ARL Roots Review 56

Our open mic celebration of American roots music is really spreading its wings. Week after week American Roots Live gets better and better and gains more and more notoriety among musicians and music fans as people from far and near continue to stream in.

There really is no other show like it anywhere!

As we gear up for HoneyBoy Dupree's return to our stage from Phoenix, Arizona in July, we've played host over the last two weeks to players from NYC, Allentown, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ and all whistle stops in between.


As was American Roots Live 55, the Royal Memorial for BB, this past week's ARL 56 was spectacular. Player after performer after picker after participant - each as impressive as the one before.

What astounds us all is not only the abilities of these fine musicians who make the pilgrimage each week, but the joy and passion they bring to the stage. With each show the sweat music of our immensely talented All Stars fills the room and - matched by the energy and ability of our newcomers - this is what marks American Roots Live as the premiere open mic show anywhere.

American Roots Live may be habit forming.

John Powers' love of song and enthusiasm for performing is contagious. JR Bradfield's tireless dedication to the live show is invaluable and tantamount to our success. Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak and Ed Pampani - invaluable to ARL and a joy to watch. Each is the type of warm, engaging person that is a pleasure to meet. Come out and get to know them. Play with them. You'll be hooked - you'll want more.

Arl 56 featured captivating performances by half of the Congregation, Johnny Charles and Tommy Fuller, Nancy Coletti, Roy Macnamara and Bob Del Roso, newcomers Roz King and Earl Fonnastock, my boys; the Noo Dogs, and many, many more.

Roots rockin' fun at its finest!

Here's the playlist in no particular order including those mentioned above. Keep in mind some of these folks make both Thursday's and Sunday's shows: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Chuck Wegman, Evil Dick, Bones Sanford, Randy Marinelli, Freddy Macarone, Arlene Schar, Lee Fink, Mike Flynn, Gene Downin, Jake Jar el, Robert Zee, Johnny Charles, Roy Macnamara, Brandon, Kurzawa, Metal Bob, Carlo Trentacosta, Tommy Fuller, Ron Michaels, Bob Giglio, Saxaphone Joe, Dennis Macarone, Nancy Coletti, Roz King, Earl, Fonnastock, Mike Carol, Bob DelRoso and myself joining many to blow and sing and get a cardio work-out behind the drums.

Wishing our friend Win a speedy recovery and looking forward to his return to ARL soon. Many thanks to all who make ARL a success each week and special thanks to the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and Bound Brook Mayor and Town Council for their efforts in helping us plan and take the right steps toward organizing the Bound Brook Spirit Festival tentatively scheduled for a Sunday in July. More on Spirit Fest as it develops. Thank you.

Keeping it real,

Ned