Press Release: May 16, 2008

Musicians and Fans Will Come Together for "American Roots Live" in Manville


(MANVILLE, NJ, May 16, 2008) American Roots Live the 2 years-running, weekly showcase and open mic show hosted by Nasty Ned and co-host JR Bradfield, announced today that the music will continue on Thursday, May 29, 9pm, and every Thursday night there after, inside Rhythms of the Night, 729 South Main Street, Manville, NJ.

American Roots Live (ARL), is the "weekly equal opportunity celebration of roots music", says the show's host. Adding, "we recognize jazz, blues, country, rock&roll, R&B, rock, bluegrass, folk, gospel, soul and everything in between that came before today’s music… you know, the roots".

Each week ARL features some of the region's biggest names in music as well as touring acts and some of the area's most talented up-comers. ARL also encourages and inspires children and young adults to appreciate roots music as the birthplace of today's music and provides opportunity for young and aspiring players to perform on stage with professional musicians.

May 29th's opening night of American Roots Live at Rhythms in Manville will feature some of the area’s most endearing musicians, and bands, in showcase and jam performance: Plainfield Slim and the Groundhawgs, Joe Cerisano formerly of Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Mike Caruso of The Doughboys, Nasty Ned, Lee Fink, JR Bradfield, Johnny Charles, Florida Rod, Spiderlily and more.

Show host Nasty Ned, with a soulful voice and bluesy harmonica, may be best known as the fun loving bluesman from Nasty Ned & the Famous Chili Dogs, a band largely popular in the 1990's on strength of their recordings for Interstate Records and always exciting live shows. Ned has entertained audiences for 42 years.

Rhythms of the Night also houses JP's Steakhouse which features fresh cut angus steaks, slow roasted prime rib, baby back ribs, chicken, pastas, and boasts the area's freshest all-you-can-eat salad bar. The facility is also open for weddings and banquets.

ARL at Rhythms of the Night is sponsored by Manville Music Shop, 249 South Main Street, Manville, NJ.

###

Contact: Nasty Ned:
Rhythms of the Night: 908.707.8757
Web site: http://www.rhythms-of-the-night.com/
Manville Music Shop, Dave: 908.203.1610








All aboard!! They'll be comin down the mountain, when they come! May 29...

ARL Roots Review 81

What a wonderful week of music.

It started Wednesday at Writers in Raritan with John Powers and Aster Pheonyx (pic) dealing strong songcraft in solo, acoustic performance with Jim Popik and Kevin Reavey - then me and Bradfield and Jim Popik really getting into something at the end.

Aster Pheonyx, who you'll hear more of in the future, is where passion and pain meets "strong songwriting and dynamic vocals". Watch for good things for her.

Thursday's American Roots Live 81 was a talent packed, horse-choking line-up of great musicians all showin' their stuff, starting with Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, JR Bradfield ,Ed Pampani, Tommy Toye, Tony Pilleggi, Bobby Z, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Ron Seibert, Dice; Rich, George and Al Pilleggi. Randy Marinelli, Hershall Dow, Mordechai Jones, Steve Pozz, Rich Keorner, Carl Marcantonio, Corey Small, Ed Avilia, George Nicola, Jerry Lanza, Rob Bianco and Ernie Fortunato.

Continued fun Friday night when I joined the DelRosso Experience at the Blue Moon Cafe and laid it down all night with Bob DelRosso, Vinnie Capodice and Kevin Brennan with a sit-in visit from ol' 88's Jim Beckerman. What a groove...

Then Saturday night at the Stanhope House hearing the magnificant Jo Wymer & the Itty Bitty Band open for Christine Martucci Band, who put a solid ass whoopin' on the house with two and a half solid hours of good rockin originals and big Janis gems. Damn that girl can sing and them boys can play!


Sunday night American Roots Live 81 featured a cool new band, Reality Addiction. Dustin (pic), Adam, Robby, and Jonathon brought a good sound, a good vibe and good originals.

The night's playlist included a young new friend from Oxford, NJ on guitar named Justin Kamm, then JR Bradfield, Evan Miggs, Ed Pampani, "Phishboy" Keith Autocunas, Ron Seibert, Sticks Obremski, Chris Mongiello, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Keorner, Mike Coyle, Phil Liebergall and Gene Goodman.

Thanks to Win for the "timed" ARL 80 group photo that'll hang on the "Wall of Fame" at Orphan Annie's. That's Win, down low in the foreground and HoneyBoy Dupree on the cell phone. Can you find yourself here?

Thanks again to all the folks who work hard to keep the music alive. And Ed Pampani for the Live pics.

See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Justin Kamm plays American Roots Live 81.

ARL Roots Review 78

We had lots of great music by passionate musicians last week. Some new-comers, some regulars and some old friends we haven't seen in a while.


Young Joe DeRogatis (right) sings some old school R&B.










We introduced Kayka for the first time at American Roots Live as she kicked ass with some 50's blues done 60's style with a new millennium attitude accompanied by Ed Avilia on bass, Ed Pampani on drums and our new friend Mike Coyle playing harmonica.







ARL 78 kicked off with lots of people sharing Edgar and Johnny Winter stories as at least a dozen American Rooters made the Winter's show at Starland Ballroom after winning tickets for the concert last week at ARL 77 thanks to Blueskid.


