American Roots Live 102, 103, 104 posted originally by nasty ned arls last show at orphan annie's comming soon

The full load of pics can be found here
http://american-roots.blogspot.com/


I have many fond memories of Orphan Annie's perhaps i will share some in the near future .

For now let these pictures tell the story

i will be posting a link to pics of orphan annie's last night of music very soon .

peace Ed

ORPHAN ANNIES CLOSING IT'S DOORS AFTER OVER 30 YEARS OF MUSIC LAST CALL IS APRIL 27TH 2008

Curtain call coming for Orphan Annie's

By CHRIS JORDAN
STAFF WRITER

LONG HILL — A part of the local live music scene is about to find itself orphaned.

Orphan Annie's, a haven for blues, jazz, rock and R&B for the last 30 years in the Stirling section of the township, is closing Monday, co-owner Rick Romano announced.

"It's time," said Romano, who operated the club and restaurant at 1255 Valley Road with his parents Frank and Ann Romano. "My parents are elderly and they wanted to get out. It's a united decision."

Orphan Annie regulars were told of the closing last week.

"The closing feels surreal," said Warren bluesman Bob Lanza, who performs at the club on Saturday. "You don't think a place affects you that much but I've spent a lot of time there, going back to my wilder younger days."

Orphan Annie's opened for business in 1977.

"When we close it'll be a piece of history to a lot of people," Romano said. "Music wasn't the main focus right at the beginning, but we had somebody play every Friday and Saturday night and that was it. If a band was doing very good, they'd play once a month and it developed into a blues and rock 'n' roll club."

Graced by some of the biggest names in music — James Cotten, Randy Jackson of Zebra, Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens, Hubert Sumlin and members of the Spin Doctors along with local Jersey legends such as Bernie Brausewetter, Billy Hector and Nasty Ned have all performed at Orphan Annie's. The music was often spiced up by theme parties, such as the mid-winter beach party.

Incidently, Orphan Annie's is named after Ann Romano, who is not an orphan.

The younger Romano will keep active in the music scene with his Blueskids Productions music promotion group and is looking for booking opportunities at area clubs. He'll be recording Saturday night's show for a later release on the Blueskids label.

In the fall, the venue itself will become Taverna Quattrini, featuring rustic down-home Italian fare, said new owner Ilir Bitici. Bitici's family owns several restaurants in the area, including Fiorino Ristorante in Summit.

"I've been there a few times and I definitely respect what they did," said Bitici of Orphan Annie's. "When people talk about it they always have an anecdote about the place."

Bitici said he has no plans for presenting live music at Quattrini, but it will be considered once the restaurant is set up.

The final weekend at Annie's includes The Billy Hector Band on Friday ($12 admission); the Lanza-led open jam and recording on Saturday ($5) and the American Roots Live open jam with Nasty Ned and Jr. Bradfield on Sunday (free admission) for the last night of live music at the club. The Romanos and long-time bartender Sandy McCoo will say good-bye from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.

Orphan Annie's has meant a lot to me i met many great musicians and made friends over the years it will be sad to walk out the door tonight when the music stops.

I reposted this article from the courier news online

http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/NEWS/804240335#

Tonight American Roots Live With Nasty Ned

will be the last blast of music at a one of a kind venue

The show starts at 8 and runs until rick tells us it time to go !


A special thanks go out to Ann and Frank romano and Rick Romano proprietors of Orphan Annies for all the years of supporting live music !

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED ARL Roots Review BY NASTY NED

ARL Roots Review
We had lots of great music by passionate musicians last week. Some new-comers, some regulars and some old friends we haven't seen in a while.Young Joe DeRogatis sings some old school R&B.

We introduced Kayka for the first time at American Roots Live

with some 50's blues done 60's style with a new millennium attitude accompanied by Ed Avilia on bass, Ed Pampani on drums and our new friend Mike Coyle playing harmonica.

ARL 78 kicked off with lots of people sharing Edgar and Johnny Winter stories as at least a dozen American Rooters made the Winter's show at Starland Ballroom after winning tickets for the concert last week at ARL 77 thanks to Blueskid.

