A Life Gone to the Dogs

St. Patrick's Weekend 2010

2010-03-29T18:45:00.005-04:00

Cutting back this year, Poor Ould Goat played three shows in two days for the St. Patrick's Day weekend, and now we're giving the Irish music a rest for pretty much the remainder of 2010. Hoping to stay busy however with some other opportunities.

On Friday, March 12th we played downtown on Porter Ave. near Kleinhans for a benefit called "The Wake". Proceeds to the Irish Classical Theatre. There were theater actors milling about, getting into arguments, jumping on stage to sing along, mourning, fighting - all the things you'd expect at an Irish wake! Kind of a formal event so we dressed up, enjoyed some Dundee beer, and food afterwards.

Up early on Saturday to get to the Valley Community Center by 10:30 for our annual post-parade party. Pouring rain, wind, and cold temperatures didn't seem to bother many as the center was mobbed. We were running later than usual getting there and Joe actually got stuck on Fuhrman Blvd. because the cops had shut down the roads leading into the First Ward for the marchers. We had to have organizers call the cops and have them keep an eye out for a red pickup truck so we could get the sound equipment in. With the help of various Center volunteers we got the equipment loaded in and we ended starting right on time. Three sets of music, corned beef and Belhaven beer and then we tore down and I headed home for an hour to change and rest.

Out of the house again at 8:15 and over to The Irishman Pub in Williamsville. Small restaurant but a good (drunk?) crowd stuck around till the end of our third set (an ad libed set of Beatles, Petty, Marley and Paul Simon to name a few) at 2 am, which magically became 3 am right before my eyes due to daylight savings time. Home and in bed by 4 am and for the first time in 4 years, off on Sunday which was nice.

Goodbye 2009

2010-01-07T18:49:00.004-05:00

Closed out 2009 by subbing in Youngstown NY at the last minute as drummer for Wheelhouse – a cover band offshoot of The Bailey Quarters band. I’ve known Mark and Tom for a number of years and have played in a few short-lived projects with them. There was no time to rehearse and I had two days to learn 24 songs, half of which I had never or barely heard before. Thank God for mp3’s though. They emailed me about 15 songs and I looked up the rest on YouTube, listened to them over and over (and then over) again and took notes. The gig went well overall, especially the second set. The biggest problem was song endings, which mostly found us all looking at each other and then, like a set of domino’s one would fall and the others would follow a brief moment later. A good time though, and some really good songs. Some of my favorites:

- Flagpole Sitta (Harvey Danger)
- No Matter What (Badfinger)
- Big Me (Foo Fighters)
- Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand)
- Everything You’ve Done Wrong (Sloan)
- Santaria (Sublime)

- Bobcaygeon (Tragically Hip)

2010 begins year 4 for me with Poor Ould Goat and we've already begun booking shows. Woo Hoo!!

McCarthyizm Benefit with Poor Ould Goat

2009-12-21T20:22:00.005-05:00

For the third straight year that I’ve been in the band, Poor Ould Goat played the McCarthyizm Christmas Party at Nietzsche’s in Allentown. It’s a benefit for The Friends of the Night People which provides meals, clothing and care to the city’s needy. 8 bands, two stages, and the turnout was really great this year. The last two years have had bad weather or the threat of a storm, but this year I was amazed to see people still coming in at 2:00 am. I’m not used to being out at that time anymore!

The Goat’s closed out the show, playing around 2 am until just before 3. Helen, the fiddle player from McCarthyizm joined us onstage for a half a dozen songs, and Joe McCarthy came up and did a couple with the band too. 6 people on a stage the size of a dining room table! It was like one of those “see how many people you can get in a phone booth” contests.

Once again, it was great night for us, and hopefully for the Friends too.

(Brian squeezes out a couple feet of real estate on stage)

(McCarthyizm rocks The Who)

Buffalo Big Beat 2009

2009-11-16T22:29:00.013-05:00

Got to once again bang the drums with a hundred or so other drummers to help stamp out hunger, and this year I was glad to be able to have lunch and hang out with some local members of drumforum.org. Great guys (and girls) and an awesome day spent playing and talking drums!

Greyhounds arrive for adoption

2009-10-01T18:58:00.007-04:00

Bringing in new dogs off the track is always a great reminder of what Buffalo Greyhound Adoption exists to do. We get caught up in the business of Board meetings, the details of organizing events, gathering available volunteers to help, and it can get overwhelming. And then the van arrives with 4 new dogs and they are tired and nervous and beautiful. And we take them into a volunteer’s house and bathe them, trim their nails, check for ticks and flees, and clean their ears. We give them new collars, assign them to a foster home and send them on their way with food and meds. Hopefully in a few weeks they are headed to their new “forever” homes.

Some pictures of the dogs that came in this past weekend.

Half-way to St. Patrick's Day

2009-09-21T20:57:00.009-04:00

Poor Ould Goat plays The Shannon Pub for the "Half-way to St. Patrick's Day" celebration. I didn't actually know there was such a thing, but apparently a large group of other people did. Any reason for a party right?

Goat About Town

2009-08-30T19:06:00.011-04:00

Some recent pictures of Poor Ould Goat. First playing a wedding reception outdoors in Newfane and then the Buffalo Irish Festival at the Hamburg Fairgrounds.

Newfane Wedding:
Irish Festival:

Wedding Shower/Pub Crawl

2009-08-10T19:27:00.009-04:00

Now THIS is how a wedding shower should run! Then again, did I expect anything else from the Irish? Congratulations again Chris and Sara!!

Classic Rockers

2009-08-05T19:54:00.003-04:00

Last Friday Gigi and I took a friend with us to Lockport (about 30 minutes North of us) to see Queensryche at the weekly Lockport Canal Concert Series. It was a nice night, the show was outdoors and it’s free. Without getting into a concert review, the band was very good. A little too chatty at times, but musically they were solid and they played new as well as old material so I think most in attendance were happy.

As far as those in attendance…. Let’s just say that it’s been awhile since I’ve been to anything resembling a Classic Rock show, and while Queensryche can’t be confused with Skynard I think something about outdoors, free and alcohol draws the same motley crew. The first thing I noticed were the mullets. Long flowing “Joe Dirt” mullets. Mullets with perms, mullets with highlights – on guys! So many and such a variety in fact that I began to believe that they are back in style and the revival just hadn’t made it’s way back to the city of Buffalo . Where do so many of these mullet wearers work that allows for the shoulder length mud flap? I told Gigi she needed to razor my sides when we got home so I could jump on board. Wisely she disagreed with just one look.

The other fashion trend I noticed but have never taken part in is the black leather vest with no shirt on underneath. Requirements for this seem to be at least one tattoo which I don’t have, and a deep, dark red sunburn on top of peeling red sunburned skin (again no). Possible variations include a black Harley Davidson shirt underneath or of course a classic rock band shirt in black. Black boots, tight faded jeans and trucker wallets rounded out the ensemble. There I stood with my tan shorts and polo shirt. Even my moderately long hair couldn’t lend me any classic rock “street cred”. I'm a musician and a fan of the music but these people LIVE it.

Throughout the night there were plenty of devil horns, the “maloik” along with swaying hands and lit cell phones during the power ballad “Silent Lucidity”; screams of “Yeaaaaah”, and some drunken air drumming which is fun to watch as they rock back and forth in place while bashing imaginary drums that seem to be located waist high, all the while struggling to maintain their balance. In this, Scott Rockenfield would have been proud if he could have seen from atop his drum riser.

Rock on Queensryche. Rock on lizard scaled, beaver headed classic rocker. Rock and roll is alive and well and I saw people coming out of the woodwork to prove it.

Getting The Goat in Shape

2009-07-07T18:56:00.002-04:00

Un-tether the old goat. Feed him some Guinness and chicken wings to strengthen him so he can once again make an unholy racket in front of the Buffalo masses. It appears that after a 4 month hiatus, Poor Ould Goat is looking at some late summer performances. This of course means rehearsals begin, so I thought I’d share a bit of the “behind the scenes” of what it takes to get the Celtic machine moving again.

When I first joined two-and-a-half years ago, the others had already been together for almost two years. They gave me a list of 50 or so songs that they did or wanted to do, only two of which I had ever heard before. Our first gig was in a month so I listened, took notes and banged on things wherever I felt banging was needed. If I didn’t get “the look” then I made a mental note – “good banging”. We rehearsed a lot and had plenty of gigs right away (being that it was St. Patrick’s Month), so while it was a lot to remember I did have a lot of preparation. Also these are folk songs. It’s not like I was trying to learn ELP’s “Tarkus”.

Fast forward a couple years and we have 70 + songs at our disposal. Most have been played to death, so getting back together consists of going over some of the trickier reels and polishing up background vocals. Of course that is always the plan. The first practice back usually goes something like this:

6:00 pm – I arrive, head down to the basement and see the sound equipment packed up from our previous show.

6:15 – Joe comes down and begins moving monitors into place and unwinding cords. I stay out of the way.

6:17 – Chris arrives and Joe and I begin to make fun of him for any number of reasons. The teasing stops when he produces a growler of beer and I happily become the butt of jokes now in exchange for beer.

6:20 – Brian arrives with a growler of beer and a bottle of whiskey. Nobody teases Brian.

6:30 – Sound check and discussions of what songs we want to run down.

6:32 - We head upstairs for pint glasses.

7:30 – We head downstairs to discuss what songs we want to run down.

8:30 – We’ve successfully run down two songs and started work on background vocals for a third. We take a break as Robin calls down that she has made nacho’s el’grande.

9:15 – We discuss which shows we might take, possible set lists, when we might practice again and why Bandit never gets tired of chasing these toys around the dining room.

9:40 – Head home to get a good nights sleep.

Lance Armstrong would tell you, it’s all about pacing yourself.

Stick Men at The Tralf

2009-06-23T20:29:00.009-04:00

(w/Pat)

“Groove” is king when it comes to Stick Men. Tony Levin, Michael Bernier and Pat Mastelotto quietly took the stage at the Tralf last weekend, tinkered with some settings, and following a short tape loop of sounds proceeded with an attack that was technical but always rhythmic.

Two Chapman Stick players (Levin and Bernier) and drummer Mastelotto playing acoustic as well as electronic drums and triggering all manner of vocal and sound loops, create an experimental, percussive sound that at times threatens to be accessible. This is because of the groove. No matter how “out there” the music got at times you could always center yourself on the pulse. Often it was Mastelotto laying this down, while other times the melody as well as the rhythm was taken up by one of the Sticks, with the others jumping quickly on board.

