Howdy folks,

Welcome to the week at The Green Frog! We’ve got a great one for your enjoyment and satisfaction, guaranteed! Well as far as I’ll guarantee anything, that is. But the important thing is that there are plenty of events this week that are more than worthy of your attendance.

I’d like to encourage all of you to forward this email to people that you know that might enjoy it.  In a world where digital marketing and social media reign supreme, we can use all the help that we can get. It’s ironic that we need computers to attract people to live shows, but here we are. I would appreciate any help you might give.  Here is the link where they can sign up.

Don’t forget that we have $3 pints ALL DAY on Tuesdays. We’d love to see more of you during the happy hour. The more beer we go through on Tuesday, the more new ones we can put onon Wednesday!

Once the weather gets a bit steadier, I’ll be able to staff the outside bar a little more regularly, and we have some great folks coming in to fill that spot. Julea is the newest member of our team, with Megan taking over on Mondays inside as well. You should come meet them and have a drink. They are great ladies!

Also, our goal is to get the BBQ up and running on May 24. That is the goal. We are doing a bit of a cosmetic makeover to fit in some more kitchen equipment, and will allow us to give you faster service in the bar. I think you will all appreciate the effort.

OK, let’s move on to the music:

Sometimes you just have to drop everything in the middle of the week and just go see a show.

Raina Rose has been making her way from Austin, Texas to the Green Frog for years now. It is always a pleasure to have her in the house, wooing us with her beautiful voice and lyrics. The first time she came through she was paired up with John Elliott, of whom we all know and love, and I have been a fan ever since. She is a wonderful person and a fantastic artist worthy of full house all on her own, but this time she brought some friends.

I feel that with the number of people that come out to live music in this town that many of you are not at home watching television programs about music, but if you are a fan of The Voice, then maybe you will recognize Rebecca Loebe. I am pretty sure she was on the first season because I recognize her from the show (I was supporting Vicci Martinez, don’t judge). She got Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine to turn around and give her a shot and for good reason, she deserves one. Give her a listen and I think you will wholeheartedly agree.

Jenn Grinels hails from New York City, a recent transplant from California, but is someone who is almost never home. She has been touring nearly constantly, playing over 500 shows in the past few years and supporting her sophomore album brokenHEARTbreaker. Her vocal ability in range and control are impressive and much talked about in the reviews I have read. I have not heard her live, but you can bet that I won’t be saying that for long.

Thursday, May 16: The Bad Things, Danbert Nobacon, Dirty Bird Cabaret.9:30pm. $8.

I remember the last time The Bad Things played when we were across the street. I had gone to Seattle on a beer run and came back pretty late, only to find a packed house! I waited politely outside until the band finished their song, but I wish I hadn’t, it was their last. I had no idea that they were as popular as they were, but I understand why they have the success that they do. This band is Seattle’s premier Junkyard Cabaret band, leading us all down into the dark recesses of debauchery. Known far and wide as a band that gets people up and moving, don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing!

Danbert Nobacon (pronounced, to my horror, No Bacon) once played the old space as well, as the feature for an open mic. I wasn’t at that show, but instead fulfilling my paternal duties at home. Before his debut performance here he was a founding member of English anarchist bandChumbawamba, which despite its three decades in existence would likely be best remembered in the US by the nineties single Tubthumping. His outspoken stances on many social injustices and socio-economic issues are throughout his songs, but a fair amount of notoriety came his way after dumping an ice bucket over the UK Deputy Prime Minister’s head at a music awards show in Britain. I don’t expect that we will see any of that at the Green Frog, but we will see an interesting and compelling performance by a musician who has been standing up for the little guys for over 30 years.

The Dirty Bird Cabaret is our local group of upstanding citizens, professionals, and mothers who once in awhile turn into tailfeather waggin’, jaw-droppin’, provocative dancin’ beauties that show us all just what freedom means. They are awesome. They are going to be here to show you just how awesome.

Friday, May 17: Deception Past and The 1 uppers. 9:30pm. $5.

