Guest Book

Woody, you might want to plan a trip to Jazzfest--plenty of Zydeco there. Might want to check out some music by Clifton Chenier(sp?) Not getting much done at work today, hard to get away from the site...been dropping by the other HTW sites, love the glow.

Woody, if you can find a copy a show with Warren and The Radaitors - get it. I dont know the date but it has a version of Spanish Moon that totally rocks.

I took the neighborhood to the world famous Strawberry Festival in Oxnard CA. yesterday and there was a band playing a style of music called Zydeco (or something like that) It was Cajun with Accordian, fiddle etc. As I was listening they played a song that described how the Cajuns came from France because of persecution and were befriended by the king of Spain. They sailed to the new world and started anew. It sounded really interesting (assuming it was factual) so my question to my freinds here, many of whom are very familar with this culture. Does anyone know of a book that described the history of Cajun culture? I love that kind of stuff amd would love to read a more detailed account.

You got that right, Lefty. Man, I can't say enough about the music this past weekend. Having never heard GLRBR or Matt's band, I didn't know what to expect. Maybe every show is this good. Maybe everybody brought their best for their peers. Whatever, every band--indeed every player--was a top-notch pro. I've watched the touring bands come through 2nd Street for over a year now, and these bands can hang with any of them. Special cudos to my friends the Skydogs. Friday's set was perfect. And how about Jon's vocals on the late-night Stormy Monday? Just like Gregg on Stonybrook--not hurried, not "white." Good as it gets. FYI, Brent had to be at work early Saturday morning at one of his side jobs, calling balls and strikes for three hours, starting at 8AM. When I left at 3:30 Sun. morning, he was still onstage jamming. Some thank-you's: To Mr. Duane Allman, for not staying in California with Liberty, for birthing what was in your spirit, blessing us with this whole world of music. And to his benefactor/diehard supporter/promoter Mr. Phil Walden, who recently left us. To Mr. Brent Sibley, for bringing the Jam for Duane to Gadsden, laying the foundation for much of what has evolved since. To Mr. Johnny Sandlin, for guidance and credibility, for his techs and equipment behind the scenes. Otiel Burbriage doesn't just walk into any place cold with his band. To Mr. Carl Weaver. His money gave us a place. His heart trusted us, and wanted us to come to his place. To Lana and Rowland Archer, for the love and work required to establish and maintain the home we all share. (Man it was so great to have you guys in my town!) And now, to Mr. Lefty Collins. This whole project was his concept. He devised the details, both large and small. Worked the logistics. Coordinated with so many, both here in Gadsden, and around the country. Worked with Lana to get it accomplished with the Peacemakers. This is called LEADERSHIP. It occurs to me that Mr. Collins has been blessed with exceptional wisdom, and the insight to apply it. Takes a lot of vision to put something like this down on paper, lots more hard work to bring it to fruition. Our family is blessed to have such a member. Note to others around the country: We now have a blueprint, a master plan. This event happened in Gadsden because Mr. Weaver wanted it to happen, and because Lefty came to him with a well thought-out plan of action. This is what works. What works in your area? Who would work with you? In Atlanta? Pittsburgh? Connecticut or New York? I believe we have a couple of folks who have recently opened restaurants? What would work? Who can you network with? Take advantage of contacts here. Pete Schipps posts here, and David Stoltz, and Tommy Booth. What could you make work in your area? It's hard work sometimes, but so much fun too. Well, a brief break, then back at it. CRS, ABB, DTB, OPM, more Skydogs--all in June, all close-by!!! May the road go on forever. EAPFP

