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 .

LATEST DISAPOINTMENT

Sorry Folks - false alarm. There will be no shows at the Rail in Bound Brook this weekend.

No Johnny Charles show tonight

No American Roots Live show Sunday

The Rail was promised a final inspection by Friday so they could re-open this weekend and they were let down - the inspector was a no show - so there will be no shows Saturday and Sunday.

American Roots Live 55 and the tribute to Bernie Brausewetter will happen Thursday, May 10th and Sunday, May 13th. Hope to see you all then.

Nasty Ned & the Noo Dogs and Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings will also be rescheduled at later dates.

I'll keep you posted. Sorry for the roller coaster ride. We'll all just have to be a little more patient. Thank you.

Best

Ned

http://www.american-roots.blogspot.com/ - no ARL 55 this Sunday
http://www.nastyned.com/
http://www.nastyned.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/americanroots


HANG IN THERE FOLKS LETS KEEP BELIEVING THAT THURSDAY WE WILL BE BACK IN ACTION PEACE ED

AMERICAN ROOTS LIVE RETURNS TO THE RAIL !

C'mon 55
We've had to deal with a lot of adversity over the first year and a month of American Roots Live with Nasty Ned.

There was the repaving on Main Street at ARL 3 where the parking lot at the Rail was not accessible to vehicles and we had to carry all the equipment in from a parking lot across the street, dodging trucks, tractors and machines spewing hot tar - and the show went on. Duane Chez will remember.

There was ARL 8 almost being cancelled after flames shot from the manhole covers on Main Street after a speeding train blasted past the station blowing a transformer - but the show went on.

There was the difference in visions with old management that sent ARL 18 thru 28 scrambling into two different venues. Then, the last minute cancellation of our night-before-Thanksgiving show because one of those venues insisted on doing something else, so we took the show to Phoenix, AZ with HoneyBoy Dupree and Paris James - yet ARL continued uninterrupted another week. Then upon returning from Phoenix finding the aforementioned rogue venue had pulled the plug on us altogether - and still American Roots Live went uninterrupted thanks to Win and Mike and Lynn at the Rail in Bound Brook for giving us temporary asylum on Sunday nights.

Yes, American Roots Live has had its share of adversity - and joys and triumphs, too - now expanded to two nights per week at the Rail with our consecutive weeks streak unbroken all the way up to ARL 54.

Then a force so great, known as mother nature, spilled millions of gallons of water over the banks of the Raritan River and into the streets of Bound Brook drowning Main Street under 7 feet of water and ARL 55 with it. Thankfully, because the Rail sits highest on Main Street, our stage was an island.

As if the sky was crying over the loss of our late brother Bernie Brausewetter, the rain continued for days turning downtown Bound Brook into what looked like the ninth ward - thank God no life was lost to the water.

Well, we can't reverse mother nature. But we can dry ourselves off - clean up the mess - and get back to work, and that's exactly what we're going to do.

Please come to the Rail as we bring back the music Saturday night with yours truly joining Johnny Charles & the Straight 8 Blues Kings and Sunday night for the return of American Roots Live!

55 has finally arrived and we couldn't be happier - but on such short notice, we've decided that the Royal Memorial Show for BB will be next week, both Thursday and Sunday at American Roots Live 56.

Many players pledged to be there as tribute to the big man when we thought we'd be open two weeks ago, so I'm asking you all now to be there May 10th and 13th to play in Bernie's honor.

Now, a little lost in the shuffle was ARL 54 because I was in no condition to write a proper Roots Review, following those tremendous nights of music, as we had just learned of our dear friend's passing. So I'll use this space today to recognize some of those incredible musicians who made American Roots Live 54 the incredible musical extravaganza that it was - we were all on an all-time high!

Kickin' off with John Powers and all our fantastic regulars, proper kudos must go out to a 16 year old song bird named Brianna Beatie making her ARL debut.


Veteran performer Nancy Coletti, who sings the Sea World commercial on TV, accompanied the youngster on piano then sang and scatted up a storm for us and brought the house down.

