Maple Point - February 20, 2006

The Nite of 1000 Harmonica's!
After hosting quite a few jams over the past 3 years, I've noticed the ebb and flow of talent at these shows and last night there was a Harmonica tidal wave at Maple Point. But not just any ol' blow-n-suck harp players, but the cream of the crop! Our first entry of the night was Maple Point's resident Harmonica-ist Jeffrey Stone. He opened up the night with some serious harp playing with Jackie and the guys on several tunes. However, I think he was just showing off for his beautiful daughter, 9 year old Jessie who was visiting all the way from California. She is also a diva in training and has promised to return and give us a song next time!

Speaking of visitors! Guess, where our next harp player came from... go ahead guess... okay, I'll tell ya.... All the way from Torino (winter olympics) Italy! Christian Dozzler brought Andrea (same name, but a guy) out to Maple Point on his tour of Dallas and he brought the house down! Great harp playing and great singing too boot! Andrea will be making the rounds all week until he has to scoot on Friday, so get out there and see him!

Next up was Christian who sang and played harp for us too! As always Christian did an outstanding job! Our next harpist up was none other than everybody's friend, Peabody who did my favorite "You'se an Unfriendly Woman" Okay are you keeping count folks... that's four so far, but oh no, theirs more!

There come's a time in any jam when you think things can't get no better, great Music, great food, wonderful friends, alcohol is workin, and people are having a good time.....then Cheryl Arena takes the stage! Her rendition of "Grazin In The Grass" just does somethin to me... it takes me back to fun in the summertime, runnin barefoot through lawn sprinklers and chasing icecream trucks! Hands down, last night along with Jackie, Kevin and Jay was the BEST I've ever heard this song PERIOD, including the original cause it was all the way live! Thanks Cheryl!

Are ya still countin? Well include in the mix Proud Mississippi Statesman Sam Myers and Kevin from Kev and the Musical Suspects, who closed out the show with some funky funky Parliment and the Funkadelics grooove and that brings the total to 7!

In addtion to all the fine Harpist there many other talented folks in attendance including one 14 year old Eric who from what I've been told has been playing his heart out behind closed doors for several years. This was only his THIRD public appearance and I tell you what, he's out cause he must have blown the door off! The kid has definitely got chops, we'll be hearing a lot more from him for sure!

And just to prove that a public thrashing does work wonders for the soul, Bill C and Dee Harrell graced us once again with their presence and did a phenomenal job. Bill wasn't able to play his original stuff, but next time you see him check out his newest CD "Badboy". In addition, Margo also graced us with her presence and with her amp. She even brought her newest guitar out to break in at the show this week! Thank you Margo.

Other standouts included "Blues" on drums who relieved Kevin for a few numbers, he along with his wife Lucky and their guests get the award for sexiest table of the night for having so much fun! Our one and only horn player tonight was a goodun' Jerry Jumonville stopped by to lay some smooth groves on us as well.

We also had a few Blues Diva who took the opportunity to spread their wings at Maple Point too! Welcome Diva Heather from Deep Ellum Blues to the fold! Who knew! Heathers rendition of Summertime left me speechless, what? who? when? Yes, Heather bartender to the stars has got skills ya'll!! Thanks for showing up and throwing down girlfriend! Now get out there and kick down some new doors for us!

I've got to run for now, but check back later for more details, I got another Diva to tell ya'll about and a few more exciting entertainers....

Okay I'm back.... The other Diva for the evening testing out the waters was Sydney. She did a Susan Tedeschi tune along with Skeeter backing her up on guitar. I think she has what it takes to grow into a very good performer. Great pipes and the personality to match!

I don't know how I forgot that awesome bass player Mark Austin stopped by and so did Brent Rozelle! I will playing with Brent next week at the Hole in the Wall so ya'll stop on by for some searing guitar work!

Noted patrons in attendance included Mark Rosenswieg (Swag) who popped in to check out the jam. You know you're doing something right when Swag shows up for your gig!

Okay folks I deeply missed this week were sob... sob... Blue Lisa and Carmen (my diva sisters) and sob... sob... my big brother Hash Brown and wah... .wah.... Ron Franklin (professor stiks) and Spike!

Thank you for reading this far, I hope you enjoyed it, but it's better in person so.... Better still get your butt over to Maple Point next week when "The Hash Brown" will be our featured guitarist for the night! Ya HEARD!

