AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED ARL Roots Review 85 BY NASTY NED

ARL Roots Review 85

American Roots Live 85 was one very special week of live music capped by a grand celebration of Orphan Annie's 30th Anniversary on Sunday.



ARL's Sunday show fell on the day marking three decades of live music for the Romano family, who built their business and many friendships on the stuff. We were honored to host the live music gala...


...great live music from eight great bands, for eight straight hours... then the mountains of free food caused me to recall a time long ago when I discovered that free food and live music made for a good time, though that free food sequestered in a small room back-stage was for the band - Sunday at Orphan Annie's was as if everyone had a backstage pass while friends, fans, guests and bands all mingled together at the serving tables.

We remembered our late great friend Bernie Brausewetter who was forever part of the OA landscape and missed him dearly realizing that if this party were held last year, he'd be on stage with us this day.

In BB's absence we welcomed his mom Mrs. B who attended the event with Big Nancy and husband Danny Swarbrick.
















Thanks to the Congregation (pic top), John Powers, JR Bradfield, Eryn Shewell Band (pic above), Tony Santos & his Blues Conspiracy with Big Nancy, Joe Morrison Project, Rockin' Daddy, The WALL and Dilly for the non-stop joyous noise.

In my 20 years playing Orphan Annie's, I've never seen so many people in that room at one time. We were absolutely mobbed! Here's to the next 30 years of live music at Orphan Annie's. Anne, Frank, Rick... congratulations.

Thursday, after we gave away 8 pairs of concert tickets to Starland Ballroom for the Pink Floyd tribute, we played host to one of the most famous anonymous singers in America; Joe Cerisano. Joe's is the soulful, raspy voice you've heard on more than fifty recognizable commercials on TV and radio. Joe was also the lead male voice on the 80's hit "Hands Across America" and, among many, many other projects including singing a recent hit for Korn - Joe Cerisano was lead singer with Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 1998 when the touring troupe went double platinum with their smash holiday album Christmas Attic.

It was great having Joe on our stage and fun hearing him and Mimi Nowak singing and having fun together with Roy Macnamara, Peter Mailliss, JR Bradfield and Anthony Gagliano rounding out the band.

With us all week, both at Writers in Raritan and American Roots Live, Joe, on his first night at ARL really enjoyed Hershall Dow and Mordechi Jones with Randy Marinelli on drums and Corey Small on bass. Then was knocked-out when Corey picked-up his acoustic guitar and did fifteen minutes of thumping, innovative original songs. He would marvel at Big Nancy's harp discipline, precision and tone three nights later.

Lisa, Jeri and Lucky, who we know and love as Cleaver June, entertained us Thursday with a rockin' high energy stint and really turning it up - turned heads.

There was a great vibe in the room all week!

ARL 85's playlist also included accomplished contributions from Johnny Thompson, Tommy Toye, Ed Pampani, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Carlo Trentacosta, Don Howland and Ron Seibert.

At Wednesday's Writer's in Raritan, with heavies Joe Cerisano, Tommy Fuller and Mike Caruso from the Doughboys in the house; Gerry Perlinski, Peter Prasa, Sheli Aarden and Keith Monacchio bared their souls, their songcraft and solo performance to enthusiastic attendies in an especially entertaining evening of original music.

We've since booked a special show at WiR for January 9 featuring Tommy Fuller, Joe Cerisano, Sheli Aarden and Peter Prasa - mark down that date but first, don't miss the powerful December 12th line-up of Christine Martucci, Aster Pheonyx, Sarah Donner and Kevin Reavey.

Many thanks to Ed Pampani for these live pics and for being an integral part of ARL. Also many thanks to all who help keep live music live. See you soon again.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Phishboy performed ARL 85

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

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED ARL Roots Review 77 BY NASTY NED

ARL Roots Review 77
Your bed's on fire! Your bed's on fire!

That's what I've been saying to my friend Copa - the multi-instrumentalist best known as the keyboard player in my earliest bands, Shadowfax and R Band and a more recent Famous Chili Dogs - for as long as I can remember, because he played so hot. At least I think that's why I always said that.

Copa and I spent a lot of time together. In the late 70's we traveled to places like Houma, Louisiana and Hafuf, Saudi Arabia and almost everywhere in between - in bands that had little to do with us - then spent most of the early 80's writing songs and recording comedy skits in his home studio behind gallons of producer juice and piles of other stuff.

Well, Copa, who now lives about a hundred miles south of here, made it up to American Roots Live 77 at Orphan Annie's last week to play with us all. He brought his keyboards, but spent the night burning up the bass - I told you he was hot - and we loved it as much as he did, as he made many new friends. Thanks Cope.

