Roots Review 23

Opening night of American Roots Live in our new home was nothing short of spectacular! Crossroads, down in Garwood could have been where two dirt roads meet in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Not that all performances in Garwood Wednesday night were the blues, but they definitely where real. They were real and honest, rootsy and enthusiastic - and for me - that's as good as music gets.

Our thanks to, and appreciation of, one Mr. John Powers continues to grow and multiply as American Roots Live gains more and more momentum each week because of his dedication and hard work.

John Powers, an amazingly talented songwriter and guitarist - supported by unique vocal abilities, is in my opinion the future of American music. And he is the epitome of what our movement is all about. John Powers is a young man who "gets it" - and now he wants to give it back. So do yourself a favor and come to American Roots Live to see and hear what he is all about. Joe Taino did.

American Roots Live 23 was replete with awesome performances by the likes of The Wiliamzboy - our newest American Roots All Star and by Kate Weber, Mark Weber, the 9 piece Bassboards Blues Band, Robert Z, Ed Pampani, JR Bradfield, Bones Sanford, Jimmy Somma, Rich Senatore, my man Freddie Farrow from Soul Mission, Michael Krizan and his band of Monkeys, Brad Sicotte, newcomers Pete Lutz and Gabe Perry, blazing, veteran guitarist Sonny Young from Easton, Pa., Miss Arlene Schar and her violin from Hellerstown, Pa., Ron Poppa, Jeff Page, EJ Rice, Josh Gebhart and the super sounds of guitar legend and American Roots All Star, Bernie "BB" Brauswetter.

Thanks to Kenny Allen, Eddie Szeliga and Crossroads management and staff; Lee, Ronnie, April, Mike, Pam and Derek. Special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and supporters; Win of Elliott Newcomb Designs, Amelia Lange, Jamie Flynn, Big Boy Kenny Nerbak, Arnie Englund, Mary Anne, Seamstress Sue, Arlene, Robert Z, Jack Powers, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray of Computown, Manville Music, LouMarc Signs, SDC Studios, Dunellen Theater, Elmore Magazine, Richard Skelly and the Low Budget Blues show on WRSU, Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation and the always hard working American Roots ambassadors John Powers, HoneyBoy Dupree and Duane Chez.

We look forward to seeing you again Wednesday night down at the Crossroads and to us all having a great opening night at The Bluetone Cafe in Easton, Pa every Thursday night starting September 14th. Thank you Joe.

We've got two very special shows planned for you next week with big name players, great music and some really cool gifts and prizes including the latest issue of Elmore Magazine and Elmore Magazine music compilation CDs, Nasty Ned autographed, show-used harmonicas, some special surprises from both ARL venues and the NEW American Roots T shirts! Don't worry... if you don't win one, they are on sale at both American Roots Live shows while the supply lasts for $15 each. See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned