Short Change Band - Last full week of August 2010

Well well well, by the time most of you get to your emails this week, the month of August will be just about a memory. And, of course I have some new memories to add to it as that's really what the blog is all about anyway (memory recollections) so, here we go with the latest. {This was a great weekend too}

Friday Night we loaded up the bus and headed to the SPAC in Saratoga Springs for one incredible concert. Crosby Stills and Nash along with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
We got to the SPAC about 6pm and had to park a mile away from the event. It felt almost like a Woodstock installment of sorts. So not to admit defeat, we set the EZ-Up in the parking lot and proceeded like many of other concert goers did, we had our own “Tailgate Party”.

So now it's almost 7pm and as we finish up with some Quizno's Subs and a couple beers we were on our way. What we were about to see was absolutely unbelievable. Where we would wind up was the better part of a quarter mile from the stage on the very edge of the grass. There were almost 50,000 people that came to see CSN and Petty.

We met some people and partied together for the better part of the next four hours. You could not have asked for a better night of weather for a concert either. It was a star lit night, baby!
The sound at the SPAC is really very good for an inside/outside venue. CSN were first up and they covered all their hits and then some - Even a Rolling Stones tune “Ruby Tuesday” The boys are a bit older then the days when they started but they still rip it up pretty good for an AARP tour. Steven Stills played that Strat like a craftsman and Graham Nash did an exceptional piano solo on “Please come to Chicago” So, forty years after Woodstock, they still played quite well. Glad we came.

So then, all of a sudden (you thought you were asshole to belly button thick) with people for the CSN show, then Tom Petty starts his show, and the placed packed up tighter. There was standing room only for as far as you could see in any direction (awesome) Even the air around you started to take on an aroma of it's own. Let the show begin, and what a show it was. He did all the hits and everybody sang along to every song. There was dancing, clapping, swaying - it was all going on. Then four hours later it all ended just like it began. Oh, he finished with my favorite Petty tune right at the very last Encore – “American Girl” What a show!

So now 50,000 people had to leave and much like Cattle to market as we began the 45 minute trip back to the parking lot. Now the crowd heading to their seats were taking their cars to the gates, or trying to. We sat once again and decided another tailgate party just might be the thing. Anyway DD had us all back and home by about 3am. Wow, what a Friday that was. But hang on it gets better!

Saturday, we were at the Afton Sportsman’s Club (Ticket Party). All I can say is the weather was gorgeous and good weather always makes for a great outdoor party. By 1pm the cars starting pulling in, one after another they rolled in. (I’ve been up to the club for 25 years and I’ve never seen this many cars and people in my life in that lot. Wow!

There was an ora in the air too. The people came to party, eat and drink, and for the better part of almost eight hours they did just that. I don't know how the club buys food for an event that big and it all tasted so good and they never ran out of anything. My god you leave their hungry there's something wrong with ya.

We played what was probably one of the best shows we put on all summer. It felt great being back with my brothers on stage and we all felt the Mojo - DD was smokin on that Bass and KW was feeling it too. It's nice when you’re playing "your" show especially in an outside venue and people are lovin’ it. (Ya play for the crowd)

So anyway the show went on for over seven hours, maybe eight by the time the last song was played and as always SCB never repeats a single tune unless we are asked to do it- cause we just don't.

We had performances by Mark from the “Deuces Wild” band and Colleen who came up and finger picked a couple tunes with the band and sang some Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks songs. (nice)

There was some magic going on when Mark lit up the stage with a six minute rendition of Johnny B Goode. It doesn't get any better. I know you all seen it because I asked you all to come, and you certainly did.

We would personally like to thank Patrick and Donnie, Mike, Steve, Pete and all the staff up there at the Club. They treated us like gold and we appreciate it. (Other than some Green M&M's in bowl, we couldn’t ask for more)

You need to put the last Saturday in August on your 2011 calendar, because we're coming back and you'll wanna be there. A better party does not exist ANYWHERE, just ask the people who came and that's all you really have to do is just come. (Say no more)

Next Weekend is Labor Day Weekend: 3 days - 3 shows:

• Friday Night- Nathianael Greene’s Publik House in Greene - 9pm show
• Saturday – Evan’s Pig Roast - private party*
• Sunday- the “No Tell Central Hotel Show” show time starts between 3pm and 4pm
  {Outdoors - bring a chair}

We hope to see you all out for the last true weekend of summer!

Love ya's,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Late August 2010

Well hello to you all as we continue on through the final weeks of summer 2010. For the most part you could not have asked for a better summer if you ordered it up from scratch. Enjoy what's left of it in the next couple of weeks as we are sure to have frost on the pumpkin one morning before you know it.

