October 29th--Sigma Nu Luau--Somewhere east of Winslow, Arkanas--It had been a while since we had performed for a Greek function.  The Sigma Nu had set up a party in the most rural of areas somewhere east of Winslow atop a plateau overlooking some of the most breathtaking landscape in the state.  The weather was cool, so the luau turned into a bonfire party with three massive stacks surrounding the seating area.  They had built us a great little stage with a pond right in back (I had my poles with me and fished out a nice 3 pound black bass).  The Sigma Nu boys are great and very accommodating.  It looks like the future is in good hands...

October 12th--Home--I was given the privilege of taking a private drum lesson with Stanton Moore last week.  Stanton has become one of top drummers in the world over the last few years with his work with his band, Galactic, Garage a Tois, Corrosion of Conformity, etc.  He is a master of the second line and New Orleans rhythms.  It was an inspiring lesson and a fantastic clinic following.  Here are some pics!

photos by Stephen Boudreaux

October 8th--The Kitchen Pass--Joplin, Missouri--For the second half of our day, we headed back southeast to Joplin for a show at the KP.  Due to the cool weather, we moved the show inside.  Oddly, it was a very small crowd for the usually raucous KP.  What they lacked in size, they made up for in response.  We blew them away with a strong set and made, yet, some more new fans.

October 8th--Pittsburg State University Homecoming--Pittsburg, Kansas--We performed for Pitt State last year up in KC at Arrowhead and I suppose they liked it so much, they invited us to perform for their homecoming this year.  Nice folks and a very storied football program.  Turns out that the Gorillas whipped Pan Handle State that day 70-0.  Nice.  Thanks to Phil, the soundman, for hooking us up. 

October 7th--George's Majestic Lounge (Happy Hour)--Fayetteville, Arkansas--This was really our first time performing in the garden since Brian had upgraded the sound system (even better).  Man...that system rules.  Pretty good crowd for a HH.  As usual, I hate to quit early (8pm) as I feel like we are just getting started after the first two hours, but it was a good set nonetheless.  Probably a good thing, though, because we had to get up at 6am the next day to play two shows in two states on Saturday!  Our good friends, the Soul Servants were due to play the night set so Gary and I stayed to hear a couple of songs while we ate some of Bob Yazzetti's now World Famous Pizza...

 

October 1st--Bikes, Blues, BBQ Festival--Fayetteville, Arkansas--It was that time again to bring in the Fall with the spattering bombasts of Harley pipes, the sweet and sharp smells of barbeque of all flavors, and the onslaught of blues-based hot music from stages all over town.  The BBBBQ Festival is Oreo Blue's time to shine.  A "biker rally" by design, the festival features live music by national artists like Steppenwolf, Foghat, Joan Jett, and Blue Oyster Cult across town and local and regional artists on Dickson Street.  This year, the Dickson Street stage was ginormous.  It was as big as any stage around with a full-on PA and light show.  Oreo Blue was featured Saturday night and had a fantastic set.  Stabbing in our originals as is our festival form, we also blitzed the 20,000+ crowd with some party favorites and Jimi Hendrix Tribute rockers.  As our finale, Gary made BBBBQ history by going so far over the top that he set his Stratocaster ablaze and smashed it to pieces.  The crowd had no idea what had hit them.  Like a thief in the night, Gary slipped in next to the transient crowd, pistol whipped them with his licks, and walked away leaving them shaken and bleeding.  As host Joe Giles stated after our set, "I'd hate to follow that!"  Prior to our set, the Nace Brothers warmed up the crowd with their set of mid-western sensibility music.  A new photo page will be up soon of the event with us, the Nace Brothers, the Cate Brothers, etc. 

Now, what excites me about BBBBQ weekend is what goes down at George's Majestic Lounge on both stages.  Yes, Oreo Blue had their turn on Friday from 5-9 rocking the capacity crowds.  The lineup for the weekend was familiar, but strong.  One of our favorite bands of recent years is the Groove Hogs from Wisconsin.  Great band.  I have bragged on these boys before in this letter, but they continue to shine each trip they make to Arkansas.  Word is they may be taking a hiatus after this weekend which would be a terrible shame.  Gary and I were given the honor of sitting in with this great horn band during their set.  What fun.  Check them out at www.groovehogs.com

 

photos by Day Crowne
photos by Stephen Boudreaux

 

September 17th--Polo in the Ozarks--Goshen, AR--This event is a great charity fund raiser and a unique event for Northwest Arkansas.  Polo is such an unusual sport not found around here.  But have noticed in our years performing for this event that most folks do not attend for the polo match itself, but rather to mingle, look fashionable, stomp divots, and wear fancy hats.  Either way, as long as their cause benefits.  The food was great and those who stayed for the party had a great time.  Others, I think, might have gone to find a television or radio as our beloved Razorback footballers got "taken advantage of" by a much better Southern California team.  Ouch...

 

September 16th--Suzie's Pre-Game Party--Fayetteville, AR--Our good friend Suzie throws a great party.  This time for the SEC opener for the Arkansas Razorback Football season versus the Vanderbilt Commodores.  The party was awesome as usual and the food was tremendous.  In attendance, too, were some folks that Suzie has "adopted" from their evacuation from Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf.  The South Louisiana temporary transplants seemed to enjoy Oreo Blue and the food.  Most of all, though, they are enjoying great hospitality by one of Fayetteville's finest people. 

 

September 9th--Kitchen Pass--Joplin, MO--We had an opportunity to split-bill with the BelAirs again tonight.  Just cool stuff.  Brian got a chance to sit in with the guys prior to our set and it sounded great.  The weather was nice for the outdoor patio show at the KP.  Always a good crowd.  Shannon, the main bartender at the KP, always takes care of the band when we perform there. 

 

photos by © Stephen Boudreaux

September 2, 2005--George's Majestic Lounge--Fayetteville, AR--Tonight, we split-billed with Hunker Down in the Garden, us inside, and the Bel Airs for happy hour.  The Bel Airs are by far one of the coolest bands you will ever see and hear.  They are old-school, rhythm and blues in that 50's and 60's style of Sam and Dave, Carl Perkins, Slim Harpo...genuine Americana emitted from musical instruments.  Go visit their website at www.belairs.com.  The boys from Hunker Down always have a great time with the crowd covering all the dance tunes and old classics.  Kyle Gibson is a great front man and Mark Sumerlin is a true talent on guitars and harmonies.  Sumerlin, formerly of the band, BE, along with his brothers, Paul and Tally, were a force to be reckoned with back in the 90's.  When they get together on occasion, the magic is still there.  Oreo played a happy hour set from 7-9 and then Gary, Rod, and I took the night stage inside as the Gary Hutchison Trifecta.  Rocking the night away with our renditions of rock and blues classics.  It was great fun when my buddy, Michael Allen, was asked to take the drum chair so I could meander out front and sing a few.