Tuesday, December 29th

Greetings all, I hope your Christmas was all that you expected it to be and maybe more. For one day it was nice to just sit home and chill. I cooked a little food and watched some videos.(Nice)

Below you will see a picture of my former next door neighbor just back from Afghanistan. It seems like just yesterday I was coaching him as my starting catcher for our Youth Baseball Team. In those days he was guarding home plate, now he is helping to protect our country. God Bless you Christopher. Who ever thought ten years ago he would become a Marine. Awesome!
So now as the year comes to a close I have a couple reflections of my own from 2009 I'd like to pass on. Who would ever think we would ever recover from $4 a gallon gasoline prices. Who would ever think Chicken Wings would cost more per pound than a T-bone Steak. Who would think that the Federal Government would take all the gun ammunition off the shelf after next year and put tracer codes on every piece of ammo a sportsman will ever buy. Who would think that a pack of cigarettes would sell for as much as $8 a pack. And not to mention beer prices taking a 60% hike all in one year as well. 10% unemployment, people going to bed hungry, consider how lucky we all as this year comes to an end. It's getting to be a very scary environment that we have entered into here in the last couple years. If in 2010 you do nothing else, become informed, register and vote. Make it a New Year’s resolution and tell your friends about it too. You can't bitch about something if don't try to fix it, and there's much fixing to be done. There’s more time and space than I have, but I'm sure I have you all thinking.

No music report this week, as we were off for the Christmas Recess*
Sunday we went back into the studio for the final days recordings. We reviewed all 12 tracks and put most of the finishing touches on each of the 12 cuts. We also had one more guest join in on our review, Mr. Jeffery A. Jeff contributed some sweet mandolin tracks as well as guitar work on about 3 cuts. Myself and DD put down some more tracks as well and not to mention the highlight of the day when KW pulled out an accordion and played on one of the tracks. Very cool. I got the picture too, look for it on the album cover.

We began this project back in early July, five months later we have a ton of time and money all tied up here and we hope you all enjoy the labor of some of this area’s most premier musicians and the love they all shared in making music. We thought we would never get through it, and now we wait for the engineer to give us the final mix down. So many footnotes and thanks will be handed down as well- and then “Full Circle” will be just that – “Full Circle” completed. {Feb. 2010}

And now for this week’s show... NEW YEARS @ THE HOTEL- $15 per - person with a sit-down dinner. You can't beat it! The show begins about 6pm and dinner to follow. The party into the next Decade with the SCB and there are still a few good seats available.
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This week in Rock And Roll History:
Scotty Moore- Elvis Presley's lead guitarist is 78 today...
Dennis Wilson- Beach Boy's Fame- drowns this week at a party in 1983
George Harrison is stabbed in his home by an intruder. George manages to subdue the intruder{ kicked his ass} and was turned over to authorities this week in 1999.
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In closing - have great and save New Year’s . We here at the band thank you all for your continued support and we’ll see you all next year.

Mikee^^Dee-- peace..

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Well hello my friends.

Once again we close up yet another year with the SCB. It was a very busy year for us as we played over 60 shows this year. It was possibly one of the busiest years ever. I guess you can see where our hearts do lie. We even tell family members now if they have an event for us to attend or even play, they better make plans a year in advance. It has gotten that busy for us.

As we look back on 2009, some good things came by and probably more negative ones took their place. We attended Myrtle Beach and that was good. It rained all summer and that was bad. KW opened the camp at the lake and that was good. We lost some close friends and that was bad. I am very much now looking forward to 2010.So where do we begin? Let's talk about "Full Circle" first. Once again we headed back into the studio to wrap up some loose ends and get the rest of the visitors recorded and done. December 28th is the last weekend to cram. We have to do it all this weekend and finish it. (Remember we started this project back in early July) who would have imagined the time we would invest on this album – incredible!

Here is the breakdown so far: the album will consist of 12 tracks (about 50 minutes of material) The songs are much longer this time around. One cut is almost 6 minutes long. There will be at least 10 musical contributions from different band members as well as 5 different vocalists. I'm in the process of laying out the track- play sequence from the demo.

This is a bit of a challenge. As you know from the last 2 albums, SCB is a band of so many faces. This album is no exception. We covered some southern rock, blues, Americana, and not to mention some love songs. Also included is a sensational instrumental written by KW that is as nice a piece of music you will ever hear. We do one of these on every album and this one is no exception. The final cut on the album is tribute tune that we put on there for our late great Bass player Vince who passed away from cancer complications back in 1993. We gathered as many of the past members of the SCB that we could find and had them all contribute a bit of something for that tune. Vince was a big Merle Haggard/Willie Nelson fan. So I guess if you liked what we have been doing over the last 3 years you will love this new CD, as it truly follows that path. Remember this- DD is an eighties boy, KW is a country crooner and I'm a 70's rocker. Put that all together and you're bound to have some excitement.

Two quick notes: The contest that we entered into with original music last month - we finally heard back and we didn't make the cut into the top 8 bands selected. We weren't the NASCAR type I assume.The only band I even recognized by name was a band out of Norwich - Talyor Made, and that was for a country node. Most of the bands that placed were all big city bands.

But on the second note DD got an e-mail from a radio station down in southern Florida that showed an interest in our material.

Now if I were a rich man I would start up a radio station and play nothing but "unsigned bands" I would love to review peoples stuff and play all the best that there is. And let me tell you this “there is so much unsigned talent out there that you would not believe. The comparisons between that and public radio are miles apart. It’s worse now than ever. (Don't get me stated - let's move on - I rambled on long enough)

Trust me, something has to change pretty soon as radio stations are going broke doing the same ole same ole, maybe they will all wise up some day and listen to some of the people that make the music that they suck off of (Quite the Concept there huh?)

Show review: Last Saturday night at the Hitchin’ Post - Let me tell you this much, we all expected a tremendous turnout for the week before Christmas. We were all ready, Carlos our overseas correspondent printed up over 20 new High Road CD's and new business cards. The problem was the turnout was light, and we didn't drink enough whiskey and the mood to create magic just didn't happen. Now I know this much, our last 10 gigs - were all smokin’, so we were due for a fall. Sorry, it was like a bad night in the bedroom and all you can do is apologize and try again. There was no little Blue pill for us that night. The capper of the night happened on our very last tune, Darrell broke the jack right off his Bass, KW broke a string and I broke a drum stick - All on the same song. We were done. Better luck next month.

So now, this week we are off for the Christmas Holiday. It's like the week preparing for the Super Bowl. NEW YEARS EVE AT THE CENTRAL HOTEL There are still a couple tables open. Sign up and party with us for the New Year. Start it off right with the SCB!