After the show I got to meet Tony Levin and then I headed over to a surprisingly crowded drummers table (no one ever wants to talk to the drummer!). Pat was nice enough to have a picture taken and then fill me in on an upcoming “Tuner” project after I had asked him to bring them to Buffalo . He and his Tuner partner Markus Reuter have one live disc almost ready for release, and another double disc due this fall. Apparently that double disc will create a third “disc” of music when played at the same time. He got pretty excited talking about this, telling me how difficult it’s been syncing the entire concept together, and how they are really looking forward to getting this out.

At a time when many musicians are phoning it in on the nostalgia circuit, or touring behind a new release that you’ll be lucky to hear two songs from live, these guys are out in clubs doing new music that is intelligent, groove oriented and combining composition along with improvisation. I'm glad there's musicians out there not afraid to push themselves and have fun doing it, and it's encouraging to see that if they do, people will follow.

(w/Tony)

**pictures courtesy of my brother Gary**

Niagara Bike Path

2009-06-07T16:08:00.007-04:00

Took a bike trek on Friday from the office to my in-laws house in Tonawanda. Nice because two-thirds of the way was on a designated bike path along the river. Turned out to be a bit longer of a ride than I had anticipated though, and I rode into the wind the majority of the way, but the scenery was nice.

(beginning of the trek near Harry's Harbor restaurant on Niagara St.)

(along Niagara St.)
(under the Grand Island bridges)

(path through Niawanda Park)

Dad C.

2009-05-26T14:45:00.006-04:00

Two weeks ago today my father-in-law passed away quietly in his sleep. It goes without saying that Gigi and I miss him terribly but we are grateful too for the time we did have with him.

I've known Dad now for 18 years. I cannot even believe it's been that long. I still remember meeting my future in-laws for the first time - dinner at their house. A pressure situation for me being that Gigi and I had only been dating about 2 months. I asked her what she had told her parents about me and she said "I told them we worked together and that you were tall with long dark hair and played drums in a rock band." Yeah, I thought, this will go over great with a former Navy man and blue collar worker.

But it did, and from the first day he treated me like his own son. As time went on I built up "points" (all in fun of course) by agreeing with him on things, or making suggestions he thought were wise, and I also lost points by agreeing to take in another dog or cat (which he really loved) or by buying a Ford.

We leaned on him when needed and later helped out where we could. It was the kind of relationship I imagine many are lucky enough to have with their own parents/in-laws and many more probably wish they did. In that I can count my blessings and know that I was fortunate.

We miss you Dad. Thank you again for everything. Love -

* In honor of Memorial Day, I thought it fitting to post a couple of his Navy pictures. In the first, he is on the far right. Below, the far left with the Clark Gable mustache.

Buffalo Zoo

2009-04-11T08:36:00.008-04:00

The Buffalo Zoo has recently been doing a great job of renovation. An expanded elephant house, the sea otter exhibit and the new rain forest building especially are all reasons to head over for a look.

St. Patrick's weekend with Poor Ould Goat (pics)

2009-03-19T19:09:00.006-04:00

The Worlds Shortest Horror Story

2009-02-28T12:42:00.003-05:00

I saw this online and loved it. It made me think of "I Am Legend" (the book not the movie):

The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock at the door.
(author anonymous)

The Grammy's and Buffalo NY

2009-02-09T16:54:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Business First. Congratulations BPO!!!

High note for BPO at Grammy's

Business First of Buffalo - by James Fink

For the first time in its 74-year history, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has won a prestigious Grammy award — or, in this case, two honors.

The BPO won Grammys for the “Best Classical Performance” and “Best Classical Composition” for its “John Corigliano: Mr. Tambourine Man - Seven Poems of Bob Dylan” CD that was released last year. The orchestra was up for a third Grammy in the best engineered CD category for a collection of Respighi music, but lost to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Yo-Yo Ma.

The dual Grammys were also the first for JoAnn Falletta, the orchestra’s music director and principal conductor. The awards were announced Sunday.

Falletta, who is in Seattle for a guest appearance with that city’s orchestra, said she is more happy for the musicians than herself for the awards.

“All week, I kept telling them to keep things in perspective,” Falletta said. “But this is like hitting a home run. Now, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is part of an exclusive group of orchestras to win a Grammy and that says a lot.”

The Corigliano piece was recorded two springs ago in a series of live concerts at Kleinhans Music Hall . The CD was released last spring to much acclaim.

Corigliano, who had never heard Dylan’s music, took his words and put them to his own compositions. Vocalist Hila Plitmann sang the words to the BPO’s music.

“Even when we were recording, I could tell there was this special chemistry between the orchestra and John,” Falletta said.

In a related Grammy news, Buffalo’s self-proclaimed polka king, Jerry Darlak and the Touch, lost in their award bid to Jimmy Sturr in, appropriately enough, the “best polka” category.

Poor Ould Goat with special guests

2009-01-14T19:37:00.005-05:00

Poor Ould Goat welcomed some special guests onstage with us at the Buffalo Irish Center last Friday. First, former/original Goat skin-thumper and current author-at-large Tim LaFredo joined us on congas and general merriment. We then had my friend, former bandmate, and current front-man for The Bailey Quarters Tom Pacia (pictured above) jump up - on the spot mind you, and sing "Rosie and Grey".
We're off to mysterious Olean NY next for a private function, and coming up we have "The Great Guinness Toast" and an opening slot with Gaelic Storm in February. A good start for 2009 for the Goats!

"Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!"

2008-12-24T18:51:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite moments from any Christmas movie:

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Linus Van Pelt

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Painting Music

2008-12-03T14:36:00.002-05:00

So much of the music I listen to on a daily basis is done in my car or on my ipod. The car has a factory installed stereo which isn't too bad, but CD's skip when it's very cold or very damp. Pretty much unless it's Spring or Summer. The ipod is nice, and it's a godsend at work, but I can only take so much music channeled directly to the eardrum.

Knowing the Holidays were approaching and having a painting project (the living room) to finish before it arrives, I took the old Sony CD player and receiver out of storage, hooked it up to my speakers and...whoa! I forgot how good music sounds on a decent stereo. I mean, REALLY GOOD! I realized I've been doing myself a disservice by relegating my collection to inferior output devices only. Don't get me wrong, the car stereo is a necessity and I love the ipod, but to really HEAR your music you need to go back to the beginning. Back to when you were a teenager and had nothing but time to sit back, read the CD inserts and absorb the music. Really listen to it.

We don't always have the time to do this anymore as we get older, so what better time than while working on an indoor project. I'm glad to say that at times it was like hearing the discs for the first time. Some of the music that helped me through my painting project:

- Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" (great for doing delicate trimming)
- King Crimson "Live in Chicago 2008"
- The Beatles "Revolver"
- Adrian Belew "Side Four Live"
- Tears For Fears "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending"
- Ani DiFranco "Knuckle Down"
- Porcupine Tree "Fear of a Blank Planet"
- NoMan "Schoolyard Ghosts" (the production and the arrangements on this disc in particular were stunning on my stereo).

Now if I could only figure out a way to get this stereo hooked up in my work cubicle!

Sights and Sounds of 150 Drummers!

2008-11-04T18:20:00.007-05:00

I took part in the "Buffalo Big Beat" on Sunday and will now be part of the Guinness Book of World Records for most drummers gathered together at one time playing the same song at the same time. 150 plus just in Buffalo, and the event went on in 7 other cities as well. At 6 pm EST everyone played "Louie Louie" for 5 minutes. Thankfully I brought earplugs as the sound was THUNDEROUS! Proceeds went to charity so I'm looking forward to hearing how much was raised.

I got to the Millenium Hotel in Cheektowaga at 2 o'clock to set up and bang away aimlessly with the others until the bands started. You had to stop playing when the music began, but inbetween them and the raffles you could hammer away to your heart's content. Great prizes too. A drumset, snare drums, a giant gong and more. Time flew by as I walked around chatting and taking pictures. It was like a giant convention, with everyone admiring everyone else's gear. The vintage equipment got the most attention, including my psychedelic red Ludwig's (circa 1967) and there was everything from cocktail kits to a 10+ piece kit with an array of cymbals and percussion that took the player 2 hours to assemble! Far too ambitious for me (mine took me about 10 minutes to assemble) but more power to him! Hope to be able to do this again next year.

(Me and my Ludwigs)

(Dennis and his Kent)

Pork Pie Percussion

2008-10-24T14:57:00.008-04:00

As part of a visit to Burbank California for work I was able to stop by another customer of ours, Pork Pie Percussion! Met owner Bill Detamore, got a tour of the shop and he was gracious enough to spend time talking about the painting process, where he gets the drum shells from, and his 20+ years in business.

(Bill and Sales Rep. Janine)

Buffalo drummers go for the Guinness Book of World Records!

2008-10-19T10:32:00.002-04:00

Myself and hopefully 300 other drummers in Buffalo NY will be going for the Guinness Book of World Records for the most drummers gathered in one place playing the same song ("Louie, Louie") at the same time, and helping stamp out hunger in the process.

Buffalo Drum Outlet is sponsoring the event that will take place on Sunday November 2nd at the Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga. All proceeds will go to the "Response to Love Center" , a soup kitchen on Buffalo's East Side along with "Mr. Holland's Opus", a national organization that provides schools with new and refurbished band and orchestra instruments.

Hoping for a great turnout and looking forward to participating. I'll definitely be posting some pictures afterward.

Excerpt from "The Maverick Handbook"

2008-10-05T13:42:00.004-04:00

Caught completely unprepared? Have you been asked to explain something directly related to your job, that you are unable to do because you are lacking the necessary knowledge of the subject? Just trying to cover your arse? Feel free to float this accepted gem of an answer from Sarah Palin:

"I may not answer the question the way you want to hear..."

(Or, apparently not at all).

And just like that you're off the hook! Consider this a "get out of jail free" card if you will.

Niagara Power Vista Wildlife Festival II

2008-10-05T13:10:00.002-04:00

Hardly wildlife, but Sammy, Gigi and I join Candi and her family at the greyhound booth.

