February 10, 2007 - 100 Church Hill -WOW!
Thanks to all who made the last Beach Party gig at 100 Church Hill the wildest night in Newtown in recent history…the waitresses are still trying to recover!
We were in the company (or alleged company) of some ‘ol friends from waaay baaaack! Too many to note…but I did see the Winton Farm Gang, Red & Co, My Mom & Ray, Gavin, I heard Bruce Adams was around, The Boys from the Chase!, The NLB Players, Midnight Rodeo, The Lakeheads, Lisa Siri & Tony, Camp Family, My Man George….. and the rest just may be a blur. Anyway – thanks for making it a night to remember, it was just like a night at the RedRocks 25 years ago, but with fewer Kamakazis. Thanks to Midnight Rodeo for the warm-up, and to former CPB axe-men Danny and Marco for turning it up.
Feb 17th - The Windmill
What was originally scheduled to be a CPB gig turned into an All-Star Jam night at the Windmill. Due to a scheduling malfunction Mark couldn't make it and the rest of The CPB was joined by The Norman lane Band, members of the Rockaholics, members of Blue Sue and the Moondogs, and a yet to be named country band - was that Country Cream?
The night started out with all sorts of people rocking out from one song to another! Paul Tomasetti, (Norman Lane and Country Cream) drumming, former CPB alumni Mark Miejewski (also of Norman Lane), Bob Feather (The Rockaholics – and also an old friend of The CPB), and Joe Miani (Norman Lane) joined in for some trips in the wayback machine. The Allman Bros, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Bad Company, Free – the guys rocked out on some of the oldies but goodies! It’s amazing what you can remember from a cold start! Is that what they mean by muscle memory?
The second round of the evening started out with The Norman Lane Band, Joe Miani, Rick Masi, Mark Miejewski, Paul Tomasetti, and Kuch, who took the stage for a few numbers from their repertoire; The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tommy Castro, and even a Blues Bros. number!. Some smokin’ blues with an edge! After a few they were joined by Bob F. and Tom Nichio (The Rockaholics, Blue Sue and the Moondogs) for a righteous jam on some Lynyrd Skynyrd and Wilson Pickett.
The final round of the evening had all our toes tappin’ with some excellent country grooves from Country Cream; Brenda K. on vocals, with Roger, Rick, and Paul playing and singing it up with some fine grooves and harmonies.
Thanks to our friends and loved ones for joining us in a fun evening. It was good to see everyone dancing and singing along and just plain enjoy yourselves! Shouts and thanks to Barbara, Karen, Cathy, Debbie, Carol, Nancy & Gino, Siri, Gilligan, Pat & Mandy, to name but a few. Hey, Nadine, thanks for taking care of us all!
So when are we going to do this again?!? What a great way to have some serious music and fun!
March 31st - The Windmill
The CPB was back in Stratford to rock the house and rock the house we did! The boys warmed up the "crowd" with a set of ZZ Top and some George Thorogood. We celebrated a birthday for one of the folks there, Jeff, and Roger entertained both Jeff and the folks there with a yodaliferous version of Happy Birthday and a good time was had by all.
Tips of the hat to Debbie, Pat, Billy, Jim, Michelle and of course Nadine who kept everyone supplied with their nectar of choice.
April 1st - Church Hill
The Church was jumping on Saturday night as the band played on to the final minutes of the night. Some discussion was had on exactly what time it was seeing as it was time to set the clock ahead one hour. Dancing, singing, and of course drinking were the norm for the evening! And guess what? - it was another night for celebrating a birthday! Happy B-Day Tisha! Ya gotta love that yodelling little tune when ya hear it! The dance floor was packed as the boys played through three long sets which included some newer material to keep things fresh.
The band had the pleasure of a guest vocalist when Deborah Nora joined them during the 2nd set for a few numbers. Can that lady sing or what! Deb had the crowd whooping it up big time. It's always a treat for the band when Deb joins in! You can get to her website on the Links page to get more info and see where she's performing at when she's not dropping in on the CPB.
Tips of the hat to Joann, DD, Debbie, Tisha, Gino & Nancy, Jeremy, Randy & Katherine, Paul to name but a few. You guys made the night what it was - excellent!
August 5th - Shady Rest Annual Picnic
What a beautiful day! The heatwave was gone and everyone was able to be outside and really enjoy a great day. Many boaters on Lake Zoar were also enjoying the music and shouting out some requests. We played some music for "the kids", which we had to laugh when we were asked later on what songs we were talking about specifically! I guess the "kids" must need to be in their, eh hem, 20's for the songs that we played. LOL
OUr buddy Paul Tomassetti joined the boys both singing and playing his harp many times during the afternoon and into the evening. He also joined in on drums for an impromptu jam with a young guitar slinger Rob Franzino. We played on The Beatles "Let it Be" and The Stones' "Time is on My Side." It's always good to play with up and coming musicians. Gotta keep that live music, well, alive! It was a good day and it looks like we may be back there next year!
August 12th - The Topside Cafe
We found ourselves back at the Topside Cafe for an excellent night of playin' dancin' and, well, drinking! Everyone there had a great time from the regulars of the establishment to some of our friends and fans. Alicia was a one-woman bartending machine running around the evening and taking care of everyone's drink orders all by herself! Hat's off to the hard working staff at the Topside.
Tip of the hat to; Debbie, Dee Dee, Diana, Pat & Mandy, Scott, Lori and Jeff, Patty and Roy to name a few.
August 20th - The Sports Page Cafe - New Milford
The Charter Oak 59th Anniversary Party!
Well, when Kuch finally showed up just in time (somebody needs to pay attention when gigs are booked!), the band had a great afternoon playing for the party. Everyone had a good time with lots to eat and drink in the great outdoors. Besides the tall trees there were a few small tents set up and a light breeze kept everybody cool enough to enjoy a great afternoon in the outside area of the cafe. Many of the area clubs were represented in support of Charter Oak and their anniversary. The CPB was joined by John, who organized the event, to jam a little on Tush and Call Me The Breeze.
October 14th - Church Hill - Sandy Hook
What a Saturday night! Everyone had a great time dancing and hanging out. The place was packed and the crowd was enthused. Tip of the hat in no particular order to; Debbie, Jo Ann, Dee Dee, Nancy & Gino, Dave, Paul, Randy & Katherine, Joey, George, Kenny, Jeff, and everyone else of whom I can't remember for coming out and having a good time with us. We had a special guest come up to play on This O'l Cowboy and Sweet Home Chicago, Mr. Jeff Helfeld came up and played some smokin' solos and we really enjojyed his sittin' in with us. The boys have been adding some newer music to the repertoire and everyone enjoyed it. Ever hear of Tonic and Puddle of Mud? Yeah, the old guys still got it - right Jo?