Deception Past is crazy. I don’t mean in any sort of clinical way, but there are 12 of them in this band. TWELVE of them. There are two things that I know for sure and they are as follows: a) They will be packed on stage like sardines and b) these guys love to play music for the music, because there is no way they are going to make any money with that many people in a band. I haven’t seen them live, so I am going to put a little something from their website here…

Deception past finds inspiration in outlaw country, bluegrass and the legacy of the full, real sounds of America. Always inspired, always remembering the country that bore them, the whiskey that quenched them and the patriots that gave them this opportunity. They’d sure like to make your acquaintance and show you a hand-clappin’, boot-stompin’ good time.

The 1Uppers are great. They played here a few months ago and totally blew me away with their style. They are full on country music masters, conjuring the spirits of the greats that have come and gone, getting people to move just 2 steps at a time. And if that isn’t enough, they are the best dressed band I have ever seen. I might just have to wear my cowboy cut suit as well!

We’re going to have a great time at this show, I hope you are all a part of it!

Saturday, May 18: Maria in the Shower w/ Vikesh Kapoor. 9:30pm. $10.

We’ve been asking Vancouver’s Maria in the Shower to play every month almost as long as we’ve been here. They bring a fantastic energy that is hard to parallel, with the musical capabilities to back up the enthusiasm. From the brim of their hats to the spats on their shoes, this band is here to entertain. They only have a couple more shows with us before they take off for the summer on the festival circuit, so come on down and see them while you can! I promise you that it will be worth your time!

Vikesh Kapoor is a singer/songwriter out of Boston, Massachusetts who I think will be a great addition to the list of performers who have been on our stage. He is folk musician in the tradition of early Dylan, but with the modern voice needed to connect today. He is the winner of the Boston Phoenix Best Music Award and was invited to perform at Howard Zinn’s memorial service alongside Noam Chomsky.

I realize the energy is going to change throughout the night, but this is going to be a fantastic night regardless. I’ll see you there!

Sunday, May 19: Open Mic hosted by Misty Flowers. 8:00pm. FREE!

I’m not sure what more I can say about the open mic that I haven’t said many times in the past. As my step-dad, Omar, likes to say, “There’s no sense in beating a dead horse to death!” But that’s just it, this horse ain’t dead. It’s a great open mic that could be premier open mic of the area, a place that careers can be born, a catalyst to the big time! Well, it could…

This Sunday’s feature is Corwin Bolt. His blues guitar is a great addition to the songs he sings. Check out some of the music on his page and you’ll see the kind of quality music that comes from this open mic. He’s not the only one. And heck, you might be one of them too!

Sunday, May 19: Slow Jam. 4:00pm. FREE!

This is the longest running tradition at The Green Frog. Slow Jam was started about 5 years ago by Jim and Nancy Lahatt, whom we lovingly call “The Geezers,” and they have been assembling a group of merry music makers ever since. This is an open jam for any of you who would like to play in a group setting. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about pickin’ and grinnin’. There is a whole to be said for that.

Thanks for reading this far, if you have. I appreciate all the kind words that many of you share with me regarding this email update. I know that sometimes it’s boring and long-winded, but all of these musicians deserve the best I can give them as far as promotion goes. It is really a terrible business to be in. Some of them are doing it because they love to play music. They might have day jobs and spend their free time entertaining. Then there are some who play music because they have no choice. It is in their soul and they have to let it out. They make their living just a couple of nights a week if they are lucky. They travel everywhere, spending most of what they make on the gas it takes to get there. It is a terrible business, but I am very thankful that they have chosen it.

We appreciate each and every one of you. We can’t do this without you and we can always use your help to get more people aware that we exist. Word of mouth is paramount. Thanks for talking…how often do you hear me say that?! We’ll see you soon.

Cheers!

James

Greetings, folks! I’m going to come right on out and let you know that I am tired. At 10:30pm, I am so ready for bed that I’m a little giddy, but I must get this out to all of you on time this week, mostly because we have a brand new feature for you on Monday night.