Niagara Power Vista Wildlife Festival I

2008-09-30T21:11:00.003-04:00

Goats in Milford, CT Sept. 20

2008-09-24T18:58:00.003-04:00

Out to Milford Connecticut last weekend for the Milford Irish Festival on Saturday. The organizers had come across us on our myspace page and came out to see the band at the Shannon Pub this past Spring. We drove up on Friday morning, had a nice dinner courtesy of the Irish Heritage Society and then hung out watching great bands on Saturday until we took the stage from 7:30 until 10 pm - playing straight through!

"Good Night, Bad Morning" as it says on the newly released POG CD (shameless promotion) and that was true as we were up at 9 am on Sunday for the 7 hour ride home. Not a lot of sleep at all those three days but the organizers and attendees were great, my good friend "Evy" was able to meet up with me there and hang out with all the Goats and Goatee's (?), and we thoroughly enjoyed our marathon session - playing the longest we've ever played without a break!

(Mark Everett/Brian Carney)

(Calley McGrane & The Exiles)

(after hours session)

Niagara Celtic Festival - 9/13/08

2008-09-18T19:35:00.002-04:00

Scenes from the Niagara Celtic Festival at Olcott Beach:

(treebeard speaks)

(whistle jam)
(feats of strength)
(poor goat)

Finally back on stage...

2008-09-07T13:32:00.003-04:00

Musician extraordinaire Eddie Jobson!

Jobson performed live for the first time in over 20 years at a Russian progressive music festival along with The Adrian Belew Power Trio and KTU. Jobson joined Belew's trio along with Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto to play a collection of King Crimson songs, and all reports say he hasn't lost his chops.

Many more details and photographs are available on Robin Slick's blog HERE. She is mother to 2/3rds of the Adrian Belew trio, a fantastic writer, and all-round lover of good music. If you want the inside scoop on Belew, check her blog first!

All this is leading up to the release of Jobson's UKZ project, (an EP is due in October) and hopefully a grand tour that comes anywhere within 10 hours of Buffalo.

Prog-rock is alive and well!

Thank you John McCain!!!

2008-08-29T17:00:00.003-04:00

Sen. McCain - I believe you've just put the exclamation point at the end of the Democratic convention with your Vice President selection today! It's too bad they couldn't have worked in your announcement at the Mile High Stadium acceptance speech yesterday, though I imagine if they had known they would have scrambled to fit you in.

Personally I think the statement that came out today summarizes it all much better than I could ever do myself:

"Governor Palin is a tough executive who has demonstrated during her time in office that she is ready to be president," the McCain campaign asserted in a statement. (courtesy of abcnews.com).

I was already looking forward to the debates as it was, but now I just cannot wait until the Vice President (nominee) debates. On to November!!

Okay, I'll sit on the floor...

2008-08-19T19:55:00.002-04:00

Lake George 2008 pt. 2 - "Washers"

2008-08-07T19:34:00.003-04:00

In Lake George this year we had the first of what will likely be many team tournaments of "Washers" (aka Polish horseshoes). Competition was fierce and the game was addicting. If you lost a best of 3 you waited impatiently for your chance at redemption, all the while studying your opponents for any sign of weakness. Okay, maybe it wasn't that serious for the spectator but it was fun to watch too.

Basically a two foot square box with a pvc tube in the middle and silver dollar size metal washers. We decided that since it was vacation, why stand an play? We set the pits up 10 feet apart and sat comfortably, drink and/or food in hand and satellite radio in the background.

A pitch into the box was 1 point, in the tube 3 and if you were able to get one to balance on the edge we gave that 2. Just like in horseshoes, if one landed next to yours it canceled it out. Games were to 11 and you had to win two out of three and win by 2 points. If this game ever makes it to the Summer Olympics you may just see a contingent from Buffalo NY trying to make the cut.

Lake George 2008 pt. 1 - Surroundings

2008-08-07T19:27:00.002-04:00

Finally they had had enough (1980)

2008-07-10T18:04:00.005-04:00

I don’t have a lot of outrageous gig stories but I’ve had my share of humorous as well as embarrassing moments in front of an audience. One of the very first gigs I ever played in front of an audience was at one of Buffalo’s American Legion Posts. This would be back around 1980 while I was in high school. My cousin Mike and a school pal Doug had a three-piece “power trio”. Or at least we thought we were! We played the popular classic rock tunes of the day – Boston, REO, AC/DC and we played them loud. Hey, we were teenagers!

A friend got us this weekend show at the Downtown Post 64 that was open to the public. For some reason this meeting hall for old war veterans had a soft spot for teen rock acts and wanted to help them getting out in front of a crowd. That or it was an off night and they were hoping to sell some Visniak soda and Genny Cream Ale. My guess is the later.

My memory is vague on how many people were actually there, but I know my parents were. I remember my Dad making mention of the extreme volume during the first set. Now we're talking one of these wedding reception halls with tile floor and concrete walls. Add a couple Marshall amps and p.a. and you’ve got a twister of sound hammering you from every angle.

I told our friend running sound that I had received a few complaints about the volume, and I know I was concerned because we weren’t the type of band that was purposely out to shock anyone. We just wanted to play. He told me he’d keep an eye (ear) on it, but to our later dismay we found he was gradually increasing the volume after EVERY song! On stage everything sounded great. In the hall however it was like a jackhammer and two lawnmowers were running back and forth, up and down the aisles and between the tables.

I look up from my pounding at one point because I can no longer hear any bass. I see an old codger holding the end of a cord like a limp noodle. He had just pulled it from Doug’s amp and he’s mouthing a few words to him. He then makes his way over to me but smartly realizes he can’t grab a drumstick out of my moving hands. At this point I’m just bashing a crash cymbal in between snare hammers. He makes his way over to my cousin Mike, who I can now see kneeling down in front of his amp, holding his guitar in front of the speaker causing an undulating wail of feedback that was probably making anyone still left in the hall nauseous. “Click” and a short buzz follow as his amp is unplugged and we are unceremoniously kicked off stage from our first gig ever. It hasn’t happened since thankfully. Rock and Roll!

4th of July Parade - Cheektowaga

2008-07-04T14:00:00.002-04:00

A nice day for a parade today. Not too hot, and Buffalo Greyhound Adoption was the fourth group to go, so things moved quickly. This parade has been going on now for years. I used to march it back in drum corps in the 80's. It still lines up at the old Thruway Mall and ends at Town Park, which unfortunately does not allow dogs :( so we wrapped things up at Peter K's.

A few pics of us lining up to march:

Greyhound Bubble Bath Fundraiser

2008-06-23T18:31:00.002-04:00

Twice a year we hold a bubble bath fundraiser for Buffalo Greyhound Adoption. This past Sunday for $15 owners got their dogs washed and nails trimmed, and all the proceeds went to the group. Merchandise was also available, (decorative collars and leads) as were snacks.

Squash that Squaw Island retreat! :o

2008-06-19T19:31:00.002-04:00

Bike Path Robbers Take $20 From Walker
Source: The Buffalo News
Updated: 06/19/08 10:45 AM

A man walking on a bike path Wednesday was surrounded by three men on bikes who robbed him at knifepoint, Buffalo police reported today.

Northwest District police said the victim was walking north on the bike path at the foot of Niagara Street, near the International Bridge, when the three bicyclists approached and one of them kicked him on the back of his knee.

The robber with the knife rifled his pockets, stealing the victim's $20, lighter and cigarettes, police reported. The victim then ran.

The three robbers were described as in their late teens.

As always, maintain your situational awareness - even during daylight hours, exercise a reasonable level of caution (especially if you are approached by a group of young males) and report any suspicious activity directly to Central Dispatch at 9-1-1.

*************************************************************************

Also, just the other day in Riverside, about a mile from where I work, a guy was leaving for work around 6:30 am and was attacked by someone with a brick. A BRICK! It's almost Monty Python like in a way except it's true.

Lunchtime Retreats II - Squaw Island

2008-06-17T18:40:00.002-04:00

Who would think such a secluded, peaceful setting as Squaw Island Park could be found in Blackrock. Travel time: 5 minute walk from work.

(Squaw Island Park)

(Crossing the swing bridge)

(An old rail building opposite the swing bridge on the way to the island. Right next to my office.)

Poor Ould Goat review

2008-06-03T22:33:00.008-04:00

A nice, unsolicited review of our last gig at The Shannon Pub, courtesy of Emily Dulanski (on buffalo.com). Thank's Emily!
*******************************************************************

From the first acoustic chord over the din of the pub, "Poor Ould Goat"'s performance at Shannon's Pub Friday night went beyond background music and became the focus of the customers.

This Celtic rock band obviously derives its inspirations from the Irish culture, but their talented members play more than the classic "drinking songs." Although they appear to be four guys just having fun, they show knowledge of Irish music as well as fantastic musicianship.

Much of the band's music seemed to be arrangements of well-known Irish tunes and instrumentals. However, in addition to putting their own slightly modernized twist on these classic pieces, members of "Poor Ould Goat" have also written their own pieces in the spirit of Irish music.

Most of the musicians of "Poor Ould Goat" are capable of playing more than one instrument, as well. Instruments were changed in between or even during songs to get different effects. Among these were a small flute, a banjo, an accordion, an array of drums, and a guitar. This was quite an interesting mix between the classic and modern instruments.

Powerful vocals coupled with tempo changes kept the music interesting to listen to. Lyrics that told stories and a heavy downbeat kept the mood fun and light-hearted, like a dance. Many customers added to the atmosphere by clapping and all seemed involved with the performance.

"Poor Ould Goat" had a stage presence to match their performance. They were very relaxed and made jokes in between songs, such as offering a round of applause for their new matching beer holders. Their conversational tone and easy-going nature made the audience more comfortable.

The cheerful music of "Poor Ould Goat" was easy to listen to and well-fitting an Irish pub like Shannon's. They are a good band to turn to when in search of a peaceful evening.

Sunday morning

2008-05-04T14:20:00.002-04:00

Carnie Job Posting!!

