The Rock Candy Band

I mentioned last Wednesday about going to the Boom Days Festival in Fort Payne, Alabama. The actual reason for my going was to lend support to some friends of mine who happen to be in the band Rock Candy. If you ever have an opportunity (locals/southerners) to attend one of their gigs, I highly recommened.

Their musical  setlist is diverese. Rock Candy is a versatile Rock & Roll band formed to appeal to the 21-50 year old crowd. It is a group of veteran musicians who have performed on the local and national music scene for many years. The band performs mainly rock & roll tunes from the 60's to the current Top 40 which can also include some R&B and country along the way. Rock Candy can tailor a performance to satisfy almost any type of event. The band features two extremely talented female vocalists (Lisa and Tonya) along with a horn section that gives Rock Candy a unique sound that is perfect for events ranging from wedding receptions to private and corporate functions. They perform a high energy show (with extra voltage provided by Lisa's contagious enthusiasm and hip wiggling!)

The Members
Scott Flemming - Drums & Vocals
Tonya Jones - Vocals
Steve Scorey - Bari Sax &Rhythm Guitar
Wyatt Pugh - Guitars &Vocals
Lisa Pugh - Vocals
Scott Gwin - Bass Guitar & Vocals
Dwight Houston - Tenor Sax


You can find out more about Rock Candy at their website.
I invite you to come out and hear them (and some other great bands) at the second annual Jammin at the Junction on October 30, 2010 at the Helena Ampitheater. For more info email me or visit the city website.

Here are some pictures of Rock Candy from their gig at the Boom Days Festival:

Greatest Love Songs of Leigh's Youth, as Assembled by Leigh

This post first ran on 2/14/08, but I thought I would pull it out for laughs for this, "Beach week".

With Love being the theme of the day I am posting my top 10 love songs from my teenage years. That was when loving someone or having someone to love was of utmost importance. You were nobody unless you had somebody, right? And so, with you sitting anxiously on the edge of your set....my top 10 love songs....

1. Livin of a Prayer by Bon Jovi. It's true. I never knew anyone in the union, or that worked on the docks, so I couldn't really comprehend the intense situation of it being on strike. And poor Gina, working all day stuck at the Diner with all that grease. NO wonder she cried all the time. But they had each other and that's alot-it was enough. I got that part. I mean, those things are tough, man! They were livin' on a prayer. "Take my hand and we'll make it, I swear." Now that was sexy. I knew that the song was probably in code to me. But for all the other screaming and swooning fans at the concert, Jon never did see my hand. (I'd Die For you, Bon Jovi was a close second, hand motions accompanied this song, wonderfully.)

2. Every Breath You Take-Police I hated the Police. I thought they were a joke. I mean, come on. Grow some hair and man up to a tattoo parlor like the other hair metal guys I adored (BTW-BAMA, if you or Sledge or Smooth EVER come home with a TATTOO I will personally remove the embedded ink from your skin with my creme broula torch). But my (X)"fran" that did me soooo wrong. Kelly, was their "Number 1 fan". My mother must have been drinking heavily (not really mom. I know she just spit out coffee on that one. She doesn't drink anything stronger than coffee, but to drive the point) to allow such, but she allowed me and my friend Heather and Kelly to spend the night in front of Boutwell Auditorium with 500 other of police fans to secure tickets. I was a good friend. I saw a rat as big as I was. And being in downtown, he was packing heat. But no, this is not why I listed this song. It was because Brett Butler of THE Atlanta Braves was being traded. At his last game with them they played this song and had a little video montage to him. Me and my cousin Gina were CRAZY for Brett Butler. Our hearts were broken into a million pieces. How would we go on? Would we follow Brett to his new home team, or stay true to the Braves. Ahhh ,Torn between two lovers (that song sucked, BTW)....we chose the Braves.

3. Leather and Lace by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley-this was such a sweet song. I rode around in my car just wishing I looked or could at least sing like my idol Stevie Nicks. In fact, I still do that. Listen Listen

4. Almost Paradise - Mike Reno/Anne Wilson -Hello! Footloose. Every young girl was "Almost in Paradise" when we saw Kevin Bacon dance in Footloose. Unlike every other girl, who thought he was "fine", I was more impressed with his dance moves. That man could D-A-N-C-E! But, I was more of a Willard type girl. How sweet to have no groove and yet try so hard to impress a girl. That was love, man. ListenListen