Last week was full of great players as we welcomed back our old ARL friends Jimmy Somma and Tommy Hayes and Peter Malliss - and some old favorite regulars like Johnny Charles and Evil Dick of the Congregation.

And we gave away 6 pairs of tickets to see Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter in concert at the Starland Ballroom compliments of BluezKid. Everybody was smilin' big time!

We lit up the northern sky at 77 as we have many times at ARL and just as we'll do again this Thursday night and ALL DAY Sunday, October 21st at our "Roots Rockin' Riders, Bikers' Benefit for Autism. Doors open at 12N, music starts at 2pm and goes til midnight featuring Johnny Thompson at 2pm, Phil 'n the Blanks 3pm, The Congregation 4pm, Nasty Ned & the Dogs 5pm, The Jerry Lanza Band 6pm, Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings 7pm, Katmandu at 8pm and then an American Roots Live All Star Jam the rest of the way - and I'm pretty sure we're going to have some "girl power" coming!

77's playlist read: JR Bradfield, John Powers, Copa, Jimmy Somma, Tommy Hayes, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Ron Seibert, Bobby Z, Robert Zee, Hershall Dow, Mordichai, Dave Alles, Ed Avilia, Randy Marinelli, Keith Autocunas, Lisa Batruch, Joe Salerno, Frank Ceruli, Joe DeRogatis, Phil Leibergall, Sandra Lynne, Molly, Evil Dick, Dennis Grove, Tommy Toye, Jeff Frank, Sticks Obremski, Vinnie Capodice, Tim Ludwig, Peter Malliss, Amy Franza, Tony Prochilo, Bones Sanford, Johnny Charles, Johnny Thompson, Carlo Trentacosta, Gene Gagliardi, Retox, Carl Marcantonio, Chaz, Ron Michaels, Arlene Schar, Rob Bianco, Rich Keorner and Vinni Meleto.

Thanks to all who make American Roots Live work week after week: Orphan Annie's Rick, Karin, Joe, Bradfield, Powers, Mimi and Ed and Win for their support and photographs. (Due to a misfunction in Blogger today there are no pictures here, sorry)

See you soon again.

Keeping it real,

Ned

P.S. Tonight, Wednesday October 17th is opening night of Writers in Raritan, our new singer-songwriter show at DeCicco's featuring Robert Ross, John Powers, The Wiliamzboy, Bruce Jepson and Peter Prasa - please check it out at Writers in Raritan

Labels: American Roots Live with Nasty Ned, Edgar Winter, Jimmy Somma, Johnny Charles, Johnny Winter, Orphan Annie's, Roots Rockin' Riders, The Congregation

"ROOTS ROCKIN RIDERS" BIKERS' BENEFIT FOR AUTISM ARTICLE FROM UPSTAGE

AREA MUSICIANS BAND TOGETHER TO BENEFIT HARD WORKING
ORGANIZATION WHO HELP PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

Special UpstageMagazine.com Online Only Article

(STIRLING, NJ) -- American Roots Live with Nasty Ned, in association with Flock Promotions, announced today a benefit concert to raise money for the Eden Institute and awareness for autism; Sunday, October 21st at Orphan Annie's, 1255 Valley Rd. in Stirling, NJ.

"Roots Rockin' Riders" Bikers' Benefit for Autism is an all day concert fund raiser featuring some of the areas most popular musical acts. Doors open at 12 noon and music will start at 2pm running until 12 midnight. A $5 minimum donation is requested.

The show, hosted by American Roots Live's Nasty Ned will also feature Nasty Ned & the Dogs, Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings, The Congregation, The Jerry Lanza Band with very special guest, Phil 'n the Blanks, Johnny Thompson, Katmandu and an American Roots Live All Star jam to round out the evening.

The motorcycle community is strongly encouraged to attend as they have proved year after year to be generous supporters of children's charity events put on by Flock Promotions. Preferred parking for motorcycles will be available.

The Eden Institute, a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization, was founded in 1975 with a mission to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and their families. Parents and professionals alike joined together to develop a family oriented, multifaceted program with a well-trained and dedicated faculty. Inherent in Eden's founding was the commitment to provide a cost-effective, community-based alternative to institutionalization and to offer programming that would meet the changing needs of children and adults with autism.

Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that impacts the development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills, the result of a neurological disorder affecting the functioning of the brain.

Autism currently affects an estimated 1 in 150 child births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007) and is four times more common in boys than girls. It is found in all racial, ethnic and social groups and its overall incidence is consistent throughout the world. Family income, lifestyle and education do not affect the chance of occurrence.

Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. Aggressive or self-injurious behavior may also be present.

There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism, so an accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual's communication, behavior and developmental levels.

