This one hurts a bit!-Clumsy Lovers

If you know much about this blog, you know it stings to talk about the "old" times at the Blues Bouquet. When the 'Easy boys" forced the Clumsy Lovers to switch to their club so the CL's could play at the river fest. It was a sad day at 1010 Main.That said, I have seldom seen a group of musicians that work as hard as Trevor and his merry band of Lovers. They are amazing on stage and use to light up the Bouquet in a way not accomplished by many. Also it is great that they have broken the Bravo spell . . . So! The Clumsy Lovers will be at the (b)ouquet February 17th and 18th. Not sure if I can bring myself to go, but you all should. Tell them "Old" Blues staff misses 'em, will you.

Evil Gal News

From Ken Harris: HEAR YE HEAR YE! Michelle Willson is now a webcast Jazz DJ!! Her next show is : MOnday Feb 13 at 11:00AM Mountain Time showcasing Boston area jazz artists: Tune into wicn.org. Can you put this on your blog? Michelle says "Hi Dave!" Thanks, Ken and thanks for the encouragement in my new endeavor. It's so nice to be "into and happy about" something instead of: "Well, this sounds like a good opportunity BUT I DON'T WANNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

This is who I'm calling a Hoochie!

As I walked down the alley behind Pengillys last weekend my step lightened and a smile came to me. A smile born from years behind the bar at the old Bouquet. Mike Trail's smooth powerful guitar solo bounced off brick walls and alleys ways. Yes those darn Hoochies were back in town. As I ran up the stairs I was hoping for a least a few friends and a decent crowd. The place was PACKED. The Hoochie Coochie Men were never better. They blended their traditional blues with some rock and roll from the likes of Steely Dan and lit the place up. My bet is the HC Men will become a mainstay at the Reef. I can't wait.

Your in good company!

A boisee milestone has been reached. Over 1000 different users(separate IP addresses in geek speak) went to this site in the last 30 days. That tallies to almost 30,000 hits. Amazing, thanks!Also-almost 100 of you have looked at the new photo gallery, but only two have commented. Every one else must be shy.

Bar Watch-Cactus

Call it venerable, classic, a dive.-whatever. The Cactus on Main has been a main stay for a long as even I can recall. The favorite of early drinkers and frat boys looking to get "primed" before they headed to more fancy bars. The Cactus is the best and the worst. Now? it says closed for remodel. What's to remodel? Move the pool table? OK, take up the "party" carpet from a couple of years ago. Rumor(you know we love rumors) has it the Cactus served one minor to many and will be "remodeling" for 30 days. Bummer, where can I get an Oly at 1:00 pm?

Bummer

From Nancy McIntosh. . . Greetings, Friends: I heard back from both Smokin' Todd & the duo of Roberson & Beese. Unfortunately, neither of our representatives made it to the finals but each was pleased to have represented the BBS and felt the trip was well worth it to be part of IBC history and to see Memphis and Beale street firsthand. The BBS Board is proud of all our guys and we look forward to seeing them back home.Cheers, Nancy

Smokin' Todd in Memphis

The Boise Blues Society is being represented by Smokin Todd & the Real Deal as well as the dou of Roberson & Beese at the Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Todd reported to Nancy McIntosh that his band played their first night of the competition tonight (Thursday) at Beale Street's 152 Club and went on stage at 9:20 p.m. Memphis time. Todd said, "Beale Street is a trip." Out of all the performers this first evening, Todd & The Real Deal were the only band to play a more traditional style of blues. Todd said, "Most bands were trying to rock the place." But Todd said that they were the only band that actually got the three judges up out of their seats to take notice. That sounds pretty promising for Todd & The Real Deal men - Jason, Larry, and Wayne!

Todd also said he ran into Roberson & Beese and they were doing well and having a great time. The classy duo from St. Marie's Idaho said that they got the bad luck of the draw and went on first this evening. Tomorrow they go on second!

Todd & The Real Deal play their second set tomorrow (Friday) at 7:30 p.m. Memphis time - same club, 3 different judges. I'm sure well all be thinking of them. Good thoughts. Good wishes! Thanks Nancy for the update, kick A** Idaho Blues

Yam what I Yam at Pair

Yammit, I can't believe I like Yam frys-but I do. Thanks to Pair's new happy hour. You will find a short but tasty menu of plates including yam frys, for just $3.00. Early evening from 3 to 5:30 and again late 11:00 till 1:30. Add a Stella (the beer not the band) for three bucks and this becomes a very upscale meal at a price even a lowly bartender can afford. Pair Downstairs 6th & Main. TIP! Try the Mac & Cheese!!!!!!

The Reef goes blue.

The Reef (upstairs 6th & Main) is getting better and better. Thanks to the strong organization of Jon Knox the BBS Jam will go to every other Sunday at 4pm, beginning in two weeks. Also manager Tobias told us that he is going to have at least one blues band every month. You already know about The Hoochies, and Next Exit. Stay tuned for more Reef/Blues info.

Who you calling a Hoochie?

From good friend Ken Harris. . .>>>Dear Music Lovers, This is to inform you that my band, The Hoochie Coochie Men, will be performing this Friday, Jan 27 at the Reef at 6th& main in downtown Boise. It is a nice place with good food and NO SMOKING! Then, for those of you in Canyon County, we will be at Kat's House Of Blues on 13th st in downtown Nampa on Sat Jan 28. COME ON DOWN! We will also be at the Piper Pub, 8th and Main in downtown Boise on March 18 and 25. You can check us out and download 3 original songs from our cd on two different websites:mp3idaho.idahostatesman.com and also mp3unsigned.com(we have charted on both sites). If you have trouble, call me @208.440-4590 and I will assist you. Our cd is for sale in the local music section of The Record Exchange at 11th and Idaho. We made our debut at Tamarack Resort at a soggy New Year's Eve Party and recently we have opened up for Blues Traveler AT The Western Idaho State Fair. We intend to increase our performing schedule in the future and see if we can get out of state a bit this summer during festival season. If anyone knows any good festivals we should pursue, let me know. We hope to see ALL of you this weekend for some bluesy rockin' good times. Sincerely, Ken Harris(keyboards)and The Hoochie Coochie Men