Reel Music

I didn't even know you could listen to music on a reel to reel contraption until I moved into a group house on Dickinson Avenue in College Park. The year was 1979 and thank god, my house mate Alan had similar musical tastes which were basically eclectic and WHFS driven. Those were the days when friends would drop by around 12:30 a.m. to see if anyone was up, the drinking age was 18, and we spent an inordinate about of time at the Varsity Grill and Italian Gardens.

Back then bands like NRBQ were in heavy rotation on Alan's magic machine. NRBQ has weathered many a roster change throughout the years, including founding member Joey Spampinato bringing in his younger brother Johnny which brings us to a story from Ruthie Logsdon of Ruthie and the Wranglers:

"I booked my band and The Spampinato Brothers for Bill Starks’s 1st CD party at Bethesda Blues and Jazz several years ago. Joey and Johnny knew the NRBQ song "I Got A "Rocket in My Pocket" was written by my cousin Jimmie Logsdon so we had a rockin’ hootenanny of a finale with that song. Joey has been ill and unable to tour so I invited Johnny back to DC to play with us, and we finally found a date that worked at JV's. To make the trip from Cape Cod worthwhile, I suggested Johnny as a guest artist for the Last Waltz tribute as well. Johnny did a call in with Weasel last week and has just returned from a string of dates in Japan. Gonna be a busy weekend with JVs on Friday and the Hamilton Saturday!"

Kudos for wrangling this guitar slinger for the JV party, Miz Logsdon, and congratulations to Lorraine for keeping the doors open for 72 years, and for hosting live music pretty much 365 days a year which is tantamount to running a chicken circus.

Meanwhile the Last Waltz Tribute at the Hamilton has become a Thanksgiving tradition round these parts, and the ticket price includes a turkey dinner in a mason jar. The show usually sells out so get your tickets in advance. This year's line up includes our old friend Eric Brace who is on that two gig-economy-tour bandwagon and is also playing Friday night with Peter Cooper at Jammin Java. And, for something completely different, I'm liking Color Palette at the Pie Shop- also on Friday. 

For those who want to slipstream back in time, "Punk the Capital,"will be screening all weekend  at AFI with multiple Q and A panels brought to you by members of Chalk Circle, Black Market Baby, The Slickee Boys, Tru Fax and more.  Check AFI's website for details. Plus Eric Felten will be up at Glen Echo on Saturday celebrating Veteran's Day with a canteen dance. Vintage attire encouraged.