John Dawson Winter was born in Beaumont Texas on February 23, 1944. By the time he was 15 he formed his own band with brother Edgar age12, called Johnny and the Jammers. At 17, he pestered BB King in letting him sit in where he got a standing ovation. His big breakthrough came in 1968, when rolling Stone featured him in a piece about the Texas Music scene.A bidding war ensued and Johnny signed to Columbia for a $600,000 advance, supposedly the largest advance given to rock act.
He has super impressive chops with the heart of a bluesman. In the late 70's, he helped resurrect Muddy Water 's career. Winning a Grammy and bringing Muddy to a larger audience and big pay days For over 40 years, he has blazed a trail of lightning quick licks and fiery solos. He's an original to say the latest. On Friday December 30, the Johnny Winter Band play the Narrows Center for the Arts. As of this writing we have about 40 tickets left. Johnny is looking and playing better than ever. Come out and greet rock and royalty.
Here are are few classic you tube videos of Johnny through the years
Here's Johnny ripping it up at Woodstock http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6kPQLLLYAc&feature=related
Here's a totally rocking Jumpin Jack Flash form a UK TV show in 74 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQPlU5q1CBI&feature=related
Johnny and Muddy circa 78 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6jXIaDXcYI
Johnny B Goode 84 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGEUFq7jYGI
Johnny in 2011 at the Coach House, in California http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpbJnXsWHDA
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Steve "The Emcee" Hug: The end of an era
Saturday's Savoy Brown concert marked the end of the Steve Hug era at the Narrows. Steve informed me in late November that he was retiring from his volunteer position at the Narrows. I was surprised and disappointed but totally understand that nothing lasts forever. Steve has been an integral part of the Narrows since our humble beginnings.
I first met Steve at the old Narrows aka The Renaissance Gallery in 1997. We had started an open mic and Steve would come down to play some tunes. We became fast friends. We both shared a passion for music and politics. We then went on to work on some campaigns together and had a total blast ripping those who crossed our path. When we moved to our new and present home on Anawan St., Steve was the one of the first people to step up and help the cause. In the early years, many of the shows were done by just Steve, my wife Maggie and myself. Steve was there early and late. We loaded out alot of bands and had a great time conversing and hanging out These were lean times for the Narrows but Steve was believer and dedicated to the cause.
As things progressed, more people came into the picture and Steve became our resident emcee. His vast knowledge of music and his FM DJ voice made for the perfect fit. In 2005, he started his Backstage at the Narrows blog. At that time, nobody really knew what a blog was . Steve was pioneer in the blogging movement. To date he has posted over 1,300 entries. A few years later, Steve brought his significant other, Laura McNamara to the cause. Laura always brought a smile and her warm personality to the Narrows.
Things change, time moves forward and nothing lasts forever but Steve Hug made a lasting and positive imprint on Narrows lore.
Thanks Man
I first met Steve at the old Narrows aka The Renaissance Gallery in 1997. We had started an open mic and Steve would come down to play some tunes. We became fast friends. We both shared a passion for music and politics. We then went on to work on some campaigns together and had a total blast ripping those who crossed our path. When we moved to our new and present home on Anawan St., Steve was the one of the first people to step up and help the cause. In the early years, many of the shows were done by just Steve, my wife Maggie and myself. Steve was there early and late. We loaded out alot of bands and had a great time conversing and hanging out These were lean times for the Narrows but Steve was believer and dedicated to the cause.
As things progressed, more people came into the picture and Steve became our resident emcee. His vast knowledge of music and his FM DJ voice made for the perfect fit. In 2005, he started his Backstage at the Narrows blog. At that time, nobody really knew what a blog was . Steve was pioneer in the blogging movement. To date he has posted over 1,300 entries. A few years later, Steve brought his significant other, Laura McNamara to the cause. Laura always brought a smile and her warm personality to the Narrows.
Things change, time moves forward and nothing lasts forever but Steve Hug made a lasting and positive imprint on Narrows lore.
