Greetings all, another week has come and gone in a year that seems to be disappearing by the day. (Probably because it is) A mere six months from today another Christmas will have come and gone. See, now you'll start appreciating summer by the time you finish reading this week’s Blog
With the holiday weekend rapidly approaching we only have one event booked this week. We will be appearing for a single outdoor show this Sunday at the infamous “Central Hotel" in Nineveh. The Show starts at 3:00pm under the pavilion. As always, pack along a beach chair in your car just in case.. And bring the sun block (think positive)
Backing up a bit, let’s review last week’s shows. Last Thursday night we were once again scheduled to play Up to the Hitchin' post for “Bike Night” - "Cans and Clams" and once again we were rained out. It’s such a shame as we love outdoor shows and come next year’s booking season one of our goals are to explore more of them in our summer series.
Friday evening was another scheduled outside show that had to be moved indoors, this time at Dino's on Conklin Road in Binghamton. The indoor show went well but the issue that we have with these summer shows is that we tend to bring the "Big Guns" (equipment wise) for the outdoor shows and when the venues take a different curve and we play indoors, it becomes a bit of overkill in many senses.
We do try our best not to blow you all away with our sound and in those cases and we do put extra effort into delivering a fine quality musical experience for all. Sounds convincing doesn't it?
Then on to Saturday, the weekend being graduation weekend which held so many different events for so many different people. Everything from golf at the “Dicks Open” to “Crusin' Pallooza” makes it very difficult to go up against that format and then throw in graduation weekend, you got a cluster group going on there for sure.
I also conducted a graduation party up to the ranch this weekend and also celebrating my first year of martial bliss as well. The weather was less than perfect but that didn't stop the fifty or so hardy partiers that showed up anyway. The barbeque and Catering by "Patrick" himself was phenomenal. There are no finer array of Garlic knots and homemade Carrot cake to be had anywhere in the kingdom. Thanks Pat, also Cindy for that awesome lemon pudding.
As the day wore on the sun did make an appearance and by early evening the fire-pit was set a roaring. (It was kind of difficult to start with two inches of water all around the base of the pit, but the boys endured) With everything as wet as it was we were all forced to park roadside and that's a first for the fest in six years. Oh well it all worked out fine. We had some pickin' and grinnin’ going on that day and it was good to see many of the returners - return and we also made some new friends as well. And as quickly as it began, it was over by midnight. Yes, “All my Rowdy friends have indeed have settled down" It still has Little Stevie jumping for joy as we announced the 2012 party date. But we're already planning 2012 and we're going back to the original week date once again, and that date will be June 16th, so mark it on your calendar now so you can make next year’s.
And as we close another weekend of events I've had numerous folks ask about the new album "Back To Basics" and what's happening with it. Here's the deal, we have cover art and pictures that need to be done yet and some of the track work still needs to be completed and quite frankly we ran out of cash to finish it.
So at this point it looks like our release date will be sometime this fall. Look at it this way you will be able to give a copy or two to all of your friends and family come Christmas Time.
I would also like to wish a very Special Congratulations to Matt as his finishes High School and now heads off to college. On to phase two. Best of luck from the Short Change Band!
Have a safe holiday weekend and we hope to see you folks while we are out on the road this summer.
Be well, peace and love,
Mikee Dee^^
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Short Change Band - Last week of June, 2011
Greetings to you all.We had a fantastic week (last week). There were so many events and so little time to describe them. First, it was Laconia Bike Week, and our crew headed out on our adventure last Sunday morning. The weather was poor (to say the least). We rode 335 miles and 8 hours later we reached our destination. Not to mention the final 2 hours of it in the pouring rain. Laconia is noted for it.The attendance overall was a bit spotty this year. Once again these national events are just not drawing the Bikers that they once had, much like Daytona where many are coming in for the weekend tours and heading out after two or three days. (Ten day tours seem to be a thing of the past). People still want to go to these gigs, but financially they have to be very creative.
New Hampshire is a cool state. You can still ride “free” and as you travel one can take notice of the $3.58 gallon fuel prices that were offered in many places. Everything we bought was “tax free”. If you decide to buy a trailer or something "capital" in size - this is the place to buy it!
The only thing you are taxed on is prepared food. Even our beer didn't have the bottle deposit nonsense like back home. I was told by one of the locals that land taxes are high, many charged like the down state communities of New York. So there you go - life is still full of choices.
Well by Wednesday it was time to head home. It was the first time the temperatures went above 60 degrees and we saw sunshine. And after another eight hour trip home. (Like it all began - it was over). Traveling 900 miles in four days was not too shabby though. Thanks mom for letting the boys roam the range alone for three days. It was refreshing and as always and memorable.
