The Colorado Blues Society had their big board meeting Sunday, followed by a Memphis Three Jam, starting with John Alex Mason, then Lionel Young, with the Erica Brown Band taking it home.  All the way home.  Then the shit got crazy. 

First of all, I was one of only about three people in the house without musical talent, so the stage got really crowded.  Jill Watkins, Rex Peoples, Dan Treanor, Jerry Deall, Mark Diamond, Jay Forrest, Randall Dubis…I’ve to stop now, I’m getting woozy.   The exquisite Mr. Willie Houston was also there, but tragically he declined Erica’s invitation to join them.  He was there to be awed like the rest of us. And he was.  He told me so.  The afternoon and evening portrayed unlimited marketing for the Colorado Blues Society.  Annual membership is only $20, and if this is how they throw a party, it’s well beyond worth the cost!  As a matter of fact, the more members, the more parties.  JOIN!

The event opened with the exceptionally talented John Alex Mason’s inaugural performance at the Outlook.  Rather than bore you with my own personal amazement, I urge you to check his schedule.  Frequently.  And then go and hear him.  And read his bio; he’s an extraordinary young man.  http://www.johnalexmason.com/bio.html

After that riveting set, during which John Alex brought up Lionel for a little fun, Brian Elliott, the CBS President, introduced Lionel, who brought his Memphis plaque for us to see, and then treated us to a fantastic set (even if he did forget the words to one of own new songs…).  He never disappoints. 

Then Dan had the great idea of asking Erica to turn the second half of her set into a jam.  She happily consented, and that’s when the myriad aforementioned talents started tag-teaming each other. What an unbelievable jam.  Truly unbelievable.  And then, Lionel and Mark took to the stage for the regular blues jam, and it started all over again!  Some days I think I may be one of the luckiest people alive.  Ok, actually, pretty much all days I feel that way, but Sunday was off the charts. 

And if all that weren’t enough, I received this email from The Delicious Ms. Brown (anyone starting to notice that I’m really trying to make that moniker stick?):

Many kudos to ALL of you for one of the most enjoyable events in what seems to be a year of enjoyable events!!  The music was just stellar and I really had a blast!  We must do this again sometime!!!...E

Yes, Ms. Delicious, we MUST do it again sometime. Soon.  How about the weekend of April 11^th and 12^th?  I hear someone really fantastic will be in town…

On to Saturday.  Ok, now I know I’ve mentioned a time or two that I’ve been planning on taking a very special pair of Italian stockings out of semi-retirement for the Jason Ricci and New Blood gig this Saturday.  Problem.  Ok, not so much a problem as a dilemma.  You see, last week I received a package chock-full of new leg wear (they are not exactly doing what you would call “stockings” this year) from Italy.  Well, more specifically, from my mother, the sainted woman who lives in Venice and who keeps a constant vigil over the ever-changing fashion scene in Europe, with particular emphasis on Italian leg wear, and then makes fabulous purchases for me so that I can maintain the style of my European upbringing (I have to make this sound as exalted as possible, because when you see her latest purchase for me this weekend, you might wonder if she’s lost her mind.  Or at least forgotten my age). 

There were several pairs in the package, but one in particular has her energized.  Before I received the package, she described them to me over the phone.  I will only tell you this: She said, “Think David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust phase.”  What?!  Ok, now in all fairness, the woman has lived in Europe for the better part of 4 decades; however, she has in fact been to Boulder and seen the “fashion sense” that so exists.  She calls it “Sierra Club meets abject boredom.”  I can’t fault her there.  I can however give her a plug while I’m on the subject:  Life With A View:  A Turkish Quest, by Toni Sepeda.  What is that?  It’s her latest literary offering on sale at amazon.com, a fantastic and very funny narration of the ten years it took to build the summer house on the Black Sea in Turkey, a country in which I lived during many of my formative years.  Oh yeah, and I’m in it. 

[EDITOR’S NOTE TO HONEY:  Please stop with the shameless plugs for your mother’s book]. 

[HONEY’S NOTE TO EDITOR:  Shut up!  More book sales for her, more stockings for me].   Here’s a nice review: http://tinyurl.com/yw4mcg

So, I waited with great anticipation as to the visual representation of the verbal description.  Well, they do NOT disappoint.  However, upon first glance, I thought “not in Boulder.”  Then I tried them on.  I HAVE TO WEAR THEM, AND I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL MY NEXT NYC OR PARIS TRIP!!!  They are outrageous, and as such, the Jason Ricci and New Blood gig is pretty much the only event that could handle these wild things.  If even then.  So, consider yourselves warned.  Now, let’s hope I don’t chicken out.  It could happen, that’s how au currant these things are. 

So, I think I’ll save those oft-mentioned, semi-retired stockings for Bob’s next visit.  Is it too soon for me to start going barking mad over Bob’s upcoming weekend here (4/11 and 12)?  I know I can get a little overly excited, but he’s Bob.  And if anyone reading this doesn’t know who I’m talking about, shame on you!  Bob doesn’t need a last name.  However, I’m in a good mood so I’ll give you his entire moniker:  Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Prodigal Son of the Outlook.  Can’t wait.  Next month.  Bob’s coming!

So, we’ll see you all Saturday night.  And believe me, with my new leg wear, you will all most certainly see me.   Can’t miss these things.  And remember we are also celebrating the birthday of our good friend, Jackie Deall, and our other good friend, Anna, is bringing a couple of her famous death-by-chocolate cakes for us all to enjoy.  There will be a couple of other kinds for anyone who doesn’t hold an appreciation for chocolate.  

Now, I’ve got to go get ready.  I’m going to The Little Bear to see JR&NB.  I can’t wait until Saturday. 

Honey Sepeda

Memo to Dan

Dear Dan:

I’m a little concerned about the reputation of the club if I wear my mother’s latest gift.  Do you think you could ask the wait staff to tart it up a bit so it can appear as a costume event?  I don’t want to be the only one looking like a “pro.”

Anxiously yours,

Honey