Photo by LD Churchill
February 22--Home--OK...the LD Churchill photos came in this
weekend. Check out the photos pages (3
of them!) for highlights. I didn't post all 1000 pics, but pulled
about 10% to show. If you took all 1000 photos...it's almost like
having video of the whole show. Not a moment lost. Thanks,
LD. (and, yes, the ones of me singing out front made the
cut...just because I need a little humiliation...)
Photo by LD Churchill
February 18-19th--Quapaw Casino--Miami, OK--OK, "casino"...this
isn't Las Vegas for certain, but once inside, it has all the same
trappings. We were set up in a separate room (club) from the
gaming and were set to rock the gamblers into the wee hours. I
have never understood why a casino would hire a band like us. We a
are high-energy, rockin' band that engages the listener. Casinos,
on the other hand, like to keep the gamblers focused on the gaming and
not be distracted by a live act. So, being way too loud for this
setting, we stripped things down by night two and performed as
acoustically as possible. It was fun among us, but we understood
that very few people in the club could actually hear us over talking.
Yes...it's true. Oreo Blue was quiet... Thanks to Lou
Davidson for sending us photos of the event.
Photo by Lou Davidson
February 8th--Phat Tuesday, George's Majestic--Fayetteville, AR--Just
another party? Well...it is Mardi Gras...Along with Joe Giles and
his band, we slew the revelers. Made for a sleepy Wednesday work
morning, but I am sure it was worth it.
Earl Cate, Ron Eoff, and
Gary
photo by Stephen Boudreaux
February 4-5th--Gary's Third Annual 50th Birthday Bash--Featuring
The Cate Brothers, Nace Brothers, and Oreo Blue--Joplin, MO (the KP) and
Fayetteville, AR (George's
Majestic Lounge)--OH, Man!!! I just love when this
weekend comes around. First of all, it's Gary's birthday and he is
such a great human, and friend and it so much fun just to hang with him
and watch him in pure nirvana when the spotlight shines in his direction
for, say, a week straight. He deserves it. I know (if anyone
reads this) that you have heard me ramble on about how much we enjoy and
appreciate the Nace Brothers and the Cate Brothers. Our music
community is strong and those two bands are a primary reason why.
The Nace's hail from KC, but they might as well be home-boys.
Everyone knows the Cates, but the Nace's are by far one of our favorite
bands...ever. Great people and always a great time to share the
stage with them. Both shows were packed wall-to-wall with
appreciative and fun-loving crowds. There in Gary's honor, but
there to be honored with one of the best musical experiences one could
have all year long. Man...what a show! I got to sing Soul
Man up front during the big jam and had 12 of the best musicians in
the WORLD backing me for about 5 minutes. What a thrill. I
now know what a singing Ringo Starr must have been feeling for a moment
having John, Paul, and George backing him. I took lots of
pictures, so look for them in the photo gallery. Here's a few...
|
TJ on Keys |
Gary and Jimmy Nace |
|
Mickey Eoff of the Cates |
Gary, Earl Cate, Jimmy Nace |
|
Tim and David Nace |
Tim from the Nace Brothers Band |
photos by Stephen Boudreaux
February 3rd--The Blues Jam @
George's--Fayetteville, AR--Gary and I invited Rod to come help us
host the jam tonight. Man...what a bass player! I think that
we often take him for granted when we get to ride his masterful playing
every day, but when you juxtapose the little fella up against all
comers, he really shows his mettle. I would dare say that Rod
locks things down as well as any bass man in the industry. And he
certainly has no equal in our neck of the woods.
This night also saw about 10 drummers come
out to the jam. This meant that I got to play, like, 3 songs.
But that's ok. It gives me a chance to watch Rod man-handle those
boys..."the one is right here, dammit! If you can't feel
it, get off my stage!" he might say under his breath. We had
Adrian Bolton come down from Sigler's. And a new guy, Michael
Allen sat in. This guy is a great player. Keep your eyes out
for this cat. He's smooth. Right now, playing with the likes
of Jennifer B, Sonhound, and others.
www.michaelallendrums.com.
February 2nd--Subiaco Academy--Subiaco, AR--We performed a
special concert for the students, family, and friends at the SA.
The concert was in their rather nice auditorium that seemed packed.
No dance floor, just theater seating. This group of students
seemed more apt to hearing a pipe organ or string quartet for their
musical selections, but we rocked them right out of the gates. We
did some Hendrix covers interspersed with a number of our original
selections and the audience was as appreciative as I can recall.
We certainly hope they will invite us back next year. It was a
great crowd.
The below two photos are
from our tailgate party for the Pittsburg State Gorillas football team
at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Submitted by Ed Wirthwein.
Thanks, Ed.
January 14th--J.
Michaels--Fort Smith, AR--This place is tiny...Probably the world's
smallest and most awkward stage. But it has a lot of heart.
Jim McCoy has really done his homework and is getting the place ready
for live music. It has always been a mystery why Fort Smith fails
to produce a quality cold-weather music venue, but maybe Jim has
something going. Good things come in small packages, they say.
Thanks, too, to LD Churchill for snapping like, over 1000 photos of the
band in less than three hours. Whew! I got to preview a few
of them and if they ever see daylight...it will be cool. (I don't
think we will be showing anyone the pictures of me out from behind the
drumkit trying to be Mick Jagger)
January 1st--George's
Majestic Lounge--Fayetteville, AR--The Gary Hutchison Trifecta
started off the new year with the first gig. Gary and I welcomed
Gary's old friend, Carl from Nixa, Missouri down to play bass guitar
while Rod Williamson celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary.
(Happy Anniversary to Rod and Andra from everyone in the band).
Carl did a fabulous job filling in and was a joy to have on stage.
Carl is a genuinely nice guy and a very knowledgeable bass player.
Chris Payton and her husband, Tommy, came to the show as well.
Chris did a few numbers with us again. Always a pleasure to have
the best female vocalist in Arkansas on stage with us that often.
Look for more Trifecta shows in the future. Happy New Year, all.
