jam and Soul version of a human beat-box... Make that a 'Human Sweet Box'."  I think I'm going to have to film him. 

Back to August.  Shawn Kellerman, John-Alex Mason, Duke Robillard, Smokin' Joe Kubrick, and Nick Moss and the Flip Tops, to name but a few.  I had to choose one to feature, and after reading this, well what could I do?

"Nick's just got it in him... The blues feeling ain't nothing you can teach someone. He's just got that feeling." —Jimmy Rogers, late great guitarist. 

And then this:

Chicago blues is now also synonymous with guitarist Nick Moss. Though the golden era of Chicago blues is long past with many of its key players deceased or retired, this young Chicagoan stands tallest in the current generation of blues performers that honor the letter and spirit of the great urban African-American music. No less than Jimmy Rogers saw Nick as a protégé, a torchbearer, and a colleague. Leading Chicago-style guitarist Buddy Guy sanctions his talent: "Nick Moss is one of the local favorites at my club, Legends. I always enjoy the way he plays and works hard to please our audience." Noted Chicago-based music journalist Bill Dahl, never one for gratuitous praise, has raved over Nick's guitar playing, saying he possesses "mastery of the classic Chicago sound," while acclaimed blues producer Dick Shurman numbers himself among Nick's ever-growing legion of admirers, calling his Windy City neighbor "an increasingly centered artist who can rightly be called a master."

Yeah, I know.  See you August 21^st.  Make reservations or come early. 

Honey Bee Sepeda

MEMO TO DAN

Howdy Dan,

First of all, a big kiss for that banner.  I tear up every time I see it. 

August looks like a very august month, with so much talent oozing off the calendar, that I think I'll need my throne and table by then; you know, to complement the all the illustrious acts we have coming to town.  However, given the short notice, a simple guilded throne will suffice in the meantime.  Marble on the table.  Thanks.

Honeybee