Do you know Jon Carroll? (Does anyone know anyone?)

I think Jon is another area rock star that perhaps a lot of people don't know but should. He's a prize winner in his own rite, (literally- a BUNCH of Grammies and Wammies) but he often sneaks in and out- sitting in with a lot of bands around here. You might not notice him because he's not the kind of guy to hog the spotlight, but if you hear really good piano playing going on- take a look- it just might be him. He can also play a small boatload of instruments- writes songs... sings- if you look in the dictionary you'll see a little picture of him by the entry "multi- talented."

 Jon will be doing his own thing with hand picked musicians at the Barns of Wolftrap this SATURDAY night. I guess some people must know what's going on because his show last year sold out. So get in the know- and get to know Jon Carroll.

Thrills , Dogs and Teeth for A Song

(© John C. Garofalo).
This weekend coming up there's at least two bands of note on one night. The Thrillbillys- who are usually stationed in Virginia at the Sunset Grill, are crossing the river to play at The Quarry House in Silver Spring Saturday night. The guys in Thrillbilly have longer resumes than Donald Trump. I'm not kidding. Johnny Castle alone has a paragraph's worth in Capitol Rock. (By the time he's finished, he'll have his own book.)

Then there's The Cravin' Dogs another unique talented crew who have been around these parts a good twenty years now. Their Live At The Black Cat recording is finally being released as a CD. As an added bonus- Jon Carroll, one of the most amazing musicians in the area, will be sitting in. They'll be at The Barns of Wolf Trap this Saturday night as well.

Two totally different bands, two totally different venues. Either way you're seeing good music for under twenty bucks at Wolf Trap, and under ten at The Quarry House. Not to mention Chopteeth on Friday at Rock and Roll Hotel for ten.
As I said in the last post-you just can't beat local music as the best value for your entertainment dollar in this town.

Happy X mas

Dear Readers
Hope you had a good holiday which in my mind includes parties, music, eggnog or any excuse to drink with family and friends. (I know my family made fun of me when I showed up with a half gallon of rum, but nobody turned me down either.)


(Chris Watling, Derek Huston and Kevin Cordt)

By the way, Last Train Home was great last Sunday at Iota with not only Derek Huston sitting in, but also the amazingly versatile Jon Carroll. Just when you thought you'd seen it before- a show like that comes along.

Lots more to read coming up shortly-especially for Slickees/Beatnik Flies fans.

Dan Hovey. If he was dead you'd call him a local guitar legend, but lucky for us he is alive and well. He used to play with the legendary Root Boy Slim- then he left this burg for New York for years. Dan's been back for a while now playing in his own bands as well as with Ron Holloway, The Hula Monsters, Bill Kirchen and Jon Carroll. (just to name a few)
Earlier this summer he started playing with Mary Ann Redmond. You can catch him tonight with his cover band Bad Daddy at good ole JV's Restaurant (no cover) in Falls Church and August 26th with Mary Ann at The Harp and Fiddle in Bethesda.