Parrot Head Press
President: David Pohorylo 35 Boot Shop Lane PARROT HEAD Monroe, CT 06468 (203)261-1381 [email protected] Executive PRESS Vice President: Lorraine Bosshard 6 Mountainview Court Metro Parrot Head Monthly Newsletter March 2012 Fort Salonga, NY 11768 NY, NJ, CT Vol. 20 No.3 (631) 757-4043 Treasurer: TH Peter Bosshard HAPPY 20 ANNIVERSERY!!! 6 Mountainview Court Fort Salonga, NY 11768 (631) 757-4043 Secretary: Marianne Straaik 25 Rhode Island Ave Massapequa, NY 11758 (516)795-4126 ------Parrot Press Lorraine/Eric Rosen 737 Highview Ave TALES FROM MY BANK OF BAD HABITS Westbury, NY11590 516-807-8191 [email protected] Banana Wind Sue Leudesdorff [email protected] Maybe one of us, a family member or one of our friends has experienced LI Coordinators Ray Leudesdorff an extreme health issue, Carol and I included. But for your 5 year old son Cell 516-768-9348 [email protected] to be diagnosed with a brain tumor can only be described as a nightmare. Ralph Wotruba 631-891-8006 This is the nightmare that our own Rich and Brenda Ries are living. I’ve
[email protected] made you aware of their situation this past month, and to bring you up to Eastern LI Joe Lombardi date, they are in the process of determining the best method of (631)324-9354 [email protected] treatment for Sean. It’s not easy. This must be the greatest responsibility NYC Coordinator Terri Amundsen for a parent. All we can do now is provide our support for them, our (718)956-5658 Upstate & Ct Coordinators friends. This is just to let you know that our club is doing what we could to Carol Pohorylo (203)261-1381 support one of our own. We’re making the Friday night of Metro & Morris [email protected] Western Coordinators weekend in June a benefit for Sean. Linda Peter/Larry DeGennaro [email protected] [email protected] NJ Coordinator Tracey McGowan [email protected] Dave Pohorylo 732-668-1620 Ticket Liaison Tom Dalton [email protected] (631)-979-8337 Webmaster Larry "Squid" Kiewra [email protected]
"Spring is sprung, the grass is ris. I wonders where the birdies is. They say the birds is on the wing. Ain't that absurd? I always thought the wing was on the bird."
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The METRO Parrot Head Club is celebrating it's 20th Anniversary and this is the start of our 19th year of collect- ing litter along Route 114 in East Hampton. Our club was the first parrot head club to adopt a highway. Many other clubs have followed our lead but none can match our 19 year commitment to keep our two (and a half) miles of highway clean.
On Saturday, April 14th, we'll meet in the parking in front of the King Kullen supermarket in Bridgehampton Commons at 10AM.
From there we'll make our way over to Route 114 for the clean up. While our club does many different types of community service during the year, this is the one activity that Jimmy Buffett is very familiar with. Through the years, he's mentioned it at several concerts. He really appreciates our efforts in his summer get away.
When we're finished we'll take a short drive on Route 114 to the corner bar in Sag Harbor. Of course, if Murph's is open, we'll make a detour.
Lon Ormanian has spent the winter refurbishing our pointy sticks so they'll be in good shape. Remember to wear suitable shoes and gloves. Orange trash bags will be provided.