And in closing- not to forget - This week in Rock And Roll History:The Drifters record the hit single “This Magic Moment” this week in 1959Joe Walsh joins the Eagles this week in 1975, and Jimmy Buffet Celebrates his 63rd birthday on Christmas day. Wow a Christmas baby!
So from myself and The Short Change Band, we wish all who have supported us through the year a very Merry Christmas and a safe Holiday.

Love ya's & peace,

Mikee^^ Dee

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Well hello to you all!

We are headed for another "Hump Day" Wednesday, and it’s a mere week and days before Christmas. Awesome as once again we reach the end of another year. Not a big reporting week but a busy one none the less - so let's get right to it.

The Week in Rock and Roll History: (It’s amazing enough that both events are listed as happening on Dec 16th--- THE SAME YEAR as follows:)
Dan Fogelberg - of the "Longer Than" fame days died of prostate cancer on this day in 2007:Nicolette Larson also died on the 16th of December 2007 of brain cancer:And as an extra here- Ludwig Von Beethoven was born on this day in 1770: Amazing huh?

Saturday night’s show was for the Walton Fire Department’s Christmas party. All I can say here is "what a great group of people". They all worked so hard to put on a great party and we tried our very best not to let them down. We must have been successful as we played the out the entire night and we sold out of our CD’s. (We would like to apologize for the people who wanted CD’s, but there were none left in stock. We are replenishing our inventory this week)

The food was put on by TA'S - a local restaurant in the town of Walton and they fed us like there was no tomorrow. Wow! I hope they ask us to return next year as we had a ball.Then, Sunday morning - you know the drill "Back in the Studio". Hey I know this sounds like a broken record but with Chris the "horns" guy who came in Sunday and next week all the rest (we hope) to wrap up this long awaited project by month’s end and then Dean works all of his magic for the month of January, and then "Low and Behold" the Full Circle CD should be ready to go on sale.

Don't forget, if you were a ticket holder this year to "win the band for a day" contest and you saved your stub-, the new album will cost you a mere $5, and for all others it's a $10. It will contain a full 12 cuts and approximately 40 to 45 minutes of music. There are about 15 guests musicians, some of the best the Triple Cities has to offer and worth every penny. Trust me.

And finally, this Saturday evening we’re on to the Hitchin' Post for an early show. The Band begins at 8pm. Don't miss our live acoustic rock show, it's really sounding good. Come check it out.

Hey, go back and continue your Christmas shopping wrapping, decorating and we will see you all Saturday.

Peace,

Mikee^^Dee

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Hello everybody. I hope that you have all begun your Christmas shopping as I have not even started yet. Our five-event weekend like the one that just passed leaves little or no time to explore the possibilities of gift shopping. With myself, I have to be in the mood or it doesn't happen. So no time = no mood= no shopping- film at 11.On to the week in sports---- Let's go to the week in Rock and Roll history

This week in Rock and Roll History- Roy Orbison dies of a massive Heart Attack this week in his Tennessee home in 1988. Also - The Grateful Dead officially disband 4 months after Jerry Gracias death- this week in 1995

On to last Friday night. This was a crazy weekend for the band as well as myself. I began Friday afternoon putting on a spaghetti dinner at the fire house. I feel it was success as we served over 60 meals. Wasn't quite the turnout we wanted but we covered expenses and made a few bucks as well. On to Davy's Friday night-The crowd was much lighter this week from weeks past. But if you looked out onto Rt. 12- there was not a lot of road traffic either. It was dead. But the show went on and the couple dozen patrons got to witness a show that was of a double digit quality for sure. We just decided to play like the house was packed even though it wasn't . At the end of the night we had people come up to us and actually compliment the performance we just pulled off. So it always pays to play your best- and who cares where you are- just do it. Great show brothers.

On to Saturday at the Central Hotel. Well, it began to snow early in the afternoon and I think the road conditions deterred a lot of people. Also, there were many Christmas parades, parties and like real people do - Christmas Shop. Once again the band kicked ass and took names. We even have a few photos , check them out. Life was good.

Onto event #4, We went back into the recording studio Sunday morning for yet 2 more guest installments. This album will surely be the bands greatest production ever. We have been on it since July and it just keeps developing with every stroke we add to it. This weekend we will add the horns and then onto the final guest weekend possibly on the 18th. So much work and so little time. We also entered one of the new tunes into a song writers contest and we are all excited for KW as we await our results. You may even have the opportunity to vote, so we will keep you informed. We continue to play out many of these new tunes every weekend and I no longer announce we are doing our own material till after the song finishes. I am amazed at people’s reaction to our songs if they think they are someone else's. Some people actually sing the words in some cases- sweet huh?

Then out of the Studio and on to gig #5 for the weekend I gotta tell you something - this band has probably hosted or have played a hundred benefits in the 25 yrs. we have been together, and I have to say this, we have never played a more somber (sad) event then we did this last Sunday afternoon in Windsor. This benefit was for John and Beannie Brown as Beannie was suffering from pancreatic cancer. The morning of the benefit Beannie lost her gallant fight to the disease and the news traveled so very fast.

Then came the benefit. There was not a dry eye in all the house. Tuff, the owner of McBrides in downtown Windsor hosted the event. You could not have found a more asserted, dedicated person to host this event. What a great job Tuff and his staff did- as well as all the folks who donated raffle items and volunteered their time.The band played out of the goodness of our hearts for brother John for over 5 hours and like I said earlier- there wasn't dry eye in the house - as we all could feel Beannies presence. Incredible. Peace to you John as you grieve in your own way. We love you brother.{and note this we just played their wedding here last May. How tough is that?}

And in closing, we are out of town this weekend playing a Christmas Party for some friends down in Walton. We are back at the Hitchin’ Post on Saturday, December 19th at 8:00pm.

Be safe and drive safe, and have a safe week.

Mikee^ Dee

Sunday, November 29th

Greetings to all this fine week after Thanksgiving. It’s a mere 4 weeks till the Big Guy makes his annual appearance down your Chimney (Christmas, Christmas ,Christmas) There I said it and I hope no one was offended by the use of the ‘C' word. It’s my favorite time of the year.So let's do “This week in Rock and Roll History” first:

This week in Rock, the band “Beau Brummells” guest star on the Flintstones - this week in 1965. And the late great George Harrison of the Beatles dies this week of cancer in 2001

Friday Night we were at Davy's, and Black Friday came and went. The roads were empty by 9pm up around the Chenango Forks way. That's because all the people were in the bar at Davy's. It was a great crowd once again as well as a great show by the band. (Actually the last 5 or 6 gigs have been outstanding) we're due for an off night – but it didn't happen this weekend. We once again blew the doors down as both KW and Darrell were all on their marks. Sweet! We even had a guest appearance by none other than John Davies. It’s been a while since we seen ya bro, nice job on the Medley.

Then Saturday afternoon we went to the "Larry and JoAnn Stanley” wedding in Newark Valley. We had a great time there as we all who toasted the bride and groom and threw down a few bowling games to boot. It was my first reception at a bowling alley, but ya know - it works!