On Sunday more than 40 musicians, including seven bands came together during our twelve hour marathon to raise money for the Eden Institute in Princeton at our Roots Rockin Riders Bikers Benefit for Autism co hosted by Flock Promotions.

During the day the name Bernie Brauseswetter was respectfully evoked, numerous times, as we all knew if BB were still with us, he'd be there too helping out for a good cause as he so often did.Many thanks to all the musicians who came to help, all audience members for their support, Orphan Annie's for the venue and good vibe and to AJ, Lee and Frankie for their unwavering, tireless work for the Eden Institute - and special thanks to my friend and yours, co-host JR Bradfield.

American Roots Live's combined playlist read: Joe DeRogatis, Robert Zee, JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Ed Avilia, Johnny Thompson, Tim Ludwig, Dave Alles, Mike Coyle, Kayka, Randy Marinelli, Carlo Trentacosta, Carl Marcantonio, Spider Lilly, Bones Sanford, Gene Gagliardi, Mike Carroll, Frank Cerulli, Ryan Maas, Johnny Thompson Band, Phil Leibergall with Phil n' the Blanks, The Congregation: Chuck Wegman, Evil Dick, Sal and Rich, The Dogs: Lee Fink, Mike Flynn, Gene Downin, Jake Jar el, The Jerry Lanza Band, Ray DiGiovanni, Tito, Chris O'Sullivan, Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings, Kim Brewer, Jamo Flynn, Katmandu, Tal, Rich, Randy, Jeff Kesili, Vinnie Capodice, Snakeman Runyan, Tom Cucciara, Keith Autocunas, Ron Seibert, Tommy Toye, Joe Colucci, Roy Macnamara, Peter Malliss, Chaz and Jimmy Farkas.Many thanks to all who make American Roots Live the place to be week after week, OA's, Annie, Frank, Rick, Karin, Joe, Rich, Bradfield, Powers, Macnamara, Nowak and especially Win and Ed for the great photos.

We all wish Hershall Dow a quick recovery and quick return to the show - God speed brother.See you soon again.

Keeping it real, Ned
Labels: American Roots Live, Eden Institute, Jamo Flynn, Johnny Charles, Johnny Winters, JR Bradfield, Lee Fink, Mike Flynn, The Congregation

ARL Roots Review 64 & 65 by nasty ned

Oh man, we do have fun at American Roots Live!

