Merry Christmas from the Iowa Blues Showcase

The old blues professor wants to wish you a Merry Christmas with our special Christmas podcast.  It features Bob Dorr, Rob Lumbard Max Wellman, Tina haas Finley, John Evans, Jono Smith, Tom Gary, and Brian Holtz.  It is a great show of awesome Christmas music!   You can listen here or go to Itunes, Google Play, or any fine podcast download sites.  Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at the Blues Historian!!!

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

Well, recuperating from two, 14-hour, cube van rides and a day that included two settings and strikings of the stage (and one providing the entire sound system) five sets, one of which started at 7:35am and another that ended at 1am the following morning, all within a 77 hour time frame, was more difficult than I thought it would be. Particularly when I came home to the beginning of a total make over of my bathroom/shower area in the house, which may or may not be done by Saturday morning when I'll need to climb back in that aforementioned cube van (which, btw, demonstrated an insatiable appetite for quarters while parked on the downtown streets of Denver EVERY TWO HOURS-24/7, not to mention guzzling $1100 in gasoline) and head off to the greatest way any band could ever imagine to end the outdoor festival season: the annual Harvest/Anniversary party at The Tabor Home Vineyard in Baldwin IA. (about half way between Dubuque and Davenport, just a little west of Maquoketa) I think this is the Vineyard's 16th anniversary. I think we've been part of 15 of them. (does anyone remember if we played the First Tabor Winery Anniversary? That would have been at the tail end of my drinking days, so recollection is a little foggy) The event has become a Tabor/Blue Band, end of summer, multi-generational, reunion celebration. I hope you can join us again, this Saturday afternoon (10/6). Dress in layers, you'll get warmer as the wine starts motivating your dancin' shoes. The event starts at 1pm, Blue Band, 2-5:30p. And speaking of reunions, saxman Nathan Peoples is moving back to Iowa and will join Eddie in the horn section for this very special event. Wining? yes. Whining? no. CAKE? always. http://www.taborhomewinery.com/
I'm really looking forward to next week's (10/12) kick-off to another monthly Friday Night Geeeezer Gig season at The Hub, bub, at 4th & Main (a very notorious corner in the history of Sparkle City USA) We play 6-9:30p. http://thehublivemusic.com/
This past Wednesday, Oct. 3, I celebrated another milestone. It was the 40th anniversary of the night I did the first EVAH rock'n'roll radio show on an Iowa Public Radio station. Thank you for the years of encouragement and support. The shows live on: http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/ and http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/ remember Backtracks, the rock'n'roll history show has moved to 3-5pm Saturday afternoons and please help spread the word that the first, EVAH, live in the afternoon, Backtracks show will happen next Sat. 10/13. Advance requests for that show, just reply to this note or email bob.dorr@bobdorr.com Do keep in mind that all songs are at least 25 years old on that program.
I could not be more proud of the 6 guys who did the Colorado Tough But (REALLY) Dumb Tour. Six men, average age about 60 (thank goodness Eddie pulls the average down a bit) who did nothing but drive, set up, play, tear down, sleep, repeat, for 4 days and maintained their professionalism and courtesy right from the first note (and GAWD that first note was early in the morning!) (special thanks to "the other Bob Dorr" who drove up from Colorado Springs and brought pineapple upside down CAKE!!) The band was groovin' for the marathon runners in the morning and the wedding party at night. (Congrats to Kathleen and Jesus (Hey, Zeus) the bride and groom. The groom played three songs with us on guitar. I told him that if he ever wanted to give up his law practice to sit in a cube van for 14 hours to make $100, he's welcome to join) (neither he, nor Kathleen thought that was a good idea) (in retrospect, not too many band members thought that was a good idea either!) Personally, I learned some things that I didn't really want to know. I learned that I don't really want to spend another 14 hour day of my life just drivin' to the gig. I learned that, these days, it scares me feeling responsible for everyone's well being 800 miles from home for even a few days. And that makes me think too much about the cost of perseverance of my life goals and aspirations. Maybe the biggest problem is that despite all the challenges of Father Time, I relearned that I am still a gig junky. I love to play in a band. Please help spread the word that we NEED the work and have lots of open dates in the coming months. Jeff and I can supply our duo, all the way up to an 8 piece version of The Blue Band. Call me babies: http://www.theblueband.com/contactBob.htm
I have made at least one trip to Menards every day for the last 8 days in order to deal with my bathroom remodeling. I have purchased something from Menards, Lowes, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware in those 8 days. I am one with the wallpaper removal steamer. But at least I've been runnin' on 4 hours of sleep (does ANYBODY know a contractor/carpenter that works on musician hours?) The carpenter gets here at 8:15a. The bathroom is right next to my bedroom. As you can see, this note is getting out "early" (before 3am) so that I might be able to get 5 hours tonight!
See yas on the Blue Highway, rub yer washboard to the tune of Drinkin' Wine, Spodeeodee, Drinkin' Wine, remember cheese CAKE goes extremely well with the Tabor award winning wines, and never forget that we love you, Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

We're takin' off for Ogallala! If you find yourself in Denver CO Saturday morning, The Blue Band is alternating 45 minute sets with another band at entertainment stage #5 (17th St. and York) along the running route of The Denver Marathon, starting at 7:40 IN THE MORNING and going until 10:40. More info on this international event: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/denver That night, we are playing the wedding celebration of Kathleen Logan and Jesus Vazquez in a Denver hotel. Congrats to the cool couple! Next week, in addition to telling you the peculiarities of playing at 7:40am in mile high altitude, (something I have never done in my 40 year history of playing in a band!) I'm going to tell you the story of the incredible synergy that came together between Blue Band fans from Boulder to Virginia in order to make this weekend happen...
We do not have any gigs lined up for next week, but are really looking forward to the granddaddy of all vineyard gigs, The Tabor Winery Harvest/Anniversary party on Sat. Oct. 6. Not only am I looking forward to that multi generational gathering at the vineyard (http://www.taborhomewinery.com/) but Nathan Peoples is going to make the drive from Des Moines to play with the band again! Hope you can join us for this multifaceted reunion...
News also of organ man Sam Salomone. Sam had his 4th visit to the hospital this year in late August. He's been home for a little more than 3 weeks. When I talked with him this afternoon, his voice and attitude was better than I've heard from him in months. He's still got some struggles in the weeks to come, but he says he's determined to join us for New Years Eve. If you're a friend of Sam's, maybe give him a call and say hello...
I'm starting to get my after summer FREAK OUT going because of the lack of work over the Holidays, so please spread the True Blue word (BTW, we're really looking forward to the start of the Hub Geeezer Gigs on Oct. 12, please note that the December show has been moved up a week to Dec. 7)...
Have you ever been to Kanesville Records/Collectables in Council Bluffs? It is a very dangerous place for recovering vinyl LP junkies like me. Their website says they have nearly a MILLION records on three floors. It's on the way to Denver. Uh oh...
See yas on the long Blue Highway between Sparkle City and The Mile High City, rub yer washboard tie to the tune of Meet Me In The Morning (the very early morning) (the "other" Bob Dorr is promising to make the trip from Colorado Springs to catch the morning run-bye) Congrats again to Kathleen and Zeus (I'm assuming there will be wedding CAKE) (you knew that was coming, didn't you?) and always know that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

