Andrea Dawson

Maple Point Grill - Year in Review!

2007-02-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Clik (Title above) for video of the Blues Jam at Maple Point. Photos provided by patrons. Thank you for a GREAT first year!

Maple Point 2/12/07

2007-02-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

It wasn't a huge crowd but it was a respectable one (for the most part... you know who you are...). Hosted by the other "Every Other Week Band" of Pat Boyack - guitar, Drew Allain - Bass, Kevin Schemerhorn - Drums. Jammers who stopped by were Beth and Wade (Bet and Mann) - they FINALLY got the opportunity to test drive two of their newest songs for us! I love the line "I'm low maintenance but I ain't maintenance free"... truer words have neva ever been spoken! Great song and thank you for letting us hear it here for the first time!.

Also in attendance was THE Diva herself "Mz Marcy", throwing down some of that Durrty Jazz and Blues for us. Mz Marcy was featured in the Dallas Morning Guide this past week. Her song "Sugardaddy" went on to Round two of the IBC songwriting championship, it's also being considered by a notable Blues Singer out of Canada to include in their repertoire. She's lost an
astounding 50 lbs and has her goddess shape back. What can I say... The girl has got it going on! Thank you for the pep talk too, it was more helpful than you'll ever know.

Lets see... who else... who else.... WEll none other than Gary Yeoman of the Neighbors Band! All the way from McKinney TX along with bassist BRYAN BULLARD "slappin the upright bass and workin the groove...a quiet guy with a big big bass" . I don't believe we've had anyone tote a stand up acoustic bass to the jam before... Thank you for showing up and showing us the way McKinney lays it down! Woo Woot!

And a big ol' Happy Birthday to Vaughn (Von?). I hope we helped make your birthday a special one. Out of all the juke joints in town, you walked into ours, it must have been fate. Looks like a great year ahead for you girlfriend... Keep your head up!

Special props to Qween of SWBlues, Joanna Iz for stopping by. Also to other overly sexy patrons Mz Charlene, Mz Vi (my bbq mama), Michelle, Vinnie, Sharon, Dave, the guy that snuck in the back, the dude from the Windmill club who heard us from across the street and just had to take a peek...

Popcorn Louden stopped by to slap the skins for a while. Mike Johnson played quite a few rounds on Sax and Flute (great job on Sledgehammer). Brent Rozelle stopped in for a quick visit too!

If you've been putting off joining us until something big happens... Well Big BIG BIG is going down next Monday! Our ONE YEAR Anniversary party! Food, fun, games and BLUES!
See you then!

Maple Point 2/5/07

2007-02-06T14:28:00.001-07:00

It was 9:15pm, we started out slow, the band; Jackie Don Loe, Kevin Schemerhorn and Stan Allison and myself. We had three jammers in attendance, the husband and wife team Bet-N-Mann, Stephanie the Pretzel girl and her friend Dan, Tony along with two of his friends and the rest of the 4 people in the bar were staff or regulars there to watch sports. Looked like a solemn and slow night for sure. We did our opening set along with all the jammers in the room. I just hoped they wouldn't mind coming back up to help fill out the night...
Jump ahead 3 hours and thensome the place is packed and were exhausted! We've been seranaded by Jeff visiting from Canada on vocals, another awesome song by Bet, a soaring guitar rendition of pride and Joy from Tony. Brent Rozelle closing out the show with a killer guitar battle with Jackie Don Loe, "Popcorn" Louden on Drums, a complete horn section with Ray Vaughn and Fred Harvey, the wah-wah genius of Rodney the dangerous! Can't leave out up-and-coming drummer extraordinaire Ms Sarah Bigelow, but folks there's more! Cheryl Arena, back from representing Dallas at the IBC in Memphis, relented to do her outstanding version of "Grazing in the Grass", and everyone knows I sho-nuff love that song and with a complete horn line-up it was outstanding!
But let me tell you about who showed up to watch the show! Queen of Dallas Blues, Joanna Iz stopped by and brought with her Kathy owner of KCs bar in South Dallas! Cindy "perpetual" girlfriend of Jackie was there showing off her ENGAGEMENT ring! (me thinks your single days are just about up Jackie). How could I forget promoter to the stars - Jean McCrander! A great friend and supporter of Maple Point and a true fan of good music! Throw in several more tables of couples out for the evening and you got yourself a party folks.
Thank you to all who showed up, showed out and tipped the band generously!
Andrea D Grateful

Alexandre's 2/3/07

2007-02-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

It was last minute call, a fill in for a cancellation... time was short to put together a band, but then the snap the pass and ... SCORE! A touchdown! What a band and what a night! Pat Boyack on guitar, Josh Hanlon on Keys, Marc Leblanc on Drums and John Echols on bass. I couldn't have thrown together a better team if I'd tried... well I did try, but you get the picture.