Ron Michaels, TV's Mr. Aleeve, wailing on his trumpet and fluggle horn. JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Len DePiano, Jaimo Flynn, Roy Mcnamara, Arne Englund, Dennis Macarone and on and on - it was wild. (Please scroll down a bit to see the entire roll call. Everyone was great.)

Hope to see you all Sunday at 55 - the Rail really needs our support!

Keeping it real,

Ned

Sunday Night - May 6th
American Roots Live 55
Nasty Ned, John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak
and more, more, more!!!!!
AT THE RAIL ON MAIN STREET IN BOUND BROOK, NJ

Please join us - the Rail needs your support!

www.american-roots.blogspot.com

www.nastyned.com

www.nastyned.blogspot.com

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

ROOTS REVIEW 52 HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY !

Our one year anniversary celebration of American Roots Live at The Rail last week had me feeling like Lou Gehrig. By that I mean I felt like the luckiest man on the face of the earth.

And when I think about American Roots Live and the tight little artist's community that has come together over the past year, I realize I am the luckiest man on the planet. To be surrounded by so many talented and dedicated musicians and coordinators who have all helped me realize a dream, and a dream that has become their own reality as well - working together to preserve American roots music for future generations - I am most fortunate indeed.

American Roots Live 52 Sunday night was a masterpiece. After the raucous crowd response to our national anthem played on harmonica, Chuck Wegman and Evil Dick of The Congregation embraced the honor of kicking off the show with an unplugged, unpretentious set of Congregation originals and covers. Awesome.

Then, on to the youngsters. Nine year old Brent Meyer, with his big Fender Stratocaster and his parents and sister in attendance, stood proud center stage picking strings before an enthusiastic audience supported by Jaimo Flynn on drums, JR Bradfield on bass, Len DePiano on keys and ARL Ambassador from Pennsylvania, Billy K on guitar.

After Brent breezed through his set he was followed on stage by his seniors, 14 year old Dolan Kutzman playing drums and 16 year old Tim Beery on bass, both rockin' in the free world with Dolan's father, Billy K center stage.

What followed was a roots revival to be rivalled by no other - remember, there's no other show like American Roots Live anywhere!

ARL 52 Sunday was also the night of the all-stars autographed guitar contest, completing the blaze benefit for Harry Okie and his kids who lost their home to fire just before Christmas '06.

Phil Ouellette of Union, NJ was the lucky recipient of the autographed guitar donated by Manville Music. He smiled with pride in accepting the prize knowing that he - along with many other people - donated to the cause that, all totalled, raised $1,960.02.

No one knows from where the two pennies came, but they were in the bucket and appreciated none-the-less.

Everybody was jacked both Sunday and Thursday nights as tremendous performances were put in by the afore mentioned players as well as John Powers, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Big Daddy & the Wild Cats, Roy MacNamara, Johnny Charles, Robert Zee, Snakeman Runyan, Arne Englund, Metal Bob, Gavin Lawrence, Randy Marinelli, Al Madison, Johnny Thompson, Uncle Wayne, Bob Giglio, Chris Porto, John DiGiovanni, Steve Pozzelanti, Ray Mack, Mike Carrol, Dennis Macarone, Saxophone Joe and Cal Ritchie with special thanks going to Elliot "Win" Newcomb , Elmore Magazine and much appreciation to many others.

Also, as an aside - for those aware and concerned - Monday's surgery was a success and I'm recovering nicely wrapped in terry cloth and perched atop a bag of frozen peas. Thank you all for your generous gifts and offers of assistance, and your prayers, thoughtful emails and phone calls.

I'll see you tomorrow night down at the station for American Roots Live 53 and can't wait to experience the excitement this next year will bring!

Keeping it real,

Nasty Ned

PS - Happy Birthday to Muddy Waters - April 4th


http://blog.myspace.com/americanroots


http://www.myspace.com/americanroots



http://american-roots.blogspot.com

ROOTS REVIEW 51!

American Roots Live 51 was brimming with excitment last week. Maybe it was everyone's anticipation of ARL 52 - this week's one year anniversary celebration. Maybe it was because our friend, NYC firefighter, Brian Z was back on stage again. Maybe it was because guitar legend, Dave DiPietro was making his American Roots Live debut and smoking the house slow.