Anyone interested in participating in the road clean should contact Joe Lombardi at [email protected]
THE METRO PARROT HEAD CLUB and CAPTAIN’S COVE SEAPORT present the 10th annual Metro & Morris fundraiser
THE STORYTELLER SHOW and the BIG BAMBOO BAND A benefit for a benefit for SEAN RIES SWIM ACROSS THE SOUND Friday June 8, 2012 CANCER CHARITY The Acoustic Café Saturday June 9, 2012 2629 Fairfield Avenue Captain’s Cove Seaport Bridgeport, Connecticut 1 Bostwick Avenue www.acousticafe.com Bridgeport, Connecticut Restaurant/Doors open at 6PM www.captainscoveseaport.com Show at 8PM Doors open at 12PM Tickets $40 in advance only Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door
GO TO www.metrophc.org FOR MORE DETAILS
ADVANCE TICKET ORDER FORM
THE METRO PARROT HEAD CLUB PRESENTS the 10th annual METRO & MORRIS JIM MORRIS AT THE ACOUSTIC CAFE THE STORYTELLER SHOW Friday, June 8, 2012 a benefit for SEAN RIES make checks payable to : Metro Parrot Head Club and send along with a S.A.S.E. to: Carol Pohorylo 35 Boot Shop Lane Monroe, Connecticut 06468
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ADVANCE TICKET ORDER FORM
THE METRO PARROT HEAD CLUB AND CAPTAIN’S COVE SEAPORT PRESENT the 10th annual METRO & MORRIS JIM MORRIS & THE BIG BAMBOO BAND AT CAPTAIN’S COVE SEAPORT Saturday, June 9, 2012 a fundraiser for the “Swim Across the Sound” cancer charity make checks payable to : Captain’s Cove Seaport and send along with a S.A.S.E. to: Captain’s Cove Seaport – Jill Toth 1 Bostwick Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06605
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PARROT HEAD NEWS!!!! Long Island Happy Hour
FINS AND PINS JOIN THE MARCH
METRO PARROT HEAD HAPPY HOUR .
Metro PHC’s Second Annual Night of Bowling to benefit The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children Saturday, March 24, 2012 7-10 pm East Meadow Bowl, Front St., E. Meadow $25 per person includes bowling, shoes, heroes and salads RAFFLE PRIZES – 50-50 *We would gratefully welcome any prizes that you have to offer * For information, call: Linda Masten 631-863-2564 or Tracey Markland 516-385-0418 Payment must be made no later than March 12th. Send checks to: Tracey Markland, 22 Eighth Avenue, Farmingdale NY, 11735 *Ticket's are going fast, so get yours now ! We had packed Lane's last year and everyone had a great time for a very deserving cause. April Happy Hour
Saturday April,14th
Shooters in Wantagh The Metro North Happy Hour Takes place on the second Tuesday of each month (with the exception of our summer months). 6:30 pm at the East Side Cafe in Norwalk, CT anyone planning on attending should RSVP to Carol a [email protected] so that table space can be reserved.
METRO PARROTHEAD CLUB 2011 FINANCIAL REPORT
Starting Balance 1/1/11 $7,399.00
REVENUES: Concert Tickets 17,390.00 Frosted Party 9,580.00 Membership dues 3,320.00 Tee Shirts+ Jackets 5,337.00 Contributions 14,260.00 Booze Cruise/Barometer Soup 3,754.00 Sag Harbor Boat Ride 700.00
EXPENSES: Concert Tickets 16,588.00 Frosted Party 13,601.00 Contributions 13,715.00 Tee Shirts + Jackets 3,484.00 Postage 69.00 PHIP 274.00 Booze Cruise/Barometer Soup 3,636.00 Sag Harbor Boat Ride 740.00 NYS Filing fee 35.00 Deposit- J. Morris band 800.00 Pins & Fins Fundraiser 1,196.00
Ending Balance 12/31/11 7,602.00
TIKI BAR #7
Playing his steel pan and our last guest at our tiki bar is the one and only John Patti.
1. What is your favorite drink? Rum and Coke
2. If I looked into your CD collection what artists would I find? A pretty wide range of music, I listen to everything from pop, country, rock and roll and R&B to jazz/big band and all kinds of world music. You'd find cd's from Dave Matthews, Santana, Buffett, Larry Carlton, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Marley, ..... and on up to new stars of today!
3. How many instruments do you play? Well.... play and “play” are two different things. I play all sorts of percussion instruments (drum set, steel drums, latin percussion (congas, timbales, bells and blocks etc)) as well as orchestral instrument, vibes, marimba, timpani, etc.
Other instruments that I am able to get around on include guitar, piano/keys... but if it makes a sound, I'll try and learn it!
4. Did you have any formal training? Yes and no. I'm self taught in most of my instruments, but i had some training as i got into middle school/high school... and of course through college. I had no lessons in steel pan, but taught myself through listening to Club Trini records, steel band groups as well as other jazz players that I tried to emulate the guitar sounds on the pan.