So on to the show reviews:
Friday night once again we visited Davy's in downtown Chenango Forks. As we arrived Friday evening the place was packed. There were scoots from one end of the entrance all the way up the block. It was the first time I had to park out back since the winter snow. The crowd inside was rowdy and we played pretty much to a packed house all evening. It was a great show and it sure beats the last one up there where the rain overtook the dance floor. And thanks to Randy for jamming with us a bit. (That’s one cool fiddle you’ve got!)
Saturday Afternoon brought us back to Annie's Bar & Grill in Damascus. The golf tournament was a blast and the crowd once again supported the band. What can you say when you're playing a 2pm show and people are dancing and the sun is shining. It was another fun afternoon show to say the least.We also would like to thank our crew of supporters that day that showed up from as far as New Jersey for a day of sittin and drinkin'.
On to this week’s shows:
Thursday evening it’s Bike night at the Hitchin' Post on Belden hill. The show runs from 6pm to 9pm. We will once again be outdoors on the new deck. (Special for Bike night)
Friday it’s another probable outdoor event at Dino’s in Conklin, NY. The show begins 8:30pm . I can't wait to boogie this week. Dancing outside in the moonlight is what one would call priceless.
So in closing, be good - be well - be safe - and we hope to see you all soon again!
Peace,
Mikee Dee^^
New Hampshire is a cool state. You can still ride “free” and as you travel one can take notice of the $3.58 gallon fuel prices that were offered in many places. Everything we bought was “tax free”. If you decide to buy a trailer or something "capital" in size - this is the place to buy it!
The only thing you are taxed on is prepared food. Even our beer didn't have the bottle deposit nonsense like back home. I was told by one of the locals that land taxes are high, many charged like the down state communities of New York. So there you go - life is still full of choices.
Well by Wednesday it was time to head home. It was the first time the temperatures went above 60 degrees and we saw sunshine. And after another eight hour trip home. (Like it all began - it was over). Traveling 900 miles in four days was not too shabby though. Thanks mom for letting the boys roam the range alone for three days. It was refreshing and as always and memorable.
So on to the show reviews:
Friday night once again we visited Davy's in downtown Chenango Forks. As we arrived Friday evening the place was packed. There were scoots from one end of the entrance all the way up the block. It was the first time I had to park out back since the winter snow. The crowd inside was rowdy and we played pretty much to a packed house all evening. It was a great show and it sure beats the last one up there where the rain overtook the dance floor. And thanks to Randy for jamming with us a bit. (That’s one cool fiddle you’ve got!)
Saturday Afternoon brought us back to Annie's Bar & Grill in Damascus. The golf tournament was a blast and the crowd once again supported the band. What can you say when you're playing a 2pm show and people are dancing and the sun is shining. It was another fun afternoon show to say the least.We also would like to thank our crew of supporters that day that showed up from as far as New Jersey for a day of sittin and drinkin'.
On to this week’s shows:
Thursday evening it’s Bike night at the Hitchin' Post on Belden hill. The show runs from 6pm to 9pm. We will once again be outdoors on the new deck. (Special for Bike night)
Friday it’s another probable outdoor event at Dino’s in Conklin, NY. The show begins 8:30pm . I can't wait to boogie this week. Dancing outside in the moonlight is what one would call priceless.
So in closing, be good - be well - be safe - and we hope to see you all soon again!
Peace,
Mikee Dee^^
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Short Change Band - Second Week of June, 2011
Greetings people , it's not very often I complete show reviews the night of a show but in mere hours we will be heading off to Bike Week in Laconia, NH. So time is short. Here we go.
Tonight we began our tribute to "Our Troops" tour. As you can see we flew our colors high and
gave the much deserved respect to all of our Men and Women that are either serving today in the military as well as others who served in the past, not to mention the ones that gave their lives to help protect our great nation! God Bless to you all.
On to the show. (Oh, incidentally it rained again tonight) Fortunately, we were indoors and even though the crowd was light, we played one fine evening of music once again. Great job boys. Thanks again for Bobby and Chopper for having us.
On to next week’s shows:
Friday Evening June 17th at 9pm we’re at “Davy's Last Chance Saloon” in downtown Chenango Forks and Saturday June 18th we are back up to “Annie's Bar & Grill” on old Rt. 17 in Damascus for a 2pm early afternoon show. Sweet huh?
We hope you can all come out and help support the band and check out our new patriotic look.
Be well and keep the shiny side up - were gone bye bye,
Mikee Dee^^
Tonight we began our tribute to "Our Troops" tour. As you can see we flew our colors high and
gave the much deserved respect to all of our Men and Women that are either serving today in the military as well as others who served in the past, not to mention the ones that gave their lives to help protect our great nation! God Bless to you all.On to the show. (Oh, incidentally it rained again tonight) Fortunately, we were indoors and even though the crowd was light, we played one fine evening of music once again. Great job boys. Thanks again for Bobby and Chopper for having us.