WOW! What an A-MAY-ZEN weekend was had by all in Gadsden, AL. It's hard to put in to words what I'm feeling right now, but I'll try. First and foremost, shouting out a huge thank you to Lefty for all the hard work and effort in making his dream a reality! This was no small task and I want you to know how much we all appreciate what you did. I'm not sure that a simple thank you covers it, but I know you are feeling the love and joy we all felt this weekend! I'm so glad that that I was able to share in this momentous event with all of the family in attendance. Thanks for letting us be a part of your dream come true! Thanks also to: Lana and Rowland for giving us this great place to come to every day and experience their vision. Carl Weaver for opening his home at 2nd Street Music Hall to all of us. What a great place you and Johnny have! All of the bands, Left Collins & The No Mercy Band, Donna Hopkins, Matt Barranti, Goodlife Rhythm & Blues Revue, Oteil & The Peacemakers and Brent Sibley and The Skydogs for providing two incredible days of music and love! It was so evident that you were having just as much fun as we all were! I personally got goose bumps on more than one occasion! My brothers and sisters of the road, TerriB, Jacquie, Helen, Nancy, Bluedad, SistaBluz, Chris, Pat, Sid, Erin, Bill Ector, Joe Bell, Barb and Greg Potter, Billy and Kay, Rusty and Donna, Randy and Miss Terry (man, I hope I didn't leave anyone out!), what a party! Bluedad for the rides to and from the airport/hotel. You went above and beyond my friend. Much appreciated! SistaBluz and Chris for the great fish fry on Saturday. It was so good that Jacquie got over her "fissues" and tried some catfish and survived *laugh*. My roommates, TerriB, Jacquie, Helen and Nancy, what a blast! Nancy, no you didn't hog the bed at all! Bill, sorry your "groom" services were not required this go around *smile*. Bill Ector for his MC expertise. I think you can now add this to your resume, along with everything else. Randy (the mayor of Gadsden), so glad I finally made it to your beautiful town. I'll be back again for sure. Percy, for the B-B-Q on Friday. Those eggs and sausage were killer. I will try and get the pictures I took downloaded to the site ASAP. I'm sure I've forgotten a thing or two, but as the brain continues to process the weekend, if anything kicks in, I'll be back. So what are we doing this weekend?

My condolences to Judi and her family

What a weekend. We have a great extended family! I didn't want to leave Alabama. So many great stories, good musicians, and good food! Nicky Hall kept us going on the way home. Haven't laughed so much in a long time. He was on fire! Lefty, Donna, and Ron, you're the best! We're all so lucky to have the players we have in our bands. Every one of them are top notch, the best of the best. Can't wait to see you all again!

:pmusic: :pmusic: Kay and I made it home from Gadsden late yesterday afternoon. Our house was in good shape after Paige's weekend parties there. Layla ( our inside cat) was glad to see us not sure about Paige. I had a great weekend in Gadsden, Alabama. . One Big Party!! Kay survived it. She hung fairly tough considering she don't really get it. Thanks to so many. Lefty you did a marvelous job!!!!!! The whole gig was great. Thank you so much for doing this. Ya band was great as well. Can't wait for ya next cd to come out. Thanks to Mr Carl and The 2nd Street Music Hall staff. Great place. Thanks to Lefty Collins and The No Mercy Band, Oteil and the Peacemakers. Hope ya body keeps improving Oteil. Thanks To Brent Sibley and The Skybogs. ( The Liz Reed made it) Thanks to Donna Hopkins Band ( Got back on the Dirty Alabama Road yesterday) Thanks to Matt Barranti (sp). ( I'm still Goin' round in Circles) Thanks to Goldtop and his band. Loves those jams. Santana meets Alabama. All the players were something to behold fans. Really top notch music with such feeling !!! It all was great and uplifting for this old man. Thanks to the Sweeties. Great seeing and or meeting ya. (TerriB, Jaq, and Sari) Ya made it a fun thing as well. The Life of the party. Hope ya'll's flight home went well. Sorry about my screwup of ya breakfast yesterday. Thanks to Bluedad. You are the real deal. Surprise Surprise Surprise. Andy. Nice to meet you Helen. Your are a Sweetie to me. Hope ya'll made it home OK. Nice Rat. Great Seeing Willie Howard. Ya keyboard work was great.. Really nice to meet Rusty and Donna. Some more fine Alabama folks. Randy. Thanks for being you. You are "The Mayor". Nice to meet SistaBlues and Chris. Thanks for all ya work Joe Bell good to see ya and Greg Potter. Joe have fun seeing Derek and that other guitarist. I think that call him E. C. Keep up the good work Greg. Nice to see Lana and meet Rowland. They are still in the clouds. Thanks for all you do. If I missed someone please forgive me for my failures. I aware of them. Have a Great Week All. Take It Light !!!!

Yo HEMLOCK,Loan Me a Dime dUdE.I mean Brotha Man&#$*#^%*#^@