Mike Starcher – Drivin' It!

Hi gang!

Tuesday night’s CMC Jam at Doc and Louie’s was the start of another rockin’ week as we celebrated the Jam’s two year anniversary! Thanks to all of the great people who came out to jam and/or hang out and listen, including John Kerver, Hayden Frosti, Bob Laeng (the REAL Bob Laeng!), Scott Urbas, Wally Marflak, John Horvath, Bill Sanders, Greg McGill, Jon Darling, Dan Elliott, Benny Pacheco, Blake Kniola, Ronny B., Mal Mapes, Carla Funk, Lenna Pauley and Bob DeVries, Jen, Pattie, Cindy, Barb, Lisa, Bob, Gerald, Gary, Vern, Katyana, Lisa S., Ron, Bill, Sheri, Nancy, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons.

A special thank you to all of this year’s various sponsors: Dirty Town Guitar and Amps (who sponsors every week and who has been with us since day one)…. Sonor USA… Guitar Center of N. Olmsted… Fat Cat Music… Forcefield Entertainment… and John Kerver. Thanks for going the extra mile to add a little extra fun to jam night each week. Congratulations to this week’s drawing winners (courtesy of John Kerver and Dirty Town Guitar and Amps): Lenna Pauley, Jon Darling, Blake Kniola, Wally Marflak, and Dan Elliott.

Thanks also to all of the great CMC guest hosts this year including: Brian Davidson, Tony Camerato, George Hartwig, Gary ‘G Rock’ Stulak, G.S. Harper, Kevin Fancher, Eric Sosinski, Rob Hayes, Drew Doman, Steve Smith, Dwayne Dickman, Joe Brunetti, Bill March, and Mike Wypasek. aking of talented and fun… time to list those jammers!, thank you all for choosing to spend your Tuesday night entertaining us (both on stage and off.)

Finally, thank you Doc and Sherri for all of your hard work and support. We’re looking forward to another great year!

Moving on to Friday’s Shady Drive show at Doc and Louie’s, it was great to see John, Eric, Amanda, Jason, Mark, Jackie, John, Pat, Charlie, Laura, Gary Merle, Nancy, Vern, Marilyn, Marilyn, Joe, Liz, Eric and Leland. We had a blast and hope you all did too! We’ll be back at Doc and Louie’s on October 25.

Saturday with Shady Drive at the Lampliter was one hell of a party! Many thanks to Janet, Sandy, Ken, Carolyn, Gary, Mary, Andrea, Jeff, Dawn, Katy and Beverly and the whole Lampliter gang for coming out!

Coming up this week…

Tuesday night, we’ll kick off the third year of the CMC Jam at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., N. Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) with a bang as guest hosts ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Gary ‘GRock’ Stulak join me onstage at 7pm for another night of fun, frivolity and music. Our sponsor each week is Dirty Town Guitar and Amps. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

On Wednesday, ‘Furious’ George and I are joined by none other than Mr. Tim Hamman as Cleveland Music Club takes the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park) stage from 8pm – 11pm. We’ll be playing all of your favorite tunes, so come on out and join us for dinner, drinks and a whole bunch of fun!

Friday marks Shady Drive’s return to the Parma Tavern (5680 Broadview Rd., Parma, 10pm – 2am) to party down with all the regulars…and YOU! The food is great, the beer is cold, the service rocks and so does the house, so c’mon out and let’s kick off the weekend in style!

Saturday brings Shady Drive’s debut at Divot’s Sports Bar (13393 York Rd., North Royalton, 9pm – 1am). Let’s all get together and show them what a Shady Drive party is all about! See ya there!

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon!

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

The week started off with the CMC Jam at Doc and Louie’s and guest hosts Drew Doman and Steve Smith, along with John Powell, Ronny B., Greg Kern, Dan Elliott, Mike Cottom, Greg McGill, Jay Smith, Ernie Arroyo, Tim Hamman, Eroc Sosinski, Mal Mapes, Carla Funk, John Kerver, Rob Hayes, Wally Marflak, John Horvath and JMY T. Big thanks to all for coming out to entertain us this week! Supplying the applause were Amanda, Jason, Sheri, Dan, Bob, Helen, Vern, Kathy, Pam, Aron, Heidi, Lisa a Dancing Marilyn and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons. Thank you all for your continued support of local live music. Congratulations to Tim Hamman who scored some guitar strings courtesy of Dirty Town Guitar and Amps. Thank you, Dirty Town! Finally, thank you to Doc and Sheri for working hard all night to keep everyone “hydrated.”

