rio-bisbee-band

Black Moon

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:34:12 GMT

Black Moon

Bisbee-ites!

Braving numbing cold, blustery winds and icy roadways, Ellsworthians came out for the Rio Bisbee.Band Off-New Years Eve concert at Black Moon Public House. It is always a thrill to see long-time fans in the audience, and to meet new Bisbee-Ites who never heard live Rio Bisbee music before. Thank you for coming!

Newest Bisbee Rae debuted as rock ‘n roll vocalist with Quick Stop, Make It Happen, Wipe The Sweat, Gas On High, Killer Cookie, and favorite hits White Rabbit and Mack The Knife. Nick led his new Rio Bisbee number 455 Revival, Bisbee hits Back Burner, Shopping At The Mall, and tooted his own horn on Testify/Tequila. Steve Arineau and Mike “The Hammer” played dueling drumsets on Kahuna. Harrison “Mr. Suit” sang his recent compositions Rasta Sunset and No Vacation, as well as Cold Chillum and Country Girl, classic Rio Bisbee numbers from the 20 ^th century, and the more recent Absolutely Not. Hayden Bisbee creates awesome animation for Rio Bisbee.Band Instagram, and helped out with lug and plug as Stage Manager. Judge interned on sound control, vital adjunct to musicians’ performance. Parker shot images of the action on stage, and on the floor - soon to be posted! Sarah attended the merch table, presenting the winter line of fine Rio Bisbee.Band apparel, brand totems and trinkets. Thank you Bisbees for making it happen!

Thanks also to Steve and Katina, owner/operators of Black Moon Public House, for sharing their space for us to put on a one-night-only Rio Bisbee.Band concert. They seemed pleased with the way the evening went, remarking It is not just music, it is a Show! Cool! They may produce a future rare exposition of Rio Bisbee.Band's signature Rock Pointilism in their spacious downtown establishment. No two alike!

Rio Bisbee.Band is the brand, and the web address to go. Visit daily for updated classic, and latest photo, audio, video. Click to access Rio Bistory, upcoming events, and other portals for a myskery trip to Forbidden Wisdom and High Wierdness. All rites reversed! Enter Contact for your concerns, comments, contributions to be passed on to the Bisbee Information Agency – the BIA. Consider not what Rio Bisbee.Band can do for you; instead consider what you can do for Rio Bisbee.Band. You could be a Bisbee too!

Op-hoy!

Captain Yo-Yo Bisbee SLACKfarian Badillion Freakwitch Vocal Freedom

010226

Sign of the Times

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:36:56 GMT

Sign of the Times

In the End Times there will be Signs.

It is well known the most important aspect of public relations is name recognition. Placing one’s name before the public eye is of paramount importance to politicians, merchants, artists, and of course rock bands. Many bands change their name with new personnel, making it hard for fans to recognize favorite music amid changing band identities. Rio Bisbee.Band retained identity for 45 years while out of over 60 Bisbees including three drummers died, guitarists moved on to other bands, singers switched to theatre, got pregnant, left the state, or went noisily nuts, enough Bisbees still remain for rock ‘n roll. That turned out to be wise as RIO BISB initial plates on the Bismobile are still valid, and so is the old stock of Rock Pointilism T-shirts. Thrifty!

Speaking of T-shirts, with Tim at Inner Sense, we discussed highway signage. He doesn’t do BDS, but he suggested using step stakes, the little placards on wire legs politicians stick by the roadside in October. At first I thought it was rather tacky. There was one lying in the dirt right outside the print shop. I don’t want to wind up like that! However, upon reflection, I decided to give it a try and ordered a first batch of stomp signs. They replicate the new band business cards with RIO BISBEE.BAND on hazard yellow. A few weeks later, 30 signs were ready to fit with steel legs. It is a trick to make the wire fit in the fluting, but done just so it holds good. I was ready to post.

Mid-summer 2024 I placed a first sign in the lane divider at the intersection by Marden’s on the Bar Harbor Road in Ellsworth, Maine. Wanting to avoid trespassing on private property, I choose lane dividers at intersections because roadways are all what is left of the commons, cars stop for the traffic light, and besides, who is going to complain? I select raised, paved lane dividers that developed cracks through which grass is growing up. I jam the wire legs in between layers of asphalt, and that holds!

By summer’s end I calculated that with Route 3 the only road to Acadia National Park, at least a million people could have seen the sign with our minimalist message, which a single glance forms indelible memory. Signs were supplied all Bisbees to erect. Soon they could be seen around the state and across the country. You may have seen one? Take a picture and send it in! Signs have been successful beyond fever dreams. For the first time, instead of saying Never heard of that! folks now reply Rio Bisbee.Band! I’ve seen the signs!

It did not take long however before signs were removed. At the Marden’s, a dark skid-mark crossed the green paint at the spot where the sign had been. An accident? I was informed Bar Harbor town ordinance prohibits stomp signs - police were taking them - though political signs are condoned. It was a surprise to see another band put signs in spots where ours had been removed. Ha! Imitation is sincerest flattery! But what’s so special about that other band? I tried putting a Rio Bisbee.Band sign near their sign. Next day the Rio Bisbee.Band sign was gone, but the other sign abides. That proves it. There is anti-Bisbee vigilantism out there selectively sniping our signs. It takes fanaticism to park one’s car near the intersection, dash across traffic to yank our sign out of the crack in the asphalt, and steal off with it so I cannot re-erect. Now I always carry one in the car so I may replace a missing sign as I go about my lawful pursuits.

But why stop there? Crew T-shirts with Louise’s UGBUG drawing show venue staff we are organized. Sam Johnson’s intricate Dobbshead skull image reproduces nicely on T-shirt, frisbee, and decal. People bought T-shirts at rare Rio Bisbee,Band shows, wear them about in public. Cool! Thanks! Magnet decals were disappointing – edges curl up and they blow off vehicle side panels at speed. I ordered stickers instead, including the Spartan RIO BISBEE.BAND brand on yellow.

By my reckoning, highway lane dividers are fair game for signs as the narrow strips are no one’s private property. Apparently though, the Maine Department of Transportation takes a different view. I expected the stomp sign in the divider at the intersection of the I-95 cut-off in Augusta would not survive the winter. What I did not expect in springtime there are new signs along the roadway every tenth mile that read Controlled Access Highway, Post No Signs! Huh! Did they install those special for me? Not the first time government ramped up repression because something I did.. One by one, there was a Post No Signs sign each place I put a stomp sign. Wow! They really ARE after me! Okay! I know where I am not wanted. Instead of wasting more signs at $17 each, I put up stickers instead. They may be smaller, but they are harder to remove. I place a sticker carefully over the word NO. Now the official signs read Post Rio Bisbee.Band Signs.

It is a First Amendment challenge. Free speech means being heard, or in the case of signage, being seen. It takes pertinacity to persist in a free market controlled by corporate/government. International firms can afford pervasive publicity, and hire scabs to censor any competition for the public’s attention span. Government retains unitary command of all public access, subject to the whimsy of individual bureaurats. Guerilla signing is culture-jamming - exercising one’s 1A right to be a drop in the media tsunami.