Then on to the Hitchin’ Post an another acoustic unplugged show. We finally feel comfortable with this process and it's really beginning to show. The house was packed and we were actually asked to play over for another hour. We will return on December 19th to do it again.

Now on to this week. Do I hear a triple gig weekend plus? Yep, you got it! Friday night we’re back up to Davy's for an encore performance around 9pm. Then Saturday night we’re back to the Central Hotel in Nineveh Junction. The show begins there at 6:30pm.

Then, Sunday at 10am we’re back to the studio one more time to continue work on the Full Circle CD. Then on to McBride's in Windsor to play a benefit for our good friends Beanie and Johnny Brown. They just got married in the spring and now Beanie’s dealing with cancer. So, once again we support the cause and hope you all can as well. The Benefit will be held up to McBride's this Sunday at 2pm in Windsor. We hope to see you all there.

Thank you and peace,

Mikee^ Dee

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

So here we go boys and girls. What a weekend we all had. Let's start off with Friday night up to the Hitchin' Post for a hunters dinner. The yearly ritual went over well as our pre hunting party people enjoyed a dinner, grog, and conversation. D.J. always the host and his charming crew hook us up well. Then opening day begins up to the summit, not much to report as turnout by both hunters and deer were both light. I think with this year being year #3 for the Saturday opening day of gun season has all but killed the tradition. That along with tags that now have doubled in price and ammunition that has tripled, it's tough to enjoy the tradition any longer.

Then Saturday night's show up to the hotel came on. It was a slow start but there was some magic in the air that night when the whiskey started to flow and the people started to rock. Once again we played a double digit show that left the crowd in awe. We'd like to give special thanks again for Donnie and Patrick showing up for a visit and the pure appreciation Donnie showed to us with our partner "Jack". We all but killed another bottle to help support the cause.

It's been a while now with our colds and all. Sunday on to the Studio for what was to be a truly magical day for recording. Our guests this week were Gene and Donnie, along with a past member of the SCB band Phil. They all put down musical contributions to the cause. All I can say is "there was some pure magic going on in the studio on Sunday". Gene played a smoking performances on a couple tunes along with Donnie. We had to completely redo one of the tunes as there were some serious timing issues present from an "old "cut an paste" entry, sorry Pack Rat. We should have mixed it down the day you were there. Sometimes I hate digital recordings but they are what they are. My drums were way off that day. Not enough "Jack" from the night before I guess. Phil put some ultra sweet guitar licks on my song and I got to tell you this - wait till you hear the vocal "pretty Patty Patterson" put down on this with me! Move over Nora Jones.

So On to the concert Sunday. We trucked up to the show at Turning Stone on Sunday evening. We got our seats and let the show begin. Check out the picture. This 8,000 seat concert room was about 2/3 full. The crowd was excited as expected. The sound in this room is loud so if you ever go up there for a show, you might want to protect your ears. So the show starts and the band is hot. (true to form and we are loving it) We kept waiting for them to play something "new" - anything "new". but it never came. That was my shortcoming about this show. If you are like must people, "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Freebird" are your songs. Not me, I wanted something from the last 15 years and it never happened. There were alot of new faces on stage- maybe they weren't familiar with the new stuff. So it was "what it was" an oldies show. My goal was to somehow get one of our CD's up on stage at this concert. The security was ultra tight. The staff up there are anything but "harmonious" frankly their attitudes sucked. Nobody would pass anything to anyone. It's not like in the old days when you could throw flowers, Tee -Shirts, and other things up on the stage anymore. I guess everybody fears the worst. So I continued my quest to the stage. I was told to take my seat - I told them to "bite me" and before you know it, I had G-Men all around me. Good thing I wasn't 20 years younger, the outcome may have been quite different and I probably would have spent the night at the local "Crow Bar Hotel". But I did try my best. Mission Aborted.

Then, a mere 90 minutes after it all began - it was over. So here is my take: Music quality = 8, Music content = 3, Overall concert = 5. Sorry it wasn't what I expected after putting down $15 for the new album and $75 for a ticket to an oldies show, enough said. My heroes let me down.

This Friday is Black Friday. We're at Davy's 9 pm in downtown Chenango Forks and Saturday is our new revved up acoustic electric show up to the Hitchin' Post on Belden Hill at 8pm. We hope to see you folks at either show as they will both be interesting venues for sure.

And Finally this week in Rock and Roll history:
John Lennon works on final mix downs for the Album "Double Fantasy" before he is shot down the following day on his way home from the studio- this week in 1980

Be safe, be good and have a great Holiday weekend and remember - never drink and drive. It's 0.8 don't blow it.

Peace Mikee^^Dee

Monday, November 16, 2009

Moving along and having fun this week in mid November. There are not too many times I can remember hunting from my tree stand with just a Tee Shirt on in mid November, but I'm lovin' it anyway. Every 60 degree day in November is another day without having to fire up the furnace and one less day it can snow. If it's not 60 degrees and sunny, I get all funny. So let's move right along.

This Week in Rock and Roll History:
1954 Sammy Davis Jr. loses an eye in a car crash driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. C.W. McCall of "Convoy Fame" turns 81 this week

On to Saturday night's show at Gordy's in Windsor. Who would ever think that there could actually be another "Hotel" type place on earth - but there is! We fit right into this place as we took a step back in time just a bit. The good old time Tavern is exactly the type of place the Short Change Band takes off on. The hospitality was second to known as we were treated like gold on Saturday. (Thank you Pat!) The house was packed and the crowd stayed right up to the end of the evening. We had a ton of guests come up and play and sing with us. Check out the Website for all the latest pictures from the weekend. Musically, once again, we played everything from "Silver Wings" to Sharp Dressed Man"- we did it all. And like I've said before, as quick as it all began, it was over. The band would like to thank all of you folks that came out and showed your support. We will be back to Gordy's on January 16th, 2010. If you missed us this last week, we hope to see you all again at the January Show.

This Saturday it's hunters weekend and once again we will be doing a "meet and eat" show up to the Central Hotel in Nineveh. The band starts early that evening - 5:30pm as food will be served generally in that time zone. So, get there early.

Sunday we're back into the studio for yet more work on the "Full Circle" CD. We're coming around the bend now on this project as we hope to wrap it up by years end and on to master/mix down in January.

Also this Sunday the band heads to Turning Stone to the Skynyrd Nation tour: (God and Guns) I've seen these boys for going on 4 decades, and every show is better than the one before.
They may not be quite as good as the Ronnie Days, but neither am I, so we're even.

Be well, Be good, and good luck on opening day- Bang a big one!

Peace and Love

-Mikee^^Dee

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Well hello to all. Another busy week is taking shape, so once again this will be a "short and to the point" Blog entry.

