AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE Roots Review 24 BY NASTY NED

Man, did these cats and kittens come to play!

...and so did the Allentown Morning Call when American Roots Live tapped the passions of more great musicians in Pennsylvania, opening a SECOND home in a second state at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton this past Thursday night, giving us 2 big American Roots Live open-mic celebrations every week.

The Allentown Morning Call, sending a reporter and photographer, considered our arrival in Easton significant enough to make the event their entertainment- section feature story on September 30th.

Solid performances at The Bluetone by John Powers, EJ Rice, Johnny Charles, Lori V, Sonny Young, Billy K, Chip Bush, Jamo Flynn, Brian Bridge of Dyer Weed, Brad Sicotte, Arne Englund, JR Bradfield, Gary Rivenson of Philadelphia Funk Authority, Gene Downin from the Noo Dogs, and others made for a memorable night of LIVE music.

Thanks to all the musicians in attendance for bringing their instruments and their passionate enthusiasm. You made our opener here a success, Arlene Schar, Steven Kelly, Andy Macgregor, Leo, Jeremy Burns, Mike Frank, Nathaniel Mills and yes, even Sven.

Incredibly, and this gives me great satisfaction, we've created a bridge between talented musicians in two geographic areas! Players from American Roots Live in New Jersey made the quick jaunt to Pennsylvania just as many of those Pennsy players had taken the ride to American Roots Live in Jersey over the past 24 weeks.

East meets west - a coming together of two scenes, making one!

"United we stand" says HoneyBoy Dupree and all ambassadors agree, we're not only pleased to expand American Roots Live into venues that are destination rooms for musicians, but to where some of the best food anywhere is served!

Crossroads in Garwood features mouth watering, 5 Star Cajun and American cuisine while the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, with great soul food dishes on an affordable menu, serves-up the best southern fried chicken north of the Mason Dixon Line thanks to Evan and his great-grandmother's secret recipe. Mmm Mmm good!

In Garwood, Wednesday's inspired performances at the Crossroads featured John Powers, Josh Gebhart, EJ Rice, Robert Z, Ed Pampani, Bones Sanford, "BB" Bernie Brauswetter, Brad Sicotte, JR Bradfield, Pete Lutz, Todd Lanka, Steve Decker and Carmen Sclafani of Wiser Times, Snakeman Runyan, me and all my Noo Dogs; Lee Fink, Mike Flynn, Gene Downin and Jake Jar el, the 3-man singing sensation OREO, Bobby Malavenda and Gabe Perry.

Our movement is growing and will continue to do so with your support. So please come and be a part of it. Come to perform, to learn or just to listen and enjoy. We really can make a difference if we stand together. We can bring mainstream attention back to American Roots Music and help bring-about a vibrant "new" live music scene.

Join us at any of the growing number of American Roots Live venues.

Please tell your friends - bring your friends - email your friends - call yo' mammas and help us take our American Roots movement to the next level - yes, 3 big shows in the "tri state" every week and our American Roots cable TV show airing in all "live performance" regions!

For professional musicians, the bigger "American Roots Live" gets, the bigger we all get. For the aspiring musician; the more we all learn. For the music fan; the more fun and enjoyment we'll experience. For American Roots volunteers - and currently we do need help with our raffle process at both venues - you'll gain personal satisfaction as you help the cause.

Special thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and supporters mentioned in earlier Roots Reviews and email announcements, to our American Roots Ambassadors, John Powers, HoneyBoy Dupree and Duane Chez and now, owners Lee Frankel of Crossroads along with Ronnie, April, Mike, Pam and Derek, and Joe Karam along with Evan, Christina and Charlie at the Bluetone Cafe.

Please remember the American Roots All Star Concert, Friday September 22 at Crossroads.

This night is not an open mic celebration, but a concert of specially invited American Roots All Stars who will perform full sets of their music.

Headlining the show is the John Powers Band, Nasty Ned & Michael Krizan, Johnny Charles & Straight Eight Blues, Johnny Thompson Trio, The Wiliamzboy and special guest Jeff Page. Doors open early for dinner. Come and get a great seat up close. Showtime is 9:30 pm.

This special show is a fund raiser. "American Roots All Stars in Concert" requests a minimum $5 donation at the door but will appreciatively accept more. You will receive 2 raffle tickets for each $5 you donate giving you multiple chances to WIN valuable prizes that have been specially arranged for this night. There will be 3 prize drawings and you must be present to win.

Please come and support a most significant cause. Thank you.

Keeping it real,

Ned