Roots Review 22

One of George "Mojo" Buford's most recent albums is titled, "My home is where my harp is"...


I'll second that emotion.

And with that said, open here with thank you.

Thank you to all of the people who have made a difference in our American Roots Movement. From the amazing musicians, to the volunteers and supporters, those who spread the word, the thousands of music fans who have come to enjoy the music, make donations to the band and win gifts and prizes - to all of those who embrace the cause of preserving American Roots Music - and certainly the venue owners, bookers, cooks and bartenders who have helped us maintain a home.

American Roots would like to thank Zupko's Tavern Theater, in particular Rich Zupko for having vision and giving us the opportunity to continue to present American Roots Live without interruption.

Thanks to Lynn, Nordy, Jeff, Nick, Melissa, Dave and Jane. We'll miss you as we move and expand American Roots Live to two new homes, every Wednesday night at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ beginning September 6 and every Thursday night at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA beginning September 14.

Crossroads is perhaps the coolest blues and roots club in north Jersey located at 78 North Ave. Crossroads has an awesome house sound system, large stage and full concert lighting. Lee Frankel and Ronnie share the Roots Revival vision too and we're proud to be associated with them.

The Bluetone Cafe, rated the #1 blues and roots room in the Lehigh Valley is run by one of the nicest men in the business, and a real music fan. Joe Karam has the vision, too. And both venues are destination rooms for the finest musicians in the area.

We had a blast on our last night at Zupko's, though. American Roots Live 22 introduced more fantastic new acts, namely the talented soloists Ron Dill and Maureen Gallagher and the frolicking, New Orleans style trio, This Old House. What a blast they were.

With John Powers guest hosting, The Wiliamzboy heated things up right out of the box and we were off and running - and I probably played and sang more at 22 than any other Roots Live I can remember - with John Powers and Josh Gephardt, Johnny Charles, Alan Rogoff, Greg Stier and Greg Louganis, then Arne Englund, Len DePiano and JR Bradfield. Standout performances by all of the above and including Kate Weber and Bassboards with John Caruana, Dr. Greg, Brad Sicotte, Mark Weber and Bones Sanford. We heard Bernie Brauswetter, Robert, Ed Pampani, Chaz, Arlene Schar, Bill Simmons, Paul Daloia, Ray Scro and more - it was a blast!

Special thanks to Win of Elliott Newcomb Designs, Amelia Lange, Jamie Flynn, Big Boy Kenny Nerbak, Arne Englund, Mary Anne, Seamstress Sue, Arlene, Robert, Jack Powers, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray of Computown, Manville Music, LouMarc Signs, SDC Studios, Rich Zupko, Crossroads, Bluetone Cafe, Elmore Magazine, Richard Skelly, Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation and ambassadors John Powers, HoneyBoy Dupree and Duane Chez.

We look forward to a great opening night in Garwood with a special show planned for you with big name players and some really cool gifts and prizes including CDs, Elmore Magazines, autographed harmonicas, concert tickets and the NEW American Roots with Nasty Ned T shirts! So get your rider by your side and come down to the Crossroads - Wednesday, September 6th.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 21

American Roots Live 21 was very special in that we introduced yet another new act, "American Halo" an all girl band playing all original music. What was so cool about it was that Kelly Caruso sat and listened to their set, then they listened to her's.

Kelly Caruso, is really coming into her own. She sounds better and better every time we hear her and she looks more and more like a star every time we see her. American Roots is so proud of Kelly and I am so proud of her for being an inspiration to "American Halo" (and others) and for taking the time to pose for pictures with everyone - including me!

Well, our temporary arrangement at Zupko's Tavern Theater has come to and end with one more Tuesday show to go. We are happy to announce that on Wednesday, September 6, American Roots Live will open in it's new home at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ and run every Wednesday night there after. Crossroads not only has 5 star dining and great ambience but is known as a destination room for musicians. A real "A" venue with a large stage, concert lighting and a great house sound system. We thank Lee and Ronni from Crossroads for their cooperation and their vision - we are all very excited.

American Roots Live 21's standout performances go to John Powers & the Arturos, American Halo, Kelly Caruso, Johnny Charles, Mike Caruso, Alan Rogoff, Rich Senatore, JR Bradfield, Robert, Ed Pampani, Nathaniel Mills, Bones Sanford, Rotten Robert, Randy, Arlene Schar, Bernie Brauswetter, Rob, The Eight St. Band, Ian Christie, Jimmy Somma, Len DePiano, Lori V, Chaz and more.

Special thanks go to John Powers for his continued solid efforts to promote American Roots on and off the stage.

And special thanks to many other special people who help keep the American Roots Movement up and running, namely Win of Elliott Newcomb Designs, Amelia Lange, Jamie Flynn, Big Boy Kenny Nerback, Mary Anne, Sue, Robert, Jack Powers, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray of Computown, Bobby Malavenda of Manville Music, LouMarc Signs, SDC Studios, Rich Zupko and new folks who have stepped forward to pledge their support (just today) - and you know who you are - thank you - and many, many thanks for support from Elmore Magazine, Richard Skelly and the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation as well, ambassadors HoneyBoy Dupree and Duane Chez.

See you Tuesday the 29 at Zupko's Tavern Theater - we've already got a great line up in place for you. Please email me if you want to play and I'll put you on the list now. Thank you.
nastyned@att.net

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 20

In first order, congratulations to American Roots All Star Kelly Caruso for moving her career into the stratosphere. We are all so proud of her.



American Roots Live 20 was memorable as we raised the bar again last night introducing a talented newcomer, The Wiliamzboy who played acoustic guitar and neck-rack harmonica, showed lots of heart and delivered an enthusiastic solo performance of significant, original songs.

