John Nemeth is a Blind Pig-update-update!

Caught up with John Nemeth when he was in town this week. Great news! His new cd for Blind Pig is done. Earlier Boisee.com reported that John was going to use Charlie Musslewhite's band in San Francisco. As the schedule and venue shifted, John ending up in Texas. Now get this, John used the Anson Funderberg guys for back-up AND the Texas Horns. Wow, this could be very good. John tells us that after a full week of “thinking and playing” for 12 to 14 hours a day he has 19 cuts done. He and Blind Pig will narrow it down to 14 for the expected January release of the “John Nemeth Band.”

John reveled in the experiance of being in a studio with a full band including a horn section. “It was amazing, each instrument was dialed in and you distinctly hear ever one on the recording.” This should be a very good CD.

I ask John, why no “blues” in the bands title. “We didn’t want limit this CD in any way, also we ended up with a wide range of stuff, sure it’s bluesy but with a lot of Soul.”

Soon John gave me one of those classic smiles, and with a tip his vintage Pork Pie hat he headed to the Red Feather to catch up with some friends. Before he left I asked Mr. Nemeth where to next? He at first drew a blank, then said “Oh North Carolina I believe.”

Don't worry John you won't get lost on the road to success.

From Diane Ronayne

Hi! If you're downtown tonight, stop by the Idaho Photographic Workshop booth at Art Under the Stars in the Grove Plaza from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. You'll see some gorgeous photos (including some of mine) and you can have your portrait made for free by Allan Ansell and take a print of it home with you! Hear Chuck Smith and New Trio play jazz nearby at the Brick Oven Bistro patio from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., too! On July 11 (2nd Tuesday), please come to an artist reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Garden City Public Library at Glenwood and Marigold in the City Hall building. My 15 WaterShed Iconic Images (a public art commission I was awarded in 2004) and some of my roses are on display there through July 31. If you can't make the artist reception on the 11th, please stop by any time to see the work.

Later this month, on Monday, July 24 at 11:45 a.m., City Club of Boise presents "Rocky Mountain High: Global Warming in the West," a forum that you may find of interest. The speaker, Daniel Fagre, is in charge of global warming research for the U.S. Geological Survey, based in Montana. His discoveries include learning that only 27 glaciers are left of the estimated 150 in Glacier National Park when it was founded in 1910. RSVP by July 20 to 371-2221. Lunch is $19 for non-members but you can have just coffee and enjoy the forum for $5. Dr. Fabre's talk will be broadcast on BSU Radio; please check the City Club website (www.cityclubofboise.org) for times and dates.

I hope to see you soon! Diane

paul peterson to me!

paul-p-web.jpgPaul Peterson is turning over a new leaf. Thursday at the Idaho BotanicalGardens (on Warm Springs), his loosely organized "band", the StratO'Loungers, will play their last live gig. Joining Paul for this final show are Mike Trail, Bill Liles, Lawson Hill, Phil Garonzik, and Ben Burdick. Expect an evening of Blues, with a spot of Jazz for flavor. Shari Stuki will be performing on one of the breaks, and if you haven't caught this local 15 year old's act, don't miss this opportunity to hear one of Boise's most talented singer/songwriters. She'll amaze and delight the crowd, as will "Boise's All-Star Blues Band".....the ever evolving StratO'Loungers. Music starts at 5:45, and goes until 9:30, with the last hour or so becoming a Jam Session. So if you play Blues, or love Blues, Don't miss this show. For his next trick, Paul is plunging into 4 months of rehearsals for "The Royals", his new Tribute to British Music Band. More details to come, but booking begins in November. Paul would like to thank all the musicians who have played and recorded with the StratO'Loungers these past 8 years, and hopes to see them all at the Gardens on Thursday.

Independence Day

Happy Forth of July. Despite all of the problems. This is still the very best place in the world to live. I am proud to be a citizen of the USA. Do something to help your fellow Americans today!

fireworksshowsqr-web.jpg

Mom was right.

dangling.jpgYou would think that Parasailing over Lahaina Harbor between Maui and Molokai would be terrifying. My son and I figured (carry the 2-divide by the isosceles triangle) out that if the line was 800 ft long that we were 400 ft above the blue and that we should be nervous. Amazingly enough no one in my family had the slightest fear.

fathersday-web.jpg
Mom use to say “David you are to stupid to be afraid” Guess it applies to her grand kids as well.

A Treasure Valley of Blues

update--SUNDAY JULY 16TH--
It is time to plan for the upcoming Blues Festivals. The Boise Blues Societies annual Blues picnic and Caldwell's “Blues in the Park.” The BBS picnic is Sunday July 17th. This years line up of talent may be the best ever. If you are a regular reader of this blog you have been following the continuing story of Underscore. They will be bringing their youthful interpretation of the blues to the park. Joining them will another winner from the Reef jam the BBS all-stars. With Streetwise and the Red & Gray Trio added to make a whole day of it.

The Blues Society was lucky enough to catch rising star Jason Rica and The New Blood for this summertime ritual. With the Boise Blues Society gaining so much this year the picnic will be a celebration.

With a bit of luck the latest Blues Society CD will be ready for release and available at the Picnic.

As always the admission to this event is very important. Your generosity is requested.Please bring at least a couple of cans of food. This otherwise free concert continues to be a showcase of blues and community giving.

Sunday July 16th-Julia Davis Park-Across from the tennis courts-noon to six

The Caldwell Blues in the Park is set for August 11th & 12th.thisisitfinal.gif The CBP will feature an award winning line up including Bobby Oxford, Carlos del Junco James Solberg & Bill Perry. Better plan on taking the weekend off!

Oh Those Summer Nights

Was headed home last night, when I heard a familiar sound. No, familiar isn’t quite right, more like aural deja vu. Almost hauntng, that feeling you get when you catch the voice of an old friend on the phone. A guitar was playing somewhere, the sound pinging and ponging off of the buildings down town. Rolling up 10th, I turned "up river" on Main and the 1st guitar was joined by a second. Acoustic, mellow and rich. The strings blending in a summer sweet sound. Was that Jon, and Jeff. Must be Angels. The years faded away, Tauge and Faulkner were on the patio again.

With memories of War Eagle and Dynasty as fresh as yesterday, I settled in for a set. Only a Beetles tune kept the boys from prefection. With an easy camaraderie and friendship Jeff and Jon pleased the mostly 40ish crowd. Many a familiar face smiled, no doubt remembering nights at “the Lock.” It was a wonderful way to spend some time on a warm Idaho evening. Thanks gentlemen.

It’s a cliché

Alive After Five is 20. Can that be?

Anyway, in one capacity or another I have covered AAF for damn near every year. Can’t really think of anything new to say. It great for downtown, solid music(this year no local stuff) Ken Bass is a nice announcer. Basically Blah, Blah, Blah-You can find the schedule on the DBA website. You get the idea. Just go-Wednesday on the Grove.aliveafter.jpg

It's the End of the World.

End of the World-update A lively discussion with a friend reminded me that the drought is not the only thing the “media” (is it liberal or conservative this week) may have gotten wrong. In a very early Boisee.com blog I printed a whole list of things that were going to make us “starve in the dark.” Click here for that story;

Add killer bees and illegals from Mexico, Sars, West Nile and Bird Flu!!!

Great Ad Idea From Ken Harris

Dear Music Lovers, There is still an opportunity for your business or entity to sponsor("Brought To You By...")The Boise Blues Society Community Picnic at Julia Davis Park Sunday July 16(go to boiseblues.org). There will be 5 music acts starting at noon(Red and Gray, Underscore, Streetwise, BBS All Stars and headliner Jason Ricci and New Blood)and the all-ages event is open to the public with admission being 2 cans of food for the local food bank(more if you wish). The sponsorship package is 80 music ads on KDJQ 890 AM Oldies radio(one of our sponsors from last year). Your business/entity and its address/slogan will be mentioned TWICE in EACH of the 80 ads and the campaign will start on KDJQ 890 AM Oldies radio right around July 6 and will run right up to July 16. The cost for this package is only $400. ONLY ONE of these sponsorships will be soild. Please contact me, Ken Harris @ 208.440.4590 if you are interested. Thanks for your consideration. Sincerely,

Ken Harris Boise Blues Society/Hoochie Coochie Men

Somebody give me a pencil

Is photography is like writing? Yes, many of the long standing “rules” of good writing apply to photography. The cardinal rule in every writing class or seminar(yes, I have taken a few-they just didn’t help much) is to “write what you know." This is great advise for photographers also. If you love flowers, take pictures of flowers, or your kids, or skiers. A knowledge and interest will make for better photos and you will take more.

It amazes me when people are tell me they don’t take pictures because they don’t have “the right camera.” No writer has ever said “I don’t have the right pencil.” Great photos can be taken with any camera. Yes, a word processor and computer make it easier in some ways, but it is the content that is important. The same thing is true with photography. A fancy digital camera will be no good if you don’t pick strong subjects, or if it sits in the glove box. You are better off carrying a disposable then have a fancy big boy camera a home.

Here is a list of “photo tips." Except for #8 and #10 all could apply to good writing as well.

1.Move in closer 2.Be quick 3.Compose with care 4.Be selective 4.Focus on your subject 6.Keep it simple 7.Be bold 8.Look at the light 9.Experiment in time 10.Watch the weather

Photography-like writting is something you need to do! to get better.

The Last DJ

A true Idaho radio treasure is ill. KBSU’s and Private Idaho’s Victor Picania is one of the few voices from the old school of radio. He still picks all his own music and describes it on the spot. No fancy computers or “liner notes.” Each show is created live.

Among my many memories of Private Idaho is the joy of hearing Fat John and the Three Slims now classic Let’s Jump on the way to the Sunny Slope Blues Fest.

Keep Victor in your heart and wish him a quick recover.

Well Written

Couldn’t sleep on the red eye back from Hawaii last night/this morning. So I read. Came across a quote from a Daniel Handler short story Delmonico, that sums up my feeling about scotch drinkers.

“what kind is there?” the tall one said. “There’s cheap, there’s good and then there’s pretentious” “I usually drink Walker Black”, he said. “Pretentious it is,” she said and his friend smiled.

Zidaho.com

Happy to see an image of mine at the top of one of Idaho's most used web sites.Z Idaho Yeh, I have "good sons" in high places-so-Thanks. BTW-the classified are a great new servise. Right now they are free including a photo upload.

Where is Tim Woodward?

Wonder why no one cares that Vista Village is tearing down the old Whitehead drug? Unlike the old A&W, this building was actually useful. When Vista was two lanes it was great. Now it has to go to make way for more parking and another beautiful building like the one that houses the ever so classy and effecient new Moxie.

destruction-web.jpg