Holy Shamoly there sure are LOTS of things to do this weekend. The weather is predicted to be picture perfect (how many more good weather weekends can we really expect?) and TONIGHT (Fri) we have been invited to play at the brand new RiverLoop Amphitheater on the bank of the Cedar River behind the Waterloo Center For The Arts! (225 Commercial St) This is a phenomenal live music/performance art facility that just opened about 6 weeks ago. President Obama spoke there a few weeks back. There is now a bike path that rolls right to the amphitheater and I heard from someone today who says they are planning to kayak in on the river! (is that how you spell that little one person boat that Eskimos use?) It's an all ages show, presented by the Waterloo Center For The Arts with no admission charge, food and beverage available for sale AND it's GEEEEZER GIG HOURS! 5:30-9:15ish. What's not to like, right Avis? Especially if there's CAKE! (the word KAYAK reminded me of CAKE) http://www.waterloocenterforthearts.org/riverloop/...
We don't get the chance to play many bars/taverns (we're UNGodly expensive) (or so I'm told by bar owners) For some reason, I really enjoy playing at The 503 Nightclub (503 Estes St) in Eye Waffles (Iowa Falls) It probably has something to do with friendships that have lasted for the 35 years since I started playing Dan's Place in 1977. We return to The 503, Saturday night, 9-mid. The bar people are fantastic, the food is good, there's always cheap Kamikaze's, and a pleasant time is guaranteed for all!...
We're kinda looking at this weekend's dates as a Bon Voyage Tour, as we're taking off to play The Denver Marathon the morning of Sept. 22, (whoa, we're scheduled to START playing at 7:40am) (Coloradans, we'll post the Marathon appearance info on our Tour Calendar page (http://www.theblueband.com/cal.htm) as soon as we have it) That's followed by being part of the wedding celebration for our friends Kathleen and Jesus (Hey, Zeus!) that night. That'll be a test of sex-a-genarian stamina! Couple that with a 12-14 hour truck ride on either side of that day and it starts to remind me of the good ol' Tough But Dumb Tours of the 90s, except that gas wasn't $4 a gallon in the 90s! (one of the two trucks going out there gets 10mpg, the other 20. YIKES, we picked a hell of a time for a gas spike!) (sorry Dolores) It's been 6 or 7 years since we traveled as a pack for more than two days! I'm already stressin', a week before we go. Maybe this will get my dream of getting back out on the road out of my system!...
Remember, this is the week of the first EVAH Backtracks rock 'n' roll history radio show IN THE AFTERNOON! After 30+ years on Sat. nights, the show is moving to 3-5p Sat. afternoons. The really cool part of that move is that the show will now be heard on Iowa Public Radio's 90.1 frequency and consequently, Ames, Des Moines, Central and Western Iowa will be able to listen to the show via the airwaves! There's LOTS of leftover requests from last week's LIVE show, hope you can join me for this inaugural daylight trip in the wayback machine! http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/ and the Sunday evening Blue Avenue show is all about women in today's contemporary blues scene (all the music was released in the last 18 months) it's Ladies Night! http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/
It's starting to get real thin as far as booked dates in November and December. Spread the true blue word to anyone looking for Holiday party entertainment. Remember, Jeff and I can deliver our duo or the full 8 piece horn band or anything in between. We need the work. http://www.theblueband.com/contactBob.htm
Because of the Big Trip coming up next week, there probably won't be a Blue Note. There will probably be a "what I did on my trip to Colorado" note after we get back. (look out Ogallala Nebraska, here we come!) (I just like saying Ogallala) See ya on the endless Blue Highway between Lincoln and Ogallala, rub yer washboard to the beat of On The Road Again, don't forget the basic travel rules: pee when you can and the pack moves as fast as the slowest guy, and always know that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

Labor Day weekend, so let's celebrate the working musician by workin' it baby!...
Saturday, (9/1) The annual Grape Stomp at the picturesque Park Farm Winery in Bankston (just a little northwest of Dubuque) Yes, you can actually take off your shoes and stomp them grapes! Music starts at 2pm, Blue Band 4-7p. No worries about rain (none predicted) as the ENTIRE outdoor deck can be enclosed in one of the most amazing, form fitted tenting systems I've EVAH seen! You can wine, but you can't whine. http://www.parkfarmwinery.com/
Sunday (9/2) brings another end of summer celebration on the bank of the Wapsipinicon River at historic FB & Co in Waubeek (about 20 minutes northeast of Cedar Rapids) The Blue Band has done beginning of summer/middle of summer/end of summer shows at many locations around the FB grounds since 1984 (I'm gonna estimate 75-100 dates) Owner Tim Kula has hinted that this year could be the end of outdoor shows (he starts getting that mailbox money in 2013) so, GET IT WHILE YOU CAN! Music Starts at 2pm, Blue Band 5:30-dark. FB facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/FB-Company/107929302578736
But wait, summer outdoor shows are not over!! Thursday (9/6) (reminds me of the Jimi Hendrix song If 6 Were 9) (yes, there is a constant life soundtrack going on in my head) is the annual Cedar Valley Chamber WING DING THING!! Numerous food stations, inexpensive (but not cheap) beer, and dancing with The Blue Band at the glorious sounding city bandshell in Overman Park, right here in Sparkle City USA!! We play 5-8pm. Advance tickets are only $7 and includes visits to all the eating stations (still an incredible deal at the $10 gate price) Food, beer, dancing all to benefit on-going Chamber projects. What's not to like, right Avis? More info on the gig and advance ticket locations: http://cedarvalleyalliance.com/event-details.php?id=17
And next Friday (9/7) finds us helping to kick off a new citywide event in my old hometown, Davenport (Quad Cities USA) The East West Riverfest celebrates all things Quad Citian (I'll be bringing my Sudlow Jr. High and KSTT mugs) We play the RiverCenter, 136 East 3rd St, 7-9pm. Check out all the activities in this week-long festival: http://www.visitquadcities.com/ewrf/
I still do not have all the specifics (time/place) on our performance along the running route of the Denver Marathon on Sept. 22, but we sure are looking forward to reconnecting with our Mile High friends! Ironically, I had hoped to get Blue Band alum Nathan Peoples, who's been living in the Denver area for a few years now, to join us for the Marathon show, but I just got a call from him saying HE'S MOVING BACK TO DES MOINES (!) the week before we'll be in Denver! I think Nathan is the most gifted musician that has ever passed thru our band (that's really saying somethin', if you think of all the talent that's been part of our band for 31 years) To hear that he's moving back and would like to be part of the group when his schedule allows, just makes me SO happy! Thank you for this holiday gift Mr. Peoples!...
Nathan's shot of "reason to persevere" really comes at a good time. The first Sat. in August, BF Burt & The Instigators announced the end of their 20 year run. The last Saturday in August gave us the announcement of the "indefinite hiatus" from Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts after their mega successful seven year run. This makes me think too much. There are so many pitfalls along the Blue Highway with anything from band member's health, to broken down equipment vans, to an inability to make a living, to family obligations, to "artistic differences" (and at least 100 more reasons) getting in the way of perseverance. Occasionally, I have to go back to a quote that I find inspirational: "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." My friend Pete says that's from Calvin Coolidge. I don't know for sure, but I do take inspiration from it occasionally. The Blue Band already has assurances from The IA State Fair, that, if we can keep it going, they'd love to have us back on that stage for the 30th year during the summer of 2013! That's all the inspiration I need! Oh, and some work would be good too (nothing beats gainful employment for trying to keep a band together!) Please keep spreadin' the True Blue word. Jeff and I can do a duo or deliver you the full 7 piece version of The Blue Band. We'd love to be part of the party. http://www.theblueband.com/contactBob.htm
Congrats go out to Blue Band founding member Molly Nova, who will be inducted, this weekend, into the Iowa Rock'nRoll Music Association Hall of Fame in the "Women Who Rocked" category. I am fortunate to have been along for nearly 25 years of those "Rockin' Years". I'm proud of her. She's SO deserving of this recognition. We have not heard from Molly since the Blue Band's induction in 2007. If you're in Okoboji for the ceremonies, please pass along congrats from her Blue family...
My "gateway to the blues" was the British Invasion bands of the early 60s. This week's Blue Avenue radio show is devoted entirely to the British blues scene from the late 50s to 1970. Sun. at 5pm on Iowa Public Radio: http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/
See yas on the Holiday Blue Highway (remember the Highway Patrol is workin' OVERTIME this weekend) rub yer washboard to the old Isley Bros. song "Work To Do" (WORK WITH ME, BABY) remember that all holidays go better with CAKE (go ahead, admit it, you KNEW that was gonna get in there somewhere) Enjoy the weekend and always know that we love you, Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

