Ana Popivic Blues

Nancy M. McIntosh writes. . . I'm so excited to tell you that after finding out that hot blues/jazz newcomer ANA POPOVIC was making a stop at Michele's City Lights in Pocatello, I called Molly King at The Big Easy and asked her if there was some way they might pick her up on the way through town. Sure glad I did. You can see Ana Popovic on Tuesday, January 24th at The Big Easy! Tickets will be $10 - a steal!

My band members and I are all going (no question about it) and I hope to see many more of you there. This will be an extraordinary show! Check out Ana's website and her music at Ananpopovic.com

Dick Cates

KEN HARRIS WROTELast week, local Boise RocK 'n Roll legend vocalist Dick Cates, 63, passed away. According to the Statesman's Tim Woodward(who was bandleader of the Mystics at the time), Dick Cates was considered the Roy Orbison of Boise and one of his career highlights was once playing on the same bill as Roy. He had a magnificent rich voice and "could sing any song in any key." Dick Cates and The Chessmen were perhaps second to Paul Revere and the Raiders in southern Idaho during the late 50's and early 60's. Dick influenced many musicians and bands along the way and he will be missed!

Kat's has nine lives.

Ken Harris of the Hoochie Koochie Men has corrected us about Kat's. Owner Larry Richardson, emphatically states the rumors are untrue. Kat's will soon announce a new line up including several out of town acts. Ken adds the Hoochies will play January 28th>>> Glad this Kat is not dead.

Paul Tillitson

Gotta tell ya Paul is his own man-but you can hear his mentor in his playing. Paul's style is all his own, but the power, tutelage and feel of the legendary Gene Harris shines in Paul. Not to say Paul Tillitson is a mimic, or a mime. Paul's playing is distinctive, and the tempo more boogie than Gene's. It is piano that is strong and playful in a way that will remind you Gene, but not.

Tillitson's music is an entertaining combination of classical and whimiscal. Concert hall meets whorehouse boogie. Paul raises above the music and plays with a verve and swagger that few can match.

Soon Mr. Tillitoson will be playing to the uffo's in Sun Valley at the Duchin Room. For now I'll close my eyes, think of Gene Harris and be glad Paul spent some time at the Idanha.

Hoochie Coochie Men

Sometimes you just miss things. Me? I miss the Hoochie Coochie Men playing. Fortunately the Men are on the net.

www.mp3unsigned.com Search for "Hoochie"

I suggest Phone Booth. You'll love the saucy beat and Barney's powerful vocals.

Also>>>The Hoochie Coochie Men will be at the Reef 6 & Main Fri Jan 27.***SEE YOU THERE!!!!***

Kat's out of the bag

Jo (scoop) Fryberger has heard from a reliable source that Kat's House of Blues is closing. D@#M, another live music venue down. It's time to get off our respective couches and buy a drink at anyplace left that has real live musicians. Go out early and go out often, please.

CRONK!

Stopped by the new Roddys to watch a co worker turn 29 and ride the bull with a big red nose. Because Dell may some day have children the details are secret. The real story was that on a cold winter night when not much else was going on down town this counrty bar was rockin' literally rocking. The mix of music was weird but strangely effective. Big and Rich were playing "?Ride a Cowboy." as we entered. It is a country bar. We settled in and I was expecting pop country to blast the rest of the night. The DJ then went to classic medley based on ACDC- you guessed it "Hells BELLS." The spinner sequed between current counrty tunes and 70's and 80's rock all night. The mostly 20 something crowd danced to both. For a guy who heard most of the rock live or fresh from the box it was not such a bad mix. Country plus Rock. Call it CRONK

StratO'loungers FREE

Love him or hate him. Paul Peterson is a publicity genius. Here is his latest deal. Go to the Record Exchange buy any CD off the "Local Artist" rack and get a the new StratO'loungers CD "Uncovering the Classics" free. Haven't heard the new disc yet, but Paul says it the best. 'Course Paul says that about everything he does!!!!!

Is John Hecht Right again?

