Hi gang!
This past week kicked off on Monday evening with Shady Drive hosting the Lube Jam at Sheffield Quaker Steak and Lube. We had a really fun night and the weather was perfect! We’ll host there again on July 2.
Tuesday brought the Cleveland Music Club Jam at Doc & Louie’s where there were lots of fantastic musicians gracing the stage, including Carol Dieball, The Cottom Catz (Mike Cottom, Mike Cottom Jr., and Chloe Cottom), Jay Smith, Bob Laeng, Dan Elliott, John Kerver, Grant Elliott, Dennis David Bielinski, Don Lydon, Charlie Vanek, Bill Crowley, Marc Alu, Blake Kniola, Mike Reed, Derek Berger, TJ Plechaty, Luke Pernici, Louis Johnson, and Tony Shultz. Thanks for keeping us entertained all evening!
Thanks also to Shelly, Gene, Jimmy D., Jason N., Amanda B., Marty W., Mari W., JoAnne, Tom, Steve F., J.D., Katy S., Lisa S., Jim B., Scott., John B., Nancy Y., and the rest of our enthusiastic audience, our sponsor, Dirty Town Guitar and Amps and co-host G.S. Harper and Kevin Fancher. Thank you all for supporting our players! Congrats to prize winners Carol Dieball, Louis Johnson, Marc Alu and Blake Kniola! Thank you Kristen for working so hard week after work and putting up with us. And finally, thank you Doc. Without you we’d be “The Cleveland Music Club Jam in the middle of Lorain Rd.”, which would probably kinda suck! :c)
On Wednesday evening, the Cleveland Music Club – Unplugged show at the Fairview Tavern went electric in more ways than one. We decided to plug in at the last minute, and the Tavern crowd loved it! This was planned to be our last Wednesday show until fall but the response was so positive, we were asked to continue on through the summer months, so we’ll see you back there in July!
Friday found Shady Drive at the Fairview Tavern, playing to that awesome Tavern crowd, which was a bit light, but enthusiastic none the less. Special thanks to Ken and Sandy for coming out!
On Saturday, Shady Drive was back at the Peppermill in Brecksville. We had a blast and can’t wait to return there on July 21! Thanks Gus for your hospitality!
Coming up this week, I’ll host the Cleveland Music Club Jam night at Doc and Louie’s (24280 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, 7pm – 11pm) along with co-hosts Drew Doman and Uncle Steve Smith. Sonor Drums will sponsor the night with some nice prizes to give away. The burgers are delicious and 2 for the price of 1. Margaritas are $3 until 9pm and the fun goes on and on! Come join us for great food, music, drinks, good friends and fun! :c)
On Friday, Shady Drive will debut at Sassy’s Bar and Grill (10755 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, 9pm – 1am). I was out there this past week to see the venue. It’s really gorgeous and we’re very excited about playing there. Come join us! :c)
On Saturday, Shady Drive will join The Soul Men for a show at Lorain Port Authority’s Black River Landing (421 Black River Lane, Lorain, 8pm – 11pm) as part of the Labatt Blue Black River Concert Series.
On a very sad note, this past Monday, my very dear friend and fellow musician, Randy Chestnutt passed away from a sudden heart attack. Randy and I have been playing together in bands off and on since our high school days, most recently in The Swingtown Rebels. He was a talented photographer as well as an amazing bass player and always had a kind word for everyone. Please remember Randy and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Randy, I’ll miss you.
That’s all for this week. We’ll talk soon…
Mike