On to next week’s shows:
Friday Evening June 17th at 9pm we’re at “Davy's Last Chance Saloon” in downtown Chenango Forks and Saturday June 18th we are back up to “Annie's Bar & Grill” on old Rt. 17 in Damascus for a 2pm early afternoon show. Sweet huh?
We hope you can all come out and help support the band and check out our new patriotic look.
Be well and keep the shiny side up - were gone bye bye,
Mikee Dee^^
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Short Change Band - Beginning of June, 2011
Well hello people, Here’s wishing a good week to you all!
Summer is on us big time this week. Motorcycle season is in full swing as well.
There are two huge Northeast events will take place back to back beginning Sunday June 5th one in Lake George {The Americade} and the following in {Laconia} New Hampshire. We have chosen to attend {Laconia} and we will begin our 300 mile journey this Sunday. I'm glad D.D. loaded up my i-pod for the trip. I'll sound just like a rolling circus truck as I come down the road with those Harley pipes rollin' and the music playing. Oh well- it should keep the bears away from the roadway.
On to last week’s reviews: We had one show last week as we once again played up to our dear friend Lisa's Ranch. The show was well attended and as the day began, once again we thought we would be washed out. But just like the week before, It rained most the day and by early evening the sky cleared and the night went well.
Special thanks to all of our guest musicians that took the stage with us last week- and there was group of them. You know who you all are!
On to Sunday - what can I say? The band likes to play golf and have bit of whiskey to help relax the nerves throughout the day.
We did just that as we attended another golf tournament - Short Change Band style.
Actually it was one of our best days of golf in years. We were all hot and hitting them like the pros. As the day went on I think I only lost one ball and that could be a first for me.
Captain and crew is beautiful thing as each of us contributed to a piece of the puzzle that day. When it was all said and done we went 1-Under Par for the day. And of course there are some teams that dial in 15-under - they always do. But hey, we had a blast. We even saved a bit of Jack for the next time.
On to this week:
We are back up to the Central Hotel this Saturday for Chicken Barbeque. The show begins at 6pm. There’s a good chance we’ll be indoors for this show. I hope to see all up there. Come out and wish us luck on our road trip north on Sunday.
In closing, we'd like to wish Jeff and Patty from Pawn Shop band a happy {one year anniversary} this week. Congratulations!
Ride safe- Be safe- Be well,
Mikee^^
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Short Change Band - June 1, 2011
Greetings Everyone. We had another interesting weekend and I would like to share a few events from it with you guys.
First welcome to summer this week (at least I think it’s summer) Two weeks ago we were burning wood to take the chill off the house and today we’re putting the air conditioning units in for the summer to cool it down. It’s bizarre to say the least. We had five sunny days for the entire month of May. This week bring on the sun block. Go figure huh?
Anyway on to last week’s reviews: 4 shows in 4 days:
Thursday evening was our summer kick off "Bike Night" up to the Hitchin' Post on Belden Hill. Once again the weather was questionable and with the roll of the dice we decided to play outdoors on the deck. The first two hours proved dry, but at the end of the last set the wind had picked up and it started to sprinkle. We closed out the night with a seven minute version of “Free Bird' and by the time the last note was played the wind picked up to about 60 mph and blew half the deck furniture out on to Route 7 and it rained in sheets sideways. The boys grabbed their scoots and drove them on to the porch and we unplugged and grabbed as much stuff as we could, but it was hopeless. It was like driving the band stage through the magic car wash on Front Street. Thank Goodness for the help from Ty and Dominick as they helped us wipe down and load up the best we could. Hey what are you going to do? We called it out there - but we learn from it too. It’s not the first time we baptized our equipment, and it won't be the last.
So Friday night arrives with more rain and more wind, but (hey) we’re at Davy's (indoors) so, let it rain - we don't care. Around the second set, the water started to back-up at the rear door and the next thing you know, we have two (plus) inches of water on the dance floor and stage area. So, no one was electrocuted and nobody drowned, but that was the end of that show. (So not even indoors can we cut a break)
As we moved into Saturday once again it rained. We were scheduled to play another outside show up in Fosterville and this time we were not going to take any chances at all. To get to Fosterville one must travel a mile down dirt roads and under power lines to arrive at the destination. We needed three - 4x4's to complete the equipment transfer. {Thanks Hippie} Anyway this time we once again made the choice to play indoors {enclosed porch] wasn't much to look at though the windows but we were dry! {Like the days of the Big Pink} And, wouldn't you know it - when we packed down that night the sky was filled with stars. I just don't know. Anyway, what an adventure through the woods.. {"Way back up in the woods among the evergreens"} Thanks Foster for a great evening. We hope everyone liked the band.
