Diplomats of Solid Sound, Hands-Down, WOW New Bo!

Issue 176 The Publication of the Linn County Blues Society- lcbs.org March 2009 Diplomats of Solid Sound, hands-down, WOW New Bo!

More photos inside!

In this issue —

Cover: Diplomats of Solid Sound at New Bo Benefit Big Mo’s CD review Texas Blues at Checkers Tavern & Eatery Local LIVE music schedules and more... The Linn County Blues Society is a way New Bo Benefit 2 cool, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Blues music in 1st Avenue LIVE! Eastern Iowa as well as to provide charitable contributions to other commu- Jim Jacobmeyer nity organizations. LCBS is an Affiliated Organization in the Blues Foundation’s There were no lonely hearts at the New Bohemia Winter Dance Party at 1st Av- international network. The BLUESPAPER is a monthly publication of the LCBS. enue LIVE! on Valentine’s Day. The evening featured a silent art auction by New Website: lcbs.org Bohemia 2x2xU artists, a diamond search (provided by Siegle’s), classic rock by LCBS Officers the Justin Crippen Revival and the incomparable funk, groove, jazz beat of the President - Andy Dergo Diplomats of Solid Sound. The music was infectious and brought love birds to Vice President - Evan Vulich the floor to shake a tail feather and coo into the waning midnight hour. Secretary - Steve Springer Treasurer - Sue Dergo New Bo would like to thank 1st Ave Live!, LMR Productions, Siegle’s, Legion Arts, LCBS and all the New Bohemians who came out to support this event. Directors at Large- You’re all SWEETHEARTS! We love you! Bob De Forest, Bill Meeks, Frank Wilson Chairs Education - Open Entertainment - Greg West Membership - Kevin Cutsforth Merchandise - David Andrews

The Bluespaper & LCBS folks Editor - Evan Vulich Photographers - See bylines each issue Staff Writers - See bylines each issue Distribution - Andy Dergo, Bill Meeks Parliamentarian - Bill Meeks Program - Bob De Forest Public Relations - Open Web Administrator - Evan Vulich

Membership To learn more about the Linn County Blues Society or to join, see the membership form in this Bluespaper or the LCBS Justin Crippen Revival kicked off the night. Mike website. Your membership includes; “I’m not dead” Trousdale, was our MC for the night. • Discount admissions to many local Blues activities. • Monthly LCBS Bluespaper. • Voting rights in the LCBS elections. • Simply being way cool.

Bluespaper Contact information Send news, band or club live entertain -ment listings or advertising to: Evan Vulich at: [email protected].

Bluespaper Ad Rates $15.00 - Business card size - 2” x 3.5” $25.00 - Quarter page ad - 3.5” x 4.75” $50.00 - Half page ad - 4.75” x 7.25” $100.00 - Full page - 7.5” x 10”

Submission Requirements- All ads, photos or scanned images, either color or black/white, need to be 300ppi. Native Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, JPG, TIFF, EPS, PDF, BMP accepted. Ads created in Word may cause dimentia, severe cramp- ing and diarrhea. Deadline for submis- sions is the 19th of the month.

Moving? Send your new address to; LCBS, PO Box 2672, Cedar Rapids, IA Brad Finn at the mixing board. Remember to buy these guys a beer once in a while as 52406-2672 so you won’t miss a single they are the ones responsible for how you hear live music. They can make a mediocre issue of your Bluespaper. band sound good and a good band sound great.

Greg Stokesberry (left) a big supporter of the New Bohemia Music Festival, enjoys the artwork Saffire: on display. (right) A scarey photo of “Trousey” and Bill Graham having a “Kodak moment”. The Uppity Blues Women Havin’ The Last Word Alligator Records

Release Date–January 27, 2009

Enough Already!!

We all know Saffire: the Uppity Blues Women. They’ve been around for probably 20-25 years developing an audience and fol- lowing the same formula. They’ve always got “the middle aged, menopausal, why’d he leave me, life’s a bitch, blues”. Man, I’m tired of it. Sixteen novelty tunes all with guitar, bass and piano Vikki Glass and Becci Reedus apparently had plenty of ‘how do ya dos’ and spent the rest of the and maybe a slide or harmonica night yukking it up. thrown in. They’re not great so- loists by any stretch so the short songs get pretty long after a while. Helping people It sounds like they sat down and make great music recorded them one afternoon. I’m sure it all works out fine when they and pursue their perform live, but seeing Saffire at dreams for over Wolftrap is not high on my concert 43 years. “must see” list. I’m sure they do De Forest nicely at the gate and sell plenty of CD’s without me. Besides, I’m a middle aged man so why should Painting I like them. I give it one hot flash for strong, in tune voices. Interior & Exterior —John Heim (A.K.A. “Big Mo”) All types of paints, stains etc. 4651 1st Ave SE Cedar Rapids, IA If you don’t know the blues... there’s no 52402 point in picking up the guitar and playing 319-362-6523 319.378.1720 rock and roll or any other form of popular Bob De Forest References guitarcenter.com music. — Keith Richards ©2009 Linn County Blues Society / Texas blues sweeps in at Checkers Tavern Jim Suhler and his band, Monkey Beat