First, this week in Rock and Roll History:

The singles "Jailhouse Rock "by Elvis and "Wake up little Susie" by the Everly Brothers are No.1 and No.2 hits on both the Billboard charts as well as the Country charts. [this week in 1957] Neil Young turns 64 this week.

Now onto this week in Short Change review. Saturday's show up to the Central Hotel was a tough one. With both KW an myself suffering from some type of Bronchitis, last week or so, we were hurting pups come Saturday night. We could hardly even speak much less sing.
Anybody else would have cancelled the show for sure, but guess what happened? We played our asses off and did the best we could. I know we blew DD's mind... "Goonies never say Never"

Then onto the highlight of the evening, a busload of Stinky Boys' - That's right, our brothers from different mothers trucked all the way up from Susquehanna to party with the SCB. In a bus no less - so cool. Thanks folks for coming up - all 30 of ya's.... And what a great performance too - SHA NA NA - has nothing on you guys...You rock..Thank you.

Then, Sunday at 8am we were right back into the studio. Candor here we come! KW and I worked on 5 tunes, adding more of the finishing touches and guitar work and percussion. We booked 2 more dates in the up coming weeks for people who haven't come up yet (your time is running out) We love to have all of our guests get in and get it done, but time is limited now. The intent was there anyway

And This week were on to Gordy's for a Saturday night show. We will be up there about 8pm - hope to see you all in Windsor

And finally, our deepest condolences go out to Jeff with passing of his dad last weekend.
God Bless my brother,

Mikey Dee

Monday, November 2, 2009

Well hello everybody. I hope your Halloween was all that you wanted or expected.Now we move into November and all the holiday’s as well. Are you ready to let that happen? Not.........Anyway, let us move along.

Let's go right to Friday night at Davy's. It was the annual Halloween Party, and all I can say is “if you missed this one you missed a lot.” The place once again was packed with many people sporting their Halloween outfits. The weather was unusually warm for late October so if you wore something heavy, you weredying from the heat. The band: “we know when we're hot and when we're not. On a 1 thru 10 rating I will put this one at about a 9. The only reason it was not a 10 was our vocals. Both KW and myself have that chest-garb' thing going on and it was hard just breathe, much less sing 70 tunes. But hey, you deal with what you have and you learn how to make something out of nothing. And obviously it worked - we didn't suck and nobody left.

Musically, we were in the 11 bracket. There was stuff going on musically that everyband wishes for every now and then for themselves. It was all there. Nice job my brothers. Oh and for the people who haven't seen or heard the band in many moons, all I can say is "we are not your mother’s Short Change Band anymore" We've moved on and grown musically to a point where we have never been before, and we are just loving it. There are no other musicians that I can say “I would rather be making music with these two guys”. Not many bands could ever make that claim. It's good where we are now and it shows, so anyway, we are who we are and we're not who once were so deal with it. (we did).

So in closing, Bacon and eggs and pumpkin heads were all the site to see Friday nightIt was a great night and as quick as it started, it was over. Great job everybody! This week we bring it all back home to the Central Hotel in Nineveh for a Saturday evening show. Hope to see you all up there around 6 or 7 pm. Once again we hope to rock the house. I love our acoustic shows and don't get me wrong- they are fun but it's nice to do the Skynyrd thing and "turn it up" a bit. This Sunday we're back in the studio and hopefully we will finish up with Donnie and Gene's contributions to the Full Circle CD. We keep pluggin away one week at a time.And as we close:

This week in Rock history:The Beatles Record their first single without drums titled “Michelle” and went on to become a number one hit song the next year. The song was recorded this week in 1965. Also, the Short Change Band puts the finishing touches on the Take The High Road CD this week in 2008. (Quite week in Rock and Rock history this week)

Anyway peace and love to you all and wish my sweetie Andrea a happy birthday when you see her.

-Mikee^^ Dee

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

This week in rock - Charlie Daniels celebrates his 73 birthday- of Devil went down to Georgia Fame and Duane Allman dies this week in a motorcycle crash- into a peach truck in 1971. The next release cleverly titled - Eat a Peach

Friday nite - 10/30/09 Annual Halloween Party at Davy's - music by The Short Change Band

The Show starts at 9pm- prizes for best costume - SEE YOU THERE! RT. 12 downtown Chenango Forks...

Peace, Happy Halloween to All... an Happy Birthday Andy

-Mikee Dee

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Well hello my friends. I received many comments to last week’s Blog in regards to music censorship. I'm glad I could make your day a bit more "rewarding" for you all by spreading the word. Remember this - You have the control as a voting American to help guide your destiny for future changes that will ultimately control your life whether you want to admit it or not. On November 3rd get out and vote! Vote em' all out and let your voice be heard my friends- stand up for yourself and take control. Heavy huh? Now I'm being political too!

This week in Rock and Roll History: Tom Petty turns 56. Also this week in 1967 the late great Keith Moon of the Who “fame” is asked to become part of a new band that would include - Jimmy Page- Robert Plant and others- Keith declines and remains with the Who - and commented about the bands line up- "it will go over like a lead balloon" thus came the name Led Zepplin' ...Thanks Keith!

On to the review… Saturday evening’s Show was at the American Legion Post 1645 Hall in Binghamton. We have always had a "sound issue" with this venue- "too Loud" - so we tried out the new acoustic show. Well to sum it up in a nutshell, it was pure perfection. KW's Martin and DD's Acoustic Bass and my kick drum and high hat worked fantastic. We only brought out a pair of floor monitors for a P. A. and that's all she wrote. We had so many compliments. In the past we would have people throw hearing aidesat us as we were too damn loud. This time we gave away a ton of business cards instead. Ouracoustic show presentation is finally where it needs to be. We will try it out again at the Hitchin'Post on Thanksgiving weekend - stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Then Sunday came and we were back again in the studio to continue work on the much awaited "Full Circle” CD.We packed a ton of musicians into the "Goble Land Studio" and put down work on five of the new album’s tunes. Jim did some Bass work, Chris some awesome vocal works, Jeff did some very sweet guitar licks and some overdub work as well and not to mention our newest blues vocalist, “Pretty Patty Paterson”.

All I can say is there was some magic in the air that day. We had fantastic contributions from you all. WowI just can't wait to put this one in the can and finally mix it all down. There is still much to do and many more people to add to our recoding ensemble. We feel that we will most likely have to move the release date now more towards the first of the year some time. We thought it was a challenge last time making an album with 15 cuts - now it's a challenge to make an album with 15 musicians. We never do anything the easy way. If we did it would just be "the way" and what fun would that be. The "Full Circle" album will be something everyone can enjoy - as almost everyone we know is playing on it.

And Finally, this weekend we take a much needed weekend off from the world of music and then the following Friday night show is the much anticipated Halloween Party up to Davy's Last Chance Saloon - Don't miss this one.