Maybe it was because Arlene Schar and Mimi Nowak sparkeled like diamonds or maybe it was Len De Piano, John Powers or JR Bradfield showing everybody how it's done with class, ability, humility and dedication.

OR just maybe it was that charbroiled 16oz steak with all the trimmings The Rail serves-up for just $9.95.

Whatever it was, we raised the bar again at American Roots Live 51 and we're looking forward to seeing all of you this week down at the station as we click past ARL 52 signaling one solid year of "open" roots rockin' fun.

It seems like just yesterday when I introduced our first co-hosts, Bassboards Blues Band with our friends Kate Weber and John Caruna



...then co-host Duane Chez
and, so sad to say adios when he left for Puerto Rico after ARL 8


...then so fortunate to come together with the incredible John Powers who co-hosts ARL to this day.



There are so many wonderful, solid people to recognize and thank including, but not limited to Billy K, Ed Pampani, Elliot "Win" Newcomb, Johnny Charles, HoneyBoy Dupree, Eddie Ray, Bobby Malavenda, Larry Gliozzi, Charles T. Wegman, Mike and Lynn Ruane, Elmore Magazine, Ben Elliot, Joe Karam, and Richie Zupko RIP.

ARL 51's role call includes John Powers, JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Len De Piano, Mimi Nowak, Dave DiPietro, Keith Mc Gonigle, Tommy Fuller, White Knight; Ed, Glenn, Shawn and Tom, Arlene Schar, Randy Marinelli, Carlo, Robert Zee, Arne Englund, Chris O'Sullivan, Uncle Wayne, Joe Sax, Dennis Macarone, Rob Fraser, Cal Richards, Brian Z, Chris Porto, Dave O, Bones Sanford, Roy MacNamara, and Metal Bob.

With lots of Roots fun in the future, including our long awaited TV show by the same name (which is just on the horizon), please don't forget the American Roots All-Stars autographed guitar that is being given away this Sunday at ARL 52. With only two opportunities left to buy tickets; this Thursday night and early in the evening Sunday, be sure and get yours.

Remember we're raising money with the guitar raffle as a part of the Blaze Benefit for our friend Harry Okie and his kids.

Hope to see you all soon.

Keeping it real,

ned


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

Roots Review 49 & 50 BY NASTY NED

I'm having so much fun hosting American Roots Live that I almost feel guilty. I ask myself, how can one person enjoy such satisfaction when there are so many other unhappy, discontented people in the world complaining, "I can’t get no…"?

Well, the answer is simple really. I'm surrounded by satisfying people - some of the most talented and dedicated musicians you’ll find anywhere. And damn nice people at that and they all come together to play and celebrate American Roots Music.

And where would we be without John Powers, JR Bradfield, Len Depiano and Mimi Nowak.

I didn’t set out to save the world with American Roots Live, just the music. And, as I soon realized, many others felt the same way and recognize American Roots Live as a viable entity. A noble cause. A great forum from which to play. To emote. To share. To bear one’s soul and to build their chops. Can I get an amen?

It really is the spirit of the people who come to American Roots Live open mic celebrations that make it work. And not just the musicians, but the listeners, too. Have you ever tried eating peanut butter without the jam? It’s like playing music with no audience or being in the audience with no music. A little hard to swallow. But fortunately, we have both at ARL.

And that’s why we all have so much fun at American Roots Live. If you have never joined the fun at one of our shows, you must put it on your grocery list of things to do. Please do join us. We’re having an abundance of good times and there is plenty to go around, besides, we want to share it with you.