John Hecht sent me this! With a qoute "No one ever went broke ...underestimating the taste of the American public." -- H.L. Mencken" ASCAP ANNOUNCES TOP 25 HOLIDAY SONGS "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)" Tops List

New York, NY, December 1, 2005: As the year 2005 draws to a close and seasonal music fills the air, ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), the world's largest performing rights organization, today announced its Top 25 most-performed Holiday songs for the first five years of the 21st Century based on their most recent performance data. Recorded over and over, and revived by each decade's most popular artists, these Holiday favorites remain timeless classics appealing to young and old alike.

The most performed ASCAP Holiday Song of the 21st Century is "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" written by Robert Wells and the singing great, Mel Torm�. The song, written when Torm� was 19 and Wells was 22, became a seasonal classic with the release of Nat "King" Cole's 1946 recording. Cole's version remains the most popular on radio today. Other popular recordings include versions by Celine Dion, Luther Vandross and Natalie Cole.

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town," written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, was a close second. This perennial, originally written in 1934, was recorded the same year by orchestra leader George Hall, and is frequently heard today in versions by Bruce Springsteen, and the Crystals.

"Santa Baby," written by Joan Javits, Philip Springer and Tony Springer and Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" have established themselves as seasonal favorites. Originally a hit for Eartha Kitt in 1953, "Santa Baby" was given new interest via the popular recording by Madonna. McCartney's Holiday classic is of comparatively recent vintage, first recorded back in 1979.

A song on the move is "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," by Edward Pola and George Wyle, written in 1963 and first recorded by Andy Williams. Other popular recordings include versions by Amy Grant, Garth Brooks, and Peabo Bryson.

Marilyn Bergman, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board said: "More than anything else, music sets the mood for the Holidays, evoking the magic of the season and memories of Holidays past. These timeless classics have been recorded by artists in every genre, yet each song retains the original stamp of its creators."

1. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Mel Torm�, Robert Wells 2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie 3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin 4. Winter Wonderland - Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith 5. White Christmas - Irving Berlin 6. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne 7. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - Johnny Marks 8. Jingle Bell Rock - Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe 9. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram 10. Little Drummer Boy - Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone 11. Sleigh Ride - Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish 12. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Edward Pola, George Wyle 13. Silver Bells - Jay Livingston, Ray Evans 14. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Johnny Marks 15. Feliz Navidad - Jos� Feliciano 16. Blue Christmas - Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson 17. Frosty The Snowman - Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins 18. A Holly Jolly Christmas - Johnny Marks 19. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Tommie Connor (PRS) 20. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman 21. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Meredith Willson 22. (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays - Bob Allen, Al Stillman 23. Carol Of The Bells - Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich 24. Santa Baby - Joan Ellen Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer 25. Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney (PRS)

Some facts about the Top 25 ASCAP Holiday Songs:

Oldest songs: "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "Winter Wonderland" (both 1934)

Newest Song: Wonderful Christmastime (1979)

Songs introduced in motion pictures: "White Christmas" in Holiday Inn (1942) "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) "Silver Bells" in The Lemon Drop Kid (1950)

Writer with most Top Holiday Songs: Johnny Marks with three - "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and "A Holly Jolly Christmas"

Most recorded Holiday Song: "White Christmas" with well over 500 versions in dozens of languages.

"Sleigh Ride" is the only Holiday song written originally as an instrumental piece for a symphony orchestra. The Boston Pops Orchestra gave the first performance in a concert conducted by Arthur Fiedler at Symphony Hall in Boston, May 4, 1948. Mills Music published it that same year. The Boston Pops Orchestra recorded it in June of 1949. Mitchell Parish added lyrics in 1949.

About ASCAP Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 225,000 composer, lyricist and music publisher members. ASCAP also represents the repertories created by the international affiliates of 70 foreign performing rights organizations. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American Performing Rights Organization owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com

Your comments please.

Take the time to check out the comments on the BBS Jam. Great responses from Paul Peterson. Also changed the way comments work. Hopefully for the better. Keep em coming.

Boise 2006 Calendar

If you like the photos and images you have seen on this site I have put together a calendar of the best of Boise. This is a full sized 11x17 12 month wall calendar. The printing from Lithographics is right on-the photos look like original prints.

Want one, send me an e-mail. selamacdees@fastmail.fm They are $15.00 I will delever them in Boise. I can mail them in the US for a couple of bucks more.

Thanks to everyone who helped me and encouraged me to make this happen. Especially Jody @ Lithographics and the whole Dawsons crew.

