Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Live Music Calendar & SOME

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. Actually Winner Winner 50 Billion CD! Congratulations to my friend Elizabeth Gooden Moerbe from New Braunfels Texas. Thanks for playing my little game.  I couldn't be more happy that you were the winner.  Hope you and Laughy are enjoying the greatness which is Mike McClure.


The packaging I sent the winning cd in.
DECEMBER
29th Jason Boland (ACOUSTIC)-Grady's Pub-Yukon, OK

JANUARY 2012
13th Red Wanting Blue-The Rathskellar-Indianapolis, IN
13th The Damn Quails-Grady's 66 Pub - Yukon, OK
13th Todd Snider-Sheldon Concert Hall-St. Louis, MO
14th Todd Snider-Hoogland Center for the Arts-Springfield, Il.
14th The Turnpike Troubadours w/ The Dirty River Boys, Cole Porter-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
15th Billy Joe Shaver-Knuckleheads Saloon-Kansas City, MO
19th Midnight River Choir w/ Cole Porter Band- Crazytown -Joplin, MO
20th Todd Snider-Castle Theatre-Bloomington, IL
20th Midnight River Choir-Old 36-Riverton, IL
21st Red Wanting Blue-Windjammer Lounge-Bloomington, Il
21st Todd Snider-Space-Evanston, Il
21st Stoney LaRue- George's Majestic Lounge-Fayetteville-AR
26th Mike McClure Band w/ Brian Lumley&The Red Dirt Underground-Outland Ballroom-Spfld, MO
26th Randy Rogers Band-Crazytown-Joplin, MO
27th Mike McClure Band-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, IL
27th Randy Rogers Band-The Cotillion-Wichita, KS
27th Adam Hood-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il
28th Randy Rogers Band-Beaumont Club-Kansas City, MO
28th Mike McClure Band-Snorty Horse Saloon-Columbia, Mo
28th Randy Rogers Band w/ Kip Moore, Sam Sliva- The Beaumont Club-Kansas City, MO
28th Jackson Taylor and The Sinners w/ Cole Porter Band- The Outland Ballroom-Spfld, MO



FEBRUARY 2012
1st The Damn Quails-Last Chance- Manhattan, KS
2nd The Damn Quails-Lee's Liquor Lounge- Minneapolis, MN
2nd Bleu Edmondson w/ Chad Sullins and the Last Call Coalition-Crazytown-Joplin, MO
3rd The Departed- George's Majestic Lounge-Fayetteville, AR
3rd Josh Abbott-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il
4th The Damn Quails, Old 36 Inn, Riverton, Il.
9th The Turnpike Troubadours-Snorty Horse-Columbia, MO
7th Red Wanting Blue-Schuba's-Chicago, IL
7th Reckless Kelly-George's Majestic Lounge-Fayetteville, AR
8th Red Wanting Blue-Mother's Pub-Ames, IA
9th Turnpike Troubadours-Snorty Horse Saloon-Columbia, MO
9th Ray Wylie Hubbard-George's Majestic Lounge-Fayetteville, AR
10th Bleu Edmonson-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, Il
10th The Damn Quails-Slinger's-Hayes, KS
10th The Turnpike Troubadours-The Woodshed-Leon, Ia
11th The Turnpike Troubadours- Knuckleheads-Kansas City, MO
22nd Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Snorty Horse Saloon-Columbia, MO
23rd Brandon Jenkins-Crazytown-Joplin, MO
25th Eli Young Band-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il

MARCH
9th Randy Rogers Band-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il
23rd Casey Donahew Band-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il
APRIL

20th The Damn Quails-The Gas Lamp-Des Moines, IA

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Mike McClure Fifty Billion CD Giveaway

50 Billion

If you don't already have your copy then this applies to you. :)  Please.



On the front of the new cd Fifty Billion, by Mike McClure is a small number.  I'm guessing it's the number/order in which the cd's were signed by Mike prior to shipping.   The first person to guess that number will be the WINNER. So get to guessing, have fun and post answers in the comment section.

Happy Hump Day,
xxmusicgypsyxx




NOVEMBER

9th Todd Snider-w/ Elizabeth Cook-Fitzgerald Theatre-St. Paul, MN
10th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Riverside Ballroom-Green Bay, WI
Jason Boland & The Stragglers-Longorn's-Manhattan, KS
11th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Park West-Chicago, Il
16th Paul Thorn-Fat Fish Pub-Galesburg, IL
17th The Departed-Luke's Bar & Grill-Altamont, IL
Randy Rogers Band-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
Paul Thorn-Sullivan Theatre-Rockford, Il
18th Red Wanting Blue-Bailey's Pub, Taylorville, IL
The Departed-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
Paul Thorn-Turner Hall Ballroom-Milwaukee, WI
19th Red Wanting Blue-Kemp's-Lexington, IL
The Departed-The Crystal Palace-Pontiac, IL
Paul Thorn-The Canopy Club-Urbana, Il.
20th The Departed/Sons of Bill-Off Broadway-St. Louis, MO
26th Mike McClure Band-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK


DECEMBER
2nd Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Grady's Pub-Yukon, OK
3rd Back Porch Mary-The Underground-Des Moines, IA
9th Back Porch Mary-The Stop Bar & Grill-Urbana, Il
10th Back Porch Mary-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, IL
11th FREE SHOW-Jason Eady (Acoustic)-The Stop Bar & Grill-Urbana, Il
15th Mike McClure Band-Bowmans Paint Stallion Club- Joplin, MO
Brandon Jenkins-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, Il
16th Brandon Jenkins-The Woodshed-Leon, IA
The Damn Quails/Mike McClure Band-Otis Campbell's-Washington, MO
29th Jason Boland (ACOUSTIC)-Grady's Pub-Yukon, OK

JANUARY 2012
13th Red Wanting Blue-The Rathskellar-Indianapolis, IN
21st Red Wanting Blue-Windjammer Lounge-Bloomington, Il
27th Mike McClure Band-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, IL

FEBRUARY 2012
10th Bleu Edmonson-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, Il

I'm thankful too.

November is the month for giving thanks. Everyone is doing a 30 day count on Facebook. Believe me I would rather read what your thankful for than some of the other nonsense that is posted. Bring thanks all month people. Please. I'm starting to tire of the whole FB world. I have one friend who is backing out and I can't say that I blame her. Maybe 2012 will be my year. I have enough to keep up with, with all of bands I like to follow and promote. I can follow all of them right here on my own blog, no FB needed. Wow I feel like I have more time on my hands already. But seriously I'm thankful too.

The Midwest is being blessed for the next couple months, so take a look down below at my live music calendar and go see a show. Hopefully Mother Nature will be kind to us and she won't blow up any of that "S" stuff on the days of the Nov/Dec dates. For my sake I hope she definitely steers clear the weekends before Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are a couple must see shows on those dates. Nov 17th at Lukes in Altamont is Chris Harley, Sons of Bill and The Departed, the 18th Red Wanting Blue at Bailey's Pub in Taylorville and the 19th RWB at Kemp's in Lexington and The Departed at The Crystal Palace in Pontiac. Dec. 16th The Damn Quails-Mike McClure Band at Otis Campbells & I also believe they will be at the Old 36 Inn, in Riverton the 17th.  "if i'm wrong about that, i'm sure someone will correct me" "Jeb".