Finally Sunday comes, and it’s show #4 and another outside venue. It was Jeremy's Pig Roast. Rural gigs were once again the lay of the land as we headed back through the Hay Fields of Nineveh to complete our day’s event. The sun was shining Sunday and it had to be all of 90 degrees that day. They had a cool little stage for us all covered over. (very nice) When we play these outdoor events you never quite know what to expect. Sometimes it's a sweet stage - sometimes it's cardboard over grass. Jeremy hooked us up and special thanks to Mr. Stanley for supplying electrical power for the event. It's not easy to run a 2000 watt system when all you have is a generator to do so. So we played for the better part of five hours that day and as the sun went down, the sky started to get dark once again and the wind picked up. This time we knew better and got everything secured safe and sound and DRY.
So as I look at the two big blisters on both my palms from a weekend of drum sticks and maybe the 200+ songs played, all one can say is what a beautiful ride it was. A very special thanks to my two brothers that make what we do so much fun and our families that support us every weekend when we once again "Take on the world"
This week -Saturday- one show {Lisa's Big Annual Bash} - Private show - but guess what ? WERE OUTDOORS again- wish us luck!
Peace and love,
Mikee^Dee
First welcome to summer this week (at least I think it’s summer) Two weeks ago we were burning wood to take the chill off the house and today we’re putting the air conditioning units in for the summer to cool it down. It’s bizarre to say the least. We had five sunny days for the entire month of May. This week bring on the sun block. Go figure huh?
Anyway on to last week’s reviews: 4 shows in 4 days:
Thursday evening was our summer kick off "Bike Night" up to the Hitchin' Post on Belden Hill. Once again the weather was questionable and with the roll of the dice we decided to play outdoors on the deck. The first two hours proved dry, but at the end of the last set the wind had picked up and it started to sprinkle. We closed out the night with a seven minute version of “Free Bird' and by the time the last note was played the wind picked up to about 60 mph and blew half the deck furniture out on to Route 7 and it rained in sheets sideways. The boys grabbed their scoots and drove them on to the porch and we unplugged and grabbed as much stuff as we could, but it was hopeless. It was like driving the band stage through the magic car wash on Front Street. Thank Goodness for the help from Ty and Dominick as they helped us wipe down and load up the best we could. Hey what are you going to do? We called it out there - but we learn from it too. It’s not the first time we baptized our equipment, and it won't be the last.
So Friday night arrives with more rain and more wind, but (hey) we’re at Davy's (indoors) so, let it rain - we don't care. Around the second set, the water started to back-up at the rear door and the next thing you know, we have two (plus) inches of water on the dance floor and stage area. So, no one was electrocuted and nobody drowned, but that was the end of that show. (So not even indoors can we cut a break)
As we moved into Saturday once again it rained. We were scheduled to play another outside show up in Fosterville and this time we were not going to take any chances at all. To get to Fosterville one must travel a mile down dirt roads and under power lines to arrive at the destination. We needed three - 4x4's to complete the equipment transfer. {Thanks Hippie} Anyway this time we once again made the choice to play indoors {enclosed porch] wasn't much to look at though the windows but we were dry! {Like the days of the Big Pink} And, wouldn't you know it - when we packed down that night the sky was filled with stars. I just don't know. Anyway, what an adventure through the woods.. {"Way back up in the woods among the evergreens"} Thanks Foster for a great evening. We hope everyone liked the band.
Finally Sunday comes, and it’s show #4 and another outside venue. It was Jeremy's Pig Roast. Rural gigs were once again the lay of the land as we headed back through the Hay Fields of Nineveh to complete our day’s event. The sun was shining Sunday and it had to be all of 90 degrees that day. They had a cool little stage for us all covered over. (very nice) When we play these outdoor events you never quite know what to expect. Sometimes it's a sweet stage - sometimes it's cardboard over grass. Jeremy hooked us up and special thanks to Mr. Stanley for supplying electrical power for the event. It's not easy to run a 2000 watt system when all you have is a generator to do so. So we played for the better part of five hours that day and as the sun went down, the sky started to get dark once again and the wind picked up. This time we knew better and got everything secured safe and sound and DRY.
So as I look at the two big blisters on both my palms from a weekend of drum sticks and maybe the 200+ songs played, all one can say is what a beautiful ride it was. A very special thanks to my two brothers that make what we do so much fun and our families that support us every weekend when we once again "Take on the world"
This week -Saturday- one show {Lisa's Big Annual Bash} - Private show - but guess what ? WERE OUTDOORS again- wish us luck!
Peace and love,
Mikee^Dee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)