Ask any of these recent participants and they will tell you the same thing: American Roots Live with Nasty Ned every Thursday and Sunday night at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ’s historic train station is the place to be when your hungry for some good music – John Powers, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, JR Bradfield, Johnny Charles, Ed Pampani, Len Depiano, Mimi Nowak, The Congregation; Evil, Chuck, Rich and Sal, Bobby Malavenda, Jaimo Flynn, Robert Zee, Roy MacNamara, Bob Del Rosso, Walter Foot, Bones Sanford, Dennis Macarone, The Doctor, Arlene Schar, Sonny Young, Billy K, Mike Carrol, Metal Bob, Chris Porto, John DiGiovanni, Paul Nagy, Dave Lippencott, Katmandu; Randy, Corey and Tal, Tommy Fuller, Bob Giglio, Rotten Robert, Carlo, Joe Sax, Brent Meyer, Calvin Ritchie, Gavin Lawrence, Chris O Sullivan and many, many more…

Many thanks to all who have come to listen and win prizes and to the management and owner ship of the Rail, our supporters, volunteers, sponsors and ambassadors.And many thanks to Charles T. Wegman for the beautiful enhancement of our American Roots logo.

See you all soon
Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 46, 47, 48

Roots Review 46, 47, 48
Well, I've been going a hundred miles an hour in every imaginable direction and do apologize for (this time) being three weeks behind on your Roots Review. The good news is, the dust is beginning to settle and we're gearing up for some great new American Roots Live open mic shows at the Rail and a brand new, long awaited, American Roots Live with Nasty Ned TV program that will air initially on Cablevision's channel 22 in Green Brook, Dunellen, Piscataway, Middlesex, Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Manville, Raritan and Bridgewater, NJ.

I'll send an email with the air dates soon so you'll be sure not to miss it.

We have one more sponsorship spot left to fill so if you or someone you know would like to support American Roots Live and have your business message delivered on TV (very affordably to 40,405 central Jersey households) please contact me by email with your phone number at nastyned@att.net and I'll be sure to be in touch with you. Please mention a best time to call.

As for American Roots Live 46, 47 and 48, our open mic celebrations of American roots music at the Rail, we have had a blast and it's sure to get even better as the weather begins to break!

A few weeks back we were honored to have 12 year old Brent Meyers playing his guitar with us on stage. Brent is the young man we first met at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton. He has a natural gift with his guitar abilities and an interest in American Roots music. We are always pleased when his father Eric brings him to our shows because sharing the music with young people is what American Roots Live is all about.

What was so cool about the last time Brent performed with us is that he didn't want to go on stage early, opting to wait until a larger audience was assembled - I love that!

Many thanks to John Powers for steadfastly co-hosting American Roots Live for all these weeks and special thanks and appreciation to all the dedicated musicians who make it happen week after week, namely: JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Len DePiano,
Mimi Nowak, Robert Zee, Roy McNamara, Arne Englund, Walter Foot, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, Johnny Charles, Jaimo Flynn, Vern Mobley, Bobby Malavenda, Jake Jar El, Chris Porto, Randy Marinelli, Bob Giglio, Gavin Lawrence, Eric Plotkin, Dave O, Mike Mastrianni, Dave Rivera, Carlo, Metal Bob, Chris O'Sullivan, Paul DeLoia, Tommy Fuller, Arlene Schar, Dexterity, Summer Project, Evan Coniglio, Steve Yadlosky, Rotten Robert, Jim Michaels and more.

We are approaching our one year anniversary of American Roots Live and will celebrate the milestone on Sunday April 1st at the Rail where we'll give away the ARL autographed guitar to one lucky winner in attendance. As you know the guitar has been being raffled off for the past several weeks with all proceeds going to our friend Harry Okie who lost his home and all worldly possessions in an ugly house fire just before Christmas.

There is still time to purchase a ticket or two or six or ten - just come to American Roots Live any Thursday night starting at 9pm or any Sunday night starting at 7 at the Rail in Bound Brook and join the fun.

Thanks to Bobby Malavenda of Manville Music for donating the guitar. Many thanks to Rail ownership; Lynn and Mike and special thanks to the infamous Byron J for the kit. Props to Win, Ed Pompano and Eddie Ray and all our volunteers, sponsors and supporters and thanks to Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene.

See you all soon.

Keeping it Real,

Ned

american roots live with nasty ned review 45

ootRs Review 45
Back in April of '06 my brother from another mother, Mike Caruso, asked me if he could bring his 19 year old daughter to perform at American Roots Live saying she's really good and would like to sing in front of an audience - my answer was a no-brainer - yes, of course, I said. This is what American Roots Live is all about - involving young people with roots music.