So in closing, I’ll see you all in a couple weeks....I'll be goin' bowin' - Peace and be well. Mikee^^Dee

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Hello, Hello, Hello,
This week we are deep into fall weather with the arrival of Snow Flurries by the weekend. Another year is going by at an alarming rate. I have much to cover so let's get right to it. Two things are truly bothering me this week. Call me anal - but it's just how I feel - so don't try this at home.

First - music censorships - they are killing me this week. Not only has my new Zac Brown single "Toes" been chopped up but even other songs are also getting the axe as well. So I started to go back to the Classic Rock station for relief and even there I found more censorship. A simple Eagles tune - Life in the fast lane - They cut out - "Haven't seen a God Damn thing" and Alan Jackson's new single - Bologna- "the sounds of a Shovel Head on a gravel road" gone too... What the hell is going on people?

Then on to Breakfast- a simple concept one would think. If you’ve been out buying a "breakfast " lately with other than yourself. An average breakfast for 2 people is running over $20 these days. Ludicrous... Not for this cowboy. Last time I looked eggs, sausage, and toast could all be purchased for less than $5... come to my house I'll
cook.. I'd rather smoke a Hamilton at Applebee's then at the local Diner. On to the history section:
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Fleetwood Mac receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for sales from the Rumors' album- This week in 1979: Saturday Night Live premieres this week in 1975 for the first time with Guest Star George Carlin as the host.
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On to the Shows:
Saturday afternoon we were outside at the Afton Sportsman's club. All one could say is BURR.. but we endured five hours in 40 degree tempatures. Tough show but a smokin' show to boot. Donnie even brought his Carvin guitar for KW to play and absolutely smoked it . DD had a terrible time staying in tune as the cold made his strings and my skins- just go soft. No man ever wants that to happen trust me - especially not in a public performance. Then at 6pm we were done and the show ended. It was a good time – a good crowd- and great work by the entire staff at the club. We hope to see you guys all next year. 5 hrs in the cold and rain - a new SCB milestone.. Thank you Gentlemen Jack'

Then Sunday came and we were back into the Studio. This time with Wally and Pak Rat. I even put down a vocal track. We continue to move forward with the Full Circle' CD. Next Sunday we do it all again with Chris, Jeff and Patty. We’d like to wrap it all up literally by Christmas. Thank you guys for your great contributions.. And Wally the photo bug.

This weekend we play a private party in Binghamton up to the Legion Post' and the Weekend of the 24th were all off'' Whoopee... Next show will be the Halloween Party up to Davy's on the 30th of October. You want to mark down this date as it will be a keeper for sure.

So in closing don't slip in the snow coming at the end of the week- stay cool be good - be gone

Peace and Love,
-Mikee^Dee

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Greetings to you all, Happy October..... Hey just a quick note before we crank up here. I had to cancel my charity Bench Press fund raiser for this weekend. I was hugely disappointed in the pre-registration numbers and that was the reason for the cancelation. I really thought with “this” being a fundraiser for the Food Bank, that some of my fellow Firefighters as well as Police services would come to the call. I was hoping to accomplish huge goals and consequently achieved nothing. I put much time and effort into this project as well as many friends and family - but it just wasn't meant to be. I'd like to think us ”PlateHeads" are a dying bunch and maybe there just isn't forum out there like there once was. But it's not for lack of trying..- I'll get over it.

So anyway- moving on- Let's go to this week in Rock History:

Janis Joplin dies of a heroin overdose just days before finishing the Pearl' Album This week in
1970.
Also this week had John Lennon still been alive we would have celebrated his 69th birthday.
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On to the Review:

Saturday’s show up to the Post was nothing short of perfection. This new semi-acoustic setup was just
what we had been striving for now for better part of a year. Darrell played his new electric acoustic bass guitar through his amp, and it sounded awesome. KW hooked through the P.A. with his Martin guitar and I brought a kick
drum a snare and Conga's for a great balanced sound. Not a common site from any band - trust me.
The crowd was fair and actually picked up later in the evening. We were just getting started – so we may have to
start just a bit later next time. If you missed this show - we will try it again on Thanksgiving Weekend (Saturday, November 28th) - if you like the softer side of SCB then don't miss this show - we should have this perfected.

And this weekend we play our last outside show of the year up to the Afton Sportsman Club. The show
begins at 1pm, and it's supposed to be stormy that day. (Why would we expect anything less?)

And Sunday - Big news - we continue work on the “Full Circle” Album. It’s been awhile, and we can't wait to get
this puppy in the can. It seems like we’ve been on this project for some time. It's so hard to schedule all the guest musicians... But we keep pluggin..

Be Good Be Well, see you all soon,

Mikee^^ Dee

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Greetings once again too you all and Happy October!
We had a busy week last week was so let's get right to it.
This week in Rock and Roll History - Abbey Road Album by The Beatles is released this week in 1969:
Jerry Lee Lewis accidently shoots his Bass Player -twice - while celebrating his birthday (it must have been
a great party there in 1976)
So in comes Friday night. Once again a terrific show up to the Coyote’s Bar in Binghamton. We had two guest players sit in that night as well. Thanks again Phil and Wally Jo for coming up and jamming with us.
I still think we are one of the few active bands anymore that let "friends" or even audience people sit
in while we play... It's what music is really all about in the first place- creation...isn't it?

Then we all decided on a late night snack up to the truck stop-- but that's another whole story for another there. I guess if you don't have something good to say- stifle it. KW taught me well.

So 4 hours later - Saturday begins. We all met up and decided on a couple cocktails and some dinner as we
put together the 2010 calendar.. Looks a bit challenging for the later part of July into early August. But I'm
sure we'll be just fine. (STURGIS STURGIS)

So, after a great supper up to Applebee's- off to the shows. First up, Jeff and Patty’s new band {Pawn Shop}. They were playing a benefit up to the Relief Pitcher in Binghamton. First time we got to take in the new
Sublime - Jamaican Reggae type music venue. I loved to watch these guys play - Jeff you rocked on that Strat and Patty you absolutely tore up “Gunpowder and Lead” - Nice job.. You guys were tight

Then on to Bobby's Place.... Wally Jo's band... We sat there for the better part or 2 hours and watched these
guys perform.. Never heard a band do “Sixteen Tons” and there were a few other stand outs as well like “I hear you knockin'” and not to mention “Cocaine Blues”. You guys rock too!

So off to home for some much needed sleep. I had a golf tournament to play early Sunday morning "In The Rain" of course and the on to Gordy's Place in Windsor to play

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Hello, hello, hello, Another weekend has come and gone and by the time you read this installment, Fall will be here. Wow where does the time go? Oh well let's get right to it.
This Week in Rock & Roll history - 1973- Jim Croce of the "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" Fame dies in a private plane crash. Also this week in 2003 - The man in black Dies as well- "Hello I'm Johnny Cash"......

