We have urgent news. Local harmonica player and member of Mile High Harmonica Club, Craig Lawler, is very ill. His family has incurred tremendous medical bills, and we need to help ease some of the financial burdens they are bearing. Jason Ricci and New Blood are making a quick trip to Boulder , this Sunday, July 27, at 7:30 to perform for a fund-raiser for Craig. The show starts at 7:30 and tickets are $15.00, all of which goes directly to the family. We will not be having the Blues Jam this Sunday. But the place will be jammin'!
Everyone knows that JR&NB are Outlook favorites, so let's all come out and support them while we help the Lawler family. Not only is Craig so ill, but his mother just passed away less than a month ago after battling cancer, and Craig's sisters are still reeling from that grief, not to mention the residual financial drain. This family needs us, so if you're able to give more, it will be greatly appreciated. We know Jason, Shawn, Weed, and Ed will be giving it for us!
We also want to make sure to mention that the guys are driving 700 miles to do this, and are refusing to take a penny. I'm going to have to cook something really special for them.
Back to regular business. Maybe I'm nuts (shut up), but it seems Dan's been stepping up his booking skills of late. I told you last week about some of the greats we have coming through town in August, but let's look a little further ahead.
My new best friend, Delores Scott, is returning with the Colorado All Stars (Gretchen Troop, Jodie Woodward, Randall Dubis, and Peter Gregory) on September 24, 2008, 7:30, for ONE NIGHT ONLY!!! If you missed her in June, here's your chance to make it up to your ears. Once they hear her, they'll probably forgive you your past neglect. Once they hear her and Gretchen together, they may be pissed at you for a while.
Before that, however, Ron Thompson joins us on September 5th, 8:00. I was going to detail some of his career, but this critic has already said all one needs to understand: "Ron Thompson is one of those extra special talents that are all too rare. Genius level talents combined with total commitment and an electrical internal fire that spells intensity of the highest degree...it's his slide guitar work that'll scare the Dickens out of you. This is evil stuff!" Funky Neighborhood" will peel paint off walls and have 15-year-old guitar stars running scared..." Andy Grigg, Real Blues music critic.
Jumping ahead to October, The Shuffle Tones are back! It's been way too long, and I'm thrilled. Their 2007 release, Chicago Sessions, is one of my favorite jumpin', Chicago-style blues records. All songs are Jeremy Vasquez originals, and as he is only 28 years old, he's either an old soul, or people been messin' with him his entire life. He's not old enough to write the blues like he does otherwise. The harp and guitar work on this cd are both notable. Trust me. No don't. Get a copy and find out for yourself.
October 25th brings George Whitesell and His All Stars Featuring…oh crap, what's her name again? Oh yeah, my fabulous co-host, Ms. Jill Watkins! If you've not seen this band, wow are you in for a treat! I've been blessed to see them a few times, and I frequently will travel with Jill for the pleasure of those events. Mark your calendars, and pick out your Sunday best. They dress up, and so should we. They are truly more of an event than a gig. You'll see.
One quick peek into November: 7th and 8th, Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, Prodigal Son of the Outlook. I CAN'T STAND IT!!! Do you all think I get a little stupid when it comes to Steady Rollin' coming to town? Don't answer that.
Back to July. Tomorrow night my chick heart will be a swellin' watching a stage full of some of the finest talent the Front Range has to offer; Holly DeHoog, Eef Tulip, Audree D., Hilary Spriggs, and Holly Hoverson. Yeah, that's right! They're all chicks! They're billed as Holly's Bodacious Blues Band, but I think it should be Holly's Bodacious Babes Blues Band. But maybe that's just me. I covered the girls last week, but that was before I found out the impossibly brilliant keyboardist, Holly Hoverson, was joining. She's not to be believed. She must be experienced. No reason to say more. I've threatened Dan within a millimeter of his life if he misses it.
Friday night is the return of my beloved Delta Sonics. I'm wondering; since I always refer to them as such, should "my" and "beloved" now be capitalized? Is it in fact now a permanent part of the band's name? I sometimes lie awake at night pondering these things. Maybe I am nuts. Their last time at the Outlook had the dancers up on the first song, and we stayed there all night. Hey Al, when is that new cd coming out? I need my Delta Sonics on the go too, you know.
Saturday night brings a first for me, and one I've been happily anticipating. Tempa and the Tantrums! I was in Winter Park at Blues From the Top the last time they played, so this will be my first. Tempa came to my birthday party last December and belted out a "Happy Birthday" (with My Beloved Delta Sonics; obviously I've made my decision on the lower vs. upper case issue) the likes of which has never been sung to me before. Thanks again, Tempa, and I'll see you Saturday. Can't wait to hear what else you can sing. Although I'm still very happy with "Happy Birthday."
And let us not forget that we have Lipbone Redding next Thursday, the 31st. I can't wait for this guy.
Hopefully later this week we will be able to get more information to you for those who would like to help Craig Lawler but can't make the gig this Sunday. We'd also like to thank Mark Diamond and Lionel Young for so graciously taking the night off. We had better see you at the Outlook anyway, you bums!
MEMO TO DAN
Dear Dan:
I think we should do something special for the boys this Sunday. Making such a long drive to help out others doesn't surprise me in the least about Jason. I suppose I could make the ultimate sacrifice and marry him. Your thoughts?
Honeybee
Dear Honey:
Glad to hear that you are committed to the cause. Of course, knowing Jason, maybe he would rather have you just volunteer to drive the van for a couple of months.
