Roots Review 22 by Nasty Ned

Roots Review 22
I'll open with thank you. Thank you to all of the people who have made a difference in our American Roots Movement. From the amazing musicians, to the volunteers and supporters, those who spread the word, the thousands of music fans who have come to enjoy the music, make donations to the band and win gifts and prizes - to all of those who embrace the cause of preserving American Roots Music - and certainly the venue owners, bookers, cooks and bartenders.

American Roots would like to thank Zupko's Tavern Theater, in particular Rich Zupko for having vision and giving us the opportunity to continue to present American Roots Live without interruption. Thanks to Lynn, Nordy, Jeff, Nick, Melissa, Dave and Jane. We'll miss you as we move and expand American Roots Live to every Wednesday night at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ beginning September 6 and every Thursday night at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA beginning September 14.

Crossroads is perhaps the coolest blues and roots club in north Jersey located at 78 North Ave. Crossroads has an awesome house sound system, large stage and full concert lighting. Lee and Ronnie share the Roots Revival vision too and we're proud to be associated with them.

The Bluetone Cafe, rated the #1 blues and roots room in the Lehigh Valley is run by one of the nicest men in the business, and a real music fan. Joe has the vision, too. And both venues are destination rooms for the finest musicians in the area.

We had a blast on our last night at Zupko's, though. American Roots Live 22 introduced more fantastic new acts, namely the talented soloists Ron Dill and Maureen Gallagher and the frolicking, New Orleans style trio, This Old House. What a blast they were.

With John Powers guest hosting, The Wiliamzboy heated things up right out of the box and we were off and running - and I probably played and sang more at 22 than any other Roots Live I can remember - with John Powers and Josh Gephardt, Johnny Charles, Alan Rogoff, Greg Stier and Greg Louganis, then Arne Englund, Len DePiano and JR Bradfield. Standout performances by all of the above and including Kate Weber and Bassboards with John Caruana, Dr. Greg, Brad Sicotte, Mark Weber and Bones Sanford. We heard Bernie Brauswetter, Robert, Ed Pampani, Chaz, Arlene Schar, Bill Simmons, Paul Daloia, Ray Scro and more - it was a blast!

Special thanks to Win of Elliott Newcomb Designs, Amelia Lange, Jamie Flynn, Big Boy Kenny Nerbak, Arne Englund, Mary Anne, Seamstress Sue, Arlene, Robert, Jack Powers, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray of Computown, Manville Music, LouMarc Signs, SDC Studios, Rich Zupko, Crossroads, Bluetone Cafe, Elmore Magazine, Richard Skelly, Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation and ambassadors John Powers, HoneyBoy Dupree and Duane Chez.

We look forward to a great opening night in Garwood with a special show planned for you with big name players and some really cool gifts and prizes including CDs, Elmore Magazines, autographed harmonicas, concert tickets and the NEW American Roots with Nasty Ned T shirts! So get your rider by your side and come down to the Crossroads - Wednesday, September 6th.

Keeping it real,

Ned