5. At what age did you realize that you wanted to play TropRock music? Well... "Trop Rock" wasnt really around as I was growing up and by that I mean that it wasn't as big as it is today. It was pretty much just considered "Jimmy Buffett" music. I started playing music at the age of two, got into steel drums when I was nine and in learning Buffett songs, I ended up playing a lot of parrothead events. That sort of put me in the "Trop Rock" world by default. My favorite music to play is jazz/ R&B and funk... or some type of blend consisting of that!
6. Who do you enjoy playing with? Its tough to say. I perform with about eight to nine different groups, as well as duos and special events. Im fortunate to have the chance to work with some of the bigger names in Trop Rock which is pretty fun. Each group has their unique style and attributes that make them so much fun….. that’s why I love performing with so many groups!
7. We love to see you play at MOTM & Captain's Cove. Is it as much fun for you as it is for us? Performing is always a blast for me. No matter where it is, I have fun playing exciting music on such a cool sounding instrument. It’s hard NOT to have a good time on stage!
8. Where is your favorite vacation spot? Ive been pretty spoiled with traveling to exotic places, so it’s a toss up as to where is best. I loved my time in Hawaii, and New Zealand, but as far vacation, I’m very close to my family, so wherever we go as a family ends up being some of my favorite spots. If I had to pick one, it would be Italy…. Or the “homeland” as we call it in the family. Lol.
9. Name five of your favorite places to play. It depends on the question, If you’re referring to places I return to and look forward to, then it’s:
1. Key West (MOTM and weeks at M’vlle) 2. The Jetty and The Big Owl Tiki in MD 3. The Sandbar, Boston MA 4. Captain’s Cove in CT, 5. Cocopalooza in FL (we get to fly planes then play a show!)
If you’re talking about places that I’ve played and highlights in my career so far, then the list would be:
1. Jazz Fest in New Orleans with Nadirah Shakoor 2. The Iridium Jazz Club, New York City with guitar Legend Les Paul 3. The side stage at Nissan Pavillion opening for Buffett 4. The MOTM mainstage in ’98 w/ Greenidge and Utley and A1A
5. Sitting in with Jerry Jeff Walker in Punta Gorda, FL
10. Do you have any pets roaming around the Patti household? Well, since moving down to Florida, being on the road so much and living on my own, No. But, back in MD at my parents’ house, we have a cool little bichon frise named Auggie. With four boys in the house we all wanted a “guys dog”. When Mom decided on the dog, we thought, “what are we going to do with this little guy?” He turned out to be the coolest dog in the world, with an attitude all his own has taken the heart of all four grown men in the house, plus my mom! He’s never said an actual word, but we’ve had so many conversations together!
11. When you attended the University of Maryland did you introduce the pan into the marching band? I don’t get back to U of M as much as I’d like. In fact, I think I’ve only been back once since graduation although I loved the school and walking around the campus. The pan really isn’t a “marching band” type of instrument since it has to be played so delicately. I actually wasn’t in the drumline at Maryland (although I was at West Virginia University), but I WAS in the main jazz ensemble and introduced the pan there. Each semester I’d have at least two songs where I was featured as a soloist on the pans along with playing regular drums. I also incorporated it into the Latin Jazz Ensemble there as well. No one had done that before, and that’s why I loved it.
12. If you had not become a musician what would you have done for a living? I’m not sure to be honest. I have so many different interests. My degrees were in business, one degree in Marketing and the other in Logistics, so more than likely something to do with sales, campaign marketing or advertising. I also have a huge interest in Audio/visual projects, i.e movies, documentaries and audio/visual editing, so there is that field as well. I know I’ll have to get a ”real job” someday, so I try to stay up to date on the newest developments. But none of that seems to capture my heart and attention like music. Somehow, I’ll work on combining all three fields.
13. Do you have a favorite TV show? I don’t watch TV too often, but I always love watching “Family Guy” and a bunch of the cooking shows on the Discovery and the food network.
14. What is your favorite movie? Believe it or not, JAWS is one of my favorites, along with Planes, Trains and Automobiles, both classics!