5. Is This Love - Whitesnake -If I couldn't be Stevie Nicks and I couldn't be Lita Ford, then I wanted to look like and be Tawny Kittean. What 16 year old girl didn't. If I was her, I know I would have the power to swoon Big Daddy to give me a second look or at least one of my backup hotties. I mean, I spent hours to make my hair look like this, frizzy and full. If I only had that white jag. I wore white. Was it enough? In my mind, That helped a little. That indeed would secure a deal. In any case, I spent the next 6 weeks practising my rolls across the hood of my moms cutlass supreme. Didn't work out for me. In more ways than one. Parents don't appreciate stuff like that.ListenListen

6. I want you to want me! by Cheap Trick. Actually I hated this song but I had to include it because Big Daddy played the guitar in the Air Band and this was the song they "played". Oh, Big Daddy (was little dude, aka slim then-but weren't we all...) with his flannel shirt unbuttoned, not a single hair on that 112 lb chest (I knew that because he wrested) Couldn't he see by now, that I did want him? I looovvvveeeddddd him. (Still do). He just couldn't see it past the bangs in his eyes. He was his own person. He didn't need the mullet like the rest of those inteh air band did. "I'm here! I'm Here!" I shouted over the crowd of hormonal 16 year old girls and boys trying to find someone who wanted them too. For me though, it was always Big Daddy. I hate this song. It gets on my nerves. I know mixed messages. But I am woman! http://www.amazon.com/gp/dmusic/media/sample.m3u/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk12_smpl?ie=UTF8&catalogItemType=track&ASIN=B00137VBKW&CustomerID=A2SRPX9AZVAMWT&qid=1203003478&sr=1-4&DownloadLocation=CD
If it wasn't this it would've been "Photograph" by Def Leopard. Being that I was a stalker of Big Daddy's for 12 years before he finally relented and gave in, this song allowed me to be cool. I think Def Leopard and I were one of the original stalkers. We made it cool. Now it's just a bunch of losers, certainly not like me.....

7. Close My Eyes by Ozzy Osborne and Lita Ford-What a sexy song. But today I hear it and it almost sounds like death. Imagine that the Prince of darkness singing about such grim subjects? I still don't know what they are singing about. I loved this song though. It was sad, it was deep, it was beyond my understanding. But Lita Ford rocked and in my book anything Lita did was a-ok. Listen Listen

8. Don't Know What You Got Til It's Gone - Cinderella -Ain't it the truth, man? I mean, how can you fully appreciate someone until they have broken up with you, sent your heat breaking into a million shards and then stomping on it? And then you pined and cried because "HE" was the one....How can you appreciate them until that happens? Listen Listen

9. More Than Words - Extreme. I can still recall seeing this black and white video for the first time on MTV. The nice little melody, no screaming, just a bunch of guys sitting around talking about love...because that is what guys do with other guys...they talk about and sing about love. I thought this song was ingenious and like nothing I had ever heard before.ListenListen

10. Angel by Aerosmith-Oh, takes me back...riding in the backseat of my best friend, Greg Stozier's, little corolla with by other BFF Jenny riding shotgun. Why oh why? Why can't he (special someone) see that I care for him. Why can't he feel the emotion and intensity there? "Play it again, Greg" (music cues and my hands pound the back of Greg's seat like a drum) Dun!-- Dun! Dun!---....Don't know what I'm gonna doooooo....about this feeeeeee-ling inside...." I think I made him play that song about 8 times back to back that night. As I moped and pouted in the backseat about unrequited love Jenny and Greg bickered back and forth about who made better milkshakes. McDonald's or DQ. We ended up at DQ downing and drowning my misery in a Mr. Misty cherry float. I didn't like milkshakes. Looking back now, I don't think that feeling inside was love, it was the 3 cherry Mr Misty's I downed......


While these are my top 10, I wouldn't feel right to not include :
Faithfully by Journey. "Circus life (singing to me here) under the big top, whoa...." Steve Perry sure had some pipes on him. This was a given song.
And finally,
There I was at Skate World with my friend Debby. It was here we were meeting our little bud's, Chris Cross and Chris Hatfield. Ah, but they dumped us to hang out with some other girls. We were furious, while "just friends", it sucked to be chosen last. I mean they had come to our schools skate day as our guest (they were from a different school). I learned alot about men that day. So, this song, brings back alot for me... the roller rink, the Chris's, the choosing of love over friendships......and then came couples skate. Now we had no one to skate with. "Lost in Love" by Air Supply. Enough said.

Tesla Still Reigns as Modern Day Cowboys

Tesla! How I love thee! Let me  count the ways...

1. http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/05/under-rated-tesla.html
2.http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/04/tesla-getting-better.html
3. My dog-who was named after Tesla.http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2007/07/in-memory-of-tesla.html

But Wait! Before you go off reading my proclamations, let me share with you a little story.
A little "LOVE SONG" about Tesla.
To really understand we must go back many, many years ago.
Twenty three to be exact. I was sixteen years old. And a music nut.
Go figure.
What, you aren't surprised?

