Two Hillbillies Walk Into a Coffee Shop…
REVIEW – Zou Zou’s Cafe & Coffee Bar – Friday, May 15
What is with the weather and me playing shows??? Tonight – Rain and thunderstorms.
In spite of the ducky weather, Zou Zou’s was poppin’ tonight. Place was nearly packed when I set up at 7pm to play. People continued to filter in and out all night. About an hour in I looked through the window and saw two people who looked an awful lot like two friends of mine from Stockbridge. As I’m singing I ALMOST utter the words “Hey, here come my hillbilly friends” between verses. Fortunately for me, I restrained myself as it was NOT them! Whew!
Ironically, about an hour later, they DID come! Marv and Peggy walked in and I broke out my hillbilly smack on ‘em! I’m sure the regulars thought I’d lost my mind. So many nice and attentive folks tonight. A very nice woman to my right had lots of nice comments after some of the songs. A grandfather, daughter and grandson (Matthew) were there enjoying the evening. A young couple sat near the front at one point and seemed to really tune in when I played them some Matt Nathanson. The girl was rocking out and singing along!
About 9:15pm I was blown away to see my buddy Jim Humphries walk through the door with his mini-suitcase of harps! Today was Jimmy’s BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday Jim! He sat down to take in some coffee, but I started playing and he couldn’t be still. He joined in right away and we went right until 10pm. He brings such a cool layer to my music. You can literally see people light right up when we both dig in and get after it.
At the end of the evening after saying goodbye to Marv and Peggy, a woman walked in and asked if I was done. I said “yes”, but I’ll be back next month. She seemed a little bummed and went up to the counter to make a purchase. After getting all my stuff packed up, I could not, in good conscience, let this woman leave without a song. So I broke out my guitar, walked over to her and sang her a rousing rendition of Nothin’ All Day. She seemed to be appreciative and asked when I would be back.
Friday, June 5th. That’s when.
NEXT SHOW – Mama’s Coffeehouse – Saturday, May 16
Jim and I will be doing one of the open mic slots before the Kitty Donohoe show at Mama’s tomorrow. This is going to be a fantastic show. Come on out!
UPCOMING SHOW – Gardenviews Anniversary Celebration (Outdoor Patio Show – weather permitting) – Saturday, May 23, 12noon
Looking forward to a great outdoor show to support Gardenviews of Northville. Also pleased to announce that Rochelle Clark will be my special guest and will perform a short set to begin the event. Jim will also be along for a great afternoon of music.
See you soon,
John
May 15, 2009
Lookin’ Forward, Lookin’ Back
What’s been happening –
The past few weeks have been busy! The main focus has been the Assembly Line Concert at AJ’s Cafe in Ferndale. This has been madness for the past few days. I was supposed to play Saturday (day 2), but a scheduling snafu prevented that. A couple days later I showed up for my 4am shift and Monday and had a blast.
Had a bit of a run in with the local law that morning. Pulled into my parking spot on 9 mile at 3:30am and got out of my car to see a Ferndale police car do a u-turn, put his lights on, pull up behind me and spot me. Needless to say, this was not a hassle I needed at that hour! A couple seconds later, the car pulled next to me and rolled his window down. My buddy Ed Ungerman, instructor for the PFDC and one of Ferndale’s finest, decided to wish me a good morning in his own way. What, Ed, you’re not gonna pull your taser on me? No pepper spray? Weak, man! Hahaha…
Tuesday night I went out to the Solid Grounds open mic like always and played a few tunes to warm up for my midnight shift later. One of the songs I played was a new one called Home (Momma was a Cross to Bear). See the post below for info on this new one!
Jim Humphries came out and played some awesome harp for me out at AJ’s that night! Also, thanks to Rick, Nichole and Tina for coming out so late to catch the set. AJ was very cool and jumped up at the beginning of my set to say a few very kind words about me. Thanks AJ!
Dar and Jim break it down at the Assembly Line Concert
Thursday night, Jim and I headed out to catch Darwin Mamassian, host of the Solid Grounds open mic, do a set out at AJ’s. He did a great job! I took a bunch of photos and Jim got up and played some harp with him. Lots of Tuesday night regulars were there!
Last night was a show at the South Lyon VFW Hall with my friend and fellow musician AT Smith. AT is a bluegrass,-old-timey wonder to behold. We played for over four hours and had a ball.
What’s happening -
Tonight will be the second of three straight shows in three days for me. Jim and I will be playing at Solid Grounds from 6-9pm. Tomorrow night is going to be a real treat! John D. Lamb has invited me to play at his Songwriters Showcase at Memphis Smoke. I’ll be performing alongside a few other amazing talents. Not to mention the man himself! JDL.
Thursday, April 2nd I’ll be at the Assembly Line Concert again doing a set from 3-4pm. I think this will be the LAST ONE! Haha…
Friday, April 3rd is going to be a very fun evening! I’ve been asked to play at a wonderful store in downtown Northville called Gardenviews. Jim and I will be rocking out during the First Friday Art Walk from 6-9pm!
I’m really excited to be hosting an open mic fundraiser for the Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps on Friday, April 10th at Solid Grounds. We hope to have a bunch of performers from our various corps families. Fun goes from 6-9pm!
On May 16th, I’ll be doing an open mic spot right before the Kitty Donohoe show. Jim Bizer hosts an open mic show called Mama’s Coffee House.
Also, a couple of music/arts festivals have booked me for the summer. First, I’ll be playing at the Ella Sharp Art and Wine Festival in Jackson Michigan on Saturday, June 13th. I hear that Jan Krist and Jim Bizer will be there, so you KNOW it will be a great show! Not sure what time I’ll be going on. Stay tuned.
And finally, I’ve been asked me to host the open mic show on Friday night of the Nor-East’r festival in Mio on Friday, June 12th. Thanks for thinking of me for this Craig! Looking forward to a fantastic summer full of music, fellowship and fun!
Hope to see you soon!
John
March 28, 2009