OK, I admit it. I'm suffering from Fair withdrawal. I dream of being able to walk down my alley to the shish-ka-bob stand, in search of the cup 'o cookies and chocolate funnelCAKES and when I'm tired of walking, take the sky-glider for awhile (I will not only vote for, but actively campaign for, anyone running who will promise me sky-glider transportation from 12th St. to the post office in Cedar Falls) Thank God (sorry Dolores) there's only 350 more days til the next Iowa State Fair!...
The best way to get through Fair withdrawal is to get right back into the fun gigs, so that's what we're doin' starting TONIGHT (Thur) It's been a number of years since we've had the chance to play a multi-ages, outdoor show in Marion City Square Park. Join us for the Marion Chamber's Uptown Getdown celebration, 6:30-9:30p. On Friday, it's the return of the Waukee Street Dance, smack dab in the middle of the town triangle in that western suburb of Des Moines. The Waukee Bobs' dances of the late 80s/90s are legendary. This time it's a fundraiser for the Waukee Area Arts Council. Drink beer and dance in the street while raising money for the arts? Yeah, we can do that. We play 7:30-11pm. And Saturday marks our return to the Independence Brew-B-Q, in the picturesque setting of River Walk Park in Independence. Sample beers and bar-b-que and listen to the blues on a Saturday evening in the late summer? Yeah, we can do that. The Lonesome Road Band plays 2-5pm, we play 5:30-9pm. Now THAT is the way to deal with Fair withdrawal! All we need now is some kind of CAKE to help forget about the deep fried Oreo on a stick...
And next weekend, WHAT??, IT'S LABOR DAY WEEKEND next week?? Whoa. That must mean it's our annual Saturday visit to the Park Farm Winery in Bankston (close to the girlhood hometown of Farley for the famous Sheehy Sisters) for the harvest grape stomp celebration and Sunday (9/2) for the end of summer gathering at FB & Co in Waubeek (Tim has implied, more than once, that this might be his last year of shows at FB, come on out and celebrate all the great times)...
The big booking news is that we got an official invitation letter to be part of the entertainment stages along the running route of The Denver Marathon, in Denver CO, Sat. Sept. 22. This is truly an international event where we have the chance to be heard by tens of thousands of people. We would never have gotten the opportunity if our friends Kathleen and Jesus had not insisted that we play at their wedding reception that weekend. Reminds me of that song Jeff wrote for The Blue Band years ago: Isn't It Sweet When It All Comes Together Like That! I know it's still August, but keep us in mind for any holiday parties/celebrations. There's still a lot of prime dates available for The Season: http://www.theblueband.com/cal.htm
As I prepare for the Backtracks radio show to move to Saturday afternoons and be trimmed to a two hour show on September 15, this week's shows are reruns of some pretty cool shows. Backtracks is the reprise of Guest DJ Night http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/ (Sat. 7-10pm) and Blue Avenue is bringing back the show with the long-lost interview with the late Luther Allison http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/ (Sun. 5-6:30p) If you missed these shows earlier in the year, here's yer chance to catch 'em again. Get more info at www.iowapublicradio.org..
See yas on the Blue Highway, support politicians who support sky-glider transportation systems, keep rubbin' yer washboard cuz SUMMER AINT OVER, remember, CAKE can get you thru ANY withdrawal and always know that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

This year, new on the Fairgrounds: Carrot and/or chocolate funnelCAKES! Need I say more? Literally FOUR generations of Blue People from all around the state (actually from around the country) converge for our annual reunion on the AE/TV8 stage at the Iowa State Fair, Friday (TONIGHT) and Saturday, two shows nightly, 7 and 9pm. I think, (altho' I can find no one who remembers for sure) that The Blue Band was a last minute replacement for opening Thursday of the Fair in 1984. That would make this weekend our 29th year. Jeff and I have seen the stage go from The Fairview Stage (before naming rights!) with planks of wood stretched between hay bales for bleacher seats, to the Coors Stage, The Pabst Stage, and AE/TV8 Stage with improvements in staging and seating all along the way. The sound and sound crew are first rate, the FFA kids who help move the stuff on stage are fantastic, and (mostly) the reconnection with people who've moved towards Sex-a-genarianism with us, all combine for an atmosphere like no other! Bring the kids, bring the grandkids, bring the great grandkids, bring yer Bob-on-a-stick fans (you have to have been around for a long time to remember Bob-on-a-Stick, right ie?) and bring yer washboard tie (every year, I hope for a section of 50 or more people playin' the tie) The weather is predicted to be spectacular (you might even want to check out the new long sleeve Ts!) and Lucinda has promised to bring her portable dancefloor. It truly is an honor to be part of the entertainment line up again this year. It is particularly gratifying because we are all from Iowa. This year, we'll have 3 generations of players on stage (my God, Nolan is one-third my age) from Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Iowa City (originally from Harlan) Jeff and I have been invited to play a few minutes on the TV8 News at 5 tonight, so get out early and sing along with us on TV! Keep the tradition going, see yas at The Fair!... But wait, summer ain't ovah! Next Thursday (8/23) has us at the Uptown Getdown Concert Series at City Square Park in Marion, Friday (8/24) at The Return of The Waukee Street Dance!! (well, no, I don't remember the details of the Waukee Bob's dances in the 80s and 90s, but the stories I've heard would indicate that we all had a VERY good time) and Saturday (8/25) at The Brew-B-Q celebration in Independence. More on these very cool events next week...
Bad news/good news: Bad news-Altho' making steady improvement in his health and strength, Sam Salomone does not think he can make The Fair this year. Good news-He's confident that he'll be able to join us for New Year's Eve! Keep the good vibes goin' for the Hammond player! And make those New Year's Eve reservations: http://www.theblueband.com/newyear.htm
In case you haven't stopped by the Blue Band chat page or my Facebook page, the big news about my radio shows posted this week is:
The end of an era. After 30+ years, Backtracks, my rock'n'roll history radio show, will be moved from Saturday nights to Saturday afternoons and go from a 3 hour show to a 2 hour show starting Sept. 15. It has been a fabulous run. Thank you public radio listeners for all the encouragement and support all these decades. I will plan on celebrating this show with one final LIVE Sat. night show on Sept. 8. Hope you can join me. bd
My Facebook post on the changes to the program (after many very nice comments): Hey now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complainin'. First, I make the shows in my garage as an independent producer and am fortunate that IPR helps with production costs and distribution of the program. When/if they run the show is totally up to them and I'll be happy just to know the program is still out there. Second, I personally like the afternoon time slot because, selfishly, I'll probably get more chances to hear it! (on the way to the Sat. night gig rather than doin' the band gig while the radio show is on) I do have a little angst over losing an hour of the program (like Shawn Plank says, what do I cut out now?!) and it's always difficult (especially for sex-a-genarians like me) to step out of your comfort zone. I do admit to a little sadness with the passing of the era, (makes me think too much) but, All Things Must Pass, eh, George? Thanks for all the encouragement. I'm hoping to at least make it to Oct. 3, which will be the 40th anniversary of me doing the first rock'n'roll radio show of ANY kind on an Iowa Public Radio station EVAH!...
The King of Rock'n'Roll died 35 years ago this week. Backtracks this week is a reprise of the 2012 Elvis Presley special that originally aired in January: http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/
I gotta go try and find my wigs and my Elvis tabloids (The Fair audiences love it when I do the schtick) See yas on the Blue Highway en route to the land of Blue ribbons, wear yer Fair/Unfair t-shirt and bring yer Bob-on-a-Stick fan, remember, it's funnelCAKES, not cow pies, and always know we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Curry Harter Update

www.facebook.com/events/185898128208705/
"Blues at the Warren"
Saturday, August 11 doors open 6:30pm
Curry & Rob 7pm
Hot Tamale and the Red Hots 8pm
Tickets $10 at the door
154 Public Square, Greenfield, Iowa 50849

Curry

• website    CURRY - BLUES from the HEARTLAND - home
• facebook  www.facebook.com/CurryHarter
• myspace  www.myspace.com/CurryHarp
• booking:  909-557-3346  or  515-255-4997

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

I know I told ya that there wasn't going to be a Blue Note this week (no, we didn't get any last minute work for next weekend) (there's still time to book that Jeff & Bob duo next Friday for that deck party at your mansion on the outskirts of town) but, as you've noticed, I never miss an opportunity to talk about CAKE! Today (Fri) is Steve Hayes (The Chief) birthday, so I thought you could be in charge of bringing the CAKE. It's his first birthday in 30 years that he's had a full-time job! And he's celebrating by taking a personal day from that job to join us on the bandstand! See yas at the Ottumwa Live @5 celebration, Central Park (right next to Hotel Ottumwa) 5-8pm. Don't worry, we'll have a fire extinguisher on hand in case that fire of birthday candles gets out of hand!...
But wait, there's more. Saturday is Steve's day off, so the birthday celebration continues at the Downtown Davenport/Bix Street Dance, 2nd & Main St. Remember, our show was originally scheduled for the late afternoon, but now has been pushed back to 7:30-9:30p (the time slot we've had for the last few years) I'm looking forward to my annual reunion with Quad Citizens, some of them dating back to my Sudlow Jr. High and Central High days. And The Blue Band's second gig OF ALL TIME was outdoors at the original RIBCO (31 years ago, July 3) Once again, YOU bring the CAKE for the birthday boy!...
After Saturday night, we will have played as many gigs in July as we did in January, February, March and April combined! (which I s'pose tells you more about how slow the winter/early spring really was) Most of the gigs were done in the scorching heat, but everyone pitched in, played great music, and maintained their sense of humor. I'm lucky to work with such pros...
I'm ordering more Tour Shirts tomorrow afternoon, before leaving for Ottumwa. We could still add your date to the tour list on the back if you book it by the end of the weekend. http://www.theblueband.com/contactBob.htm
Because The Blue Band has no work next Sat. (Aug. 4) (WHAT?? NEXT WEEK IS AUGUST??? YIKES!) I have accepted Iowa Public Radio's invitation to be part of the on-air/production team for IPR's live coverage of the Linn County Blues Society's Bluesmore Celebration in Cedar Rapids. Live coverage starts at 7pm and runs thru the end of the performance by multi Blues Music Award winner Janiva Magness at 10pm. I'm hoping to run into you on the Brucemore Mansion grounds, otherwise I'll be talkin' atchya on IPR Get more ticket and/or concert info at www.lcbs.org
There's really a lot of fun shows scheduled for the next two months, including our annual weekend at The Iowa State Fair on Aug. 17/18. The complete schedule can be found at http://www.theblueband.com/cal.htm
So really, I mean it this time, NO BLUE NOTE next week, I can stop doing this anytime, you'll see, I can quit, really...
See yas on the Blue Highway, keep doin' that rain dance while rubbin' yer washboard, don't forget, YOU are in charge of Steve's CAKE this weekend and always remember, we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band
PS, my in-laws say this note is the only update they get about there daughter's health, so, for Bob & Ruth Prins: Carolyn is now able to walk (slowly) to the post office with her foot brace on and today started the exercises to try and get some movement back in her pinky. The walking is going better than the finger movement!

South Skunk Blues Society Update

Upcoming shows:  We continue to have some fantastic blues playing in the area.  I have bolded the three new shows that have been added.  We do try to be accurate in our listings but it might not hurt to call ahead.  Snafus happen.  Last week I wrongly listed Bob Pace at the Speakeasy and come to find out the dates had been changed for the show (it is August 11th).  I am sorry to have misstated that show and I hope those that went to see Bob play will come to his next show at the Speakeasy on August 11th.

Rob Lumbard, Wed, July 25, 6-9 PM at Cadillac Jacks Bike Night in Baxter.  This is an outdoor patio show.  Burgers, beverages, and bikes abound.  No cover.

Hot Tamale and the Red Hots, Jake Moorman Memorial Golf Tournament, Saturday, July 28th, 2012, Twin Anchors Golf Course, US Hwy 30 Colo  4-8 PM No cover.  This is a benefit fundraiser that is hosted by Jake's Moorman’s parents Kendall and Natalie and brother Ben Moorman. Jake died in a car accident on December 5, 2010. The benefit is to raise money in Jakes memory for scholarships for students at Baxter where Jake attended school.    The past events have drawn a good attendance and this year looks like it will even be bigger event.  The public is invited to attend and support this endeavor.  Food, beverages, music, a golf tournament, camping, a silent auction and fireworks will be happening! I am attaching a poster for this event to this email. For more information contact Julie Weltha  at welthaj@partnercom.net or Natalie Moorman at moormanconst@partnercom.net

Eric Jerardi,  coming to perform on Wed, August 8, at bike night at Cadillac Jacks in Baxter for Bike Night.  No Cover.  This is an outdoor patio show that goes from 6-9 pm.  Here is a link where you can check him out:    http://www.ericjerardi.com/2009/01/band.html

Bob Dorr and the Blue Band, Friday August 10 at the Thunder Nights bike night on the square in Newton 6-10 PM, No Cover (the Blue Band show at Baxter Fun Days was fantastic, they have added a horn section, pretty cool).  Bob Dorr is also in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Bob Pace Band – Saturday, August 11th at The Speakeasy in Newton 9-1, No Cover  Bob Pace is an Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee!

Fat Tuesday and the Greasefire Keys, Shake, Rattle and Roll-Lost Cause Motor Cycle Riders Against Parkinsons, Saturday August 25th  Main Street, Roland Iowa. Music begins around 4 PM.  Ride, Raffle, Food Fun, and Music.  See attached poster for additional information.  The Ride registration begins at 11 in Rhodes at Uncle Bucks.  This is bound to be a fun time.

Bowlful of Blues - Labor Day Weekend, September 1 and 2.  http://southskunkblues.org/bowlful.htm   Tickets available online now at Southskunkblues.org    Speaking of the Bowlful of Blues, if you would like to help as a volunteer please let me know.

Membership Drive:  We are continuing to work on membership and Sponsorship renewals so please consider renewing.  A sponsorship form that describes the levels and benefits is attached and so is the membership form.

Sponsorships:  A big thank you to the additional renewing sponsors.  It is certainly appreciated!  Since the last email I sent I 80 Farms, Cadillac Jacks & Blue Moon Barbecue Sauce, Dr. Mark Wetzel and the Foot and Ankle Center, Barney’s Wrecker and Auto Repair, and Sugar Grove Vineyards and Gathering Place have all renewed their sponsorships!  I also want to note that Fulton Mechanical has renewed their generous sponsorship (in the last email I referred to the company as Fulton Manufacturing).

And lastly please support our corporate sponsors!!!  If not for them we could not keep the blues alive:

Fulton Mechanical Jeff and Laura Fulton
I 80 Farms  - Colfax
Dr. Mark Wetzel DPM, Foot & Ankle Center  - located in Newton
Blue Moon BBQ and Cadillac Jacks in Baxter
Side Tracks Tap  - Kellogg
Sugar Grove Vineyards and Gathering Place  - Newton
The Vernon Company  - Newton
Barney's  - Newton
The Arts Connection  - Newton
VFW, Men’s Auxiliary Club Post 1655  - Newton
Revolution Cycle  - Baxter
August Bergman Inn – Newton
Town and Country Sanitary Services- Baxter
Jasper County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Yours Bluely,

 Craig Peterson
President, South Skunk Blues Society             
P.O. Box 951                                   
Newton, Iowa 50208                     
641-227-3209   craig@partnercom.net
Website - http://southskunkblues.org/
Face book -  https://www.facebook.com/#!/south.skunk.1   (South Skunk)
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bowlful-of-Blues/248977208549411     (Bowlful or Blues)

The South Skunk Blues Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and cultivating Blues music. The Society promotes Blues Music education, public performance opportunities for Blues artists, and seeks to increase the exposure to and appreciation of Blues music by the general public.