On Sunday more than 40 musicians, including seven bands came together during our twelve hour marathon to raise money for the Eden Institute in Princeton at our Roots Rockin Riders Bikers Benefit for Autism co hosted by Flock Promotions. During the day the name Bernie Brauseswetter was respectfully evoked, numerous times, as we all knew if BB were still with us, he'd be there too helping out for a good cause as he so often did.

Many thanks to all the musicians who came to help, all audience members for their support, Orphan Annie's for the venue and good vibe and to AJ, Lee and Frankie for their unwavering, tireless work for the Eden Institute - and special thanks to my friend and yours, co-host JR Bradfield.


American Roots Live's combined playlist read: Joe DeRogatis, Robert Zee, JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Ed Avilia, Johnny Thompson, Tim Ludwig, Dave Alles, Mike Coyle, Kayka, Randy Marinelli, Carlo Trentacosta, Carl Marcantonio, Spider Lilly, Bones Sanford, Gene Gagliardi, Mike Carroll, Frank Cerulli, Ryan Maas, Johnny Thompson Band, Phil Leibergall with Phil n' the Blanks, The Congregation: Chuck Wegman, Evil Dick, Sal and Rich, The Dogs: Lee Fink, Mike Flynn, Gene Downin, Jake Jar el, Jerry Lanza (below),The Jerry Lanza Band: Ray DiGiovanni, Tito, Chris O'Sullivan, Ed Avilia, Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings, Bradfield, Kim Brewer, Jamo Flynn, Katmandu, Tal, Rich, Randy, Jeff Kesili, Vinnie Capodice, Snakeman Runyan, Tom Cucciara, Keith Autocunas, Ron Seibert, Tommy Toye, Joe Colucci, Roy Macnamara, Peter Malliss, Chaz and Jimmy Farkas.


Many thanks to all who make American Roots Live the place to be week after week, OA's, Annie, Frank, Rick, Karin, Joe, Rich, Bradfield, Powers, Macnamara, Nowak and especially Win and Ed for the great photos.

We all wish Hershall Dow a quick recovery and quick return to the show - God speed brother.

See you soon again.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 77

Your bed's on fire! Your bed's on fire!

That's what I've been saying to my friend Copa - the multi-instrumentalist best known as the keyboard player in my earliest bands, Shadowfax and R Band and a more recent Famous Chili Dogs - for as long as I can remember, because he played so hot. At least I think that's why I always said that.

Copa and I spent a lot of time together. In the late 70's we traveled to places like Houma, Louisiana and Hafuf, Saudi Arabia and almost everywhere in between - in bands that had little to do with us - then spent most of the early 80's writing songs and recording comedy skits in his home studio behind gallons of producer juice and piles of other stuff.

Well, Copa, who now lives about a hundred miles south of here, made it up to American Roots Live 77 at Orphan Annie's last week to play with us all. He brought his keyboards, but spent the night burning up the bass - I told you he was hot - and we loved it as much as he did, as he made many new friends. Thanks Cope.

Last week was full of great players as we welcomed back our old ARL friends Jimmy Somma and Tommy Hayes and Peter Malliss - and some old favorite regulars like Johnny Charles and Evil Dick of the Congregation.

And we gave away 6 pairs of tickets to see Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter in concert at the Starland Ballroom compliments of BluezKid. Everybody was smilin' big time!

We lit up the northern sky at 77 as we have many times at ARL and just as we'll do again this Thursday night and ALL DAY Sunday, October 21st at our "Roots Rockin' Riders, Bikers' Benefit for Autism. Doors open at 12N, music starts at 2pm and goes til midnight featuring Johnny Thompson at 2pm, Phil 'n the Blanks 3pm, The Congregation 4pm, Nasty Ned & the Dogs 5pm, The Jerry Lanza Band 6pm, Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings 7pm, Katmandu at 8pm and then an American Roots Live All Star Jam the rest of the way - and I'm pretty sure we're going to have some "girl power" coming!

77's playlist read: JR Bradfield, John Powers, Copa, Jimmy Somma, Tommy Hayes, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Ron Seibert, Bobby Z, Robert Zee, Hershall Dow, Mordichai, Dave Alles, Ed Avilia, Randy Marinelli, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Joe Salerno, Frank Ceruli, Joe DeRogatis, Phil Leibergall, Sandra Lynne, Molly, Evil Dick, Dennis Grove, Tommy Toye, Jeff Frank, Sticks Obremski, Vinnie Capodice, Tim Ludwig, Peter Malliss, Amy Franza, Tony Prochilo, Bones Sanford, Johnny Charles, Johnny Thompson, Carlo Trentacosta, Gene Gagliardi, Retox, Carl Marcantonio, Chaz, Ron Michaels, Arlene Schar, Rob Bianco, Rich Keorner and Vinni Meleto.

Thanks to all who make American Roots Live work week after week: Orphan Annie's Rick, Karin, Joe, Bradfield, Powers, Mimi and Ed and Win for their support and photographs. (Due to a misfunction in Blogger today there are no pictures here, sorry)

See you soon again.

Keeping it real,

Ned

P.S. Tonight, Wednesday October 17th is opening night of Writers in Raritan, our new singer-songwriter show at DeCicco's featuring Robert Ross, John Powers, The Wiliamzboy, Bruce Jepson and Peter Prasa - please check it out at Writers in Raritan

ARL Roots Review 76

American Roots LIVE with Nasty Ned...

there is absolutely no other show like it anywhere!


