Tuesday, May 31, 2022

SPRING CHICKENS SAVE THE DAY!

Hi Folks,

In the morning, I put on a pair of Bluetooth headsets and grab my phone and tune into WRUR 88.5 .  As I walk around getting my day organized before I hit the treadmill, I listen to Morning Edition with host Beth Adams who gives me perhaps the best account of what is going on in the world.  Unfortunately, it usually contains stories about violence, war, viruses, injustice, climate change, and the never ending political chasm developing in our country.  At 9 AM - usually on the treadmill by now-  Morning Edition gives way to Open Tunings with Scott Regan.  Scott’s presentation of terrific eclectic music takes me to another place, and it allows me to decompress from all the depressing news I just absorbed.  Trust me. I am getting to the point.

Yesterday, the ugly news I received was Maria Gillard, one of the treasured performers in our Parkside Poets’ series, texted me to let me know she was very sick, and would not be able to perform with her trio that afternoon.  I called Scott Regan and asked him if he and his group, The Spring Chickens, could fill in for The Maria Gillard Trio.  Scott got back to me within a half hour telling me the Chickens were on board.  So, once again, Scott Regan was able to let me decompress from some disappointing news.  Not only did The Spring Chickens save the day, but because they were able to fill in for Maria’s trio, it opened up the door for Maria to play in their spot originally scheduled for June 19.  More details about Maria’s upcoming show over the next couple of weeks.

A big thanks to The Spring Chickens for delivering an absolutely wonderful show on such a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  Their entertaining off-the-cuff banter was intertwined with beautiful, sensitive songs.  Three of my favorites of the day were “Ocean of Stars,” Scott Regan; “This Life,” Steve Piper; and a beautiful song by Connie Deming about a Vietnam veteran, "Steps." 

Big thanks to the audience for their enthusiastic response to the show.  Also, it was great to see so many new people in our yard, and I enjoyed how you veterans greeted them with opened arms.  Once again, you made our home yours for the day, and please keep doing it.  Big thanks to all who brought snacks to share.  Not necessary, but much appreciated.

Big thanks to our team, Ray Hackett, Dawn Goben, and Julie Bertram.  Ray and Dawn do a lot of behind-the-scenes work in helping us get ready for the show.  Julie, as you can see from her photos on FB is our resident photographer, and she does a wonderful job at it.

Well, if you are still reading, stay tuned for more details about the upcoming Maria Gillard Trio show on June 19.  No, it’s not Groundhog’s Day!

Love,

Siobhan and Frank 

Monday, May 23, 2022

GOING BACK TO 1974!

The music of 1974 served as a backdrop to the following events:

  1. Because of the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon resigned as president of the United States, and Vice President Gerald Ford became the 38th U.S. president.
  2. On April 3-4, a series of 148 deadly tornadoes struck 13 states from the Great Lakes region all the way to the deep south.
  3. MLB legends Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford were both inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  4. The World Trade Center—the tallest building in the world at 110 stories—opened for business in New York City.
  5. In 1974, a gallon of whole milk cost $1.39, bacon was 99 cents for a one-pound package, and eggs were 58 cents a dozen.

Mixed some Meyer and McGuire songs with songs of artists who had hit songs 1974: Wings, Jim Croce, John Denver, Olivia Newton-John, Gordon Lightfoot, Ringo Starr, The Hollies, Righteous Brothers, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Dave Loggins, Cat Stevens, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Barbara Streisand.  Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6CDf0kF6N1xw1Jz6VGe4BF?si=0dbacfa585444a93

 

(Not a Spotify member?  Free accounts are available.) 

Monday, May 16, 2022

GRATEFUL TO JERRY GARCIA!

I have  been a fan of Jerry Garcia since the late 1960s.

Of his many groups, New Riders of the Purple Sage  1969 - 1971), Old and in the Way (1973 – 1974), and The Grateful Dead (1965 – 1995) are my favorites.

I only saw Jerry live one time.  It was with The New Riders of the Purple Sage in the gym of Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. I believe it was sometime in 1970/71, and Jerry was playing pedal Steel and banjo.  He was terrific.!  The rest of my experiences with Jerry were lived vicariously listening to my students talk about the Grateful Dead shows they attended.  Their stories were awesome, and I loved them!  It was my students who really turned me on to Jerry’s music, resulting in me learning the following songs: Henry (New Riders), The Glendale Train (New Riders), Panama Red (New Riders), Friend of the Devil (Grateful Dead), Ripple (Grateful Dead).  Of these songs, Glendale Train, Friend of the Devil, and Ripple still appear on our setlists.  So, a big thanks to my students for turning me onto Jerry!  Brought me a lot of great times!

