We went out for one of Russ Mineau's famous open mics at Athens Pizza in Putnam last night. What a fabulous time that man creates! I arrived too late for the early performers - the family friendly seven o'clock start time conflicts with a guitar lesson - but did get there just as the feature was completing their sound-checks. Morgans Dreamworld did a great job mixing up their originals with classic, the latter energized by guest musicians and audience singalongs.

Jason Bleau of WINY fame was up next. This kid has a VOICE! I'm not a huge country fan, but he's a shoo-in for the Plainfield Country Music Talent Contest this year. Then again, the competition is steeper every year at that event.

Last up was Papa Joe DeMaio accompanied by Frank Delaura. More classics and more singalongs. Well, maybe it was just me singing along this time, I started doing "Shanty" after Papa Joe introduced me to the Jonathan Edwards tune. Frank has had his tribulations of late, but one would never notice listening to that bluesy harp last night. Russ has the sonic touch getting the sweetest sound from his performers, and that's not always easy with a harmonica.

All in all, a great time with great friends for the cost of a small pizza and tip. Athens Pizza and Russ Mineau make a great team.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Great Killingly Tomato Festival

Image
Agricultural fairs have long stopped being what they should be. Families reuniting.  Fathers relaxing with their children while mothers rest without.  LOCAL performers and marching bands  surrounded by local merchants and entrepreneurs.  Ridiculous contests .   In an era where some agricultural fairs won't allow dogs on their grounds the Great Killingly Tomato Festival is a refreshing hint at the origins of the crowded overpriced carnivals that pretend to be local today. 
Read more
Image
I'm finding myself short on patience towards those that do not push me to be better, or worse want me to lower my expectations of myself or them. I simply am too busy to deal with that, nor do I wish to hear your new path to misery; I'm quite adept. I am willing to let go if you will not contribute in a positive manner. So many want to only see the negative, others only the positive. There is always both; one has to see their ability to use them to advantage. I care less today if one walks out. They should not expect me to recognize them quickly afterwards. If I am not important enough to share good times, do not expect me to share much else. I find myself shedding a past that was largely not attempting the improbable rather than striving for the possible. Secure jobs that I didn't particularly want to pay for things I couldn't maintain. I think I'm done with that.
Read more

Hello America!

Image
I've already traveled around the world once. I was very young and stupid and the memories are very occluded by past actions and time. Hopefully I'll be able to do this again once I grow up. Diego Garcia. Been there, done that. Wish I could remember it. For now I shall content myself to travel the good ole USA. From Connecticut tothe Skyline Drive to the Grand Canyon to Yosemite then Yellowstone. From Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine. I hope to blog daily on this trip, if only to help collect my thoughts. Tired days may end up being poorly written in a puddle of consciousness.  If there is a place you think I should see, shout it out, our route is flexible enough to take the occasional detour. Here's a rough map of the trip. Feel free to suggest a change by commenting here. I am taking my camera, a guitar and my father-in-law. I do hope to find a few venues to play. I know I'll find scenery and people to photograph. Perhaps you can suggest an open mic or
Read more