Andrea

Maple Point - February 13, 2006

This just in from the news desk..... Maple Point is Off the HOOK Ya'll! The buzz is out and the place is starting to percolate! Some of the best players in the metroplex have been stopping by on Monday night to get their fix at Maple Point and start their week right. Last night was no exception! We started off the evening with the always stellar hostband line-up staring Jackie Don Loe on guitar, Kevin Schemerhorn on Drums and Chris "baby face" Jones on Bass and Moi on Vocals. Thank you guys for showing up each week and giving your all and then some.

Special thanks to Chris for playing bass these first five shows ever at Maple Point, you are one hellified bass player and truly one of the "good men" we women always lament about, its no wonder someone already snatched you up! Chris is a family man and like all great men, he's stepping aside, for now, to take care of family. We will miss you terribly.

Taking up the bass chair will be none other than the Jay D. If you haven't heard Jay play, well you oughta... he's just a monsta on Bass! Welcome to the band and I look forward to funking it up with ya!

Now on to the news... first I'd like to thank all those who have been to the jam to help in making it a success. Beginning with my baby's daddy.... Sweeeeeet Sammy Myers! He's been there every single week without fail. He has assisted in the areas of artist development and destruction. Sam also helps out when the notion hits him, in blowing one mean harp! Last night his honorable, played harp during my rendition of "Built for Comfort", however I steppeth on his harp solo and he toldeth me to shutupith my mouth... I still love you Sammy no matter what!!! Sammy may not make the show next week as he will be honored in Mississippi with an award. Among classical musicians, craftsman, civic leader and noted authors will be Sam Myers to receive his award as a noted Statesman of Mississippi, his home state. Congratulations Sam!

Also at last nights show and every show, was my big brother, Hashbrown and with him was all the way from New York City, yes New York City... his friend Marty who blew us away with his harp rendition of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore". The suspense build and swing he brought to this tune, got several rounds of applause... make sure you check this cat out before he leaves town, you won't be sorry. Thank you Hash for bringing him by and sitting in with us.

On the Diva front, Blue Lisa and Carmen sang us a few songs, just representin for the ladies in the blues. Thank you Lisa for all your support. Make sure you catch Lisa's show on KNON 89.3fm this Thursday 2/16 9:00am - 12:00pm for the KNON pledge drive and help a sister out!!! Other diva's in the house were Joanna IZ from Southwest Blues (News You Can Use) and so was Brenda, neighbor to the stars and dancin' Jackie Kennedy, my Mom Viola and Jenny with her Husband Mike, Jackie Don Loe's Boss Cindy from Nates.

Someone else who has been at almost every show is IBC Champion Harpman Jeff Stone from Zachariah's Blue Band. I am so sorry about the loss of your Mother last week, we all mourn with you.

Brent Rozelle also stopped by after his gig around the corner at the new Mardi Gras Restaurant on Inwood and 35 as well as the owner of the restaurant, whose name escapes me right now, but look for this place to be the next IT place for live music! Professor Stiks - Ron Franklin also played a set on drums backing Blue Lisa and Me, thanks Ron! Spike was also there with spotless Spot in tow. Sorry about calling you the wrong name Spike, it's just that everytime I think about you working around all those amps I can't help but think Sparky. But I got it now...

Other folks who stopped by were BB Campbell - guitarist, Jack Gullege - Entertainment Attorney, and a bevy of beautiful sexy regulars who sat at the bar and just ran up the sales, thank you, you sexy thangs!

Now those people we missed included Ms Margo, Bill C and Dee Harrell. Don't make me come and getchu next week!

If I missed mentioning you in this missive, please know it is because I am somewhat feeble minded and to my detriment I only forget the most fabulous and important people. It is a mistake of the mind and not of the heart.

With Delight!

Andrea

Man O Man!!

You shoulda been there! We had an awesome time at Nates Seafood in Addison Wednesday night! I'm writing this on Friday cause it took me two days to come down! Andrew "Jr Boy" Jones and his band were off the CHAIN! Wooh, we really had a ball ya'll! Thanks to Nate for finally opening up another night of Blues at his restaurant. And huge gigantic hugs to the new General Manager Buddy and his wife for their support and encouragement! It has taken me 4 long years to finally get booked in Nates and it was a blast! I can't wait to get back there March 8th!