article and photos by Bill Ray

almost didn’t go to hear a really and stayed through both hour and a This band played some wonderful, great blues performance. I didn’t half-long sets. distinctive and refreshing blues and Irecognize the band’s name and Suhler is a veteran blues guitarist blues-rock. They sold a lot of CDs to had a case of winter inertia. with all the right chops. At one time the audience that night. That’s always But listening to Bob DeForest’s ra- he was a member of the George Thoro- a good indicator of talent appreciated. dio show on a Saturday night changed good band. Based out of Dallas, Suhler I’m glad Bobby D clued me in to Jim my mind. He mentioned that an ex- plays many original songs that flow eas- Suhler’s mid-western tour appear- cellent blues band would be playing ily from one to another – some lasting ance. at Checkers on a Sunday night. And eight or ten minutes. when Bobby D recommends a band Monkey Beat’s keyboard player, – attention must be paid. Shawn Phares, was an equal partner Jim Suhler and Monkey Beat per- on most songs and played some terrific formed their sweeping brand of Texas accordion as a change of pace. Carlton blues at Checkers on February 8. Just Powell anchored on bass. Jimmy Mor- as the band was about to begin, a whole gan on drums completed the talented tavern bunch of enthusiastic fans showed up blues quartet. CEDAR RAPIDS,IA. checkerstavern.com

Carlton Powell on bass (Above) Shawn Phares on keyboards /accordian and Jimmy Morgan on drums (right). Jim Suhler performs his sweeping brand of Texas blues at Checkers.

(Above) Shawn Phares on keyboards /accordian and Jimmy Morgan on drums (right).

©2009 Linn County Blues Society / This publication of the Linn County Blues Society is dedicated to the sole support of LIVE music. Karaoke has been Local Music known to cause constipation in laboratory rats. Prolonged exposure to this type of music can also lead to severe musi- March Blues Calendar cal dementia and social dislxeia [sic]. Sun. 1 Mahoney’s Irish Pub TBA Sat. - The Firehouse- Jam with various players 4-8PM Thur. 5 J.M. O’Malley’s Charlie Morgan Band, 9-1 Sun.- Checkers Tavern-Blue Sunday-6PM Checkers Tavern & Eatery Robert “One Man Band” Johnson, 7PM Sun.- Mahoney’s - Various artists-Never a Cover, 6pm CR Landing The Mike & Rob Show Sun.- Charlie’s, Coralville-Blues Jam Fri. 6 Checkers Tavern & Eatery Dave Schultz & Dry Heat, 9PM Wed.- Checkers Tavern-Kevin BF Burt solo 6-9 Ernie’s McMurrin & Johnson, 6-8:30PM Thurs.-J.M.O’Malley’s-T-Bone Giblin Jam Fest Shawn Ryan’s McMurrin & Johnson, 9-12 EVERY 3 Street Saloon O’Connel Brothers Band Sat. 7 Firehouse- JAM, 4-8PM Dan Johnson & various players Yacht Club, Iowa City McMurrin & Johnson Demo Band, 10-1 The LCBS meets the 1st Monday of each month. 3 Street Saloon Stranded In Iowa See you at the Longbranch on March 2, 6:30PM Sun. 8 Mahoney’s Irish Pub The Right Now, 6-10PM for the LCBS Board & Member meeting. Wed. 11 Next Door McMurrin & Johnson, 7-10PM Guests are welcome! Thur. 12 J.M. O’Malley’s Flying Carp. 9-1 Checkers Tavern & Eatery Comedy Hypnotist, Gabriel, 8PM 90 Twixt Town Rd., Marion • 377-6386 Fri. 13 CR Landing, 8-12 McMurrin & Johnson Band w/ Skeeter Lewis Checkers Tavern & Eatery Pair A Dice Band, 9PM Specializing in Chrome Horse Saloon Large Midgets RIBS, STEAK, PRIME RIB, LOBSTER & CRAB Shawn Ryans Gary Gibson, 8-12 Featuring our award winning Sat. 14 Mulligans McMurrin & Johnson, 9-12 BBQ Pork Ribs! Firehouse- JAM Gary Gibson, 4-8PM Seafood • 30 item salad bar Odies Bar, Ely The Mike & Rob Show Chrome Horse Saloon 5 Of Hearts Kids menus • Specialty desserts Sun. 15 Mahoney’s Irish Pub Blueheels, 6-10PM Checkers Tavern & Eatery Johnny Rawls Revue, 6PM A very special THANK YOU to these business- Tue. 17 Ernie’s- St. Pat’s! McMurrin & Johnson, 3-6PM es who have signed up to help us 3rd Street Saloon Flat Cat & Irish Drums of Passion 4PM Keep the Blues Alive! 1st Avenue LIVE! Wylde Nept (Irish music) Chrome Horse Saloon Well Lit, 3PM • C.R. Bank & Trust • The Fifth Gear Thur. 19 Checkers Tavern & Eatery Jason Ray Brown, 7PM • Chappy’s Safari • 16th Avenue Prod. J.M. O’Malley’s Gibby’s Jam • Chrome Horse Saloon • KCCK 88.3 The Firehouse The Mike & Rob Show • Longbranch • Checkers Tavern Fri. 20 Checkers Tavern & Eatery Boogie Woogers, 9PM • Dudley Bros. Co. Ernie’s Billy Janey & Dan Johnson, 6-8:30PM • Home Town Restyling Next Door 4Box O Rocks, 9-1 • Cocktails & Co. • Next Door C & D Lounge, Mt. Vernon The Mike & Rob Show • Ron Schantz Const. • Tomaso’s Pizza Chrome Horse Saloon Black The Sun • J.M. O’Malley’s • Mahoney’s Irish Pub Sat. 21 Firehouse- JAM Gary Gibson, 4-8PM Next Door Billy Janey Trio, 9-1 Dam Bar & Grill, Troy Mills The Mike & Rob Show Chrome Horse Saloon Gibbs Brothers LCBS Members SAVE 10% off meals at Sun. 22 Mahoney’s Irish Pub How Far To Austin, 6-10PM • Thur. 26 J.M. O’Malley’s Gary Gibson, Gibby & Friends, 9-1 Leo’s Italian Restaurant! CR Landing McMurrin & Johnson, 8-11PM 29 South Frederick Avenue, Oelwein. Checkers Tavern & Eatery Matt Gogel, 7PM Bushwood, CR The Mike & Rob Show • SAVE at - Tic Toc Restaurant Fri. 27 Checkers Tavern & Eatery Strangely Familiar w/ Kathy Hart, 9PM Buy one, get one ½ price Ernie’s Tom Bruner & Dan Johnson, 6-8:30PM Pub Mitchell Tom Bruner & Dan Johnson, 9-12:30 on any regular breakfast entrée Chrome Horse Saloon Jeff Bruner or sandwich! Sat. 28 Chappy’s Safari 4 Box O Rocks, 9-1 • SAVE at - Genghis Grill Firehouse- JAM, 4-8PM Various players Chrome Horse Saloon Super Size Seven 10% off entire ticket ANYTIME! Sun. 29 Mahoney’s Irish Pub Useful Jenkins, 6-10PM SAVE at Hamilton Mortgage Mon. 30 George’s, Iowa City CannonSaul, Kilowatt & The Count, 8-11PM $250 off closing costs (ask for Jessica)