Wednesday’s CMC gig at the Fairview Tavern was a fun time as always. Thanks to everyone who came out! Good to see you Gerald!

There wasn’t much of a crowd at Friday night’s Shady Drive gig at Sassy’s, but we had fun with the staff and the few folks that were there, especially celebrating Stacey’s birthday with her, Denise, Karen and Stephanie! Thanks for coming out ladies! We’re back at Sassy’s on December 20.

On Saturday night, Shady Drive returned to the Bier Haus in Strongsville. Thanks to Bob, Michelle and Chloe for having us and to Chris, Daryl, Gary, Laura, Ken, Sandy, Katy, Chris and Dan for coming out to party with us! We’re back at the Bier Haus on October 20.

Coming up this week…

This Tuesday, CMC will celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s! Guest hosts are Brian Davidson and Tony Camerato! In addition to Doc’s regular Tuesday specials, ALL drinks are $2.00 until 8pm! That’s right…ALL of ’em. Don’t forget, we’re sponsored each week by Dirty Town Guitar and Amps. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Friday will find Shady Drive back at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., N, Olmsted, 8pm – 12:00am) to rock the night away. Bust out those dancin’ shoes and c’mon out and let’s party!

On Saturday, Shady Drive will head to another favorite night spot, The Lampliter (6339 Olde York Rd., Parma Heights, 9:30 – 1:30). We’ll be playing all your favorite tunes, so come help us celebrate Saturday!! :c)

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last week brought us another great Cleveland Music Club Jam at Doc and Louie’s! Thank you G.S. Harper and Kevin Fancher for guest hosting and Dirty Town Guitar and Amps for sponsoring. Congratulations to Captain Bill who won a DT gift certificate. In addition to Captain Bill this week’s jam participants included: John Powell, Dan Elliott, Greg Kern, Don Lydon, Mike Cottom, Greg McGill, Ronny B., John Kerver, Hayden Frosti, Bob Laeng, Joey Samide, Mal Mapes, Bob DeVries, Carla Funk, Jackie Cheely, William Kiehn, Chloe Cottom, Mike Cottom Jr., Frank Fischer, Billy Fischer, Barry Fahl and Vicky Fahl. Great job all and thank you for sharing your talent with us all tonight!

Speaking of us… thank you to Aron, Amanda, Jason, Mark, Bob, Sheri, Karen, Alysa, John, Lisa, Effie, Vern, Pam, Joe, Frances, “Uncle” Peanuts, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons for coming out tonight to support all of their local musicians. Finally thank you to Doc and Sherri for working hard and putting up with our special brand of mayhem week after week.

Friday’s Cactus Jack show at the Fairview Tavern was one hell of a night. The house was packed with folks ready for some good ol’ country music and we gave it’ to ’em! Thanks to everyone who came out including Gerald, Gary, Laura, Merle, Larry, Denny, Ernie, Sandy, Ken, Kristen, Katy, Chris, Daryl and Blake!

Coming up this week…

Tuesday’s CMC Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s will feature guest hosts Drew Doman and ‘Uncle’ Steve Smith! We’re sponsored each week by Dirty Town Guitar and Amps. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

This Wednesday, join G.S. Harper, Kevin Fancher and me as Cleveland Music Club plays your favorite tunes at the Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, 8pm – 11pm). C’mon out and have some dinner, a drink or two and a really good time!

This Friday, Shady Drive is back in action at Sassy’s Bar and Grill (10755 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg, 9pm – 1am). We’ll be rockin’ the house all night long, so come join us!!