My cousin Marc and I, along with my best friend Jenny and Marc's friend ,Steve loaded into my Chevy Cavilier and drove an hour south to Montgomery to take in a David Lee Roth show. Marc and I were huge Van Halen fans and felt it necessary to do some investigative work on Dave's new show on the heels of his split from VH. Besides, I had a thing for guitars and guitarist and the incredibly talented Steve Via was now filling the slot of Roth's lead guitarist. I couldn't miss the opportunity to hear Via play. Also on the ticket that fateful night was a new musical act, one that I was at the time unfamiliar with, one by the name of Tesla. My cousin had actually heard them and was impressed with them, so I was equally eager to give them a listen.
When we got into the small arena, my friend Jenny and I went our own way, while Marc and Steve went theirs. Jenny and I made our way to the front of the stage.
Remember when concerts were general admission?
Those were the days when elbowing, crawling over and under, being doused with blood, sweat, tears and beers was real rock and roll. REAL ROCK and ROLL, people!

And endurance of those less than ideal situations could very well earn one a spot in front of all the action. As was the case with Jenny and I. We parked ourselves at stage left, where one Steve Via would be playing shortly. After a short while, two guys came over and began to chat it up with Jen and I. They introduced themselves as Tommy and Frank. Nice guys, shared some laughs and  small talk-mostly about the evening. We all agreed we were eager to see an incredible show. After about 45 minutes they said they were going to go and they'd be back a little bit later. "Suit yourself," I thought...."the shows about to begin. You don't want to miss it."

Moments later the lights dimmed and the crowd began to cheer loudly.  Jen and I clapped and jumped up and down with anticipation. We could see figures on the stage in front of us and just then the lights shown brightly onto the stage. I looked over at Jen, who like me was stunned. She looked back at me confused. Before us, onstage was the very Frank and Tommy that we had just been sitting with moments earlier. Frank was directly in front of both of us. He took great delight in our bewilderment. As it turned out Tommy and Frank were none other thanTommy Skeoch and Frank Hannon of the opening band, Tesla.  After the Tesla show, Frank and Tommy came back and sat with us again to watch the David Lee Roth performance. After the show then invited us "to party on the bus". Being the nice girl that I was and not knowing their full intentions, we politely declined. I know my mom is so proud of me. LOL! I regret I couldn't locate my cousin Marc to chaperone or I would've in a heartbeat. Who misses the opportunity to hang with such a great musical artist. Me. Good girl. It was a fun and memoriable night though.
A few years later (1990) the guys were in town again for another show. I met the whole group (and their roadies) at the mall. I had my little neighbor (Will "the Thrill) in tow and we snapped this picture of us with lead singer Jeff Keith.

Through the years, with every album and no doubt my own "personal" experiences with the band I have always had an infinity for the band Tesla. The music has a sound all it's own, most notably due to the strong lead guitar of wickidly talented Frank Hannon  and the raw emotionally charged voice of singer Jeff Keith. But it was also the content of the songs, the lyrics. Tesla wasn't just some 80's hairband that was dependant on songs about unrequited love and lust to put them on the charts. They wrote from the heart, drawing from what would be more controversial topics at times, while others were songs of prevailance and overcoming adversity. Modern Day Cowboy and Private Ledbetter are two songs that are about subjects found in headlines. I appreciate their willingness to write about such passionate subjects, knowing it might not get the airplay deserved, whether I agree or not with all of their political ideals or not. Like Tesla, I am a proud American and I think something can be said for pouring your heart out into a song about topics that are usually discussed on govermental steps or headline news. I applaud the band for it.

As mentioned in my "count the ways" above, I named my dog after the band. My husband put his foot down when I suggested naming my daughter after the band (Tess). When we found out they were going to be in town at the wonderful facility of Workplay, my sweet "Big Daddy" purchased tickets for us to attend, " an anniversary gift", he said.  And to make the evening even more fun, my cousin Marc went with us( as did  his friend Gary, who has an affiliation with drummer Troy on a musical colaberation in a Christian rock band) . We also met a highschool friend of ours and his wife, Robert and Carmen at the concert. Will (my neighbor ) was also in attendance.