It's going to be so special being able to spend time with my "music" friends and family, before both hollydaze. "inserts thanks here" And I can even do some Christmas shopping at the merch booths. I'm sure my kids will appreciate a McClure hoodie  or a gift certificate to Otis Campbell's, who wouldn't want that. So again, take a look at the dates and make your plans. If you need any information on the venue or a close hotel, hit me up and I'll help you find something.

I've not been to too many shows this fall. I've started a couple new jobs and they are taking most all of my time and energy. I'm loving both of them. One is helping some friends run their Mexican restaurant, El Amigo Casas. I am super loving it. I am highly passionate about Mexican food. When I was 25 someone in California introduced me to Mexican food and I was hooked. Oh , maybe I am part Mexican, because I love this stuff. I want to know how to cook everything. I've admired Chef Rick Bayless for years and would love to shadow him in Mexico. So yes this is the job for me. The other is a bookkeeping job at Lock 16, a visitor center for the I & M Canal. There is a great little cafe and gift shop and they offer some of the best coffee I've found here in the Illinois Valley. Both new gigs are giving me just the challenge I was needing and I'm really happy to be back to work five days a week.

On Oct. 21st, Stoney LaRue and The Midnight River Choir rocked the hell out of Joe's Bar for The Boot Campaign, hosted by Chicago Cubs' Randy Wells. It twas a great night for raising money, I'm not sure how much was raised , but the auction items were getting to be pretty pricey. My son is the proud owner of a Dierks Bentley watch. I wasn't able to get the signed Velvet guitar, because the bids were already at 2 grand and that was out of my range, dang it. It sure was pretty. This was my first time to see the Midnight River Choir. I enjoyed the heck out of their set and I'm enjoying their cd also. I see good things for their future. Very good things. They had a small problem with a guitar string, so Randy came on stage and auctioned himself off for a cool $550, during the little break. Let's just say that was one happy girl. :)

It's been too long since we've seen Mr. LaRue around here. It's been two years or more I think. He showed up with three new musicians and a bunch of new songs. Talk about changes. Possibly the reason he hasn't been around here much. Practicing all that new stuff. I loved hearing the new stuff live, it's a little different Stoney and it's fabulous. Several lyrics hidden in Velvet that hit home. I can't quit listening to the opening line of Look At Me Fly. "Well how was I to know that the dust in my soul was there for a reason." I love that and the chorus of Wiregrass, "I was told to get busy, roll up my sleeves. Shield your spirit in your time of need. Take wise this council. Man to man. Straight from the my heart. Friend to Friend." Along with, "OH this aint the gospel, but I swear its true. My brother how you use it. Man that's up to you." Great poetry in there. Definitely get yourself a copy of this cd if you haven't already. Again LIVE Stoney never disappoints, he knows how to keep the crowd happy, his smile alone shows he loves his work.

After the show Randy Ragsdale took the time to stop and say hello to Mike and I. Mike asked him for the set list and he replies, "seriously", to which we all chuckled. I (needed) it with all those new songs and this blog.  ha ha.


Randy looks like life is treating him very well. He just fits up there behind those drums. I have no idea how he is doing as a landscaper, but as a drummer. He's top notch. It was fun watching him and Jeremy Bryant, play off of each other. I did see the two drums at College Days in Stillwater, but it was such a large stage, it was hard to appreciate the double drumming. I dug it. It's cool. I met both of the other new guys, Casey and Allan and they were both great on stage as well. I did miss the fiddling by Jeremy Watkins, I won't lie. It was great to see everyone who travels with Stoney. Kyle, we will definitely do breakfast next time. Promise. After we said our hello's to Stoney we headed for said breakfast at the Hollywood Grill on North Ave. Do go after the show, yummy.

Of course all of the shows come here at once. I sadly missed Jason Eady, Wade Bowen, Jonathan Tyler and Hayes Carll, just to name a few. Luckily WWHP Radio Station hosted another fine show at Six Strings in Bloomington last night. Literally an hour from my house, I LOVE Six Strings for its locale. Reckless Kelly took the stage at 7:45 and played hard for over two hours. They too have a new cd out, called Good Luck and True Love. I've been listening to it for awhile now and love the St. Valentine song, It wasn't played but that's very much OK with me. They played all of the other great songs I love, like Wiggles and Ritalin, 1952 Vincent Black Lightning, I hold the bottle, you hold the wheel, Wicked Twisted Road and Wild Western Wind Blown Band. All of the new music they played was great. I love watching this group of guys play their instruments. They're so talented. Obviously they all have a life long musical background and it shows. I can't even pick one I like to watch more than another in this band. You really need four eyes to catch all that goes on with them on stage. They know how to work the crowd and they were keeping everyone entertained. It was fantastic to see everyone who made it out to the show and there were so many of you that looked familiar. There was no doubt some red dirt love going on in central Il last night. The boots were everywhere.

If you had to miss last night, then you'll want to catch Reckless in the next couple days, Milwaukee tonight and Chicago tomorrow. Another good show coming this weekend is Eli Young Band opening for Dierks Bentley in Springfield at the convention center. Better get out and get your Crazy Girl fix. I sadly will have to miss that one too, boo hiss boo hiss, anyhoo those larger venues leave little to be desired in my book. I have seen Dierks at the best venue in the US and I've have some great memories with the Eli Young band, so for now, that will have to suffice. Enjoy the rest of the week and I hope you'll get to here some new music soon.


one very thankful
xxmusicgypsyxx



Little side note about concert etiquette.

 The opening band Sarah Pierce, was trying to get their equipment off of the stage and asked the front row folks to move out of the way. We all moved cordially no problem. There was literally a very large area that they were using, UNTIL one girl decided they must have cleared that area for her. I believe she even said , look they must have cleared this spot for me. duh. She then called over two of her friends and stood right in the way of the band moving their equipment. I don't even care that they walked right into our "spots", I do care that when she was told why we were all standing back, she replied, "oh whatever". Lady with the brown shirt, that was just rude.

Lesson here, is be aware of your surroundings in all situations and stay the hell outta the damn way when a band is trying to load out.



NOVEMBER

1st THE RELEASE OF MIKE MCCLURE'S 50 BILLION, I am loving this new album to death. A  big thank you to Mike for sharing a copy with me.  hmmmm now, what to do with that signed copy I bought.   I'm thinking about giving it away here on the blog, so once I've decided who/how/what/when/why/where. I'll speak up. Until then, carry on.