On Saturday, we’ll head west to The Bier Haus ( 17692 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, 9pm – 1am). The food here is just amazing and they feature dozens of craft beers. Not to mention the owners and staff rock the house in their own right with service that can’t be beat. Come join us! You’ll be glad you did! :c)

That’s it for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

I hope you’re having a great Labor Day weekend thus far! It’s been a great musical week, starting last Tuesday with Brian Davidson (welcome back) and Tony Camerato guest hosting the CMC Jam Night. Many thanks to Dirty Town Guitar and Amps for sponsoring our jams each week! Thanks also to TJ Plechaty, Hayden Frosti, Bob Laeng, John Kerver, Joey Samide, Ronny B., Greg Kern, Don Lydon, JMY T., Pat Reiter, Carla Funk, Wally Marflak and Blake Kniola. Thanks also to all the fine folks who came out to listen, dance, or just hang out including: Pattie, Aron, Jason, Jimmy, Dan, Alyssa, Effie, Sheri, Vern, Sal, Karen, Steven, Joe, Lee, Barry, Jackie, John, Lisa, “Uncle” Peanuts, Amanda, the Dancing Marilyns and all of Doc’s music loving patrons. Finally, thank you to Sherri who gave new meaning to “she was really hopping,” and to Doc for letting us make some noise each week.

I had Thursday night off, so Erika and I headed to Barbarino’s to catch Adelle and Dwayne. This was Adelle’s last Cleveland gig before heading off to Tennessee. This lady and her beautiful voice will be sorely missed here in Cleveland. Best of everything to you and Tommy, Adelle! Come visit often! :c)

On Friday, I joined up with Pieces of Eight and the Lakeside Brass to play the St. Rocco’s Church Festival. Big thanks to Kurt, Ken, Al, Dan, Gary, Joe and Pat for having me along. Definitely a great time!

Saturday proved to be a wild and crazy night as Cleveland Music Club appeared at 42 Eighty Food and Drink. Thanks to Erin Rossi, Tony Koussa Jr., Chad May and Kevin Fancher for turning in a super performance! We had a great time playing and celebrating Blake’s birthday with Katy, Janet, Barb, Brittany, John, Katy, Chase, Ingrid, George, Amanda, Jason, Amanda, Mark, Lenna, Pat, Tony and the 42 Eighty gang! Great night!

On Sunday, Erika and I headed out to Medina and the Wish You Were Here show at Rally In The Alley. The rain cut it short for us, but the short time we were there was well worth the trip! If you’ve never seen Wish You Were Here, you’re missing a great treat. They are at the House of Blues on October 18.

Coming up this week…

Tuesday’s CMC Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s will feature guest hosts G.S. Harper and Kevin Fancher! We’re sponsored each week by Dirty Town Guitar and Amps. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

We’re puttin’ the band back together!! Well, for one night, we are. This Friday, September 6, we’ll turn the crank, fire up Cactus Jack and drive it down to the Fairview Tavern for another fun-filled night of classic country music. Come join G.S. Harper, Dirk Garman, Chris Hanna, Kevin Fancher and me as we play your favorite country hits by Hal Ketchum, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Eddie Rabbitt, Waylon and Willie and a whole bunch more!! If that ain’t enough, the Fairview Tavern’s food selections will make your mouth water, the beverages are frosty cold and delicious and the service just can’t be beat. C’mon…you KNOW you wanna. Get yer hat and boots ready and make plans now to join us for a very special night!

On Saturday, Cleveland Music Club (Erin Rossi, Tony Koussa Jr., Chad May, Kevin Fancher and I) will play a private event in Mentor.

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last week’s CMC Jam at Doc and Louie’s was fun as always, with guest hosts George Hartwig and Gary Stulak, jammers Bob Laeng, John Kerver, Hayden Frosti, Ed Ehrbar, Wally Marflak, Scott Urbas, Hichem Ferrah, Ronny B., Sammy Free, Robby, Dan Elliott, Greg Kern, John Powell, Jaime Flores, Norm Tischler, Carla Funk, Katy Speckman, Lenna Pauley, JMY T and Pat Reiter. Thank you all so much! Thanks also to Pam, Liz, Joe, Mark, Vern, Mike H., Karen, Lisa S., Ron, Dan H., Tracy, Lisa, Sheri, Stephanie, Mike C., Susan, Jimmy, Wes, Todd, Kaylee, MaryBeth, Ben, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons for your continued support! Get well soon Sherri… thank you Doc and Jordon for keeping us fed and watered all night. Thank you Dirty Town Guitar and Amps for sponsoring us each week.