To say the night was awesome would be an understatment!!!! Jeff Keith still has his musical chops, not slacking in the least. And Frank Hannon was just as impressive as the first time I heard and saw him. Frank is truly a gifted guitarist. Sadly, Tommy Skeoch is the only member who has left the band. He was replaced by "new kid on the block" Dave Rude, a thirty four year old guitaist who is out of San Fransico by a band of his own name, The Dave Rude band. I cannot fully express how impressed I was with Rude's talent. He is an amazingly gifted, very charismatic  and animated guitarist. He reminded me of a young Ted Nugent (madman). I  really became a fan of Mr. Rude's through this performance, so much so I couldn't wait to get home and read and listen to more of his own musical work.
I love to see artist so visably passionate about what they do, and Rude's stage performace is a full on expression of that. He feels his music from the pic of his guitar to the heels of his converse sneakers. One senses that it is a passion that extends beyond the performace, it is more of an emotional connection with everything in the room from the intrument he plays, to the crowd to the mood. This was Rude. For me, that enthusiasm is contagious. What a incredible show!!!! And to be sharing it with friends that also had a special connection to Tesla, it was a moment in my life that I will forever remember.


Here are some moments captured through my photography of our night reunited with Tesla.

TESLA IS:
Jeff Keith
Frank Hannon
Dave Rude
Brian Wheat
Troy Lucceketta

(You can find and hear some Tesla tunes on my playlist. Scroll and play. :)
** I got a guitar pics that night, personally handed to me by two of my guitar heros-Frank Hannon and Dave Rude. It's going into my memory box.

Vallejo!

Isn't it fun when old friends get together? Such was the case not long ago when I called up my friend Charnita and asked her if she was ready for a spur of the moment trip to take in a great band. Luckily, Charnita works like I do, she can appreciate a good spontaneous whim. And so it was, we loaded up in the car with camera in hand to take in a musical performace of some (old? I dont think that's the right word)  friends' in their band, Vallejo.

You have probably heard Vallejo here on my blog, and not even realized it. Their music can be played on my sidebar Playlist. Check 'em out!
The band is made up of  three brothers, AJ (vocals,guitar), Alexandro (drums) and Omar Vallejo(bass, vocals), as well as my highschool chum Bruce Castleberry on rhythm guitar & vocals and Jeff Hartsough a fairly newcomer to the band on bongos.

Vallejo's sound is very unique, I would call it Latin Funk, though not sure they would agree to that genre. They can harmonize like song birds. I guess after being together for over 15 years, it is natural for them. Their website describes them as " a striking blend of modern rock grooves, potent guitar work, Latin percussion and soulful lyrics has made VALLEJO one of the most popular bands to hail from Austin, Texas. Their music immediately hooks listeners right in, taking them on a roller-coaster ride of musical beats and expressions."

Vallejo is now located out of Austin, Texas, but recently made a trip through my town with a stop at the Iron Horse Cafe. It has been about 15 years since I last rocked out to a *live* Vallejo show, though they can often be heard playing out of my minivan CD player. LOL.

The guys still had it, haven't changed a bit ever after all these years (unlike me, why is that?). If anything, their voices have aged like fine wine,only getting better. They have an extensive road schedule, check it out, for I am quite certain that they will soon be playing a show near you! And if they aren't check out their website for all their music CD's and video's, so you can "VALLEJO" too.

Act of Congress Freebie

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and one of my favorite local bands, Act Of Congress (AOC) has a free gift for you! Just click the link below to download their version of "Carol of the Bells." Hope you like it!

Carol of the Bells FREE DOWNLOAD

AOC has finished tracking their 4 song cover EP titled "Cover Up." It hopefully will be released sometime in February.
Also, they just received the second shipment of their full length release, "Declaration." It has been re-badged with the appropriate New Ocean Media logos. New Ocean Media is representing the band to XM radio. The first single will be "In the Middle." Stay tuned!
Feel free to forward this to your friends and spread a little Christmas cheer!
Merry Christmas!

Dance & Cook! Shake & Bake!

OK, while you are preparing your dishes today....do this.

First, if you haven't already, mute my play list (not your computer-keep the sound on).
Next, click the link below.
Just type in any song that was ever played, and see what happens.
Then, following the
end of the song, it will keep playing songs of the same era forever.
http://www.theradio.com/
Love this! What fun!

(Thanks to Mama Joy for showing me this one!)

Lucky Old Sun

Because it makes me happy....
Watch a very special performance by country superstar Kenny Chesney! Kenny takes us on his boat and performs songs from his new album, Lucky Old Sun, which hits shelves on October 14th. Available On Demand! Allow a few moments to load.

http://1025thebull.com/cc-common/news/sections/special/kennychesney.html

http://1025thebull.com/cc-common/ondemand/player.html?apid=4854&mid=192998&lc=kennychesney

Enjoy your weekend.