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

Well here we go again. The Tough But Dumb Tour part Doh! 5 one-nighters in the next 9 days all in 90+ degree heat. Reminds me of the goodle days (when I was half my age)...
I'm really looking forward to tonight's (Fri) show out at the Iowa Lakes. It's been a couple of years since we've had the chance to be part of ReMax Weekend in Okoboji, so I can't wait to reconnect with northwest Iowans. And there'll be some added treats on the bandstand! California guitar player (and native Iowa Lakes resident) Joe Cuttell will join us for the evening, Blue Band alum Bobby Thompson will be part of the horn section, and (got my fingers crossed) I told Nashville trumpet player Steve Smartt at last Sunday's duo gig (wasn't that a great time? I just LOVE the vibe at The Tabor Winery and had loads of fun sittin' behind the drum kit again) (but I digress) I just happened to mention to Steve that Okoboji isn't very far off the route he's taking out to Sioux Center for the start of RAGBRAI on Sunday, so maybe we'll have a full, world class, 3-piece horn section also! That would be so cool that we won't even notice the heat (actually, we play right adjacent to the Lake and there's usually a cooling breeze) We play about two blocks from the Iowa Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, so get there early to check out the museum, (we were inducted with the class of 2007) we play three 50-minute sets starting at 7:30p. Bring your swimming suit and go jump in the lake on breaks...
We have Saturday/Sunday off and start playing again on Monday (7/23) (I just realized that we have more Monday gigs this month than we have gigs on Saturday) (Supwitdat?) Monday is our second year for being included in the annual Wayne McCracken Memorial Concert series. Wayne was a huge local/regional music fan in Des Moines and when he passed, a small fund was established to stage a music performance on the lawn of his church every year. It's an honor to be included in this remembrance show. We play on the lawn of Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, 7-8:30p...
Wednesday (7/25) will be a first in our 31 year history. Every year, for about the last 10 years, we have allowed an arts organization to auction off a night with The Blue Band as a fundraising tool for that organization. For many years it was the Friends of KUNI, last year it was the Friends of Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. This year The Independence Music In Our Schools Foundation approached us about doing the auction for them. What a concept: funding for music classes is cut, so parents mobilize to raise money to keep it going! A group of teachers won the auction and instead of having us play a party in their back yard, they thought it would be even more beneficial to the music students to have us do a show, WITH THE KIDS SITTIN' IN!! So the Independence Schools summer jazz camp concert will run from 7-8pm and The Blue Band with high school jazz students sitting in happens from 8:15-9:15p. Al will join us to help direct the kids through the horn charts and we're told that high school piano players and guitar players may be part of the show as well. We play the "Heartland Acres Event Center". Take the 1st Independence exit off of Hwy 20, Head north and take the 1st left on Swan Lake Blvd. Follow that road until you run right into the Heartland Acres. I'm really gassed that this year's auction will benefit young musicians directly. That makes me smile...
Next Friday (7/27) marks our return to Ottumwa's Live After 5 celebration. Since the band has a history in "O" Town of 31 years, (and I played there before that in The Little Red Rooster Band days and Jeff played there with The Headstone Band for many years) it's always a fun, reunion type atmosphere at this TGIF party. We play 5-8pm in Central Park (right next to the historic Hotel Ottumwa)...
And next Saturday brings us back to The Bix/Downtown Davenport Street Dance. Talk about yer reunion atmosphere. I went to Davenport Central High School (just a few blocks north of where we play) (yes, I graduated just a few years after the dinosaurs died out) I love tradin' high school sports stories (ya should seen me throw that ball) with my old classmates and can't wait to see if Wayne Lyons, the bass player in my Jr High/High School band Tortoise & The Hair (1967 band picture: http://www.theblueband.com/iablues.html) shows up. Please be aware that earlier this year, the Street Fest folks scheduled us for a late afternoon show (real Geeezer hours) but now have moved us back to our usual spot of 7:30-9:30p on the Main Stage, 2nd & Main, in Davenport...
Carolyn took another step forward (get it?) in her recovery from a hairline fracture in her foot and shattering her pinky finger. She's out of the walking boot and into more of a wrap kind of support bandage and the hand is out of the cast with the broken finger in a removable splint. This comes just in time for the BIG Prins Family gathering on Saturday afternoon. We're celebrating Carolyn's parents 60th Wedding anniversary and her niece's engagement. Carolyn's mom is from a family of 10 kids so this will be quite the reunion. Congrats Bob & Ruth Prins! I'm sure there will be CAKE...
Now that Carolyn is out of the boot, we decided to see if she could try and get back into a walking routine, so we did a couple laps in the local mall this evening. This is fortunate because otherwise I would not have known that Vicky's Place (Victoria's Secret) was offering a FREE "Seamless Little Panty" with the purchase of some wonder bra that "adds up to two sizes" in appearance. First off, I was unaware that women's panties sometimes come with seams (why?) and secondly, isn't a bra that adds up to two sizes in appearance really false advertising? (or in this case falsie advertising)...
After this nine day run, we have no work until Aug. 10th (unless you need entertainment for that deck party at your mansion on the outskirts of town) (that Bob & Jeff duo was a lot of fun) so I don't anticipate there being another Blue Note for a couple of weeks. See yas on the Blue Highway, rub yer washboard to the tune of Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight, support your local schools' music program (don't make 'em resort to bake sales) (unless CAKE is involved) and always know that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Soul Searcher Update

Been a long time since these guys have contacted us.  Better go out and see them if You are in Des Moines

Hello - The Soul Searchers' email list is up and running again. Here's where we're playing this week:

 

Thursday, July 26, 8:30pm

The Greenwood Lounge, 3707 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

(full band with Scott, Erich, Neil, Chandler)

 

Friday, July 27, 5pm

The Standard, 208 Third St, Des Moines

(trio with Scott, Neil, Chandler)

 

Visit our new website: http://www.thesoulsearchersband.com

 

Visit our new Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/soulsearchersband

 

If you're like to be removed from the list, just hit "reply" and write "remove" in the subject line. Thanks!