Also, HoneyBoy Dupree, ever the crowd pleaser, played his last night with us for a while. We were fortunate to have Arizona's favorite bluesman on our American Roots Live stage three times during his swing through Jersey including the live TV shoot Saturday past. We're sad to see him go but find comfort knowing he'll return again soon... and with Big Mac Mason.

Great performance efforts last night by HoneyBoy Dupree, John Powers & the Arturos, The Wiliamzboy, Snakeman Runyan, Copa, White Trash Hurricanes, Robert, Ed Pampani, Bones Sanford, Len DePiano, Evan Miggolozzi, Jimmy Somma, Bobby Malavenda, JR Bradfield, Rich Senator, Chaz, Freddie Macarone and Brad Sicotie.

Special thanks go to John Powers for his continued solid effort to promote American Roots on and off the stage.

And special thanks to other special people who help keep the American Roots Movement up and running, namely Win of Elliott Newcomb Designs, Amelia Lange, Mary Anne, Sue, Robert, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray of Computown, Manville Music, LouMarc Signs, SDC Studios, Zupko's Tavern Theater, Uncle Wayne and our many thanks for support from Elmore Magazine, Richard Skelly and the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation.

This is an exciting time for American Roots. Please visit again soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 19

Wow! American Roots Live 19 opened Zupko's Tavern Theater with a big bang!

We were fortunate enough to have the one and only, 300 pounds of heavenly joy - all the way from Phoenix, Arizona - American Roots Ambassador in the southwest, Mr. HoneyBoy Dupree in the house. He arrived just in time to help kick-off our debut at Zupko's and to be a part of the live TV shoot we did on Saturday August 12. More on that in a moment... Dupree will also appear again Tuesday the 15th at American Roots 20 - so if you missed 19, make sure you are there for 20.

American Roots Ambassador to New Jersey, John Powers continues to work his tail off for the cause and without him we wouldn't be able to break the speed limit as we soar into our future (more on that very soon) Thank you John Powers.

American Roots Live 19 featured another star studded bill featuring:John Powers & the Arturos, Honey Boy Dupree, Michael Krizan, Robert, Ed Pampani, Bernie Brauswetter, Arlene Schar, Bob Barnard, Johnny Thompson, Lori V, Jeff Page, Tommy Bell, JR Bradfield and others I'm embarrassed to say I cannot recall as I have been traveling at the speed of sound myself trying to keep up with all that has gone on and all that is about to happen - volunteers - help! Please!

American Roots 19 also had a new look as we had new back drop curtains made by seamstress Sue and an awesome new American Roots neon sign courtesy of new Roots TV sponsor, LouMarc Signs in Somerville. Thank you Larry Gliozzi.

Saturday the 12th was history in the making as we began the "live" production portion of American Roots TV with another star studded cast of invitees performing before the cameras. Our sincere thanks to all those acts and musicians for their incredible performances: HoneyBoy Dupree, Johnny Thompson, John Powers, Plainfield Slim & the Groundhawgs, Johnny Charles, Kelly Caruso, The DoughBoys, Bernie Brauswetter, the Noo Dogs, Michael Krizan and Tommy Fuller.

I must recognize the incredibly professional effort and hard work of Peter Naman and his crew from PCTV, our sponsors and their crews for the awesome audio mix and equipment; Bob Malavenda of Manville Music and Tim Manning of SDC Studios, drum tech, Craig Buckman and our generous anchor sponsor, Elliott Newcomb Designs - most of you know Elliott Newcomb as Win.

Thanks to our volunteers, Mary Anne, Amelia Lange, Ed Pampani, JR Bradfield, Sue the Seamstress and our American Roots Ambassador to the Carribean, Duane Chez. Also to our dedicated supporters Richard Skelly, Elmore Magazine and the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation namely Suzanne Cadgene, Fred Reilly and Tom Cucchiara respectively. Also thank you to those who have stepped forward to offer support where ever needed Tommy Wilson , Dave Malavenda, Casey from Northside Lounge in Manville for the good vibes and so many others.

Please keep your eyes on this page as a major American Roots Live announcement is forthcoming. See you this Tuesday at Zupko's Tavern Theater, 450 North Ave in Dunellen starting at 8PM.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 18

American Roots Live 18 was bittersweet - joyous, yet sad. Joy came from the music, musicians, enthusiastic fans and the realization that we are piloting a worthy cause - the preservation of our American Roots music of the 20th century. Sad because we had to say good-bye to the Rail as we continue to expand and move forward.

Our heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude go out the the owners, management and staff of the Rail for being so supportive of the American Roots cause and for giving us a venue to launch our movement. Forever grateful - thank you to the Rail.

But, as usual, American Roots Live 18 was another night of mesmerizing musical magic.

Thank you to the following acts and players: John Powers & the Arturos, Johnny Charles, Jamie Flynn, ATypical Situation, Mike Caruso, Ed Pampani, JR Bradfield, Robert, Kelly Caruso, Bernie Brauswetter, Bones Sanford, Jimmy Somma, Marc Wallace, Brad Sicotie, Gene Downin, Chris O'Sullivan and others and all the dedicated supporters and volunteers, Win, Mary Anne, Evan, Amelia Lange, Sue the seamstress, Eddie Ray of Computown and many anonymous others. Also, thanks to Richard Skelly, Elmore Magazine and the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation.

See you all at Zupko's Tavern Theater, 450 North Ave. in Dunellen every Tuesday night, 8PM for American Roots 19 and beyond - until "baby needs a new pair of shoes, again."

Keeping it real,

Ned