Before I get into the Open Mic Review, I want to talk about two other music events I attended this past week. First was a Bass Clinic by Anthony Wellington at the Atlanta Institute of Music on Thursday July 21st. The Second was a performance by the band So What featuring Mia. For a weekend where FA-Q ALLiance did not gig, it made for an incredible run anyways.
Byran Bell, Sergio Quesada, and J. Alan all attend AIM and I knew about the clinic for over a week. I walked into the auditorium expecting only my AIM buddies and was met at the door by Anthony Westmoreland. Tony is a friend to my entire band and is known to readers of this blog because he is one of the minds behind the Musician's Club which we use as a model for our nights. He was taking photos of the clinic and had invited me to it via facebook earlier in the day. Needless to say, heading to a Bass Clinic done by an associate of Victor Wooten and running into so many friends, set the foundation for a great night. Mr. Wellington was a pleasure to listen too, was obviously a great instructor, and has developed a method for understanding modes that is simple genius. Research him, it is worth your time. Check out Tony's websites, his photos, and the Musician's Club.
Saturday Night July 23rd at Sportstime II was the sight of one of the best performances I have ever seen. So What is a band put together by my friend Chris "Dr. Funk" Edwards to try and fill free nights with some local gigs. His whole band makes a living doing the corporate gig thing and are a group of amazing musicians. Ever since Mia joined the cast as featured lead singer, they just blow you away. I can easily see how Mia is going to be signed sooner rather than later. Right now she can still be seen playing at Sportstime and Sportstime II, while her and the whole So What band are frequent attendees to our Open Mic Events. They are amazing, and I can't believe I help them book bar gigs.
And now we get to the heart of my blog, the review of Sunday's Open Mic Event at Sportstime Bar and Grill in Duluth. While it was an average night for the bar, it rivaled the best nights of music we have ever had. We worked through 26 musicians on the night (Our 2nd most ever) and it was so full of special moments that I am guarenteed to leave some out. Nights like that leave our Sound Master Dubs working hard every set, but he is one of the best. We started with a Blues Sound check with Brian George doing his harmonica thing with the Headliners that eventually led to a whole new song being created impromptu titled "Funky like the Jew!"
Having Loren Haefer show up with his Trombone to join us during the Jazz Set to Chameleon was one thing, hearing him and Steve 2trumpet play in the Blaise Set was impressive. With Chris Edwards (of So What mention), Blaise Ziemian, and Andre and JB switching out at drums, it sounded like a well rehearsed act instead of an impromptu collection. Loren fit in well with many sets and knows his craft. Judy was amazing leading her set which had Bryan work back in and JB doing backup vocals. Bubba returned to the Keys for this set and Sergio joined at lead guitar. Ted played congas while Andre held the drums.
We were then graced with a killer rock set by Black Shampu, one of Atlanta's best Rock and Roll bands. Carlos "Black Dog" Hayes is a great lead singer and a good friend. They came with the whole band and are well rehearsed. Blake Pirhanna was at Bass, Red Dog is their Lead Guitar, and Rex is their drummer. They will soon be getting a gig at Sportstime II and can be found hitting other Atlanta venues. A great band with a really good sound, they are also a bunch of great guys.
Time for a look at the Chart for the night before I hit our closing set.