Don't be fooled by imitations.

American Roots Live is not a typical run-of-the-mill open mic or open jam. It's a legitimate show in a legitimate music room - and it's the longest running of its kind.

American Roots Live stands for roots music preservation.

ARL is an equal opportunity celebration of the music and a place you can bring your children to share in the fun. It's for passing the torch to the next generation in an effort to keep the fire burning AND to create an outlet for players to play and network as our "live" music scene is shrinking. Music venues are dying off one by one at an alarming rate.

American Roots Live appreciates and recognizes the contributions of its participants. ARL puts everyone in the spotlight making everybody an All Star. And every musician making a contribution is invited to sign the ARL All Stars autographed guitar.

American Roots Live puts every one's name in print right here in our weekly roots reviews recognizing their tremendous performances - in this case our new friend and featured artist, Pinky Mendez from New York City (pic below).


Bass warrior Pinky Mendez regularly plays with my "big apple" brother, Tony Santos & the Blues Conspiracy. We look forward to seeing and hearing Tony at ARL soon,too.

American Roots Live also has official photographers and is the only show of its kind where you can perform one week - come back the following week and possibly take home a beautiful color print of your performance the week before - for free!

American Roots Live doesn't just have its hand out for the sake of gathering donations. ARL, now approaching its 77th week, passes the bucket to keep the show going and always gives something back to the people. Fans and players alike win music CDs, harmonicas, T shirts and other great prizes each week.

Last week we gave away Delbert McClinton and a number of Elmore Magazine CD samplers featuring John Mayall, Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker, Roy Orbison and more. In previous weeks; the Allman Brothers, Al Green, Muddy Waters, Aretha Franklin, 25 Years of R&B, 25 Years of Soul, T Bone Walker, BB King, lots of great new music CDs from our many All Stars and on and on.

American Roots Live is where you have a chance to take home autographed guitars. We've given away two so far and our third guitar give-away happens November 1. Tickets are still available, but going fast so hurry out for your chance to take home the Austin electric strat autographed by so many: Nasty Ned, John Powers, Johnny Charles, Jamo Flynn, Lee Fink, Phoenix Arizona's HoneyBoy Dupree, Bob DelRosso, Arne Englund, Rob Fraser, Gene Goodman, Dean Schot, Pinky Mendez, members of the Congregation, members of Cleaver June, Mimi Nowak, Roy Macnamara, Nancy Coletti, Lori V, Hershall Dow, Ron Michaels, north Georgia's Smokestack the Foothill Fury, Toronto Canada's Vanderpark, Covington Kentucky's Fickle and many, many, many more.

You do not have to be present to win!

And on November 1st you are ALL welcome to come and get on stage for a group photo shoot - our framed American Roots Live All Stars group photo will hang on the "wall of fame" at Orphan Annie's. Will you be in it? (Don't miss this opportunity. Watch for more details to follow right here).


Yep, never be fooled by imitations. There is only one American Roots Live. It happens every Thursday and Sunday at Orphan Annie's and it's hosted by yours truly. There really is no other show like it anywhere on any night, guaranteed.






ARL 76's playlist read: JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Len DePiano, Bones Sanford, Rotten Robert, Carlo Trentacosta, Robert Zee, Randy Marinelli, Mordecai, Hershall Dow, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Jerry Lanza, Roy Macnamara, Mike Carroll, Dave Frant, Gene Gagliardi, Ed Avilia, Doug Deittmann, Carl Marcantonio and Rich Koerner, Jim Sventy, Pinky Mendez, Bob DelRosso, Larry Lip (pic left), Tommy Toye, Sticks Obremski, Al Marchitto, Nick Lavirtano, and Frank Cerulli. That's 32 musicians and singers coming together on one stage in the name of the music - awesome. Oh, and adding me is 33.

Thanks to all who make ARL a "one of a kind" - Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Ashley, JR Bradfield, John Powers and Win and Ed for the photos.

If you read and enjoy these Roots Reviews, please email me here let me know who you are. Please let me know if you have any suggestions to make this page OR our show better or just to say hello. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks.

See you soon my friend.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 75

Wow, what a week ARL 75 was. A week of new friends, horns and GIRL power!




New friend, singer/guitarist Ed Saultz from Philipsburgh, NJ performed a solo set. In touch with his roots, Ed played songs that evidenced the European influence on American roots music. Very enjoyable.

We met Mordeci who joined good 'ol Hershall Dow on stage with Randy Marinelli, and as I said earlier - GIRL power.

Roy Macnamara took the stage with a back-up band comprised almost entirely of women. Lisa Lewis on Drums, Cat Viksne playing fiddle, Lisa Batruch and her Jembi drum shared vocals with Mimi Nowak and Lucky and our new friend Sandy Lynne on saxophone - oh, and JR Bradfield played bass.

After a while Lisa switched to guitar and the women took over the stage, employing Bradfield on bass and Randy to play drums.

American Roots Live 75's playlist read: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Bones Sandford, Ed Saultz, Robert Zee, Joe Salerno, Hershall Dow, Johnny Thompson, Howard Cohen, Mordeci, Carlo Trentacosta, Keith McGonigle, Randy Marinelli, Chaz, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Phil Leibergall, Frank Cerulli, Roy Macnamara, Doug Deittmann, Johnny Charles, Paul Obremski, Ron Michaels, Cat Viksne, Sandy Lynne, Tommy Toy, Vinni Capodice, Lucky, Lisa Lewis, Carl Marcantonio and Rich Koerner.
Thanks to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Win and Ed.