Well, 19 year old Kelly Caruso came to the show with her dad and knocked us all out with her powerful, surprisingly disciplined voice signing some od-school R&B. Every body loved her and she kept coming back, quickly becoming a crowd favorite and, in the process; an American Roots Live All Star!

The rest is history.

We salute Kelly Caruso - now known as American Idol's Kelly Caruso - for passing three Idol auditions and hearing those coveted five words from Paula, Randy and Simon, "you're going to Hollywood, baby!".

American Roots Live 45 welcomed Kelly Caruso back to The Rail last Thursday night and once again she knocked us out! Come out and hear for yourself!

We now do two American Roots Live shows at The Rail in Bound Brook, NJ - one on Thursdays at 9pm and one on Sundays starting a little earlier at 7pm. If you haven't been to one of our ARL shows... what are you waiting for?

Pick a night - or both - bring some friends and enjoy a fantastic night of live entertainment, great food and exciting prized give-aways. There's no other show like it anywhere. And if you play an instrument or sing, you are welcomed to join us on stage.

Just come on down to the station (The Rail is located inside the historic Bound Brook train station where the trains still rumble in just 15 feet from our stage) see me to get on the play list; and maybe you will be on your way to becoming an American Roots Live All Star, too.

Props to all who performed at ARL 45: John Powers, Keith McGonigle, Josh Gebhardt, JR Bradfield, Ed Pampani, Kelly Caruso, Mike Caruso, Ryan Caruso, Tyler Penn, Bobby Malavenda, Walter Foot, Bones Sanford, Chris Porto from Exit Zero, Big Daddy and some of his Wild Cats; Jaimo Flynn, Brian Becklin; Len DePiano, ARL PA Ambassador Billy K, Grady Fletcher, Roy MacNamara, Robert Zee, Mimi Nowak, Bob DelRosso and more.
Special thanks to Rail ownership, management and staff, our sponsors, volunteers and supporters, Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgenne and especially you!

See you soon.

Keeping it real,

Ned

american Roots live with nasty ned Reviews 43 & 44

Roots Review 43 & 44

Thursday nights at American Roots Live at The Rail have been a blast. Lots of great music, awesome performances, lots of smiling faces, winning raffle ticket recpients and tons of fabulous food.

Ol' Nasty Ned is hurricane busy as usual - and now with production for American Roots TV in full swing (yes, we'll be on the air soon)- we're still playing catch up here.

Between ARL 43 and 44 we held a fun and very successful American Roots Live All Stars Benefit Concert for Harry Okie that raised $1,500 for him and his kids who lost everything when their home burned down just before this past Christmas - and the fund raising continues as Bobby Malavenda of Manville Music donated a guitar to be raffled off in hopes of raising even more money for Harry and kids.

The guitar is being signed by ARL All Stars and the raffle tickets can be had at every American Roots Live show - twice a week now - Thursdays at 9 and Sundays at 7 at The Rail as ARL is so much fun we now need two nights to enjoy it all.

Please stop in and join the all this fun and get in on the raffle. The ARL All Star autographed guitar will be awarded to one lucky winner at ARL 52, Sunday April 1st - that's our one year anniversary show. You must be in attendance to win.

Thanks go to all the wonderful Bands who participated in the benefit concert: The Country Westernaires, Tommy Fuller, The Wiliamzboy, Joe Cassady & West End Sound, Kate Weber & Bassboards Blues Band, The Congregation, John Powers Band, Big Daddy & the Wild Cats, Bad Monkey w/ Mimi Nowak, Tweed Schade & the Sugar Daddies, Nasty Ned & the Noo Dogs, Johnny Charles & Straight 8 Blues, Jimbeau & the Retrocasters and
Wiser Time.