the editor or those of you over 50, you’ll appreciate the lyrics to this tune written back in the early 70’s by Roger McGuinn and Jacques Levy. There was so much great music written at that time. I was just graduating high school and Fplaying in a rock & roll band. That was the thing to do back then. Anyway, I thought this might be a great tune to sing in the shower or when you’re doing your taxes. Remember your taxes? With all the uncertainy in our country right now, it might be apropos to remember just who got us here. Hats off to the bankers, lenders and investors on Wall Street. As David Lee E L Graphics Roth said; ‘go ahead and jump!’ & I want to grow up to be a politician • big & small signs And take over this beautiful land • vinyl lettering I want to grow up to be a politician • banners And be the old U.S. of A.’s number one man • business cards I’ll always be tough but I’ll never be scary • print media I want to shoot guns or butter my bread • CD artwork I’ll work in the towns or conservate the prairies • logos And you can believe the future’s ahead • photo retouch I’ll give the young the right to vote as soon as they mature • newsletters But spare the rod and spoil the child • web design to help them feel secure And if I win election day I might give you a job A small company with BIG services! I’ll sign a bill to help the poor to show I’m not a snob I’ll open my door I’m charging no admission And you can be sure I’ll give you my hand I want to grow up to be a politician And take over this beautiful land Tomaso’s Pizza Instrumental (Brass Band) Official Pizza I’ll make you glad you got me in with everything I do of Bluesmore! And I’ll defend until the end the old red white and blue 3234 Center Point Rd. I want to grow up to be a politician And take over this beautiful land 364-4313

2672 - 6 0 524

Cedar Rapids, IA Rapids, Cedar

2672 Box PO Linn County Blues Society Blues County Linn

Support your local

We’ll be extending a 15% off food offer to card carrying LCBS members. This offer is for Blue Sunday events only. kcck.org Maybe that will help get “live blues sup- porters” - to do just that. That’s 15% off their food. You’d think with the food being Friday Blues- sooooo good, and the live blues being so • 6-10 PM - Da Friday Blues • 10-11 PM - Backstage Blues good they’d pay an extra 15%. • 11 PM to midnight - KCCK Jams But even more enticement to get out and • Midnight Blues CD support our Blue Sunday events on Saturday Blues - selected Sundays. • 6-10 PM - Da Blues with Bobby D ENJOY!!!! • 10-11 PM - The Crawfish Circuit • 11 PM -midnight - The Melting Pot P.J.! • Midnight Blues CD