I have to add that this performance is as much about the patrons as the band! They were off the hook once again! Several of my fans from previous engagements showed up and showed off! We made several more fans as well. I can't remember all the names but you know who you are, you sexy beautiful thangs you! The tips were appreciated and outstanding! oh and Happy Birthday to Ken and Jan, thank you for having your party with us!

A special thank you to Mitchell T Palmer "the bluest white man in Dallas" for sitting in with the band! I hadn't seen Mitch in a long time and it was just great to lay eyes on the grey fox and hear his rich vocals once again. He was outstanding as always! Look for Mitchell T Palmer around town, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

And a HURGE shout out to Lee Daughtry for hosting blues at Alexandre's! He is a blues lover from the heart and he believes in putting his money where his heart is. He took a risk hosting blues to a crowd that adores cabaret, but its been well received by all! Luv ya sweetie!

My next date at Alexandre's is February 17th for the Mardi Gras Extravaganza! It will be on like a pot o' neckbones with many guest sitting in with the band and tons of beads and debauchery... tell all your friends!!

Till next time....

Bills Hideaway 1/27/07

2007-01-31T21:55:00.000-07:00

The party was on at Bill's on January 27 Chilluns!! The band was Pat Boyack on Guitar, Drew Allain on Bass and H-Bomb on Drums... It was one of the best shows yet at Bills! And I say one of the best, cause there have been many at this location.

Talk about folks who know how to party and know how to be preciatin' good music! If you attended the show on Saturday and blessed the tip jar with the 5s, 10s, 20s and even the massive 1s, we THANK YOU from the bottom of our ever lovin heart, you sexy thangs you!!!

I appreciate the support of so many who showed up and showed out, First to the awesome ladies of Garland, Rosemary and Kerrie, Andra and Ellen. I love you girls like a fat kid loves cake! To Mr William McClenathan from Seattle thank you for the kind words and for getting a sister drunk off her a$$! I look forward to working with you soon!

In other news......

The Hideaway has found new owners! Well jump up and down and turn around! This means a revival to one of the cherished clubs and landmarks of the gay community! It's about time somebody recognized! This Club has a rich history of stellar musical performances and noted performers. The regulars there like Hardy and the Mayor are very proud of their club and can go on and on about the time Liza Minnelli stepped up in the club or about the clubs darling "Mz Sandra Kaye" These guys are so proud of her, they do know something about birthin' babies!!

I could go on and on about the characters and the talent that I've met in this little non-descript "hideaway" forever and I've only been there six months!

Please visit this club whether you're Gay or Straight and see if I'm lyin'

Love you Hideaway!!!

Andrea

Maple Point January 29, 2006

2007-01-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm just gonna pick up right where I left off and continue blogging like ain't nothin happen in the 4 or 5 or 6 months since I blogged last!

The Maple Point is still hopping along! Some night are gooder than others, but for sure it's always something new thats for Shizzle. The latest news is that Pat Boyack is now sharing duties with Jackie Don Loe every other week. Pat brings his experience with national touring artist Marcia Ball. He has helped to bring a flair to the show along with the other addition to the lineup every other week on Bass, Drew Allain! I am one lucky girl right about now.

We've had several Blues dignitaries make regular visits to the show to try out material amongst friends and associates. Namely Mike Morgan, Joel Foy and my big brother Hash Brown. They along with the regular "awesome" talent that has supported this show all along makes for some fine music folks!

If you haven't visited in a while It's time to turn off the TV and get out and get in the thick of LIFE!

See you out and about...

Andrea

I Saw the Real Deal at Bluebird Blues Club!

2006-08-21T16:32:00.000-06:00

Every once in a blue moon you get the opportunity to experience moments so real and powerful that you just don't want it to end. Last night we experienced 20 such minutes when THE Ray Reed took the stage at Bluebird!