But sometimes what happens is I'm forced to combine two weeks of roots reviews,

for one reason or another - and such is the case this time for two reasons; busy and busy - AND for being out of town on personal business.I am grateful, however, the shows went on as they did during this busy time with lots of great players and loads of fun, but especially grateful for the show in my absence that went so smoothly due specifically to the spirit, dedication and team work of ARL All Stars JR Bradfield, John Powers, Len DePiano and Mimi Nowak. Thanks guys.I've combined the ARL 64 and 65 playlists here and peppered a few cool pics through-out; thanks to photogs Win and Ed Pampani, but have to close on a somewhat somber note.With two shows per week, Thursday at 9 and Sunday at 8, ARL 64 and 65 covers a total of four shows. Some of the talented folks listed here came to more than one, while some made it to all.So why not come to American Roots Live with Nasty Ned and see your name in print and maybe even your picture on this page, too.ARL 64 and 65's playlist included: JR Bradfield, Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Roy Macnamara(pic 3), Ed Avilia, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Doug Diettman(pic 1), Fred Malley, Frank Cerulli, Dave Carta, Paul Obremski, Bob Giglio, Mimi Nowak, The Kaytells, Ron Siebert, Joshua Reyes, Phil Liebergall, Joe Salerno, John Powers, Bob DelRosso, Bones Sanford, Gavin Lawrence, Randy Marinelli (pic 2), Arnie Englund, Robert Zee, Carlo Trentacosta, Tony Bozza, John Bozza, Chaz, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Koerner, Gene Goodman, and Walter Foot.Thanks to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Frank, Annie, Win, Ed, Big Nancy, Stevie, Elmore Magazine and The American Roots Live All Stars.As we remembered our fallen brother, guitar great and ARL All Star, Bernie Brausewetter with a grand memorial concert and final CD release party Sunday at the Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ - the music world mourned yet another true great this past week in Bill Perry. So sad. Such a loss.In honor of Bill Perry and for sake of remembering his genius, I have posted a CD review here that I am proud to have written for Elmore Magazine a few months ago. RIP brother.Bill PerryDon’t Know Nothin’ About Love(Blind Pig)Bill Perry may know nothin’ about love, but he sure knows how to rock the blues. And that’s exactly what the veteran bluesman from Chester, NY does on his fourth Blind Pig release in four years with one funky infectious groove after another.Don’t Know Nothin’ About Love finds Perry at his artistic best as once again he is matched in the studio with producer and New York City blues legend, Popa Chubby. And Chubby seems to know something about Perry. He brings out the best in the artist capturing on disc the raw power and brilliant honesty Bill is known for in his live performances. The album features eight new and vigorous Perry originals and three covers, including a remarkable remake of the Temptations classic, “Ball of Confusion” complete with a ferociously rocking guitar.The title track pines traditional, while “My Baby Loves to Dance” makes you want to. “Can’t Afford to Die” is a smoldering tone-tender blues that Perry smokes way down low proving that phrasing and feel define an artist more than anything else.To say Bill Perry’s guitar talks is an understatement. It actually screams and cries and it preaches. It deeply communicates the blues. In fact on the self penned, socially relevant “Down in New Orleans” Perry brings us even deeper than the blues with a dark chill that will make you feel the flood waters rise.I will not make a comparison here, but must say, I can’t remember being spoken to so intimately by a guitar since Stevie Ray’s. Bill Perry’s performances here are inspiring, fluid, soulful, biting, funky and as gritty as a gravel road. Don’t Know Nothin’ About Love is well worth your hard earned money. And if you like to dance, you’d better roll the rug back off the floor before pressing play.Keeping it real, Ned
Labels: American Roots Live, Bernie Brausewetter, Big Nancy, Bill Perry, Blind Pig, John Powers, Johnny Charles, JR Bradfield, Nasty Ned, Orphan Annie's, Popa Chubby, Stone Pony

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE 61 REVIEW BY NASTY NED

Let there be drums!Picture these silver-sparkled babies in white pearl and that's what you'll get when you come to play at American Roots Live with Nasty Ned. A brand new, 4 piece Gretsch jazz kit with a kickin' little "18 bass drum.

Can I get a shamalama ding dong?There was a lot more than just ratta-tat-tat going on at American Roots Live 61, though. We had some of the hottest musicians in the tri state area on stage; Johnny Charles, Bob DelRosso, Dave Carta, Roy Macnamara and Mike Carrol to name a few.Yeah buddy, ARL keeps gettin' hotter and hotter each week. We should be in serious melt down mode by time HoneyBoy Dupree arrives from Phoenix, AZ for our 5th of July Party that kicks off ARL's Thursday nights at Orphan Annie's. Yes, we're back to two big shows per week. Every Thursday at 9 and every Sunday at 8, but don't worry about the heat, Orphan Annie's is nicely air conditioned and comfortable - a great place to chill, eat, drink and listen to some blistering-hot live music.ARL 61's playlist read: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Roy Macnamara, Dave Sherman, Andy Koenig, Don Howland, Robert Zee, Chris O'Sullivan, Mike Carrol, Dave Carta, Bob DelRosso, Rex Miller, Gene Gagliardi, Paul Obremski, Ron Seibert, Bob Giglio, Phil Liebergall, Adam Pliss and NASCAR photographer Rich Singer from Charlotte, NC who put down his camera and picked up a bass guitar to join us on stage.ARL 61 also saw us collecting All Stars autographs on a new guitar just like the one in the picture held proudly by winner, Phil Ouilette.

