Grateful We're Not Dead has finally achieved a modicum of international recognition. After posting Finally, Some Music (So To Speak) I returned a few hours later to see a comment added by Clay Eals, authour of Steve Goodman: Facing the Music, an 800 page biography of the late Steve Goodman. You can download the first chapter of Clay's book from his web site. The book looks to be a good read and can be purchased at the site's Online Store. The book is definitely going on my "must read" list.
The next morning I awoke to find out we had been featured in a blog article, Grateful We Are Not Dead And Loving It, by Allan Cockerill in Australia. Allan's blog is a worthwhile visit (especially since he thinks that Grateful We're Not Dead don't "sound all that bad") and I drop by on a regular basis. By the way Allan, is 'not sounding all that bad' synonymous with 'don't sound too damn good'? :-)
Anyway, as a result of Allan's article visits to this blog have skyrocketed. We've had t'ousands and t'ousands of visitors - at least 25. (That's 25 not 25,000 and according to Google Analytics, 40% of the visits have been by Search Engines. I guess those robots just love country music.)
Anyway, to wrap up this article I strongly suggest if you are a Steve Goodman fan that you drop by Clay Eals site and have a look at the first chapter of his book. And of course, for an interesting read, why not have Coffee With Allan Cockerill on a regular basis.
Finally, Some Music (So To Speak)
Last week Grateful We're Not Dead got together for a jam session in Don's living room and left the digital recorder running for the duration. Now that means there was no real concern for relative levels, panning, equalization, etc. while we banged and crashed. However, lack of professionalism aside we decided to upload some MP3 files for the foolhardy and masochists amongst you to listen to. So if you have a few brew handy, throw back, kick up your feet and prepare for some auditory abuse.
(P.S. If there are some delays in the streaming, blame it on DivShare. Thats where the MP3 files are stored.)
PlayList
(P.S. If there are some delays in the streaming, blame it on DivShare. Thats where the MP3 files are stored.)
PlayList
- Pukin' In The Parkin' Lot (Honky Tonk Jukebox Band)
- Over Sixty Blues (Don White)
- I Ain't Never Gonna Do That Again (Don White)
- Idol Of The Band (Hoyt Axton)
- The Farmer's Daughter (Merle Haggard)
- Six Days on The Road (Dave Dudley)
- Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream (Ed McCurdy)
- You Never Even Call Me By My Name (Steve Goodman)
- The Boob Song (John D. Wilson)
An Evening at Lorenzo's
Last Friday evening (2008-04-11), Grateful We're Not Dead gathered at Lorenzo's Pizza on Adeline Street. Initially, it was just to be an evening with 8 or 10 of us eating, drinking and playing some music but Bruce found out that it was Gord and Evelyn's 22 Anniversary. Emails were sent and we ended up with a surprise party of about 30 people for our dear friends.
The music for the first part of the evening was a sing-a-long led by Marg Penniston. After food was served, Grateful We're Not Dead swung into full voice and entertained until about 10:15 PM. Two of our other musical friends, Jay Hunt (banjo) and Mel Sanshagrin (guitar and vocals) sat in with us to provide some interesting sounds. Thanks guys, we'll have to do that again.
We'd like to thank the management and staff at Lorenzo's for putting up with us for the evening. And as for your invitation for us to do it again - you can count on it!
The music for the first part of the evening was a sing-a-long led by Marg Penniston. After food was served, Grateful We're Not Dead swung into full voice and entertained until about 10:15 PM. Two of our other musical friends, Jay Hunt (banjo) and Mel Sanshagrin (guitar and vocals) sat in with us to provide some interesting sounds. Thanks guys, we'll have to do that again.
We'd like to thank the management and staff at Lorenzo's for putting up with us for the evening. And as for your invitation for us to do it again - you can count on it!
Global Warming Means A Pub With No Beer?
Today I dropped by a friend's blog, Coffee with Allan Cockerill, and came upon some devastating information - BEER will be short supply, more expensive and may taste different as climate change affects barley production. However, along with this crushing news, Allan also included the lyrics of a song which I had long forgotten, A Pub With No Beer, and a link to a YouTube video of the late Slim Dusty performing it. Seeing as Grateful We're Not Dead are normally compensated with food and beer I think is only fitting that we add this song to our repertoire.
Where Have All The Photos Gone
This morning I checked out the GWND blog only to find that most of the pictures has disappeared. These pictures had been stored on an account with Zooomr. Now I must admit that I haven't been paying much attention to the activity at Zooomr but it appears that they've moved to servers in Japan and in the process my account has vanished.