Act Of Congress in the News

I got this email from the Act Of Congress feed:

Fellow congressmen (and women),

Last night, we played the Discmakers IMWS competition at the Vinyl in Atlanta...AND WON!!! We were one of 6 acts chosen from 2000 in the southeast and were very thankful to have been a part. We are featured on Discmaker's website (discmakers.com/imws) and will be included in October's issue of Billboard Magazine!!! We'll also be included on a compilation CD that will be sent out nationally to radio stations and industry professionals! We're very excited about the possibilities and exposure this opportunity will create!
Thanks to all of you for your continued support! Check out our website, actofcongressmusic.com for info on upcoming shows! Hope to see you soon!
Act of Congress
actofcongressmusic.com

How exciting! I have to tell you, if you haven't had a chance to check out this band, you are truly missing out on some really great talent. Click on the link (Discmakers) or AOC website for a listen. They have recently put out their own CD to the public, check AOC web site for further information.
Congratulations AOC!

Outta The Box

In doing some cleaning out I recently came across a box taped shut. Inside were many memories of days gone by. Why would I have saved these? I do not know, but it did conjure some memories of dancing, singing and cruising around to some of these cassette tapes:
(click for a larger view)

and these:

That's quite an eclectic mix there.Can you tell what ones I really played hard?
To those who saw one of your favorites in that group,
to those that are now going to search itunes to download and oldie but goodie,
to those that are now singing one of these songs in your head and remember all the words
and to those that remember David Lee Roth in war paint.....
In the words of ACDC, "We salute you"!

Deuce? A Carburetor or a Two Seater?

Just when we all thought we had all the answers, I find out more. The song controversy, "Blinded by the Light" continues. I talked to my dad tonight, who said he was playing catch up on reading my blog. "Hey! I have some information for you. It's about a deuce coupe. A deuce is a 2 barrel carburetor. A little deuce coup probably has three, two barrel carburetor's." It seems we are still finding answers to the deuce, douche controversy. LOL!

http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/08/blinded-by-duece.html
http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2008/07/song-lyrics.html

Toby Keith entertains a "Few" Hometown Friends

My friend Janet must be feeling like Lady Luck. Hurry-someone take her with you to Vegas! She somehow manged to finagle free tickets to another concert this week. Last night was Toby Keith. I like Toby. Actually, I like the old Toby. Don't tell him that, for that was the Toby that he told his record label he could go and Sc*&W because he didn't feel as though he had creative liberties. He was "sticking it to the man". I can respect that but I think that his "creative liberties" aren't as good lyrically as the prior. The last 4 Cd's have had some-er, a little on that I like, but it is his old stuff that I fell in love with. For example:"Shoulda Been a Cowboy", "When Country Comes to Town", "You Shouldn't Kiss me like This", "A Little Less Talk", "Wish I Didn't Know....", Thank goodness I heard almost all of these last night. Although the newer stuff , of course, was mixed in.
I have seen Toby preform 4 or 5 times. It's a good show, but not much has changed with his stage performance. It is basically the same show. That isn't to be said though that it isn't a party. There was a rowdy crowd there last night. The entire Verizon Wireless Music Center was packed to almost capacity. It was Carrie Underwood's one drunk times a few thousand. It never bothers me, as long as they behave. I was just happy the concert was at the Verizon. It is closer to my house, an outdoor amphitheater and acoustics are also a few thousand times better than the BJCC. We left just before his last song and the following encores that came after. A good time was had by all!

Carrie Underwood Concert, Paradise City?

I got a phone call Tuesday evening from my friend Janet. Her daughter "Burger" and Burgers boyfriend "Suave'" had gotten several free tickets to attend the Carrie Underwood concert at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC).

Janet wanted to know if I would go with them. Carrie Underwood is certainly not one that I would pay to go and see-especially as an opening act-and of all places the BJCC, which I swore I would never attend a concert there again. The acoustics in there are beyond horrible. But the tickets were free and I hadn't seen Janet in far to long. It was a date. I had all of 5 minutes to brush my teeth and out the door I went. We loaded into the car: me and Janet, Janet's other daughter and her boyfriend T as well as a friend's daughter and rushed downtown.

We missed the opening act, Jason Michael Carroll . Although, he too was not one I cared nothing about. Honestly I can't even tell you a single song the guy sings. I was that uninterested.

Fortunately, we arrived in between acts. Perfect time to people watch-a favorite past time of mine. And boy, Was there much to see! I often wonder, when attending a concert, where the likes of some of these people come from. Interesting. Of course, I saw the several young girls who certainly changed in the car after leaving their parents house. That is the only explanation for that one. One that needed explanation was the pair of middle aged women wearing what appeared to be their high school majorette costumes. I kid you not. I ask you why, but kid you not. I could go on and on but I am sure that if you have ever attended a concert you know exactly the clientele. It is quite funny.
We found our seats.