First, I’d like to thank all of you who came out for Lyme OUT Lyndsey last Wednesday. As you likely know, I wrote all about Team in Training, but that had nothing to do with what was actually going on. But that was an incredible event. The community outpouring of love, as well as money, to Lyndsey as she fights Lyme Disease was nothing short of inspirational. Over $11,000 was raised to help her pay her medical expenses. That, my friends, is a community spirit that we can be very proud of!

I’m not going to last much longer, so I want to just jump right into the week’s happenings. Here you go!

It’s not often I tell you about something that is not music related, and I have been very proud of the run of music based shows at the Green Frog, but for this I needed to make an exception. I was approached awhile ago about a comedy open mic, but I didn’t have any room for it. But the idea has been in the back of my head for a couple of months and the stars seem to be aligned.

This open mic has been taking place around town for a little bit now, but not on a regular basis or with a steady venue. Even without that consistency, they have been filling all the slots and bringing out a crowd that likes a good laugh. We’re going to end that consistency problem and open our doors to the comic crowd every Monday.

I have a special place in my heart for stand-up comedy. Comics say what no one else wants to say. They cross comfort lines and make people look hard at themselves and those around them. I have a great respect for what they do and what they represent to our culture. It will be a pleasure to have them at The Green Frog.

I came up with this name on the fly, jumping on the “_______ingham” bandwagon that seems so prevalent these days. I’m not sure if that name will stick, or if it should, but come out and support our local comics anyway!

It is really fun for me to walk into The Green Frog on a Tuesday night and look around the crowd. I don’t know any of them. And more importantly, they don’t know me! It’s like being in a totally different bar that just happens to look exactly like the one I own. The great thing about it is that it is a good time. Young people, slurping up my beer at $3 a pint, dancing their bums off to Yogo’s soul selections, and generally having a great time is something I very much enjoy seeing. It’s not just for college kids though, so come on down and join the party, just don’t let them know I’m there.

I just asked these fellas if they wanted to play just a couple of hours ago, and I’m stoked that they agreed. As many of you know, Ron Hardesty is my dad, and as far as humor and sarcasm go, this apple didn’t fall far from the tree. But as a songwriter and musician, it is quite apparent that the apple fell off a cliff (I did actually fall off a cliff, but that is a different story).  It is a pleasure to hear him sing and tell some tales through his music.

Chad Peterson is an altogether different sort of musician. I’m not actually sure if he is a songwriter or not, but he does bring out some great renditions of some timeless classics. A skilled musician on guitar, accordion, and mouth trumpet, among others, he will take you on a journey through the smoky jazz clubs of yesteryear while never leaving your seat.

These two will be on stage at the same time, trading songs back and forth, until they stop or run out of songs.

Thursday, May 2: Melody Walker and Jacob Groopman. 9:30pm. $5.

I’m blown away by what I have heard from this duo. I’m not kidding when I say Melody Walker’s voice is up there with some of the best folk singers around today. Just this past weekend she won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest! That is no easy feat. The vocal harmonies are impressive, as is the instrumental prowess of Jacob Groopman. Coming out of the Bay Area, they mix Groopman’s native Virgina sound with that of Walker’s California upbringing to bring us what they call Americali. Whether or not it will ever get recognized as an official genre is besides the point, what really matters is that it is serious.

I linked Melody’s name (above) to her bandcamp page, which has a free download of her album attached to it. It’s a worthy download. Listen to it for a couple of days and then come see the real thing. It’s going to be fantastic.

Our Honky Tonk Fridays are back in action with two great bands out of Seattle. This must be a week for Virginians, because Annie Ford also hails from that state so full of music tradition. Friday will mark her Green Frog debut and we couldn’t’ be happier to have her here. I have heard nothing but great things about what she does. As always, bring your dancin’ boots and put on your pearl snaps, let’s have some fun!

The Ganges River Band is no stranger to The Green Frog. In fact, only Petunia and the Vipers have played here more than Ganges River Band. A.P. Dugas, songwriter/guitar/vocals, and Steven Burnett, bass/vocals, moved to Seattle from Houston, Texas and they have brought a touch of Texas with them. I always enjoy having these guys in the house and I hope you will as well. It’s Friday night, after all, let’s do this thing!