Remember the Roots Rockin' Riders Bikers' Benefit for Autism October 21 (see poster below.) And I'll see you soon again at American Roots Live with Nasty Ned.

Keeping it real,

Ned

P.S. get hip to... Writers in Raritan at www.myspace.com/writersinraritan

ARL Roots Review 70

American Roots Live with Nasty Ned is not only about the music - it's also about the people. Those special people who make the music on our stage every Thursday and Sunday. Those passionate about the music we promote to preserve.

And it's about the vibe those people put out. Mimi Nowak is one of those people.

She is a talented singer who is out-going, fun loving and enthusiastic - all about the show - all about learning, sharing and expanding her abilities - and she puts out that good vibe.

Mimi Nowak is an American Roots Live All Star and we're proud to call her our friend.

Her autograph is among other ARL All Stars' autographs on the All Stars signature guitar we're raffling off at the end of the summer to help raise money for new stage equipment.

Only $3 a chance, two chances for $5 and five chances for $10, so please give yourself a chance (or chances) to win this awesome one-of-a-kind, signature guitar when you come out to American Roots Live. It's not a toy, it's a quality Austin electric guitar and a real collector's item. Johnny Charles plays one exactly like it and makes it sing when he performs.

So, if you win, you don't have to hang it on the wall if you don't want to. You can plug it in and jam on it.

Johnny Charles' autograph is on this guitar as are other ARL All Stars; John Powers, JR Bradfield, Snakeman Runyan, Len DePiano, Nancy Coletti, HoneyBoy Dupree, Lee Fink, Steve Pozz, Chuck Wegman, Evil Dick, Rob Fraser, Jamo Flynn, yours truly and many, many, many more.

And speaking of winning a guitar - Orphan Annie's is giving away a six string acoustic guitar at American Roots Live 71 this Sunday night, September 2nd compliments of Heineken - be there!.

Winning the Heineken guitar is super easy, too. All you have to do for a good chance to win is show up, buy a coke or a beer or anything from the bar and you'll be given a numbered raffle ticket. And you'll be given a guitar raffle ticket every time you purchase ANYTHING - all night long- a drink a burger a coke a bag of chips - anything!

Around 12 O'clock we'll draw the winning number and somebody will go home with that guitar. Pretty cool huh? I think so.

Last week's ARL playlist included a very talented 16 year old guitar protege of John Powers named Matt Stelljes. If you were there, you caught a pretty cool performance by the youngster. If you missed it, don't fret - Matt promised to come back again soon.

The entire ARL 70 playlist read: Matt Stelljes, John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Bones Sandford, Mimi Nowak, Phil Leibergall, Ed Pampani, Randy Marinelli, Corey Small, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Ed Avilia, Don Howland, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Ron Seibert, Rich Peterson, Doug Deittmann, Steve Klem, Kate Weber, Mark Weber, John Caruanna, Mike from Bassboards Blues Band, Chaz, Joe Salerno, Gene Goodman, Garry Hodgson, John Breen, Bob Giglio and our resident singing bartender, young Joe DeRogatis.

A great time was had by all - why not join us next time?

Thanks to all the usual suspects for making it happen. We encourage you to support live music where ever it is played and we hope to see you again this week at American Roots Live 71.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 68

Snakeman Runyan (left) and Johnny Charles smoke on stage at ARL 68.


(Review)
The BluezKid and me are always at odds over the terms "open mic" and "open jam".

He doesn't like one and I don't care for the other, especially when it comes to describing American Roots Live with Nasty Ned; the premier, equal opportunity celebration of roots music, recognizing Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock&Roll, R&B, Rock, Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel, Soul, BeeBop, Dixieland, Zydeco, Cajun, Native and everything in between that came before... See?

American Roots Live is open to all but is much more than an open-mic or an open-jam.

ARL's aim is to preserve and promote roots music with equal opportunity celebrations that are run like shows and in effect are showcases where the musician who graces the stage is promoted!

That's partly why I'm always spouting, "there is no other show like it anywhere!"

ARL is the twice weekly live music event where you can hear great music with your dinner - then, if you are a musician, play for an enthusiastic audience after dinner - and ARL is where parents can bring their youngsters to listen or to perform live music on stage with professional musicians.

American Roots Live is also an event where fans, musicians and youngsters can win prizes like classic roots music CDs, local artist's CDs, national music magazines, autographed Hohner harmonicas, delicious baked goods (yes, cookies and donuts) and even All Stars autographed electric guitars!

Also the aim of ARL is to rejuvenate an ever-shrinking "live music scene" by bringing music into venues on nights other than Fridays and Saturdays - bringing attention to "LIVE" music - and waging a fair fight against Karaoke, bad DJs, Texas Hold 'ems, Jello wrestling and other culturally deficient activities.

ARL encourages everyone to support live music whenever and where ever it is performed.

We commend our brother Len DePiano and good friends Dean Shott and Todd Wolfe for creating other live music opportunities for musicians - and ARL recognizes other live music "open sessions" popping up in other areas across the state and around the country.

Go! It's all about the music.

Robert Zee knows it.

Zee knows it's about playing it live, having fun with it and sharing the roots of the music with kids.

