bisbee 2018
Bisbee-Ites!
It’s May now – garlics are coming up, forsythias are blooming, and your Rio Bisbee.Band has been busy as a bzzzz-bee! Not content to rest on our laurels after the WERU Community Radio 30th Birthday Party performance (as has been practice in the past..), the Bisbees returned to the studio for more rehearsal. The following Friday we presented much improved versions of Hand On The Radio, (Ode to) Barbara Jo, Painfully Numb, Be Thankful There’s Rock ‘n Roll at the GRAND open mic in Ellsworth. It was swell performing on the big stage with lots of elbowroom, and a joy to have plenty of headroom in the PA so I didn’t have to shout the vocals. Many thanks to Nathan on sound, Roman who emceed, and the GRAND for hosting!
I am excited and proud to be introducing new Bisbees:
Bisbee-Ites will recall Steve Montague from Maine Vocals’ Harvest Fest last October, so technically he’s not exactly new new, but a recent Bisbee inductee. Steve’s detailed approach to drumming, and dedication to Rio Bisbee Band are the solid foundation of this year’s rocking Rio Bisbee sound.
I met Brandon Stallard at Little A’s open mic in Bar Harbor earlier this year. Lately relocated to Maine from Virginia, Brandon brings a deep appreciation for the Blues to Rio Bisbee music. In addition, he has graciously hosted our Rio Bisbee rehearsals this spring. Thank you!
With a power trio, I was looking to add horns when Antonio Blasi joined us onstage with his tenor sax at Chummies’ open mic in April. I asked Did he want to learn more Rio Bisbee tunes? He said Sure! Antonio’s background in jazz improvisation, and his fluid technique add lots of tonal color to the music of guitars and drums.
Without overpromising, I can announce we have an aspirant for lead vocalist, with scheduled practices beginning this week. Not a Bisbee yet, so I can’t reveal her identity, but I know she’s going to be hot! I yam looking forward to not doing all the singing; my voice needs a rest, and frankly, it’s not that great.
Your next chance to hear Rio Bisbee Band perform will be Mirthapalooza, a joint production of Barn Arts Collective and Common Good Soup Kitchen, at the Legion Hall, Village Green Way in Southwest Harbor, ME. This marathon showcase event in memory of Larry Stetner, co-founder of Common Good, kicks off at 5 pm, Saturday May 26. A Rio Bisbee.Band mini-set is scheduled for 9:40 pm, but you should definitely come earlier to watch all the other great performers.
Thanks for your support, and for the bizarre curios – see you at the show!
Op-hoy!
Yo