On to Saturday night with Shady Drive, the North Coast Horns and the Soul Men at Black River Landing. Simply an amazing evening! The weather was perfect, the sound crew (thank you Tim and Alex!) rocked and most of all, the crowd was just electric! Many thanks to everyone who came out, including Cathy, Chris, Daryl, Debbie, Katy, Stephanie, Jessica, Joy, Shawn, John, Jackie, Ben, John, Wade, Priscilla and Dennis! Shady Drive and the North Coast Horns would like to offer a special thank you to Paula, Jen and Dawn at the Jackalope. These ladies took excellent care of us and got us seated, fed, and off to our show in plenty of time, even though there were 9 in our party and the restaurant was very crowded. Thanks ladies! :c)

Coming up this week…

Tuesday’s CMC Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s will feature guest hosts Brian Davidson (welcome back!) and Tony Camerato! We’re sponsored each week by Dirty Town Guitar and Amps. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

On Friday, I’ll be filling in with Pieces of Eight featuring the Lakeside Brass at St. Rocco’s Church Festival (3205 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, 7:30pm – 11:30pm). I’m thrilled to be playing with these guys and it should be a blast, so c’mon out!

Saturday night will find me with Erin Rossi, Tony Koussa Jr., Chad May and Kevin Fancher as Cleveland Music Club rocks it out at 42Eighty Food and Drink (4280 Shenandoah Pkwy, Brunswick, 9:30pm – 1:30pm). Bring your dancin’ shoes, because we’re planning a night of Motown, R&B, classic rock and other favorites that’ll make it impossible to stay in your seat! The food and service are awesome at 42Eighty, so come join us!

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

We’re finally getting some summer! I hope you’re enjoying it. Also, my sincere apologies for sending the email to an open list last week. I’ll try not to let that happen again. Last week’s CMC Jam crowd was a bit on the light side, but not short on fun! Thanks to guest hosts Drew Doman and Uncle Steve Smith for a stellar job! Thanks also to Bob and Rob on guitar, Joey Samide, Greg Kern, Don Lydon, Dan Haller, Dan Elliott, Mal Mapes, Captain Bill, William Kiehn, Carla Funk, JMY T for supplying the tunes and Effie, Vern, Karen, Joanne, Pat, Jimmy, Jason, Amanda, John, Joe, Bethany, Dale, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons for their support, applause and enthusiasm. Thanks also to Doc for having us back each week and to Sherri for all of her hard work!

Next, Shady Drive headed back to the Fairview Tavern on Friday night. It was another light but mighty crowd. It was great to see Jackie, JD, Eroc, John, Ken, Sandy, Eric, Katy, Jen, Denny, Al and Gerald!

Coming up this week…

On Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night sponsored by Dirty Town Guitar and Amps! This week’s guest hosts are ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Gary ‘G Rock’ Stulak. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!t Blue

Friday’s scheduled Shady Drive show at The Bier Haus in Strongsville has been canceled due to the club’s booking error. We’ll be back there on September 14. I’d like to add that the Bier Haus management handled this situation very well and we thank them for their honesty and professionalism.

On Saturday, catch Shady Drive, Chris Hanna and the North Coast Horns backing the Soul Men at the Black River Landing (421 Black River Lane, Lorain, 7pm – 10:30pm) Labatt Blue Summer Concert series. This is a great outdoor venue and is always a remarkable show. Beer and food vendors are plentiful, so bring your lawn chairs and come enjoy an evening on the river! :c)

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last week’s jam at Doc and Louie’s was a blast! Thanks to guest hosts G.S. Harper and Jeff Beam, and to Hayden Frosti, Ronny B, Dan Haller, Katyana Speckman, JMY T, Don Lydon, John Kerver, Wally Marflak, Bob Cox, Mike Cottom, Jimmy Deamiches, Jason Neitenbach, Amanda Baher, Bob Laeng, Greg Kern, Lisa, Ron, Charmae, Adam, Pat, Charlie, Effie, Wes, Aron, Alyssa, Bob, Sheri, Steven, Vern, the Dancing Marilyn’s and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons. Thanks also to our sponsor, Dirty Town Guitar and Amps! (Congrats to this week’s drawing winners, Amanda and Bob) Finally, thank you Doc and Sherri for keeping the plates and glasses full all night.

Wade Oval Wednesday was a spectacular evening, and the weather turned out to be perfect!