Friday evening we played a show back up to Davy's. Now it's been a couple weeks now since we all played a show together. We were Jonesin' for sure and when that happens it's usually a good show night. Friday was no exception - we cooked.
We also had some guests come up and play as well - Pack-Rat came up and smoked a couple of southern rock favorites and we even had a guest female vocalist sing as well. I used to work with Stacey back in the old ARC days. She did a smokin' rendition of Led Zeps “Rock & Roll”. Now let me tell you this - KW never played a Zepplin tune and probably neither did DD- but this song came off perfect.. Nice job all!

The Mojo was there that night as we also kicked up the tempo for "I just want to make love to you" by Foghat and not to mention a two step version of "Keep your hands to yourself".. You go KW!

The creative juices were flowing that night and the crowd was awesome too.. I love those type of shows the best. "Stayin' while we're a playin" It's all good.............

So here we are looking at this week’s calendar: Friday night we once again visit the Coyote’s Bar - Conklin Ave. Binghamton – the show begins at 9pm..................

I hope you folks can make this show. We don't get too many shows in the big city anymore - as we love to play the Honky Tonk venues and they continue to be hard ones to find. One of these days we will find our New Home for city gigs- you'll see. We like them small and tight - and active too.. enough said...

Oh and Sunday afternoon you can catch us up to Gordy's in Windsor - as we play a benefit - we go on about 3 or 4pm- one never knows exact times when you play a benefit. Stop down and help support the cause and check us out too.. We'd love to see ya's.

Catch you all on the other side... Be Well Be happy-- and be safe.

-mikee dee^^ peace^

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Well hello everybody. Hope your summer was a good one. With all of the bad weather weekends we had this last summer- i now think it's just me. We left Binghamton on beautiful sunny afternoon last Thursday and by the time we had arrived in down town Atlantic City - the wind was roaring and the rain was flying. That night while we were all sleeping in our posh "Showboat" hotel room we witnessed 70mph winds and 2 inches of standing water in our room- on the window sill. A ride across the street on the pier also blew over as well. Yep - it's just me I tell ya.

So Friday came and on to the big concert- Robin Trower at the House of Blues. (Pictured Above) you can see how we dressed to the nines for the show. A true wonder in it's self. We got out our VIP tickets and proceeded to the hall. Our downstairs seats were not very good so just as the show began we climbed 4 flights of stairs up to the balcony. Sweet view from up there. Now Robin Trower may just be one of 2 of the last living guitar legends of the 70's still left touring. With the exception of Clapton the rest are pretty much gone. Robin came out about 9:30 that night and went on to play for the better part of 2 hours. Old stuff and some new stuff as well. When 'Day of the Eagle' came on- people went crazy. For 60+ years old - this guy could rock. I can see now where Stevie Ray had picked up a few of his chops from Robin. Anyway the power band was finished but not before delivering 2 encore performances. Our whole group that night became RT believers for sure. You get the chance to see Robin Trower- don't pass it up- what an awesome showman.

Atlantic City was fun. Rain or shine it was a great place to take a trip.
Onto this week in Rock History:

Jimi Hendrix dies this week from a drug overdose in 1970
Billy Joel records Piano Man this week in 1973
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On to Saturday's show- We had a great time back up to the Hitchin' Post this last weekend. Great crowd and the people enjoyed the semi- acoustic show we brought there. Thanks to Herb and Wally Jo for coming along for the ride that night. First time we ever did 4pc gig up there and also the first time I got to play Bass for an entire evening too. Mostly acoustic styles with Wally on a Trap kit and KW and Herb on 6 strings.. Sweet...

It's always the fastest 3 hours on any stage...
And this Friday night we will once again be back up to Davy's- show begins @ 9pm. Hope to see you folks come out this week for what is sure to be a great show..

Be well be good,,, and as always be safe and do something good for someone other than yourself... It's all good my friends , All good..

Mikee^Dee

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Hello again everybody. I hope your Labor Day weekend went well. From a band’s standpoint - We had a total blast last week - so let's get right to it!First, This week in Rock and Roll History: Frank Sinatra - ole blues eyes himself starts a fist fight brawl at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas (over credit) and looses two teeth in the altercation -- Go Rat Pack' this week in 1967, and Lynyrd Skynyrd is inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame this week in 2007.

Now onto Friday night. We played at The Pub in Greene. It was Alumni weekend, so the place was packed all night. We got there early - the three of us all dined on Garlic wings and Blue Moons (Life is good) We also had some friends of our own stop in to party with us as well aka: Tommy the Electrician from KGB. We gave him a copy of the High Road CD. That might get some air-play on the "Local New music" show that they run-- Sweet huh.. Love to hear “Here in my Dreams” on KGB.

Moving on to Saturday, we hooked up with Wally Jo Webster to play some drums with KW and myself playing Bass for a great back yard party up in Castle Creek area. What a great group of people there. We jammed into the early evening selling yet more raffle tickets for the big band give away. Lisa spent her last $10 on two tickets that night. As we packed up to leave - she said "im gonna win" the drawing tomorrow" - Yeah sure you would. --------Sunday Sunday Sunday -- What a day - what a party! We had over 100 people jammed into the Hotel pavilion to take part in the big drawing. Special guests were none other than the "Stinky Boys" Motorcycle club. What a great showing that day as they rode up on their scoots. We sold another ton of tickets that day for the drawing that was about to take place that afternoon.

We also had some musical guests in the audience - much like we almost always do -- None other than the Hulse brothers themselves. Jim got up and played a few tunes with the band. He rocked! So then as quick as the day began - 5pm rolled around. We closed the ticket sales out about that time. We sold so many tickets that day that we had to use business cards in place of tickets to cover the sales. Wow! So 5pm came - we took all the tickets we had sold since early summer - put them in a big box and had Myers - the Chicken man' himself draw the winner. And as fast as it began - it was over. Lisa Gibson won the raffle. Good luck and congrats to you my friend -- You did say you were going to win didn't you.

Now we sold tickets to people from Jersey to Montauk and points all in between... And that’s how it all ended. We can't wait to do it again next year.So as the gig ended- we packed up and headed to another party up in Fosterville. All I can say is this place is a mile back in the woods and looks like a music video should be filmed there. Great party there too! Thanks to the Krumbs for the invite. Priceless: Careful on those ATV's in the dark boys.

So now this week: Tonight I head out on musical assignment down to Atlantic City for a concert review at the House of Blues -Featuring80's blues guitar artist- Robin Trower- {Day of the Eagle} fame.

Then Saturday we play our first Fall Show back up to the Hitchin' Post with special guest star - HERB WINTERS... Wow, with yours truly on Bass and Wally Jo Webster on Drums. Double Dee is away on assignment this week too. Show begins at 8pm-- C'mon down for a truly interesting evening of music for sure... In closing be well - be good- and hope to see you all this weekend.