Thanks Man
Friday, December 9, 2011
Justin Townes Earle Nails it at Narrows
It was a balmy Sunday in December when Justin Townes Earle armed with just his guitar played to an enthusiastic sold out crowd,. It should be duly noted, that three years ago JTE played to less than 50 in this same venue. With his tall lanky build and piercing eyes, JTE prowled the stage. He started the show with a couple of new tunes which were quite good. He then played a couple form his great new disc "Harlem River Blues" What struck me was his loping and intricate finger picking which perfectly complimented his stark and passionate vocals. Other highlights were "Mama's Eyes" , They Killed John Henry" and "Christ Church Woman" He brought the house down with the Lightning Hopkins cover"Automobile Blues" This was a real blues shouter with some great guitar playing. All in all one of the best shows of the year by one of the truly great artists on the scene today
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A November to Remember
November 2011 marked the 10th Anniversary of the Narrows Center for the Arts. Looking back through the years, a flood of great times, great friends and a strong sense of accomplishment permeated the air. We had a great line-up of musical acts as well as the fantastic Art of a Brick Lego exhibit, all the makings for a great celebration
We started our 10th anniversary weekend with Sonny Landreth and Danielle Miraglia. Danielle opened the show with her distinctive folk 'n blues. She is a charismatic performer and she set the stage for the Sonny Landreth power trio. We have hosted Sonny numerous times and he always brings his "A" game. This show reminded me alot of a Jeff Beck show. Lots of instrumental riffing with Sonny's unique approach to slide guitar on top. The following night was the David Wax Museum with The Parkington Sisters opening the show. The Parkington Sisters are 4 genuine sisters with beautiful harmonies and an interesting chamber pop sound. David Wax and company were the buzz band at this year's Newport Folk Festival and this show lived up to the hype. They mix traditional Mexican folk with a contemporary take on americana. Great songs and an interesting blend of instrumentation with high energy. You will be hearing much more from this crew in the near future. On Friday, the legendary Jorma Kaukonen brought his elegant guitar stylings to the Narrows. Accompanying Jorma was multi instrumentalist extraordinaire Barry Mitteroff. Jorma played selections from his 50 plus career in music. Highlights included, I Know You Rider, Good Shepard and a smoking Water Song.
We concluded our Anniversary weekend with Rosanne Cash and Jeffrey Foucault. Jeff has played our venue many times and he never disappoints with his smart songwriting and deft guitar playing. Over the course of our ten years, I have had the pleasure of working with some high profile acts, but I must admit I was a little nervous about hosting Rosanne. Being the daughter of the legendary Johnny and a major star in her own right, I wasn't sure what to expect. She was a complete joy to work with. She had a warm personality and she seemed genuinely impressed with the Narrows as a venue and what we stood for. She was accompanied by her husband John Leventhal. Rosanne has the voice of an angel and her set was well paced with songs from her latest release The List, and a career retrospective. Highlights were Long Black Veil, Hasn't Happened Yet, a spellbinding Ode to Billy Joe, Tennessee Flat Top(which showcased John's exquisite guitar stylings). She ended the show with the haunting 500 Miles with John moving to piano. We have had many outstanding shows in the last ten years but this is absolutely in the top ten. Thank you Rosanne and John for making the Anniversary so special.
We had many other great shows in November. Abilgail Washburn wowed the crowd with her intricate and soulful banjo playing. David Bromberg romped through his set with old favorites and great new songs. The old hippies loved this one. Shemekia blew the roof off with her powering voice and Dave Alvin absolutely ripped it up on a Sunday night(Top ten show of 2011), We had our annual Friends of the Narrows event with Seth Walker. This was a great evening of music and friendship. Newgrass legend Sam Bush and his spot on band played impeccably. We ended the month with our old friend Sarah Borges and new friend Amy Black. Both classy ladies who rocked the house.
As great as the music was, it is the people that came to the shows and the great volunteers that really made the month and the whole Narrows experience so memorable. Thank you all for being there.
We started our 10th anniversary weekend with Sonny Landreth and Danielle Miraglia. Danielle opened the show with her distinctive folk 'n blues. She is a charismatic performer and she set the stage for the Sonny Landreth power trio. We have hosted Sonny numerous times and he always brings his "A" game. This show reminded me alot of a Jeff Beck show. Lots of instrumental riffing with Sonny's unique approach to slide guitar on top. The following night was the David Wax Museum with The Parkington Sisters opening the show. The Parkington Sisters are 4 genuine sisters with beautiful harmonies and an interesting chamber pop sound. David Wax and company were the buzz band at this year's Newport Folk Festival and this show lived up to the hype. They mix traditional Mexican folk with a contemporary take on americana. Great songs and an interesting blend of instrumentation with high energy. You will be hearing much more from this crew in the near future. On Friday, the legendary Jorma Kaukonen brought his elegant guitar stylings to the Narrows. Accompanying Jorma was multi instrumentalist extraordinaire Barry Mitteroff. Jorma played selections from his 50 plus career in music. Highlights included, I Know You Rider, Good Shepard and a smoking Water Song.