Saturday, May 4: The DT’s with The Jasmine Greene Band. 9:30pm. $5.

For over a decade the DT’s have been melting faces with their Hard Soul sound. With the blistering power of Diana’s vocals to the lightning quick fingers of lead guitarist, Dave Crider, these guys put on a show like no other. I know exactly who to expect in the crowd Saturday night, and I can tell the rest of you that fun will be had, no matter what. The DT’s have a loyal following for a good reason…

Jasmine Greene has been doing her thing the past couple of years, playing shows around town, but refreshingly not too many (boy, I wish more bands figured that one out). With husband, Scott, on guitar and sax, Adrian Clark on guitar, Walt Burkett on bass, and Cary Stevens on drums, Jasmine creates a sound that is meant to do one thing, and that is to get you to have fun. Hope to see you all there!

Sunday, May 5: Cinco de Snug-o! with Snug Harbor. 8:00pm. $7.

It’s going to be a fun Cinco de Mayo, folks! We know that it is a school night, and we are sensitive to that, so the show will start at 8:00 for your listening pleasure. We will have $3 Modelo Especial on draft all day. I just looked at the extended forecast and it looks as if it is going to be gorgeous, with a high of 72 and no rain in sight. We all know that things change, but the deck will be open and our Mistress of Margarita, Amanda, will be on the deck making fresh squeezed margaritas for a mere $6.

Snug Harbor will be playing their Northwest style funk and soul for us, creating a vibe of love and harmony on a day that marks a victory in battle. On May 5, 1862 the Mexican Army defeated the much more powerful French Army at Puebla, a victory that made it impossible for Napoleon III to supply the Confederate Army during the Civil War. If not for that win the history books of America could have looked very different.

But that has nothing to do with the music of Snug Harbor! They provide a delightful display of music and lights of which the Green Frog has seen no equal! We’re here to party, folks, so let’s get it right.

Monday, May 6: Guffawingham!…a comedian’s open mic. 8:00pm. FREE!

See above. I’m just not sure if I’ll get to the email update for next Monday on time after Cinco de Snug-o.

OK, folks, there you have it. You’ll be happy to know that that only took me four hours. It is now 2:30 in the morning and I am every bit as tired as I was at 10:30. It’s time for me to sign off and get ready for another great week here at The Green Frog. Our analytics show that there are only a couple hundred of you opening this email each week (about 1/5th of subscribers) so if you have friends that you think would be interested, please pass it along (they can sign up on this page). It would help us out a lot! Thanks again for being the awesome and loyal crowd that you are. I hope that we are doing everything you need us to to make your visits as good as they can be. Be well and enjoy the sun!

Cheers!

-James

I hate to make more than one post out per week, but I made a boo-boo. With all the good intentions of talking up Team in Training (and I do believe it is an awesome thing) I failed to recognize that I was promoting the wrong event! This is the hazard of writing at 4am, folks. So, here is the real skinny!

TONIGHT…Lyme OUT Lyndsey is a fundraiser to help knock back the cost of Lyndsey’s Lyme Disease treatment! This isn’t a fundraiser to help “those in need,” it is to help this one person beat something that is attempting to destroy her body and mind.

She has put together an awesome raffle that includes prizes ranging from bicycles (yes, plural), to gift certificates, from Go-Pro Camera to gym memberships. It is one of the best lists of raffle items I have seen for something like this. There will also be a silent auction to start things off, so you have plenty of chances to walk away with something AND support a really important cause.

The suggested donation for this event is $20, but Lyndsey encourages everyone to come and donate what ever you can. The more the merrier she says!

Lots of people can debate over whether or not we have a health care system that is worthy of its people. But my thought is that if we all stick together and help those around us when we can, then the government has little to do with what is really important. This is a chance to come out and show this young lady that her community is here for her.

Br’er Rabbit is still the act for the evening, so make sure to bring your dancin’ shoes! Sorry for the mistake folks, and I’ll see you tonight!