I've always known of Ray Reed and Ms Kim along with the legendary Lady Pearl, but I've never experienced the Ray Reed I saw last night! His rendition of "Mr Charlie" was nothing short of magical, all I could do was shake my head hm, hmm, hmm! Ray Reed thank you, for that gift. You left something real at the Bluebird and in the hearts of everyone in attendance.

For those reading this if, you think that what I say is hyperbole or an exaggeration.... well you don't know tha half of it!!

Maple Point 8/14/06

2006-08-15T08:03:00.000-06:00

Last nights show was off the Hizz-hook AGAIN! Thanks to some awesome talent coming out and sharing in the fun. While Jackie's been off galavantin' all over the country, Texas Slim has been setting in with the band. How dang cool is that! Thank you Slim for helping a sister out these past few weeks, it's been a real treat.

We also had a bonafide guaranteed no playin' around SINGER in the house. Just one name "SAGE" cause she don't need anything else! You see in my opinion there are singers who learn to sing and singers who try to sing and then there are Singers who are just plain gifted! If "Sage" could replicate herself all us singers would be out of business and on the street... homeless and destitute!

We also had two guests from Italy stop by. Friends of Hashbrown, all the way from Italy to hear and hang out with Hashbrown just from what they've heard on the internet and from friends who've visited Dallas. Hows that for a fan base! I thought that was all... until Danny De Stefani got up to play and knocked us all off our chair! Check out his website at www.thebluespots.com

Other Jammers adding to the mix included, Hank Black on Harmonica, Jimmy Morgan on Drums, Drew "Lover" Allain on Bass, Hashbrown on Guitar, Spike on Guitar and Blue Lisa on vocals.

The special treat of the night was Texas Slim on drums! Next time you see Slim, make sure you request that he play a rumba for ya... Awesome stuff man....

See you all next week along with the band - Jackie Don Loe, Kevin Schemerhorn, Jay Dronge and Jeff Stone!

Later...

Back in the Saddle again

2006-08-14T11:57:00.000-06:00

Well now that I'm connected back at home I can begin posting again! But don't hold your breath for any sort of regular schedule. Just wanted to let everyone know that we are still at Maple Point EVERY Stormy Monday 9m - to midnight. The show continues to gain in popularity and some of the best and brightest show up and sit in with us on a regular basis!

In addition I have several more weekly shows as well. Every Tuesday Paul Allen on keyboards, Lavelle Jones on Drums and I settle in for a cozy little show over at Mainstreet Bluesroom in Grapevine. With the owners gracious latitude, we are still in the developmental stages of defining our format. We delve into some tasty Jazz and Jazz-Funk via George Benson, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack and some R&B via Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Isley Brothers and of course we stay the course with Blues with a funky-Jazzy little back beat! mmmmmmmmm good stuff! Come on out and listen in.

Every Thursday you will find me at Bills Hideaway in Dallas performing a duo gig with accompaniement. This is a gay friendly bar with some of the most ardent music supporters I have ever met in dallas. Not only do they listen intently to the musicians, but many times they can sing better than the performer! Talk about getting my $hit together! You can't go in this room half stepping!

Every Sunday I host a Jam at Bluebird Blues Room in Fort Worth, TX! Every week we have had great turn outs! We are light on Jammers but the shows there have been awesome! To keep things fresh, I invite a different featured performer each month to assist in hosting the Jam. Last month we had Texas Slim at the helm and of course he did an awesome job! This month is the Blues Jam Prince - Hashbrown Callway! Hash has been expanding his repertoire with his own weekly spotlight on the artist show and it's a real treat to have him come over each week and lay some of that good stuff on us as well!

So these are the current weekly opportunties to come out and support live music! Something for every one!

visit my website at www.andreadbluesband.com
visit my complete calendar at http://makeashorterlink.com/?Q12D13E8D

Maple Point June 5 and June 12, 2006

2006-06-06T11:32:00.000-06:00

Okay I ain't even gonna trip about not posting the past few months. I just haven't okay.... Tammy! ;-)

However, last night was so special that I just had to post a blurb. We had so many awesome kids out doing their thing! In a world where they have so many things pulling them in all directions it is very hopeful to see children who are passionate about music and specifically about blues! Little Miss Jessica has been to the jam numerous times and it still astounds me that she plays with such ferociouty and boldness. I can only imagine how proud her parents must be, as I am bursting with pride just being there to listen.