Peace- Mikee Dee

Monday, August 31, 2009

We continue to move along this week and by the time you all read this week’s entry it will be September. Wow, where the hell did the time go anyway? Before you know it the leaves will be falling and we will all be packing away the summer toys and getting ready for winter.. So before we miss anymore time let’s move on.

This week in Music History- Bobby Darins' "Mack the Knife" was banned from CBS radio after several local stabbings took place this week in 1959. The Late Show' with Letterman premiers this week on ABC in 1993. First musical guest was Billy Joel.

It was another great weekend for the SCB. Saturday was yet another day of rain- and you guessed correctly - another outside show. We played the annual Fund Raiser up to the Afton Sportsman 's Club. Now it had been a few years since we played a show for these folks and I gotta tell you this - the grounds were beautiful- the event was organized- food was great - and if you went away from there hungry it be would your fault. And beer - 10 kegs worth! "Life was good today" The show began at 1pm and the last song was played at about 7:45 that evening. Passing the hat is a beautiful thing. We played a good chunk of music and with this crowd we showed everybody there what the band was capable of. Everything from Kid Rock to the Bellamy Brothers. It was quite the show!

We must have done something right as we were re booked for next year’s party as well as some additional shows too. Kudo's also go out to Donnie and Stick - one of the better gigs for the 2009 summer season. You guys have a great group of Staff members there!

We have a busy weekend coming this week. Friday night - We will be in Greene at Nathanael Greene’s Publick House on Main Street in Greene. The show begins at 9pm, so get down early and have a bite to eat and stay for the music too.

Saturday night we are doing a private party up towards Whitney Point with special guest WallyJo Webster on Drums and yours truly on Bass.. DD is attending a wedding up in Syracuse that night.

And Sunday afternoon we will be back up to the Central Hotel for an afternoon Barbeque - hopefully outside if mother nature allows it. And this is a very big day for us as well as we draw the "winner of the Band for a day" contest. That all starts at 2pm. If you haven't gotten your ticket for this drawing - time is running out. We are only selling 200 total tickets at $5 each and they are almost all gone. Remember to save your Ticket stub if you are not the "chosen" one, It will get you $5 off the price of the next CD that we hope to have completed before year’s end.

So that sums up this week. Remember that there will be extra road patrols out this week – insuring your safety- so make sure you're not texting- your seatbelt is buckled and you’re not drinking and driving.. The legal limit is 0.8- so don't blow it.

And finally - what about that poor couple on the Harley this week that hit the plastic trash can on 17 and crashed into a tractor trailer as he lost control of his bike. The poor passenger was ejected and died. These folks were here for pleasure and traveled all the way from Chicago - just to have a life taken away. Life is so fragile - be careful when you travel and maybe for once 'you' look out for the other guy too while you are traveling along. You just may save a life, Maybe even your own.

Be well - peace
Mikee^^Dee

Monday, August 24, 2009

Well hello and welcome to the last couple weeks of summer as the kids begin getting ready to go back to school. Three exciting things happened this last week, one - I finally got to use my air conditioner. Two - I picked veggies from my garden and three the wind started to blow from the North West yesterday - a sure sign what is to come in the very near future.In that case - one week of summer is better than no summer at all.I've got a new addition I am planning to add to the weekly Blogbeginning today.. It's called "This week in Rock History". It will add a bit of nostalgia to the blog I think. So here we go...This week in Rock History- Gene Simmons of Kiss turns 60.Jimi Hendrix does his last live show before his death at the Isle of Wight in England 1970... *** Cool huh?Anyway lets get to the week in History for the SCB . First we are looking into some new Tee-Shirts. These will carry the logo from the brand new business cards DD had pressed for us. More information as we get it ourselves. Friday night - the staff party at Winter Fest' went well. All I can say is- wow- what a great pre-party. Steak and Wings and beers, plusa bit of jammin' out by the campfire, need I say more?Saturday came and get this - we actually had a party outdoors without the rain. At least for the most part....... The cottage is a "storybook" in itself. Like taking a total trip back in time. And the lake setting is as picturesque' as it gets.Now onto the party: people - people - kids - everybody just enjoying what the lake had to offer. Swimming, boating, fishin', barbeque, corn over an open fire. Do I need to say more?We even got a head start on Miss Cindy's Birthday wishes with not one - but two birthday cakes! There was jammin' all afternoon, pickin' singin' and drinkin' (life was "very good" today.......... So what can I say here? Truly one of the best parties of the year! If you missed this one - all I can say is shame on you......I would like to take a minute here and thank KW and Ms. Cindy for inviting us down.. It was the time of your life party' for sure - for all of us that were there.This weekend we are up to the Afton Sportsman's Club for their annual ticket - fund raiser. This is our first time back up here in a good long time so we are truly looking forward to this show. In closing - Thank You for all of your kind compliments I have been receiving for the blogs I write and send every week. They are fun to do and when they start to just "get old" - like they began - they will end... Deep huh? Be well - spend money, get out and do something fun, and help celebrate the American way. It keeps our country strong.Also - do something novel this week - Try helping someone-anyone - With something it's a rush......"Help somebody if ya can" Mikee^^ Dee