2008-05-02T20:30:00.004-04:00

Job Number: 3667531

Title: Amusement ride attendant (SKY WHEEL CLIFTON HILL) (NOC: 6671)

Terms of Employment: Seasonal, Full Time, Weekend, Day, Evening

Salary: $8.95 to $9.40 Hourly for 35 hours per week

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario (2 vacancies )

Skill Requirements:
Education: Not required
Credentials (certificates, licences, memberships, courses, etc.): Not applicable
Experience: Will train
Languages: Speak English, Read English, Write English
Work Setting: Amusement park
Amusement Park Attendant Specific Skills: Assist patrons on and off rides
Essential Skills: Reading text, Numeracy, Oral communication, Working with others, Problem solving, Decision making, Critical thinking, Job task planning and organizing, Significant use of memory, Finding information, Continuous learning
Other Information: NIAGARA SKYWHEEL - Duties include:Maintain balance loading/unloading of gondola by directing patrons. Ensure gondolas/loading areas are clean, clear and free of hazards. Apply @ www.hocojobs.com!

Employer: HOCO Entertainment & Resorts

How to Apply:

Please apply for this job only in the manner specified by the employer. Failure to do so may result in your application not being properly considered for the position.
By Mail:
4960 Clifton Hill, P.O. Box 60
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E 6S8

Another great booksale

2008-04-19T11:47:00.002-04:00

Another successful outing at the annual Lancaster Library book sale yesterday. It seemed that there were less titles this year than in previous years but that didn't stop Cathie, Donna and I from snagging some excellent books. Hardcovers were 3 for $5 and paperbacks (including trade paper size) were 5 for $2! I also picked up some $.50 CD's this year so all in all a great morning.

Prize finds this year would be the hardcover "Crime and Punishment" that I had said going in that I wanted and Cathie found right away. Also a couple Peter Straub books and "The Name of the Rose" that I don't think was ever opened. Time spent 2 hours. Dollars spent, $15. Entertainment value...priceless.

POG - Poor Ould Gnome??

2008-04-15T18:59:00.003-04:00

POG at The Shannon Pub 4/11 & 4/12

2008-04-15T18:23:00.007-04:00

Two wonderful evenings at The Shannon Pub this past weekend. They have great food, pour an excellent pint and treated us like rock stars for two evenings! I was a little disillusioned on Sunday when I had to get up and get my own coffee at home!

Poor Ould Goat is looking at another possible date there in May and we will be part of their Buffalo Irish Festival this summer.

Faces in the crowd:

I meet a couple Mr. Wonderful Surprise fans who are now also POG fans and we compare bootleg shirts:

My sister-in-law Cathie appears to have a question for the band:

Brian and Jamie with Brian's parents:

Thank you Billy!

2008-04-09T18:43:00.001-04:00

You were the best Bill! Rest comfortably buddy.

Greatest. Cereal. EVER!

2008-04-07T19:09:00.002-04:00

...and a pretty darn good band too!

Now I'll have to go and dig out the Mr. Wonderful Surprise?! "What 'ja Makin' CD and give "Bad Haircut" a spin.

Also, I suspect that the "creamy chocolate filling" was actually pudding! Boy I miss that cereal...and the band too.

Recommended listening

2008-03-26T19:17:00.006-04:00

A few CD's that I can't stop listening to lately:

Tuner - "Pole" - Pat Mastelotto (drums) and Markus Reuter (Warr guitar) with a bizarre collection of music ranging from songs that evoke The Sugarcubes to others that could almost be radio friendly until they get weirded up in the middle! Very adventurous prog-rock for those not afraid of experimental music.

Porcupine Tree - "Nil Recurring" - An EP of songs that didn't fit the theme of the "Fear of a Blank Planet" CD. More music is always welcome from what I think is the best band out there right now. Prog-rock meets Metal meets Pop. Amazing material.

Ani DiFranco - "Knuckle Down" - A gift from my sister-in-law Cathie and I think the most consistant and accessible collection of music from Ani yet. Sad personal songs, a little bit of anger and a little bit of humor. Fantastic lyrics and she also does some incredible guitar playing.

One busy Goat!

2008-03-20T19:47:00.008-04:00

A very busy, fun and physically exhausting St. Patrick’s Day weekend, beginning at 9 am on Saturday the 15th and ending at 2 am Monday the 17th. Saturday we met at the Valley Community Center in the old First Ward in Buffalo at 9 am to haul equipment in before the parade lined up. At Noon people began filling the auditorium and by the time the parade was over a little after 1 the place was elbow to elbow. Gigi came out and hooked up with her long time friend Eileen, and the band played three full sets until 5:45. The Center also brought in a special guest speaker - Gerry Adams, a member of Parliament for Belfast and the President of Sinn Fein spoke for about 3 minutes, flanked by Brian Higgins and Mayor Byron Brown, and then was rushed out of the building. Apparently he was supposed to speak in Buffalo two years ago but Customs had him on a terrorist watch list. The folks at the Center were also nice enough to provide us with Guinness and a corned beef lunch that gave us the energy to tear down our equipment and head down the street to W.J. Morrisey’s from 9 pm till 12:30.

The parking situation at Morrisey’s was terrible. A monster truck rally at the Arena had the lots and streets full. We were able to sneak into the side lot next to the bar, but paid the price with mud caked sneakers. Walking in we were greeted with the drunken screaming of a group of white-trash girls out front smoking, dropping the f-bomb like it was a Chris Rock concert. The club then crammed the band into a little alcove next to the doors and facing the bar where crowds of people were enjoying a Sabres game that we were about to drown out just in time for the third period. A foreboding start to the night, but we victoriously won the crowd over and had them singing along with us by nights end. Of course the Sabres won, and many of the people had been drinking all day but we’ll take all the help we can get!

Sunday morning began with me waking up at 7:30 and feeling like I had played football the day before. I dragged my aching body (yeah I know, poor me) to play at 9 am Mass, and then loaded up the car and headed out to the Buffalo Irish Center at 12:30 where we played from 3 till 8. When we did our sound check, and I hit my aluminum doumbek for the first time my hands cried out to me “Not again!” More Guinness, more corned beef and a very good reception from the crowd, who sang along and pounded tables helped to push us through the afternoon.

Monday I again loaded the car and after a stop at Moe’s for my free birthday Joey Bag of Donuts burrito, I headed down the 219 to Foster’s Pub in Ellicottville. This was the last time Foster’s was going to have live music on St. Patrick’s Day as the owners were retiring and the bar was closing. We started at 6 and ended up playing four sets of music until 12:30! People just kept pouring into the place all night until I couldn’t figure out where they were putting everyone. As it was, you had to go outside and around the back of the building to get to the bathroom in a decent amount of time. The crowd sang along loudly, danced and cheered and made it a very memorable night. Probably the best reception to music I’ve ever been a part of. Again, the beer and whiskey I’m sure had a lot to do with it, but we did manage to play quite well considering it was our fourth show in three days. Home by 2 am with the pleasure of knowing I had Tuesday off from work. What a weekend!

Adrian Belew Power Trio at The Tralf

2008-03-09T11:25:00.004-04:00

Wow! That's all I can say about the Adrian Belew Power Trio at The Tralf last night. I anticipated a good show, knowing beforehand that Belew would be doing some familiar solo and Crimson material, but I didn't expect the direction of some of the instrumentals. To say the band went "out there" would be an understatement. They were WAY out at times and we were all blown away. Blown away that they could do such a beautiful song such as "Matchless Man" one minute and then launch into a jazz-fusion/avant garde/hard-rock instrumental the next.

Some thoughts - Belew's playing and his guitar (Parker Fly) sound are better than ever. Eric Slick (20) played the evening like a cross between Steve Smith and Keith Moon and did a great job on an impromtu drum solo when a fuse blew early in the show. Belew commented that this was one of the benefits of having a great drummer. Just in case of moments like these.

Julie Slick (his 22 yr old sister) is hands down one of the best bass players I've ever seen. Even our waitress admitted she "tore it up". In fact, the two of them easily handled Crimson material without being carbon copies of Tony Levin and Bill Bruford. They played the parts, but played them their way, leaving nothing lacking in their interpretation.

The band looked and sounded like they were having a blast the whole night and it was refreshing to hear a set that offered such a variety of styles. Great too to hear "Big Electric Cat", "Neurotica" and "Thela Hun Ginjeet". Also great to hear they are going into the studio at some point for a CD of new material. Well worth braving the winter storm for this show.

Beware the Workplace Zombies

2008-02-27T20:15:00.003-05:00

Warning: This is an alert about a serious workplace epidemic.

Take a close look around your office one of these days. You may find to your horror that your workplace is infested with zombies. Be careful - just one of these zombies is enough to suck the energy out of the room. More than one and your whole building may be in danger.

These zombies slowly and quietly suck energy and optimism. It's what they feed off of until they've left those around them feeling empty and wanting. They start with the nearest cube neighbor and move on one person at a time until they can enlist the aid of their newest recruits to take over the floor. Then they move to the stairs.

How can you identify these creatures? Well they're not the zombies of recent Hollywood movies. It's more difficult because they may look just like you and your friends. They aren't. Trust me. You need to look closer at the traits they exhibit if you have any prayer of escaping their clutches.

A workplace zombie:

- Shuffles quietly through the halls, head down.
- Refuses to make eye contact.
- Will absolutely not return your greeting. In fact they may appear scared or embarrassed.
- Leave no impression on anyone. Try as you may, and as much as you glance at their name plate or ID badge you simply cannot remember their name for any length of time.
- Appears as if they are simply waiting for the end of the world.
- Talks doom and gloom, if they say anything at all.
- Is looking to take you down with them.
- Wants to remain a loner. They will however turn others into shuffling, soul suckers but then want to be left alone.
- Can occassionally be overheard muttering phrases such as, "Thank God it's finally Friday", or "I've been better" when asked "How are you?"

You can't befriend them. You can't change them. And you absolutely cannot let them persuade you that life is an endless ordeal meant to be endured. Distance yourself as best you can and when you doze off in your cubicle for an afternoon siesta, remember to sleep with one eye open.

You can't defeat them, but you just may survive until retirement.

The Great Guinness Toast 2008

2008-02-23T21:59:00.002-05:00

Getting ready for the 11 pm toast:

Goats:

The crowd goes crazy:

Locked in backstage:

The talking drum shares it's wisdom:

Quote of the day

2008-02-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

"Information is not knowledge.
Knowledge is not wisdom.
Wisdom is not truth.
Truth is not beauty.
Beauty is not love.
Love is not music.
Music is THE BEST!"

- Frank Zappa -

Initiation ROCKS Club Infinity!!

