Confessions of the Starving Artist - New Year's Message - 1/1/08

So, Happy New Blog.
Old year ends and new begins.
A circle to fill.

This week, we ended a year and began a year - all set to music.

Friday night, December 28, we celebrated the legendary Starving Artist open mic. The anticipation of New Year's Eve and SAC&G decked out for Christmas added an edge to the evening. First up was the razor-edged poetry of Justin Rodstrom. J-Rod is a fine singer and songwriter as well. Anthony C. and Davey B. of Love, Mara Jade performed individually this time. Marian Mastrorilli of Project Mercury fame was joined by a percussionist this time, friend Peter. She charmed us through a three-song set of her thoughtful songs (I'm a fan). Magic Alex is a fine poet with a sharp wit and intellect. Many more acts followed, the comedy of Al Wagner and the crowd-pleaser, Jenn "Angel Wings" Santise. Last, but not least, the emcee of the evening, Josh Glick, took the stage singing his own "Fixation" and "Stickything." He does a great job hosting the proceedings. I say that not because he is my son, but because it's true. Thanks Josh.

"Mister Saturday Night" came to SAC&G on Saturday, December 29, and what a night it was. Freddie "Flip" Lando can and does sing anything. You name it - Bobby Darin's "Artificial Flowers" to opera. He did something I've never seen anyone attempt. He sang Roy Orbison's "Crying." Think it's easy? Try it next open mic. Freddie had a surprise guest too. Theresa Sareo showed up and joined Freddie on the showstopper from "Phantom of the Opera" and several other songs. Impromptu as it was they nailed every song and all the beautiful harmony cold. I tell you the hair on my arm stood up. Freddie is as generous a performer as he is talented. A gifted singer, not to be missed.

Sunday, December 30 we closed in preparation for New Year's Eve.

Monday night, December 31, the cafe was dressed in all its New Year's finery. The noise makers sat like a box of explosives and the air was filled with the aroma of a feast. A full house of seasoned partiers were grooving to the guitar wizardry of jazz great Lou Volpe. Lou has played every New Year's Eve of the cafe's history and other times too numerous to tally - and I'm always blown away by this man's talent. His skill at his instrument is matched by his brilliant arrangements of cover songs and his downright tasty originals. He was worth the price of admission all on his own. A testament to him was the fact that the audience, there to celebrate New Year's Eve, was filled with musicians. Lou Volpe or Ryan Seacrest? I think the choice is obvious. The clock struck twelve. We kissed the girls. We drank champagne. We kissed a year goodbye. We kissed a year hello. We gathered for the customary SAC&G New Year's Group Photo. The bound copy of photos of the 2008 celebration will be available for those who cherish such moments.

I wish to thank "Uncle Bill" Yehle, my beautiful wife, Monica, and Hannah and Joshua for their help this New Year's Eve. Peace and love and happiness in this New Year.

Click the links. Click on Glick at the Neil Young Living With War web site - now #95 and #99, ending the year in the top 100! Support live, independent music. And come in, and live right!