Decades of repeated moves to squelch Rio Bisbee.Band messaging have incurred status as Maine’s Most Dangerest Band. Not because anyone ever gets hurt, but because we oppose and resist the Normals, the Pinks, the Barbies and Kens, the grey ones, the gatekeepers, the glorps, the green energy ghouls, the talking somnambulax, the sewer snoids, the shape-shifting reptilian alien overlords, the aluminum jet-powered Nazi super-sonic hell-creatures from the center of the hollow Earth. You know – Them.

When conspirators are frightened, that is Victory for Rock ‘n Roll!

RIO BISBEE.BAND - - a sign you can believe in!

Yo Bisbee – Minister of Propaganda

Harvest Fest 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:38:16 GMT

Harvest Fest 2025

In marked contrast to dismal rainy weather that plagued every weekend from early spring into summer, and which drove June’s Backyard Boogaloo indoors for not a fail, but a save, last weekend of September brought gorgeous early fall weather for Harvest Fest 2025. Both days were planned in case of inclement conditions, but it turned into a weekend-long music and art festival. Improvements to Studio 455 grounds include luxurious new grass turf where not long ago only was mud, a rugged portico for food service and sound garden, outdoor power wiring, lighting platform. Shortly after noon folks began arriving at Studio 455 for live music and good food with friends and neighbors.

Mike Bennett opened the music program early Saturday afternoon with his hand-made balafon on which he interprets West African music. His style blends rhythm and melody into an irresistibly bouncy beat.

Rio Bisbee.Band followed with signature rock pointillism, introducing new Bisbees Trudi and Lenette on vocals. More cars and loud motorcycles arrived. Loud bikes save lives!

Eric Meyer accompanied himself on 6-string guitar, sharing some of his intriguingly obscure original compositions about beauty and Love.

Selim Ucar was next. Selim played original compositions, as well as traditional Turkish folksongs on his electric saz, modernized Turkish folk instrument. By request, Selim played his Sri Kishiri, eponymous ballad celebrating his hometown in Western Turkey.

Dangerous Dan and the Houserockers were Saturday’s evening performance. Dan is custodian of a wealth of knowledge about the Blues, iconic Americana. He plays well-known blues favorites on a variety of what he calls “cigar box” guitars, their open tunings giving his music an unique sound. Eric Hartman wailed on blues harp, Yo provided a solid foundation on bass with Steve sitting in on drums.

Bisbees came home late from their evening gig, joined residual revelers around the fire nibbling remains of the country feast put on by Barb and her international crew. It was just cool enough to make it cozy by the fire. No skeeters! Folks drifted off as the fire died down to glowing embers. What a fabulous day for a music festival!

Sunday dawned yet another perfect day for outdoor festivities, with clear skies, warm temperatures, and light wind. A number of Saturday’s music lovers returned to Studio 455 for a second day of live music, plus new visitors who had heard about the show.

Elie and Bliss began Sunday‘s program singing sweet songs of innocent Love accompanying themselves with acoustic and electric guitars

Tim Seeley followed with solid 6-string guitar work and all original folksongs of more nuanced reflections on human relations.

The Somes Sound took the stage late afternoon and rocked the joint with rollicking rock-a-billy style versions of favorite pop hits.

Mark Bluesboy blew harp with Rio Bisbee.Band, winding up the weekend’s musical program with more upbeat, offbeat original rock ‘n roll.

Late evening the sound garden shut down. Stalwarts gathered around the fire for impromptu acoustic serenade with guest Channing playing his lovely Martin concert guitar. Midnight fire dwindled, folks toddled off home with refrains of great local music in their sleepy heads. Thanks for coming!

In the Woodstock tradition, half a million (almost) kids got together at Harvest Fest 2025 for a weekend of fun and music, and nothing but fun and music! A splendid time was had by all!

Don’t go away! By popular demand, Studio 455 will present more outdoor music festivals in 2026, plus indoor performances during winter months. Go riobisbee.band for upcoming events, music, and much more.

Op-hoy!

Yobassman

To the Dump!

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:35:50 GMT

To the DumP!

To The Dump, To The Dump, To the Dump Dump Dump (Sung to William Tell Overture)

Since a little boy I was a scrounger, gleaning whatever lost, discarded or abandoned property presented by the road, in the sea, and particularly at the dump. Having tried several dumps with varying success – arrested in Rockland for the crime of dump-picking – I settled in Southwest Harbor where BMI Inc. operates a private transfer station that is the best yet. Discussing it over bocce one evening, the guys agreed: on Mount Desert Island, residents actually bring things to throw away. That’s right. All winter, summer residents shop antique stores and auctions from Austin to Boston, buying more fancy items to bring to Maine. In the springtime they call caretakers of sumptuous cottages on the Island to throw away last year’s stuff and make room for this year’s. Beginning April, everywhere piles of discarded goods adorn driveways, fill dumpsters and especially pile up at the dump. It really is astounding what jaded consumerist Pinks throw away!

Over years I became friendly with yellow-vest dump personnel Syd and Bob, who helped me retrieve various items neighbors had discarded. I outfitted my life with stuff from the dump. Why buy? Clothing, boots, tools, building materials, artworks and art supplies, records, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, kitchen items, live plants, fishing tackle, books of all kinds, office supplies, bikes, wheelbarrows, mowers, furniture, games, and especially musical instruments. I found 16 drums, 5 pianos, 6 amplifiers, various stands, wires and hardware, bass clarinet, new ukelele with case and songbook. One day a whole set of cymbals was in the metal dumpster. I could see someone had fun flinging them in there! BASH! One was cracked, but the rest seemed fine. I pulled them out. That evening I sold the crash to Tony, local drummer, for $50. Not a bad day at the dump!

It was only recently that I finally found a guitar at the dump. It was on the ramp, at the bottom of the pile. The soundboard was intact, though the headstock was broken off. What the hay! I can get parts off it if nothing else. It is Fender! I brought it to the boat shop. The headstock was broken off at the top of the neck, the soundboard was pulled away from the upper bout. It appeared most of the damage occurred at the dump, always a shame. However, it looked repairable. In what would horrify a professional luthier, I spooged Elmo’s into the cracks and clamped. What do you know! It held! The neck was more demanding. After several failed gluings, finally I carved a long mortise in the neck and inserted a mahogany spline. That did the trick! I tuned it up and it was stable! Wow! It is a cheap guitar, but it plays and did not cost me a penny. I keep it handy by my bed to play when my heart sings.

Not too much later this Year of Our Snord 2025 I saw a guitar case had been placed, rather than thrown, to the side at the dump. We can always use another guitar case. There’s something in it! I did not even look. Later at home I checked it out. It contained a classical guitar - strings were loose, bridge and nut missing. At first blush, it looked like a cheap nylon guitar, broken. I took a second look. It may have been made cheap, but a long time ago. It is a little parlor guitar, marked Fred Gretsch, Brooklyn, New York. Some research of the serial number revealed it was made in the 1930’s. It is over 80 years old! Wow! Amazing too that despite some surface scratches, it is in very good shape, nothing broken or loose. Not a fancy instrument, it is well made of high-quality wood. More to the point, it has stood the test of time. I carved a new bridge, installed a nut from the junk box, a used string from our tangle of old strings to replace the broken D string. Holding my breath I began tuning it up. It creaked and popped, but it is stable! Wow! Fabulous! It took some time to settle down, but by late evening the Fred Gretsch was tuned up enough to play. It is a nice little instrument, compact, very lightweight. Its cedar top gives it a warm, mellow tone. With low-tension strings it is very comfortable to play. Good intonation, sweet tone, no noise – a very competent instrument, and I did not put a nickel into it. Only defect – someone had applied scent, and it is odiferous. I remove it from its cardboard case often as possible to air it out. I played the Fred Gretsch parlor guitar for Concerto Cuccina at Zeppa’s Pizza Parlor. Perfect!