Bob Dorr and the Blue Band Update

What DAY is it? Playing 5 one-nighters in 6 days, most of them in the early part of the week, in the heat, followed by a weekend off, has got me confused. Or is that just the Sex-A-Genarianism shining thru again? And why did I come into this room anyway? oh yeah...
Whoa, I am busy with a variety of stuff this weekend. Friday the 13th, The Blue Band is lucky to have been invited to this year's JayCees Live To 9 event right here in Sparkle City USA. Outside, along the bank of the Cedar River, in the shadow of the historic Ice House Museum, on the cool new stage in Sturgis Park (I just realized we've NEVER played that stage!) It's a fun way for the JayCees to raise funds for all the activities they support thru the year. Drink beer, have a bite to eat, dance, laugh, and benefit your community all at once? What's not to like, right Avis? The beer starts flowin' at 5:30, The Blue Band plays 6-9pm. Rumor has it that local rock stars might show up and play guitar or trombone or spoons or zydeco tie or kazoo or oboe or bagpipes. (ok, the bagpipes probably won't happen, but I'm still holding out hope for a little blues oboe) And after we're done, the party moves to The Hub where Checker & The Bluetones are promising to play until 4 in the morning (or is that the delusional thing happening again?) Now THAT is the way to start the weekend! This is the last Blue Band show booked in the Cedar Valley until The Wing Ding Thing on Sept. 6 so don't miss it if you can...
Saturday night I'm doing the Backtracks Rock 'n' Roll History Radio Show LIVE! I do not recall EVAH doing a live show on a Saturday night in the summer, so help me make thru the night! (on the other hand, I often have difficulty recalling what I had for lunch) (yes, I seem to have devolved into the Ozzy of the local music scene) The LIVE shows always seem to turn into RequestFests, so if you have music suggestions, reply to this email or call 800-772-2440 ext. while the show is on (7-10pm) I answer all the calls myself (it's a one-man operation) if you get thru, let it ring, I'll answer asap. More info or streamed audio, start here: http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/ Remember, Backtracks deals exclusively in material that is at least 25 years old. You might want to get your request in early, as it seems like my Facebook Friends have already picked out half the show! More info on the Sunday Blue Avenue blues show: http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/
And then, something COMPLETELY different! Jeff and I are doing our every-once-in-awhile DUO on Sunday afternoon at the Tabor Home Vineyard in Baldwin (about halfway between Dubuque and Davenport) (http://www.taborhomewinery.com/) We actually rehearsed for over 3 hours on Tuesday (about twice as long as my normal attention span) and both of us continually remarked how different the songs are with 2 people playing them rather than 6! This is further complicated by me trying to play drums, harmonica and sing at the same time while Jeff plays ACOUSTIC guitar rather than the Flying V! (why do I have flashbacks of Artie Johnson saying verrrrrdddy interestink...?) (oops, there's that damn Sex-Geniarian thing happening again) Fortunately, our trumpet playing friend from Nashville, Steve Smartt, says he's going to be in the state for pre-RAGBRAI training and is promising to show up and play with us! Steve is just the coolest, unpretentious, low key, genuine human being, you'd ever hope to meet. As a matter of fact, he'd be a little miffed at me if he knew that I told you he's done gigs with Delbert McClinton, Percy Sledge, Archie Bell, Bruce Channel, Steve Cropper, and Lee Roy Parnell, just to name a few. You'll want to catch this guy if you can. We play 3-6pm. Remember, there's vats and vats and vats of wine there. Sip until we sound good. They'll make more!...
Since my last note, Carolyn has been relegated to wearing the support boot for her foot. The good news is that she did not rebrake that same ankle she broke a few years ago. The bad news is she's got a hairline fracture in her foot. The worse news is that her pinky finger was really smashed when she tried to break her fall and now that finger, and the one next to it, have been totally immobilized in a cast that comes up to her mid arm. Despite all that, she came along to all 5 gigs last week, sang her couple of songs with the band, and generally maintained a smile on her face despite all the "hoppy" jokes (Hop on up here, Carolyn, and sing a couple songs; What's Hoppenin', Carolyn?; Is everybody Hoppy?) (you get the idea) (quick, if you've got anymore Hoppiness puns, get it to me soon, she might be out of that boot next Tuesday)...
And don't forget to make your reservations at your favorite spot around the Iowa Lakes next weekend, as The Blue Band gets to be part of the ReMax Weekend music series in Okoboji next Friday, July 20. We play real close to the Iowa Rock'n'Roll Music Association Hall of Fame. I hesitate to call us "Museum Pieces" but we were inducted into that HOF in 2007!...
And finally, I'm leavin' ya with a link to a really cool "arts segment" produced by Cedar Falls Cablevision, based around our appearance at this year's Sturgis Falls Celebration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKBZagFkns
So, after all of this, I just realized that I DON'T know what day it is, because apparently it's Wednesday night/Thursday morning and I usually send these notes out tomorrow instead of now! Hmmm, proof that I'm still ahead of my time! See yas on the Blue Highway (and airwaves) Bring yer mojo and yer black cat cat bone to the Friday The 13th show, no matter how confused I get, I always know that CAKE can bring me back! We love you, Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

Holy Firecracker, Batman, this is gonna be a hot one! So, do you think the Sex-A-Genarians can play 5 one-nighters in 6 days, 4 of those dates outside in 90 degree heat, and we're our own sound company for all but one of those gigs? Uh, yeah, we can do that. It's the return of The Tough, But Dumb Tour!! Help us celebrate by bringing CAKE to...
Cadillac Jack's Steakhouse in Baxter (a little NW of Newton) is celebrating Baxter Fun Days this Saturday (6/30) and have invited us to play their street dance from 9-mid. Get there early for the good food, dance in the street til midnight...
Monday July 2 has us helping kick off the first day of a three day festival in Shellrock (a little west of Waverly). The stage is located in downtown Shellrock. The municipal band (who knew Shellrock HAD a municipal band??) plays before us, we play 8ish til 11ish. BTW, Shellrock's 3-day celebration ends on the 4th with The Kentucky Head Hunters!!...
Tuesday July 3, we're playing a private/invitation only reunion party. Remember those out of control parties in the Parnell Town Hall in the early 80s? No, I don't either. But that doesn't mean I wasn't there. Anyway, it's THOSE kids who are reuniting 30 years later...
And speaking of reuniting, we're part of the Dan's Place reunion in Iowa Falls on the 4th of July. Dan's Place was another notorious bar/nightclub that I remember nothing about . But I've heard stories about me. The Little Red Rooster Band played there many times (a couple of archive pictures of The Roosters at Dan's Place: http://www.theblueband.com/archives1.html) Jeff played there with The Headstone Band so we both have a long, sometimes foggy history in the place! Dan's place burned to the ground many years ago, but Rodney (the owner) and Jackie (the bar manager) have started to build a tradition of reuniting with Dan's patrons (old and new) during the 4th of July week, at The 503 in Iowa Falls (503 Estes St.) I love playing in this place. I have known many of the folks for the entire 35 years I've played in that town. (no snide remarks about how my music career has Sky Rocketed in those 3+ decades) This event is open to the public and inside with great air conditioning! Our part of the festivities is 9-mid. See ya in Eye Waffles...
But wait there's MORE!! We've been invited to be part of a week-long 4th of July celebration in Osceola (south of Des Moines) on Thursday July 5!! The show takes place on the Osceola Courthouse Lawn, 7-11pm. Singer/songwriter Rick Burke is scheduled to play for the two hours prior to our start, so get there early, bring strawberry shortCAKE for the lawn party!...
AND, in the midst of getting ready for this long hot run of dates, Carolyn took a tumble on our walk tonight and severely sprained the same ankle she broke a few years ago and in the process of trying to brace herself from the fall, broke her little finger. Ouch! Fortunately, we held on to the walking boot and crutches from the ankle break and, trooper that she is, she insists she's going to work in the morning. Might not see her jumpin' up and down on the stage any night soon, tho...
Some people have inquired about Sam & Al (not to be confused with Sam & Dave, but they ARE soul men in their own right) Maybe you saw Al play with us at last Sunday's Sturgis Falls show. He's lookin' good, he seems to be reenergized and is getting ready to lead his jazz group this weekend at the Iowa City Jazz Fest. He's promised to play some more shows with us, so LOOK OUT Blue People, the trumpet man is still blowin' that horn! BTW, Cedar Falls Cablevision started playing their Sturgis Falls Highlights on CF cable channel 15 tonight and will continue through the weekend. I was told that it would also be available thru the CF Cablevision website, but my feeble web skills have not accessed it yet. Sam is home again from the hospital (again) and beginning to make slow but sure progress in recovering from his surgeries. He's got a ways to go before he's strong enough to join us at The Fair, but that's my dream: Sam Salomone on the Hammond B3 with The Blue Band at The Fair two months from now. Oh yeah, baby! Keep the good vibes aimed at the organ player, k?...
AND, the radio shows are all brand new again this week, with the reunion of guest DJs Joel & Ed spinning an hour of British Pub Rock with all the songs having a connection to Nick Lowe from 8-9p followed by an interview I did with Country Joe McDonald (yeah, that Country Joe & The Fish guy) He's coming to Cedar Rapids on July 14 for WOODY Fest (July 14 is Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday) Q & A with Joe + music from his career 9-9:30p, all part of the rock'n'roll history show Backtracks Sat. night 7-10pm (http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/) AND, you have heard Phil Maass' audio wizardry with Blue Band live and recorded performances for years. His "real job" is recording live performances all around the state for Iowa Public Radio. His exclusive recordings make up ALL of the Sunday blues show Blue Avenue and includes live recordings of Chubby Carrier, Trampled Under Foot, Patrick Hazell, and Bryce Janey. Sunday, 5-6:30pm (http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/) The Beatles Medley 6:30-7pm is comprised of hit singles that were on the charts during the summer months...
After that string of dates, we're taking next weekend off and will start again on Friday the 13th at the Live @ 5 event in Cedar Falls (Sparkle City USA) Jeff and I will be doing our duo at Tabor Winery on Sun. July 15. Our trumpet playing friend from Nashville, Steve Smartt has promised to stop in on that duo gig and blow his horn, as he makes his way out to the start of his annual RAGBRAI ride. I'll have more on that in the next Blue Note (which probably will be 2 weeks from today)...
We still have Sat. July 14 and 21 open, as well as Sat. Sept. 8 in case you need music for that bar-b-que/deck party at your shack on the outskirts of town...
See yas on the (Red, White &) Blue Highway. Hope you can spend a few days with us during the holiday week, remember, Independence Day is a celebration of the self reliant and the defiant. Celebrate responsibly. Celebrate with CAKE! We love you, Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Craig Erickson: Back At The Roadhouse

Iowan Craig Erickson performing live.  He has a new CD release, Check him out.