We were seated right next to the drunkest guy in the entire place. Fortunately this guy was not obnoxiously drunk, he was quite entertaining there in his own world--oblivious to most of what was going on outside his. This being the concert of Carrie Underwood (I will get back to the drunk momentarily). Carrie Underwood took the stage singing a song that I had never heard. She went on to sing several more tunes to which I was unfamiliar with. True, though, this girl can sing. She has a set of pipes on her. And beauty!!! She is a living barbie doll.

She is achieving all kinds of musical accolades and achievements-most recently her induction into the Grand Ole Opry, but there was a definite something at her concert for me that was lacking. That something? Substance, emotional connection with her songs, and perhaps a bit of seasoning that will only come with experience. Seasoning to give her some grit and something to latch onto that makes her songs more believable. I recall I had this same feeling towards Leann Rimes in her days of a young crooner. Though I still wouldn't go as far to call myself a fan of her's either, I am more appreciative of her now than I was in the early days (it was her song "probably Wouldn't be This Way" that impressed me. Boy emtion seems so raw on that song).

But back to Carrie......The BJCC was cut down to half of it's size using curtains. As Underwood sang her way through such songs as "Wasted,""Some Hearts," "Last Name", and "Jesus, Take the Wheel" I felt as though I wasn't the only one in the audience that perhaps felt the lack of emotional connection. But maybe it was just me. What I did find funny, however, was during the performance of one of her songs, Carrie took a fans cell phone camera and took a photo of herself with it. When she went to return the phone the guy asked for her number. It surprised the singer, who in the middle of the song, quipped, "He just asked for my phone number. I give him props. No one has ever asked for my number in the middle of a performance". The highlight was also the most strange song Carrie played-"Paradise City" by Guns and Roses. I thought it was a strange song choice for a girl, but I give her props for singing it. It was that song and the following song, "Before he Cheats" that brought me outta my seat for a gig.....and then out the door.

Now back to that drunk...

The guy went from sleeping in some portions of the concert (or was he just bored like I was?) to playing a rather uninspirational air guitar to dancing about during songs. Really, he was quite entertaining!! A bit of a worry at one point when he tried to hit on one of our 14 year old girls in tow, but after a bit and a reprimand from a friend of his, he went back to the "music".I got so tickled at the guy and spent far more time watching him than I did Carrie. I laughed so much at him that my side hurt. Everyone in the surrounding sections was just as entertained by him. I love this photo, a perfect demonstration of our night with "HIM" :

I will bet his back hurts today, just like my side does. All in all, I must say, the concert WAS worth the price of admission-FREE. I had a fun time and was great to catch up with my friend Janet and the gang.

Saturday on Buck Creek

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I did. It was busy, but fun filled. On Friday night my friend Kym called me to tell me that she had gotten engaged!! I have posted on Kym before, in a song that I wrote. I am really happy for her and glad that she seems to finally been dealt a nice card for a change in Rick. We, by that I mean "the girlfriend gang", are all looking forward to a future wedding and we have all offered to do what we can to see it happen. Flo has offered her home as a wedding location and I told Kym to consider my photography services as a wedding gift. I would be honored to capture those moments. It will give us much to talk about when we head down to the beach for a girls getaway long weekend later this week. It cannot come soon enough. Congratulations Kym and Rick!! On Saturday morning the circus and I headed down to the Buck Creek Festival. I have lived in Helena for 9 years and had yet to attended. Every single year something came up. But this year, I got lucky! What a fabulous day! While the weather was very humid and the rain did hold out until around midnight Sunday morning, long after the festival wrapped-unlike last year, it was enjoyable. As we headed to the entrance of the festival I was stopped by the sweetest lady, Laura Lynn Love, who introduced herself and her mother to me. Laura and her mother run Loading Docks South in Helena. I told Laura that I am going to HAVE to make it down to Loading Dock South to look around. It's one of the many things I think to myself as I drive through old town running errands, "when I have time I am going to go by there". I think that is the mentality of allot of people in Helena. While people don't mean any wrong in it, it is probably one reason why so many businesses in Helena close. We need to support our own! I am definitely going to swing by real soon and am ashamed I haven't yet. Loading Docks South sells home and building closeouts. If you plan to stop by, do check their web site for store hours. Hewy, she did mention the Waffle House rug. I agree that it would've made a good piece of dinner table conversation for guest to your home. I love a surprise element in a room and that certinaly would've been one!

After I said good bye to the sweet "dock" ladies we went on inside the festival. We arrived in time for the kids and Big Daddy to get a bite to eat. I took the opportunity to hunt down Kym to congratulate her in person. She was beaming almost as much as the new diamond on her finger.