Only weeks later, at the dump again, I saw an instrument case set out near the ramp. In it I found a violin. It is a brand new Chinese-made student model, not a mark on it or the case. Wow! Only it had a broken string. That’s like throwing away a car because a flat tire! Back home I twisted a used E string around the tiny violin end ball and restrung it. It is stable! Wow! I always wanted to try playing violin! I scratched away at it, occasionally getting a sustained clear tone. I need to bone up my bow technique. My hands are a little too big for its tiny fingerboard, and soon I not so mistakenly left it with a family that plays violin.

Today Rio Bisbee.Band employs a number of instruments from the dump daily: Yamaha keyboard that was full of water, Dean Markley amplifier with a stove-in rear panel, cymbals by Ziljian and Sabian, the Fred Gretsch guitar, and sundry musical items including an Asian rug depicting various musical instruments, with piano keys for a border, that adorns the music room floor at Studio 455.

Thank you Detritia, dump goddess!

Yocrazyan, dump rat

Sea Cruise

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:47:56 GMT

Sea Cruise

Since a little boy, I was fascinated by the echo in Valley Cove. The family would hike in to picnic on the beach, and we kids would whoop and holler to hear the echo, despite Father’s pleas for silence. Later, as an adult, I rowed to Valley Cove in my Maine peapod. The boat brought me closer to the focal point of the sheer cliff of St. Sauveur Mountain where I could whoop it up with the echo. That kindled the idea of playing music in that spot for its natural reverb. However, a 15’ open boat is hardly enough vessel to accommodate the band.

The concept smoldered for years. 2024 came the acquisition of the 42’ lobster yacht Omega II built by master boatwright Chummie Rich of Bass Harbor. A classic of the type, Chummie had built her for his own use as a pleasure craft. With advancing years, Chummie found it increasingly difficult to handle the heavy vessel. Reluctantly he sold Omega II for a song to friend and neighbor Barb McCrum. Barb was aware of my long-standing desire to bring Rio Bisbee.Band to Valley Cove, and in 2025 made her available for a music voyage to the echo sweet spot.

Early September weather was ideal for a boat trip. I had found an alloy sailboard mast, which I lashed to the coach roof to fly the colorful Rio Bisbee.Band banner, made for us many years ago by accredited vexilologist Dave Martucci. Bisbees Harrison, Nick, Trudi, and Duffy arrived, boarded, and soon we were underway and en route to Somes Sound and Valley Cove, captain Eric St. Denis at the helm.

Why wait? With drum, horn, guitar and accordion, we played Rio Bisbee music for the maritime community in Southwest Harbor at a stately 8 knots. Crew of the enormous ketch Rebecca lined the rails to watch and listen as we slid past, Rio Bisbee Band flag snapping in the breeze. After all, flying flags is half the fun of having a boat!

Finally, culmination of a dream! We dropped anchor not far from the plunging cliff face. Just because there is water does not mean the mountain stops going down another 100 feet. With audio recorder going, we whooped, banged and tooted for the echo. Duffy’s accordion resounded loudest, much to his delight. A tour boat full of vacationers came close by as we played, holding up their celephones to record the event for posterity. No doubt Rio Bisbee,Band will be posted on their FaceBook pages by suppertime. Good thing we showed the flag!

Alas, Valley Cove faces east and late in the day is shadowed by the mountain, making the afternoon cool. Undaunted, guitarist Harrison did a walrus and plunged off the rear deck into the frigid water. That was refreshing! Anchor weighed, we motored back to town, with a few parting notes for the echo off Flying Mountain.

Back at the dock there was no reason for folks to depart. This isn’t a skin boat! We settled in for after-party as Sun dipped below the western horizon, nibbling finger food and exulting over the successful debut of Bisbee Maritime. As evening deepened, folks headed up the gangway to shore. Crew cleaned and closed up, already thinking about a future music voyage with Rio Bisbee.Band aboard Omega II.

Come on! Let us take you on a sea cruise!

Captain Yo

Backyard Boogaloo

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:41:22 GMT

BACKYARD BOOGALOO

Alas, after months of planning and weeks of preparation, it seemed Backyard Boogaloo 2025 would have to be canceled due to inclement weather. It was the 16 ^th Saturday in a row that it rained in Downeast Maine. Uncanny! Rain was forecast from Friday night through Sunday morning. Too bad there would be no yard games, fire pit, outdoor stage. Though typical for Rio Bisbee,Band to be canceled for whatever reason, Bisbees’ spirits were undampened, intent undeterred. Switch to Plan B - Backyard Boogaloo transmogrified into Studio 455 Super Session with Bisbees Harrison, Mike, Al DeaL Yo, and guest artists Eric Meyer, Duffy Llama, Addison, Rob, Chris. This multifarious musical ensemble jammed an eclectic blend of musical styles from tango, to rock, to pop classics on a variety of instruments: drums, strings, keys including, for the first time in 45 years of Rio Bisbee music, an accordion! Eric led his complex originals, and accompanied the band. Duffy pumped away at his iridescent Hohner accordion on which he plays every style. Rob thumped his cajonito, Chris strummed his guitar. Addison played bass and sang some of his favorite hits, very exciting vocals. He said he would like to come back! Al Deal did a late-night set of his signature metal guitar style. Barb laid on a lavish spread of delicious country home cooking and Zeppa’s New York pizza for artists and guests to graze. A selection of social lubricants enhanced conviviality unto hilarity as the evening progressed and more guests arrived. Music began at 5 pm, continued to midnight, with musicians switching off with each other in an all-night game of Musical Instruments. Six hours of spontaneous music is recorded for posterity, will be mixed, mastered and posted for Bisbee-Ites who were unable to attend this latest Rio Bisbee.Band near-miss. It was a save, not a fail - a splendid time was had by all!

Op-hoy!