3rd Reckless Kelly-Shank Hall-Milwaukee, WI
4th-Reckless Kelly-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL.
Emma King & The Heartsets-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, IL
Eli Young Band-Palmer Civic Center-Danville, Il
4th Paul Thorn-FitzGerald's-Berwyn, Il
5th Eli Young Band/Jerrod Niemann/Dierks Bentley-Prairie Capital Convention Center
Josh Abbott Band-The Granada-Lawrence, KS
9th Todd Snider-w/ Elizabeth Cook-Fitzgerald Theatre-St. Paul, MN
10th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Riverside Ballroom-Green Bay, WI
Jason Boland & The Stragglers-Longorn's-Manhattan, KS
11th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Park West-Chicago, Il
16th Paul Thorn-Fat Fish Pub-Galesburg, IL
17th The Departed-Luke's Bar & Grill-Altamont, IL
Randy Rogers Band-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
Paul Thorn-Sullivan Theatre-Rockford, Il
18th Red Wanting Blue-Bailey's Pub, Taylorville, IL
The Departed-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
Paul Thorn-Turner Hall Ballroom-Milwaukee, WI
19th Red Wanting Blue-Kemp's-Lexington, IL
The Departed-The Crystal Palace-Pontiac, IL
Paul Thorn-The Canopy Club-Urbana, Il.
20th The Departed/Sons of Bill-Off Broadway-St. Louis, MO
26th Mike McClure Band-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK


DECEMBER
2nd Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Grady's Pub-Yukon, OK
3rd Back Porch Mary-The Underground-Des Moines, IA
9th Back Porch Mary-The Stop Bar & Grill-Urbana, Il
11th FREE SHOW-Jason Eady (Acoustic)-The Stop Bar & Grill-Urbana, Il
15th Mike McClure Band-Bowmans Paint Stallion Club- Joplin, MO
16th Brandon Jenkins-The Woodshed-Leon, IA
The Damn Quails/Mike McClure Band-Otis Campbell's-Washington, MO
29th Jason Boland (ACOUSTIC)-Grady's Pub-Yukon, OK

JANUARY 2012
13th Red Wanting Blue-The Rathskellar-Indianapolis, IN
21st Red Wanting Blue-Windjammer Lounge-Bloomington, Il

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Live Calendar

 

NOVEMBER
1st THE RELEASE OF MIKE MCCLURE'S 50 BILLION
3rd Reckless Kelly-Shank Hall-Milwaukee, WI
4th-Reckless Kelly-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL.
Emma King & The Heartsets-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, IL
Eli Young Band-Palmer Civic Center-Danville, Il
4th Paul Thorn-FitzGerald's-Berwyn, Il
5th Eli Young Band/Jerrod Niemann/Dierks Bentley-Prairie Capital Convention Center
Josh Abbott Band-The Granada-Lawrence, KS
9th Todd Snider-w/ Elizabeth Cook-Fitzgerald Theatre-St. Paul, MN
10th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Riverside Ballroom-Green Bay, WI
Jason Boland & The Stragglers-Longorn's-Manhattan, KS
11th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Park West-Chicago, Il
16th Paul Thorn-Fat Fish Pub-Galesburg, IL
17th The Departed-Luke's Bar & Grill-Altamont, IL
Randy Rogers Band-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
Paul Thorn-Sullivan Theatre-Rockford, Il
18th Red Wanting Blue-Bailey's Pub, Taylorville, IL
The Departed-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
Paul Thorn-Turner Hall Ballroom-Milwaukee, WI
19th Red Wanting Blue-Kemp's-Lexington, IL
The Departed-The Crystal Palace-Pontiac, IL
Paul Thorn-The Canopy Club-Urbana, Il.
20th The Departed/Sons of Bill-Off Broadway-St. Louis, MO
26th Mike McClure Band-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK

DECEMBER

2nd Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Grady's Pub-Yukon, OK
3rd Back Porch Mary-The Underground-Des Moines, IA
15th Mike McClure Band-Bowmans Paint Stallion Club- Joplin, MO
16th Brandon Jenkins-The Woodshed-Leon, IA
The Damn Quails/Mike McClure Band-Otis Campbell's-Washington, MO
29th Jason Boland (ACOUSTIC)-Grady's Pub-Yukon, OK

JANUARY 2012

13th Red Wanting Blue-The Rathskellar-Indianapolis, IN
21st Red Wanting Blue-Windjammer Lounge-Bloomington, Il

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Summer, music lessons and road trips.








A road trip begins with music in our car. Joss Stone started the 12 hour drive for us. I have a thank you song for Micheal because he does all the driving and would no doubt drive all night for me.

Here is Joss rehearsing Drive All Night in Portugal

http://youtu.be/qVsUiRYioSQ

A favorite lyric....“No ones ever drove for miles to make me smile before.”

A song can have so many meanings. What it means for you, might be different for me. A love song can be about anything, not just love. However you want to interpret your music is for you to decide. Quite sure we all know about the meaning of Joss' other song I love..........KARMA.

Joss performing Karma on Jay Leno

http://youtu.be/fufQmIVaNrg


It’s been a fairly slow music summer for me and I’ve not been that into it, so no big loss. In June I did get to Joe’s Bar to see EYB. A good show, it had been quite awhile since I saw them last. The following week I headed downstate to Taylorville for the highly exceptional Red Wanting Blue. Now this is a band that needs your attention. They flat out kick some major butt. Look them up. Grady this means you. Check out Finger in the Air, I think you’ll dig it. You may want to get them to Yukon for something wonderfully different.



July was about reuniting with my foursome from the Big Music Cruise. It has been way too long since we were all together, just the four of us. Traveling I mean. We’re all on the same page. We work well together. Don’t we girls?.
 Kicked the first night off at the unbelievably hospitable Otis Campbell’s for the rockin’ Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights.
Otis Campbell’s is so much fun. You must put them on your music “bars” to visit. We’ve been going there for several years seeing the Mike McClure Band and we’ve met some of THE coolest people. Every time we go it gets better. Many thanks to the Marquart Bros & Michelle. You’re very good to us.



The next morning, we rallied it up and headed through Bfe, MO. My fault entirely. Some days I just wish we used road maps, not IPHONES! Seriously. Or, how about asking someone, didn’t we used to do that too? If not for the bad direction, we wouldn’t have been able to go to the Maw & Paw Grocery store.
 I mean we needed that stuff we bought there and their bathroom. :0 Now there’s one of those outrageous and funny memories. Back to the story, we arrived in Farmington, MO after winding through way TOO many country roads. ugh, Remember: We were up late last night, try and keep it down.



Not sure how we heard about The Hog Toss Benefit for Craig Thomas, with Reckless Kelly and Charlie Robison? Just lucky I guess. But we found our way there. It was one of those “too hot” days. You know the kind. So we chilled and listened to the music and did our best to stay cool. There were some very strange events going on that we weren’t familiar with, like the sky-high anvil shoot? That did get a lot of attention.

The music was great and the setting couldn’t have been any prettier.The estate that the fund-raiser was held on was immaculate. Kudos to them for being darn fine hosts.



At some point in this summer, I gladly fought the crowds at Ribfest in Chicago for a front and center Hayes Carll show. A great night, I’ll add. I’m more and more drawn to musicians’ like him these days. He is so simple, so real and so laid-back. He gladly signed my Make Music, not War shirt and assured me he would be back to Chicago in the fall. I’ll be there if I have my way. KMAG YOYO Y'all.