I guess my next step will be to contact them to see if the account can be restored. If not, then I'll kiss Zooomr goodbye and move the images to my Flickr account (once I locate them all again). So for the time being, you won't see any of the photos originally posted with the blog entries. Once I've clarified the situation with Zooomr I'll decide on how to proceed.
Don
Update: The pictures are back. I checked ZooomrTV and found out that Zooomr was undergoing a major software upgrade. So it appears that the universe is unfolding as it should.
I guess my next step will be to contact them to see if the account can be restored. If not, then I'll kiss Zooomr goodbye and move the images to my Flickr account (once I locate them all again). So for the time being, you won't see any of the photos originally posted with the blog entries. Once I've clarified the situation with Zooomr I'll decide on how to proceed.
Don
Update: The pictures are back. I checked ZooomrTV and found out that Zooomr was undergoing a major software upgrade. So it appears that the universe is unfolding as it should.
Year End Update
I can't believe it's almost February 2008 and I haven't updated the Blog since October 2007. Shame, shame on me.
Well let's see; what did Grateful We're Not Dead do during the last two months of 2007?
On November 2, we played three sets at the Tuk Tuk Thai House Restaurant in Vanier. It definitely was not our normal venue but we did have fun. A special thanks to Bernie from Prince Edward Island who came up and sang a few Hank Williams songs with us. As usual we played for food and water, so to speak. Al Owler sat in with us for the night. This is quite handy because Al is the only one young enough and strong enough to lift the equipment into the van at the end of the night.
In November, Gord Breedyk and Evelyn Voigt attended a Peace Conference in Vancouver where they both presented papers. Evelyn's presentation included some of her poetry which she normally recites with an instrumental background. Don and Bruce recorded a CD of instrumental material for Evelyn to use use in her presentation and apparently it worked out quite well. If time permits I'll do a mix of some of the poems and make them available from the Blog.
On November 22, Grateful We're Not Dead played for the wedding reception of Jean and Michel, friends from Music Night. Unfortunately, Gord was sick that evening but Al sat in with us again. The venue was a group home and the entertainment co-ordinator expressed interest in us returning at a later date to entertain again.
On December 4th we entertained at the CESO Luncheon at the RA Centre. To quote their January newsletter:
"Delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres were served, courtesy of CESO Head Office. They were enjoyed by all. VA Gord Breedyk entertained with background music along with his ensemble of three guitars bearing the name “Grateful We’re Not Dead”. The other two were Don White and Bruce Penniston. Following the formal program, the group led a singsong of Christmas music. A merry and joyous first for the CESO Club."
On December 7, we did a short set at Ian Cunningham's retirement party. Ian is an old friend from our Public Works Canada days.
December 15 was the Music Night Christmas party. This party is hosted annually by Gord and Evelyn in the common room of their condo building. It's a great evening with a buffet lunch, drinks and a sing-a-long of Christmas music led by Marg Penniston. The music is provided by Grateful We're Not Dead, Marie Rakos on piano and anyone else who wants to sit in. This year we started at 7:00PM and finally pulled the plug at 11:00PM.
On December 29, Diane McIntyre hosted a dinner party for Grateful We're Not Dead and their spouses. Don's brother Doug and his wife, Leslie, were visiting from Kitchener. Doug brought his bass guitar and sat in with the group for the evening. This gave us a chance to do some material from back in the days when Don and Doug played throughout Lanark, Renfrew and Frontenac counties in the Mississippi River Boys. As a result, it looks like Grateful We're Not Dead will be adding some John Prine material to out repertoire.
And that pretty well wrapped up the year end.
On behalf of Grateful We're Not Dead I'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year and hope that you get to see us perform sometime in 2008.
Well let's see; what did Grateful We're Not Dead do during the last two months of 2007?
On November 2, we played three sets at the Tuk Tuk Thai House Restaurant in Vanier. It definitely was not our normal venue but we did have fun. A special thanks to Bernie from Prince Edward Island who came up and sang a few Hank Williams songs with us. As usual we played for food and water, so to speak. Al Owler sat in with us for the night. This is quite handy because Al is the only one young enough and strong enough to lift the equipment into the van at the end of the night.
In November, Gord Breedyk and Evelyn Voigt attended a Peace Conference in Vancouver where they both presented papers. Evelyn's presentation included some of her poetry which she normally recites with an instrumental background. Don and Bruce recorded a CD of instrumental material for Evelyn to use use in her presentation and apparently it worked out quite well. If time permits I'll do a mix of some of the poems and make them available from the Blog.
On November 22, Grateful We're Not Dead played for the wedding reception of Jean and Michel, friends from Music Night. Unfortunately, Gord was sick that evening but Al sat in with us again. The venue was a group home and the entertainment co-ordinator expressed interest in us returning at a later date to entertain again.