Another family of teenage boys have been stopping by as well. They are the State boys; 16 yr old Uriah, 14 year old Josiah and 10 year old drummer deluxe - Zepheniah. These boys are not to be missed! They are a great group of kids and I'd put their talent up against many grown folks anyday. Remember you heard it here first!

We also had 15 yr old Alex come out and show us his AMAZING guitar skills. He is already quite an accomplished player and extremely soulful! The heartbreak kid Devin (?) on bass showed up with his parents to play a few songs with us as well! I think he might be all of 13 maybe but already has a great sense of timing and improvisation!

Also want to thank my big brother Hashbrown for coming out these past couple of weeks and breaking in some of his Thursday "Blues Lengend Showcase"tunes. It is such a joy to hear a lot of these songs live and upclose. Luckily we get to hear them first!!!

As always I want to thank the host band Jackie Don Loe, Jay D and Kevin Schemerhorn! You guys are consumate professionals and I couldn't think of a better bunch of guys I liked to be stuck in a room with every Monday night!

I also want to give a special shout out to Bet-N-Man for visiting the jam this past month or so. Bet gave a super performance of Georgia on My Mind along with her husband Wade. Thank you for your support of the jam.

A great big hug to Joanna from Southwest Blues for coming out and making the night extra special. I love you Joanna!

And.... Diva extraordinaire Ms Kerrie Lepai was also in the hiz-house! Kerrie threw down as she aways does and I think with some original stuff to boot. Can a new CD be in works?

Kevin had an easy night with Marc Leblanc, Peter Kaplan and monster drummer Lavelle Jones in the house. You can't get no better than that! If there was ANY thing going on in town Monday there was definitely a drummer shortage and you can believe that!

Okay I'm just about all posted out. If I forgot to mention you in this blurb, I officially give you permission to send me an email and cuss me out!

With much love,

Andrea D

Maple Point - March 6, 2006

2006-03-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay, so I missed posting last week's jam, but not because it wasn't a stellar one, but because it has been a whirlwind week and couldn't break away from the centrifuge of 2 Mardi Gras gigs, A Hole In The Wall gig, and several great shows in town, to get aroundst to it. But the short story is that it was an AWESOME night of music. Thanks to the Bill C on guitar, Blue Lisa - Vocalist, Pat Brown - Drums, Cheryl Arena-Harp (her last appearance at Maple Point before hitting the road), Dee Harrel - Bass, Sparky Montoya - Keyboard, Mike Brandenburg - Guitar and Chuck Nevitt - Blues aficionado for coming out and making the night extraordinary!

As for last night! The hits just keep on coming people! Who but Mr. Lavell Jones stepped up in the place sat down on them drums and oh my gawd! He tore the hinges off ya'll. He did a drum solo that stopped the bar dead in theys track... yes, dead in theys track! No other way to say that folks. Mr Lavell often goes out on the road with "Ginuwine" as well as a host of other great artist including one Zach Harmon Blues Band. He stopped by as a guest of Jeff Stone, thank you Jeff for extending the invitation.

In addition we had a bevy of diva's in the house once again. Starting things off with KNON Diva Blue Lisa, doing her thang! She did a song I hadn't heard before, but I'm sure she did it better than the original. I'm so scared of you girlfriend. You keep on finding those gems, polishing them up and presenting them to shine. Good job! My friend Carmen also stopped by with Jack Gulledge and took a turn on the mike with a rousing Chain, Chain, Chain! Which reminds me, I gotta set up another vocal mike for those back-up vocals, but I think the crowd did a mighty fine job!

Speaking of crowd... The table from Nates get the sexiest table award this week. Thank you Cindy for gathering up all your friends and heading on down to Maple Point. I saw a singer at Nates about two weeks ago, that I invited down to the Point, Little Ms Ella! And she showed up and showed out last night! Thank you Ella for bringing your Janis Joplin/Unbridled/Passionate singing self out last night. I sure did enjoy you! Come on back anytime!

Wally and his son Eric came down all the way from Denton to play with us tonight. Wally sang "These Last Two Dollars" along with some tasty guitar licks for good measure and folks started putting money in the tip bucket. Now that's a song to add to the setlist! His son Eric came up and did some brilliant slide work along with Mark "Crazy Legs" Austin on Bass and Lavell Jones on drums and "Sweet Lips" Fred Harvey on Saxaphone! What a lucky lucky young man!

