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PocoNotes Newsletter 2012-2: May, 2012

New Orleans Soul Meets NEPA Heart - Not even a hurricane can stop it!


Wow! The Summer of 2012 seems to have flown by for us and, from what we're hearing, for many others, too. As kids - of all ages - head back to school and each passing day gets a wee bit shorter, it must mean that September is looming on the horizon and, for PocoNotes, that's good news! Yep...on September 15th, we are proud and honored to welcome an old friend from New Orleans, Spencer Bohren, back to our beautiful little corner of the world...and to host some new friends from our very own neck of the woods, Ed Randazzo and Bret Alexander, in their PocoNotes debut. Their common denominator is the size of their talent - and, more importantly to us, the size of their hearts!

It is said that "Bohren sculpts a song, breathing into it every nuance of emotion it deserves. He is like fine sipping whiskey...dangerous and smooth at the same time.” His gospel-singing parents provided the foundation for a musical style and career that remains healthy after more than four decades as a performer, educator, artist, guitarist and storyteller. It was 1950's radio, with Hank Williams and Elvis Presley filling the airwaves, which led to the purchase of Spencer’s first guitar. Then, each in their turn, the 1960's British Invasion by The Beatles and Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan's meteoric creative streak and San Francisco's psychedelic scene all served to add their own flavor to Spencer's abiding interest in traditional music. He has traveled thousands of miles on countless roads throughout North America and Europe, and his 40 years as a "road scholar" have given him much to share...which he does. Although Hurricane Katrina dramatically affected Spencer and his family, he rebuilt his life, continues his journey…and is on his way to meet you!

Ed and Bret kicked off the 2012 Briggs Farm Blues Festival with music that was hotter than the scalding July temperatures. This duo has people saying that “Ed’s earthy baritone and lyrics can be transcending, and Bret’s musical accompaniments and session savvy lend just the right feel for what’s needed: true chemistry!” In an excellent article that appeared in the June 2012 issue of “Connections Magazine,” Mark Uricheck described Ed as an “affable, soft-spoken genuine soul…with a scathing mouthpiece of fire ‘n brimstone – part Bob Dylan tortured song-writing introspection, part Mississippi Fred McDowell world-weary, heavy-hearted bluesman…with a Leonard Cohen-esque delivery." His collaboration with Bret Alexander, who is a sought-after music producer and owner of Saturation Acres Music & Recording Co. as well as a multi-instrumentalist well known for his work with The Badlees, has resulted in a symbiotic relationship of impassioned songwriting and stellar production. Together, they have created two CD’s, the most recent of which, “Show and Tell,” includes vocals by the legendary Alexis P. Suter. It is the aptly-named product of two unique and highly-talented individuals who are pooling their efforts with tremendous results…and the best is still ahead of them.

In our world, size does "matter" a lot...and that is exactly why we have, once again, chosen the lovingly-restored - and intimate - Tripp House at 1011 North Main Avenue in Scranton to be the backdrop for this evening of good music by - and for - good people. There will be a mere 75 seats available for this event…and perhaps a few more, depending on what "feats of geometry" we can devise for the seating arrangement. Still, every one of them will be the "best seat in the house" and a great place for you to meet our artists, as they get to meet you, too.

So, you can help us plan accordingly by purchasing your tickets early (and often) at either Duffy Accessories (218 Linden Street, Scranton) or Nada & Co. (137 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton), as well as on-line at www.PocoNotes.com or by telephone at (888) 800-POCO. They are $20 in advance...and, if any remain, will be available for $25 at the door.

Well, that's it for now...except to say a quick - but heartfelt - thank you to the many wonderful people who helped to make "The Faces and Voices of The Blues" the amazing artistic success that it was for us...and three other good friends, Jim Gavenus, Carol Walker and Toby Walker. We are humbled by the support we received from so many members of the "village" we choose to call home. You know who you are, and we do, too. Of particular note, however, is Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery, who very generously provided all of the wine that “flowed” on Friday and Saturday evenings. In addition, we must send a special note of thanks to the esteemed members of the press...print, radio AND television, who took the time to remind us - once again - that what we are doing DOES matter. So, our warmest regards to (alphabetically, of course) Liz Baumeister, Kristie Grier Ceruti, Joe Ducey, Erika Funke, Tom Graham, Laura Legere, Nikki Mascali, Josh McAuliffe, Don McGlynn, Kyle Noone, Sara Pokorny, Melanie Thiel, Jordan Walker...and Danielle Wayda.

If you have any questions - or special requests, just give us a shout. We'd love to hear from you. Otherwise, we look forward to having you join us as "Nawlins and NEPA" join forces to light up the Tripp House for one amazing night that you will remember for a lifetime. Until then, keep supporting live music. The local artists deserve to be "heroes in their hometowns" and the legends....well, they have given us the "soundtrack" of our lives and should have all of our respect. Be good to each other...and we'll "see you in September."

Peace...really!
Dolores & Pat
It's About the Music!


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