Yobassman

062825

420 Gonzo Report

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:41:20 GMT

420 GONZO REPORT

Rio Bisbee.Band, the motorcade, arrived on time at Purple Company, Odlin Road Bangor. It is one of many newly sprouted cannabis dispensaries now to be found in every corner of urban, and rural Maine. The unpretentious violet-painted building, formerly an auto repair service-bay garage, nestled cozily into its treeless industrial surround of shabby pre-fab shipping warehouses, container yards, and auto sales parks there beside the roaring international jetport. A lengthy CSX freight with alternating cuts of long center-beam flatcars loaded with brand-name building supplies logo-wrapped in plastic, and grimy, stubby tank cars full of toxic chemicals destined for various customers along the line, rumbled, horns blaring, across a nearby grade crossing in a trash-littered gully down behind the building. The festival grounds presented as a grim, fenced-in, gravel-covered commercial back lot with a couple sagging tents sheltering merch tables, We surveyed the dismal scene, bored merch girls ignoring us. Despite the gay event being held in what is patently used as a parking lot every day of the week, when it comes to Rio Bisbee.Band, it is forbidden by the management to move vehicles closer than 50 yards to the “stage”, in order to eliminate any possibility of vehicular casualties among the half-dozen or so apparently oblivious partiers - chubby chicks with purple and green dyed hair-don’ts, 20-something neck-beard fatsos in XXXXL Ts emblazoned with gruesome depictions of decaying human skulls. The perennial presence of cast-off military garb was vaguely reminiscent of 60s hippie culture. But no Fool on the hill are today’s youth who packed themselves into a grubby outbuilding with no accommodation whatsoever except a deafening DJ PA set-up and thick roils of previously-inhaled cannabis smoke which wafted in billows out of the bay door, sole opening in the dingy structure, drifting lazily up into the darkling sky. The only food available was snack truck: ribbon fries - $7. As they say – not quite fries, not quite chips. Lucky we brought along a couple of our own chairs!

The “stage” offered us was nothing more than a flimsy platform of ½” plywood tacked to rotting shipping pallets sinking in crunchy mud. Its surface retained a shallow pool of standing water – amazing how watertight cheap construction can be! Water burbled up through a knothole. Down stage center was a muddy puddle. The platform, barely larger than a king-size bed, was partially covered by a teetering pop-up rig just big enough to cover the drum set, with all other equipment exposed to the elements. Indeed, the previous band had quit early after a shocking experience when a shower came through, wetting their powered gear. That’s no joke! Happened to me once! Fortunately, as is so often the case, Rio Bisbee.Band brought out the Sun. Clouds parted briefly to admit some watery sunshine from the setting sun as we were setting up to play. All the while, the multi-various cacophony of the modern urban wasteland was overwhelmed acoustically by the jagged, arrhythmic burping of hop-hop rap coming from the metal-sided storage shed adjacent to the “stage”. At around 130 dB, the bass completely drowned any hint of instruments, or vocals in the mix, shaking the very ground upon which we stood with flabby flapping of agonized short-throw speaker cones driven well beyond their design voltage parameters.

The thumping bass quit, a wire was extended to the “stage” so we could plug in. Girls were packing up their merch as we did sound check. Rio Bisbee.Band began the show with hard-hitting original rock numbers to barely a twinge from the few puzzled passers-by. Perhaps they could not hear anything below 110 dB? Oddly, the buzzed-out stoners were more intrigued with Selim’s mini-set of traditional Turkish music, which he sings in Turkish language, accompanying himself with an electric saz, traditional Turkish folk instrument. The second half of the Rio Bisbee show was cut short because the next DJ was ready to start. Bye the time we finished our truncated set with a rousing version of Be Thankful There’s Rock ‘n Roll! there were 2 people watching us. Only a few months ago at closing time there was but one. How to double the audience in only a few months! As soon as we played our final note, the plug was pulled and the BOOM BOOMBOOM incontinently recommenced, louder than ever. I perused the dispensary’s offerings: THC-free herbal products in plastic packages, and divers intoxication apparatus in glass display cases. The bleached-blonde punk at the register asked Was I there for the party? Oh! Didn’t you notice I was playing bass guitar for the “party”? I chuckled at the sad fate of this new generation. Callow youths turned their backs on musicians humping gear and instruments across the scared no-man’s land of the back lot around to the other side of the cyclone fence by the equipment return portal of the local U-Haul franchise where the waiting Rio Bisbee.Band fleet of ultra-modern highway vehicles was poised to speed us home to our snug, sylvan Studio 455. Another classic Rio Bisbee.Band performance enters the anals.. uh.. annals of our bizarre Bisbee career. Ah! The ineffable glamour, and charm of a long lifetime playing rock ‘n roll music.

But I ain’t giving up yet!

Op-hoy!

Yobassman

Rio Bisbee Band 40

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:41:14 GMT

rio bisbee band 40

Bisbee-Ites!

Can you believe it? Rio Bisbee Band turned 40 years old this year! Wow! That’s right! In January 1980 Rio Bisbee Band was formed at Paul Cartwright’s house by the rocky banks of the broad, beautiful Bisbee River in Camdonia, Maine. We started out playing contradance gigs as a safe sextet: guitar, bass, trumpet, fiddle, concertina and caller. We did 13 dances at granges and clubhouses around Mid Coast Maine that first year.

Soon however Rio Bisbee Band emerged from its Sunday matinee cocoon evolved into the power trio format well known to rock aficionados. With that solid foundation, it is a snap to include horns, keyboard and singer, if they are willing. In 40 years, over 50 Bisbees have performed or recorded Rio Bisbee music. We ain’t giving up yet!

Thank you to Joey, Nathan and John at Fogtown for the enthusiastic welcome at open mic on Wednesday evening. It was wonderful to see our friends, and meet new. We had been working on Testify, Arvela, Shopping at the Mall, (Ode to) Barbara Jo and Be Thankful There’s Rock ‘n Roll all summer. Our latest versions were well received by the sparse yet enthusiastic audience. Special thanks to Ken, and Steve for inviting Rio Bisbee Band to join them for an encore during their slots. Steve’s request list: Funky Rockland, Painfully Numb, and Tribal Man, which I have long considered Rio Bisbee Band’s greatest hit. They were hits that night!

It’s an early evening at Fogtown, so even stopping for a bite, we arrived home at a reasonable hour. I, we, the Bisbees had a great time playing for you again at Fogtown open mic!

Op hoy!

Yobassman

Somerset Jam Fest

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:38:07 GMT

Somerset Jam Fest

Bisbee-Ites!

!This are BIzarro Yo! with your Rio Bisbee Midsummer update!

Rio Bisbee Band will perform a rare original set of classic, and fresh rock pointilism songs about Maine, drugs, the war and Love at Maine Vocals’ Somerset County Jam Fest, Saturday 21 July, 12:30 pm at Freedom Field, 75 Carson Hill road, Harmony Maine.

We’re not allowed to say this on community radio: Maine Vocals productions are the safest, and yet have the least annoying security measures of any music event! Opaque backpacks of any size, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, on site parking, campfires (in containers), food, beverages, bare feet and smoking are all okay! No corporate sponsors. No X-rays. No body search. No blue meanies. Wow! That’s why it’s called Freedom Field! It’s easy to find a level spot to park and pitch a tent, and of course vendors offer any necessity you may have forgotten to bring. Many great bands from Maine and away will be playing all weekend long, Friday through Sunday, from late morning to early morning. Plus - tickets are only $5 a day, with Sunday free! Such a deal!

For great music on a level playing field, go mainevocals.net

Op-hoy!

Yobassman

Heads in Harmony

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:36:09 GMT

heads in harmony

Once again your Rio Bisbee Band headed upta camp at Freedom Field to participate in Maine Vocals’ annual Heads in Harmony outdoor music festival. After an early start, for musicians, the Bismobile’s Dodge V-8 powered us, and our gear, through River City, then up and over the foothills of the headlands to Carson Hill in Harmony, Maine. At the gate there was a head count, so to speak, but no screening. One of the great things about Maine Vocals’ events is relaxed attitude, and plenty of space. Unlike mega-events with large crowds, long lines, and remote parking, Freedom Field lives up to its name by affording instant entrance and plenty of elbow room for parking/camping near the stage, or not if preferred. Simple rules – no pills, no powders - provide focus on cannabis culture and legalization. Free joints dispensed to artists were six-inch fatties, filled with serious dank nuggage, unlike schwaggy pinners at lesser venues.