Mark "Crazy Legs" Austin, Brent Rozelle and Lavell closed out the show with a slow burning blues tune followed by another tear the roof of the sucka number which included, here before mentioned drum solo.

Gotta, once again thank the Stormy Monday blues band - Jay D, Jackie Don Loe, Kevin Schemerhorn for holding it down each week. and of course Sharon for hosting Blues on Monday and Vinnie for keeping us plied with alcohol and food all night.

One more word to my fellow jammers... Just in case there are any hurt feelings out there, I'd like to remind you the Maple Point Jam is only a 3 hour show so along with the opening set and breaks, there is really only 1 1/2 hours (90 mins.) to get everybody on and off the stage. Although you may not get as many turns or play as long as you do at some other shows, I value each and everyone of you who come out and Jam with us. and you can believe that!

Andrea

Maple Point - February 20, 2006

2006-02-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

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

2006-02-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

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!!

2006-02-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

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!

Blues! Blues! Everywhere!

2006-01-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

I've been out of the blues scene lately, taking a music theory class so's I can communicate a little better with the musicians I play with. And I tell you after one semester of scales, diatonic, subtonic, meters, augmented, demented and every other musical expression I am still no closer to figuring out what the hell is going on! However, I came away with a ton of respect for you all that have not only mastered an instrument but the f*&Ked up theory that goes along with music! What the hell were these people thinking that came up with that shit! I barely escaped with my sanity intact.

Anyhoo... I am back out here booking stuff left and right and might I add that "I absolutely loathe booking". Please visit my webpage for all the upcoming dates and gigs that I was able to twist, finagle and wrestle out of the hands of some very busy and band-weary club owners. You know I gotta feel for you club owners out there... sometimes. I mean what it must be like to have 2 dozen or so bands hunt you down everywhere you go armed with the ever-present calendar. On the other hand, that is what you're in the game for.

I have just one wish though... if you don't want to book a particular band, just say NO! I promise you you'll have less headache and harrassment. We can take a firm "no, not at this time" (respectfully). We can then check you off of our list and move on to another club that might be a much better match for us. But if you are all wishy washy, we don't know for sure if it's NO or Yes and continue to call and call and call. It's just easier all the way around... am I right?

Okay, so let me check my calendar... oh I see today must be rant day... Check back tomorrow, hopefully I'll be in a better mood....

An Update

2005-12-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in a while and even I was tired of just looking at this same stuff on this site. So I thought I'd go out here and let you know that I have a formal website! Finally! Visit www.andrea-dawson.com and check it out! I am looking for photos of any kind that you might have of the bands performances. Please email me with them or call me and I'll come and pick them up.

This past month I've had the opportunity to visit a unique jam for singers at Maple Point Club/Restaurant. The Singers jam was hosted by Lynn Ross (the sweetheart of Jazz) every Tuesday night, but now will be hosted by Miss Marcy and Caroline Jones. I enjoy the opportunity to try out some Jazz tunes with a very good band. Look for the addition of more Jazz in my repertoire in the future.

Although I am heavy into Blues at the moment, I love a variety of music and look forward to testing the waters in this new genre. I've also been toying around with some of the funk songs from the 70s as well, in particular Sly and the Family Stone and Chaka Khan.

I don't have many upcoming shows, I've had a full plate this past fall with going back to school and all. Fundamental of Music Theory has been a real B@#%$ especially for this over 40 chick! Whew, I really had to dust off some brain cells or grow some more... But in a few weeks it will be over and I'll be back to booking gigs again.

For now put January 28th on your calendar to come see us over at "Blue Bird Blues Club" in Fort Worth.

Tomorrow I'll be among the talent taking stage to benefit Terry Montgomery over at "Djangos On The Parkway" If you're able to get over there, please do. Terry has been a part of the Dallas blues community for many, many years. I look forward to helping out in any way I can.

My other performances this month include a gig with Jackie Don Loe at Nates Seafood on Thursday December 15th and a show with BB Campbell on 12/17 at Yucatan in Coppell. I hope to see you out there!

Red White and Blues Dance!

2005-11-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, November 5th, The Dallas Swing Society hosted a Women of the Blues Dance at Sokol hall on Greenville Ave. Visit the link above for more information.

