A Musical Friday After Thanksgiving

So, last night was Joe Chiappone, Greg Wachala and Dave Arenius down at Stucko's, and they were very good as usual. The place was a little dead--must be everyone was home gorging themselves on leftovers--but I was there with the family and friends, and it was cool. There were some other people who trickled in throughout the night and got to hear good music with their traditional Day-After-Thanksgiving Fishfry.

After that, Joe and I went over to the Merchants Grill to "see" Chet Catallo and the Cats. That place is not set up for a band, that's for sure. Either you stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people up front and have your hearing permanently impaired, but you CAN see the band, or you can stand or sit in the back, never see the band, and have less bad stuff happen to your hearing. That was the choice we made.

Local guitar legend, Chet Catallo played hard and loud with his band, The Cats. Though I've only "seen" Chet play twice, I know most of the rest of the Cats--Jimmie Richmond, Ralph Ortiz, Andy Calabrese, Todd East and Steve Curry. I think that's everyone who was smashed into the corner. All of these guys are seasoned and talented musicians who support Chet well, and the band sounded good--if too loud.

It was a lively, drunkish crowd, and they were very much enjoying the band. But for $20 a ticket in a local bar, people should be able to see the band and not be deafened to do so. My opinion, anyway.

Where is the Clarissa Room when you need it?

Drew brought home some CDs for me to hear--Derek Trucks and the John Butler Trio. I am enjoying them. The kid gets to go see good shows, and he has good taste in music! Happy Post-Thanksgiving Shopping Weekend!

yours in music,
Tracy