August seemed to drag on, with no live music whatsoever. Mike and I had decided to skip all the local shows to catch The Great Divide Reunion, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The home of the Red Dirt Music. We only know of them from listening to The Mike McClure Band. We've been so drawn to all of his music and therefore wanted to be there to see him reunite with his old band mates. So, at the end of August we gassed up the car, packed our food and drink, selected just the right music and headed south west.





We of course could not go to Oklahoma without a trip to see Mr. Grady Cross. After the 12-hour drive we decided to get a good nights rest and slept for a good 10 hours. The bed at the Comfort Suites was absolutely heaven. Upon awakening we knew we were well rested and could handle a happy hour at Grady’s 66 Pub. A morning Happy Hour. Upon walking in I was astonished by the changes that have been made since my first visit in January. A complete overhaul. I did see the pictures that were posted as he was making the changes. But until your there in person you can’t appreciate what he has done with this place. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The colors black and silver are predominant and an exposed brick-wall helps set the mood for music. There are two motorcycles high above the front of the bar with a big Mike McClure Band Bud Light sign right in the middle. The stage is the perfect size for the establishment, with a black velvet curtain as a backdrop. Great touches. Some framed sports jerseys adorned the walls and were sent from his friends St. Louis Cardinal's Larue and  Chicago Cubs, Wells. The place looks like Grady got some shit done. He has some very cool people helping him on this venture. We met several of them.


Dearly enjoyed meeting Vernon the morning bartender, who was about as sweet as they come. He used to own the bar before and is there to help Grady out. Due to the heat,  the ice machine was on the brink, so Grady was busy getting that fixed. Once Grady got his shit done, he had some time to kick back and visit with us. The beers were going down well and we laughed a great deal. The bar had several other groups of people enjoying the morning as well.

at the request of mrs. bee there was some cheek pinching going on
  After happy hour. We all decided a NAP was in order. Not without hitting the Braums for ice cream and a burger first. Mike and I napped for several hours and couldn’t quit laughing once we woke up. Memories, like the corners of my mind.



The evening was full of bonuses. Grady reserved us the best seat in the house and spelled my name correctly.


He assured me, he knows how to get shit done. Several of our friends from OK and Nebraska joined us for an evening at Grady’s.  Nick Jay was even in the house!



                 HOSTY DUO was doing a fine job on the new stage. YAY.  It was great to hear him play Oklahoma Breakdown. My music lesson for the evening was just beginning. Of course I thought Stoney wrote that song.  The music was great, the sound and lighting were spot on and the fog machine was a hoss. YAY. After the show was over, it was more music lessons with Grady. He’s my “old school” country music teacher. I didn’t start listening to anything country until the Dixie Chicks so that should tell you how much old country I know. He was spinning tunes for us and we learned about all of his favorites. He & his friend Bryce played & sang them for us as well. One of the many highlights of the night. He even tried to teach me how to play a percussion instrument, but I was having a hard time finding my rhythm. Imagine that?   It was a very memorable evening and finally at about 3 am we said our goodbyes. Really hate the saying goodbye part, but feel so lucky to have met him through CCR and even luckier to now call him our personal friend. (& music teacher).  Thanks buddy.  Keep the peace and keep getting that shit done.


Grady, with a very large "stuffed cow" above him.  Along side it is a framed childrens' book, with Grady's name in the title. Not the best picture, that's why you need to get to Yukon in person. 
Didn't think to ask about that?  I think it was a cow?





The trip to Stillwater was quick. As Grady said, an hour and fifteen. Jammed the Damn Quails all the way there. I can’t quit listening to them. I was very emotional as we traveled. Not sure why, but as it turned out the whole day was emotional. I felt like I was a part of something big, something wonderful. Our Nebraskan friends, Lawrence and Amanda invited us to take in some of the nostalgia of Stillwater with them. Our first stop was “The Farm”.  
   



 

I was in awe of this place I’ve heard about all these years. I could feel the greatness that went on there. 
The red dirt under my feet and the awesomeness of the land. As we pulled out of the Farm, I wondered how many other people would tramp those grounds before the big show. Did you? Next stop was The Hideaway pizza joint, which was outstanding. Also got a glimpse of the old Wormy Dog. Again the feeling in Stillwater on this particular day was something unexplainable. Everyone was crazy, happy excited for the evening. Everyone. Well maybe not the girl working at our hotel. She lacked that thing a front desk person needs, a smile.

At around 4pm, along with our friends, we headed to Tumbleweeds. It was another 100 degree day and you couldn’t get enough water to keep hydrated. Upon arriving the VIP area, I was a little disappointed. Only because the last VIP area I was in , was marvelous. I could have used some free water, not beer. I was feeling very motherly watching all the kids, drink too much in the hot sun. Luckily you could go inside Tumbleweeds to cool off and use the bathrooms. It was seriously too hot for me to go in a porta potty. No can do.

The Turnpike Troubadours

Stoney Larue

   

The show schedule was right on the money. The Turnpike Troubadours hit the stage right at 4:30, with No Justice and Stoney following. There was a great vibe all around. Ran into several more people we knew.
 

Some from OK, Texas  and others from Iowa. I was even lucky enough to find Robin Cross in that crowd. She was sweet to get a hold of me for a quick chat, before the big show. There were Troubadours & Quails all over the place. Unfortunately I missed the Damn Quails, passing out a bunch of cd’s & MAC at the fence. Luckily Mrs. MAC, scored a couple Damn Quails cd’s for Lawrence. Thank you Scottie and thank you Lawrence for sharing.

By the time Jason Boland hit the stage it was dark and the place was packed. The crowd was in place. I couldn’t get over how fast the arena filled up. I had gone inside Tumbleweeds for about an hour and a half and it was just a magnificent crowd when I came out.



Not positive of the exact time The Great Divide took the stage, but I know for sure that they played until 12:22. I was no where near the front row for this one, but back about 4 rows and very comfortable. I bobbed in and out and found another place to stand, because of the heat and the crowding. It was so viewable from the jumbotron TV. You couldn’t miss a thing.

A very large Tiny

I have already read a fantastic synopsis of the evening so I’m not even going to put the show into my own words. Thank you for such a great story BAM!

http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/2011/08/27/concert-review-the-great-divide-reunion-show-at-stillwaters-tumbleweed/

 I was so amazed by all the LOVE. I just know that it was an over the top emotional night and everyone was either really into the music or they were puking somewhere. The heat and the beer took its toll on everyone who let it.  I was into the music!

Please forgive my layout, grammar and timing on this blog.  I just want to get it done at this point.  Not sure how I got so side-tracked. But I guess I have been working a lot and had a family wedding the very next weekend, so I guess I'm BUSY again.