Featured performers in addition to my self were the lovely Ms Marcy, Kathy Prather and Dallas Swing Dancer, Karen Maria Capo. I can't tell you what a joy it was to actually sing to a crowd that responds to every nuance of a song. It was a sight to behold to have the entire dancefloor dip at the same time or freeze during a break and then take off again jitterbugging like no tomorrow. During the slow tunes the dance floor was like a lazy sea lapping against the shore. Each dancers movement delicously executed.... "like butta" so smooooth....

What a great bunch of folks! Even if you don't dance, you owe it to yourself to check out this group. It's a far cry from the stumbling drunk dance we normally see at the the clubs and it smells better too!

Thank you Jerry and Kathy for hosting this event and to Hashbrown for including me in the calvalcade of divas!

Banks Fine Art Gallery

2005-11-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

You know I never would have guessed that The Blues and fine art galleries go together, but as one patron pointed out 'it's all art baby"!

On this gig I had the honor of playing with Andrew "Jr Boy" Jones, his son Chris "Baby Face" Jones on bass, Jimmy Morgan on drums and Gentleman John Street on Keyboards. You couldn't have found a finer bunch of gentlemen to kick the doors off the place! This was a auction to benefit the DIFFA foundation and IFDA Scholarship and judging by the traffic and pieces that were being auctioned off (which someone outbidded me on the goregeous beveled mirror I wanted) this event was a success.

The band received compliments and several invitations to return. Look for us sometime during the holidays at Banks Fine Art! Thank you to Paula Ross and Maloree Banks for giving us the opportunity to play for this event!

Stompin at the Blue Bird Blues Club

2005-11-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 27th the Blue Bird Blues was "a jumpin". Backing me up on this gig was the one and only Mighty Paul Young on guitar, Cedric Goodman on Drums, Big Will on Bass and Gentleman John Street on keyboards. I can't say it enough, but I love playing this club! It has such a down home and comfortable vibe. I want to give a shout out to the owner, Mr Sam Harris and a congratualtions on his getting a liquor license for the club!! Also want to give a hey Girlfriend to the birthday girl Challette for choosing the club and this night for her birthday celebration.

The show ended at nearly two in the morning but it was worth every minute! Can't wait to get over there again!

Thus Far....

2005-10-20T16:37:00.000-06:00

Been having so much fun I forgot to stop and Blog! Let me fill you in on what's been going on since I last posted.

As listed on my calendar I perfomed at the Blues for Katrina event, produced by the incredible CHERYL ARENA! It was truly and awesome show. It was a opportunity for musicians to not only raise money for a good cause, but to also visit with fellow musicians they rarely get a chance to see anymore due to their heavy touring schedules. I can't tell you the number of time I've heard "I haven't see so and so play since the early 90s or 80's when we were in a band together for a minute".

These talented musicians just "showed out"! It was an honor to share the stage with not only Andrew "Jr Boy" Jones, but also Pat Boyack! I first saw Pat play with the Robin Banks band at Cozys in Addison some years back way before I got on the scene. I remember being blown away that there was such a great talent like this here in Dallas. Well it didn't take long before I heard Pat was touring with Marcia Ball! I thought I'd never get another opportunity to hear him alone just stretching out! Which made it all the sweeter to actually be on stage with him when he and Andrew went at it 'Cuttin' Heads' right there in front of me! I've posted some of the pictures courtesy of Tyler Weaver below.

Stormy Monday Blues Jam

2005-10-18T11:06:00.000-06:00

Went over to the Hole In The Wall last night for BB Campbell's last Monday night blues jam. I just don't get it, Monday nights have always been slower than the other nights nights of the week, but everytime I've been over at BBs jam on Monday, it has been a good turnout in comparison to what Monday's used to be like at the Hole.

BB Campbell, Kenny "snare smacker" Strauthers, Kenny "Big Head" Chavez, and Pat "Chord Chunker" were all ON last night! They played their little butts off! We had a second go at my set of music we did at Djangos last week and they nailed it big time! Every tune was perfection! "I'm A Good Woman" was oh so funky! "Thrill" was a joy and the sound was so good on "I've Been Crying" and "You Need To Be With Me" I forgot my lyrics!

It was good to see Sam Myers and Joe Jonas as well. They have become pretty much a regular at BB's jams. Talked a little with Mike from Kiss My Ribs and it looks like they may be rebuilding the place over there but didn't want to say for sure. His father has put up a structure to cover the place and started working on putting up walls so a complete rebuild can't be far off!