Thanks go out to all musicians who have taken part in the regular open mic celebrations of American Roots Music, that's ARL 43 and 44: John Powers, Keith McGonnagle, Josh Gebhardt, Jr Bradfield, Len Depiano, Robert Zee, Ed PAmpani, Mimi Nowak, Bob Del Rosso, Mike Flynn, Dave Ambrosy, Lee Fink, NYC Firefighter; Brian Zaleski, Rotten Robert, Bob Giglio, The Doctor, Walter Foot, Bones Sanford, Mike Carrol, Roy MacNamara, Bobby Malavenda and more.

Kudos to The Rail's ownership; Mike and Lynn Ruane, management and staff; Byron, Sarah, Evan, phtographers Win and Ed Pampani, webmaster Eddie Ray, Elmore Magazine and pulisher Suzanne Cadgene, and all the ambassadors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters.

See you all soon down at the station on Thursdays and Sundays.

Keeping it real,

Ned

www.myspace.com/americanroots

Roots Review 41 & 42

Yes, I have some catching up to do. Sorry for the delayed Roots Review - and, that I'm combining 41 and 42 - but it gets that way sometime.

With juggling the American Roots Live Shows and all that goes with it, my duties for Elmore Magazine and arranging the Blaze Benefit for Harry Okie, I've been running in wet sand.

I hope you can join us Sunday, January 28 for the American Roots Live All-Stars Blaze Benefit Concert for Harry Okie starting at 1pm and running 'til midnight. Doors open 12N at The Rail.

15 ecclectic All Star acts will perform in an all-day benefit concert to raise money for Harry Zierdt and his kids who lost everything when their home burned down just before Christmas 'o6. Asking for a $10 donation at the door, we will graciously accept whatever you can afford, and will gladly accept any donations above $10. You can read Harry's story here and Up Stage Magazine's story about the benefit here. Complete line-up of acts here

It has been my pleasure and honor to host the American Roots Live shows each week and am so appreciative of our stead-fast, headlining co-hosts John Powers and Billy K. And it's so satisfying to be surrounded by the many talented musicians who have stepped onto our stage to tear us all a new one.

Recognition goes to Powers and K and all the particpating musicians at ARL 41 and 42: Johnny Charles, JR Bradfield, Mimi Nowak, Ed Pampani, Kieth McGonagle, Robert Zee, Bob Del Rosso, Randy Marinelli, Bob Giglio, Tommy Fuller, Walter Foot, Eric Plotkin, Bob Malevenda, Joe Braverman, Bones Sanford, Whiskey Tango, Len Depiano, Carlo, Mike Carrol, ATypical Situation, Bad Monkeys, Chip Bush, Ed Moore, Jimi Hendrix's Anthem, Frank, Doc Z, Leo, Frank Tapler, Steve, Wes, Mike, Bob, Laurie Razz, Kieth Pagan Sr. and Kieth Pagan Jr., Matt Roman, Don Howland, The Bluetone's Aaron, Michael Lopresti, Pocono Players, Mr. Deno, Nick T and Ross, especially for the Anthem.

Please Note: the current scheduling for American Roots Live Shows; every Thursday 9pm at the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ, and starting Sunday 7pm, February 11 and every Sunday there-after - just two weeks after the benefit concert - ARL will be one big show on two great nights. ARL and the Bluetone Cafe will be taking a winter hiatus and will look at a re-start date in the future. All ARL shows at the Bluetone have been postponed until notice.

Thanks to Joe Karam, Mike and Lynn Ruane, Byron, Evan Coniglio, Win, Elmore Magazine and Suzanne Cadgene and everyone else for their interest and support.

See you at the benefit.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 39

The kids are alright!

Last Thursday's American Roots Live was the epitome of what our movement is all about... the kids. In a packed Bluetone Cafe full of musician's and fans of all ages American Roots music was the focus from blues to country to rock to free style jam.

Billy & K the Pocono Players laid down a solid set of roots based classic rock then backed Carl Van Camp who tore through some Elvis, Johnny Cash and George Jones (pic). Fans young and old soaked in the sweet sounds of yesterday.

Billy K was joined on stage by his 14 year old son Dolan Kutzman on Drums and 17 year old friend Tim Beery on Bass. Nick T on guitar and vocals played with nine year old Brent Meyers who took center stage this week playing his own strat in front of Ed Moore on drums and Chip Bush playing bass.