Saturday morning arrived without fail.  Meaning we had roughly an eight hour drive ahead of us.  Many of our old CCR friends were going to be gathering in MO and since that was on our way home, it worked out.  The John D. Hale Band threw a helluva barn party, I'd have to say. The place was packed. The fields were covered with cars and trucks. Unfortuneately we arrived late, missing Matt Stell :( and had a hard time finding everyone and some didn't make it. :( Big Thanks to Jeff A, for getting us to the back so we could find  Rick Priest.  It was great to see him and definitely enjoyed his spider photo session. hahaha

The Departed took the stage at around midnight and entertained the crowd for about an hour and a half.  I enjoyed immensely hearing Jeremy sing To Find My Love and watching Steve Littleton play his keyboards.  I really dug this Departed show, because I finally know the music.  My first two show experiences didn't compare to this one. I was able to get my dance on and tried my best to get the rest of the crowd going.  There aren't too many people who know this music and it shows in the crowd.  I only heard one person asking for "Alabama", but I did hear Cody proclaim, "we are a new band, with new music and if you don't like it, then get the @$#& out". He then giggled, so I believe he's just trying to get his point across to the crowd, that he isn't going to be playing Alabama & 17.  Also right before he sang Dimebag, he dedicated the song to the assholes from last night.  I guess some people just can't accept the change.  Move on people, The Departed has talent, let them show it.  Ragweed is over for now, let it be.


In closing I would like to to say thank you to everyone who made this summer more memorable than the last.  Mike and I enjoy spending time together on the interstate heading this way and that way for some great music. The people we've met along the way are some of the best.  Y'all rock!



PEACE & LOVE





September

8th Robert Earl Keen-Joe's Bar
9th Pat Green-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
Matt Stell & The Crashers-Whiskey Down-Poplar Bluff, MO
Mike McClure Band-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK
10th Robert Earl Keen- The New Castle Theatre-Bloomington, Il
The Damn Quails-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK
Brandon Jenkins-The Beaumont Club-Lawrence KS
11th Eli Young Band-B100 17th Birthday Party-South Bend, IN
13th CD RELEASE DATE for Reckless Kelly
16th Wade Bowen-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
17th Todd Snider-Ferdinand Folk Festival-Ferdinand, IN
The Departed-Copper Dragon-Carbondale, IL
18th The Departed-Blue Moose-Iowa, City, IA
20th The Departed-Cabooze-Minneapolis, MN
21st The Departed-People's Court-Des Moines, IA
22nd The Departed-The Granada-Lawrence, KS
23rd Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Taste of St. Louis-St. Louis, MO
John D Hale-The Woodshed-Leon, IA
The Departed-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
24th John D Hale-Gas Lamp-Des Moines, IA
30th Chris Knight-Old Rock House-St. Louis, MO


OCTOBER
5th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Cabooze-Minneapolis, MN
6th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Avoid The Rush Series-Des Moines, IA
7th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Garbaldi's-Milwaukee, WI
8th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-The Canopy Club-Urbana, IL
Eli Young Band w/ Dierks-Emens Auditorium-Muncie, IN
9th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-The Loft-Lansing, MI
Dierks Bentley Music & Miles for Kids-Joe's Bar-Chicago, w/ Eli Young Band
12th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights- Old Rock House-St. Louis, MO
13th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Cosmic Charles-Lexington, KY
14th Jason Eady-Otis Campbell's-Washington, MO
Reckless Kelly-The Blue Note-Columbia, MO
21st Stoney Larue-Joe's Bar- Chicago, IL
Bleu Edmonson-Grady's 66 Pub
27th Hayes Carll-Varsity Theatre- Minneapolis, MN
28th Hayes Carll-Shank Hall-Milwaukee, WI
Seth Candan-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK
29th Hayes Carll- Lincoln Hall-Chicago, IL
Jason Boland & The Stragglers-The Woodshed-Leon, IA

NOVEMBER

1st Jason Boland & The Stragglers-Exit Inn-Nashville, TN
2nd Jason Boland & The Stragglers-Off Broadway-St. Louis, MO
Reckless Kelly-Six Strings-Bloomington, IL
3rd Reckless Kelly-Shank Hall-Milwaukee, WI
4th-Reckless Kelly-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL.
9th Todd Snider-w/ Elizabeth Cook-Fitzgerald Theatre-St. Paul, MN
10th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Riverside Ballroom-Green Bay, WI
11th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Park West-Chicago, Il
17th Red Wanting Blue-Kemp's-Lexington, IL
18th Red Wanting Blue-Bailey's Pub, Taylorville, IL
26th Mike McClure Band-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK

DECEMBER



16th Brandon Jenkins-The Woodshed-Leon, IA
Mike McClure Band-Otis Campbell's-Washington, MO




Monday, August 29, 2011

Show Dates



SEPTEMBER
2nd Matt Stell & The Crashers-Linberg's -Springfield, MO
3rd Eli Young Band-Festival-Independent, MO
8th Robert Earl Keen-Joe's Bar
9th Pat Green-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
Matt Stell & The Crashers-Whiskey Down-Poplar Bluff, MO
Mike McClure Band-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK
10th Robert Earl Keen- The New Castle Theatre-Bloomington, Il
The Damn Quails-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK
Brandon Jenkins-The Beaumont Club-Lawrence KS
11th Eli Young Band-B100 17th Birthday Party-South Bend, IN
13th CD RELEASE DATE for Reckless Kelly
17th Todd Snider-Ferdinand Folk Festival-Ferdinand, IN
The Departed-Copper Dragon-Carbondale, IL
18th The Departed-Blue Moose-Iowa, City, IA
20th The Departed-Cabooze-Minneapolis, MN
21st The Departed-People's Court-Des Moines, IA
22nd The Departed-The Granada-Lawrence, KS
23rd Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Taste of St. Louis-St. Louis, MO
John D Hale-The Woodshed-Leon, IA
The Departed-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
24th John D Hale-Gas Lamp-Des Moines, IA
30th Chris Knight-Old Rock House-St. Louis, MO

OCTOBER
5th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Cabooze-Minneapolis, MN
6th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Avoid The Rush Series-Des Moines, IA
7th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Garbaldi's-Milwaukee, WI
8th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-The Canopy Club-Urbana, IL
Eli Young Band w/ Dierks-Emens Auditorium-Muncie, IN
9th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-The Loft-Lansing, MI
Dierks Bentley Music & Miles for Kids-Joe's Bar-Chicago, w/ Eli Young Band
12th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights- Old Rock House-St. Louis, MO
13th Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights-Cosmic Charles-Lexington, KY
14th Jason Eady-Otis Campbell's-Washington, MO
Reckless Kelly-The Blue Note-Columbia, MO
21st Stoney Larue-Joe's Bar- Chicago, IL
Bleu Edmonson-Grady's 66 Pub
27th Hayes Carll-Varsity Theatre- Minneapolis, MN
28th Hayes Carll-Shank Hall-Milwaukee, WI
Seth Candan-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK
29th Hayes Carll- Lincoln Hall-Chicago, IL
Jason Boland & The Stragglers-The Woodshed-Leon, IA

NOVEMBER
1st Jason Boland & The Stragglers-Exit Inn-Nashville, TN
2nd Jason Boland & The Stragglers-Off Broadway-St. Louis, MO
Reckless Kelly-Six Strings-Bloomington, IL
3rd Reckless Kelly-Shank Hall-Milwaukee, WI
4th-Reckless Kelly-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL.
9th Todd Snider-w/ Elizabeth Cook-Fitzgerald Theatre-St. Paul, MN
10th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Riverside Ballroom-Green Bay, WI
11th Todd Snider-w/Elizabeth Cook-Park West-Chicago, Il
17th Red Wanting Blue-Kemp's-Lexington, IL
18th Red Wanting Blue-Bailey's Pub, Taylorville, IL
26th Mike McClure Band-Grady's 66 Pub-Yukon, OK

DECEMBER
16th Brandon Jenkins-The Woodshed-Leon, IA

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Wade this weekend and a month full of great music. Wormy Dog.......continued


There are so many shows coming up, I don't know which way to go, but I know for sure I'll be seeing some Wade Bowen this weekend. 