The music is the heartbeat of our culture.

We can't forget it.

American Roots Live 68 at Orphan Annie's in Stirling, NJ was another great two nights of, well... all that I've been talking about.

Come out and see for yourself. There really is no other show like it anywhere.

ARL 68's playlist read: Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Mimi Nowak, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, John Powers, Ed Pampani, Keith Autocunas, Snakeman Runyan, Paul Obremski, Robert Zee, Ed Avilia, Bones Sanford, Mikey K., The CONGREGATION, Phil Leibergall, Chaz, Evan Coniglio, Roy Macnamra, Phil 'n the Blanks, Gene Gigliardi, Doug Diettmann, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Koerner, Bob Giglio and Amy Franza and Peter Mailliss, pictured below

Thanks to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Tim, Frank, Annie, Brad for finding the bad tubes, Stevie for drivin my ass around, Ed for breaking down the drums and Win for the photographs and of course, the BluezKid.

See you at American Roots Live 69!

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 67

If a picture really is worth a thousand words what does this picture of Ken Brodack from Fort Myers, Florida, taken at a recent American Roots Live celebration, tell you?




This is why I say ARL is a good way to make the best out of "just another Thursday night" and a great cure for the Sunday night blues!

For 67 weeks - now two nights per week; Thursdays and Sundays - American Roots Live with Nasty Ned is where musicians and fans, from near and far, come to meet and party in the name of music. If you haven't joined us already you really should!








Kate Weber knows a thing or two about having fun. And she knows about the music too; where it comes from - the artists who made it long before she was born - and she knows it almost as well as she knows how to belt out any Janis Joplin song you throw at her!



Our ARL co host, JR Bradfield, the hardest working man in the show, knows how to have fun too. Then again he's had a lot of experience - he and his black Takamine have played for hundreds of thousands of people across hundreds of thousands of miles around this world before settling down at home, here at American Roots Live.


There is no place like home.

For me home is where my harp is and right now that's American Roots Live every Thursday and Sunday night at Orphan Annie's in Stirling, NJ. We do have fun. Come and see for yourself. There really is no other show like it anywhere!











Here's me gettin' down and having some fun at home. Man that feels good!



Join me and JR Bradfield and the rest of the American Roots Live All Stars at American Roots Live 68 this week and have some "get down" fun of your own. Or get down and order up some home cookin' and just sit back and relax.

Remember, when you eat at ARL I'll give you a FREE raffle ticket that could win you this ARL ALL Stars autographed guitar at our end-of-the-summer-drawing.











Here's the playlist from ARL 67. Remember, some of these talented folks participated in both shows: JR Bradfield, John Powers, Len Depiano, Mimi Nowak, Roy Macnamara, Johnny Charles, Carlo Trentacosta, Gavin Lawrence, Garry Hodgson, Keith McGonigle, Bones Sandford, Robert Zee, Doug Diettmann, Steve Pozz, Peter Mailliss, Amy Franza, Jamo Flynn, Lori V., Ed Pampani, Phil Liebergall, Chaz, Keith Autocanus, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Ron Seibert, Brad Sicotte, Bob Giglio and a new band named Phil 'n the Blanks.

Many thanks to all who help make American Roots Live happen; Orphan Annie's, Rick, Tim, Sandy, Karin, Annie, Frank, Garry, Lori, Win & Ed for these photos and Stevie for the baked goods.

See you soon we hope.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 66

She came down out of the hills of eastern Pennsylvania to tear us all a new one last week at American Roots Live 66 after a too-long hiatus - but she was back, and that's all that mattered.

Sue T. ripped through a few rockin' blues numbers, Hound Dog, Cross Cut Saw and others, like a pole cat on a mission.

...and she sang and played better than ever!

American Roots Live 66 saw many incredible performances by outstanding musicians on our stage last week, all in the name of music and fun. We also saw the return of another ARL favorite; Miss Kate Weber, and with the good doctor, Greg Louganis joining her on keyboards.

Kate Weber and Sue T. were gracious enough to sign our ARL All Stars autographed guitar being raffled off to raise funds for our new stage equipment - making it an even more sought-after collectible. Thank you both.





There's always a groovin' good time waiting for new comers and old friends alike at American Roots Live, ARL 66 was no exception.







The 66 playlist read like a who's who of monsters on the circuit: JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Roy Macnamara, Bones Sanford, Gene Goodman, Carlo Trentacosta, Carl Marcantonio, Chris O'Sullivan, Arnie Englund, Sue T., Rich Koerner, Walter Foot, Don Howland, Bob Giglio, Jerry Lanza, Mimi Nowak, Snakeman Runyan, Joe Salerno, Lori V., Peter Mailliss, Amy Franza, Chaz, Doug Diettman, Ron Siebert, Pat Mulhern, Paul Obremski, Phil Liebergall, Kate Weber and the good Dr. Greg Louganis.

As word spreads of our roots music celebration we are now pre-booking acts from out of state who are passing through while on tour. You'll not want to miss these exciting acts in August and September down from Massachusetts and up from Georgia.

Dang! You don't want to miss American Roots Live at all, period! You never know what you might wittness, who you're going to see or what you might hear!

As for the autographed guitar; it is being covered with some of the coolest names on our music scene - a collectible piece you'll cherish and want to display proudly, no doubt.