That means there will soon be another autographed All Stars guitar winner. Don't miss your chance to take it home with you. Get in on the fun. Come out and join us. Guitar raffle tickets will be available starting Sunday, July 1st.Special thanks to Orphan Annie's management and staff; Rick, Karin, Brian and Annie, also Elmore Magazine and Stevie for the Drake's Devil Dogs, mmm good!Along with nine fabulous nights of ARL in the upcoming month, July is going to be pretty eventful. Lot's of other live music in store for you as well including the Bernie Brausewetter Tribute Concert at the Stone Pony. Visit Nasty Ned dot com for the details on this show, the NYC Blues Cruise with Michael Krizan, and lots of other exciting live dates.Get some rest. We'll see you Sunday at ARL inside OA's.Keeping it real,Ned

Labels: American Roots Live with Nasty Ned, Bernie Brausewetter, Dave Carta, Johnny Charles, Orphan Annie's

AMERICAN ROOTS REVIEWS 56 +57 BY NASTY NED

ARL Roots Review 57
American Roots Live 57 was another fun night of good friends and great music as we packed our bags down at the station and hit the road heading for the hills.
We heard our old friend Dean Shot tear off a few with Johnny Charles and Freddie Mac - Bradfield and Piano layin' it down with Powers - Bones plunkin' bass with Robert Zee and more.
The spirit of the players is what it's all about - everyweek - everywhere at ARL.
Thanks to John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Ed Pampani, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Bones Sanford, Robert Zee, Roy Macnamara, Josh Gebhardt, Brandon Kurzawa, Metal Bob, Freddie Macarone, Ron Michaels, Dean Shot, Walter Foot, Cal Ritchie and Byron J, our last night at the Rail rocked.
We're all excited to be opening American Roots Live on Sunday, June 3 in Stirling at Orphan Annie's, a venue that's been featuring live music since the 1970's. Rick Romano and BluezKid Productins has been running "open jams" on Sunday nights for years hosted by the likes of Bernie Brausewetter and many others. It seems fitting that American Roots Live will be taking over that slot.
So tell yo mamma and yo pa, and all your aunts, uncles and cousins, too that American Roots Live 58 with Nasty Ned will be lighting it up on Sunday night at 8 pm sharp with the Wiliamzboy, JR Bradfield, Roy Macnamara, Len DePiano and many other of the hottest players in three states.
Those coming from the Bound Brook area just head for the glow in the northern sky...
Keeping it real,
Ned


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ARL Roots Review 56 Our open mic celebration of American roots music is really spreading its wings. Week after week American Roots Live gets better and better and gains more and more notoriety among musicians and music fans as people from far and near continue to stream in.
There really is no other show like it anywhere!
As we gear up for HoneyBoy Dupree's return to our stage from Phoenix, Arizona in July, we've played host over the last two weeks to players from NYC, Allentown, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ and all whistle stops in between.
As was American Roots Live 55, the Royal Memorial for BB, this past week's ARL 56 was spectacular. Player after performer after picker after participant - each as impressive as the one before.
What astounds us all is not only the abilities of these fine musicians who make the pilgrimage each week, but the joy and passion they bring to the stage. With each show the sweat music of our immensely talented All Stars fills the room and - matched by the energy and ability of our newcomers - this is what marks American Roots Live as the premiere open mic show anywhere.
American Roots Live may be habit forming.
John Powers' love of song and enthusiasm for performing is contagious. JR Bradfield's tireless dedication to the live show is invaluable and tantamount to our success. Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak and Ed Pampani - invaluable to ARL and a joy to watch. Each is the type of warm, engaging person that is a pleasure to meet. Come out and get to know them. Play with them. You'll be hooked - you'll want more.
Arl 56 featured captivating performances by half of the Congregation, Johnny Charles and Tommy Fuller, Nancy Coletti, Roy Macnamara and Bob Del Roso, newcomers Roz King and Earl Fonnastock, my boys; the Noo Dogs, and many, many more.
Roots rockin' fun at its finest!
Here's the playlist in no particular order including those mentioned above. Keep in mind some of these folks make both Thursday's and Sunday's shows: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Chuck Wegman, Evil Dick, Bones Sanford, Randy Marinelli, Freddy Macarone, Arlene Schar, Lee Fink, Mike Flynn, Gene Downin, Jake Jar el, Robert Zee, Johnny Charles, Roy Macnamara, Brandon, Kurzawa, Metal Bob, Carlo Trentacosta, Tommy Fuller, Ron Michaels, Bob Giglio, Saxaphone Joe, Dennis Macarone, Nancy Coletti, Roz King, Earl, Fonnastock, Mike Carol, Bob DelRoso and myself joining many to blow and sing and get a cardio work-out behind the drums.