 It's been almost four months since I've had the pleasure of seeing him.   Joe's Bar www.joesbar.com will be the place to be Friday night if you're in Chicago and Off Broadway www.offbroadwaystl.com if in St. Louis on Saturday.

Showtime Friday              Sat. doors 8:30
John Eddie 8:30                John D Hale 9pm
Wade 10:15                      
Tickets $8                         Wade to follow
                                         Tickets $12 over 21
                                                        15 under 21

 If you're not going to be in either of those places, I hope you're at a show listed below on my show dates, because there are some interesting ones.  I'll admit I'm going to miss a couple of them myself, but Wade wins.


Also, don't forget to get your plans in place to see the Mike McClure Band at Otis Campbell's in Washington, Mo on Friday the 25th of this month.  Check out the host, http://www.otiscampbells.com/.  I've found the Sleep Inn on the hill is a great locale to rest your head at the end of the night.   Marquart Landing is located across the street from Otis' and is a perfect spot to dine before the show.  Washington's riverfront is well kept and has a lot of character and charm. You're in for a treat if you can make it to this show.


Doors @7  Tickets $8.00
Curt Landum acoustic 9pm
McClure  to follow



Finally, I'd like to write a little more about my trip to the Wormy Dog.  I got to see The Turnpike Troubadours tear that place up!  Rodney Parker & amp; 50 Peso Reward opened the show.  My small group arrived a little early per the usual. We sat on the saddle seats and sipped some adult beverages while the locals rolled in.   And they just kept coming.  A sold out show.   I soon spotted my local friends and headed over to their area and enjoyed the opener from their view. 


I've just recently learned about Rodney Parker &  50 Peso Reward.  Thanks Alison.  She was in my group and couldn't wait to see them. They were the purpose of her coming along on this trip. It's not always the headliner, we're after.  She was on cloud 9, yes, yes indeed.  The first time you see a band you've been listening to.  Admit it, it's the best.  Even as an opener, knowing you're only going to get an hour or so of music. Still amazing.  That first time.  ahhhhh 















Then, there are second times seeing someone new.  This was  the second time I've seen the Turnpike Troubadours and a completely different show than my first.  "Good" different.  In the Midwest, the bars/venues are smaller and most times less crowded, depending on the act.  I love seeing shows there.  But seeing The Turnpike Troubadours at The Wormy Dog, stop it, I'll just say they were right at home.  They hadn't been in OK for awhile and they had the crowd at "HELLO OKLAHOMA, we're glad to be home".  I watched for awhile with my local friends.  They, too, watched with amazement at the crowd.  Let us remember it was a 70 degree day.  People were out and about. 

 I managed to view things from down front for a while.  Down the right side to be exact.  The girls directly to my left were in pure heaven.  Singing along to every word like it was going to be the last time they might ever get to sing along with the Troubadours.  Seriously happy fans. The Turnpike Troubadours were showing some serious love of their profession, if you know what I mean.  If you're reading this, you probably do.

 

I enjoyed every minute of time that I spent up near the front.  Props to Alison for showing me the way.  Sadly I could not see two of the musicians from my angle, so after some time, I went in search of a better view and my group!  Upstairs Wormy Dog, another world. Another view, spacious, comfortable and absolutely fantastic to be able to see the whole band and the whole crowd at the same time.  A great place to getaway from the big crowd and have a chance to visit with your friends. I even managed to make  more friends. I was introduced to Rodney Parker and Danny Skinner. They were  happy to have a new fan and I was happy to meet them.  Nice, nice guys.   Even didn't mind Rodney stepping on my flip flop feet. Really, it didn't  hurt!  After we took a few pictures and were saying our goodbyes, Rodney stops, stares off and listens and says "OH I gotta go SING now."  The Turpike Troubadours were starting their encore of "Long Hot Summer Days" and he was supposed to be on stage singing. Oops, socializing.  He darted down the stairs and to the stage. A funny little memory.  Funny good. 

 











I think back on that night and I just remember how hard they were all playing their instruments.  Passion is the one word that I can use to sum up what I saw.  They had it, they brought it, and I believe they left with it.  I know they left me thinking,  "I want more of what I just saw. More, more, more".


More,


xxmusicgypsyxx
 






SHOW DATES



February


 18th Red Wanting Blue-Rathskellar's-Indianapolis, IN
        Phil Vassar-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il.
        Old 97's-The Pageant- St. Louis, MO
19th Red Wanting Blue-Britton Tavern-Noblesville, IN
        Old 97's-The Vic Theatre-Chicago, Il
24th Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Whiskey Roadhouse-Council Bluffs, IA
25th Mike McClure Band-Otis Campbells-Washington, MO
26th Robert Earl Keen-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il. 8:30pm $25
        w/ Josh Abbott
       Randy Rogers Band-Beaumont Club-Kansas City, MO
        Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Dirty's Tavern-Coffeyville, KS
        Turnpike Turnpike/Reckless Kelly-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
27th  Robert Earl Keen-Turner Hall Ballroom-Milwaukee, WI
28th Rodney Crowell-Blueberry Hill-St. Louis, MO

March

3rd Robert Earl Keen-Bluebird Nightclub-Bloomington, IN
4th Band of Heathens-High Dive-Champaign, IL
5th Band of Heathens-Off Broadway-St.Louis, MO
6th Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses-Vaudeville News-Des Moines, IA
17th Chris Knight-Off Broadway-St. Louis, MO-FULL BAND
18th Willie Nelson-The Chicago Theatre-Chicago, Il
24th Turnpike Troubadours & Jason Boland-Longhorns-Manhattan, KS
25th Turnpike Troubadours-Wild River Bar & Grill-Center City, MN
26th  Turnpike Troubadours-Russel's Bar-Annadale, MN
       Gary Allan The Venue @ Horseshoe Casino-Chicago
27th Turnpike Troubadours-TJ's Place-Fennimore, WI
30th Hayes Carll-George's Majestic Lounge-Fayetteville, AR
31st Hayes Carll-Cains Ballroom-Tulsa, OK