No single cause for autism has been identified, but there is general acceptance that abnormalities in brain structure or function are at the root. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism versus those who do not have autism, and researchers continue to investigate a variety of theories and links. Autism is not a mental illness nor is it caused by bad parenting. Children with autism and related pervasive developmental disabilities are born with the disorder or the potential to develop it.

Your generous support is greatly needed. Please come to Roots Rockin' Riders Bikers Benefit for Autism and do your part while enjoying great music, food and beverage, raffle prizes and 50/50 games.

Flock Promotions of south Jersey is a fully insured event coordinating service run by A.J. and Frankie Scarpa. Frankie Scarpa, a talented artesian and carver and wife A.J. have had a special interest in raising money for the Eden Institute and awareness for autism for five years.

CHECK THIS LINK

http://www.scarpadacarver.com/


FOR MORE INFO AND DIRECTIONS TO THE EVENT

CLICK HERE http://oannies.tripod.com/











(NOTE FROM A PLEASANT SYMMETRY)

I WILL BE PERFORMING AT THIS FUND RAISER AS THE DRUMMER FOR PHIL 'N THE BLANKS .

COME DOWN AND NOT ONLY FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT BUT FOR A GREAT CAUSE $5 MIN . DONATION .

Roots Rockin' Riders for Autism

Labels: Eden Institute, Jerry Lanza, Johnny Charles, Johnny Thompson, Nasty Ned and the Dogs, Orphan Annie's, Phil 'n the Blanks, The Congregation

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED review 69 by nasty ned

ARL Roots Review 69
Not just for musicians anymore!

Actually, it never was meant to be that way, but there have been more musicians than music fans at American Roots Live with Nasty Ned as word spread like wild fire within the musician's community that ARL is the place to be to play and have great fun with other top notch musicians.

And when top notch musicians get together with other top notch musicians to have fun, well... this is something a music fan does not want to miss - then, given the great food and drink at Orphan Annie's and the cool music prizes we give away on stage...

well, there is no other show like it anywhere! Here, The Congregation filled our room with a higher power of sound late Sunday night at ARL 68. You wanna talk about fun -

Divine.Then we picked up right where we left off with American Roots Live 69

as Carlo Trentacosta did his slide thing and we all came together again in the name of music

Thursday night at Orphan Annie's. Groove bassist extraodinare, Todd Lanka had more than just fun on his mind when he showed up Thursday night to air it out on guitar - that is, before he eyed Bertha laying across the floor.

With permission, Todd picked up Bertha and slapped her around for awhile(upright bass )

as I blew harp and Bradfield plunked Stumpy(jr's homade guitar )...Bertha is JR Bradfield's upright acoustic bass and Stumpy is the guitar he built using an antique banjo ring, a dobro resonator and a hunk of tree stump from his back yard.

Then, Sunday night's ARL 69 was down right dilly-icious as Basking Ridge, NJ's Frank, Neil and Amanda showed up to perform their newly formed trio called Dilly. Bright acoustic guitars twinkled as Amanda's soaring vocals kept a good sized crowd satisfied.

I hope Dilly comes back soon as I forgot to have them autograph the ARL All Stars signature guitar - which by the way will be raffled-off after September 21. Raffle tickets are going fast for the September drawing, so please don't say I didn't warn you. If you want that guitar, come and get your $3 raffle ticket before they're all gone. You can buy as many tickets as you like, but only the remainder of this first role of tickets will be sold.Me and JR Bradfield would like to thank everyone who make this celebration of roots music possible: Orphan Annie's, Rick, Karin, Frank & Annie, BluezKid, Win and Ed Pampani for the photos, John Powers, Stevie and, well... you. Thanks.Hope we see you again soon and if you know any music fans - do them a favor - bring 'em.Keeping it real,

ps. check here for pics taken by a pleasant symmetry aka ed pampani

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

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE WITH NASTY NED REVIEW # 68 by Nasty Ned

ARL Roots Review 68

The BluezKid and me are always at odds over the terms "open mic" and "open jam". He doesn't like one and I don't care for the other, especially when it comes to describing American Roots Live with Nasty Ned; the premier, equal opportunity celebration of roots music, recognizing Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock&Roll, R&B, Rock, Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel, Soul, BeeBop, Dixieland, Zydeco, Cajun, Native and everything in between that came before... See?American Roots Live is open to all but is much more than an open-mic or an open-jam. ARL's aim is to preserve and promote roots music with equal opportunity celebrations that are run like shows and in effect are showcases where the musician who graces the stage is promoted!

That's partly why I'm always spouting, "there is no other show like it anywhere!"

ARL is the twice weekly live music event where you can hear great music with your dinner - then, if you are a musician, play for an enthusiastic audience after dinner - and ARL is where parents can bring their youngsters to listen or to perform live music on stage with professional musicians.American Roots Live is also an event where fans, musicians and youngsters can win prizes like classic roots music CDs, local artist's CDs, national music magazines, autographed Hohner harmonicas, delicious baked goods (yes, cookies and donuts) and even All Stars autographed electric guitars!