American Roots review 55 bernie brauswetter's memorial

ARL Roots Review 55 - BB's Royal Memorial
Thoughtfully, Arlene Schar, violinist and American Roots Live All-Star; Hellertown, PA, circulated a mother's day card among ARL 55 participants on the first of Bernie's Memorial nights Thursday at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ.Then, Friday, she "over-nighted" the mother's day card full of our signatures and well wishes to BB's mom with my phone number on the back.As Arlene had hoped would happen, Bernie's mom got the card on Saturday and decided to come to 55 for the second night of the Royal Memorial for her son on Sunday.Before the second show, as the Rail filled with players, friends and fans my cell phone rang.Mrs. B arrived that night, driven by Bernie's good friend Dawn, just as the evening's music was starting. She appreciated all of the talented, dedicated players who showed up on both nights in her son's honor, and so do I.They came from near and far.Just off his tour of Holland and England, our friend Jake Walker came in from New York City on Thursday to join 28 other performers at the Royal Memorial.On Sunday, it was our friend the King of the Rust Belt Blues; Mike Dugan from Allentown, PA with bass player and ARL All-Star Rob Fraser joining 21 others to play and pay tribute.Yes, the hottest players in the area made it to our stage to honor BB. And though he has has left the building and his stool sits empty on our stage, Bernie Brausewetter will remain in our hearts and our minds and our ears.Many special thanks to all who took part in American Roots Live 55; John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Johnny Charles, Jamo Flynn, Billy K, Nancy Coletti, Arlene Schar, Ed Pampani, Sonny Young, Jimmy Somma, Jake Walker, Mike Carrol, Jake Jar el, Bob Del Roso, Bones Sanford, Roy Macnamara, Snakeman Runyan, Chris Porto, Randy Marinelli, Carlo Trentacosta, Jack Powers, Mike Caruso, Dennis Macarone, Vern Mobley, Arne Englund, Robert Zee, Alan Rogoff, Metal Bob, Aaron, Ramir, Gavin Lawrence, Freddie Macarone, Ron Michaels, Rusty, Walter Foot, Bob Giglio, Mike Dugan, Rob Fraser, Tony Goncalves, Chris O'Sullivan, Chet Smith, Cal Ritchie, Big Nancy, Richard Skelly, Russ Allison, Susan, Noah, Dawn and of course Mrs. Brausewetter. (Pic with Bernie below.)Remember, it was on the morning of Bernie's passing, April 15th, that the sky started crying and flooded 7 feet of water into downtown Bound Brook. It rained for three days putting the Rail and hundreds of other businesses and residents out of commission, including American Roots Live for three weeks.ARL wants to help the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce to help those businesses and the historic Bound Brook Theater back on their feet. Please watch this page and your email inbox for information about upcoming fund raising events including an American Roots Live spear-headed Spirit Festival downtown in July.It all starts with a Somerset Patriots baseball game Monday, May 21 at Commerce Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ.Purchasing tickets for that game (and the fun activities prior to the game) from the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce will assure the monies go to the downtown folks affected and will greatly help the efforts of restoration undertaken by so many.To attend the game and festivities for the sake of the cause, please call Mafalda at Versatile Printing for tickets. Her phone number is 908 489-4753 and tell her Nasty Ned told you to call. I'd like to see you at the ballpark on Monday as the Somerset Patriots celebrate their tenth season while helping Bound Brook, in a game against the Bridgeport Bluefish.Thank you.Keeping it real,Ned
Labels: American Roots Live, Arlene Schar, Bernie Brausewetter, Big Nancy, Jake Walker, Jimmy Somma, John Powers, Johnny Charles, Mike Dugan, Nancy Coletti, Nasty Ned, Rob Fraser, Ron Michaels

ARL 55 The Royal Memorial for Bernie Brausewetter Thursday May 10th and Sunday May 13th

Thnx to all who came out to to see or participate in arl 55 , it was a blast

i was good to se bernies mom again , i could tell she was really digging the show

ARL is back in buisness folks !