April
1st Cody Canada and The Departed-Six Strings Bar-Bloomington, Il
2nd Hayes Carll-The Bottleneck-Lawrence, KS
5th Hayes Carll-Varsity Theater-Minneapolis, MN
6th Hayes Carll-High Noon Saloon-Madison, WI
7th Cody Canada and The Departed-Old Rock House-St. Louis, MO
8th Hayes Carll-Schubas-Chicago, Il
9th Hayes Carll-Beachland Ballroom-Cleveland, OH
14th Randy Rogers Band-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
20th Jason Boland and The Stragglers & The Turnpike Troubadours-The Canopy Club-Urbana, Il
21st Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Granada Theater-Lawrence, KS
22nd Randy Rogers Band-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
30th Todd Snider-The Shed-Maryville, TN
        Dierks Bentley-UIC Pavillion-Chicago, Il
May
1st Reckless Kelly Softball Jam-Dell Diamond-Round Rock, TX
6th Todd Snider-Barrymore Theatre-Madison, WI
7th Todd Snider-Ellen Kennedy Center-Cascade, IA
      Red Wanting Blue-Kemp's-:Lexington, Il
8th Todd Snider-Englert Theatre, Iowa City, IA
20th Whiskey Myers-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il

JUNE
2-6 Reckless Kelly is hosting Fest out West - Lajitas, TX-www.festoutwest.com
3rd Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Lee's Liquor Lounge-Minneapolis, MN
       Red Wanting Blue-Ballydoyle-Aurora
4th-Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Geneo's Wild Ride Saloon-Evansville, WI
       Red Wanting Blue-Ballydoyle-Downers Grove, Il.
18th Eli Young Band-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
        Blackberry Smoke-Legacy Harley Davidson Festival-Effingham, IL
23rd Wade Bowen-Country Stampede @Tuttle Creek State Park-Manhattan, KS

SEPTEMBER

17th Todd Snider-Ferdinand Folk Festival-Ferdinand, IN

One of my monthly reads:
http://newsletter.redwantingblue.com/

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

My journey to Grady's 66 Pub and beyond

     The dog days of winter are here.  Yesterday was the blizzard here in Chicago land. It starting snowing and the forecast was dead on!   I heard yesterday that this was one of the five largest snow storms the US has ever seen.  I hope everyone stays safe and warm inside.  It really doesn't look too appealing out there to be driving around in, so again, stay warm inside.  I arrived home yesterday as it was biting our car in the ass as my husband drove along 1-55 near Springfield, IL.  He couldn't drive fast enough.  But once we got home it stopped and, then started again. 15" later.

     I didn't stock up or go to the liquor store, or even get milk.  I always have those types of things on hand for the most part.   I'm just not worrying about too much right now, except the families that are dealing with this awful war. My heart goes out to them. All of them, the active, the wounded, the missing, and sadly, the dead. From this day forward, I'm going to suck up every complaint that comes into my head and think of what they're going through.  Suck it up for them. Thank you Michelle Obama for opening my eyes. 

No long hot summer day on the Illinois River.
     This past weekend I managed to do a lot of what I do best: living, loving and laughing.   I was coerced, hahaha, into a journey to Oklahoma City with some family to pickup a piece of farm equipment. I was told that Mike McClure Band & amp; The Turnpike Troubadours would be playing at the Wormy Dog.   So I started making the arrangements, the little travel planner that I am.  Plans were pretty much set, the day after he coerced me.  I guess that's why I now call myself a music gypsy.  I rarely say no to a musical adventure and I take the planning kind of serious. Hate me, it's ok.   Guess I want everything to be the best it can be.  Right side of my brain is thinking Grady's 66 Pub, Yukon.
I heard about a "new" pub on this route!




     Like the forecast stated it was 75 degrees as we arrived in Oklahoma City.  My husband with the knowledge he has, said, "I hope this warm weather won't lead up to a bad storm."  He is a very smart man.  Neither of us gave it much thought after that, since we left Peru at 24 degrees and snowing pretty badly. We were ready for the warm weather that was in store for us, not to mention the music.

Sunny skies for OK City Jan28th



                                                                                                                                                                            
     Once we arrived the men did what the men needed to do, unload a 16' trailer and what not. So the girls did what the girls needed to do to. Jacuzzi and wine.  We thought about swimming, but it wasn't going with the wine as well as the jacuzzi did.  So we sipped and chattered for what seemed like a couple hours.  It was great, absolutely great.  Thanks, sister Mary.  I think we girls have to stick together and get away.  It was about as healthy a move as I could have ever made, if that makes any sense?  I was able to decompress, express and just simply be me.  After our crew was ready, we rolled across the street to the Wormy Dog and met up with some local friends.We visited a while before we took a walk down to the front of the stage.



     Seth Candan was the opener for McClure. I learned through the course of the evening that McClure produced Seth's new album, "The Aftermath."  My red dirt daughter* purchased it and will share it with me as I was too busy getting reacquainted with Seth.  He was one of the guys making music on the Big Music Cruise '09.  I remembered him instantly on stage.  Small world, I suppose.  I look forward to hearing his CD.  He was quite enjoyable as an opener, even as eager as I was to see the Mike McClure Band. 

At some point fairly early in the evening my friend VTS whispers, "McClure is playing tomorrow at Grady's.  Skinner told me."  I was like "What?, WHAT?, that's the surprise at Grady's?"  I am speechless, this is fantastic news.  


     The Mike McClure band played for quite a crowd.  I was happily tucked at the very front along with my husband and my red dirt daughter*. There was some pushing and shoving going on, per the usual. Bachelor party.   But I had a little comfort zone. So I stood and listened to the band play, I prefer not to talk during their musical performance. Occasionally I update here or there or share an unbelievable picture,  I confess. But how is it that people just flat out talk when the man is singing "The Skies are turning RED"? Alcohol, I imagine. Can they even hear each other?

     Mike's music is mesmerizing to me. To a lot of people. I find myself thanking my lucky stars that tomorrow I will hear him again. Now I'm in this pretty cool venue, The Wormy Dog, listening to him sing.  He and his band did a damn fine job up there pleasing the crowd. I couldn't tell you exactly how long they played or all what songs they sang. I was maybe in some sort of awe of the whole evening.  After the show, I was able to see Mike and Eric and thank them for the great show. I didn't see Tommy Skinner come out, but I had already given him a big ole hug when I arrived.  He is true-blue, one of the best. I managed to purchase yet another "band" shirt from the merch booth.  I knew I needed the Winged Guitar Shirt.  It was life or death.  Doing so, I met the woman behind the man.  Scottie McClure was gracious as we met, agreeing with me that the music level just got really loud.

     Loved that, after the live show, the music changed to dance music.   That is definitely a smart move on the WD's behalf.   Get everyone dancing so they can dance off the booze.  I had a hard time shifting between the two types of music;  my ears were a little confused. I wasn't in the dancing queen mode, probably due to lack of sleep and I was a bit hungry.  I will say that it ended a Perfect NIGHT @ IHOP.

