August 2006
DANCING AT THE DESMOND TO Geo & the K's
THE DANCE FLOOR AT THE DESMOND
Thursday, August 31 2006
ENDLESS SUMMER’S END
Let’s go in to the wayback machine Sherman and have a look at this August past.
I had a nice vacation at the start of Aug and played my first date at Yanni’s for a solo on the 10th. The first set was outside and then a storm blew up the river and chased me inside for set two, A small but interested crowd kept me from sprialing into despair and despite my best efforts I managed to have fun. Friday, Aug 11th found the full band at the Athens Town Park for an outdoor show, part of the APAC concert series. This concert series has made a huge leap forward with the purchase of a quality sound system and lights with video, audio and still photograph. The show went well with Brian Fitzpatrick joining us on guitar and Greene County hero Kenny on the kit. We are looking forward to the recording but it may be some time before we have it in hand. I’d like to thank, Rick Sorano (former mayor) who runs the ship and also sat in on harp with the band. I want to thank Rich Hummer (make puns if you got’em) for his recording and photography and Paul for his work on the sound board. The show was well received by the crowd and the plans are for us to return next year.
We played a great backyard party on Aug 12 hosted by our old friend Jeff Clark. A good time was had by all and several cats showed up to sit in, among them were the Pierce brothers and Jeff on horn. The whole shindig was collectively known as Clarkstock and we’re looking forward to next year. The rest of August consisted of a few solo gigs at Yanni’s a weekend at the Desmond, the highlight being white jean night. We also played a couple private affairs and last week we did the Garden for the last time this summer.
This Fall I will continue to play solo’s and band gigs, check the website for updates. I’ll continue to work with the various characters in my bullpen of whom I wish to thank for all their talent and friendship this summer.
*Nick Bisanz
*Kenny Marchesani
*Gary 7 (Nowik)
*Brian Fitzpatrick
*Jimmy Kelly
*Rod Choppy
*Dan DeFillipe
Peace, Love and Togetherness
Geo
Thursday, August 31 2006
GOD BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD
July has disappeared, and soon the smell of Autumn will be in the air. Let’s recap the seventh month.
On July 7, the band played the Garden Grill in the yard after some debate and much hand wringing. The new owner planned to use us as the canary in the coalmine to test the sonic tolerance of his neighbors. I consented to give it a try but once the call came to close down I was not about to pack up and set up inside. Sure enuff the call came right at 9pm after a 90 min set, THANK YOU GOODNIGHT!
Saturday July 8 was a Desmond gig with Gary 7 and Brian Fitzpatrick. When Nick and I arrived there was already gear set up on the stage. No matter how long I’ve been in this business these things happen. My first move was to make sure I secured the check and then it didn’t matter whether I played or not. To their credit the Trutones were very gracious and packed up and we played the night. Rob, the guitarist of the Trutones, stuck around to watch the show and sat in for a number. Rob and I go way back to the Towne Tavern days when we were young and dumb, we are just older now.
Friday, July 14 the power trio of Kenny, Nick and myself fought the elements of heat and sketters to bash out a evening at JT Maxies. This was an example of how too much of a good thing can be detrimental. It was so hot that most folks were seeking the AC and those who braved the heat sat in a catatonic state. I would have rather wander Disneyland in a Mickey Mouse suit in the summer heat of Florida.
July 20 had me back in Lake George for an uneventful solo to which I had to stay to the bitter end. The bartender was holding my check hostage even though no one was in the bar for the last 90 minutes. The only people who came in wanted a quick drink before bed . I struck up a conversation with a couple from Queens and we talked a wide range of politcal, religious and social issues and at the end he reveled that his son is Jon Favreu, the actor/director. As long as I had to be there that made it bearable, props to Chuck Favreu.
July 21, back at the Desmomd this time with Kenny, same gig but no double booking. The 22nd I had a private party as a solo in the middle of a tremendous rain storm. The party was for the owner of Keilty’s who loves my show but not enough to stop him from canceling my date at the bar the following Friday. For the record Keilty’s has canceled all music till further notice.
The last Saturday in July (29) was a double for the band. On drums Dan DeFlippe covered both gigs. The First stop was a party/ reception at a steak house in Coxsackie, which went well. We learn the Broken Road for the daughter of the bride to sing,, little did I know that she was only 11 years old. She puled it off but that hoary country classic is still ringing in my head. We had a request for Rocking Robin, which we obliged and I faked the words well enough to get the people up dancing. After the ad-libbed version the waitress moves past me and says, “ you don’t know the words to that song”. I was intrigued by this saucy wench, and on break I asked her if her name was Robin. She replied by asking if my name was Dick, ouch!!! Also a note to Nick they were not oysters.
The night time stop was at the Kilcar and we were nice and loose and banged out a nice set of music. My thanks again to Dan, from Rant –unt- Rave. After July I took a well deserved vacation and am now back and ready for August.
This week coming I will be at Yanni’s Too in Ravena for a solo on Thursday Aug 10th and Friday Aug 11th the full band will be at Athens Town park for a outdoor concert beginning at 7pm. Check the web site dates page for all the details
Peace and Love upon the broken road,
Geo
P.S. Big ups to Arthur Lee of Love , who passed this week.
P.P.S HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER CHRISTOPHER