2008-02-07T19:27:00.000-05:00

After a couple months of anticipation and a few surprisingly good rehearsals (considering the time off), I have to say I was relaxed and was able to remain focused for the most part, while still being able to sit back and just completely enjoy playing with the band again. The performance went very well, the stage was huge and the sound system was on a professional concert level. Here's to a few more of these moments in 2008. A big "thank you" to my brother for the pics!

Farewell buddy...

2008-01-29T19:40:00.000-05:00

We miss you Alex.

I'm still here!

2008-01-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

What's been happening you wonder??

I'll be posting some pics from our Initiation/Wunderland show soon. Great show, fantastic venue. Nice to get out and really beat the hell out of the drumset for the first time in 2 years!
Poor Ould Goat is gearing up for the St. Patty's season. Played three sets last weekend and realized I need to play more if I'm to be in shape for the upcoming months. 6-8 shows coming up in February and March.
Just finishing up reading "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". Really interesting characters, multiple story lines - one of those books where you feel like you are really there. I can visit Georgia whilst remaining a yankee in New York!
Don't bother renting Tarantino's "Death Proof". 90 minutes of mindless banter and 30 minutes of action. I usually love his dialogue in movies but this one just wore me out. I'm screaming "Shut up already and get run over will ya!" But alas, the talking went on (and on and on...). DO however rent "Resident Evil - Extinction". whoa!
Still can't get enough of listening to Porcupine Tree's "Fear of a Blank Planet", Heaven and Hell "Radio City Music Hall Live", Mickey Hart's "Global Drum Project" and King Crimson "Live in Nashville 2001".
Facebook.com is a BLAST! Sign up and share some pics!
Still got the greyhounds.
Still got the cats.
Still a million dollars short of being a millionaire.

Initiation Returns!

2008-01-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

Initiation is getting together again for our first show in 2 years:

Though we never really split up, the gigs became fewer and farther between and everyone started to pick up other musical outlets. I've been excited about playing this show since I heard about it over a month ago, and then after we're done I get to hang out and listen to one of Buffalo's longest tenured prog-bands - Wunderland!

Wunderland covers Rush, Queen, Styx and a host of others, with a concentration on the more popular prog-rock songs. The musicianship and vocal harmonies in this band set them far apart from most of the area's acts, but even setting that aside you'll hear songs they do and say "I LOVE this song" or "I haven't heard this in AGES!" Just a fantastic band and it should be an excellent evening.

Hahnovations

2007-12-30T12:12:00.000-05:00

My buddy Joe's "Grabs*It Up" pooper scooper invention arrived from China the other day and his company "Hahnovations" is now offically open for business! 5000 units in 244 cases that our friend Thom was gracious enough to let us store in his garage (sucker!!). Time to start marketing.

Foster Dog Lexi

2007-12-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

Lexi, a 13 year old return dog rests comfortably as a foster at the Jankowski household.

No, she's not really sad. They ALL look that way! We're just glad to be able to give her a home for the Holidays.

"Disco Stu" (I mean Stave)

2007-11-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

Ric Stave, my fellow "Initiation" bandmate, and member of Wunderland, Disco Duck (and others) graces the cover of this weekend's "Gusto" supplement in the Buffalo News! Shown sporting his best retro-garb at one of the many successful Disco Duck gigs. Great pic Ric!

Poor Ould Goat - Official Irish band of retired Buffalo Bills!

2007-11-20T19:11:00.000-05:00

(above: POG with kilt wearing kicker Steve Christie)

Played at The Irish Harp Pub in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada this past Saturday for ex-Buffalo Bill Steve Christie. It was his 40th birthday. As fun as the actual gig was, this is an experience that likely will not be repeated anytime soon. Just far too long a day for us old goats. Here's a breakdown of how the day went:

(above: Nice pub! Highly recommend the red Irish Harp that they brew.)

11:30 am - Load my drums in the car and say goodbye to Gigi and the dogs.
12:30 pm - Arrive at Joe's house and begin loading sound equipment into his truck.
1:30 pm - Leave for the Peace Bridge
1:50 pm - Stop in at U.S. Customs to have them sign and stamp our Customs Form 4455, which we all had and which detailed the equipment each of us were bringing into Canada, and then would be bringing back into the U.S. This would prove we returned with what we left with.
2:00 pm - Stop in at Canada Immigration. Show our ID's, our 4455's and a copy of our contract showing no payment was exchanging hands, no CD's were being sold and that the bar was closed for a private party. So far so good. Then they tell us to go see one of the Canada Customs agents. He was new to the job and nervously shuffled papers, asked us the same questions over and over, looked to the left and to the right a lot (for help I imagine) and then finally flagged down someone with experience. They told him he needed to complete this "new form" and that we needed an estimated value of all our equipment. Apparently they were going to be taking an 8% deposit and would refund us within 2 months! How to estimate the value of everything we had...? We came up with an amount (rather low but believable) and were informed our deposit would be $280.00. And they don't take credit cards! And they don't have an ATM! They allowed one of us (Joe) to drive 3 miles to an ATM while the rest of us waited.
3:00 pm - An hour has passed since we arrived at Immigration but Joe has returned (cash in hand - thanks again Joe!) and Mr. Customs is happy. But wait...he has to run out because his car door was left open (as told by another agent who for some reason was unable to close said door for him!). Now he is back...but wait! He needs to go work the line! Someone else now needs to finish this. They do and they send us out to the cashier and we are on our way.
4:30 pm - Arrive at The Irish Harp and order chicken wings for dinner. Apparently dinner isn't free as we had thought and the food plus Guinness has cost us each $30! Profit is dwindling - especially for Joe.
5:30 pm - Wander into another bar after going out for some fresh air and I hear "Jeff J!!!". I look around, thinking there is another Jeff J, but no it's for me. It's Tom Furminger and his gang of buddies! All sitting around playing cards in a pub in Canada! What are the odds?? They are up there with the wives and have been in the bar for 3 hours while the women shop. I invite them to the gig after 10 pm when the doors are open to the public. (They do show up later and get strange, mean looks from Mrs. Christie).

(above: All the way from Buffalo and they didn't even get cake!)

6:15 pm - Set up.
7:15 pm - Steve Christie arrives to a warm reception.
7:40 pm - Begin set number one. Drums are WAAAAY to loud on this tiny, hollow wooden stage. Begin playing with finger tips.
11:45 pm - End set number three and begin breaking down equipment after a short breather and some final conversation.
2:00 am - Back at Canada Immigration exactly 12 hours since our last visit. Some of the same inspectors are still working! Good for us actually. They decide to be nice and return our deposit (well, Joe's deposit) if "we can find it". They do and we're off.
2:15 am - Arrive at U.S. inspection booth. Inspector takes one look at Joe's truck packed to the hilt and then at the long sheet of equipment and decides that it is too much for him to deal with at this hour of the day and sends him on his way. Good for us again!! Brian and I get to the booth and he doesn't even ask to see our ID's!
2:30 am - Unload equipment at Joe's.
3:30 am - Arrive home and finally lay down to sleep and suffer nightmares of Mounties and Loonies and Labatt Blue.

(above: Chris hogs the stage.)

Rolling Hills Ghost Hunt

2007-11-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday October 30th Gigi and I went ghost hunting with our friend Laura to the Rolling Hills Parnormal Research Center. They start you out with a tour of some of the "hot spot" rooms and a history of the building and it's former residents. Creepy stuff that includes electroshock therapy, an overfilled morgue, an orphanage and over a thousand deaths on site.

(our Ghost Hunter poses)

Then they let you wander.

There were some personal experiences such as extreme cold temps right next to warm spots, photographs that had large colorful orbs (though I didn't get any) and feelings in some rooms of dread. Aside from the photograph there was only one other experience shared by all. Gigi, Laura, a guide and myself were all walking up a narrow hallway back to the canteen to get some hot chocolate. In my left ear I hear a guys voice whisper "Have a good night". I take two more steps and we all stop at the same time and say "Did you hear that?" I look behind and see no one, and no one could have passed by without us pressing against the wall to let them pass. I see one other guy about 75 feet ahead in the gift shop so I have the others wait while I go up there and try talking to see if they can hear me back in the hall but they can't.

It could be the acoustics from an upper floor coming down at just the right moment. Odd because the building is a giant, run down, concrete and rusty steel mess that I'm guessing isn't acoustically perfect. We couldn't rule it out though, but it was a very odd experience.

Old Fort Niagara

2007-10-13T15:13:00.000-04:00

This past Monday, Poor Ould Goat played a fund raiser for the Niagara Falls Music School at Fort Niagara in Youngstown.

The building we played in:

Up three flights of winding, narrow wooden stairs to a room that was every bit the 80 degrees it had been during the afternoon.

The view from behind the drum stool:

Whoops! Dropped a stick!

Tight quarters:

Niagara Celtic Festival

2007-09-22T15:54:00.000-04:00

A busy end to summer has kept me from any updates, but now Fall is just about here and it's time to get back up to speed. Just a quick post today with a few pics from the Niagara Celtic festival last weekend at Olcott Beach. Poor Ould Goat played at 11:00 a.m. and it was freezing! We didn't have much time to hang out as we had an evening gig also, so I didn't get all the pictures I had hoped.

In this one, Joe encounters some intimidating characters with a booth displaying muskets, knives, swords and other such devices. They let us both slide without a beating because Joe is Irish and they happen to have a liking for the Polish people too.

As for the British though...BEWARE!

Poor Ould Goat publicity shot:

Poor Ould Goat returns from Summer Vacation

2007-08-11T18:46:00.001-04:00

After kicking back and taking it easy for the summer, Poor Ould Goat is slowly getting ready to get back to business this Fall. Shows confirmed thus far include:

- Sept. 15 - 10 a.m. Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival (Olcott Beach). They have a variety of events planned for the weekend so check out the schedule. 10 a.m. though...yikes!

- Sept. 21 and Oct. 13 - 9 p.m. The Buffalo Irish Center

If you haven't been out to see us or checked out our website, I thought I'd take a moment to introduce the Goats. If the band doesn't mind I'll simply steal some info from our myspace page:

Chris McGonnell - Vocals, Guitar, Bodhran, Whistle. Formerly with Seanache.

Joe Bacon - Vocals, Accordion, Whistle, Guitar, Harmonica. Formerly with Major Healy and Mr. Wonderful Surprise?!