As we pulled up to the stage, a guitar duo was finishing their set of troubador-style Americana. With a new stage manager and sound crew, there was some adjustment to be made, set-up, sound check and what not. Harrison, Peter and Y, today’s Rio Bisbee Band, took the stage at 1:30 pm. With Flying V through a Dean Markley 12” found at the dump, and Rhythm Ace with a pre-CBS Fender bass, we played our favorite original rock-pointilism numbers: Testify, Country Girl, Cold Chillum, Quick Stop, Kahuna, Make It Happen, Medication, Back Burner, Reefer Leave Me, I Remember Quaaludes, Dans Mon Bateau, Rasta Sunset, Be Thankful There’s Rock ‘n Roll to vocal acclaim from the widely dispersed audience enjoying comfy spots on the sward, in tents and RVs, and standing by various vendors’ booths.

After our set, we adjourned to a spot not far from the stage, but outside the zone of maximum sound pressure, and made camp. A Persian wool rug, futon, sunbrella, and brazier, all found at the dump, created a breezy, harem-like space contrasting cave-like camping-store nylon-zipper offerings and cubed-out metal-frame pop-ups. Cool cats and hippie chicks roamed the grounds in various states of dress in the sultry mid-summer heat, colorful, frilly, bearded and beaded, reminiscent of the Summer of Love. A tiny white dog sported a green and pink dye-job. Cute! A petite tattooed artiste spent the afternoon robbing the rainbow on an easeled support. We discussed pigments, pure or blended, and the effect of using a dark ground. When clouds broke, the sunbrella provided shade in the lowering afternoon sunshine, in the cool of the evening reflected heat from the brazier, and late at night protection from incipient precipitation.

Rio Bisbee Band was followed by Muddy Boots, another power trio, doing roadhouse favorites, as evidenced by many in the audience singing along. The next act was Partners in Grime, comprising bass, electric ocarina and computer DJ behind a large tie-dye screen. Self-identified as “Live-tronica”, the sounds, though stored in tone banks, never repeated – no two bars alike! Alternately high or low, sweet or raucus, the tone-stream evoked fantastic imagery, enhanced by flashing light show through smoke. They played non-stop for almost 2 hours, entirely extemporaneously – you can’t rehearse this stuff! There were some word bites. One I recall in particular:

“In the 20 ^th century, reality was everything.”

That was food for thought.. I remarked to the bassist I would be exhausted after all that. Yes! He said He is exhausted! But he was glowing! Everyone was tripping.

Next up was Change-Up, with bass, guitar, drum set and hand drums playing Funkadelic music arranged into cohesive numbers that nevertheless provided a lot of variety and excitement. Occasional tiny drops of precipitation could be felt on exposed skin. After the heat of the day it was a relief. Boston-based Kong is a five-piece: bass, guitar, drum set, hand drums, trombone with tone bank, blending digital modulation with analog instruments for funky driving psychedelic trip-hop music. Toward midnight Jaberwocky came on with more psychedelic funk-style rhythms that kept the young folks dancing into the wee hours. Phosphorescent costumes and fire-dancing made fun visuals amid lasers and spotlights that danced about the grounds. I munched crispy French fries from the food truck – they stay open late – then slounged by the fire to get some rest, though sleep was impossible with the pounding music. All Freedom Field events are an opportunity to show off our stuff, relax in a supportive community atmosphere, and take in all the other great music, colorful art and friendly folks. We don’t stand on ceremony, we’re ALL Maine Vocals! We make it happen!

After the last band, DJ came on with more funk electronica. The music finally shut at 4 am. My brain slid into silence like a fish into water. For the first time, I could hear the skeeters buzzing around me, and see them in the dawn’s early light. Tiny droplets became steady rain as we folded our gear, loaded RIO BISB and hit the road. I was grateful to be driving in daylight. It was raining upstate, but back on the island roads were dry. We arrived home at 8 am, not too late to have a full day ahead of us. Thank you Maine Vocals!

Yobassman

072221

Germination 2022

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:33:52 GMT

germination 2022

As always on the day, I got up at the crack. Though I had loaded heavy stuff in the truck the day before, there were still a lot of details to hassle with. What shall I wear? All week long the outlook had been fair weather for today, but it was foggy and wet. At the quick stop I put in $100 of regular, and it did not even fill the tank. Yow! In town, Harrison loaded amplifiers and we hit the road. Soon it was just plain raining. That did not bode well for an outdoor concert. On the way we picked up percussionist Mike the Hammer, and headed north. Over country roads we were truckin’ in Rhythm, following Melody Lane over to Harmony, Maine. No kidding! Arriving at Freedom Field we saw a lot of activity, many vendors, plenty of colorful, cool freaky folk milling about grooving on the scene. Wayfarer was finishing their set as we backed to the loading dock behind the stage. We breathed a sigh of relief when drummer Russell Bisbee arrived minutes later. After the usual fussing over connections and sound check, we began our set with Testify. His first onstage rock ‘n roll performance ever, Kam was warmed up, and from the first note he was off the hook! He was not at all bashful about getting in their face – I can’t hear you! he blared. I could never do that.. So I was very thankful Kam took the lead roll. One regular festival goer remarked I heard your band play, but I did not recognize the singing! Thank Yog! Honestly, I don’t want to do the singing, though I improved my singing skills. With Kam leading the show, I can focus on my bass playing and over all it sounds much better. Plus I could never even try those amazing moves. He is really agile! And so energetic! Killer Cookie, Country Girl, Cold Chillum, Quick Stop. Kahuna, Shopping At The Mall, Bisbee classics all, Make It Happen, a more recent composition, Timeless, a Harrison/Kam collaboration, Back Burner; Kam killed them all! For a break he let me sing I Remember Quaaludes - they still loved it. The fog generator kicked in and for a moment I thought the drums had caught fire. Rasta Sunset, another recent addition by Harrison, Hit The Road, and Be Thankful There’s Rock ‘n Roll to end our set with a paean of gratitude for Scotty, staff, and supporters of Freedom Field Park, the free and freaky family of friendly folks, the sudden clement weather – clouds broke during our set, flooding Freedom Field with warm sunshine. Pile of Dogs was unloading their gear as we moved our stuff back aboard the Bismobile. As at all our Freedom Field shows, we selected a spot to park with a view of the stage. Unloading camp stuff, we set up a cozy harem with oriental rugs and cushy futon under a big tent-like sunbrella, with blankets and pillows. I lit a pile of birch and cedar, soon we were warmed with a snapping fire in the brazier – outdoor festival deluxe seating! I made the rounds with a basket of free fruit: apples and oranges. Don’t try to add them! Later I brought out a basket of peanuts and pistachios, shared them around. Feel like a nut? It’s a smooth opening to offer a gift and ask folks their names. There was Stephan, Tara, Emilee, Nick, Crystal, Forrest, Jennifer, Chimaris, Hannah, Ben, and those were just a few I spoke to. Each in our own way we all make it all happen by sharing what we have for each other. If any one hippie stayed home, it would still happen, but if everyone stayed home, not. That’s natural community participation. I spoke to Kam’s lovely wife Danni to suggest she sing Rio Bisbee songs as a duet with her hubby. She said she would love to! Wow! That will be fabulous to look forward to at future Rio Bisbee events! Sunset the sky darkened; a turgid line squall moved over us from the west. The wind began to switch, the tent to twitch. We scrambled to put things under cover. Bright jagged curlicues of lightning flashed across the clouds as a dramatic riposte to the far-out light show onstage. Geez! That fog generator really works! Soon the entire grounds were shrouded in fog that captured colorful beams of light. Luckily we had only a brief sprinkle of rain, which did nothing to dampen the spirits of freedom lovers. Folks visited our little camp, many strolled by saying I love you! Cool! It’s rare you hear that out on the street. Of course, every Tom, Dick and Hairy had a jar of dank budules for trade or sale. A wide variety of colorful T-shirts, flags, paintings and glassware were on display. Two food booths served freshly prepared organic vegetarian fare. I had stir-fry noodles and deep fried zucchini sticks, Delicious! Then I had a hankering for some chocolate. I tried the food booths, but all they had was jimmies, and drizzle. Not what I had in mind. Harrison found a booth that offered chocolate with magic mushrooms. Perfect! The rain stopped, folks gathered at the stage again and things got really wierd with Jabberwocky. The rainbow strobe hula twirling was hallucinatory. How does it do that?? Someone had a bundle of green luminescent something that writhed like a bizarre alien life-form in the murk. In a momentary perspective shift, it seemed foolish to be sitting in the fog out in a field at midnight. Ordinarily it is not something I do on my own. However the set and setting of Germination made it an eminently sensible thing to do. A very high time was had by one and all. It’s great that a half a million kids (well, almost..) can have three days of fun and music and nothing but fun and music. It is a rare privilege and sublime joy to bring rock ‘n roll to people who love to share, and share the Love. Thank you! Thank you!