We concluded our Anniversary weekend with Rosanne Cash and Jeffrey Foucault. Jeff has played our venue many times and he never disappoints with his smart songwriting and deft guitar playing. Over the course of our ten years, I have had the pleasure of working with some high profile acts, but I must admit I was a little nervous about hosting Rosanne. Being the daughter of the legendary Johnny and a major star in her own right, I wasn't sure what to expect. She was a complete joy to work with. She had a warm personality and she seemed genuinely impressed with the Narrows as a venue and what we stood for. She was accompanied by her husband John Leventhal. Rosanne has the voice of an angel and her set was well paced with songs from her latest release The List, and a career retrospective. Highlights were Long Black Veil, Hasn't Happened Yet, a spellbinding Ode to Billy Joe, Tennessee Flat Top(which showcased John's exquisite guitar stylings). She ended the show with the haunting 500 Miles with John moving to piano. We have had many outstanding shows in the last ten years but this is absolutely in the top ten. Thank you Rosanne and John for making the Anniversary so special.
We had many other great shows in November. Abilgail Washburn wowed the crowd with her intricate and soulful banjo playing. David Bromberg romped through his set with old favorites and great new songs. The old hippies loved this one. Shemekia blew the roof off with her powering voice and Dave Alvin absolutely ripped it up on a Sunday night(Top ten show of 2011), We had our annual Friends of the Narrows event with Seth Walker. This was a great evening of music and friendship. Newgrass legend Sam Bush and his spot on band played impeccably. We ended the month with our old friend Sarah Borges and new friend Amy Black. Both classy ladies who rocked the house.
As great as the music was, it is the people that came to the shows and the great volunteers that really made the month and the whole Narrows experience so memorable. Thank you all for being there.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Two great stories on the Narrows 10th anniversary
Here is a lnk to the story in the Standard Times
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20111103%2FENTERTAIN%2F111030303
Here's the text from Providence Journal story
If you build a solid venue, they’ll come Patrick Norton had never promoted or produced any concerts before opening the Narrows Center for the Arts in November 2001. But as the venue celebrates its 10th anniversary this week with a slate of big-name shows, he says that the idea was to keep music in his life.
“I wasn’t good at playing music, so I figured if I could produce [shows], I could still be around music, says Norton, who had played in bands and promoted his own shows before taking on the Narrows. “I liked how you put on a party in your house and put on music and have people come over, so it seemed like a natural extension of things I thought I could do well.”
Since then Norton and a small band of helpers have kept the Narrows open in a lovely third-floor industrial space on the Fall River waterfront, within sight of the ships of Battleship Cove, bringing in performers ranging from stars such as Los Lobos, Richard Thompson and Bettye LaVette to a host of lesser-known acts.
“There are two kinds of music: good music and bad music,” says Norton, who works as an aide to a congressman during the day. “We pick the good music, regardless of the genre that’s out there. And hopefully we make money, but we book shows that we know are gonna be marginal. But that’s OK, too.” And he adds that even he is surprised at some of the bigger acts that have dropped by the 280-seat Narrows over the years. “A lot of bigger groups are playing smaller places. The economics just aren’t there. Even the fan experience is not there. … A group like Los Lobos can play the Narrows and have a meet-and-greet afterward, and they can’t do that at a 1,000-seater; they’d never get out of there.”
While the Narrows filled a need for a mid-size venue in the beginning, Norton says, challenges such as the opening of The Met, which has attracted a couple of the acts who have played the Narrows in the past, don’t faze him. “There always have been challenges, but we’ve just focused on making our venue better,” such as improvements to the sound system and seating and the installation of elevators for the third-floor space.
One of the hallmarks of the Narrows is its alcohol policy: You can bring something to drink — or to eat, for that matter — but no alcohol is sold on the premises. “We’ve always been about the music rather than selling beer, and we’re a real alternative to clubs. We’re a listening room, and people come here to listen first. … People don’t talk during our shows. Other audience members appreciate it, and I know the musicians appreciate it.”
They’ve had chances in the past to get a liquor license, “but we declined. We thought it would change what we do, and we really want to be committed to the music. And it’s about creating your own niche.”
The Narrows, which also includes an art gallery and five studios for resident artists, survives solely on admissions, and Norton says they put on 20 shows their first year, 40 their second, and they’ll do 125 this year. “There were some lean times, but we’ve always been able to pay our rent on time. It was all volunteer for the first seven years, so we had low overhead. And we worked hard at it.”