Brian Carney - Vocals, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Guitar. Formerly with Skyfire Blue and Rusty Strings

Jeff Jankowski - Djembe, Doumbek, Talking Drum, Drum kit. Formerly with Initiation and Mr Wonderful Surprise?!

(L-R: Brian, Chris, Jeff, Joe)

Lake George 2007

2007-08-07T19:43:00.000-04:00

A small glimpse of the annual Lake George excursion:

The OoSullivans, owned now by the Polish. Is a name change in the future?

Welcome!

Tidy.

George's - a great place for steak. I had the sea bass.

Meeting of the auto worker's union?

Lebanese Festival - St. John Maron

2007-07-29T13:59:00.000-04:00

Kayleigh demonstrates how casino membership has it's privileges:

Summoning the dancers:

The Fixx - Canal Concert Series

2007-07-08T13:58:00.000-04:00

Went to see The Fixx last night at the Canal in North Tonawanda and the band sounded incredible! Cy Curnin's vocals were as strong as in the 80's and Jamie West-Oram's guitar playing was creative and adventurous. Playing a mix of older and brand new material, I definately did not get the feeling that this was another nostalgia act on the road. Good to see them again after 20 some-odd years!

Disco Duck - June 28th

2007-06-30T12:59:00.000-04:00

Ric Stave (bass, voc.), Mark Partyka (guitar, voc.) and Disco Duck get their funk on at Sloan Park! Bubble machine, disco lights and all!

Roycroft Summer Festival - East Aurora NY

2007-06-23T19:29:00.000-04:00

Browsing some art. Perhaps some stunning motorcycle art for the living room??

Blue House in the Woods - where they appaised my leather bound Poe book of poems printed 100 years ago by the Roycroft. Not worth selling, but they did comment that it was in near mint condition and would be more valuable if it wasn't for the internet. Stupid world-wide web!

Babik (bah-beek) - Buffalo acoustic jazz group playing (mostly) the music of Django Reinhardt. They label themselves gypsy jazz and along with Django are reminiscent of Stephane Grappelli and the jazz music of the 30's and 40's. Great sound that was so infectious I just had to pick up a CD. Excellent musicians, including (in my opinion) Buffalo's finest - Geoff Perry on violin.

Lunchtime Retreats I - Japanese Garden

2007-06-14T19:02:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd start getting out of the office more at lunch and visit places that are close by. Places I've always wanted to see but have either never been, or had been a long time ago. First stop, the Japanese Garden at the Buffalo Museum of History off Elmwood Ave. Travel time 7 minutes.

Poor Ould Goat at The Shannon Pub

2007-06-07T18:51:00.000-04:00

Poor Ould Goat was happy to play two nights at The Shannon Pub last weekend. Good crowd, very nice staff and excellent food! And of course there was the Guinness.

The Goats:

The Stage:

The Men's Chambers:

The Bar:

The year "Initiation" hit it big in Poland!

2007-05-18T18:44:00.000-04:00

I was fondly listening to my Initiation CD today (my band before Poor Ould Goat) and I remembered this review we got a couple years ago from "Metal Hammer Magazine - Polish Edition":

"A group known as Initiation from among New York musical performers is worthy of great honor. Under not very much of an effective cover is concealed a great source of beautiful, solid, and authentic music.

This unit came into existence during the year 2000. It was composed by two famous knowledgeable musicians, whose names bear a pleasant Polish sound, namely those of Mark Partyka and Jeff Jankowski.

This group is able to rouse admiration from sounds of “Crystal Beach”, instrumental sounds of “Hyperbaric Flames” and even the Beatle riff “Don’t Go Near the Water.”

From: Metal Hammer Magazine – Polish Edition.

"Worthy of great honor! ...Two famous knowledgeable musicians!", and my favorite "...whose names bear a pleasant Polish sound!". No mention is made of Ric Stave or John Gilbert - both unfortunately born without Polish pedigree. With this kind of response, perhaps we should take a leave of absence from our jobs and tour Europe!

In honor of this hilarious review I invite you to click the Initiation link above and view our myspace account, complete with some videos shot at Rock and Roll Heaven, as well as Mark's recent, self proclaimed "schlocky" Sabres tribute song!

Viva La Poland!!

Orange County Choppers

2007-05-08T20:16:00.000-04:00

Made a stop at Orange County Choppers on our way to Pratt (in Brooklyn) on Monday and I wanted to toss up a few pics of the display bikes in the gift shop. Unfortunately the pics don't do the bikes justice because they are stunning, and the detail is incredible. But if you've seen the show you already know that. Anyway, here's a few:

NASA bike:

Spider:

Aragon bike (note the chain mail):

Military bike:

P.O.W. bike (note the barbed wire spokes):

Green:

Kitty Hoynes (Syracuse) hosts The Goat

2007-04-23T20:42:00.000-04:00

Did an overnight in Syracuse this past Saturday so Poor Ould Goat could play Kitty Hoynes, which is a real cool pub located in a relatively busy section of the city. I'm not familiar with the Syracuse night life, but there were a lot of people streaming in and out and it turned out to be the most enthusiastic crowd I've ever had the pleasure of playing in front of.

Booked a 3-star hotel room courtesy of priceline.com for only $45, and Kitty Hoynes treated the band to a fantastic dinner (I had the cedar plank salmon). The first set went well and so we took a short break and then started the second of three. Halfway through the set we did "Charlie on the MTA" and the place went crazy! They were singing along and screaming out choruses so loud that at times I couldn't hear the band. This continued into "Big Strong Man" and most of the other songs we did.

We ended up changing our plan to take a break and do a third set, and instead played a set that lasted close to 2 hours! People kept yelling out requests, and we'd play them, and then more people would come in and start singing and it just felt like if we took a break the place would clear out. When you are on a roll you, uh... roll with it right? An exhausting but fantastic night.

Make a Music Investment

2007-04-19T18:24:00.000-04:00

I listened to an online interview with Steve Wilson from Porcupine Tree promoting their new disc “Fear of a Blank Planet”, and one of the issues it addresses is the devaluing of music in the 21^st century because of effortless and immediate access to it.

In the not too distant past Wilson says, you saved your money and bought maybe an album or a CD a month, depending on what you could afford. You would listen to the disc all the way through two times, a half a dozen times - taking time to read the liner notes and lyrics and look through the album art. If the music didn’t grab you immediately, you at least gave it some time to grow on you. Because you spent your hard earned money on it, you had a vested interest in the music.

Now he says everyone can have instant access to songs online. They hear about a band, go online and listen to 30 seconds of a song or two, or download an entire disc and if it doesn’t immediately grab their interest they delete it. The problem is that you can’t learn to appreciate the music of Frank Zappa, Radiohead or Porcupine Tree (as just a few of many, many examples), on the basis of a one-minute sound bite.

I agree, and I think this shuffle through the jukebox mentality is the result of a culture of instant gratification, which leads to a culture of instant boredom.

You can download or burn anything and get as much as you want, and now it's overload. You can't possibly invest the time needed to take in all that you have, you just want more because you can. And much of it, if taken on a whim, lacks the substance to make any lasting impact on you, so now you're bored with what you have. Unlimited choice has shortened attention spans, and now more than ever, music needs to hook people immediately. If it takes too long to sink in, the listener gets impatient or bored and moves on.

“Fear of a Blank Planet” appears in part to be addressing the fear of a loss of personality of some depth. We’re becoming a culture that doesn’t take the time to appreciate music, or any art form for that matter, which requires an investment in time, thought and reflection.

There’s always going to be music (or books, movies etc.) people just don’t like, and what’s good vs crap is simply one person’s opinion. The problem is that more and more, anything that takes some effort is not given the time needed to appreciate it. People complain that none of the music out there “today” is any good, but the majority only know what is out there based on what they are told is out there. Radio, American Idol, other media – all tell us what is “in”, or “hot”. If that’s what the latest trend is, and if we don’t like it, than we can wait and hope for the next wave or simply fall back on our old favorites. Or we can take some time to look for what else is available.

Check out free internet radio, XM Radio via DirectTV, college radio stations, or surf to web sites of your favorite artists - many of whom have released new music that you didn't know about, or have teamed with other artists to put out music that has no radio outlet. “So and so used to be with this band I liked, and then they did a CD with this other musician, who was also with this person”. Next thing you know you have three new avenues to pursue.

All this presupposes that a person wants to make the investment needed to rediscover the excitement of hearing something new. Don’t wait for it to come to you. Take the time and look for it because there is more out there than you can even imagine.

As Steve Wilson said about the current state of music in the song “The Sound of Muzak” - “One of the wonders of the world is going down. It’s going down I know. It’s one of the blunders of the world that no one cares. No one cares enough.”

Lancaster Book Sale

2007-04-13T13:31:00.000-04:00

(Alex can't believe his eyes)

Or should I say Book Steal! No we didn't steal anything, but the prices certainly were. What a bar-goon! What a ti-ra-ra-gundi-yea!!

(Long line outside and 35 degrees)

I ended up with 16 books for $14!! Six hardcover and the rest trade paperbacks. They also had tons of the little pocket paperbacks, but even with glasses they are too tough on the eyes, so I stayed away from those. This should tide me over for a bit now.

Some highlights for me - "The Corrections" , "I Know This Much is True" and "The Dogs of Babel" (where a dog is the only witness to a death) - all recommended to me by my sister-in-law Cathie; "Silence of the Lambs" hardcover (read it a long time ago), "The Russia House" by spy author great John Le Carre, and an impulse last minute buy - "Dharma Punx" - true story of a punk rocker who turns to Buddhism to help straighten out/save his life. Where to start....

(Cathie's done - I think)
(Tracy Lords bares all)

Buffalo Greyhound Adoption on TV April 13th

2007-04-03T17:55:00.000-04:00

Gigi, myself and other members of Buffalo Greyhound Adoption will be on Channel 2's Daybreak show on Friday April 13th between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Daybreak does a segment called Spot2Be, where they do the weather from Spot Coffee on Delaware Ave. at Chippewa, and they have different organizations appearing to promote events or raise awareness for their group.

We will be there with a couple of our dogs, along with a few of their "cousins". If you are heading into downtown Buffalo at that time, stop on in and join us for an espresso. If not, set your TiVo to check it out.

Don't Close the Drive-In!!