-James

Good morning, folks! It is another crazy week for us here at The Green Frog and I am happy to take you all on that journey with me. For those of you lucky enough to smell the smoke that we had billowing from the smoker this week, I’m sure that you are already salivating at the thought of what might come forth from this new adventure, but I want to be the first to tell you that you will have to wait until Mike is good and ready to hand it to the public. There is too much lackluster BBQ in the world these days and we won’t start serving it until we have it right. But don’t you worry, Mike has a special way with food and has recently tasted about all the barbeque that is available in Washington as well as traveling to Missouri and Florida to see what theirs is about. We’ve got a handle on it.

I have some shows that I’ve just put on the books that I am really excited about. Coming soon will be (not in any particular order, but all equally awesome) Jonathan Byrd and Chris Kokesh; The Purrs w/ Low Land High; The Bad Things; The 1 Uppers w/ Deception Past; Jeffrey Martin; Tony Furtado Band; Joy Kills Sorrow; Howlin’ Brothers; The Honeycutters; Cahalen Morrison Country Band; Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys; Bobby Bare, Jr.; MilkDrive; Run Boy Run w/ Josh Hoke; Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers; Eric Taylor; and many many more. Seriously, folks…we’re on fire!

I know that there are a bunch of whiskey lovers out there and we have a whole bunch for you. Just in the past 2 weeks we’ve brought about 12 new whiskies in. In fact, a redesign of the liquor cabinet is underway and I am crossing my fingers that it involves a library ladder. But we will see, folks, we will see. Anyway, come in and try a few. They are yummy.

Before I get into the dealing of the week, I just want you to know that the sweet young lady that has been taking your money at the door for the last year will be leaving us at the end of the month. I’m sad to see Andrea go, but she needs to move on to other things. Say goodbye to her when you see her next. She is a special part of our team.

Now, on to the current events!

Wednesday, April 24: Br’er Rabbit supporting Team in Training. 7:00pm. $5 suggested donation.

I’m going to go way out on a limb here and say that not much sucks more than cancer, with Leukemia/Lymphoma being pretty close to the top of the list. What makes it suck just a little bit less is that there are people out there doing what they can to raise awareness and money to support and fund research against the disease. That is where Team in Training comes in.

Volunteers sign up through Team in Training and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by running, cycling, walking, hiking, triathloning (?) and the like. In 25 years nearly 600,000 participants have raised $1.3bn. That’s BILLION. I think it is such an honorable and special gift that these folks are giving to those with the diseases. We will be holding a fundraising night at The Green Frog complete with a silent auction and a ton of good wishes.

Joining us in musical solidarity is the fantastic Br’er Rabbit, an adorable group of able mouthed harmonizers and pretty pickers. They will get you moving on the dance floor as well as keeping the positive energy alive into the night. The band will start around 9:00, but I encourage you to come earlier to get the full meal deal.

Thursday, April 25: Benyaro, Screen Door Porch, Vervex. 9:30pm. $5.

Brooklyn, New York based Benyaro came through a few months ago for the first time and they really impressed us. It’s not every day that you see a duo walk in the door with a doghouse bass and nylon-stringed guitar and then utilize a kick drum, hi hat, and harmonica while harmonizing flawlessly. This time around it won’t be the duo, but Ben Musser (guitar, drum) will be here and doing his solo thing, which is equally enjoyable.

He will be joined by his tour mates, Screen Door Porch, of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They seem to making a name for themselves down there, with a runner up to album of the year on Wyoming Public Radio (NPR). Sometimes they play as a quartet, but this time around they will be a duo, trading in the drum kit for a Samsonite suitcase drum and keeping the harmonies to two parts (although I wouldn’t doubt that we see Ben on stage with them at some point. This should be a great night of Americana Roots-Rock. I’m looking forward to welcoming them for their first time at The Green Frog!

I know that Vervex is from Bellingham, but that is really all I know about them. It’s always interesting when a local band gets recruited by a touring act. It’s also interesting how many local bands there are out there that I have never heard of that are clearly getting some sort of exposure outside the local circle. So once again, I look forward to the debut on our stage.

Friday, April 26: Davidson Hart Kingsbery, The Crying Shame, Bradford Loomis. 9:30pm. $12.