Among the autographs emblazoned on the axe body so far are Johnny Charles, John Powers, Nancy Coletti, Jamo Flynn, Dave Carta, Kim Brewer, Keith McGonigle, Snakeman Runyan, Arnie Englund, Robert Zee, Roy Macnamara, Sue T., Kate Weber, Jerry Lanza, HoneyBoy Dupree, Lee Fink, JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Lori V., Nasty Ned and many, many more.


Tickets are just $3 a piece - two for $5 - and five for $10 and you don't even have to be present to win. We are only letting go of a limited number of tickets so you should get yours soon before they're gone. The limited number of tickets in circulation assures everyone good odds, but please be aware, there is no limit to how many tickets you can acquire. You can improve your own chances to win.

Here's how it will work.

We're asking everyone to put a first name and telephone number on the backs of each ticket. At the end of the summer, when the winning ticket is drawn (and if you're not in the room) you will be phoned by me from the stage and told the good news. You only have to answer your phone. That's all!

Also, during the month of August everybody will have extra chances to win the guitar. Just show up at American Roots Live any Thursday or Sunday inside Orphan Annie's and order up some mouth watering vittles. Yes, just come and eat with us and you'll receive a autographed guitar raffle ticket for FREE!

See you soon. Thanks to all who make ARL possible.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 64 & 65

Oh man, we do have fun at American Roots Live!












But sometimes what happens is I'm forced to combine two weeks of roots reviews - for one reason or another - and such is the case this week for two reasons; busy and busy - AND for having to be out of town on personal business for a short stent - actually two.

I am grateful, however, the shows went on as they did during this busy time with lots of great players and loads of fun, but especially grateful for the show in my absence that went so smoothly due specifically to the spirit, dedication and team work of ARL All Stars JR Bradfield, John Powers, Len DePiano and Mimi Nowak. Thanks guys.

I've combined the ARL 64 and 65 playlists here and peppered a few cool pics through-out; thanks to photogs Win and Ed Pampani, but do have to close on a somewhat somber note, none-the-less.




With two shows per week at Orphan Annie's, Thursdays at 9 and Sundays at 8, ARL 64 and 65 covered a total of four shows. Some of the talented folks listed here came to more than one show, while some made it to all... BRAVO!

Why don't you come to American Roots Live with Nasty Ned and read your name in print here and maybe even see your picture on this page, too.

ARL 64 and 65's playlist included: JR Bradfield, Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Roy Macnamara(pic 3), Ed Avilia, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Doug Diettman(pic 1), Fred Malley, Frank Cerulli, Dave Carta, Paul Obremski, Bob Giglio, Mimi Nowak, The Kaytells, Ron Siebert, Joshua Reyes, Phil Liebergall, Joe Salerno, John Powers, Bob DelRosso, Bones Sanford, Gavin Lawrence, Randy Marinelli (pic 2), Arnie Englund, Robert Zee, Carlo Trentacosta, Tony Bozza, John Bozza, Chaz, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Koerner, Gene Goodman, and Walter Foot.

Thanks to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Frank, Annie, Win, Ed, Big Nancy, Stevie, Elmore Magazine and The American Roots Live All Stars.

***As we remembered our fallen brother, guitar great and ARL All Star, Bernie Brausewetter with a grand memorial concert and final CD release party Sunday at the Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ - the music world mourned yet another true great this past week in Bill Perry. So sad. Such a loss.

In honor of Bill Perry and for sake of remembering his genius, I have posted a CD review here that I am proud to have written for Elmore Magazine a few months ago.

RIP brother.



Bill Perry
Don't Know Nothin' About Love
(Blind Pig)





Bill Perry may know nothin' about love, but he sure knows how to rock the blues. And that's exactly what the veteran bluesman from Chester, NY does on his fourth Blind Pig release in four years with one funky infectious groove after another.

Don't Know Nothin' About Love finds Perry at his artistic best as once again he is matched in the studio with producer and New York City blues legend, Popa Chubby. And Chubby seems to know something about Perry. He brings out the best in the artist capturing on disc the raw power and brilliant honesty Bill is known for in his live performances.

The album features eight new and vigorous Perry originals and three covers, including a remarkable remake of the Temptations classic, "Ball of Confusion" complete with a ferociously rocking guitar.

The title track pines traditional, while "My Baby Loves to Dance" makes you want to. "Can’t Afford to Die" is a smoldering tone-tender blues that Perry smokes way down low proving that phrasing and feel define an artist more than anything else.

To say Bill Perry's guitar talks is an understatement. It actually screams and cries and it preaches. It deeply communicates the blues. In fact on the self penned, socially relevant "Down in New Orleans" Perry brings us even deeper than the blues with a dark chill that will make you feel the flood waters rise.

I will not make a comparison here, but must say, I can't remember being spoken to so intimately by a guitar since Stevie Ray's.

Bill Perry's performances here are inspiring, fluid, soulful, biting, funky and as gritty as a gravel road. Don't Know Nothin' About Love is well worth your hard earned money. And if you like to dance, you'd better roll the rug back off the floor before pressing play.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 63

Our time with HoneyBoy Dupree at American Roots Live with Nasty Ned was a blast as the bluesman from Phoenix, Arizona, and his big voice ripped through some of his tried and true favorites; Howlin', Bring It On Home To Me, You Can Leave Your Hat On among others, and a smokin' slow blues that he made up as we went along.