Coming up this week…

Tonight, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night sponsored by Dirty Town Guitar and Amps! This week’s guest hosts are Drew Doman and Uncle Steve Smith. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

On Friday, Shady Drive will return to the fabulous Fairview Tavern (21867 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park) to rock the house from 9:30pm – 1:30am! The food is delicious, the drinks are cold and the service is fast and friendly. What’s not to like? C’mon out and kick off your weekend with us!

Shady Drive plays a private event on Saturday. That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Tuesday’s CMC Jam at Doc and Louie’s featured appearances by guest hosts Mike Wypasek and Tony Camerato, jammers Blake Kniola, Chloe Cottom, Hayden Frosti, Bob Laeng, John Kerver, Skip Werke, Joey Samide, Mike Cottom, Wally Marflak, David Lewicki, Greg Kern, Dan Elliott, Don Lydon, Mike Cottom Sr., Greg, Dan Hearns and JMY T.! Great music, all! Thank you! Thanks also to all of the fine folks who came out to eat, drink, listen, laugh and/or dance including: Lisa, Katyana, Ron, Joe, Helen, Bill, Erika L., Karen, Peggy, Cindy, Pattie, Effie, Dale, Amy, Alysa, Dave, Peanuts, The Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons. As always, thank you Sherri and Doc for working hard to keep us all fed and “watered.”

Friday’s show at Twilight at the Zoo was wet, but that sure didn’t dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm! Thanks to all of those who filled the pavilion to overflowing and partied the night away with us!

Saturday at 42 Eighty was a lot of fun…and MUCH drier. :c) It was great to see Brittany, Tiffany, Janet, George and Amanda as well as the 42 Eighty gang. Big thanks to Mr. Blake Kniola for turning in a stellar performance on bass, filling in for Kevin. :c)

Sunday’s show on W. 6th St. for the Warehouse District Historical Society Festival was a blast! It was a huge crowd, but we were able to spot Al, Denny, Steve, Don, Effie, Katy and Jen. Fun gig!

Coming up this week…

Tonight, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are G.S. Harper and Kevin Fancher. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Wednesday will find Shady Drive backing the Soul Men at Wade Oval Wednesday for the 2nd straight year. The party starts at 6pm, so don’t be late!

Shady Drive is off on Friday and we play a private gig on Saturday.

That’s all for this week. We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Tuesday’s CMC Jam night was another fun evening thanks to co-hosts George Hartwig and Tony Camerato, jammers Hayden Frosti, John Kerver, Bob Laeng, Joey Samide, Wally Marflak, Ronny B., Ronny g., Dan Haller, Greg Kern, Robby, Dennis Raymond, Dan Elliott, Katyana Speckman, Chloe Cottom, Mike Cottom Sr., Mike Cottom (Jr), Mal Mapes and Ray Varga; and Lisa S., Ron, Bob, Lisa, Joe, Amanda, Jason, Jimmy, Wes, Cindy, Vern, Pattie, Barbara, Kaylee, Aron, The Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons!

Friday’s show at the Rock City Festival was nothing short of amazing as Mark Brennan, Kevin Fancher and I backed up Emily Keener during her set on Friday night. It was a really awesome turnout and the weather was fabulous! Great gig! :c)

On Saturday, Shady Drive traveled to Cobleskill, N.Y. to back the Soul Men at the Schoharie County Fair. We had a great time and the folks in Cobleskill took great care of us! Fun times. :c)

Coming up this week…

This Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are Mike Wypasek and Tony Camerato. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

On Friday, Shady Drive along with Bob Gerhard (WYWH, Sugar Magnolia) and the North Coast Horns will make our 6th straight appearance at Twilight at the Zoo. The event is sold out.

Saturday will find Shady Drive back at 42 Eighty Food and Drink (4280 Shenandoah Pkwy., Brunswick, 9:30 – 1:30) with our good friend Blake Kniola filling in for Kevin on bass. This is always a great party, so plan to be a part of it!

On Sunday, Shady Drive will be back behind the Soul Men at the Warehouse District Historical Society bash on W. 6th St. We go on at 6, so don’t be late!

That’s all for this week! We’ll talk soon…

Mike :c)

Hi gang!