Not very often have I been jaw-dropped twice in a single night, but that is exactly what happened the last time Davidson Hart Kingsbery played at The Green Frog. They are so good, bringing everything I want from modern Honky Tonk. It is a great mix of old time country pickin’ with a solid backbone of rock and roll. It’s really exciting to be on the radar of these bands coming out of Seattle. They play so tight and are writing songs that both tug on the heartstrings and pull up the bootstraps. Hart Kingsbery was raised in a devout religious home that sent him to Christian schools all the way through college, but it was a divorce at an early age that turned his back to the church and towards Country music and the damnation of the heart. I think he hammers it pretty much right on the nail head. This is going to be one barnburner of a night, there is no doubt of that in my mind.

There is a very, very special place in my heart for The Crying Shame. Aside from being one of the most dynamic and exciting bands that ever was pulled by the heels out of Bellingham by big brother Seattle, the breach birth of a band going nowhere here, yet with the ability to leave an audience in an open-mouthed stupor. The musicianship of these fellas, and lady, is astounding. With guitars, drums, bass, and the string section of fiddle and cello, they piece together a puzzle that has been sitting on the card table for way too long. The Crying Shame began their journey right here in Bellingham nearly 15 years ago as Colville Melody, who coincidentally played my wedding reception over a decade ago. They were my favorite band then, and I can’t say that that status changes any time I see them play. If you are unfamiliar with The Crying Shame, then you are not living a complete life. That is just science fact.

One of the great tragedies of my life is walking into the performance of Bradford Loomis in the middle of his last song. That marked the second time my jaw dropped in the aforementioned dual drop night of yestermonth. This man is a giant. Nearly literally, that is true. He makes me feel small. But he’s not just a giant due to his formative size, but as a, well…looming presence on stage. I wish luck to anyone who attempts to do anything but pay attention to this man while he sings and plays. He makes some cry, some just gawk, as I did, mesmerized by the voice emanating from the stage, commanding my attention along with the rest of the room.  I’m not joking, folks, this man is the real deal.

I mentioned that it was a tragedy that I missed the last performance by Bradford Loomis. I feel that that is true, but the real tragedy here is that these three sets of performers are not heralded by the masses and lifted up to the level of success that they are more than deserving of. To have them all in one room at the same time, to soak that in and really process how special that is…like I said, barnburner.

Saturday, April 27:  BLVD Park and DJ Morgan (from KEXP). 9:30pm. $8.

It’s a little serendipitous that a band called BLVD Park is going to play just a mile or so from our Boulevard Park, however their name came from a Sacramento neighborhood, where they originated. After a West Coast tour they decided to pull up the stakes in No. Cal. and make their way to the Seattle music scene. That is four people making a move for music. I love that. They soon met more musicians and the band now has six members with sounds being made with guitars, upright bass, banjo, trumpet, mandolin, slide guitar, snare / percussion, and fiddle. They sport 3 to 5 part harmonies and all of them are songwriters. They are known for a party atmosphere and lively performances. I’m guessing that that won’t be changing by Saturday. I think that this Green Frog debut will be one for the books.

This picture is of DJ Morgan of KEXP. That is all I know about what is going on there. I’m going to assume that she is going to spin some records before, between, and after BLVD Park, but I could be wrong. But hey, I like mysteries, don’t you?

Sunday, April 28: Slow Jam. 4:00pm. FREE!

It’s that time again, a time when you can bring your axe to the Frog, or borrow one off the wall, and play some music with a bunch of other people who just want to play some music with you. It is a pretty great opportunity for all involved, as well as those of you who aren’t involved.

Open Mic hosted by Misty Flowers, featuring Busted Jug. 8:00pm. FREE!

It’s an interesting thing getting the list for the features of Open Mic. I often don’t know who they are. I think I am supposed to know this one though, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I do, but I’m not sure enough to come right out and declare it. The thing with open mics is that they are a subculture to themselves, brimming with potential and embraced from within that circle. I don’t go to many open mics because I have my daughter most Sundays, and so I don’t see these bands that are making great music, but always off my radar. I think it is worth it, if you are not similarly parenting your children, to go check them out. There is no web presence, so it may be the only place you can.