I especially had a great time playing with Dupree and Lee Fink. It was our first time together on stage since ARL 18. We were joined this night by drummer Jamo Flynn and keyboardist Len DePiano.



There was so much talent in the house at ARL 63, I wondered if we were violating some kind of monopoly-on-talent law.

The ARL 63 playlist read: John Powers, JR Bradfield, HoneyBoy Dupree, Lee Fink, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Robert Zee, Bones Sanford, Jamo Flynn, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, Lori V, Snakeman Runyan, Ed Avilia, Paul Obremski, Nancy Coletti, Roy Macnamara, Richard Poliner, Andy Koenig, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Doug Diettmann, Bob Giglio and Arne Englund - and the All Stars autographed guitar is getting filled with the names of special people.


Hurry out to American Roots Live at Orphan Annie's for your chance to win this awesome guitar. Raffle tickets are only $3 each or get five chances to win for only $10. It's a collector's piece, yes, but it's also the exact same guitar as one Johnny Charles plays so sweatly.



As always, many thanks to OA's, Rick, Karin, Annie, Frank, Elmore Magazine, Win for these photos and Stevie for the M&M's.

See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 61

Let there be drums!

Picture these silver-sparkled babies in white pearl and that's what you'll get when you come to play at American Roots Live with Nasty Ned. A brand new Gretsch, 4 piece jazz kit with a kickin' little "18 bass drum.

Can I get a shamalama ding dong?

There was a lot more than just ratta-tat-tat going on at American Roots Live 61, though. We had some of the hottest musicians on this side of the country on stage with us; Johnny Charles, Bob DelRosso, Dave Carta, Roy Macnamara and Mike Carroll to name a few.

Yeah buddy, ARL keeps gettin' hotter and hotter each week.

We should be in serious melt down mode by time HoneyBoy Dupree arrives from Phoenix, AZ for our 5th of July Party that kicks off ARL's Thursday nights at Orphan Annie's. Yes, we're back to two big shows per week. Every Thursday at 9 and every Sunday at 8, but don't worry about the heat, Orphan Annie's is nicely air conditioned and comfortable - a great place to chill, eat, drink and listen to some blistering-hot live music.

ARL 61's playlist read: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Roy Macnamara, Dave Sherman, Andy Koenig, Don Howland, Robert Zee, Chris O'Sullivan, Mike Carrol, Dave Carta, Bob DelRosso, Rex Miller, Gene Gagliardi, Paul Obremski, Ron Seibert, Bob Giglio, Phil Liebergall, Adam Pliss and NASCAR photographer Rich Singer from Charlotte, NC who put down his camera and picked up a bass guitar to join us on stage.

ARL 61 also saw us collecting All Stars autographs on a new guitar just like the one in the picture held proudly by winner, Phil Ouilette. That means there will soon be another autographed All Stars guitar winner. Don't miss your chance to take it home with you. Get in on the fun. Come out and join us.



Guitar raffle tickets will be available starting Sunday, July 1st.

Special thanks to Orphan Annie's management and staff; Rick, Karin, Brian and Annie, also Elmore Magazine and Stevie for the Drake's Devil Dogs, mmm good!

Along with nine fabulous nights of ARL in the upcoming month, July is going to be pretty eventful. Lot's of other live music in store for you as well including the Bernie Brausewetter Tribute Concert at the Stone Pony. Visit Nasty Ned dot com for the details on this show, the NYC Blues Cruise with Michael Krizan, and lots of other exciting live dates.

Get some rest. We'll see you Sunday at ARL inside OA's.

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 57

American Roots Live 57 was another fun night of good friends and great music as we packed our bags down at the station and hit the road heading for the hills.

We heard our old friend Dean Shot tear off a few with Johnny Charles and Freddie Mac - Bradfield and Piano layin' it down with Powers - Bones plunkin' bass with Robert Zee and more.

The spirit of the players is what it's all about - everyweek - everywhere at ARL.

Thanks to John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Bones Sanford, Robert Zee, Roy Macnamara, Josh Gebhardt, Brandon Kurzawa, Metal Bob, Freddie Macarone, Ron Michaels, Dean Shot, Walter Foot, Cal Ritchie and Byron J, our last night at the Rail rocked.

We're all excited to be opening American Roots Live on Sunday, June 3 in Stirling at Orphan Annie's, a venue that's been featuring live music since the 1970's. Rick Romano and BluezKid Productins has been running "open jams" on Sunday nights for years hosted by the likes of Bernie Brausewetter and many others. It seems fitting that American Roots Live will be taking over that slot.

So tell yo mamma and yo pa, and all your aunts, uncles and cousins, too that American Roots Live 58 with Nasty Ned will be lighting it up on Sunday night at 8 pm sharp with the Wiliamzboy, JR Bradfield, Roy Macnamara, Len DePiano and many other of the hottest players in three states.

Those coming from the Bound Brook area just head for the glow in the northern sky...

Keeping it real,

Ned

ARL Roots Review 55 - BB's Royal Memorial

Thoughtfully, Arlene Schar, violinist and American Roots Live All-Star; Hellertown, PA, circulated a mother's day card among ARL 55 participants on the first of Bernie's Memorial nights Thursday at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ.

Then, Friday, she "over-nighted" the mother's day card full of our signatures and well wishes to BB's mom with my phone number on the back.

As Arlene had hoped would happen, Bernie's mom got the card on Saturday and decided to come to 55 for the second night of the Royal Memorial for her son on Sunday.