The Narrows Center for the Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary this week with performances by The David Wax Museum on Thursday, Jorma Kaukonen on Friday and Rosanne Cash on Saturday. The Narrows is at 16 Anawan St., Fall River; call (508) 324-1926 or go to www.ncfta.org .
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20111103%2FENTERTAIN%2F111030303
Here's the text from Providence Journal story
If you build a solid venue, they’ll come Patrick Norton had never promoted or produced any concerts before opening the Narrows Center for the Arts in November 2001. But as the venue celebrates its 10th anniversary this week with a slate of big-name shows, he says that the idea was to keep music in his life.
“I wasn’t good at playing music, so I figured if I could produce [shows], I could still be around music, says Norton, who had played in bands and promoted his own shows before taking on the Narrows. “I liked how you put on a party in your house and put on music and have people come over, so it seemed like a natural extension of things I thought I could do well.”
Since then Norton and a small band of helpers have kept the Narrows open in a lovely third-floor industrial space on the Fall River waterfront, within sight of the ships of Battleship Cove, bringing in performers ranging from stars such as Los Lobos, Richard Thompson and Bettye LaVette to a host of lesser-known acts.
“There are two kinds of music: good music and bad music,” says Norton, who works as an aide to a congressman during the day. “We pick the good music, regardless of the genre that’s out there. And hopefully we make money, but we book shows that we know are gonna be marginal. But that’s OK, too.” And he adds that even he is surprised at some of the bigger acts that have dropped by the 280-seat Narrows over the years. “A lot of bigger groups are playing smaller places. The economics just aren’t there. Even the fan experience is not there. … A group like Los Lobos can play the Narrows and have a meet-and-greet afterward, and they can’t do that at a 1,000-seater; they’d never get out of there.”
While the Narrows filled a need for a mid-size venue in the beginning, Norton says, challenges such as the opening of The Met, which has attracted a couple of the acts who have played the Narrows in the past, don’t faze him. “There always have been challenges, but we’ve just focused on making our venue better,” such as improvements to the sound system and seating and the installation of elevators for the third-floor space.
One of the hallmarks of the Narrows is its alcohol policy: You can bring something to drink — or to eat, for that matter — but no alcohol is sold on the premises. “We’ve always been about the music rather than selling beer, and we’re a real alternative to clubs. We’re a listening room, and people come here to listen first. … People don’t talk during our shows. Other audience members appreciate it, and I know the musicians appreciate it.”
They’ve had chances in the past to get a liquor license, “but we declined. We thought it would change what we do, and we really want to be committed to the music. And it’s about creating your own niche.”
The Narrows, which also includes an art gallery and five studios for resident artists, survives solely on admissions, and Norton says they put on 20 shows their first year, 40 their second, and they’ll do 125 this year. “There were some lean times, but we’ve always been able to pay our rent on time. It was all volunteer for the first seven years, so we had low overhead. And we worked hard at it.”
The Narrows Center for the Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary this week with performances by The David Wax Museum on Thursday, Jorma Kaukonen on Friday and Rosanne Cash on Saturday. The Narrows is at 16 Anawan St., Fall River; call (508) 324-1926 or go to www.ncfta.org .
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Recently, me and my fabulous wife Maggie had the great pleasure and opportunity to visit San Francisco. One of the highlights of the trip was attending the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass event in Golden Gate Park. HSB is a free event sponsored by venture capitalist Warren Hellman. Warren started the festival ten years ago to celebrate and promote bluegrass. Over the years, it has grown significantly. It started as a one day event with one stage and six bands, to this year's 3 days, 6 stages and over 90 acts. The event has also shifted from strictly bluegrass to all things Americana from Connor Oberst to Robert Plant. This year over 600,000 people attended the event. While, there was a mass of people, it never seemed overcrowded or unruly. In fact, as a veteran festival goer, it had to be one of the mellowest and attentive events I've attended. A big shout out to Brad Madison of Mongrel Booking agency for making us feel like VIP's.
Here's who we saw; We arrived around noon and got a great spot on the hill in front of the Star stage. The first act we saw was Jason Isbell (formerly of Drive By Truckers). He was ok, songs sounded pretty much the same and the stand outs were Truckers songs. I wish he would get back with his old band, they miss him and he misses them. Next up was Ruthie Foster(one of many Narrows alums), she kicked it up with some great soul singing and grooving. The crowd really dug her. We then headed back to our spot to see Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson. Definitely one of the Festival's highlights, two legends singing some of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. Very inspiring to see two old coots, ragged and rocking through a great set of music. Another fest highlight was the brilliant duo of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. There had to be over 100,000 people listening to the hushed and intricate stylings of the duo. Next up someone me and Maggie have seen numerous times dating back to our first Jazz Fest, soul legend Irma Thomas. Irma led her crisp band through N'Awlins standards as well her brilliant take of "Time is On My Side" It was a great day of music, people watching and a good day for humanity as whole. Live music still has an uncanny way of bringing people together to celebrate life and the pursuit of happiness.