Nancy Colletti aired out her amazing voice while her children listened and 21 year old Michael Lopresti rocked electric with Matt Roman. Roman then free styled quite interestingly with Billy K - deep.

Other stand outs were Clay Reilly on trumpet. Kevin Tracy , keys, Jaimo Flynn on drums, Joe Matthews, bass Brian Becklin, guitar Sonny Young, guitar & vocals, some guy named Ned blowin' harp and with Arlene Schar in the house, many others.

Thanks to Elmore Magazine and publisher Suzanne Cadgene for their continued support of the effort, the Bluetone's Joe Karam, Doug, Aaron, Katelyn and Christine and thanks to all the parents for recognizing that American Roots Live Shows are a good place to bring the kids to grab a piece of history and expand a mind. For learning to play their instruments better on stage - which is an ultimate form of artistic expression - builds confidence in young people.

We all had fun. We're all proud.

Keeping it real,

Ned

Roots Review 37 & 38

Roots Review 37 & 38

The Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA and the Rail in Bound Brook, NJ have had a lot of incredible musicians grace the two stages since we've started American Roots Live.Our taleneted and accomodating co-hosts John Powers in New Jersey and Billy K in Rennsylvania, make American Roots Live the place to be every Thursday and Sunday nights where the roots rock like no place else.Our celebration of 20th century American roots music continues to draw new musicians and fans alike.


Parents are learning that ARL is a great place to introduce their kids to the music and for this we are pleased.Last Thusday at the Bluetone we had nine year old Brent Myers on stage playing Billy K's stratocaster along side Nick T with Ed Moore on Drums and Chip Bush on bass. The kid was good and had us all satisfied that this is in fact what ARL is all about - bringing it to the kids.Both venues have become destination rooms for musicians of all ages and all talent levels from amature to pro. We've been fortunate enough to jam with Brian Becklin, Doc Z, Johanna, Michael Lopresti, Jim Ruffi, John Kasper, Bernie Brauswetter, Vern Mobley, Kieth McGonagal, Johnny Charles, Kim Bierny, Robert Zee, JR Bradfield, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Bob Del Rosso, Jaimo Flynn, Bones Sanford, Lorrie Millheim, Alan G, WDIY's Stew Brodian, Keith Pagam Sr., and Keith Pagam Jr., Craig Thatcher and more.We thank all the musicians who participate - all fans who come out to support the cause and our venue owners and managaement.


We thank our volunteers and photographers and hope to see you all again soon.Keep in mind that Christmas Eve and New Years Eve have pre-empted the Sunday shows at the Rail but we will be back in full swing in Bound Brook starting again on January 7th. In the meantime the Bluetone has not missed a beat all Thursday shows have, and will go on through the holidays.Here's wishing everyone a joyous hoiliday season and we look forward to seeing you again soon.Keeping it real,Ned

Roots Review 36 by Nasty Ned

American Roots Live 36 was tons of fun - both at the Bluetone Cafe in Easton, PA on Thursday night and our re-opening at The Rail in Bound Brook, NJ on Sunday night.

I would like to thank our ARL headlining co hosts, John Powers (left) and Billy K (right) for their undying dedication to our cause - and for all their hard work.

I feel a need today to post our mission statement, so please read it and then check-out the American Roots Live 36 performers line up below. Thanks to all who participated in both venues. You were awesome and we hope to see and hear you again soon.


American Roots Live Mission Statement:

American Roots Live is a movement whose purpose is to promote and preserve the heartbeat of a culture - American roots music - Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country, Rock & Roll, Bluegrass, R&B, Soul, Gospel and all other hybrid rhythms and rhymes in-between.

This music, of a time period running roughly from the 1890's through the mid 1970's, makes up the genre our movement recognizes as American roots music. American Roots Live's purpose also includes reviving a "live performance scene" open to all who want to listen or play.

We are dedicated to sharing, encouraging and inspiring children and young adults to recognize and appreciate American roots music as the birthplace of today's music by getting involved at any of a growing number of American Roots Live open-mic locations - to play along-side a professional musician or just to come and listen.