Performance Time | Band Name | Musicians | Comments | |||||
Start | Finish | Singers | Guitar | Drum | Bass | Keys | ||
7:45 | 8:45 | FA-Q | Bubba Bryan Bell | Sergio Quesada Bryan Bell | J. Alan | Brent L. Miller | Bubba | One serious group of amazing musicians. Brian played along, Brent Some on Percussion. Patrick played tambourine and a little conga. |
8:45 | 9:15 | Jazz Set | Bryan Bell | Sergio Quesdada | J. Alan JB Dubs | Bryan Bell | Groovin Jazz.. Loren joined in with trombone, sounded great | |
9:15 | 10:00 | Blaise Set | Blaise Ziemian | Blaise Ziemian | JB Andre | Chris Edwards | Loren on Trombone Steve on 2 trumpets Steve on keys | Groovin classic rock and blues covers, he had the two horn sound for a while with Steve trying backup singing and keyboards too |
10:00 | 10:20 | Judy Set | Judy JB | Sergio Quesada | Andre Ted | Chris Edwards Bryan Bell | Bubba Steve 2trumpet | Great Soulful Covers |
10:20 | 10:45 | Black Shampu | Black Dog | Red Dog | Rex JB | Blake | They are a great band that is coming soon to Sportstime II. Great Rock and Roll sound from a versatile group. | |
10:45 | Close | Rob Roux Set | Bryan Bell Bubba RB Manual Madonna JB | Rob Roux | J. Alan Dubs LeMarshall MichaelM | Bryan Bell Chris Edwards | Bubba | What a closing set!! |
And now to our Closing Set which was once again our Rob Roux Set. It was amazing, as we had 9 musicians on stage performing at the same time at one point. Rob Roux, two bassists at one point, Amazing Drummers in Michael and LeMarshall, Manual and new performer Madonna even had JB helping on backup vocals. It was an amazing sound and I regret not recording all of these sessions, it was historic.
I'd also like to call out fellow promotor Sheri Black for coming out and bring a few folks, she is a good friend to all and a great overall person. Two full bands and a lot of great musicians all came out, it was an honor just being associated with the night.
The Chart of Performers for the Night:
List of Performers: | Band/Performer | Performance Skills | Links and Upcoming Events |
Brent L. Miller, Rabbi Pimp Shoes, Mr. Brand New | Performer, Host | Bass, Lead Singing, Percussion | FA-Q |
Preacher Bubba | Performer | Keyboards, Lead Singing, Bass, Mixing and Production | FA-Q |
JB Williams | Performer | Drums, Backup Singing, Percussion | FA-Q |
Sergio Quesada | Performer | Accoustic Guitar, Lead Guitar | FA-Q |
Performer | Bass, Lead Guitar, Accoustic Guitar, Lead Singer | FA-Q | |
John “Dubs” Gomez | Performer | Lead Singer, Guitar, Accoustic Guitar, Bass, Percussion, Sound Master | FA-Q |
FA-Q | Band | Fusion R&B and Alternative Rock Band | |
Brian George | Performer | Harmonica, Backup Singer | |
J. Alan | Performer | Drums | FA-Q |
Chris Edwards | Performer | Bass | |
Blaise Ziemian | Performer | Lead Guitar, Lead Singer | |
Loren Haefer | Performer | Trombone | |
Andre | Performer | Drums | |
Ted | Performer | Drums | |
Patrick | Performer | Percussion | |
Judy | Performer | Lead Singer | |
Steve Michaels | Performer | 2 trumpets | |
Carlose Hayes | Performer | Lead Singer | Black Shampu |
Blake Piranna | Performer | Bass | Black Shampu |
Rex | Performer | Drums | Black Shampu |
Red Dog | Performer | Lead Guitar | Black Shampu |
Black Shampu | Band | Rock Covers, Current covers, originals, Classic Rock | Black Shampu |
Rob Roux | Performer | Lead Guitar | |
Michael Middlebrook | Performer | Drums | |
Sheri Black | Performer | Promoter | |
Manual Santana | Performer | Lead Singer | |
LeMarshall Breakdown | Performer | Drums, Percussion | |
Madonna | Performer | Lead Singer |
Just looking at a list like that is kindof impressive, to know we helped turn it into a night of amazing music is priceless.
The fans of the night were great and I think Kharma made the night what it was as last night was the 21st anniversary of two Sportstime's Royalty. Mama T and Gary came and celebrated with us, dancing most of the night and hopefully having an amazing time all around. We all love you guys!!
I hope once again everyone tipped Anna and Lena well, they worked very hard last night once again. They make the night happen and Eddie is a great cook.
So until next time, FA-Q ALL!!