We got an early start on Sunday as our gracious host Brad picked us up around 9 a.m. for what would be a joyous day of music and friendship. We started with breakfast in the Haight which has lost most of its charm but we found an old school breakfast joint that still maintained it's charm. We arrived at the Fest at 11 caught newbie Jessica Lea Mayfield, kinda liked her record, thought the show was very boring. I just don't get the angst indie rock thing. We headed over to the small Porch stage to catch Dive Bar Dukes who actually won a contest to play at the event. Playing drums for this bluegrassy outfit was Ollabelle's Tony Leone. They sounded fun with some very good fiddle playing. We then made the long walk back to the other end of the event where the incomparable Dr. John was about to hit the stage Our guide Brad had hooked us up with backstage passes so we watched the show up close and personal with the likes of Wavy Gravy, Bonnie Raitt and Steve Earle. The Doctor was smoking and had the whole field dancing. Justin Townes Earle played a solid set with his daddy watching him intently. JTE will be playing the Narrows December 4, he is not to be missed. The real surprise act of the day for me was Devotchka. It was a gypsy thing meets The Clash, real fun with lotsa foot stomping tunes and great showmanship.We then headed out of the masses with the sounds of Dark Star Orchestra playing in the background . A fitting way to end the day. I highly recommend Hardly Strictly Bluegrass to all the music geeks and freaks. Definitely one of the best music festivals in the US
San Francisco is a great city with plenty of culture and great restaurants. If you go, make sure you bike the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalitio and into Tiburon. A truly magical ride.
Here's who we saw; We arrived around noon and got a great spot on the hill in front of the Star stage. The first act we saw was Jason Isbell (formerly of Drive By Truckers). He was ok, songs sounded pretty much the same and the stand outs were Truckers songs. I wish he would get back with his old band, they miss him and he misses them. Next up was Ruthie Foster(one of many Narrows alums), she kicked it up with some great soul singing and grooving. The crowd really dug her. We then headed back to our spot to see Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson. Definitely one of the Festival's highlights, two legends singing some of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. Very inspiring to see two old coots, ragged and rocking through a great set of music. Another fest highlight was the brilliant duo of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. There had to be over 100,000 people listening to the hushed and intricate stylings of the duo. Next up someone me and Maggie have seen numerous times dating back to our first Jazz Fest, soul legend Irma Thomas. Irma led her crisp band through N'Awlins standards as well her brilliant take of "Time is On My Side" It was a great day of music, people watching and a good day for humanity as whole. Live music still has an uncanny way of bringing people together to celebrate life and the pursuit of happiness.
We got an early start on Sunday as our gracious host Brad picked us up around 9 a.m. for what would be a joyous day of music and friendship. We started with breakfast in the Haight which has lost most of its charm but we found an old school breakfast joint that still maintained it's charm. We arrived at the Fest at 11 caught newbie Jessica Lea Mayfield, kinda liked her record, thought the show was very boring. I just don't get the angst indie rock thing. We headed over to the small Porch stage to catch Dive Bar Dukes who actually won a contest to play at the event. Playing drums for this bluegrassy outfit was Ollabelle's Tony Leone. They sounded fun with some very good fiddle playing. We then made the long walk back to the other end of the event where the incomparable Dr. John was about to hit the stage Our guide Brad had hooked us up with backstage passes so we watched the show up close and personal with the likes of Wavy Gravy, Bonnie Raitt and Steve Earle. The Doctor was smoking and had the whole field dancing. Justin Townes Earle played a solid set with his daddy watching him intently. JTE will be playing the Narrows December 4, he is not to be missed. The real surprise act of the day for me was Devotchka. It was a gypsy thing meets The Clash, real fun with lotsa foot stomping tunes and great showmanship.We then headed out of the masses with the sounds of Dark Star Orchestra playing in the background . A fitting way to end the day. I highly recommend Hardly Strictly Bluegrass to all the music geeks and freaks. Definitely one of the best music festivals in the US
San Francisco is a great city with plenty of culture and great restaurants. If you go, make sure you bike the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalitio and into Tiburon. A truly magical ride.
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