OK, folks, there you have it. I have a couple of things I’m working on for Monday nights in the future, and I will be hopefully be able to announce that we start next week, but for now, it’s all up in the air. I hope you all have a wonderful, sunny week and come spend some time on our deck with a delicious and refreshing beverage. You are pretty.

Cheers!

Greetings, dear people! In the hustle and bustle of running around, I haven’t been able to get to this until today, but by no means should you think that I have been ignoring your pleas for information and guidance. In fact, I am super excited to help you out with all of your Green Frogneeds right now!

Last week was pretty special. As many of you know, American Aquarium is my current favorite band. I think they are great and will stand the test of time. They are also one of those bands that is on the road over 200 days a year and is not making any money doing it. But, they want to make a living playing music and they are doing it in spite of the current trends in the music business. With that said, they mentioned many times that The Green Frog was the highlight of their tour. They suggested that I teach seminars to other venues across the country about how to take care of bands. That means a lot to me, not just because it was a band that left me a little bit star struck, but because they have been around enough to know the difference between what is normal and what we do here at the Frog. We had a great time with them and now they have an anchor point the next time they come to the west coast. I can’t wait.

I made a quick trip to Seattle yesterday and picked up a few beers to look out for in the coming days. From Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon: Little Sister Session IPA (4.5%, 60 IBU); Cash Stout Oatmeal Stout (6% ABV, 45 IBU); and Imperial Common Ale (TBD). From Naked City Brewery in Greenwood: Joanie Loves Sorachi Single Hop Pale (5.0%ABV); Crossfire IPA (6.5% ABV, 66 IBU), and Scarlett Street Double Red Ale (8.0% ABV).

It wasn’t a huge run for beer, but it was something. I will be making a more concerted effort to get out and find more beer that we can’t get here in the near future. I miss getting out amongst the brewers in their native habitat.

Let’s talk about the music this week, shall we?

Josh Hoke came through a few months ago with Ultimate Bearhug (also one of my favorite bands) and he was great. For time’s sake, I’ll just let you know what someone else has said about him. I agree:  Josh Hoke is a Midwestern man of origin, the son of a preacher, singing songs like sweet tea on a Sunday afternoon.  With guitar in hand and more than a touch of soul, his voice invites you into the sacred, rustic space of tired hope, or along the crisp precipice of wailing anticipation.  Gritty and fresh as the day you were born, and calming as a kindly breeze over fields of new mown hay on a warm summer night.  He remains a man of hopeful honesty, acquainted with grief, fervently singing into that guttural longing for good life and luster. -From his website.

I’m really unfamiliar with Wildish, but Josh has proved himself in picking worthy tour mates. I trust him and you can trust my trust in him. Coming from eclectic musical backgrounds, Wildish formed with the hope of creating music that excites, provokes and moves people. Their passion for music is evident in their full and audacious melodies along with their subtle, yet poignant lyrics. They hope this music invites you into joy, into empathizing with the heartbreak of existence and into your own personal declaration of wholeness. Allow your self to listen, feel and grow with this music.

Thursday, April 18: Smokey Brights, Bear Cove, and Ben Rogers. 9:30pm. $8. 

The Smokey Brights made their Green Frog debut a few weeks ago and I can tell you that they are really fun. They are in the same vein as Head and the Heart in their delivery, yet have a great sound that is all their own. There is a certain soul that they are putting into this music, something that could have easily been lost under the influence of today’s radio. It really brings me a lot of joy to see young people making music that hasn’t bowed to the pressure of the dollar.

I have not yet heard Bear Cove in a live situation. I’m listening now, however, and I think they will be great. They share the soul that Smokey Brights are bringing, but there is a little more rock coming through. Solid, clear vocals with a prominent bass and drum groove. I’ll have a lot more to say about them after tomorrow night, but for right now, that’s all I’ve got.

