Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

This is fourth attempt to get this note delivered to "the list" Isn't modern technology great?? bd

This is SO weird! Usually, if the Blue Band does not have a gig on Saturday nights, I go in and do the radio show live, but this week, the show was already pre-recorded, so I'm experiencing the heights of self indulgence: I'm sitting around listening to myself on the radio! My body hurts in spots that I have not used since the days of throwing the football for the Davenport Central BLUE Devils (a VERY long time ago) Shoveling snow can be a very humbling experience, especially after snowfall of nearly 9". (Dr. Dave, you picked a hell of a year to stay in the midwest for the winter!) Currently another nearly 3" of snow is being whipped around by 25 mile per hour winds, resulting in Blizzard warnings and a dangerous wind chill advisory, which brings me to...

We are still scheduled to play tomorrow's Mississippi Valley Blues Society Christmas party AND FUNDRAISER in the Red Stone Room at The River Music Experience, 2nd & Main in Davenport, 5-8pm. Did I happen to mention this is a FUNDRAISER for MVBS? If WE make it to the Quad Cities through these challenging conditions, then YOU will have no excuse to stay at home!! Realistically, The Blue Band, MVBS FUNDRAISING committee, The RME, and the sponsor for our performance, Zimmerman Motors, will get together in the late morning and see if the show goes on or if we should postpone to a later date, in order to have better FUNDRAISING opportunities. This decision will be made by noon and posted at www.theblueband.com/chat2.cfm We're hoping to see you in the old hometown and spread a little Christmas cheer by raising some money for this organization that has enriched our region for 25 years with their support of all styles of blues music...

I have been invited to join Iowa Public Radio's The Exchange program, Tuesday morning (12/23) at 10am to talk about favorite music releases of 2008 (my part of the program will be 10:06-10:29am) and then I'll spend the 34th of the last 36 Christmas Eves hosting the Rockin' Xmas Eve show on IPR's Studio One Network, Dec. 24, 7-10pm. It's all holiday music from all eras with all musical styles, much of it picked out by listener request. I'll also be hosting the Night Music show on Xmas night...

Friday Dec. 26 marks our first gig in Iowa City in quite awhile. We play The Mill, showtime is 8pm (love those early hours) and Saturday the 27th has us back at the Screaming Eagle in Waterloo (9:30-12:30) Both of these places have fabulous food. Get there early for a great meal, stay late to boogie the year-end away!...

And then, the party of the year-The Happy Blue Year extravaganza at The Hotel Fort Des Moines in the Capitol City. Seven acts, three stages, buffet food for 4 hours with a champagne toast, and then take the elevator home. (Party in YOUR room) The Blue Band will be NINE pieces and a few surprises will add excitement to the night. There are still tickets and many rooms available. For a complete schedule (right down to the minute on all 3 stages) go to www.theblueband.com and click on New Year's Eve. And don't forget the special appearance by 2 Bobs & A Nate on the Eve of New Year's Eve (12/30) in Chequers Lounge at The Fort, 9-mid, NO cover charge (the drummer will be playing for tips, so bring lots of $5 bills!)...

Vicki's Secret continues to be fodder for this note. This week, buy one bra, get one half off...

Because we had no gig tonight and I was not responsible for the radio, I decided to do something COMPLETELY different. I went to the Crossroads Shopping area in Waterloo on the last Saturday before Christmas during a snow "shower" (that resulted in 3 more inches of snow) in order to get one of those plastic mats that allows your office chair to roll on carpeting. WHAT WAS I THINKING??!! Oh, I know, I must have wanted to talk to a part time, seasonal clerk who wanted to be helpful and explain every different nuance of the four different "chair mats". (uh no, I'm NOT buyin' the deluxe model that was bigger than my office room and cost $70) I am convinced that he was trying to impress me because he thought I was a "secret shopper" who held his future in The Staples organization by whether or not I had a "successful shopping experience"...

I have been asking people to stop getting me gifts and instead funnel their efforts to people who have had a much less fortunate year than I did. Victims of the the Iowa floods would be high on this list. This combines with my new year's resolution to live more of a minimalist existence rather than satisfying my life long seemingly insatiable appetite to buy cheap stuff that I don't really need and then hoard it! We all know people in Iowa who were victimized by the flooding or other natural disasters this year. Take 'em to lunch or dinner and remind them that you're still willing to help with their recovery. If you still insist on getting The Blue Band something then this is what we ask for: reaffirm your commitment to bringing your favorite dance partner out to a Blue Band show a few times a year, or ask the entertainment committee chairperson of your town's outdoor festival to add us to the entertainment list this summer, or consider having us play that anniversary or retirement or wedding or birthday party. Providing gainful employment would be all we could ask or hope for in the new year. We want to do this for many more years to come. That can only happen with your help...

On a more sobering note, I'm sure you have heard about the mandatory budget cuts ordered by Iowa's governor in order to keep our state out of deficit spending. This has resulted in a staff meeting at the radio station called for this coming Tuesday where "budgetary matters" will be discussed. With all the layoffs at National Public Radio announced last week, you can imagine the concern all of us Iowa Public Radio employees have. On the bright side, I make so little money there that they won't be saving much if they lay me off!...

Be sure and check the chat page for news on whether or not we hit the Frozen Blue Highway to Davenport in the morning, you'll need to rub that washboard tie a lot faster to generate heat this weekend, Christmas CAKE is always appreciated by the band, (fruitcake, no so much) I hope Santa brings you what you deserve (naughty or nice) and always remember we love you... Bob Dorr & The Blue Band.

PS: because of the jam packed schedule next week, there will probably be no Blue Note. Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night...