Toast to a Jam

Made it to the BBS Blues Jam at the Reef Sunday afternoon. Damn fine, damn fine-I tellya'.

Poet Sam of the Bitterbrush Blues Band and Byron (call me Brian) started us out with a solid set of traditional blues. Memphis bound Smokin' Todd played stinging guitar and Todd sang a bit about some lost woman.

As usual the girls stole the show. Next Exiter Nancy Mc Intosh seemed more at ease than I have ever seen her on stage. Later on newcomer Dale growled her need for a man and was definitely a favorite.

This is what a jam is all about, musicians of all types and styles combining to make something special and unique. Thanks to Jon Knox for making this happen.

The Reef is a great spot for a jam, good food and atmosphere. Success of this session should mean it will be a weekly event soon. The jam is taking December off but will fire up again in January.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Been to many concerts were when I left, my ears hurt. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert at the Idaho Center Saturday night was the first that made my eyes hurt. It was beautiful. My daughter grabbed wonderful 4th row seats and thankfully took her dad along. To describe the music you need words like powerful, hard, lyrical, classical, but mostly it was rock. Crunchy guitars and 70's "moogy" keys wrapped around traditional Christmas and classical tunes. Fantastic!

In the middle of the first set I happened to look up at guitarist Angus Clark. He had the look of pure bliss that is derived from a job well done. What a job, Angus is surrounded by a cadre of friends and extremely talented musicians. It was wonderful to watch him smile and wale away on his Jackson electric guitar. Yes, it was hard not to be bit jealous. However, I was with the most beautiful girl in the room.

Lazers sliced and danced throughout the fog laden air in geometric patterns of red and green. The choreography of sound and light made for lively entertainment. Most tunes were powered by twin guitars and a bass, add in a full string session, sythn drums and keyboards and you get an idea of the scope of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Did I mention the singers. Handsome men and gorgeous women with prefect tone and oh what style.

What a great night. Thanks Lis and thanks to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. See you next year, save me a seat.

Garden City landmark rides off to Sunset?

Former Casino and long time music and restaurant mainstay the Ranch Club has closed. We are hearing the new owner is going to tear down the historic building and make another "high concept" restaurant. Just what we need! Hope he moves the big gelded horse inside and places it next to the salad bar.

And so the slow, painful trend away from live music continues. The Ranch use to be the place for a slightly older dance crowd to kick up their heals. Smaller three and four piece combos like Powder River and Richard Soliz created a calmer, yet fun atmosphere. I will miss the guitars and the intimate back bar, wont miss the tiny bathroom.

P.S. The Ranch Club may be the "downtown bar and restaurant" from the earlier Classified entries.

OPERATION ENTERTAINMENT

FREE CONCERT FOR THE RETURNING TROOPS.OPERATION ENTERTAINMENT will be held at the Rose Room on Sunday November 27th, 2005, from 5pm to midnight. Mountain Home Auto Ranch has donated the funds to provide 7 hours of FREE Entertainment this Thanksgiving weekend. They've teamed up with Boise music producer Paul Peterson to arrange a full evening of Live Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock and Roll, and even some Surf music. All FREE and Everyone is invited!

The band lineup for the event is as follows:

5pm Burdick / Belzeski Trio 6pm Suns of the Beach 7pm Fabulous Blue Rayz 8pm Pinto Bennett trio 9pm Walter Ego 10pm to Midnight ! ROCKAFELLAS

All Military and the general public are �Invited to "Dance the Night Away" FREE OF CHARGE!!

The Mountain Home Auto Ranch just wanted to say �Thanks to the Troops� The Rose Room is located at 718 West Idaho, Upstairs of the Union Block Building. Hope to see YOU There! Paul M. Peterson 602-1647

Poker run

In the old days, a "run to Jackpot" was finding someone almost sober enough to drive, slamming a couple drinks for the "ditch" at last call and flying down the road. It is a wonder we lived.

Some things have changed, some things not:

The drive down is fast but it is still seems longer from Boise to Mountain Home than it is from there to Nevada.

The band still plays cheesy 60's-70's music. Wish someone would kill that "mustang Sally" chick.

Cactus Pete's is much bigger, but the Shoe seems the same.

The food is better and I still have never won at keno during the meal.

Everyone still "breaks even."

Driving home with a hangover still hurts!