Ben Rogers is a singer/songwriter out of Vancouver, BC. He has come down a few times to play the old location, but it’s been awhile since I’ve seen him. That is not to say that I can’t remember his set from three years ago, because I can. This guy writes one hell of a song. He’s a consummate storyteller, getting into the dusty cracks of a tale where no one else will look, and making music from the grime there. He’s got a voice that smacks of Leonard Cohen, with a way with words that is not far removed. He’s worth checking out, folks. I promise you that.

We started Honky Tonk night last Friday. This is the next installment, and what could be better Honky Tonk than a Waylon Jennings Tribute band? That’s right, The Outlaw will be be playing all the greats from one of Country’s greats. This project was started a few years ago as a one time gig for lead singer JP Manley’s birthday. But like things of this nature, it just kept going. The guys in the band are all in other projects, some of them who play at the Frog, and they are a solid bunch of musicians. It’s not very often that we have bands who come through playing music that they didn’t write, but I am more than happy to make an exception for a band like this.

This is going to turn into one of those nights that is always great; a two-step, waltzing good time that will be a staple for a good long time, so put on yer hats and boots and come on down! Just to sweeten the pot, I’ll let ladies who are wearing cowboy hats and boots in for free! Gentlemen, just follow the ladies.

Saturday, April 20: Maria in the Shower, The Ames (CD Release). 9:30pm. $10. 

Maria in the Shower has been playing once a month for the past little while, but we haven’t yet cracked the nut on this one. I’m really not sure why. The are coming down from Vancouver, BC, and they blow the doors off the place every time they are here. They really are one of the best bands we have through here, give you plenty to dance to, and are super nice guys on top of it! I do this from time to time, I know, but I’m going to ask you to trust me on this; you will love Maria in the Shower!

I know that it is a bit of an interesting genre mash, but I think that this band pairing will be a really fun time. Locals up and comers, The Ames, are simply fantastic. Fun, energetic, talented, and humble…this band is at the top echelons of local music. They are proud to introduce to you a new recorded offering, formatted on Compact Disc, just for you. We are going to have an amazing time on Saturday night with or without you, but why wouldn’t you be a part of it?

By the way, this is the first 4/20 that a certain herbal substance is legal in this state. I’m sure that will play into a lot of people’s evening, but please don’t drive if you are going to partake. The powers that be really would love to put you in jail for driving while high. The powers above the powers that be want all of your money. Don’t give it to them with foolishness. They will be on the lookout.

Sunday, April 21: Open Mic hosted by Misty Flowers, featuring Captain Kittens. 8:00pm.

There are some great things that can come from an open mic. Mostly it is just an enjoyable evening of local artists that gather once a week to share the music that they have worked hard on, a confluence of artistic souls, if you will. But sometimes those artists find each other and start collaborations that would otherwise never happen. Bands like Head and the Heart, for instance, would have never happened without an open mic.

This open mic is a special one. Misty has done a fantastic job cultivating an environment that is supportive and kind. That’s all one can really ask of an open mic. Check it out, bring your chops, drink a beer or two…you won’t regret it.

Sunday, April 21: Slow Jam. 4:00pm. Free!

I don’t always mention Slow Jam in the newsletters, but every once in awhile I should touch on what is going on there. For years now, Jim and Nancy LaHatt (the geezers in the corner by the sound booth who put most everyone to shame in the amount of shows they come to) gather a bunch of beginner and intermediate musicians together, circle some chairs on the dance floor, and play songs together. It is a great way to learn how to play in a group setting and it is open to everyone. If you have a hankerin’ to get in a public setting with some great folks, this is your time.

OK, folks, there you have it. I won’t be chasing American Aquarium to Seattle this weekend, so I will be able to get to the email on time, I hope. I trust that I will see all of you soon and often, with those giant smiles and warm greetings that make this job worth it. Well, if you don’t count all the music and great beer…anyway, I really do appreciate all of you and your consistent kind words. Thanks for doing what you do so that I can do what I do.

And let’s all send some good thoughts towards Boston. Let’s try not to politicize it, but let’s just think of those people who find themselves not able to stand on their own, through no fault of their own, and take an extra moment to reflect on the health that all of us have.

Cheers!

-James