Last week marked my return to the band after being out of town for the last two weeks. It felt good to get back to the "egg" so to speak. Saturday was our “almost Annual Yacht Club” show that takes place in the awesome town of Watkins Glen. We originally had plans to bring out the camper and set up shop at the resort for the weekend, but the weather kinda put a damper on that. We were able to salvage the Saturday afternoon part as you can see our little "tailgate central' that we set up in the back forty of the club.

And as always we like to include the trademark “whiskey bottle” at all of our overnight events and this one was no exception. We were able to partake in a new product by the name of Crown Royal (Black). It was quite tasty with much less bite than the Jack... Maybe a change in the wind for the future - ya never know? Nice job Canada.

Anyway on to the show. We brought along the upscale acoustic show for this venue and I think for the most part it was just what the doctor ordered. Not to loud, not to soft, perfect. Our crowd stayed packed till we took our first break nearly two hours into the show (it was a smokin' set) We commenced the night at about 12:30 to a remaining few hard core dancers. We did play our hearts out and it showed. Nice job guys, it felt good to be back with my brothers - like I never left! (Priceless)

We spent the night indoors at the club and then back on the road home Sunday morning. (185 miles later) the trip ended much as it began. Another priceless weekend and this one was out of town, but none the less we rocked em'... and then the rain came.

So now this week we are on to the Afton Sportsman's Club annual ticket raffle party. This is one of the most enjoyable events of the summer and we are hoping for some awesome weather to send it out to as well. Still some tickets available with some big high ticket prizes associated with it. Get a few people to split that $100 ticket if you can't swing it on your own. It's to support the club and helps pay the bills up there too.

If you haven't seen the club lately - you gotta check it out. Donnie and Patrick and few of the other members up there really dialed in the old club and made some really nice improvements and updates to it too. Hope to see you all there on Saturday. We will be rolling in around noon, so come spend the day.

How about some history in rock and roll linage.

1. Ringo Starr quits the Beatles this week in 1968 only to be talked back in by Paul to finish work on the White Album.
2. Billy Joel Divorces Christie Brinkley this week in 1994
3. Gene Simmons od KISS is 61

Be well- be good - be safe,

- Mikee^^Dee

Mike's Trip to Sturgis

Well hello once again to you all.

After returning from an incredible 10 day adventure across the western part of the United States, I need to share some of the adventure with you - the viewers. By now you have probably figured out - we went to Sturgis S.D. Now Sturgis Bike week is noted as the biggest organized motorcycle event in the World. With attendees this year numbering almost 800,000 bikers. And i have to tell you this - it was not easy to get around to any one place without very heavy biker traffic.

We departed with three bikes and a Toy Hauler last Thursday night. Now let me tell you this, if you have never traveled across country for any length of time, this trip to Sturgis is a tough one. Even driving it is almost 1800 miles one way. The roads (Interstate) suck big time and one has to wonder what they do with almost $200 worth of toll money we denoted just to "bounce" around and break shit on for the better part of thirty hours and three days. The ToY Hauler experience is really very cool. It is a 35ft. camper with a back door that opens up and you drive and stow your scoots inside - it's that simple. Add a full kitchen and a couple of overhead queen beds and you're camping. This year we were guests of Chucky and Theresa as neither had ever been to Sturgis before. Basically you travel about six or seven hundred miles each day and as you fuel up at Travel Stops. You set up your table and chairs in the parking lot out back under a tree and have some beverages and a sandwich and back on the road you go. Some nights we pulled into Wal-mart parking lots to sleep and some nights campgrounds. All in all you save alot of cash when your not putting down $25 a meal for every time you stop. Camping for 4 people runs about about $10 each person per night on the road. This was all a new concept for me. I was amazed as I seen hotel specials of $79 to $99 dollars a night on Highway Billboards. Big bargains there huh?

So Finally Sunday afternoon we arrive at The Wild Bills Campground in Deadwood S.D. We spent the next 5 days there doing 100 miles trips all across the Black Hills of S.D. We met and partied with some incredible people from all over the nation, Seattle, San Francisco, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Minnesota. This list goes on... Bikers are such a cool group of people- They are who they are for the most part - no fluff- and no plastic - real americans. We hit as many big time locations as I could bring our guests too in 5 days - Mount Rushmore - Main Street Sturgis - Deadwood, Hill City, The Full Throttle Saloon, and Finally our longest grueling trip Devils Tower in Wyoming.

Take a look at the picture I provided - very pretty. That day we drove almost 250 miles - double up in over 100 degree heat and you want to ride all the way the way to Sturgis on your scoot ya say - I'll meet you there. So in closing we had a trip that we will remember for many years to come. It was Sturgis' 70th annual party and it was a keeper. And while i was gone the boys plugged on. We had subs for both weeks and special thanks go out to the boys from Hat's Off {Nick and Lance} as they helped fill the void on the 7th up to Wild Bills- {wow that's were I was only 1800 miles away} and also to Kip who filled the void up to the Ahners Annual Pig Roast.

Thanks Guys for helping to make my cross country trip that took 14 months to plan - the success it was... and thanks to my brothers for their patience as well while I was gone - I never doubted you guys.

This week we once again head West to our almost Annual Yacht Club' event show.

We will be trying a new approach for this venue and that will be an acoustic SCB show. We keep playing them as long as the popularity is there.So now as we head into the final weeks of August - wow that summer went quick- have a safe remaining August and hope to you all again in the upcoming weeks.

Check our website for shows near you.

Peace and Love

-Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Middle Two Weeks of August, 2010

Hi everyone, this is KW filling in for Mikee Dee.
Wow, the weekends continue to be awesome as summer is winding down and we’re headed into Labor Day.

Let’s get to it and start with August 7th where we were at none other than “Wild Bill Hare’s” party. This is one of our favorites. How can you not like a party where the host says “Okay guys, take a break – it’s time for some whiskey”. Bill is one of those who likes Jack as much as we do. So much, he left half a suitcase of clothes in Aruba so he could bring back the biggest bottle of Jack I’ve ever seen. (Awesome!) We had Nick Allen from the “Hats Off Band” help us on the drums and Lance Trotter played a couple songs on the bass and helped with the vocals. Great Job Guys! After the show we went down to the fire pit for more beer, whiskey, marshmallows and some good conversation. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling too well – I took a microphone to the face earlier, and didn’t stay too long. (Sorry Bill – Next time brother)

Moving on to August 14th and Ahner’s Pig Roast. It’s always a good time. We’ve been playing this party for over 20 Years. You know we have a good time here! Once again it was a gorgeous day. DD and I started the afternoon with a golf tournament at Belden Hill. We finished the golf tournament and went straight to the party (we didn’t have time to stay for dinner or the door prizes – We hope Herb got us some good prizes) Filling in for Mike this time was Kip Kettle. We’re glad to call him a friend. That’s the way it is in the music business, it brings people together close that fast. What a great job Kip did for never even hearing us before. It was like he had been playing with us for years. Thanks again Kip!

As always, the food was excellent; our hosts (Butch and Cindy) have the absolute best fireworks show. What can I tell you? This is one of the premiere parties of the summer. Thanks to Tim Whalen for singing a couple songs too!

We’re glad Mike is back and hope he and his lovely wife Andrea had a great time at Sturgis. Although we had fun, we missed him. The three of us just have great chemistry when we play. So now it’s off to Watkins Glen and the Yacht Party.

Our Greatest Hits CD is out and you can get one at any of our shows. We’re back in the studio for the recording of the next album this fall. The title of the next album is “Back to Basics” We hope you’ll love it as we once again cover all styles of music, including sarcasm.

So, as Mike would say – “Peace Out” and enjoy life. Remember the words of “The Welfare Song” – “Why work when you can get it for free!”

See you at the next show,

KW

Short Change Band - Beginning of August, 2010

The summer is ever evaporating away right before our eyes as it is August. (wow) Slow down summer because you have been an exceptional one this year. We had 22 days of July over 80 degrees – priceless (especially for the southern tier)

This week will be short and sweet. This week is also an exceptional one as it is the week that Sturgis begins. I've got friends packing up and heading out as we speak. I'm envious for sure - the 70th anniversary to boot. Guns and Roses announced a reunion show and the Buffalo Chip has them.

Anyway, last Friday evening was another in the series of Davy's signature shows. Everybody there enjoyed the evening as the jams once again continued on. We had a visit once again from our buddy Dominick who sat in for a set and even the infamous Donnie Gillette graced us with his presence as well. Truly another Hallmark weekend for sure.

Saturday came and KW and myself have begun work on a new song together - this time around I wrote the music and KW wrote the lyrics. Something different for sure and actually I can hardly wait till the fall to begin work on our 5th album. Tentatively titled "Back to Basics". This could be our best one yet. But then I always say that and they are all good anyway. Each album is like a kid in the family and all growing up with every addition.

So back to Saturday, we had another outdoor pig roast up to Harry and Melissa's. Once again the weather was picture perfect, the food fantastic and the people were marvelous. And once again we even received our signature bottle of Jack for the show, that we proudly displayed on our speaker collumn. Thanks Harry for remembering us and our unusual customs. We are "True Americans"Oh I almost forgot to mention our buddy “Vanillia”. Vanilla was a giant goat that took a liking to D.D. and she was determined to fight anyone or anything that tried to get between them. Oh DD does that really stand for Doctor Doolittle because the animals do love him.

So now the next 2 weeks are all home parties (Pig Roasts) so you may not get too much in the way of a blogs from them. But, if something exciting happens - trust me you will be the first to know.

As we close, enjoy the last few weeks of summer and make every day count. Keep the shiny side up and the rubber down.

Peace to you all see you soon

-Mikee^Dee