Soon enough, the circus found me and we went and copped a squat in front of the stage awaiting Act of Congress. I did get to listen briefly to the band that preceded AOC, they were called Infinite Youth. I was very impressed at these two young boys rocking it up there with no inhibitions. They had a great sound reminiscent of some hair bands of my hey day. They have a new CD out. To hear some of their music, check out their web site.

11:00AM! Time for Act of Congress to take the Stage. I told Chris (the guitarist) that AOC was my main reason for coming. I am always interested in checking out new bands, but as mentioned many times before, I love AOC. I first heard them when I was on a job to write a music review for a local newspaper, I walked away a fan of their music. I love what they do, the unique sound that they have, it just leaves you with a happy outlook on the day. I did get a brief video of them live at the festival that I will post. They also have a new CD coming out in June. Currently they are selling their demo CD for 5 bucks (a bargain!). You can check out their web site as well for song demos and to purchase CD's.

After AOC we decided to muddle around and check out the local vendors at the festival. I must say, I love that part. When I was helping to orchestrate Kid Fest for WHIM, I loved meeting the vendors and checking out what they had brought with them. I loved getting to know different people. It took me back and made me realize, I am an idiot for not being involved in this festival. (actually I did send an email early in the year but didn't get a follow up email on what I could do to help). I am vowing here, that next year I will do my part. As a volunteer, you just get so much out of it and it is really great to give back and to be involved in your community. It's something that I preach constantly to my kids. If we as parents do not live by example then we really have no right to moan when our children become lazy, uninvolved and careless of situations in their world.

The Buck Creek Festival vendor row had something for everyone, from live animals (I am proud to say that I did not come home with a turtle, lizard, dog or the such! Hurray!) to demonstrations to arts and crafts. I finally got to meet the talented Paul Samsom in person. He is the gifted photographer that I mentioned here some months ago. I had emailed Paul regarding a few photos that I was interested in. He was ever so gracious in offering information that some photographers may not be as forthcoming to another photographer about, such a locations, and even suggested who to should talk to about getting my own photography put up in some places etc. Big Daddy bought me a piece from hPaul's collection at the festival, it was my "Mother's Day gift". I will certainly treasure it. It is a picture of Old Town Helena from long ago. I love it because old town Helena today still looks very much the same. If you aren't familiar with Paul and his award winning photography, I recommend stopping by his web site. I already have a wish list for my husband for any future purchases he might decide I am worthy of.

There was much to do at the festival, beside eating, checking out bands (that in itself is enough) but with the many vendors, demonstrations, a kids area with inflatable rides and activities and even a war reenactment that the kids really enjoyed.

I also ran into Tom Lefebvre. If you don't live in Helena, Tom was a recent member of the city council, though he recently announced his intent to keep his position. Tom and I began talking about the city of Helena's history. I mentioned to him something that I have mentioned before to "Major Dundee", that the city really should have a historical society. Tom said that there is a non official one, though I think there needs to be one of an official nature to receive funding to preserve/restore what we do have. For example the coke ovens that sit on the banks of the Cahaba River. I am looking forward to a future walk with Tom and co. to show me the locations. I have known that they were back there, but have been to chicken to go out and explore on my own and of course I wouldn't know the great stories that I anticipate I will hear.

We met up with our friends the Young's (with boyfriends in tow) shortly before we we left the festival. Actually they were coming as we were going. We were in a hurry to leave because they were to come over to our house later that day to grill out-3:30. They did and it capped off a most lovely (humid) day.

See more pictures from Buck Creek and Grilling on my slide show. I already have next years Buck Creek Festival on my calendar. I cannot wait! I must say to all that were a part of putting on this years festival (from someone who knows firsthand the dedication, long hours and hard work it takes to do it) GREAT JOB! Your hard work was evident in how smoothly everything ran. Congratulations to you all and thank you for your efforts. A good time was had by all!

Bon Jovi or Bust?!

...So my "fran" Charnita is going this weekend to Atlanta to see (squealing and jumping up and down) BON JOVI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for her I can hardly contain myself. Bon Jovi was my all time favorite band in my high school years. I can still see the Jon Bon Jovi and the Richie Sambora posters that graced my locker doors....and bedroom doors, my bedroom walls, and-well, I am getting off subject.
She is going to see Bon Jovi (minus Alec John Such who left under "mysterious " circumstances some years ago.)! And it only gets better, she asked me to go with her.....and then I sunk into a slump. Of all weekends to have a scheduling conflict, this would be it!! Sledge is a flower girl in a family wedding this weekend. We have equally been so excited about the wedding and being with our family. And so it is, I can not go. (heart breaks with a sigh)
A lump is in my throat, a pain in my heart, a longing in my soul to be that sixteen year old girl again singing along to every word at every Bon Jovi concert that pulled into town. My mom was good, she even allowed me to go with my BFF Jenny down to the civic center during school hours to see them arrive for sound check. We were invited inside by some scroungy roadies. Fortunately I have always had a sense about me and detoured that to only seeBon Jovi from the bottom of a stage but it was good enough for me.