15. Do you speak any other languages? I can speak Italian and often do with my parents and grandparents since the older relatives (grandparents, aunts and uncles) don’t speak English.
16. How many pans do you have? Well, I actually only have three sets. A set of doubles that I normally travel with, a lead that I travel with and an old set that I used but haven’t played in 10 years back at my parents house. So, as musicians go and having back-ups, I don’t really have many, but I’m working on that as we speak.
17. Where do you write most of your songs? A lot of times it’ll be little melodies in the car or walking around somewhere. I’ll get the idea, try to get it down somewhere so I remember it, then build on it at my studio at home. One of my songs off the new album called “sandbar reggae” I actually came up with while doing the dishes. Just a simple melody popped into my head and I started grooving to it. When I put down the ideas and actually started recording the song in the studio, I had just been calling it “Dishes”.
18. How does your family feel about having a Super TropRock Star living with them? Haha…. When I was living at home ( and even when I visit) I’m merely a soldier in the army. Mom runs the place and we salute and do our orders! LOL. The term “rockstar” is always kind of funny to me. Everyone has the “public persona” and “behind the scenes” persona, and my house is no different. My dad is a pretty well accomplished and recognized news reporter in Baltimore and is often recognized when he mentions his name, but at home…. None of that matters, If you’d ask my parents, they’d probably say, “Rockstar???, you can be a rockstar all you want, but you still have to cut the grass, clean the house and pay the bills like everyone else!” They keep me grounded and that makes me work harder and appreciate the little things!
19. What is your favorite mode of transportation? I love flying, the whole feel and excitement…. Plus it’s the quickest way. If Im going to sit somewhere for 3, 4 or 5 hours….I can justify it if Im jumping across the country, or an ocean!
20. What is your favorite food? My favorite TWO foods are Crabs (obviously being from Baltimore) and Italian Sausage with peppers and onions! Mmmm… makes me hungry just thinking about it!
We hope that you enjoyed our visit with John Patti. Well that's all from Tiki Bar #7, we truly enjoyed sharing a year of our guests at Tiki Bar #7 with you! Thanks, Marianne & Al : - )
NEW MEMBERS
Marisol Mojica Jack Rosenblatt Marina Lynch Carl Batchelder 1 son of a son
Jim Jacquette 1 Margritaville Joanie Weber 2 Creola Linda Yglesias 2 Love & Luck Jennifer Schanz 3 Jimmy Dreams Al Straaik 3 Jolly Mon Beatrice Boyajian 5 Changes in Latitude Terri Dordon 8 Tin Cup Chalice Andrew Chasen 9 Robert Forberg 9 Come Monday
Drink Recipe Sue Leudesdorff 13 Tin Cup Chalice Jimmy Weber 16 Margritaville Ingredients: Suzie "RN" .25 oz. Mantovani 17 Hula Girl
Tanqueray Wally Caven 21 Jamaica Farewell London Dry Gin Marie Lombardi 22 He Went to Paris
(25 oz. per Mary Connolly 23 Nothing but a Breeze bottle) Kim Berlin 24 Come Monday .25 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka Jeffrey Larssan 24 All (25 oz. per Patricia Yannuzzi 24 Cheeseburger bottle) Meg Raggio 28 Changes in Latitude .25 oz. Captain Jerry Foley 29 Changes in Latitude Morgan Silver Gary Masten 29 Margaritaville Spiced (25 oz. per bottle) .25 oz. Cuervo Especial Gold (25 oz. per bottle) We are always looking for Stories, pictures and articles. Please send whatever you .25 oz. triple sec would like to share. If we miss your birthday or any of the information is incorrect 1 oz. sweet and please drop us an email @ [email protected] sour mix Thank you 6 oz. cola Eric & Lorraine 1 lemon wedge My Friend, a tribute to Ralph MacDonald
In 2005 I sent Ralph MacDonald, a local Stamford neighbor, an email stating that my son’s school was doing a project on Trinidad knowing that his father was MacBeth the Great. Ralph replied that he would be there happy to help out. Ralph came to school that day and taught the children about music and culture, playing makeshift instruments that the children had made smiling and enjoying the day, I knew than that I had a friend for life. Over the next few years Ralph and I stayed in contact and got together when he was not on tour and in town always asking about the children. When Ralph would play gigs in the NYC, with other musicians I would always attend, he told me that when ever I want to see a JB show, of which I have seen many, let him know and he would get me tickets. I never took him up on his offer; I would get tickets and see the show. In 2008 at Jones Beach, Ralph heard I got tickets for my family he was mad and took my tickets and gave us VIP passes, backstage and front row center that was my last show I attended as I would not ask for more and did not want to offend Ralph. Ralph and I would talk all the time when he was on the road or at home.
