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Thursday

C'mon 55

We've had to deal with a lot of adversity over the first year and a month of American Roots Live with Nasty Ned.

There was the repaving on Main Street at ARL 3 where the parking lot at the Rail was not accessible to vehicles and we had to carry all the equipment in from a parking lot across the street, dodging trucks, tractors and machines spewing hot tar - and the show went on. Duane Chez will remember.


There was ARL 8 almost being cancelled after flames shot from the manhole covers on Main Street after a speeding train blasted past the station blowing a transformer - but the show went on.

There was the difference in visions with old management that sent ARL 18 thru 28 scrambling into two different venues. Then, the last minute cancellation of our night-before-Thanksgiving show because one of those venues insisted on doing something else, so we took the show to Phoenix, AZ with HoneyBoy Dupree and Paris James - yet ARL continued uninterrupted another week. Then upon returning from Phoenix finding the aforementioned rogue venue had pulled the plug on us altogether - and still American Roots Live went uninterrupted because we had already expanded to Thursday nights at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA.

Thanks to Win who talked to Mike and Lynn at the Rail who agreed to give us asylum on Sunday nights in Bound Brook - back where we started.

Yes, American Roots Live has had its share of adversity - and joys and triumphs, too - now expanded to two nights per week at the Rail with our consecutive weeks streak unbroken all the way up to ARL 54.

Then a force so great, known as mother nature, spilled millions of gallons of water over the banks of the Raritan River and into the streets of Bound Brook drowning Main Street under 7 feet of water and ARL 55 with it. Thankfully, because the Rail sits highest on Main Street, our stage was an island.

As if the sky was crying over the loss of our late brother Bernie Brausewetter, the rain continued for days turning downtown Bound Brook into what looked like the ninth ward - thank God no life was lost to the water.

Well, we can't reverse mother nature. But we can dry ourselves off - clean up the mess - and get back to work, and that's exactly what we're going to do.

Please come to the Rail as we bring back the music Saturday night with yours truly joining Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings and Sunday night for the return of American Roots Live!

55 has finally arrived and we couldn't be happier - but on such short notice, we've decided that the Royal Memorial Show for BB will be next week, both Thursday and Sunday at American Roots Live 56.

Many players pledged to be there as tribute to the big man when we thought we'd be open two weeks ago, so I'm asking you all now to be there May 10th and 13th to play in Bernie's honor.

Now, a little lost in the shuffle was ARL 54 because I was in no condition to write a proper Roots Review, following those tremendous nights of music, as we had just learned of our dear friend's passing. So I'll use this space today to recognize some of those incredible musicians who made American Roots Live 54 the incredible musical extravaganza that it was - we were all on an all-time high!

Kickin' off with John Powers and all our fantastic regulars, proper kudos must go out to a 16 year old song bird named Brianna Beatie making her ARL debut.(pictured)
















Veteran performer Nancy Coletti, who sings the Sea World commercial on TV, accompanied the youngster on piano then sang and scatted up a storm for us and brought the house down. (pictured)

















Ron Michaels, TV's Mr. Aleeve, wailing on his trumpet and fluggle horn. JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Len DePiano, Jaimo Flynn, Roy Mcnamara, Arne Englund, Dennis Macarone and on and on - it was wild. (Please scroll down a bit to see the entire roll call. Everyone was great.)

Hope to see you all Sunday at 55 - the Rail really needs our support!

Keeping it real,

Ned

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Wednesday

Roots Review 52

Our one year anniversary celebration of American Roots Live at The Rail last week had me feeling like Lou Gehrig. By that I mean I felt like the luckiest man on the face of the earth.

And when I think about American Roots Live and the tight little artist's community that has come together over the past year, I realize I am the luckiest man on the planet. To be surrounded by so many talented and dedicated musicians and coordinators who have helped me to realize a dream, and one that has become their own - working to preserve American roots music for future generations - I am most fortunate indeed.


American Roots Live 52 Sunday night was a masterpiece. After the raucous crowd response to our national anthem played on harmonica, Chuck Wegman and Evil Dick of The Congregation embraced the honor of kicking off the show with an unplugged, unpretentious set of Congregation originals and covers. Awesome.

Then, on to the youngsters. Nine year old Brent Meyer, with his big Fender Stratocaster (pictured left, below) and his parents and sister in attendance, stood proud center stage picking strings before an enthusiastic audience supported by Jaimo Flynn on drums, JR Bradfield on bass, and ARL Ambassador from Pennsylvania, Billy K on guitar.




After Brent breezed through his set he was followed on stage by his seniors, 14 year old Dolan Kutzman playing drums and 16 year old Tim Beery on bass, both rockin' in the free world with Dolan's father, Billy K center stage.

What followed was a roots revival to be rivalled by no other - remember, there's no other show like American Roots Live anywhere!