We will dearly miss bernie but he will live on in our hearts .

R.I.P. BERNIE " B.B." BRAUSEWETTER

R.I.P. BERNIE BRAUSEWETTER

Bernie Brausewetter

September 10, 1954 - April 15, 2007

On Sunday afternoon, April 15Th, Bernie Brausewetter (AKA B.B.) passed away.

http://badweb.com/bb/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/bbstingers

COMMENTARY BY NASTY NED FROM AMERICAN ROOTS BLOG :

Today we are all stunned and saddened by the passing, Sunday, of our friend, our brother, a true American Roots Live All-Star and international guitar-legend in his own right, Bernie Brausewetter.BB was with us, on stage, through-out ARL's first year in every venue we played. Even when we expanded to two shows per week in two states, Bernie often made both, back to back.Always a gentleman and a pro's pro, Bernie Brausewetter thrilled fans everywhere he went with his awesome genius and brilliant guitar work.I can't say enough about the big man so I'll stop trying to find the right words. Forgive me. I'd rather post photos of Bernie this time

MORE PHOTOS ON BB'S MYSPACE WERE THERE IS A LINK TO THE STINGERS WEB PAGE AND ALSO HERE AT AMERICAN ROOTS

http://american-roots.blogspot.com/

http://www.myspace.com/bbstingers


COMMENTS FROM A PLEASANT SYMMETRY :

BERNIE WAS A GREAT GUY AND A GREAT MUSICIAN .

I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY , I AM GREATFUL TO HAVE KNOWN AND PLAYED WITH HIM .

HE WAS FUNNY AND OFTEN MADE SILLY FACES WHEN I TRIED TO TAKE PHOTOS OF HIM .

HE WAS QUIET THE MUSICAL GENIOUS , USING FLUID RUNS ,

EXOTIC CHANGES AND INTERPRETATIONS OF THE CLASSICS .

HE WAS A UNIQUE PLAYER AND VERY GIFTED .

HE WAS A SMART SONGWRITER ,

AND HE PLAYED WITH THE GREATEST MUSICIANS AROUND.

SOME PART OF ME WISHES I COULD SEE HIM PLUGIN AT THE JAM AT ORPHAN ANNIES OR AMERICAN ROOTS,

HE WOULD ROLL IN AND WATCH INTENTLY BEFORE AND AFTER HIS SET .
'
I KNOW WHEN I GO BACK TO O ' ANNIES ILL BE LOOKING FOR HIM SITTING WAY IN THE BACK ,

BUT I KNOW FOR CERTAIN ,

THERE IS SOME GUY IN HEAVEN RIGHT NOW MAKING JOKES AND PLAYING SOME OUTSTANDING SOLOS .

HEY BERNIE SAY HELLO TO THE BIG MAN FOR ME !

PEACE ED

COMMENTS CAN BE LEFT AT http://www.myspace.com/bbstingers

(I WILL ATTEMPT TO UPLOAD PHOTOS HERE LATER)