Also the aim of ARL is to rejuvenate an ever-shrinking "live music scene" by bringing music into venues on nights other than Fridays and Saturdays - bringing attention to "LIVE" music - and waging a fair fight against Karaoke, bad DJs, Texas Hold 'ems, Jello wrestling and other culturally deficient activities. ARL encourages everyone to support live music whenever and where ever it is performed.

We commend our brother Len DePiano and good friends Dean Shott and Todd Wolfe for creating other live music opportunities for musicians - and ARL recognizes other live music "open sessions" popping up in other areas across the state and around the country.

Go! It's all about the music. Robert Zee knows it. Zee knows it's about playing it live, having fun with it and sharing the roots of the music with kids. The music is the heartbeat of our culture. We can't forget it.

American Roots Live 68 at Orphan Annie's in Stirling, NJ was another great two nights of, well... all that I've been talking about.Come out and see for yourself.

There really is no other show like it anywhere.

ARL 68's playlist read: Johnny Charles, Kim Brewer, Mimi Nowak, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, John Powers, Ed Pampani, Keith Autocunas, Snakeman Runyan, Paul Obremski, Robert Zee, Ed Avilia, Bones Sanford, Mikey K., The CONGREGATION, Phil Leibergall, Chaz, Evan Coniglio, Roy Macnamra, phil 'n the Blanks, Gene Gigliardi, Doug Diettmann, Carl Marcantonio, Rich Koerner, Bob Giglio and Amy Franza and Peter Mailliss,

to Orphan Annie's, Rick, Tim, Frank, Annie, Brad for finding the bad tubes, Stevie for drivin me around, Ed for breaking down the drums and Win for the photographs and of course, the BluezKid.

See you at American Roots Live 69!Keeping it real, Ned

Labels: American Roots Live with Nasty Ned, Dean Shott, John Powers, Johnny Charles, JR Bradfield, Orphan Annie's, Snakeman Runyan, The Congregation, Todd Wolfe

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE 60 REVIEW BY NASTY NED

Sunday night, Orphan Annie's in Stirling, NJ was full of daddies...In the house and on the stage.We thank mothers and children for sharing their daddies with us at American Roots Live 60 and, thank the daddies for sharing live music with their kids.Again our open Celebration of American Roots featured an eager youngster performing with us on stage in the name of music preservation. Emily Mulhall, an 11 year old singer from Hampton, NJ belted out a 1940's styled cabaret number showing real presence and poise with nice range and vocal discipline. Her proud father Jeff looked on.Room silent. Could'a heard a pin drop. Emily warbled wonderfully accompanied only by Nancy Coletti on piano.Orphan Annie's is a great family placeto enjoy good music and good food together. A clean, well managed establishment, we thank Orphan Annie's for helping us feel right at home. It was evident on Father's Day. Lots of smiles, and fun and good food.And on this night it was kids winning a lot of the cool raffle prizes! 4 year old Emily Wegman won an autographed Hohner Harmonica while Emily Mulhall held the winning ticket for the Entenmann's Chocolate Donuts. Others went home with music CD's; Charlie Parker, one autographed by Pinetop Perkin's, and the latest issues of Elmore Magazine "Saving American Music".Another kick Sunday was Fickle, a young band out of Covington, KY. Currently touring, but with a night off, they dropped in at Orphan Annie's in NJ to play ARL on their way between gigs - Saturday in Quincy, MA and Monday, Baltimore, MD.It was great meeting and hearing Brian Martin, Dennis DeZarn, Ian McGee and Chris Mueller.After their set, Fickle hung out and dug other performers, commenting on myspace.com/americanroots, they enjoyed playing with us and it was inspiring to see what goes on at American Roots Live. The new Fickle CD on Orchard Records is available online at CD Baby and iTunes - go get it.Thanks to Rick, Karin and Annie, ARL 60's play list read: John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Nancy Coletti, Emily Mulhall, Mimi Nowak, Chuck Wegman and Evil Dick of The Congregation, Ed Pampani, Roy Macnamara, Robert Zee, Chaz, Bob Giglio, Gary Paul Hermus, Arne Englund, Garry Hodgson and Fickle.We always have a blast at American Roots Live - and now we're in a great new room - so if you haven't been to one of our celebrations... what are you waiting for? ARL 61 this Sunday night at Orphan Annie's is a good idea.Keeping it real,Ned
Labels: American Roots Live, Blueskid Productions, Elmore Magazine, Fickle, Gary Paul Hermus, John Powers, Nancy Coletti, Orphan Annie's, The Congregation