Bob Dorr and The Blue Band Update

I no sooner get the dandelions under control and next, I get rampant clover all over and not a single 4-leaf to be found! What is clover good for? Can you make...you know it's coming...CAKE out of it?...
This evening (Fri) 7:30-10pm we are part of the monthly First Friday Art Walk, on the downtown square in Fairfield. Artists' wares, musician buskers, food venders, dancing in the streets, and the very cool vibe of a very artistically aware town. It's an all ages event, bring the kids and grandkids. Plus it's the kick-off for my wife's birthday weekend! Need I say it? Bring CAKE!...
Saturday night, I'm doing the Backtracks rock 'n' roll history radio show LIVE! The live shows always turn into requestfests. Half of Saturday's show has already been picked out by my Facebook Friends! If you have suggestions, just reply to this note or call during the show (Sat. night 7-10p) 800-772-2440 ext. 5. The nine o'clock hour of the program starts with about 20 minutes of Iowa R & R history, including Bo Ramsey's first single after leaving The Mother Blues Band in 1979 and a song that The Blue Band's Jeff Petersen wrote and played guitar on in the mid 70s for that "other" band that Jeff is also in the Iowa R & R Hall of Fame for, Headstone. (I know that is grammatically incorrect, Lucinda, but I do it that way just to bring out the grammarian in you!) More info on all the radio shows this weekend: http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/ and http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/
Sunday marks our return to The Troll Capitol of THE WORLD!! We are again part of Summer Frolic in Mount Horeb Wisconsin. http://www.thedailypage.com/theguide/details.php?event=283745 As you can see we're the final act of a four day weekend blowout. Fortunately, we'll be in Wisconsin, where people really know how to party. The night is always capped off by one-time Stebite and now one of the Summer Frolic's organizers, Mark Webber, singing Not Me with the band. You gotta see that to believe it! (viral YouTube possibilities) Plus it's my wife's ACTUAL birthday. I'm thinkin' cheese-beer-brats for a birthday present, whadya think, eh?) Grab yer troll and get frolicking! (frolic is a word I seldom use, but there it is, FOUR TIMES in this paragraph)...
And speaking of frolicking, got yer boat tickets yet? These days we only do one riverboat Blues Cruise a year. It's a week from today, Fri. June 8 on The Spirit of Dubuque Riverboat. Advance tx only $15/day of show $20. There are only 300 spaces on the boat. All tickets and reservations are being handled by The Spirit of Dubuque http://dubuqueriverrides.com/cms-view-page.php?page=rates-schedule DON'T MISS THE BOAT!...
Next Saturday (6/9) marks our return to the 503 in Iowa Falls, more info on that next week...
Most of the clover take over in my yard has been fueled by the much needed rains of the last week (I wonder how many millions of dollars that water was worth to the Iowa economy) Thursday's kinda cold rain forced our nightly walk inside the local mall, where I just happened to notice (!) that bras, panties, and sleepwear is 40% off at Vicky's Place (Victoria's Secret) What? Modesty has stricken Vicky? Didn't she take 50-75% off just last Christmas time? And sleepwear? I didn't think Vicky's girls even WORE sleepwear! How do you take 40% off your birthday suit? I lead such a sheltered life...
Well, I wish the TMers in Fairfield could just levitate me down there, but I think it's gonna take close to 3 hours on the Blue Highway to get there so I gotta go. Rub yer washboard to the tune of the Happy Birthday Blues for Carolyn (CAKE would be nice too) Be sure and stop at the merch table for your copy of the Sex-A-Generaian CD (Sex me, baby) watch out for trolls (I hear they like to hide in tall clover) and always know that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band.

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

How many Genarians do we have here tonight?? It's Sex-A-Genarian Summer! Sex me baby...This is gonna be fun...
Saturday night we're playing a wedding celebration for a family that has been following our band for 20+ years. Because his parents have been Blue People for so long, the groom has literally grown up with us. It's always fun to be part of these multi-generational gatherings of Blue People. Congrats Jeff and Brenda!...
And Sunday is the kick-off to Sex-A-Genarian Summer, on the bank of the Wapsipinicon River, in the beer garden of FB & Co. in beautiful downtown Wabeek IA. (about 20 minutes NE of Cedar Rapids) If we could get 200 people to stop out, we'd more than double the population of Waubeek! Over the years, we have played seven different stage locations on the FB grounds (ok, the details of those first 20 years of Memorial Day blowouts are a little sketchy, but I'm pretty sure there were seven locations including the ball field, the "community center", which was scary because there were so many people in that little building that, standing on stage, I could literally see the floor bouncing up and down by inches! (that building has since been demolished) We've also played both stages that are out there now, The Whittier Community Center (5 miles south of Waubeek) the original "on the ground on the ledge" stage and the little stage in the bar) (hmmm, I think we set up on the deck of the bar one year too. Do you remember any other stage locations for this event?) Also, for years, this summer kick-off was on Memorial Day Monday. Because us Genarians need a little more "recovery time" it's now on the Sunday before the holiday. Iowa Rock'n'Roll Hall of Famers The Mississippi Band start the music at 2:30p, The Blue Band at about 5:30p and we'll play til dark. An added highlight for me will be that Al is going to bring out the trumpet, giving us a THREE piece horn section! Oh yeah, baby. There's nothin' like a horny Sex-A-Genarian! Now if someone could just bring CAKE, I just might reach nirvana! (do you know how hard that is for a man my age to reach?) If you need more info, the phone number at FB & Co is 319-438-6582...
Some cool shows coming up next week too. Friday June 1 we're part of the Art Walk celebration in the downtown square in Fairfield, 7:30-10pm and Sunday June 3 we return to THE TROLL CAPITOL OF THE WORLD!! (their words, not mine) Mt. Horeb Wisconsin's Summer Frolic, 4-7pm, which is always topped off by host Mark Webber singing Not Me with the band. I guess that means we'll be playing for anyone from levitators to cheese heads next week! I TOLD you this was gonna be fun. The complete summer schedule (so far) can always be found at: http://www.theblueband.com/cal.htm You'll notice that we still have a few summertime Saturdays open for that neighborhood block party or family celebration...
And speaking of fun, do you have your tickets for the annual Riverboat Ride in Dubuque? I was told that ticket sales picked up after last week's reminder, so get your tickets soon. There's only 300 spots on the boat. All tickets/reservations are being handled directly through The Spirit of Dubuque River Boat http://www.dubuqueriverrides.com/ We only do one blues cruise a year, DON'T MISS THE BOAT, Friday June 8, board at 6:30p, cruise the river 7-10pm...
For the Memorial Day weekend, all the radio shows are remembrance programs, remembering those artists who have passed on. More info, Backtracks: http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/ Blue Avenue: http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/
In case you did not stop by the Post-a-Note page or my Facebook page, Sam Salomone's wife says that Sam has improved enough to be moved from the ICU to a regular hospital bed, but is not out of the woods yet. However, she finds it encouraging that his cantankerous attitude is returning! I check in with her every few days and will post what I know. Keep vibin' for the B3 player...
Today (Friday) is the day I'm told the Sex-A-Genarian CDs should arrive from the pressing plant. We'll have some with us this weekend (even tho' the "official" release date isn't until next Tuesday) (I have no idea why the music industry officially releases new records on Tuesdays, do you?) Tour shirt + CD = $20. Get the new CD and any other back catalog CD/DVD for $15! How do we do it? VOLUME!!...
See yas on the Holiday Blue Highway, rub yer washboard to the tune of The Summer Time Blues, remember that the reason for the 3-day weekend is for remembrance of those who gave their lives for our freedoms, don't drink and drive (call yourself a cab) (YOU'RE A CAB!!) and always know that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Honeyboy Turner Update

Honeyboy Turner Band This Week !