Before the second show, as the Rail filled with players, friends and fans my cell phone rang.

Mrs. B arrived that night, driven by Bernie's good friend Dawn, just as the evening's music was starting. She appreciated all of the talented, dedicated players who showed up on both nights in her son's honor, and so do I.

They came from near and far.

Just off his tour of Holland and England, our friend Jake Walker came in from New York City on Thursday to join 28 other performers at the Royal Memorial.

On Sunday, it was our friend the King of the Rust Belt Blues; Mike Dugan from Allentown, PA with bass player and ARL All-Star Rob Fraser joining 21 others to play and pay tribute.

Yes, the hottest players in the area made it to our stage to honor BB. And though he has left the building and his stool sits empty on our stage, Bernie Brausewetter will remain in our hearts and our minds and our ears.

Many special thanks to all who took part in American Roots Live 55; John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Jamo Flynn, Billy K, Nancy Coletti, Arlene Schar, Ed Pampani, Sonny Young, Jimmy Somma, Jake Walker, Mike Carrol, Jake Jar el, Bob Del Roso, Bones Sanford, Roy Macnamara, Snakeman Runyan, Chris Porto, Randy Marinelli, Carlo Trentacosta, Jack Powers, Mike Caruso, Dennis Macarone, Vern Mobley, Arne Englund, Robert Zee, Alan Rogoff, Metal Bob, Aaron, Ramir, Gavin Lawrence, Freddie Macarone, Ron Michaels, Rusty, Walter Foot, Bob Giglio, Mike Dugan, Rob Fraser, Tony Goncalves, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Cal Ritchie, Big Nancy, Richard Skelly, Russ Allison, Susan, Noah, Dawn and of course Mrs. Brausewetter. (Pic with Bernie below.)












Remember, it was on the morning of Bernie's passing, April 15th, that the sky started crying and flooded 7 feet of water into downtown Bound Brook. It rained for three days putting the Rail and hundreds of other businesses and residents out of commission, including American Roots Live for three weeks.

ARL wants to help the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce to help those businesses and the historic Bound Brook Theater back on their feet. Please watch this page and your email inbox for information about upcoming fund raising events including an American Roots Live spear-headed Spirit Festival downtown in July.

It all starts with a Somerset Patriots baseball game Monday, May 21 at Commerce Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ.

Purchasing tickets for that game (and the fun activities prior to the game) from the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce will assure the monies go to the downtown folks affected and will greatly help the efforts of restoration undertaken by so many.

To attend the game and festivities for the sake of the cause, please call Mafalda at Versatile Printing for tickets. Her phone number is 908 489-4753 and tell her Nasty Ned told you to call.

I'd like to see you at the ballpark on Monday as the Somerset Patriots celebrate their tenth season while helping Bound Brook, in a game against the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Thank you.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 53, 54

I've been excited with anticipation to review the first two absolutely amazing American Roots Live shows of our second year celebrating the music, but now find myself seriously lost for words.

Today we are all stunned and saddened by the passing, Sunday, of our friend, our brother, a true American Roots Live All-Star and international guitar-legend in his own right, Bernie Brausewetter.

BB was with us, on stage, through-out ARL's first year in every venue we played. Even when we expanded to two shows per week in two states, Bernie often made both, back to back.

Always a gentleman and a pro's pro, Bernie Brausewetter thrilled fans everywhere he went with his awesome genius and brilliant guitar work.

I can't say enough about the big man so I'll stop trying to find the right words. Forgive me. I'd rather post photos of Bernie this time and simply post ARL 53 and 54's role call of totally over-the-top performers below. Those shows were very special, but I know you and they will all understand that I don't gush here about tremendous performances.

As soon as the flood waters recede in Bound Brook, hopefully Thursday, American Roots Live 55 will be dedicated to BB with a special memorial show. I already have a long list of musicians who love and admire him, who have agreed to play in his honor. We hope to see you all there. Let's keep Bernie's memory and music alive.

Thanks to Win for the photos and his heartfelt BB eulogy that I'll post excerpts from another time. More of Win's, Ed Pampani's and Eddie Ray's photos of Bernie and friends can be viewed at the ARL photo gallery. Thank you.

Keeping it real,

Nasty Ned

Bernie Brausewetter at Orphan Annie's.

BB at ARL in the early days at the Rail.

L2R Bernie, John Powers, Paul Daloia, Johnny Charles.

Bernie and Michael Krizan, Zupko's, August '06.

L2R, Byron J, Ame, Ed Pampani, Ned, Lori V, BB, John Powers, Jeff Page.

Bernie and mom. ARL, Zupko's August '06.



American Roots Live 53 & 54 Performers
John Powers
JR Bradfield
Johnny Charles
Jaimo Flynn
Ed Pampani
Mimi Nowak
Len DePiano
Robert Zee
Snakeman Runyan
Keith McGonigle
Josh Gebhardt
Metal Bob
Chris O'Sullivan
Roy Macnamara
Maria Riggi
Scott McPherson
Rotten Robert
Arlene Schar
Bones Sanford
Randy Marinelli
Matt Warta
Jake Jar el
Ron Michaels
Nancy Coletti
Brianna Beatie
Arne Englund
Freddie Macarone
Dennis Macarone
Lori V
Carlo Trentacoste
Artie LeAndro
Sonny Young
Bob Giglio