Yo Bisbee

Bisbee New Year 2021

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:14:21 GMT

Bisbee New Year 2021

Bisbee-Ites!

Rio Bisbee.Band Rings in the New Year!

Determined to end 2020 with Bang! rather than whimper, last night your Rio Bisbee.Band played a rocking studio party to ring in the New Year. After a sumptuous repast at Chez Maheu, we repaired to the Bisbee Cave to warm up the ozone for a small gathering of live indoor singing to delighted loud volume rock ‘n roll music fans in person. Harrison opened the evening’s program singing Testify, Back Burner, Quick Stop; I stepped up to the mic for Arvela, Dans Mon Bateau, Tribal Man, I Remember Quaaludes, Reefer Leave Me, (Ode to) Barbara Jo. Harrison led Dragging The Line, favorite cover, Hootenanny, Cold Chillum. At midnight guest artist Heidi led a heart-melting rendition of the traditional seasonal favorite Auld Lang Syne. After a cover of Bad Boy, we resorted to the Rio Bisbee book for Mary’s Blues, Good Teeth, House Upon A Rock, Funk Etude, and wrapped up our cheer-filled holiday festivities with Painfully Numb. At 2 am on January first it was declared the best party this year! And the best party of LAST year!! Wow! That’s a party!

Don’t think your Rio Bisbee.Band will be resting on laurels – no way Jose! 2021 sessions are already scheduled. More outrageous independent music is coming your way!

If you want something to happen you have to make it happen! – “BoB”

Best tidings to all for a Happier New Year!

Op-hoy!

Yobassman

Bisbee 2021

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:12:00 GMT

bisbee 2021

Bisbee-Ites!

Yow! 2017 was the best Rio Bisbee year yet! We may not have played a lot of gigs, but those we did play we took to heights not seen in decades. Mid-summer Molly replied to my “sketchy” ad for a bold female vocalist, and boy! Was she! In spades! I said for years (decades really) If we could get a red-hot lady singer, Rio Bisbee Band would be headed for the big time. And we were! Briefly. Then she had to go. We used to say They’re either married, crazy or leaving the state in a week. Oh well! I guess two out of three ain’t bad.. Anyway, hearing Rio Bisbee classics belted out by Good Golly Molly was a thrill I shall never forget, and I know Molly will never forget the Bisbees as she heads for the big time on her own.

We met Jai a year ago at Little A’s Tuesday night open mic. At the last minute he stepped in on drums for Harvest Fest when Caleb couldn’t make it. Jai graciously hosted our practice sessions all summer as we struggled to schedule enough time together to teach Molly Rio Bisbee songs. Jai’s drumming was the solid foundation of our power trio format.

Harrison, now a two-year Rio Bisbee veteran, familiarized himself with the Rio Bisbee book, leading songs and fronting the band. His novel interpretation of Rio Bisbee numbers keeps them fresh, unlike listening to 30 year-old recordings. He wrings unexpected tones from a variety of guitars, and his incendiary rave-ups in the finale are a marvel to behold. He says he is Bisbee to his soul. Well, that’s where it hits!

Steve was an interim Bisbee, sitting in on drums for Heads in Harmony when Jai couldn’t make it, and joining us as a special guest at Chummies. Thank you!

Our Maine Vocals gigs in Harmony were cool, if tiring. It’s a long way to go for one set of rock ‘n roll, but it is always fun to see the other bands and hang out with our friends around the campfire. I led the entire list at Freedom Fest in June, something I force-trained myself to do when there is no one else to sing. In September it was a relief to have Molly sing Cold Chillum, House Upon A Rock, and Informer, which are difficult for me to lead, and therefore had not been on the list. I love her version of Quick Stop, and she really cuts loose on our new number Be Thankful There’s Rock ‘n Roll, neither of which had been recorded. I still sang Kahuna, Reefer Leave Me, Tribal Man, Funky Rockland, I Remember Quaaludes, and of course (Ode to) Barbara Jo. Harrison sang Hit The Road, with an impression of Elvis’ Mississippi accent. Thanks to Don and Bob, and all the Maine Vocals for your work producing the Freedom Field events.

The house party in Bernard, hosted by our friend and supporter Karin Marchetti, was a great success. Finally, we had an opportunity to play Rio Bisbee songs for our island friends who can’t schedule a trip upstate. We managed to get a live recording, and we enjoyed the fine company, and great food everyone brought. Thank you Karin!

The Rio Bisbee.Band Harvest Costume Ball at Chummies was a blow-out that equaled or surpassed our fabulous shows at Shoestring Theatre in Portland, Flag Day at the Snow Bowl, Ugbuggery in Funky Rockland, New Years at Harry Cabot’s United Nations rooftop lounge, or Valentine’s Day at the Blue Goose back before 9/11. Molly was in fine form, wailing and wiggling wonderfully with the music. Mr, Bowen as troubador satyr kept the crowd amused in the break so they didn’t turn on the jukebox, and Andrew from Barn Arts as MC was amazing! He really knows how to control a crowd. Chummies’ Gabe is a true band-aide – anomalous club owner who actually loves the music and supports the bands!?! Unbecredible! Thanks for your support, all you guys!