Get out to Yukon and see Grady or maybe Garth. kidding

 

     Woke up Saturday morning after only a few hours of sleep.  After breakfast I took a walk outdoors and ended up joining "my people" at Tapwerks. After one draft beer, I was a little giggly. 7% alcohol and it was just 11:30. Instead of grabbing lunch, we headed over to Yukon to catch up with Grady Cross at his new pub, Grady's 66 Pub. 444 W. Main Street Yukon, OK. 
Grady and Robin's new home away from home!
     I bellied up to the bar and Robin greeted me right away with "Hello" and "Does Grady know you are here? Go tell 'em you're here." After grabbing some beers I headed outdoors to the beautiful 70 degree afternoon. Within a minute or two, Grady was standing there looking at me in a bit of disbelief.  He says "What the?, what, what are you doing here?. You came all this way." We shared some hugs and laughs and he got back to the business at hand. Introducing his first live act on the patio at his new pub, Kyle Carter.
Thank you all for coming out today



Jackie Diamond
Kyle Carter

     Shortly after, I got settled along the fence line, in the sun. A gentleman walked up to me and says "Are you the one  from the Chicago area?" I answer 'yes' and he introduced himself as Grady's brother, Nathan.  Gave my group a warm Grady's 66 Pub welcome and said Grady was really happy to have us and left me with several "free" drink chips.

     The opener, Kyle Carter, started entertaining us right at about 1:30.  He kept us entertained until Jackie Diamond showed up.    Mac/Diamond went on at about 3:00 sharp.   Once Grady got some things situated, he came over again and just said "I can't believe you guys are here. I just can't."   More hugs, more "free" beer chips and my kindred spirit was off to run his new and much different life.  My blessings to him, Robin, Shannon and Nathan. Thank you for everything.  I'll do anything I can to help spread your word.

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Grady's 66 Pub
What would you like to hear Grady?
     Mike put on an incredibly interactive acoustic performance.  Grady had a really good crowd.  My brother in law who lived in OK for many years said, "I can't believe there are this many people in this bar in Yukon on a 75 degree Saturday, I'm shocked".  I said, "Grady Cross and Mike McClure could do it every time."

     Mike played some great stuff asking the crowd over and over what they wanted to hear.  Someone even said "Carney Man" and he obliged.  Crowd participation took over and everyone seemed to be having a large amount of fun. He sang "Nowhere Woman" into the video camera for a fan in Denver.   He was a riot, making faces and enjoying himself.  I loved the fact that the crowd knew him well enough to know to only buy him waters.  Goosebump moment, when I saw that. At one point he had 3-4 waters beside him on the stool.
Mike McClure


      After playing for an hour and a half, Grady asked him to play a little longer and he did. But mentioned he had another gig he had to get to.  They joked around and then Mike finished up his second out of three gigs he would play in twenty-four hour period.  Thank you Mr. McClure. You've outdone yourself again and you must be tired.  Grady having you as the host was about the coolest thing ever. I think you've "found your thrill" right out of your own backyard. Literally close enough to let the dog out.
Gotta run home and let the dog out.
     As we walked, he told me he had a funeral that morning for a friend and that he just didn't know how his day was going to go from there.  But when he saw me, it changed everything.   It made all the difference and he knew he could now get through it. I'm sincerely touched by that compliment and will probably never forget it. Thank you, Grady. 

     We had plenty of time to catch up before I headed out of Yukon, then back to the city for another night of music.   He's on the upswing, so get out to Yukon and show him some LOVE & amp; SUPPORT. I know I'll be back, I'm pretty sure they had a Hampton in Yukon, this gypsy has STANDARDS. 




More about my weekend, coming soon.


I need to pay attention to my husband, he is getting cabin fever.

Peace & Love

xxmusicgypsyxx




*Alison Bleich-Red Dirt Daughter to Mike and Jacque Urnikis

SHOW DATES



February


10th Turnpike Troubadours-Knuckleheads-Kansas City, KS
        Wade Bowen-Lucky's Bar-Osage City-KS
         Justin Townes Earle-Metro-Chicago, IL
         Gretchen Wilson-Joe's-Chicago, Il.
11th Wade Bowen-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il-8:30pm $8
         Justin Townes Earle-Six Strings-Bloominton, IL
         Lyle Lovett/John Hiatt-Rialto Square Theatre-Joliet, Il
12th Wade Bowen/John D Hale-Off Broadway-St. Louis, MO
         Marshall Tucker Band-Watseka Theatre-Watseka, Il.
         Emma King & The Heartsets-Six Strings-Bloomington, Il
        Jason Boland/Acoustic-The W-Hutchinson, KS
 18th Red Wanting Blue-Rathskellar's-Indianapolis, IN
        Phil Vassar-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il.
        Old 97's-The Pageant- St. Louis, MO
19th Red Wanting Blue-Britton Tavern-Noblesville, IN
        Old 97's-The Vic Theatre-Chicago, Il
24th Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Whiskey Roadhouse-Council Bluffs, IA
25th Mike McClure Band-Otis Campbells-Washington, MO
26th Robert Earl Keen-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il. 8:30pm $25
        w/ Josh Abbott
       Randy Rogers Band-Beaumont Club-Kansas City, MO
        Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Dirty's Tavern-Coffeyville, KS
        Turnpike Turnpike/Reckless Kelly-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
27th Josh Abbott Band-Old 36 Inn-Riverton, Il
28th Rodney Crowell-Blueberry Hill-St. Louis, MO

March

4th Band of Heathens-High Dive-Champaign, IL
5th Band of Heathens-Off Broadway-St.Louis, MO
6th Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses-Vaudeville News-Des Moines, IA
17th Chris Knight-Off Broadway-St. Louis, MO-FULL BAND
18th Willie Nelson-The Chicago Theatre-Chicago, Il
26th Gary Allan The Venue @ Horseshoe Casino-Chicago
30th Hayes Carll-George's Majestic Lounge-Fayetteville, AR
31st Hayes Carll-Cains Ballroom-Tulsa, OK

April
2nd Hayes Carll-The Bottleneck-Lawrence, KS
5th Hayes Carll-Varsity Theater-Minneapolis, MN
6th Hayes Carll-High Noon Saloon-Madison, WI
8th Hayes Carll-Schubas-Chicago, Il
9th Hayes Carll-Beachland Ballroom-Cleveland, OH
14th Randy Rogers Band-George's Majestic-Fayetteville, AR
21st Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Granada Theater-Lawrence, KS
30th Todd Snider-The Shed-Maryville, TN
        Dierks Bentley-UIC Pavillion-Chicago, Il
May
1st Reckless Kelly Softball Jam-Dell Diamond-Round Rock, TX
7th Todd Snider-Ellen Kennedy Center-Cascade, IA
      Red Wanting Blue-Kemp's-:Lexington, Il

20th Whiskey Myers-Joe's Bar-Chicago, Il

JUNE
2-6 Reckless Kelly is hosting Fest out West - Lajitas, TX-www.festoutwest.com
3rd Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Lee's Liquor Lounge-Minneapolis, MN
       Red Wanting Blue-Ballydoyle-Aurora
4th-Jason Boland and The Stragglers-Geneo's Wild Ride Saloon-Evansville, WI
       Red Wanting Blue-Ballydoyle-Downers Grove, Il.
18th Eli Young Band-Joe's Bar-Chicago, IL
        Blackberry Smoke-Legacy Harley Davidson Festival-Effingham, IL
23rd Wade Bowen-Country Stampede @Tuttle Creek State Park-Manhattan, KS