Monday, August 17, 2009

Well hello all, Another week has come and gone. We continue to "chip away" at what is left of what we called "the summer of 2009". The summer thatalmost wasn't.We had many interesting events this week take place so let's get to it. Last Tuesday was the Chenango County Fair. Our department attends thisevent every year if we can. We usually bring a couple trucks along and we alwaysbring a sharp marching division. This year was no exception as we took a forth place.This was probably out of about 35 other Fire Departments within the county. Not bad huh? "Every judge is crazy bout a Sharp Dressed Man"So after the parade- I had to hit the entertainment tent. This years concert was none other than some old time favorites of mine- The New Riders of the Purple Sage. Now I can hear you all now - singin' Panama Red Panama Red-- and yes that was their mostcommercial claim to fame- that was the least 'song I was really interested in hearing.So I stood there in the big tent just taking a total step back in time. Gosh I was still in H.S. when I first seen these guys. 3 of the original members - now all close to 60 were just jammin' away much like they did thirty years earlier only older now. Not many people remember that the Riders were Jerry Garcia's practice band to keephim from having to travel so much back in the early days. Jerry was a pedal steel playerback then before the Europe 71 album was released and then moved to a lead guitar position - front stage and center. Ahh the good old days of Rock and Roll- The yearsbetween 1968 to 1972 will never ever be repeated again. But that's another story foraround the campfire for sure. Those were the best years of FM' radio rock and roll.Made me wonder - 30 years from now- who will still be listening to SCB c.d.s. Or If anyone ever knew we even existed. Deep huh? Will a mark be made in time or not.How about at least within' the Triple Cities area anyway.So enough with the trip back in time- Saturdays Show- {Harry's and Melissa's}40th anniversary of Woodstock was hot on table this weekend too- it was the buzz so to speak. We all arrived about 4:30 - set up -- and before we could even get going-A beautiful bottle of Jack- was placed at the bottom of the stage for us... Ourlegend is preceding us now. Gosh that was the biggest bottle of Jack I've ever seen.Oh and did I mention the stage- 12 x 18 all wood stage - and covered too -built just for the show.. Awesome.. We truly appreciate the little things that many bands absolutely love.. Those were two of them for us anyway. Thanks Guys....So for the next 5 hrs. we jammed out a ton of tunes for all. Again the band was in it'selement. We played till the cows came home-- or at least the sheep.. I think southernrock made them nervous. But DD kept his eye on them just the same. Never a threat.We also had some musical guests come up and play few tunes while we were on break-Nice Job Dylan and all your friends... It's all about the music. And finally like any other venue- it was over .. Oh and let me mention IT DID NOT RAIN-before - after- or during.. A summer's first. We also sold out all of our C.D.s , shirts, and whatever else the band had to give... The "Win the Band for free party' contest comes to a close very soon. Tentative winner drawing is labor day weekend - Sunday at the Hotel. More details to follow... GET YOUR TICKET....And finally- Saturday is Winterfest' my most favorite time of the year... and this year it'sup to the lake.. Can't wait for this gig.... Pickin' on the lake front- priceless my friends..So in closing--- I'll keep this week quite in the passing department.. We have lost a ton offriends this year... enough said... See you all soon- Get as much of this nice weather that you can - by this time next monthit will only be a memory... Peace, Mikee^^ Dee

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Well hello my friends, another week has come and gone. Life was good today or should I say last weekend. So let's get right to it. As we continue the outdoor concert/show series - this last weekend started off at Wild Bills Ranch in Afton.Friday night was a great night for one great party. Weather was crisp and guess what- no rain. So with that being said- I really feel that when the weather is primo- so is the crowd as well. Bill always hooks us up with plenty of whiskey in the past and this year was no exception. I remember 3 full bottles of at least 2 different types of Jack in all various sizes and flavors. Well let me say this - the SCB drinks our whiskey over ice and some prefer not too.. We can still walk and function at the end of the night and most can't... That's our little band secret my friends-- don't tell anybody!Anyway the crowd up there is great - they love to dance and party. The band was Jonsin' that night too. We played our asses off for the better part of 5 sets. We play when "they stay"- our motto. Oh and so you all know- the band raffle is going well- and we may be playing the free show out of state or downstate.. These people bought a ton of tickets Friday night.. They would love to have a kick-ass band play their next event i'm sure. We did did make extra provisions for this to happen just so you know... A show is a show and a "trip" is a bit different.. and so is lodging.So as we left that smokin' party we had another show on Saturday.. The Ahner Pig Roast.26 years and still running. The SCB has played almost everyone of them in some different way or manner all through those years. Butch and Cindy put on a great party that included a fireworks show that is as good or better than half the towns fireworks displays.. Every year they just keep getting better and better, and all through the years Aaron being too young to cook for dad- this year became the cook for' Dad.. Nice job Aaron as the torch is passed on to the next generation. And speaking of the next generation, we had young guitar student "joe" from KW's teaching school come up and jam a set of tunes with us. I am sure you will hear from this young lads guitar again sometime song.You go Joe' So now this weekend we play yet another outside show for Melissa and Harry up in Harpursville/Coventry. This is truly the show stopper this weekend as we save the best for last. We have been working on some new material for this show as well.. I can't wait. "Harry, hurry quick and find 'Jack and invite him to the party too"Oh and then Sunday came-- All I can say 3.9 inches of rain in about 8 hours has got to bea new record or something and the light show that came with it. About blew me out of bed and shook the house about midnight. Wow.. And I thought the day of DeBetto' Fest it rainedI guess it's all relative my friends. 16 out of 18'' still counts as Sunday is part of a weekend.And once again- this is getting to be a weekly thing anymore- scary- My deepest condolences to both the families of Ben Shackelton and my buddy Hippie who lost his best friend and neighbor last week. My buddy Ben was an avid Stand up Bass player who played throughout the valley back in the days of The Hulse Brothers. Ben passed away last Friday from Cancer. I played many a show with Ben 20 years ago or there about's .The Auctioneer song was his specialty. And my buddy Hippie- his best friend -neighbor- 31 years old passed away in his sleep last week. Hippie brought him up to a couple of our shows, what a nice guy.. Sad for his family.So i'm gonna close here- take on life everyday and make it count... To quote a famous band out Georgia way-- "Life was good today".. Quite the reflection.......Mikee^^Dee

Monday, August 3, 2009

Happy Monday greetings to you all; Already into the final full month of summer. At this point one may ask- "did summer ever really arrive in the first place". Anyway let's get to it-- Friday night marked our return to the club Venues. Davy's had a pretty good crowd and we were itching to play that night as well. Davy's is a funny place- one minute the place is packed and the next minute it's empty only to fill back up again about every 20 minutes or so. It's like we're playing on a Subway deck or something. Weird. We had Pak-Rat come up and play a few tunes with us as well on Friday. The boy was smokin' Some Stevie' Ray- and some Foghat and he wasin his glory. Nice performance there bro. Oh and not to mention the guy that cut his finger that night - but that's another novel in it's self. Hopefully the guy got a Tetanus shot the next day- cause his finger was cut pretty good.So then Saturday came along- pre tailgate party up to the ranch before the Hotel is always in order. Gentleman Jack--- ahh truly my favorite whiskey blend these days. Show started off a bit slow but as the night went on the crowd built up nicely. Now where can you start a night out playing tunes like Ole' 55 and Rollin' with the flow and end up playing ZZ top and Foghat tunes- only at the Hotel with the Short Change Band- cause that's how we roll. We never use a set list' - we just feel & create... That my friend is what making live music is really all about.. The crowd- the moment. We played over about 35 minutes -because we also made some new friends from out Elmira way. They were just amazed at what we played how we pulled off the songs that we do as a 3pc. band... Priceless.So now this week we're back outside once again- Wild Bills party on Friday and the Ahner Fest * on Saturday.. Summer winds down pretty fast after these gigs pass.. So Sad.. Oh and as we close - it did rain once again this weekend but only on Sunday making it 15 out of 17 weekends- with rain.... I love NY Be well and get out and party the last few weeks before school starts and summer ends - It's a long time again till next year.And in closing- Our deepest condolences go out to Bruce Rossmeyer- Mr. Harley Davidson himself - who was killed in a tragic Motorcycle accident this last weekend on his way to Sturgis with 5 other bikers. The industry will truly miss you Bruce- 15 dealerships - wow.... Peace my friends... Mikee^^Dee