Alas, we were unable to get into the recording studio before Molly left on her round-the-whirled tour, but we did get recordings of our live performances, and even some video. Thanks to Nick, and Peter for the tech help, and thank you to Susan for painting the lovely Rio Bisbee Band directional signage.

None of this would have happened if not for the incubator, or crucible at times, of the open mic sessions produced by Russell Snyder at Little A’s sports bar on Cottage Street in Bar Harbor. It was Harrison who introduced me to the rock ‘n roll open mic (I always thought open mic was for folkies, not rockers), and it was there we met Jai. The weekly music emporium provided a substrate for us to polish the Bisbee tunes with Molly, and to jam it up with our neighbor musicians. Thank you Russell for all the hard work and late nights you put in making it happen, and for sitting in on drums with Rio Bisbee.Band.

Thanks also to volunteers and staff at WERU Community Radio for keeping the Rio Bisbee.Band name, and Rio Bisbee music on the air for all to enjoy, or whatever. Thank you to Phineas, Tim and Tim, and all the guys at Buckdancer’s Choice for keeping our old Fender amps working, and Mike at Portland Percussion for drums and sticks. Thanks to Skip’s Auto for the brake job on the Bismobile.

Last and best of all, a thousand thanks to you wonderful Bisbee-Ites for listening, requesting and singing along with our Rio Bisbee songs. As much fun as we have playing our music, we really do it for you. We can listen to the music playing in our heads any time we want, but what we want in our hearts is to share with you. Thank you!

Okay. Last gigs are always a hoot, but they beg the question – now what? The Bisbees have all returned to civilian life, moving on, or hunkering in. I hope we can go into the studio sometime during the winter to record new songs for airplay, and of course I shall put up more “sketchy” ads for bold female vocalist. Who knows? Though I do know there will be no replacement for Molly, only a substitute.

Next year? Probly more open mic, Maine Vocals, hopefully more house parties, perhaps a real concert in a dance hall or theatre. Have us come and play in your town! If you have a roof, and 120V power, Rio Bisbee.Band will put on a program of original rock pointillism for you!

Op-hoy!

Yobassman

Bisbee 2018

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:10:07 GMT

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 30 ^th 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!

Bisbee Reborn

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:07:54 GMT

bisbee reborn

Bisbee-Ites!

It was just a year ago, as I sat alone by my little campfire at Maine Vocals’ Hash Bash, I asked myself wouldn’t it be a gas to put on a Rio Bisbee show at next year’s events? That would be a solid reason to attend, and friends could be invited to a reprise party of live Rio Bisbee music. I spoke to Don, who recalled my participation in Freakwitch from previous concerts, about scheduling Rio Bisbee Band for 2014 and he said Sure! Yow!

That was only the beginning. I kept Rio Bisbee music alive over the years in unplugged version, I replaced the decrepit BISBEE van with a newer, bigger Bismobile (pre-adapted it with RIO BISB initial plates) from Uncle Henry’s, and the Rio Bisbee Band instruments and equipment were still available, but there were no other players. I approached a couple of local musical acquaintances, but they weren’t into Bisbee.

Then it hit me. Why not enlist former Bisbees? They may be out of state, but at least they know the material! I got in touch with guitarist Rob and drummer Scott, and they both said Cool! They would love to join in when they come back to Maine in the spring. All right! Once a Bisbee, always a Bisbee!

In order to garner more exposure, I volunteered as Maine Vocals’ media liaison with WERU Community Radio, composing promos for the events, featuring inclusive band lists plus web address. For the first time, Maine Vocals was heard over the airwaves. Muchas gracias to Denis for all his behind the scenes work organizing and broadcasting our propaganda, and to radio volunteer Melisenda for recording it in her sweet voice. It was not the first time Rio Bisbee Band was heard on WERU Community Radio, having done several live in-studio broadcast performances early in our career, but it was the first time in many years - certainly since Radio Jones’s passing.

Come spring, the Bisbees were all in state. As usual however, it was a challenge to schedule rehearsal with players living a hundred miles apart. When we did get together for practice, we found it was not so easy to pull versions out of thin air – it requires dedication, hard work. Nevertheless, for the first time in twenty years, on the summer solstice Rio Bisbee Band was ready to play for Freedom Fest in Harmony. We performed some of our originals, and a smattering of sixties rock covers to a sparse, but appreciative audience. It may not have been a huge crowd, but that meant a higher percentage of our friends! Welcome back revered Bisbee-Ites from the eighties and nineties – thanks for coming forward!

It was a shock when after Freedom Fest Rob and Scott each announced he would be unable to play Rio Bisbee. For the first time ever, Rio Bisbee Band had a series of scheduled gigs, and suddenly there was no band. Absolutely absurd! It seemed like the end; but I am a get-up-after-a-fall kind of guy, flipping crisis into opportunity. Guitarist Todd, whom I had known in Freakwitch, stopped by one day and mentioned If I knew anyone looking for a guitarist to think of him, so I gave him a call. I met Caleb on the job site, and was impressed by his power output. When I learned he plays drums, quite well as it turns out, I called him too. Within two weeks of the old Bisbees quitting, we scheduled Rio Bisbee rehearsal with eager new players.

Meanwhile, I had made arrangements for a Rio Bisbee Band presentation on WERU’s Wicked Good Music Hour, to air the week prior to Aurora. As the date approached, it was clear the schedule was too tight for a live on-air performance with the whole band, so switching to Plan B, I collaborated in producing a prerecorded Rio Bisbee Band/Dave Piszcz retrospective which filled the slot AND freed up everyone’s calendar. Many thanks to Matt for a fine job hosting and engineering that pizmatological program.

Not long before the Aurora Music Festival, I had a note from Sistah MRL wanting to sing lead. Why not? She had Bisbee performances in Her resume, and was familiar with the songs, so we reordered the set for Her participation. There was a strange moment when it seemed a faux Rio Bisbee Band was vying for our slot. We often had been overlooked, and double-booked, but we NEVER had to contend for the stage with a parody Rio Bisbee Band of pretentious posers (made me wonder who they got to play me..). Lucky for them they didn’t try it!

Aurora was awesome! Here’s a big thank you to Dan deLuca and family for the red carpet welcome to their fabulous Featherfoot Farm. It wasn’t the first time I went swimming at a gig, but Giles Pond is much more pleasant than the beer colored “water” at USM Pool House. After swimming, we ate fresh-made brick-oven pizza all day, rubbed elbows with lots of cool people, and listened to great live music. If you are near Ellsworth, or not, you should definitely put Aurora Music Festival on your 2015 late summer calendar.

Rio Bisbee Band was scheduled to play the next weekend at Heads in Harmony, but Caleb was unable to attend because previous family commitment. Iyiyi! Luckily Sistah MRL invited Selecta Heat to sit in on the traps, and thanks to him we went onstage as scheduled and did an all Rio Bisbee set for Maine Vocals. No two alike!