Here is Bernies obituary

BERNARD J. BRAUSEWETTER, 52, South Plainfield MusicianBernard Brausewetter of South Plainfield died Sunday April 15 at Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ of complications from diabetes and congestive heart failure. He was 52. He was predeceased by his father, Bernard, who passed away in 1986. Survivors include his mother, Norma, of South Plainfield and an aunt, Ruth Hebert of Thorofare, NJ. Born Sept. 10, 1954, in Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, Bernie began playing guitar as a 7-year old. He graduated from South Plainfield High School. He was known to music fans around the Garden State as leader of a blues-rock trio, B.B. & The Stingers. The trio recorded several albums, including a self-titled debut album and “First Blues Band on Venus.” His albums got airplay in Germany, France, Switzerland and Scandinavian countries. His new CD has not yet been releasedHe moved to Ohio and played with Silverhoof around the Midwest in the early 1970’s, then returned to New Jersey. He formed his own trio, B.B. & The Stingers, in 1990, and frequented the Melody Bar and other New Brunswick-area venues. His guitar playing style was fluid and dynamic, and he always knew the importance of playing as part of an ensemble. He could play the most difficult classic rock guitar solos note for note, and he astonished his audiences with his fluidity and dexterity. In the 1990’s, he joined Glen Burtnik and Slaves of New Brunswick and always performed at Burtnik’s annual Christmas extravaganzas. He also was an integral part of Supreme Court with Nancy Swarbrick. More recently, he began playing with original E-Street Band drummer Vini Lopez in Steel Mill, playing early songs written by Bruce Springsteen. He was a self-employed guitar teacher and performer. He worked teaching guitar students from his home in South Plainfield, which he shared with his mother after his father passed away. He enjoyed a great reputation as a teacher and performer and he had legions of students who came to him for guitar lessons. He shared stages with Johnny Winter, Rick Derringer and dozens of other nationally known guitarists. He went to Memphis in 2003 and 2004 to compete in the International Blues Talent Competition representing the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation. Unlike many other musicians, he took an active interest in what other bands were doing in clubs. On a bill with two or three other bands at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park or the Court Tavern in New Brunswick, he would always hang out after his set to hear another band or two before leaving. “There’s always something new you can learn,” he would say, and he often said his decision to pursue guitar teaching from his home “was the best decision I ever made.” One of his protégés, Matt O’ Ree, has begun to make a name for himself nationally, playing in a similar blues-rock style. He was an avid science fiction buff and enjoyed fishing when he wasn’t performing, practicing or teaching guitar. A musical memorial service and a celebration of the life and music of Bernie Brausewetter is planned for coming months at a yet-to-be-determined venue. Fans and friends can point their web browser to B.B. and the Stingers.com to stay apprised of a planned musical memorial service.

DEDICATIONS CAN BE LEFT HERE ALSO

Roots Review 53, 54 ARL remembers Bernie Brausewetter

I've been excited with anticipation to review the first two absolutely amazing American Roots Live shows of our second year celebrating the music, but now find myself seriously lost for words.

Today we are all stunned and saddened by the passing, Sunday, of our friend, our brother, a true American Roots Live All-Star and international guitar-legend in his own right, Bernie Brausewetter.

http://www.myspace.com/bbstingers

BB was with us, on stage, through-out ARL's first year in every venue we played. Even when we expanded to two shows per week in two states, Bernie often made both, back to back.

Always a gentleman and a pro's pro, Bernie Brausewetter thrilled fans everywhere he went with his awesome genius and brilliant guitar work.

I can't say enough about the big man so I'll stop trying to find the right words. Forgive me. I'd rather post photos of Bernie this time and simply post ARL 53 and 54's role call of totally over-the-top performers below. Those shows were very special, but I know you and they will all understand that I don't gush here about tremendous performances.

As soon as the flood waters recede in Bound Brook, hopefully Thursday, American Roots Live 55 will be dedicated to BB with a special memorial show. I already have a long list of musicians who love and admire him, who have agreed to play in his honor. We hope to see you all there. Let's keep Bernie's memory and music alive.

Thanks to Win for the photos and his heartfelt BB eulogy that I'll post excerpts from another time. More of Win's, Ed Pampani's and Eddie Ray's photos of Bernie and friends can be viewed at the ARL photo gallery. Thank you.

Keeping it real,

Ned

American Roots Live 53 & 54 Performers

John Powers,JR Bradfield,Johnny Charles,Jaimo Flynn,Ed Pampani,Mimi Nowak,Len DePiano,Robert Zee,Snakeman Runyan,Keith McGonigle,Josh Gebhardt,Metal Bob,Chris O'Sullivan.Roy Macnamara.Maria Riggi,Scott McPherson,Rotten Robert,Arlene Schar,Bones Sanford,Randy Marinelli,Matt Warta,Jake Jar el,Ron Michaels.Nancy Coletti,Brianna Beatie,Arne Englund,Freddie Macarone,Dennis Macarone,Lori V,Carlo Trentacoste,Artie LeAndro,Sonny Young, Bob Giglio