harpdude61
519 posts
Dec 06, 2010
9:25 AM
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Me and a friend, who is also a rock DJ and blues lover, came up with an idea to promote blues in a positive way during the holidays. We got a local restaurant/club owner to buy in and were able to find 3 local blues bands to donate their time. So this Friday evening will be our first annual "Toy for Tots Blues Christmas". An unwrapped gift or $5 gets you in. The local Marines will be there to accept and distribute the toys.
One band is a group of blues night jammers from just over the VA/TN line who call themselves "Borderline Saints". Next is a local rock/blues band called "Driving Miss Crazy". Headlining is an established band called "The Delta Playboys". All three have harp players.
I'm playing with DMC and I must say it has so far been a great experience for me. These guys know several 12 bar songs, but also 16 bar, 8 bar, and more. This has forced me outside of my " 12 bar, make it up as I go box". Songs by Little Feat, Allman Brothers, and Travis Tritt are included plus they want me to learn the hook or groove for some of the songs. My wife is sure happy we have a woodshed.
The important thing is the kids, but it doesn't hurt to promote the blues and its players when we can. We expect a great turnout. I'll let y'all know how it goes.
I know its too late this year, but it may be something to think about for your area next year. Never know how big something like this could get.
Merry Christmas,
Duane "Catfish" Frye
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eharp
988 posts
Dec 06, 2010
10:40 AM
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fantastic.
toys for tots is a great program. we always get involved with them through scouts that my boys are in.
i hope you kick it out during the event.
we will be waiting for some video. i wanna hear about the little feat song.
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Hobostubs Ashlock
1247 posts
Dec 06, 2010
10:45 AM
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thats cool;-)
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toddlgreene
2192 posts
Dec 06, 2010
10:45 AM
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Very nice, Duane-congrats on getting that set up, and it is definitely a good cause! To echo eharp, do try to get some video. I'd like to see it.
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Todd L. Greene, Codger-in-training
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harpdude61
520 posts
Dec 06, 2010
11:51 AM
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Thanks Guys...The Little Feat song is Dixie Chicken. I'm okay on a solo because it sounds like the guitar solo stays in the root chord the whole time. It is the fills that I'm not too sure about.
We have two more practices before the show. I'm sure we can figure out something.
I heard they have a pro videographer to tape it all.
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eharp
990 posts
Dec 06, 2010
11:54 AM
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i'll be your dixie chicken, if you'll be my tennessee lamb.
i always liked that one.
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Philippe
38 posts
Dec 06, 2010
1:49 PM
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A harp wouldn't be too bad of a gift idea either :)
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harpdude61
535 posts
Dec 12, 2010
9:20 AM
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Wow! The response was more than we expected. We collected 7 large bins full of toys and $600 that we turned over to the Marines.
The place was packed and standing room only. All three bands played great. There was karma in the air. I have never played before a more appreciative audience. Sure is great to play in an environment where people are there to listen to the blues.
We were so thrilled that blues fans showed up to support a charity. Many asked for more than once a year....already talk about an Easter Seals Blues Bash!
We called it a WIN WIN WIN WIN situation. The musicians love a chance to play, the fans love a good time for a good cause, great for a business that supports live music, and most of all for the kids that will have a happier Christmas because of the gifts!
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harpdude61
539 posts
Dec 13, 2010
9:24 AM
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Philippe..I did put a few Cracker Barrel harps in the bins.
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