Here are some of my favorite songs of Jerry Garcia.  Friend of the Devil, Uncle John’s Band, Truckin’, Ripple, Sugar Magnolia, Casey Jones, Fire on the Mountain, Touch of Gray, Box of Rain, The Golden Road, Scarlet Begonias, Sugaree, Not Fade Away/Goin’ Down the Road, Franklin’s Tower, Ramble on Rose, Henry, Glendale Train, Panama Red, Old and in the Way, Midnight moonlight, The Hobo’s Song.  Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4x3bjDHfLf3F22pvXUK7fC?si=a196a929b178472b

 

(Not a member of Spotify?  Free accounts are available.)  

 

 

  

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

GOING BACK TO 1970!

The music of 1970 served as a backdrop to the following events:

  1. Paul McCartney announces that the Beatles have disbanded
  2. US Invades Cambodia
  3. Chicago Seven defendants found guilty of intent to incite a riot in 1968 ( later overturned by Court of Appeal )
  4. 100,000 people demonstrate in Washington DC against the Vietnam War
  5. National Guards fire on and kill 4 protesters on May 4th at Kent State University

Mixed some Meyer and McGuire songs with songs of artists who had hit songs that year: The Beatles, Credence Clearwater Revival, Brook Benton, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, Elvis Presley, The Sandpipers, Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, Bread, Neil Diamond, Anne Murray, The Guess Who, and The Hollies.  Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2zcd7AYVG9mhVkIFKgYGCT?si=a705b852820c4fc3

 

(Not a Spotify member?  Free accounts are available.) 

Sunday, May 8, 2022

THANKS FOR COMING TO THE TIMBERCREEK!

Hi Folks,

Well, we always wondered what it would be like if members of “Table #1” and “Meyer and McGuire’s Drunken Choir” showed up at the same show.  We found out last night at The Timbercreek, and it was simply splendid. big thanks to them and all our other friends who were there to partake in the fun.  Listening to you sing along gave Siobhan and me the juice to play better, making it an awesome night for us.  A special thanks to Brenda Clark, our resident music conductor at The Creek for getting the crowd involved in the show.

Big thanks to Susie, Hillbilly, and Brandan for serving up some delicious bar-fare and tasty drinks throughout the evening.

We’ll be consulting with the committee to determine the best time for our next show at The Creek.  Stay tuned!

Regarding Mother’s Day, my mom has been gone for quite some time.  I don’t miss her, but I thank her.  She still lives on in me, and here’s why.  She did the best she could with what she had, inspiring me to do the same.  When you see me, you’re really seeing her.  Regarding Siobhan’s mom, she’s ninety-three, and I see her every Monday.  She does not know Siobhan and me, but she is a pleasure to be with.  She, too, has passed on her beautiful qualities to her daughter, kindness, understanding, generosity, and a terrific sense of humor.  So, when you see Siobhan, you’re also seeing her mother, Joan.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Siobhan and Frank

  

Monday, May 2, 2022

MEYER AND MCGUIRE BACK AT THE TIMBERCREEK!

Hi Folks,

Meyer and McGuire will be playing at Timbercreek Tavern this Saturday, May 7.  Susie, the owner,  has a great bar-food menu consisting of burgers, fries, sandwiches, wings, pizza, etc.

Susie and Hillbilly, her right-hand man, , work hard to make your visit to The Creek an enjoyable one, and they do a terrific job.

Siobhan and I will be there to enhance the evening with some good-time music.  Table #1, our strongest supporters at The Creek, will be there to help us.  They’re a great group of people who will invite you into the party if you want.  So, let’s gather to have some fun and savor some delicious food and drink. 

Please check the info below for more details.

Hope to see you there, and please share this post with anyone who may be interested!

Love,

Siobhan and Frank

Meyer & McGuire at The Timbercreek

Sat, May 7 @ 5:00PM — 8:00PM

The Timbercreek Tavern, 17 South Main Street , Manchester, NY 14504

https://meyerandmcguire.com/home