A very special little road report
Armadillo
Posted 2010-04-04 10:54 PM (#24278)
Subject: A very special little road report
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Road Reporter

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Location: Baltimore, MD
Well I'm back from a side-trip to Connecticut to visit La Maison de DCT, also dubbed the Twisted Pajama Party. Da Mayor herself, DCT, plus SMF Cyndi and I spent a truly fun and somewhat restful weekend eating lots of really good food, staying up late learning how Cyndi puts all of those sparkly things on the slamboard (I STILL don't know how to do it!) laughing at jokes that I can't repeat here....and best of all....saw DCT perform with her band! yes, that's right....our own Mayor sings!

It was a charity benefit called Hopefest II, which benefitted "Wheels of Hope' and other local organizations that feed and help the homeless, organized by Kris Heaton of the Kris Heaton Blues Band. There were 3 bands, 2 acoustic artists and loads and loads of fun. Held at a beautiful historic theatre (Polka Dot Playhouse) now the Playhouse on the Green in Bridgeport, CT. You know how I bitch and moan about sitting through terrible bands? This was definitely the exception. Had a blast the whole night!

We came a little bit late (it's a long story) but had a chance to catch this fellow, Stephen Bennett: http://harpguitar.com/
Absolutely MESMERIZING! simply beautiful tonal quality, and just amazing to both watch and listen to. He did a rendition of "Yesterday" that was fantastic--very, very enjoyable. I suggest giving him a listen when his audio clips are up.

The next up was the Jeff Touhy Band--a very, very good band (not metal but solid rock and roll) and again, we were treated to a wonderful Beatles cover--along with some other influences (nice Led Zep cover) and some good originals too! (They played a song called "Crucify" appropriate for an Easter crowd!) Some very talented and down to earth musicians--definitely worth checking out. Lead singer Jeff has some great pipes!

And then of course.....Kris Heaton Blues Band, and singing with Kris was our own Donna! Now I'm not just saying this because Donna is a good friend....and I'm not saying it just because she treated me like a king all weekend (some of the best damn Italian food I've ever had!)...no, my friends, DCT can BELT out the Blues!! it was amazing! Cyndi took a mess of photos so hopefully we'll see them here....just like cowbell...we needed MORE DCT! the crowd wanted MORE DCT!
Here's a link to Kris' band: http://krisheatonbluesband.com/

Kris had a great sound---if you took AC/DC, George Thorogood and a touch of Jake & Elwood, you'd get Kris Heaton and friends. He and his guitarist were FANTASTICKLY good..... he played with a pre-recorded box and not a full band, which resulted in the crowd asking him to turn the guitar up (kinda of a first for me) so in my opinion--Kris, get a live crew (esp a bassist and a second percussionist/drummer) and you'll bring down the house! Donna sang two songs (we wanted more! more! more!) Who knew? Great interviews...inside scoop on the band...rock n' roll diplomacy AND talent to sing da blues.

just great. job well done, my friend.

The headliner by the way--Remember September--also very, very talented: www.rememberseptemberband.com

we missed part of their set--we were busy celebrating DCT's stage debut. I have on good authority that the ChocoVine wine was quite tasty. I was given the honors of Driving Miss Donna and we had a Queensryche sing-a-long in the car on the way home that would have put Wayne's World to shame! rock on.

So check out these bands...and for that matter, support local music...esp. when it's for a good cause....and perhaps we should start lobbying for DCT to join Bent Brother on stage one of these days.

I'm wiped out....and headed for bed...
signing off until I bring you the next official road report from Vancouver Canada!
Armadillo
Jim Hudson
Posted 2010-04-05 3:13 AM (#24281 - in reply to #24278)
Subject: RE: A very special little road report
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Location: Rocking In The Florida Dark !
Thats pretty darn cool -- Donna - you really should post some various forms of your singing here if possible, I for one would love to hear them -- Im a big blues fan amoung many types of music, Rocks my fav - but , sounds like it was a great time -- Ill have to try choco wine someday -- I like chocolate - and ive heard its good for you. .
Thanks for the update Terry , glad it was a great fun time.

------
Also Please keep me im mind for any whom need serious powerfull -Really good sounding PA sound reinforcement.( earth shaking lows - bright clean highs and good clean responsive mids ( and no terrable screeching shit sound ) LMAO -- true though. -- Money back if not amazed-- any size venue."-Just allow enough time . My goal, to be the best in life at what I do " ( that took a lot of study! + elec degree ) Was and has been my passion to say the least.for many years -- Its fun to live your passion !


Edited by Jim Hudson 2010-04-05 3:43 AM
SMF Cyndi
Posted 2010-04-05 3:53 PM (#24288 - in reply to #24278)
Subject: RE: A very special little road report
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Location: Graveyard BLVD.
Great reporting T!!!

What a special event and weekend with DCT and Armadillo. I actually got chills when Donna sang and worked the crowd. Unbelievable, a must see!!!! She got a standing ovation! Here are a few photo's of our "gal" belting out the most A/C D/C sexy-sounding vocals eva! Thanks alot Sista DCT!

Thanks for a memorable weekend guys, HUGE HUGZZZ!

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And to top it off, here is a pic of the SMF jacket Terry made me! DCT got one too and I have not taken a photo of it yet! THANKS SO MUCH T!
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Set list of course I got it and a stick/pic..haha...what a bunch of great guys in the band, I hope to see them again soon!
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Edited by SMF Cyndi 2010-04-05 4:22 PM
CGsDesign
Posted 2010-04-05 6:12 PM (#24289 - in reply to #24288)
Subject: RE: A very special little road report
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Elite SMF

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Being Easter weekend and all I don't know if I could've made it damn that looks like a good time.  I'm glad you all had fun.

DCT - You better not keep your future gigs a secret.  You've got quite the following here and inquiring minds wanna know!

CYN - Thanks, as always, for the info and GREAT pictures!

TER - Nice work, my friend.  You'd better watch it 'cause everyone's going to want one.  On second thought - now that it seems the tour jackets won't happen make yourself a little profit off that talent!

Hope to see you all soon!

Best,
CG
Armadillo
Posted 2010-04-05 6:29 PM (#24293 - in reply to #24289)
Subject: RE: A very special little road report
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Road Reporter

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Location: Baltimore, MD
Hey CG-
Thanks for the compliment but I don't charge for the jackets. Period. They are a gift and labor of love.

I do them for a few select hardcore, true blue....er...pink... SMFs who have shown tremendous service/dedication to the band and/or have been especially supportive these past few years. That said, please folks don't start the email frenzy.... I'm already backlogged by months. They aren't professional grade (I don't use fabric paints) --and they won't last forever. (although I confess, I have one that's lasted since college)
Each one is done on denim--gesso'd first--then free-handed--painted with acrylics and a gel clear coat to give a little bit of resistance to the elements.

It's my little way of saying thank you to the SMFs who have made this reunion tour extra special and who contribute back to our SMF family.

Armadillo
DCT
Posted 2010-04-05 11:37 PM (#24300 - in reply to #24288)
Subject: RE: A very special little road report
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Front Row

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Location: CT, of course!
Wow!! I am so blushing right now!! Cyn, I think you need to size those pics down, I'm not even that tall in person!!  Thank you for the kind words.

Armadillo - great road report as usual and spot on regarding all the bands.  I just want to say that it is an honor to sing with the Kris Heaton Blues Band.  Kris truly is a sincere and generous person who has been playing music for most of his life. I believe it's how he expresses his passion and love for life. His compassion and concern for others less fortunate is the cornerstone of his personality. This show was just one of many examples of his charitable acts and his way of giving back to our community.  To share the stage with Kris and Ace is a privilege of the highest measure. Kris is a phenomenal rock/blues player and the guy who first introduced me to to the awe inspiring sound of a Les Paul at the ripe old age of 12 or so.  I really owe him for that, too!

I hope one day that all the local SMFs can make it to a KHBB show.  Sometimes, at the end of the night when it's late and we done run out of the blues.... it's AC/DC time!! Now that's when the KHBB really starts rockin' the blues!!

And thank you so much for the jacket.  It really is beautiful and I will wear it proudly.  I do appreciate it very much. (Not sure that I have done anything so extraordinary to deserve it, though. Just a fan of the best live rock and roll band in the universe is all!) It was great spending time with you and Cyndi this weekend and I thank you for making the trek to CT to visit and come to a show for a great cause.  There with many funny moments and lots of laughter, which as we all know is truly the best medicine! (Ok..and the chocolate wine...also tasty medicine!!)

Hope to see everyone soon and thanks again,
D


Jim Hudson
Posted 2010-04-05 11:54 PM (#24301 - in reply to #24278)
Subject: RE: A very special little road report
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Location: Rocking In The Florida Dark !
Thats great Donna !-- Way to go to be able to do what you love ! I so wish I could have been there for that , and doing tunes you love - that is so cool -- I hope someone recorded that - I would really love to hear that, everyone is saying you have a real tallent there - New undiscovered tallent ? -- I hope you get more chances to do that again --especially if you enjoy it so much. To me now thats what rockin is all about -- special cool moments. hope I can get in on it next time !


Edited by Jim Hudson 2010-04-05 11:59 PM
George
Posted 2010-04-08 2:01 PM (#24344 - in reply to #24278)
Subject: RE: A very special little road report
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Nearly A Band Member

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WOW, I'm glad I finally checked out the Off-Topic section of the board. Who knew there was so much going on.
Terry thank you for another great road report.
Donna, Please let us know next time you are going to sing.
Cyndi, as always thanks for the great pictures
Sounds like you 3 had a very good weekend, you deserve it.