I was greeted by a good friend and music companion Johnny B, a proficient bass player who lives to play anywhere he can. He will go ANYWHERE to play and puts up with the seediest of places to get his Upright and Fender Bass plugged in and jam with whomever and whatever.
As he put it "I'm your bass whore." :D
His smile was the first of many to find me there at the Stardust Lounge in Arvada. This place has a comfy feel much akin to the Cricket on the Hill, (may it rest in peace) where folks can get to know you by first name and stick to it, and everyone is welcome, whether you wear work shoes, cowboy boots, sneakers or dress shoes.
As I set up my meager sound system, more compadres of music arrived and soon, after a very quick sound check we were on our way.
To start:
John Kappler: a man with incredible skills with western, americana folk and blues started the night off with some great tunes on his Doghead Guitar. John has wowed audiences since the day I met him in my early days of hosting Open Stages and has never let up. His life, of which unrelated to music, is chock full of amazing discoveries in the Science Research Industry, and I will leave that right there because what's important here is John's talent in music. His Slide Guitar work is nothing short of perfect, and his pickin makes those fabulous guitars he creates ring with tone and life and exemplify what it is to be an acoustic player. Thank you John.
Check out www.dogheadmusic.com to know about John and definitely see his guitars he's created all by hand for local guitar players.
Mike Merrill: a new face for me was a great followup and here's why: Mike plays good ol' country and western songs with TOTAL Honesty and integrity. There's no frilly foofy guitar stuff to make pickers jealous or to critique, no gimmick or costume to wow the eyes or preface that he got a bigger gig to do elsewhere. Mike plays and sings just like they oughtta: straight and honest and with all your heart. I made a mental note about how I should play and it's because of Mike. I hope to hear his sound again, and with luck he'll be there next Sunday. Mike, Thank you for your heart and integrity in your songs.
The Downtown Girls: Cindy Karr and Wendy Ewing WERE AWESOME!!! Two ladies whom I'd never met prior to this night were very talented and pulled off some great songs both original and covers, doggonitt I Had a great time hearing these Girls. We're talking down home country girls who nailed some nice harmonies and superb Songwriting. To add to the great time we were already having, they asked for some players and in a minute or two, we were a full band and pulling off some of their excellent songs. Johnny B on Bass, the Downtown Girls with Cindy on guitar and vocals, Wendy on Vocals, Myself on Electric Guitar (Thanks to Mike Merrill for letting bend those 9's) and a great friend and killer drummer: Alejandro (more on him later).
Thanks To These talented ladies for making the room BOUNCE and jump and for the great time I got to play some lead guitar.
South Park Slim:
When This Long Tall Drink of Water walked up to me, his name not just fit, but it made for an impression I will not soon forget. 'Slim called himself a 'harp player' and boy is HE! Slim's spot came up and he just said "Y'all just stay up there, we gonna do some songs together". With the Downtown Girls and us guys still up on the stage, we just let him commandeer the stage and he called out classic songs like Silver Wheel and even put out an awesome heartfelt band backed rendition of "I'm So Lonesome, I Could Cry".
Slim is an award winning artist and it was an honor to back that man up as he laid down some amazing harmonica work.Check out the accolades that these fine folks got at http://www.ccmhof.com/colomain/festival.htm
David Michael:
I've been waiting for this for a long time. I met David at Sweet Rocking Coffee and subsequently more in depth at The Cricket On The Hill, where, after many songs and beverages, I fell musically in love with him. His honest and classic style of hybrid jazz and blues tell of a traveled man who's seen all types of audiences and entertains them all. His sound can be described as a mix of Robert Johnson with Tony Bennet or even Eric Clapton has a few drinks with Dean Martin. He's got a new CD called "Low Bid on a Dream" and It's awesome! I'm a HUGE fan and so should you. Again, His music and comedic style of wit are to be seen and Often. I'll continue to be blessed as a host with guys like David Michael comin' around. Thanks David.
Look Out for his CD "Low Bid On A Dream" and find him playing the Open Stage Circuit. Check out his Guitar built by John Kappler on www.dogheadmusic.com
Danimal: As Open Stages often go 'like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get'. I've known Dan since I was a pup just barely hosting an Open Stage at Music Gear Guys guitar shop formerly in Wheatridge. Dan would come in with a 7 string Warlock a really F'n loud amp and a drum/bass machine. He would blow up sound for a full 15 minutes and often physically abuse his guitar before the end of his set. NOW: Dan would bring nothing more than his incredible 5 string acoustic bass and belt out songs of controversy: Jim Jones, getting drunk, and heartfelt songs of 'Needing a F'n Change'. Dan is original and honestly, very true in his heartfelt songs. Dan has messages, and if you're listening, You'll get them. Of course, Dan is a super nice guy, so don't let his gruff appearance fool you.
Check him out with a couple of friends:
Alejandro Castano:
I could on for days about how I new this (kid would say but I won't) TALENTED man. Alex, Alejandro, Drummer Boy, Killer Sticks- Call him what you like, but don't EVER say he was late for practice. His skills are BAR NONE, Colorado's finest on drums, be it for blues, rock, country and his personal fave: jazz. I had the biggest honor of having this guy on drums back in my early days at Music Gear Guys and now, the Stardust Lounge. AC, you are a king on the kit. No lie.
Check him out, albeit off camera, but that's him on the kit.
Overall, the FIRST EVER Open Stage at the Stardust Lounge was a success and I look forward to more...
See you on the Stage.
From my past Cricket on the Hill days:
