Roots Review 41 & 42

Yes, I have some catching up to do. Sorry for the delayed Roots Review - and, that I'm combining 41 and 42 - but it gets that way sometime, it do.

With juggling the American Roots Live Shows and all that goes with it, my duties for Elmore Magazine and arranging the Blaze Benefit for Harry Okie, I've been running in wet sand.

I hope you can join us Sunday at the Rail, January 28 for the American Roots Live All-Stars Blaze Benefit Concert for Harry Okie starting at 1pm and running 'til midnight. Doors open 12 noon.

15 ecclectic All Star acts will perform in an all-day benefit concert to raise money for Harry Zierdt and his kids who lost everything when their home burned down just before Christmas 'o6. Asking for a $10 donation at the door, we will graciously accept whatever you can afford, and will gladly accept any donations above $10. You can read Harry's story here and Up Stage Magazine's story about the benefit here. Complete line-up of acts here

It has been my pleasure and honor to host the American Roots Live shows each week and am so appreciative of our stead-fast, headlining co-hosts John Powers and Billy K. And it's so satisfying to be surrounded by the many talented musicians who have stepped onto our stage to tear us all a new one.

Recognition goes to Powers and K and all the particpating musicians at ARL 41 and 42: Johnny Charles, JR Bradfield, Chip Bush, Ed Moore, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Keith McGonagle, Robert Zee, Bob Del Rosso, Randy Marinelli, Bob Giglio, Tommy Fuller, Walter Foot, Eric Plotkin, Bob Malevenda, Joe Braverman, Bones Sanford, Whiskey Tango, Len Depiano, Carlo, Mike Carrol, ATypical Situation, Bad Monkeys, Chip Bush, Ed Moore, Jimi Hendrix's Anthem, Frank, Doc Z, Leo, Frank Tapler, Steve, Wes, Mike, Bob, Laurie Razz, Keith Pagan Sr. and Keith Pagan Jr., Matt Roman, Don Howland, The Bluetone's Aaron, Michael Lopresti, Mr. Deno, Nick T and Ross, especially for the Anthem.

Please Note: the current scheduling for American Roots Live Shows; every Thursday 9pm at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ, and starting Sunday, February 11 at 7pm and every Sunday there-after - just two weeks after the benefit concert - ARL will be one big show on two great nights. ARL and the Bluetone Cafe will be taking a winter hiatus and will look at a re-start date in the future. All ARL shows at the Bluetone have been postponed until notice.

Thanks to Joe Karam, Mike and Lynn Ruane, Byron, Evan Coniglio, Win, Elmore Magazine and Suzanne Cadgene and everyone else for their interest and support.

See you at the benefit.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 40

Do you want to know what really makes an American Roots Live open mic show so special? It's the high caliber of the musician on stage, lack of ego, respect for each other, willingness to accomodate and help each other for the sake of the show. And it's their professionalism and dedication to the cause.


Saving American Roots Live!

John Powers in New Jersey and Billy K, Chip Bush and Ed Moore in Pennsylvania get the job done week after week because of their dedication and because they love doing it and because they want to save the music.

We save the soundtrack of our culture by celebrating it each week and introducing it to young people. Inviting youngsters on stage to play with the pros is an experience they never forget. And each more than holds their own. It's exciting to see them play for an audience and get the feel for the stage. All of them, whether nine years old, 14 years old or 17 years old, are wonderful.

This week American Roots Live 40 welcomed Sarah MacCombie, a talenetd 19 year old bass player whose interests are playing and listening to jazz and blues. She kept it in the pocket for guitarist Bobby Malavenda with Ed Pampani on drums. Sarah is Bobby's student at Manville Music Center.

What was cool was seeing Johnny Charles stay on stage for two songs with the youngster after his own incredible set with JR Bradfield just showing his special interest.

I'm so proud of all of the musicians who step onto our stage each week.

Audiences at American Roots Live 40 at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA and the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ were treated to inspiring performances by a red-hot Johnny Charles in both venues, Sonny Young, Arlene Schar, Vern Mobley, Doc Z, Joe Matthews, Michael Lopresti. Bones Sandford in both venues, Laurie Vosburg, Nick T, Keith Pagam Jr., Evan Wismer Jr., Goerge Kokokous and the fabulous Rob Fraser on bass from Mike Dugan and Blues Mission. Also thanks to Don Mickel.

There was John Powers, Pampani, a smokin' Jimmy Somma, Gary Amarossa, Screamin' Mimi Nowak, stump pickin' Bradfield who also played bass for who ever requested him, Bob DelRosso, young Sarah, Randy Marinelli, Carlo, Gavin Lawrence, Malavenda and that steady poppin' south-paw, Walter Foot. Also thanks to Rotten Robert and Dave Becker.

There really is no other show like American Roots Live anywhere.

And for all who come to American Roots Live, the food is absolutely great and affordable - at both venues.

The Bluetone Cafe in Easton serves up great hot and cold platters prepared by Aaron - and the best dang southern fried chicken 'round these parts. Order up some sweet potato fries and homemade cheese macaroni and you got yourself a delicious meal with plenty of jing left in your pocket.

The Rail in Bound Brook offers a great new menu including juicy burgers, pub fries, salads, wing specials and a DAILY 16 oz. Steak Special for $9.99 with seasoned red potatoes and fresh vegetables prepared by Matt. It's down right delicious and you get your monies worth and more - and that can't be beat.

Bring more than just your love of music to American Roots Live. There's good eatin' to be had at every show. And always come early to enjoy your meal and get a great seat.

My grateful appreciation goes to the folks who go the extra mile for our cause: Elliott "Win" Newcomb, Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene, LouMarc Signs, Computown Technologies, Evan Coniglio, BJ Byron, Joe Karam, Mike and Lynn, our sponsors, supporters and volunteers.

And I also appreciate you.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 39

The kids are alright!

Last Thursday's American Roots Live was the epitome of what our movement is all about... the kids. In a packed Bluetone Cafe full of musician's and fans of all ages American Roots music was the focus from blues to country to rock to free style jam.

Billy K & the Pocono Players laid down a solid set of roots based classic rock then backed Carl Van Camp who tore through some Elvis, Johnny Cash and George Jones (pic). Fans young and old soaked in the sweet sounds of yesterday.

Billy K was joined on stage by his 14 year old son Dolan Kutzman on Drums and 17 year old friend Tim Beery on Bass. Nick T on guitar and vocals played with nine year old Brent Meyers who took center stage this week playing his own strat in front of Ed Moore on drums and Chip Bush playing bass.

Nancy Colletti aired out her amazing voice while her children listened and 21 year old Michael Lopresti rocked electric with Matt Roman. Roman then free styled quite interestingly with Billy K - deep.

Other stand outs were Clay Reilly on trumpet. Kevin Tracy , keys, Jaimo Flynn on drums, Joe Matthews, bass Brian Becklin, guitar Sonny Young, guitar & vocals, some guy named Nasty Ned blowin' harp and with Arlene Schar in the house, many others.

Thanks to Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene for their continued support of the effort, the Bluetone's Joe Karam, Doug, Aaron, Katelyn and Christine and thanks to all the parents for recognizing that American Roots Live Shows are a good place to bring the kids to grab a piece of history and expand a mind. For learning to play their instruments better on stage - which is an ultimate form of artistic expression - builds confidence in young people.

We all had fun. We're all proud.

Keeping it real,

Ned