Boogiemen

My harmonica classes are coming to an end for this semester, and I haven't been too active with the band lately. Fortunately I got a dose of blues last weekend out at the Commercial Tavern in Green Island with The Boogiemen. I've got decent pictures of Boog, Dooley and Jack, but would still like some decent shots of Steve-O and Ropes. Conditions were challenging (crowded dance floor and no lights) but I managed to pull off a decent black and white of Steve-O.

A sore blow

Well Boogie Chillun' I've been teaching harmonica again. I've been taking a Monday night class at Otago University Clubs and Societies centre, and am about to start Thursday nights down at the Oval for Unipol. Just four weeks at a stretch, but it's a lot of fun, and I've got a pretty good bunch at Clubs and Socs. There's some early talent in that class and I expect at least 2 or 3 of them to go on in bands. Maybe it's the teacher! Here's hoping the Thursday class is as good. It should be, two of them are already doing the Mondays!

I haven't done a lot with my own music this year. I've devoted a lot of my spare time to photography.

The sad news of the week is that Bluestone's drummer, The Sweeney is leaving town for Timaru. God it's hard to hold on to a good stick man. We'll have to have a celebratory gig for the bugger!

Penguin Entertainers

Oh yeah, a great time had by all. Pat Trembeth was a fantastic host, delivered us a top venue and sound, as well as accomodation. I love road trips, and this little 24 hour spell was perfect. We shot a little video on the tripod, so will see what that's like and maybe pop it on our site in a little while.

Oamaru, here we come!

The gardens gig was a good time all round, great crowd and we all had fun. Leo and the Dogs couldn't be there, so Nik Leeden, Robin Murphy, Jack Hiku and John Hodge filled the breech. These guys are doyens of the Dunedin covers scene, and always deliver a great sound. Later, Nik joined us for a set on slide guitar, and it rocked - if you don't mind 3 guys doing extended blues guitar solos for forty minutes! No complaints from the crowd.

Some sad news in the last week is that Garth and Kate have moved on from the Empire Pub, so last week was the last gig for bands there for the time being. One less venue for the less commercial styles of music in town, and that's a shame. I hope the new management are as loyal supporters of local music as Garth has been.

The Bluestone boys and I have been working on our act for an upcoming gig at the Penguin Entertainers Club next weekend. Should be a blast, and we're all amped for it. Speaking of which, I need to get my amp seen to. It seemed very gutless at the Gardens gig last month, and yesterday it developed an intermittent fault. Best I get that seen to!

Blues in the Gardens

This Sunday, my band BluesTone is playing at the Dunedin Botanical Gardens. We'll be appearing with our friends King Leo and the Growling Dogs as well as Nik Leeden and perhaps the infamous Boog Roberts. I love outdoor gigs. It'll be fun.

http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/events/performing-arts/music/blues-concert

In other news, The Growling Dogs album has just been released - check their website for details, and they've just finished a nationwide tour. My buddy Mike and I played with them at the Whare Flat Folk Festival on New Years day and it was a blast. This Sunday should be even better.