...And so, tonight I went upstairs and found some of my old concert tickets.

Sadly I had many many more in my collection, though I cannot find them. I saved all of my ticket stubs, and still do. My plan is to have them framed for remembrance sake. I saw Bon Jovi six times, but could only find one ticket, seen here......

Check out that price! WOW! Those were the good ole days!

It seems all of my bloggy buds have been taking in some killer concerts recently.


Dullbert went to see his all time favorite band, RUSH, in New Orleans a couple weeks ago. The last time I was in New Orleans, I too was there to take in a show. It was several years ago. It was the Hell Freezes Over Tour by the Eagles. I went with my cousins Gina and Alan. We had such a great time.
Boy! That was a long time ago.....I was a mom of a four year old then. I thought I was so overweight. HA. Little did I know that one day I would really find out.

Abbey took in Robert Plant and Allison Krauss last week at the civic center. That must have been cool. I never had the opportunity to see Plant or Zeppelin, but I have seen Krauss at the Grand Ole Opry and she is a great performer. A great talent. She sang with Vince Gill when I saw her.
Long ago, When I began saving my tickets, I hated that I couldn't see who came with the starring performer/group, so I took a purple pen (always purple) and wrote in the opening act. There was one night though that I saw Mötley Crüe with Guns and Roses. I got to meet Nikki Sixx, Slash and Izzy Stradlin. I got them to sign my pathetic little ticket and then I went and sabotaged it by writing the name of "Guns and Roses" on the ticket. Young and stupid....


I have seen alot of people, but there are those that I miss not ever being able to see live. Those from my old school days, Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, Lita Ford, Randy Rhoads with Ozzy and lastly Bruce Springsteen.
I think my funniest concert was going to Montgomery to see David Lee Roth. The civic center was so small. I drove with my cousin, Marc and one of his friends and my side kick Jenny. When we got there we separated. It was general admission seating and no one was there, really. I myself wasn't wild about David Lee Roth minus Van Halen. At the time I felt he had gotten to big for his britches, but he did have a guitarist (I had a thing for guitarist) that I was particularly into , Steve Via. So, me and Jenny ran down to claim our sets on the right of the stage, where Steve would be standing. Before the show these two guys come over and start talking to us. They were really nice guys, interesting. They seemed to know alot about the show and confirmed I would be in a great place to see Steve. They told us that they had seen the show several times. And so soon, the lights dim, and the two guys excuse themselves to go to the bathroom.
The next thing I know the lights come on, and the opening act is some band I had never heard of, Tesla. Tesla was new to the road and touring. It was about then that I recognized our two new friends up on stage, playing in the group were the two of the guys that had befriended us-they were part of the opening act. It was the coolest night. It was if the show as for us. They waved at us throughout the show, laughing, throwing stuff at us. After they played they came back out and sat with us the entire David Lee Roth show. I came to know our new friends as Frank_Hannon and Brian Wheat. After the concert, they invited us to the "after show" on the bus, where they said they would introduce us to Steve Via. But once again, I was always a good girl and had enough sense to think that I might find myself in a situation that might potentially be over my head and so politely declined.
Sometime years later we met back up at the Galleria Mall when they came into town. The picture below is me with Tesla lead singer, Jeff Keith. All in all, really nice guys. I loved their music and always felt that they were completely under rated. That show was one fun concert.


Another favorite concert was the Jimmy Buffett private concert. No ticket needed for this show. A day I will never forget. I am going to write about that one very soon. It was amazing!
My favorite concert of today has been Kenny Chesney. I have been to four of his shows and every time I have the best time. Ask any of my friends, they will tell you how much fun I have!He is a real entertainer. You feel like you were invited to a great party of a good friend. Such fun.
And so, that brings me to this question posed to all of you....What was your favorite concert of youth? Of today? Why?Who do you wish you could've seen perform live, that no longer or rarely tours? Who is someone that tours today that you would love to see?
And to Charnita who is getting ready to go to Atlanta to relive the glory days.....I am right there with you in spirit! Have a wonderful time!
"LET IT ROCK, LET IT GO! YOU CAN'T STOP A FIRE BURNING OUT OF CONTROL. LET IT ROCK, LET IT GO! WITH THE NIGHT YOU'RE ON THE LOOSE...YOU GOT TO LET IT ROCK!"