2007-03-28T17:56:00.000-04:00

After nearly 60 years, the Buffalo Drive-In on Harlem Road in Cheektowaga will be closing at the end of the season. Apparently there is a burning need for another medical campus and there are no undeveloped parcels of land or vacant buildings in Buffalo.

Okay, admittedly the land is too valuable to sit unused for most of the year, and the drive-in has seen better days but still - how sad is that?

It was only last year when we re-discovered the drive-in. Taking part in a summer tradition known as "Greyhound Night at the Movies". Friends of ours had been doing this for a couple years and we never knew that dogs were allowed in. After all, Cheektowaga bans them from the park so why not here too? Well, pulling in you discover why it doesn't really matter if animals are in attendance - but that's not the point!

We loaded 2 hounds in the back of the truck, grabbed human and dog snacks and joined 4 other vehicles full of dogs to see "Pirates II". Nice to be out in the open air, passing snacks between trucks. The dogs got a nice nap and we got an escape from the hot confines of our non-air conditioned house.

I say we all go to the last movie of the year and chain ourselves to the rusty marque and refuse to leave! Then again, we'd likely have to sit through the winter until anyone cared. Or maybe they'd simply snap the rusty marque supports to free us. I'm accepting any ideas anyone may have to keep this travesty from occuring. Log them into my comments section and together we can make a difference!

Lazy, rainy days of Spring are here!

2007-03-24T13:39:00.000-04:00

Well Spring has finally arrived. Saturday afternoon, rainy and cool outside. Nothing like sitting around with a book (short stories by Clive Barker today), some coffee and no real plan for the day. In fact, the hounds seem to have the right idea.

St. Patrick's Day Weekend with The Goat

2007-03-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

Wow - busiest weekend playing I've ever had. Played Saturday night from 5 - 10 at the Niagara Falls Conference Center across from the Seneca Casino. Home by 12:30 and up at 7 to play at 9 o'clock Mass and then over to the Buffalo Irish Center to play from 3 - 7. My arms are killing me!

Both went well and we may have lined up a great gig in the Fall at a black tie event. Who could have imagined that I'd spend my whole life playing drum set in rock bands, and would end up getting the most (and some of the best) shows playing percussion with an Irish band?!

The Conference Center was the largest crowd I've ever played in front of. They told us they expected 3000 people and I couldn't even estimate how many were actually there. The venue was enormous and it was packed. A few pics:

This place can't possibly fill up...

Autograph

2007-03-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

Some of the artists I've been fortunate to have seen and met:

Planet X (Initiation actually got to open for them)

Tony Levin Band

Adrian Belew

Steve Smith and Vital Information

The California Guitar Trio

Allan Holdsworth

Al DiMeola

Adrian Belew

2007-02-25T16:40:00.000-05:00

Adrian Belew has a real cool video biography posted on his website - http://www.adrianbelew.net
Just click play on the myspace t.v. screen in the center and take a walk through his life in a nutshell.

Which of course brings me to my own Belew encounter. In the early 90's he played the Ogden Street Concert Hall and Gigi got us back stage because she went to school with the owner. We got to meet Adrian and get his autograph, and Gigi says "I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the show!" Belew just looks at her, smiling, and says "Why? Is it a secret?" True story.

The Great Guinness Toast with Poor Ould Goat

2007-02-18T14:49:00.000-05:00

Officially, The Great Guinness Toast was held on Friday Feb. 16th at 11 pm est, but we had so much fun playing it at the Irish Center that we held a second toast the next evening for the very nice folks in Olean NY at Sean Patrick's.

The Goats:

The Toast:

Sean Patrick's:

Joe:

Chris:

Pipers:

First Gig at the Irish Center

2007-02-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

(Brian on bouzouki)

Played my first show with Poor Ould Goat at the Buffalo Irish Center last night. It was a fundraiser for the St. Patrick's Day parade and surprisingly, considering the freezing temperatures the turnout was excellent. This was the first of a half a dozen shows over the next month and it was a blast to play! Funny out of all the tunes, it was Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison" that got the crowd warmed up. Probably because we had an early start and the crowd hadn't had enough Guinness yet.

I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted, but I'll work on that at future shows. Up next - The Great Guinness Toast next Friday at the Irish Center, with people around the world all hoisting a pint at the same time. Hey, I can play with one hand!

(RINCE na TIARNA dancers)

Poor Ould Goat

2007-02-03T11:51:00.000-05:00

I have officially joined forces once again with my former Mr. Wonderful Surprise bandmate Joe Bacon, and have become a member of his, Chris McGonnell and Brian Carney's Celtic/Irish band "Poor Ould Goat"

I'll be playing various handdrums, as well as attempting to learn to play the bodhran (kind of a frame drum played with a mallet). The band will be very busy playing various locales the next couple months - especially St. Patrick's Day weekend, and it's really exciting to be doing something entirely different musically.

I was a little nervous at first, as you always are with something unfamiliar, but the songs are just so much damn fun it's impossible not to relax and enjoy it! I mean, the titles alone make me want to dance (if I only knew how!):

- Jolly Roving Tar

- Worst Day Since Yesterday

- Batten Down the Hatches

- Scolding Wife

- Old Black Rum

- Rake at the Gates of Hell

- Raggle Taggle Gypsy

Check out the schedule of gigs on the band's web site, as well as the Irish Center site, and come and join us for a pint or two of stout!

Coming Soon...

2007-01-28T17:43:00.000-05:00

to a pub near you:

(details soon)

Wind Chill Season

2007-01-24T18:15:00.000-05:00

Getting colder out there. Do what you can to stay warm.

Michael Brecker, Saxophonist Passes Away

2007-01-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

Very sad to hear that one of my favorite jazz artists - Michael Brecker, passed away today at far too young an age. The Brecker Brother's "Heavy Metal Be-Bop" was one of the first "fusion" albums my brother and I ever heard, and since then us and our friends continued to dig up as much jazz and fusion as we could find - all branching off of the great band assembled on that album.

Thankfully Brecker continued to record at an astonishing rate, and his solo CD's are highlights in a career that has far too many sessions to list in this blog.

Thank you for all the music and rest in peace.

The Police

2007-01-06T09:55:00.000-05:00

A great year to be a Police fan.

First, Andy Summers releases his memoir, "One Train Later" which covers his early life growing up, playing locally in London as a teen and then stints with Soft Machine and The Animals, before meeting Sting and Stewart Copeland. The book is very well written, hilarious at times and in great detail. I can especially relate to how he'd just sit sometimes and stare at his guitar - mezmorized, because I've done the same thing with my drums. As if this alone would help you understand the instrument better and unlock the mysteries within. Heavy huh?

"Nineteen-eighty...We arrive in Buffalo to play at Clark Gym. Outside, the ground is covered in deep snow and the temperature is below zero, and with the Niagara roaring in the background, we enter another round of the American Dream. Arriving back in the U.S. always feels like a comedown after the mayhem back in Europe, but Clark Gym is packed and we melt the snow surrounding the building."

Then Stewart Copeland releases "Everybody Stares - The Police Inside Out" which is his Super8 footage of the band behind the scenes as they started out in clubs, visiting the record company, photo shoots and finally world domination. I wish it had more interviews with the band members, but as an insiders perspective on how the band kept getting bigger and bigger it's fascinating.

Now the news comes out that they may reunite for a summer tour to celebrate their 30th anniversary. I was able to see them on the Synchronicity tour, but the band all have stated that their one regret was that they never did a farewell tour. They were the biggest band in the world in the mid-80's and they simply called it quits. If it happens we can at least expect some live DVD footage and who knows, perhaps a farewell CD?

Thoughts Keeping Me Awake at Night

2006-12-28T17:46:00.000-05:00

Some questions I'm left pondering from 2006:

1. Is there really a problem with eating cloned animal meat? I'm not sure I see a problem with it for us carnivores. Chickens for example are raised strictly to feed us, so what's the difference if we clone that chicken and just make more? Especially if it is indistinguishable from the non-clone version. More food for those in need (or in want) right?

2. Will I ever see another Mel Gibson movie? Hmmm...extremely violent film making throughout his career, now mixed with an unhealthy dose of anti-Semitism. Probably not. File this one in the "Kramer File". Too bad too, because I've been waiting for Lethal Weapon 5 forever!

3. Will the Sabres finally hoist Lord Stanley's cup? In 2006, the answer was no but now it's as good a bet as any.

4. Has there ever been a year with more celebrity obsession than this past one? I hardly think I need my evening news to report that Britney isn't wearing underwear. Who didn't know that already?

5. How come no one warned us about global warming sooner? Okay, I'm kidding. But it takes until now for our leaders to finally publically admit that humans contribute to a condition called global warming, and that it actually exists as a real problem? "You think??" Great time to be in Buffalo though! One winter blast in the Fall, and Springtime in December. Can't wait to see what Summer is like. Better get out the 125 sunblock. (Personal thanks from me to Al Gore though for doing something productive on the lecture circuit).

6. Does anyone really care who is running for President in 2008 at this point? I'm still getting over the pain of the last election. Besides, didn't Howard Dean already prove something to everyone about early favorites?

7. Is the city of Buffalo rebounding? Apartments are booming downtown and a dozen or so major developments are slated to begin/finish in 2007. (Personal thanks from me to Brian Higgins for showing up to work and fighting the good fight.)

8. What's the next big reading craze for kids going to be? Now that Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket are wrapping up, what's next? Hopefully something equally imaginative.

9. Can FM radio get creative again? With so many internet and satellite options, as well as music downloads, is there any reason FM can't dig deep to find bands and music no one has heard? What do they have to lose? They can't lose any more listeners than they have already. Time to end the days of riding the trends and force feeding us the next pop sensation. Get creative and play whatever you want! People might even tune in again. The Lake is doing a pretty good job to start, but this could be taken much further. Let's rock, (and swing and mosh and meditate and...)!!

10. Is 2007 the year we "win the war on terror"? Can we define "winning the war on terror"? Can we do away with phrases like that and "stay the course"? Will somebody please stand up with an idea?