Before I forget, just wanted to leave a reminder about Saturday's show at Bluebird Blues in Fort Worth. It's gonna be a good one! Mighty Paul Young on Guitar, Gentleman John Street on Keys, Cedric Goodman on Drums and Terry Montgomery on Bass! See you there!

2005-10-15T21:28:00.000-06:00

What was I thinking!

2005-10-15T17:13:00.000-06:00

Okay, World or - "Cousin Celeste" here is my post! It remains to be seen how long I will be a part of the Blogging comunity as I really don't need one more thing in my life that I am NOT doing! But thanks to Blue Lisa here I am, jumping on the Blogwagon and see where it will take me.

This post will be a review of the shows I've seen and participated in this week and various crazy ramblings. Thanks Lisa for including me in this years KNON Big Texas Blues Anniversary show. I didn't think I could have as much fun as I did last year meeting Lavelle White and sitting with her for the 5th annual show, but you really out did yourself this year!

I am so pleased that the event was held at Djangos on the Parkway and not at Hermann's Hall like last year. I'm sorry but the Deep Ellum district is just not worth it anymore! The ease of getting into and park at clubs like Djangos make for such a much more pleasurable evening. Which leads me to one of my biggest rants! GREED! Deep Ellum could have been a great entertainment district had the City and corporate moguls not have latched onto it and squeezed the shit out of it with parking meter and parking lot rip offs.

Oh... but I digress, back to the show. As I approached the building I heard the sounds of BB Campbell and the Hambones floating out across the parking lot drawing me in. Inside I found the place just busy with folks! Anyone in the Dallas music scene will tell you, if you walk into a busy show and don't know half the people there, you've got a gusher! Anyways, there were all walks of life there and having a lot of fun to boot!

I couldn't wait to take the stage with BB Campbell and the Hambones. Thank you guys for working so hard on my stuff and agreeing to back me up. I had a wonderful time with y'all. Unfortunately, I had to leave shortly after my show for a party brewing at home. However, I heard that the show was a total success for the rest of the night.

On Friday 10/14/05 I had a show with The Randy Willis Band at Pappadeux on 35E/Northwest Hwy. Thank goodness for the cooler temperatures! This was an outside gig and the night was cool and clear and just plain fun!

Our first gig there was back in late March and it was cold as hell out there even though the heat lamps were on we were still shivering, thank goodness the tequilla kicked in just in time! Later as summer progressed we pined for that cold chilly evening! I remember one night it was so hot I was sure the heaters were on.

That night the only thing hot was Randy Willis! I don't know what happened to the boy but he was on FIRE! He was playing riffs and stuff I've never heard come out of that guitar! I think he might have changed his strings or hands or something! Anyway we had a very good 3 sets and had several tables who stayed out on the patio for the whole night when usually they only hang out there until their table is called. Randy - YOU GO BOY!

Afterwards me and my entourage or rather my Mom and HER entourage headed out to Fort 'Party' Worth for the Andrew "Jr Boy" Jones/Cheryl Arena show over the FT. Worth's newest/oldest Blues Club "BLUEBIRD BLUES". Baby!.... Andrew just ripped the roof off that sucker! He and Cheryl had the place rockin' like an old time juke joint! Dance floor crowded, people talkin back to the band, chicken plates all over the place and good-times! Whew! What a night what a night! Andrew's son Chris ripped into a couple of funky solo's on the bass with me on "Thrill Is Gone" (thanks Andrew for letting me do a few the band) as well as laid some funk down all night long. Jimmy Morgan on drums was awesome as usual and Ruf Rufner on Keys had it going on! I tell you BlueBird Blues is the shitzle!

We didn't get home till 3 in the moanin' and now I'm gonna take a nap...

This weeks shows so far for me are:
Wednesday
Deep Ellum Blues - Blues for Katrina benefit with dream match-up bands
Cheryl Arena/Aaron Burton
Texas Slim/Anson Funderburg
James Hinkle/Paul Byrd/John Street
Andrew Jr Boy Jones/Pat Boyak
with Shawn Phares, Andrea Dawson, Cheryl Arena
Jim Suhler/Holland K Smith

Saturday
BlueBird Blues
Ft 'Party' Worth
With Mighty Paul Young on Guitar and Cedric Goodman on Bass, Gentleman John Street on Keys!

Hello World!

2005-10-12T10:37:00.000-06:00

Look Ma! I'm a blogger!