MEMPHIS MADNESS!

What a week!  I'm exhausted.  It took off last Wednesday with round one of The Road to Memphis.  More like a super highway given the five bands we had.  All the "e's" were there; energy, excitement, effulgence, enthusiasm, eagerness, ebullience, ecstasy, edge, effervescence, effort, and even some eau de cologne (bet you didn't see that one coming; damn I'm good!).   We had The Informants, Papa Juke, Randall Dubis Band, Mojambus, and the Teresa Lynne Blues Band, and they all brought it.  In the end, The Informants prevailed, but everyone was spot on.  Although I'm loathe to announce my own opinions, I have to give it up to Jasco of  Mojambus in the style department. I'm just saying. 

It was a great night, as was last night.  All of the "f's: were there (here we go again):  fans, fun, fanaticism (me), freakiness (Jill), fashion (Jasco, Randall, Kerry, etc.), fabulousness (ok, me again), and French fries.  The participants were Blue Stone Mojo Band, Johnny O Band, Tera Blu, Felonius Smith, and the Bob Story Band.  The Johnny O Band received the highest score, and as they were on fire last night, it came as little surprise.  That is not to suggest they didn't have stiff competition, as they did.  Congratulations John, Marion, and Ian!

Back to last week.  Glass Ceiling had their inaugural gig, and although the crowd was light (so many having stayed late the night before), the girls thrilled the room!  All the staff on duty danced their way through the evening, and Jean said, "Wow, these girls are great!  I can't stop smiling."  Jill was there; here's what she has to say:

Glass Ceiling!  Chix RAWK!  I've had the pleasure of playing with each of these women during some of Jodie Woodward's Female All Star Revues and Linda Shay, Audree D and Hilary Spriggs are each first class acts!!  I hadn't had much opportunity to hear Linda Shay sing however, until just the other night.  MAN did she make my ears happy.  During, "Smooth Operator" I leaned over to HoneyBee and said, "She's pulling off Sade like she's just getting out of the tub and putting on a towel . . . just that casually."  Yet oh-so-sexay!  Linda's singing was always dead on key and with graceful emotion.  Loved it!  Audree D was a HOOT and, even though she wasn't feeling all that great, her drumming and singing were a FUNKY-RIGHT-ON-SOULFUL-GOOD-TIME!  One of my favorite medleys that Audree D does is Superstitious into Voodoo Chile.  How she remains in her groove, moving all four limbs and singing so beautifully at the same time, is WAY beyond me.  I can't even play tambourine and sing at the same time.  I will certainly be at the Boulder Outlook when they book them again.  I could listen to Glass Ceiling all night long!  ~Jill Watkins

 And here is what Vanessa thought of the band:

It's not too often that we get bands that everyone on the staff enjoys thoroughly. We all love the blues, but we also all have our favorites. On Thursday, we all got a nice treat and a new addition to our "favorites" list: Glass Ceiling. These three women rocked the house! They were laying out a steady funky rhythm of our favorite tunes, with a few originals that showcased their talents as well as their creativity. It was wonderful to see some women bring it to the Outlook!! The rest of the staff and I can't wait to see them back again!  ~Lochnessa Monster

The night before, Audree D. was a participant in Ft. Collins' Guitar Center "Drum Off."  And lo' and behold, guess who took it from the boys? Yeah, that's right!  Our own Audree won!  She's going to the District Finals in Denver on November 11^th. Broads on Blues is planning on being there to give her our support.  Loudly.  

What's going on this weekend?  Oh, yeah. Ok, seriously, I've been so slammed lately, that the distractions are getting to be too numerous, even for me.  Case in point:  Whilst speaking with Ms. Watkins via telephone the other night, I asked her if she was going to join me at the Outlook this Saturday, although I couldn't remember who was playing.  Long pause.  JILL:  "I'll be on stage."  HONEY:  "Oops."  

Ok, yes Jill and I are very close friends (and for a few weeks there, very close roommates).  Ok, yes we co-produce/write/host a television show (Broads on Blues, for those of you just coming out of a coma).  That typed, George Whitesell and His All Stars Featuring Jill Watson (typo and it stays; inside joke) is one of my all-time favorite events, and have been from the first time I experienced them (Outlook last Feb.).  I've seen them numerous times since that perfect evening, primarily at Blues Festivals.  Every performance is an event, and the kind one doesn't want to end.  Ever.  When it comes to these eight talents, I will not hold back my exuberance (I saved that "e" for this paragraph).  They are all sensational. Friendships notwithstanding, this is a GREAT band.  I have a few friends who have become friendly with Jill through me, and they will be hearing her with her band for the first time.  It's going to be a very special evening for all of us. 

Sunday night is the Blues Jam with Russ Musilek this week, as Lionel and Mark have some fancy-shmancy private gig.  I hope they're not becoming snobby. 

Then presto-change-o!  New restaurant, new look, etc.  Why is Dan doing this?  Because BOB'S COMING!  Ok, he's planned to do so for awhile, but I still think the timing is wonderfully telling.  The Prodigal Son of the Outlook will be christening Blues & Greens in two weeks!  November 7^th and 8^th.  I reported recently that Lionel Young would be joining Bob and My Beloved Delta Sonics on Saturday the 8^th.  Lionel has a lot on his mind lately; he told me the 8^th, but he meant the 7^th (HEY!  It's an easy mistake…for a man).   So, he'll be joining the Fab Foursome on Friday, November 7^th.  8:00. Rumor has it that Michaela Rae will be dropping by to see her old friend from Blues From the Top.  Of course, when Steady Rollin' comes to town, lots of musicians drop by.  BOB'S COMING!  ~Honey Bee Sepeda

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