Here's to 2007!!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

Best of 2006 (My Favorites)

2006-11-30T19:21:00.000-05:00

It's about that time of the year when everyone comes out with their "Best of" lists. Now, I listen to a lot of music and read a lot of books, but not all of it was actually released this year. Still, it's new to me! So that being said, here are my "Favorite Finds" in 2006:

Music

Diana Krall - "Live in Paris" - the songs are spirited and the playing is superb. One of those CD's where the band is obviously having a great time.
Crimson Jazz Trio - "King Crimson Song Book Vol. 1" - Like discovering Crimson for the first time again! Faithful interpretations of the songs and beautiful as well as fierce playing.
KTU - "8 Armed Monkey" - Pat Mastelotto and Trey Gunn from Crimson join musicians from "Kluster" in an experiment of loops, samples, percussion, voices and accordion! Like nothing I've ever heard.
Fiona Apple - "Extraordinary Machine" - Extraordinary!
Porcupine Tree - "Deadwing" - Modern progressive. Hard rocking and melodic.

Books

"House of Sand and Fog" - Andre Dubus III - Tension builds slowly for three one-time strangers whose connection to a house leads them down a destructive path.
"Roadshow - Landscape with Drums" - Neil Peart - Behind the scenes with Neil as he motorcycles across the country on tour with Rush.
"City of Joy" - Dominique Lapierre - Life in Calcutta as experienced by a Catholic priest and a rickshaw puller. Inspirational because you cannot believe the happiness and generosity of these people who literally have nothing.
"The Exorcist" - William Peter Blatty - Almost as scary as the movie and includes some nice background on what it takes to get an exorcisim approved. "And yet even from this - from evil - will come good. In some way. In some way that we may never understand or ever see."
"Raveling" - Peter Moore Smith - Schizophrenic brother tries to find out what happened to his sister who went missing 20 years ago.

Bourgade

2006-11-26T15:50:00.000-05:00

Went to see my nephew's band "Bourgade" yesterday at a battle of the bands in Alexander NY, and as one of their songs predicted - Alexander truly was "laid to waste".

Johnny Rash, Road Dog, Slick Willie, and Double Barrel Daryl (with a cameo by the Rodeo Clown) took the stage, politely greeted the crowd and then proceeded to punch a wall of aggressive music straight through the collective masses ribcages - scorching hair as far back as the main entrance.Musically, Bourgade was tight on stage while remaining loose in appearance. Johnny Rash (Matt) kept the set flowing with interesting, often humorous song introductions, giving Alex, Bill and Joe a moment to catch their breath before administering the next audience aural assault.

I look forward to a future CD of "The Marriage of Robert Jager and Candice Kluscian", "Soccer Moms Bleed Like the Rest of Us", "Jack Davis' Drug Free Society", "As Reliable as Scott Norwood from 47 Yards Out", "Alexander Will be Laid to Waste" and "If You See Ralph Bucky Phillips, Put Him in a Headlock For Me".

Hellbilly Punk? Southern Rock on Roids? Cookie Monster Metal? I'm not sure how the hell to label it except "Gotta See it to Believe it". Great job guys and best of luck!

Thankful

2006-11-23T14:28:00.000-05:00

Just a few (of many) things that I'm grateful for:

Florida Trade Show

2006-11-16T23:07:00.000-05:00

Down in Ft. Lauderdale for a trade show this past week. 82 and muggy, but the evenings were nice. Some sights in and around the convention center:

Nostalgia Bands - Stop the Madness!!

2006-11-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

Some music news:

I just read the announcement that Genesis is getting back together for the first time in 15 years to do a stadium tour. No Peter Gabriel, no Steve Hackett (they both declined) and no new album. They will be playing mostly hits from the 80's with some older material (likely in medley format).

Personally, I was glad to hear Gabriel said no. They talked about getting together to do "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" but for the life of me I can't seem to even get excited about the idea. I love the album, but that was 30 years ago! Why on earth, with everything Gabriel has done since would he ever want to consider revisiting that? Plus, his voice has changed considerably and fans would be paying $200 to see a 50 year old sing songs from his early 20's. Do you remember your early 20's? Are you really anything like that at all anymore? I just don't see the appeal. Thank you Peter for leaving your legacy intact.

The Who just released a new album, though it's just Roger and Pete now. Some would say that is better than no Who. I'll give them credit though because at least they have a new product to promote, one that's getting good reviews too.

This one I found really funny. Culture Club is back together and touring (if anyone cares), sans Boy George. Culture Club WAS Boy George, who are they kidding? It's kinda like....

Queen without Freddie Mercury. I saw them live on VH1 and Paul Rogers actually sounded really good, but Freddie he's not. If no Freddie, than what's the point? Join together with Paul Rogers under a different name and do something new. I know, I know - so many people say "I never got to see Queen." Well, you know what? You're still not.

My question is why? These musicians have talent, so why the need to revisit the past? Aside from The Who, none of them are on the road promoting a new album and I think that is the real kicker. Just another walk down memory lane.

Do people out there really need to revisit the music from 20 years ago at exorbitant prices that badly? Though I imagine the Culture Club tix are rather affordable. Okay, yes I'll admit I went to see the Asia reunion show, but that was only $20. It wasn't a cash cow for the band and they are discussing recording again. Plus you'd pay that much to see some of the touring tribute bands that are around anyway.

Touring used to be a way for bands to promote their latest album, playing a large portion of it along with some older hits. Rush for example plays 3 hours and includes about half their latest release, and has always done it this way. Then again they may be one of the exceptions. People accept that from Rush. When Fleetwood Mac played Buffalo a year or two ago the review said people were getting up and leaving during the new material, and actually yelling out for the hits. C'mon, hasn't FM radio killed those songs enough?

In the words of Robert Fripp, "move on" people. Help put an end to the madness.

Art Gone Wild - Buffalo Zoo Benefit 11/16/06

2006-11-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

One of our greyhound friends works at the zoo and told us about this benefit for her "other" animals. I haven't been to the Pearl Street Grill in years and it's affordable and for a great cause. The zoo is really turning things around these last few years so it'll be nice to help out. Hope to see you there!

The Buffalo Zoo's artsy animals have been at it again! Join keepers on Thursday, November 16, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery for the art show of the year! The event features the sale and auction of art created by a variety of your favorite Buffalo Zoo animals, as well as a silent auction and live auction hosted by Channel 7 reporter Erica von Tiehl.

Pre-sale tickets are $6 per person or $10 for two. Funds raised will benefit the Animal Department. To purchase tickets, please call (716) 995-6139. Space is limited, so be sure to get your tickets today

Buffalo: Pierogy Pocket Capital !!!

2006-11-03T19:43:00.000-05:00

City Takes Pierogy Title
(from The Buffalo News - Friday, November 03, 2006)

By BRIAN MEYER
News Staff Reporter

Forget the stinging Super Bowl losses and Stanley Cup defeats. Buffalo's passion for pierogies has won it what a beaming Mayor Byron W. Brown described Thursday as the city's first championship.

A Pennsylvania food manufacturer has christened Buffalo the "Capital of the Pierogy Pocket," following a spirited community effort to demonstrate the city's enthusiasm for the Polish delicacy.

Standing beneath a towering arch of ballons in the City Hall lobby, Brown accepted the award from Mrs. T's Pierogies - along with a $10,000 check. The money will be used to help support cultural heritage and tourism efforts, the Police Athletic League and Sister Cities projects.

"Buffalo has a large Eastern European population that takes a great deal of pride in their heritage and food," Brown told a crowd of about 75 people, who sang along to a new song called "Pierogy Pride - Buffalo's Anthem."

Tom Twardzik, president of Mrs. T's Pierogies, presented a ceremonial check to local officials.

Buffalo beat four other finalist cities: Pittsburgh, Lancaster, Pa., Providence, R.I., and Garfield, N.J. A team of judges weighed materials from each locality and considered online votes that poured in from across the nation. A billboard is being donated to advertise Buffalo's newfound status.

North Common Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. was a judge for a Pierogy Pride taste-off held in August to showcase Buffalo's zeal for the food. He thinks the new designation is a testament to the city's diversity.

"This a proud day for Polish-Americans and for anyone who loves gooey, doughy, cholesterol-laden foods," Golombek quipped.

Essential Halloween Viewing

2006-10-24T19:52:00.000-04:00

Fiona strikes a Halloween pose and helps me choose some "Essential Halloween Viewing":

1. Halloween - It goes without saying that if no other scary movie is watched during the last weeks of October that this should be the one. A little dated, but still creepy. You can also play drinking games to it - everytime Jamie Lee Curtis' friend says "totally", or you can "take a vodka drink/take a whiskey drink" everytime Michael Myers "gets knocked down, but he gets up again!"

2. Pumpkinhead - Okay, bad title but really cool movie. Lance Hendrickson (Frank Black, Bishop) tries to stop a giant, 10-foot tall monstrosity, created of course by mankind themselves. The filming is eerie and the story line is better than you'd expect based on the title.

3. Evil Dead II - Just watched it again yesterday and Bruce Campbell is at his second-best, (next to "Army of Darkness" - the sequel). Ash and his girlfriend out in a cabin in the remote woods come across the book "The Necronomicon" and become entangled with resurrected demons that unleash all kinds of bad mojo. Scary and funny at the same time.

4. Dracula/Frankenstein/The Mummy - The classics and essential to set the Halloween mood.

5. Scream - Any or all three. Mixing scares, comedy and good plot twists.

Happy Halloween!!

"You Wanted The Best And You Got The Best...!"

2006-10-19T18:58:00.000-04:00

Thursday Oct 26th at 8 pm, Regal Cinema will be showing "Kiss Live - Cobo Hall Detroit, 1976".

Hmmm...maybe I'll go and re-enact a little scene from when I was an usher at the theaters in the 80's. We were showing one of the Star Trek movies and of course all the Trekkies were out in full force. I remember pretty much just keeping my head down and tearing tickets mumbling "thank you" as they all strolled by, whispering and giggling in Klingon.

All the sudden I see a hand but no ticket. I look up a little higher and see a Spock doll dancing on top of the ticket box, it's owner masterfully manipulating him in a sort of Irish jig/polka/breakdance. Entertaining as that surely was, imagine my surprise when the doll actually spoke to me, saying in a high-pitched, very un-Spock-like voice "I don't need a ticket, I'm in the movie!". This of course brought the house down for the Trekkies, all of them chortling and clutching their sides in an effort to control the spasms. The joke was on me, the outsider.

The puppet master actually did have a ticket, and I let Spock ride this time. Wonder what type of reaction I'd get with the Ace Frehley doll? Ahh, forget it. The face paint will be good enough.

"Rock and Roll!!!!!"