On December 4th we entertained at the CESO Luncheon at the RA Centre. To quote their January newsletter:
"Delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres were served, courtesy of CESO Head Office. They were enjoyed by all. VA Gord Breedyk entertained with background music along with his ensemble of three guitars bearing the name “Grateful We’re Not Dead”. The other two were Don White and Bruce Penniston. Following the formal program, the group led a singsong of Christmas music. A merry and joyous first for the CESO Club."
On December 7, we did a short set at Ian Cunningham's retirement party. Ian is an old friend from our Public Works Canada days.
December 15 was the Music Night Christmas party. This party is hosted annually by Gord and Evelyn in the common room of their condo building. It's a great evening with a buffet lunch, drinks and a sing-a-long of Christmas music led by Marg Penniston. The music is provided by Grateful We're Not Dead, Marie Rakos on piano and anyone else who wants to sit in. This year we started at 7:00PM and finally pulled the plug at 11:00PM.
On December 29, Diane McIntyre hosted a dinner party for Grateful We're Not Dead and their spouses. Don's brother Doug and his wife, Leslie, were visiting from Kitchener. Doug brought his bass guitar and sat in with the group for the evening. This gave us a chance to do some material from back in the days when Don and Doug played throughout Lanark, Renfrew and Frontenac counties in the Mississippi River Boys. As a result, it looks like Grateful We're Not Dead will be adding some John Prine material to out repertoire.
And that pretty well wrapped up the year end.
On behalf of Grateful We're Not Dead I'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year and hope that you get to see us perform sometime in 2008.
Octoberfest Party
On October 24 Grateful We're Not Dead entertained at the Ontario Gamma Etta Masters Chapter (Kemptville) of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority's Octoberfest Party. (How's that for a mouthful!) Gord was in Tanzania but our good friend, 'young' Al Owler, sat in with the band. We're always glad to have Al perform with us.
As usual, the food was excellent and the beer and Diet Pepsi were cold. The sorority ladies and their husbands were an appreciative audience and a delight to play for. However, we were disappointed with the lack of audience participation when we did Rodney Carrington's Show Them To Me. Maybe next year, ladies.
As is the tradition with group, the sorority made a donation to a charitable institution on behalf of Grateful We're Not Dead. This year, their charity of choice was Interval House, an organization offering a comprehensive range of programs and services to abused women and their children. We think this was an excellent choice.
We always enjoy doing this show and hope to be able to perform for the sorority again next year, "the good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise".
Bruce, Don and Al
As usual, the food was excellent and the beer and Diet Pepsi were cold. The sorority ladies and their husbands were an appreciative audience and a delight to play for. However, we were disappointed with the lack of audience participation when we did Rodney Carrington's Show Them To Me. Maybe next year, ladies.
As is the tradition with group, the sorority made a donation to a charitable institution on behalf of Grateful We're Not Dead. This year, their charity of choice was Interval House, an organization offering a comprehensive range of programs and services to abused women and their children. We think this was an excellent choice.
We always enjoy doing this show and hope to be able to perform for the sorority again next year, "the good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise".
Ottawa Peace Festival
As a clear indicator of the versatility of the Grateful We’re Not Dead, last Thursday, September 27th, the group provided musical accompaniment to accomplished Ottawa poet, Evelyn Voigt. Evelyn was invited by the organizers of the Ottawa Peace Festival to deliver a preview performance of material she will be presenting at an Education for Peace Conference in Vancouver in November. The title of her presentation is The Emotional Impact of Peace Learning Through Performance Art.
Playing musical accompaniment for a poet is a touch out of the GWND’s past comfort zone … no Over Sixty Blues, no Boob Song... but the band had a great time doing so and the feedback was excellent.
On Sunday, September 30, Don, Bruce and Al entertained at the Circle of All Nations Peace Concert on Victoria Island on the Ottawa River. This was held in conjunction with the Peace Festival and presided over by 92 year old Grandfather William Commanda, the hereditary chief of the Algonquins. The Grateful We're Not Dead played two short sets which appeared to be thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd.
The band's final task in support of the Peace Festival was to provide accompaniment to Evelyn in an encore performance on Tuesday night, October 2, at the closing ceremonies of the Peace Festival.
These events certainly fell outside the normal venues for the band, but we did enjoy the challenges.
Playing musical accompaniment for a poet is a touch out of the GWND’s past comfort zone … no Over Sixty Blues, no Boob Song... but the band had a great time doing so and the feedback was excellent.