Last week was pretty crazy, but here goes! It started off with the CMC Jam Night at Doc and Louie’s and guest hosts ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Gary ‘G Rock’ Stulak on what was one of the hottest days of 2013. Thanks to everyone who braved the heat and humidity to come out and make some music for us including Hayden Frosti, Scott Urbas, John Kerver, Bob Laeng, William Keihn, Ron Galdun, Wally Marflak, Clayton Higgins, Ronny B., Tim Hamman, John Powell, Greg Kern, Don Lydon, Mike Cottom, Sean on drums, Katyana Speckman, Lenna Pauley, Carla Funk, Dan Hearns, Captain Bill, Bob Devries, Pat Reiter, Mal Mapes and the band “Storm Front” (Rick, Charlie and Bill.) Thanks also to everyone else who came out to enjoy the music (and even dance!) …including: Lisa, Karen #1, Karen #2, Jimmy, Jason, Amanda, Sheri, Dee, Cheri, Effie, Judy, Sal, Aron, Vern, Rick, Marina, Peanuts, the Dancing Marilyns and the rest of Doc’s music loving patrons. Big thanks to Doc and Sherri for keeping the cold beverages flowing all night. It’s become tradition, when George and G Rock are co-hosting, for us to end our host set with “War Pigs”. George surprised us all by writing some new lyrics, so I just had to include them here.

“Jammers are gathered in their masses; Sherri’s lining up shot glasses
Another Tuesday night is here; Let’s jam some tunes and drink Doc’s beer
Starcher’s slammin’ drums behind me; But he can’t play the song in this key
Who’s that bass player over there; It’s G Rock Stulak with short hair
Oh lord yeah!

Why did I do this to War Pigs; This song will never be the same
Ozzy would prob’ly laugh at me; And say “hey that was really lame”
Burger special four ninety five; Mighty meal it is for sure
Just be aware of the consequence; Of jamming right after your meal is done
Yeah!

After this our set is done; Then you jammers have some fun
War Pigs has become tradition; Our power trio on a mission
Don’t you try to run and hide; No one escapes Erika’s eyes
Jam night usually makes Doc happy; Just don’t play him Mustang Sally
Oh lord yeah!”

– George F. Hartwig – July 16, 2013

Thank you George! Definitely one of the highlights of the night! :c)

On to Wednesday at Maracas in Mentor where I was the guest drummer at “Jukebox Jam”. Thanks to Jason Kelty, Gary ‘G Rock’ Stulak and Dave Rupnow for asking me along! It was a blast! Thanks also to Doug our sound tech and the staff at Maracas for taking such great care of us. Fun times!

Thursday found Shady Drive at the Mad Cactus, hosting a final Thursday Jam Night. The Mad Cactus is closing its doors tonight for the last time and we were honored to be asked to be a part of the farewell celebrations. Thanks to Skip Roberts, Billy Sullivan, Rich Spina, Don Krueger, Woody Leffel, Pat Reiter, Rob Garuccio and to everyone who came out. We had a great time!

On Friday, we played an absolutely amazing event at Bayshore Campground on the shores of Lake Pymatuning in Andover, Ohio. The dance ‘beach’ was full all night long. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening! Thanks to Barb, John, Joe & Lisa for putting together a fantastic night! :c)

Coming up this week…

This Tuesday, join us at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) for the weekly CMC Musicians’ Jam Night. This week’s guest hosts are ‘Furious’ George Hartwig and Tony Camerato. As always, Doc’s amazing burgers are $4.95 (w/fries) all night and margaritas are $3 until 9pm. There’s plenty of parking in Doc’s front and back lots, O’Reilly’s back lot and their front lot after they close at 9pm. Full backline (two guitar amps, bass amp, Sonor drums, Alesis QS6 keyboard and PA) is provided, so bring your favorite axe, sticks or just your party attitude and dancing shoes and come join the fun!

Friday will find me at Rock City Festival (Quaker Steak and Lube, 4900 Transportation, Sheffield) backing the amazing Emily Keener along with Mark Brennan (guitar) and Kevin Fancher (bass). Emily’s set kicks off the festival at 5pm, and there is plenty of music and fun after, so get your tickets now and don’t miss this!

On Saturday, Shady Drive will travel to Cobleskill, N.Y. with the Soul Men to play the Schoharie County Fair. This should be a great time!

That’s all for this week. We’ll talk soon!

Mike :c)