Summer Is Coming

Summer is coming and an OldRockr's thoughts turn to festivals and summer tours!  The week of July 15th is already looking like a highlight with Further at Bethel Woods on the 15th and then Grey Fox Bluegrass starting on the 18th.  A couple of days camping while the boy goes to college orientation between these should make for a great week!

It's Time To Cancel Newsday

The following is a post I made on my Facebook page concerning Newsday (Long Island paper)...

I have finally had enough. I cancelled Newsday this morning and I urge you to do the same if you have not already done so. Today's headline: Blame the Pensions. No. Blame the bankers! Blame the Auto Companies! Blame the oil companies (you know there are record profits being made)! This mess is not the fault of the teachers, cops, firemen, secretaries, sanitation workers, nurses, or any of your other neighbors. This problem is a direct result of the greed and what should be criminal activities of those who run (ruin) our financial system.

Ladies and gentlemen for years the pension plans cost practically nothing as the markets were exploding. Did local municipalities choose to save for a rainy day? Nope. Were any actions done to prevent the fiscal crisis from occurring again? Nope. The Wall Street types still get their fat bonuses and then point the finger to you and I as the problem. And that rag Newsday puts it on the front page.

Well, I am done with it. If you are in the public sector, a union or are close to someone who is I urge you to cancel Newsday. Today.

I feel better. Have a nice day.

I Can't Resist

I posted these on Facebook and apparently pissed some of my friends off.  What pisses me off is how those on the extremes of our society can spew whatever toxic filth they can think of and it is free speech.  When those who have another view post they are attacked.  Hate breeds hate my friends.  I do have to say the Tea Party bumper stickers are hilarious.

Railroad Earth - Best Buy Theater February 25th

I always feel a little sad when a band I love makes it.  I mean I am thrilled for the band as their following grows and they play bigger and bigger venues.  I am a bit sad in that I don't get to see them in the really small venues anymore.  Railroad Earth is a band that is really coming into its own and the show last Saturday at the Best Buy Theater was further proof of how fast they are growing their fan base.  Two years ago they played at the Williamsburg Music Hall with the Infamous Stringdusters and they didn't even sell that out.  Now they are selling out these bigger places with no problems.  It's great to see that there is still a market for this kind of music!

Railroad Earth is always a good time and last week was no exception.  The level of musicianship is so high with these guys.  They can just flat out play.  Mighty River > Saddle of the Sun > Head was a great way to kick things off and it just kept getting better. Hunting Song, Seven Story Mountain and Goat all featured some great jams that had the crowd going big time.  And folks this place was packed!

 I'm going to miss those Boulton Center shows (all 250 people) and places like Williamsburg Music Hall, but the band hasn't made any compromises as they have grown.  In fact the music is tighter and the playing is even more adventurous.

A great band, a great night.

Cornmeal - Best Buy Theater February 25th

When I saw Cornmeal on the bill with Railroad Earth I grabbed a copy of their last studio CD "Feet First".  They had a really good contemporary bluegrass/jamgrass sound that I liked so I was looking forward to their set.  Live they were really good.  There is still that jamgrass vibe, but the "jam" is also more prominent.  They stepped out several times but never lost focus.  I am going to check out both of their Live in Chicago CD's in the very near future.

Good times for sure and I am looking forward to seeing them again in the future.  Grey Fox are you listening?