On Sunday, September 30, Don, Bruce and Al entertained at the Circle of All Nations Peace Concert on Victoria Island on the Ottawa River. This was held in conjunction with the Peace Festival and presided over by 92 year old Grandfather William Commanda, the hereditary chief of the Algonquins. The Grateful We're Not Dead played two short sets which appeared to be thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd.
Bruce, Don and Al
Circle of All Nations Peace Concert
Circle of All Nations Peace Concert
The band's final task in support of the Peace Festival was to provide accompaniment to Evelyn in an encore performance on Tuesday night, October 2, at the closing ceremonies of the Peace Festival.
These events certainly fell outside the normal venues for the band, but we did enjoy the challenges.
Beta Sigma Phi Octoberfest Party
The Grateful We're Not Dead have been invited to play for the Ontario Gamma Etta Masters Chapter (Kemptville) of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority's Octoberfest Party on October 24 at the home of Allan and Sherrill Ireton. This will be the band's second year to entertain at this event. We thoroughly enjoy performing at this party because the food is great and the people are friendly. Not once has anyone thrown a beer bottle at the band. Last year, as compensation, the sorority made a donation to a charity of their choice on behalf of the band. Thank you ladies.
Friends of Grateful We're Not Dead
The Grateful We're Not Dead have acquired a number of very close friends during their existence. The friends that I'm talking about are the ones who frequently perform with us. These are people willing to give up their time, use their own resources and be reimbursed in food and drink. Here are some of these people:
"Young" Al Owler
Al has to be one of our best friends. Al is quite a bit younger than the Grateful We're Not Dead and provides us with a link to our 'inner youth'. Al loves to play guitar and he performs with us on a regular basis. He is quite willing to pitch in to setup and tear down equipment. He provides his own amplifier, guitar, clothes and hat (I love the hat, Al). Al is quite proficient at locating new material for us on the Internet and elsewhere. We have to credit Al with finding the most recently added comedy item in our repertoire - Rodney Carrington's Show Them to Me. Thanks, Al. Al is also a regular participant at the monthly Music Night get-togethers. And of course, I mustn't forget that Al has provided us all with blow-up guitars so we won't attract the attention of by-law officers in the future.
Marg Penniston
Marg is Bruce's wife. (Anybody know if that statement is politically correct now?) Marg is quite skilled in arranging and leading sing-a-longs. On Canada Day 2007, Don had laryngitis and on short notice Marg prepared chord books for the band, lyric sheets for the guests and then led the sing-a-long while the Grateful We're Not Dead provided the music. Marg normally leads the singing at the monthly Music Night sing-a-longs and is dearly missed when she's not there.
Marie Rakos
Marie is a pianist supreme. She can play virtually anything you throw at her. We normally work with Marie at Christmas parties we play for because she's the only one that knows all the chords in the Christmas carols. :-) Marie frequently attends Music Night and her piano playing is a nice respite from guitars, guitars, guitars.
Diane McIntyre
Diane has a beautiful voice and has sung with us frequently at Christmas parties. She has also provided a venue for practice sessions (along with a BBQ). Diane is always a welcome addition to the Music Night vocalists.
Al has to be one of our best friends. Al is quite a bit younger than the Grateful We're Not Dead and provides us with a link to our 'inner youth'. Al loves to play guitar and he performs with us on a regular basis. He is quite willing to pitch in to setup and tear down equipment. He provides his own amplifier, guitar, clothes and hat (I love the hat, Al). Al is quite proficient at locating new material for us on the Internet and elsewhere. We have to credit Al with finding the most recently added comedy item in our repertoire - Rodney Carrington's Show Them to Me. Thanks, Al. Al is also a regular participant at the monthly Music Night get-togethers. And of course, I mustn't forget that Al has provided us all with blow-up guitars so we won't attract the attention of by-law officers in the future.
Marg Penniston
Marg is Bruce's wife. (Anybody know if that statement is politically correct now?) Marg is quite skilled in arranging and leading sing-a-longs. On Canada Day 2007, Don had laryngitis and on short notice Marg prepared chord books for the band, lyric sheets for the guests and then led the sing-a-long while the Grateful We're Not Dead provided the music. Marg normally leads the singing at the monthly Music Night sing-a-longs and is dearly missed when she's not there.
Marie Rakos
Marie is a pianist supreme. She can play virtually anything you throw at her. We normally work with Marie at Christmas parties we play for because she's the only one that knows all the chords in the Christmas carols. :-) Marie frequently attends Music Night and her piano playing is a nice respite from guitars, guitars, guitars.
Diane McIntyre
Diane has a beautiful voice and has sung with us frequently at Christmas parties. She has also provided a venue for practice sessions (along with a BBQ). Diane is always a welcome addition to the Music Night vocalists.
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