Hole - Terminal 5 - 4/27/10 New York City

A week after I saw the Specials at Terminal 5 I got to see Hole there. I liked the Specials morer.

The Specials - Terminal 5 - 4/20/10 New York City

Walking into the packed Terminal 5 venue to see one of the "new" bands from back when I was getting seriously into music in 1979 I had really no opinion on the group, Walking out of Terminal 5 I was a bit of a fan. The Specials put on a very energetic and musically tight show but I was really taken by Terry Hall's deadpan stage demeanor which fully sold me.

I got to sit next to one of New York City's finest homeless people on the way home too.

Well, Jamie made me do it.

The Sub Basement Blues Band - Recording Session 4/18/10 HesDeadJimStudio Bronx, New York City

My First Band and amongst some of my oldest musical friends & peers, Of Course I had a Blast recording with the old crew again. We nailed it * in three takes (and one false start) at Thomas' recording studio (HesDeadJimStudios) and that as they say was that.

We had an opportunity to be on a "Summer" themed CD/Box of Crayons project and opposed to writing a brand new "Summer" song why not drag out the old warhorse Coney Island Summer and have a "recording reunion".

White Wedding - Long Island Crisis Center/Volunteer Party 4/17/10 Long Island,New York

Charity events are always fun to perform at and to my unexpected expectations this party and awards dinner was held at a different venue than the previous Pride for Youth benefit that we performed at, Not to knock the former space but its always interesting to get another room under your belt. Doc Brown had the foresight to secure some Fruit Salad pre-gig but I missed out and had a Vegetable Salad between sets.

Sweethook - Photo Shoot/Brooklyn Bridge Downtown 4/5 Platform 4/12/10 New York City

KUDOS Go out to Matt Shanley our fearless percussionist for standing behind the "Do Not Stand Behind" line on the Downtown 4 platform to get that shot just right.

Jon Anderson - B.B. Kings 4/11/10 New York City

Jon Anderson treated us to an intimate evening of mostly acoustic music accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and electric keyboards at this famous Times Square venue performing a nice mix of classics as well as some rarities (two Jon & Vangelis tunes .-) I was pleasantly surprised to arrive only to see a sparsely furnished stage (No drumkit or amps) anticipating we were going to get a chance to hear the songs in a raw format. the ticket said "Doors 6, Show 8" and since I wasnt planning on spending fifty bucks on dinner for myself I arrived forty minutes after the doors had been opened to my detriment. I had one of the worst seats in an otherwise general admission audience.



Jon's setlist as scribbled by myself on the fly and in the dark.





Whenever in Times Square I MUST have my Beef Bowl from Yoshinoya, Most Excellent.

White Wedding - 27 Union Square West 4/10/10 New York City

My First Wedding,.... Performing at one that is.

One of the most humbling Lesson's for a musician is not only in serving the music but also in serving your employer. There is no room for ego in the wedding setting and it was quite a different experience sitting on the bandstand while speeches went on in front of me. I expended little to no kinetic energy for the first half of our performance as I played at a very low energy level so the guests could talk to each other and enjoy the delicious Sri-Lankan foodstuffs.

The band performed very well and Spiccoli made all of the requested announcements with aplomb and benevolence.

White Wedding - O' Flanagans 4/9/10 New York City

The band had a nice sophomore show at O' Flanagan's and it never ceases to amaze me at the number of youth who appreciate Eighties music since most weren't even born when these records were originally released yet they sing, holler, hoot and dance along just the same. I ran into a couple of Old friends whom I haven't seen since high school at the gig as well. Special thanks to the bar staff and venue for all the Free Drinks.

The Lime Rickey - When I Find Myself in Limes of Trouble.

The Wait staff, seating conditions, menu discrepancies, meal values and culinary watermark is not really my place to say in the case of Vega's diner in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn but what they do deliver (and for a meager $2.99) is the Richelieu of Lime Rickeys!!!! The 1970s Richelieu Lime Rickey Layers and all.

In my Excitement I disregarded the overly cute young woman wishing to seat me and asked for a "counter" seat as my stay was a short one. Short But Sweet as I watched the fountain technician construct the Rickey in Question.

1. Lime Syrup
2. Ice
3. Seltzer (gingerly)
4. Cherry Syrup (to seltzer gingerly)
5. Fruit Garnishment

Voila !!!

Feaster 2010

Greaster Eve appetizers (L to R from 9 o' clock) Cassetti Cheese, Caponnatta on Pita, Kalamata Olives, Feta Chese, Orzo Sausage, Grape Leaves, Prosciutta Ball (Pastosa), Spinach Pie,Cheese Pie, Prosciutta Ball (Ravioli Fair) There was Pastosa Manicotti and Baklava as well. Thanks to Chris and Caroline.



Easter (in progress) (L to R bottom row to top) Broccoli, Pizza Rustica Bunnified, Pasta, Knotted Bread, Sliced Round Loaf, Extra Gravy, Pasta, Grape Leaves, Feta Cheese, Prosciutta Bread, Pigs in the Blanket, Asparaus, Pasta, Veal Cutlet, Rack of Lamb.

Thanks to Connie and Jamie for letting me invite myself along .-)