Gas Lamp
Des Moines IA
Friday June 1st 9:00PM-1:00AM

Havana Garage
Omaha NE
Saturday June 2nd 9:00PM-12:00AM

Bob Dorr and the Blue Band Update

Not that I haven't had fun diggin' dandelions and makin' grass grow where it's never grown before, but, I'M READY TO GET BACK TO WORK! The summer outdoor festival season starts this weekend!...
But before starting the summer, we've got to close down another fantastic season of Geeeeezer Gig Fridays at The Hub, bub, at the historic and notorious corner of 4th & Main, Sparkle City USA, 6ish-9:30p. John Rohlf joins us on drums and Nolan Schroeder joins Eddie in the horn section. We're hoping that Bob Guthart shows up and does his behind the back, guitar on fire, guitar solo, while playing the trombone part and singing backups on Wooly Bully all of which he does while leading a conga line down Main Street to the cupCAKE store and back. If you think you can top that, grab yer instrument (!) and come on down! it's pizza by the slice, adult beverages, great sound system, spacious dance floor and a chance for us to play a few new tunes that have emerged from rehearsals the last couple of weeks, including a second song for Carolyn to sing! What's not to like, right Avis? Thanks to Marcus and the great staff at The Hub for another great season! The Geeezer Gig Fridays resume in October...
Never in our nearly 31 year history have we ever played at Houby Days in Cedar Rapids. Actually, I was told that we are the first EVAH non-polka band to be invited to play the street dance. We DO have a nearly 30 year history of playing various establishments along 16th Ave. in Czech Village, so I'm looking forward to the chance to reconnect. It's an all day festival, we're scheduled to start at 7pm, noise ordinances say it needs to be shut down by 10p. The Chief (native Cedar Rapidian) will be the drummer, Bobby Thompson will join Eddie in the horn section. Bring the kids, bring the grandkids. Czech it out!...
Lots of fun dates coming up in coming weeks (http://www.theblueband.com/cal.htm) We just added a cool show in Fairfield for one of their town Art Walk Fridays, two weeks from tonight, June 1, 7:30-10pm. And don't forget about the annual Mississippi River Boat Cruise, 3 weeks from tonight, June 8 on the Spirit of Dubuque River Boat. All tickets are sold thru the Spirit of Dubuque (http://www.dubuqueriverrides.com/) Remember, there's only 300 spaces on the boat, get your tickets/reservations soon. DON'T MISS THE BOAT!...
I'm told that the Sex-A-Genarian Tour Shirts will be available this week and the new Sex-A-Genarian CD should be out by next week for our annual Summer Kick Off at FB & Co in Waubeek over Memorial Day weekend. Disc + shirt = $20. Such a deal. How do we do it? VOLUME!!...
If you want to be aware of the best of the best blues performers in the world today and you only have 90 minutes to do it, might I suggest this Sunday evening's Blue Avenue radio show (http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/blue-avenue/) It's the annual recap of the Blues Music Awards, given out by the Blues Foundation in Memphis. The awards were given out May 10. Saturday night's Backtracks, the Rock 'n' Roll History Show (http://iowapublicradio.org/studio-one/backtracks/) is a totally self-indulgent stroll through my own record library...
I just realized that a good deal of the summer gigs are Friday or Sunday shows. We still have SIX Saturdays open thru the summertime. Must be time for that deck party at your mansion on the outskirts of town (or that house party in your bungalo basement) http://www.theblueband.com/contactBob.htm
In case you haven't stopped by the Post-A-Note page this week, there is this message from Sam Salomone's wife: Sam is still in ICU, now has pneumonia along with his other problems. Due to all of the medications, he is a little confused. We are taking it one day at a time at this point. Thanks for your offer of help but would just ask for everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers. The doctors say he will get worse before he gets better. I hope this mess is the worst.... thanks , Linda. So it looks like we all need to send positive wishes to the organ player...
Yardwork/lawn keeping is a strange thing. You rake, water, seed, water, fertilize, water, so that it will grow enough so that you can cut it off! Which in itself is odd that we find it necessary to walk over every square foot of our property every week with a power tool...
And with that little thought, I'm off to The Blue Highway, rubbin' my washboard to the tune of Here Comes Summer, hopin' you can Houby with us, and reminding you that summer means strawberry shortCAKE! We love you, Bob Dorr & The Blue Band

Bob Dorr And The Blue Band Update

This is weird. I can't remember the last time I wrote and sent The Blue Note in daylight! Just a little Blue Business and we can all get back to eating Dandelion CAKE!
Two of the "very cool" dates that I had hinted at last week have been booked. First, I'm tickled to announce that for the 14th year in a row, we've been invited to the Cedar Valley Chamber's WING DING THING! Food samples, inexpensive beers, and The Blue Band on the coolest stage in Sparkle City, The Overman Park Bandshell. That happens the Thursday after Labor Day, September 6. And I'm equally tickled to let you know that we will be part of the revival of The Waukee Street Dance! In the 90s one of the BIGGEST street parties was The Waukee "Bobs" annual fundraiser. Thousands of people dancing and drinking beer in the shadow of the grain elevators in beautiful downtown Waukee (western suburb of Des Moines) We are teaming up with the Waukee Area Arts Council to bring back that fundraiser, the Friday after the Fair, August 24. Both of these newly booked dates are fabulous ways to wind up the summer, we are really fortunate to have been asked to be part of it. Thankyou, thankyouverymuch!...
You're getting this note a day or two earlier than normal because I wanted to let you know (again) that Wednesday night at 9pm is the deadline to get your date on our once-a-year mass postcard mailing and/or the list of dates on the back of the tour shirt. Let me know of your interest in having us play your hometown festival, corporate picnics, holiday parties, neighborhood block parties, or a gathering of close friends in your garage (hey, we need the work!) http://www.theblueband.com/contactBob.htm We certainly will continue booking dates (and if we sell out of the first printing of shirts, could list your date on the reorder) (we haven't sold enough shirts to reorder in recent years!) but if you want to get the date publicized on the 5000 direct mail postcards, it's gotta happen by tomorrow night!...
Saturday night is the monthly LIVE edition of Backtracks, The Rock'n'Roll History Radio Show. If you've got advance requests (about half the show is already filled from posts on my Facebook page) just reply to this note. Remember, the show deals exclusively in songs that are at least 25 years old. If you'd rather call during the show (Saturday, 7-10pm) the toll free number is 800-772-2440, ext. 5. It's a one man operation between engineering the show, sprinting down the hall to the record library to find requests, and answering the phone, so if you get thru, let it ring, I'll answer asap. Find the frequency in your neighborhood or listen anywhere on the planet via streamed audio at www.iowapublicradio.org
It's official. We're going to press up a small quantity of CDs from the recordings made at the BIG 6-0 birthday party at The Hub earlier this year. The disc will be called Sex-A-Genarian and should be out in about 3 weeks. There will be no release of the video tunes, we're hoping to post some of those on our website and the You-tubes in the coming weeks...
Last week's rehearsal netted a new original song that Mark co-wrote and a reworking of They All Asked For You. Tonight we're hoping to add another song that Carolyn can sing (I've always loved the Revue thing that the band has maintained since the beginning. Everyone gets a spotlight and everyone plays as an ensemble player) And speaking of They All Asked For You, there have been many inquiries about Sam Salomone's health. The good news: he's out of the hospital and loving being at home. The bad news: he's had some relapses in his recovery from surgery. I'm sure all of us together can send some powerful mojo medicine to the organ man, so let's get prayin'!...
No Blue Highway again this week (but you should still USE YER DAMN TURN SIGNALS) Get out your copy of Fan Fair Favorites so you can brush up on your zydeco tie playing on They All Axed For You, someone should bake Sam a Get Well CAKE, and always know that we love you. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band
PS, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to take next week off from the Blue Notes to get ready for the summer tour schedule starting May 18.