A HONEYBEE WEDDING!

I long ago decided that marriage was not something in which I had any interest (that's just me; I ain't hatin' on anyone's marriage or their decision to hitch).   That said/typed, I reasoned the best way to handle that topic when asked is a simple, "I will get married the day Lyle Lovett asks me."  You see, it's such a long shot, I figure I'm safe (he's my favorite wordsmith).  Over the course of the last year or so, I have modified that to, "The day Lyle Lovett or Jason Ricci asks me."  And now, 'tis revision time again.  I shall henceforth state: "The day Lyle Lovett, Jason Ricci, or Shawn Kellerman asks me."  Again, still some long shots, but I really like the prospects.  Especially after last Thursday night.  With my fiancé, Shawn Kellerman (shhhh, don't tell him! He doesn't know yet). 

As stated last week, we'd come close to booking him twice in the last year, but stuff got in the way.  He's worth the wait.  And please remember, I take being betrothed very seriously, so I don't save my wedding day for just anyone.  Oh wait, I was talking about his talent.  Chick told us last week that Kellerman is a smoking guitarist, and for a nice change of pace, he wasn't just blowin' smoke (kidding, Chick).   

Shawn Kellerman is the most mesmerizing guitarist I've ever watched, and I've had the privilege of watching many a mesmerizing guitarist.  He plays from the inside out, with his notes directing a very rhythmic body in some seriously sexy choreography.  And I mean SERIOUSLY SEXY.  As a matter of fact, I'm hosting a girls' night soon, just to show the 8:55 instrumental I filmed.  You're welcome in advance, girls. 

He's a monster.  I'm absolutely sick for Dan that he had to miss Kellerman.  Really Dan, we've got to talk about your abysmal timing of late.  And about when my betrothed is returning, which better be soon!  I hope there are no jealousies between Jason and him, as they're friends.  I just hate it when men fight over me. 

Anywho, back to Shawn.  With Joe Veloz on Bass, and Justin Headley on Drums, this trio awes a room.  However, as I am madly in love with one of them, I must recuse myself from commenting further.  Therefore, I leave the primary (i.e., professional) review this week to Chick.  Thanks, Chick.

WOW!!! What a jaw-dropping performance last Thursday night!!! Shawn Kellerman put on as electrifying a performance as I have ever seen at the Outlook, rarely stopping long enough to let us catch our breath.  Seriously, I could see Honey Bee gasping for breath and looking a little faint (I think from the guitar playing. Hoping to pass out and require some mouth-to-mouth from Shawn, Honey? Careful, did you know Shawn and Jason Ricci are buds?).

Suffice it to say, his playing was some totally amazing stuff; doing everything from killer slide, to lightening chicken-scratching, to deep wailing sorrowful blues licks with generous doses of wah-wah scattered throughout. All through the performance his body seemed to match his guitar chops as well. My own body started to hurt as I watched Shawn twisting his rubbery form so that it became part of his guitar, bending and dipping with each note. Whew! His frenzied blurred hands on "Rude Mood" had my buddy, Bob, describing him as "Tab Benoit on speed." "Holy Crap' was another description that was repeatedly tossed out throughout the night. I heard that uttered over and over throughout the crowd. It might have been started by Honey, but I screamed it more than a few times myself.

And Shawn is not just a guitar wizard; his voice is equally impressive. He amazed the audience as he went from singing to rapid fire skat/be-bop vocals that matched his guitar note for note. He played some classics, his own tunes, some gospel ('Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior'-sweeeeeet!) and even threw in a little Jimi guitar from the Band of Gypsies album.  By the end of the night I had a severe case of smiling and grinning too much, and Honey was about ready to try her smoothest Canadian pick-up lines on Shawn, "eh, how's about coming to my table for some beers, eh?" (Did I mention Shawn's van has Canadian tags?)

 Here is my favorite description of Shawn on a previous show from Tim Holek ("Blues on Stage" Internet Review), "Shawn hit the stage smoking with energy and left it dripping in sweat." Yep, that's what happened last Thursday as well.

Let me add kudos to band-mates Justin "No shoes-just socks" Headley on drums and Joe Veloz who bounces around looking like the happiest "genie in the lamp" while thumping his steady bass.  

Bottom line: Shawn Kellerman is a great young guitarist who is going to keep the blues alive as well as help define the future of the blues. He already belongs in that elite upper echelon of blues guitar players. I see this guy's career just taking off!

Dan, thank you for booking Shawn! Now, you have got to bring this guy back here, soon (for Honey's sake) and often!!! Those of us who saw him will all be back. Those of you who missed him, well, you missed a rare talent. Do yourself a favor and don't let that happen next time. Chick Cavallero

So you see, I didn't exaggerate.  Although Chick is crazy if he thinks I would ever use such a pedestrian line on Shawn.  I'm far more clever than that…or would that be "devious?" 

The September calendar is up, and I suggest you have a look and start scheduling your month around some great music.  http://www.boulderoutlook.com/musiccalendar.html

This Saturday, I finally get to hear Mojomama at the Outlook.  I've heard them perform before, but life keeps getting in the way when they're booked here, but I'm not letting that happen this time.   To be fair, the last time was the night of the Greeley Blues Fest, and well, come on!  I think they've forgiven me…

If my information is correct (a BIG if since it came from Dan), Dan will be back from vacation next week and our memos shall then commence.  In the meantime, my co-host, the Joyous Jill Watkins, and I need to take care of some personal business.  Honey Bee Sepeda

MEMO TO JILL

Dear Jill,

As you've probably heard, there's a Honeybee wedding on the horizon, and I'd like you to be my Maid of Honor.  Still not sure who the groom's going to be, but really not all that important given my three choices; I really can't lose.  What are your thoughts on my impending nuptials?  Any advice?

Yours,
Honeybee

Dearest Honeybee,

Maid of Honor? I'm flattered . . . no really. My thoughts? Okay. While the
term "marriage" usually shuts me down completely, rendering me unable to
communicate . . . I'll do my best:

1st - "Honey Lovett" sounds like a stripper.
2nd - "Honey Ricci" sounds like Christine Ricci's sexy younger sister
trying to make it in the business while riding on her coattails . . .
3rd - "Honey Kellerman" sounds nice enough but, would you have to convert
to Canadianism??

Yours quandrarily,
Jill