ARL 52 Sunday was also the night of the all-stars autographed guitar contest, completing the blaze benefit for Harry Okie and his kids who lost their home to fire just before Christmas '06.

Phil Ouellette of Union, NJ was the lucky recipient of the autographed guitar donated by Manville Music. He smiled shyly with pride in accepting the prize knowing that he - along with many other people - donated to the cause that, all totalled, raised $1,960.02.

No one knows from where the two pennies came, but they were in the bucket and appreciated non-the-less.

Everybody was jacked both Sunday and Thursday nights as tremendous performances were put in by the afore mentioned players as well as John Powers, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Big Daddy & the Wild Cats, Roy MacNamara, Johnny Charles, Len DePiano, Robert Zee, Snakeman Runyan, Arne Englund, Metal Bob, Gavin Lawrence, Randy Marinelli, Al Madison, Johnny Thompson, Uncle Wayne, Bob Giglio, Chris Porto, John DiGiovanni, Steve Pozzelanti, Ray Mack, Mike Carrol, Dennis Macarone, Saxophone Joe and Cal Ritchie with special thanks going to Elliot "Win" Newcomb , Elmore Magazine and much appreciation to many others.

Also, as an aside - for those aware and concerned - Monday's surgery was a success and I'm recovering nicely wrapped in terry cloth and perched atop a bag of frozen peas. Thank you all for your generous gifts and offers of assistance, and your prayers, thoughtful emails and phone calls.

I'll see you tomorrow night down at the station for American Roots Live 53 and can't wait to experience the excitement this next year will bring!

Keeping it real,

Nasty Ned

PS - Happy Birthday to Muddy Waters - April 4th

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Tuesday

Roots Review 46, 47, 48

Well, I've been going a hundred miles an hour in every imaginable direction and do apologize for (this time) being three weeks behind on your Roots Review. The good news is, the dust is beginning to settle and we're gearing up for some great new American Roots Live open mic shows at the Rail and a brand new, long awaited, American Roots Live with Nasty Ned TV program that will air initially on Cablevision's channel 22 in Green Brook, Dunellen, Piscataway, Middlesex, Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Manville, Raritan and Bridgewater, NJ.

I'll send an email with the air dates soon so you'll be sure not to miss it.

We have one more sponsorship spot left to fill so if you or someone you know would like to support American Roots Live and have your business message delivered on TV (very affordably to 40,405 central Jersey households) please contact me by email with your phone number at nastyned@att.net and I'll be sure to be in touch with you. Please mention a best time to call.

As for American Roots Live 46, 47 and 48, our open mic celebrations of American roots music at the Rail, we have had a blast and it's sure to get even better as the weather begins to break!

A few weeks back we were honored to have nine year old Brent Meyers playing his guitar with us on stage. Brent is the young man we first met at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton. He has a natural gift with his guitar abilities and an interest in American Roots music. We are always pleased when his father Eric brings him to our shows because sharing the music with young people is what American Roots Live is all about.

What was so cool about the last time Brent performed with us is that he didn't want to go on stage early, opting to wait until a larger audience was assembled - I love that!

Many thanks to John Powers for steadfastly co-hosting American Roots Live for all these weeks and special thanks and appreciation to all the dedicated musicians who make it happen week after week, namely: JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Len DePiano,
Mimi Nowak, Robert Zee, Roy McNamara, Arne Englund, Walter Foot, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, Johnny Charles, Jaimo Flynn, Vern Mobley, Bobby Malavenda, Jake Jar El, Chris Porto, Randy Marinelli, Bob Giglio, Gavin Lawrence, Eric Plotkin, Dave O, Mike Mastrianni, Dave Rivera, Carlo, Metal Bob, Chris O'Sullivan, Paul DeLoia, Tommy Fuller, Arlene Schar, Dexterity, Summer Project, Evan Coniglio, Steve Yadlosky, Rotten Robert, Jim Michaels
and more.

We are approaching our one year anniversary of American Roots Live and will celebrate the milestone on Sunday April 1st at the Rail where we'll give away the ARL autographed guitar to one lucky winner in attendance. As you know the guitar has been being raffled off for the past several weeks with all proceeds going to our friend Harry Okie who lost his home and all worldly possessions in an ugly house fire just before Christmas.

There is still time to purchase a ticket or two or six or ten - just come to American Roots Live any Thursday night starting at 9pm or any Sunday night starting at 7 at the Rail in Bound Brook and join the fun.

Thanks to Bobby Malavenda of Manville Music for donating the guitar. Many thanks to Rail ownership; Lynn and Mike and special thanks to the infamous Byron J for the kit. Props to Win, Ed Pampani and Eddie Ray and all our volunteers, sponsors and supporters and thanks to Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene.

See you all soon.

Keeping it Real,

Ned

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Monday

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

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Tuesday

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

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Wednesday

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

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