The impetus behind the movement is significant as American roots music is no longer played on mainstream radio or showcased by mainstream media, forcing it into a narrowing niche away from mainstream American audiences.

As exampled by music venues originally opened as 'blues" or "roots" rooms now finding other forms of entertainment to pay their bills.

Disturbingly, this has become the norm for many venues around the country.

It is therefore the mission of American Roots Live to promote and preserve our American Roots heritage through live performance and all other media available, including television, radio, print, recorded media, internet and pod-cast so that grandchildren will pass it on to their grandchildren and so forth... and for this vital cause, we ask for your interest and support - musician and fan alike.

Founded in March of 2006, by Nasty Ned, American Roots Live functions as a dedicated volunteer group of regional American Roots Live Ambassadors; Duane Chez / Puerto Rico, John Powers / New Jersey, Honey Boy Dupree / Arizona and Billy K / Pennsylvania, Board members; Elliott Win Newcomb and Johnny Charles, E Team Director; Ed Pampani, Special Projects Manager; Arlene Schar, Audio/Video/Special Projects Producer; Bob Malavenda, Coordinators; JR Bradfield, Robert Zee, Amelia Lange, Len DePiano, Mimi Nowak, Photographers; Win, Ed Pampani, Eddie Ray and Don Shatto with Web Design and Hosting by Computown Technologies.

ARL 36 Roll Call:
John Powers
Josh Gebhardt
Billy K
Chip Bush
Ed Moore
Johnny Charles
The Congregation
Ed Pampani
Robert Zee
Mimi Nowak
Uncle Wayne
JR Bradfield
Bones Sanford
The Bixbys
Michael Lopresti
Nick T
Paul Berger
Jack Powers
Walter Foot
Bobby Malavenda
The Doctor
Nasty Ned

...and this comment was just posted today on Roots Review 33:

"Ned, you do a great job in trying to keep the roots of American music alive. In this day and age people are STARVING for the quality of all styles of song we grew up with and are forever in our DNA. There is a huge void in our current music culture that can only be filled by the American Roots music and legacy. Its great that dedicated musicians such as yourself carry on and when I grow up I want to be just like you!"
J'ai Guru Buck Bixby & Brandi.

ALSO NOTE


American Roots Live 37 with Nasty Ned
...in 2 Great Locations - Easton, PA & Bound Brook, NJ

Every Thursday night at 9 pm - 12/14
at The Bluetone Cafe
683 Walnut St.
Easton, PA
(610) 258-5812

http://www.bluetonecafe.com


HEADLINERS: Billy K & the Pocono Players and a star studded cast of American Roots All Stars from both sides of the river!

Come to the Bluetone Cafe early for the BEST southern fried chicken, cheese mac and sweet potato fries this side of the Mason-Dixon and get yourself a good seat for the show!

NEW Every Sunday night at 7 pm - 12/17
at The Rail
350 E. Main St.
Bound Brook, NJ
732 742-RAIL
www.therailonmain.com/

http://www.therailonmain.com/


HEADLINERS: John Powers & Friends ...plus a huge star studded cast of your favorite American Roots All Stars including Johnny Charles and, this Sunday, introducing Texas songbird Kim McBierney!

... will you be among them?

Come to the Rail early and enjoy dinner from their delicious new menu and get a great seat for the show!

Don't miss American Roots Live. There is no other show like it anywhere !

american roots live Returns to the Rail on Sundays!

American Roots live Returns to the Rail on Sundays!

Nasty Ned Hosts
American Roots Live

Every Sunday 7PM
The Rail
350 East Main Street
Bound Brook, NJ
732-748-RAIL

http://www.therailonmain.com



Then come join the fun @

American Roots Live 36 with Nasty Ned
...still in 2 exciting locations

Every Thursday night at 9 pm
at The Bluetone Cafe
683 Walnut St.
Easton, PA
(610) 258-5812
http://www.bluetonecafe.com

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

http://nastyned.com

http://apleasantsymmetry.spaces.live.com/