When Ralph became sick in early 2010, I would visit him almost every day when he was in the hospital or at home and told him that I would help him out in any way I can. I would take him food, he loved my cooking, spend time watching a game and talking about life. Ralph was proud of who he was, from the early days with Martin Luther King Jr., and Harry Belefonte to Jimmy Buffett. Ralph was also very proud of his children and what they accomplished. I would always be there for Ralph and family. We would often talk about his adventures and mis‐adventures. As time went on and Ralph’s health declined I would check on him more frequently, he was grateful for every thing that I would do for him and his family, I was family, my second family as my wife would say, and he always thanked me. The first thing Ralph would ask when I saw him was “how are you, your wife and kids”. Over the summer I spent a lot of time at house and had the privilege to meet friends of Ralph and other members of his family and the music community. Laughing, crying and hearing stories. I had the honor of escorting Ralph to Jones Beach in August 2010; I was by his side and made sure he was comfortable every moment of the way, as this would be his last time he would be able to be at a Jimmy Buffett show. I was greeted and thanked by members of the band for taking care of their brother Ralph. Early in the morning of December 18, 2010, I had a restless night and awoke from a dream that myself, my wife, Ralph’s wife Grace and others were in a truck with Ralph driving, I kept saying “Ralph what are you doing, you are sick and need to be home in bed” he kept saying, “Frank I want to go home, I am going home”. I was shaken what does this mean. Instantly the phone rang, it was Grace telling me that Ralph just passed on. I believe that this was Ralph’s way of saying goodbye to me. I was at the house within 15 minutes which seemed like any eternity, to be by his side and with his family and friends, where I was needed.
I was asked by Grace and family to help put together a Tribute to Ralph in Stamford at the Palace Theatre, we had 12 short days to do this. Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers, Roberta Flak, Valerie Simpson, Bobbi Humphrey and other great musicians, who Ralph worked with over the years, would perform. What I thought was impossible was possible, a show of that caliber. As I kept thinking this is crazy, Ralph kept popping into my head saying “You can do this, don’t give up, just do it”. Every one that was there was a great help and complimented on what I did in a few short days. We did it!! It was a great tribute to Ralph and my bond with all grew greater.
Many may not know that Ralph touched all in the music industry in his life, whether playing, composing or producing music, he was a Grammy award winning artist. Ralph wrote many songs especially for Jimmy Buffett his close friend. It is said that every 20 minutes a song is played that Ralph touched in one way or another, and that it takes 3 people to accomplish what Ralph could do playing. I have met many great people thru Ralph and his family and keep in touch with them. Ralph and Grace taught me one important thing, how to enjoy life more and embrace what you have. I have many good memories of my time with the MacDonald’s and will always be part of their family to help any way I can. It would take many pages to relive this past year, and I want to thank everyone that I had the honor of meeting and being a part of their life.
Sail on Ralph! Keep the music alive……
Capt Frank Fumega
“I learned to cool from you” Thank You Ralph
21st Annual Meeting of the Minds 2012 "Another Trip Around The Sun"
(Key West, Florida) November 1-November 4, 2012 REGISTRATION FOR 2012 MOTM WILL OPEN JANUARY 2012 * * * * *
21st Annual Meeting of the Minds 2012 Another Trip Around The Sun November 1 - November 4, 2012 (Key West, Florida)
THE MEETING OF THE MINDS 2012 LOGO CONTEST IS NOW OPEN!
The PHiP Board of Directors would like invite you to enter the 2012 MOTM Logo Contest.
The winning entry will not be revealed until Registration at the convention in Key West.