After a week’s break we resumed Rio Bisbee for Harvest Fest, our final show of the 2014 season, adjusting the set by adding more rock n’ roll. Once again scheduling was a nightmare. Harvest season is a busy time for us all! Too busy, too bad. Late in October, Sistah MRL announced She was unable to continue with Rio Bisbee. A couple other candidates were unable to schedule rehearsal on such short notice. So instead, I added to my duties as propaganda minister, cable guy, bus driver and bass turpitude by filling in on lead vocals. I had never led the show, and I had never sung an entire set before. I dug in with the handy little Ibanez Artwood bendaway I picked up from Tim at the Creamery, repeating the songs to any available captive audience. All that work paid off – I only flubbed a couple of lines at the Harvest Fest show. Thank you also to Tim, and Tim, and of course Phineas at Buckdancer’s Choice, and Mike of Portland Percussion for providing materiel aid to a terrific organization.

It’s been a crazy roller coaster ride, but a marvelously rewarding journey with Rio Bisbee Band, and I am very grateful for this opportunity to add a chapter to our saga. Thank you to everyone for supporting Rio Bisbee Band by attending the shows and listening on WERU Community Radio, by purchasing registered Rio Bisbee Band spin-off products, and by believing in us. Thank you.

Be cool!

Yobassman

Rio Bisbee Band

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:05:23 GMT

rio bisbee band

On the sixth day 1980, from out of The Void, by the banks of the mighty Bisbee River of Camden, Maine was formed a musical band. It was called Rio Bisbee for the river. It was good. Originally configured as a 7-piece contradance orchestra, Rio Bisbee Band featured fiddle, guitar, banjo, concertina, trumpet, caller and bass playing polkas, schottisches, hornpipes, reels, jigs and waltzes at thirteen gigs around Mid-Coast Maine that year.

Then Ronald Reagan took office, and things got wierd - a dominant chord was heard! Suddenly, and also dramatically, fiddle, banjo and squeeze-box withdrew from the band. The peripatetic lead guitarist returned from south of the border having studied high tango with Manuel Labor, Argentine guitar master, and Rio Bisbee degenerated to Rock ‘n Roll – roots music of the youth generation.

Annual family get-togethers became weekly rehearsals that eventually led to gigs at wild house parties, stinking underground clubs, mass outdoor events, hideous sectarian rituals, and live on-air performances with WERU and WMPG Community Radio. A fresh contrapuntal sound mode was adopted, and dubbed Rock Pointillism as a tip of the hat to late nineteenth century impressionists. Rio Bisbee.Band is the original school of rock - graduating dozens of talented players over the years, many of whom went on to play in other fine bands.

The essential kernel of Rio Bisbee music is Power Trio: guitar, bass and drums - guitarists on vocals. The greatest bulk of Rio Bisbee numbers are in this economical format. However, with the addition of any singer, percussionist, pianist or horn blower who might wish to join in, the sound may be expanded in any direction. Rio Bisbee Band is a go-anywhere, try-anything band adapting a variety of styles from around the world as a basis for new Bisbee material: African, blues, Cajun, country, flamenco, funk, jazz, klezmer, manouche, Middle-East, punk, reggae, rock-a-billy, soca, space, techno, thrash, western, zydeco, [your favorite genre here]. Though challenging to venue owners & show promoters needing to pigeonhole performers, the diversity of Rio Bisbee music has always intrigued and delighted audiences, and kept players enthusiastic with tempo and tenor change-ups, withal an underlying emphasis on rocking music for dancers.

The nineteen-nineties brought upheavals, evictions, betrayals and prosecutions which degraded the band’s effectiveness as a performing unit. Suffice it to say gravitational forces pulling the band apart became overwhelming and players spun off in different directions, musically and geographically. Luckily, original studio master tapes and a selection of live recordings on 1/4” and cassett had been retained for the Rio Bisbee archives. One deck that worked well enough to play some tapes allowed transcription of Rio Bisbee songs, and Rio Bisbee hits were maintained over the years in un-plugged format. Vital band sound equipment, special tools and bizarre instruments had been retained as well. Combined with original Rio Bisbee music, and a new used hi-top Dodge Ram Bismobile, they comprised a band-in-waiting for new players to step up.

After that lengthy, well-merited hiatus, in 2014 Rio Bisbee.Band reconstituted as a performing ensemble. Original Bisbees from the 20 ^th century came out of retirement to relaunch the band at Maine Vocals’ Garden Fest. After that performance however, retirement proved more appalling appealing than going back on the road. Soon Rio Bisbee Band was once again in need of a drummer and guitarist. The call went out, and in the truest tradition of Rio Bisbee Band, various friends and neighbors filled in when others could not. As a result, Rio Bisbee.Band played all scheduled performances, albeit never with the same personnel. No two alike!

The 2015 concert season was in similar style as various musicians played four different Rio Bisbee outdoor concerts. Female vocalists made a most welcome addition to the Rio Bisbee sound after many years of wishing, hoping and braying for talent in front. For a consecutive second year, Rio Bisbee.Band presented new live versions of authentic original Rio Bisbee music to appreciative audiences in Maine.

Late in 2015 a Rio Bisbee ad at the local music emporium attracted a new guitarist. Just as Rio Bisbee Band had been waiting for a rocking guitarist, Harrison Maheu had been playing guitar waiting for a rocking band. Aloha! At first blush, he ran the Rio Bisbee list from simple to complex without a hitch! Yow! Harrison Bisbee!

Harrison’s next feat was to enroll Rio Bisbee Band in a local open mic night at Little A’s pub in Bar Harbor. Though a bit rough at first, going to open mic allowed much polishing of Rio Bisbee material, as well as an opportunity to meet and play with other talented musicians from Down East Maine including Mike “the Hammer” Hamele, and Steve Arineau on drums.

In late spring Rio Bisbee.Band recorded a version of Hand On The Radio with Harrison, Camden Garland, Brittany Parker, and Yo at Jon Kurgin’s studio. Recording one song proved a reachable goal, and the final mix was rushed to the WERU Community Radio station where soon it was played over the air during fun-a-thon week. For the first time in more than twenty years, new Rio Bisbee music was broadcast on the radio! However even that was insufficient to woo corporatists on the bored to a Bisbee groove they just couldn’t conceive. Censorship and prosecution followed as Matt Murphy WERU-FM disowned long-standing supporters of community radio.

During the late twenty teens Rio Bisbee.Band bounced between various tenuous, short-term and one-night spaces for practice. No matter how much stuff a band has, having a place makes it happen. We played in a basement, in a barn, in an attic, on a balcony, in a bedroom. Rio Bisbee Band did get back into the Kurgin studio to record a timely version of Tribal Man, for the Standing Rock stand-off. As adept as is Rio Bisbee at songs of freedom, the timed nature of the event soon timed out that version. It did get some airplay at the time.

Russell Snyder’s Open Mic moved up Cottage Street in Bar Harbor to Finback Ale House where Rio Bisbee.Band and musical friends continued the tradition of free live music. Over years we formed a musical community of players familiar with each other’s music, switching seats, supporting each other’s performances.

In summer Rio Bisbee.Band took Melody Lane to Harmony, Maine to play newly renamed Freedom Field Park outdoor festivals including Germination, Somerset County Jam, and Harvest Fest. We played our set, then joined friends in our cozy harim by the campfire to enjoy other fine bands’ performances until well after midnight. It is wonderful to be outstanding in our field!

In 2024 a big change came for Rio Bisbee Band with the long-awaited acquisition of a home of our own. Band-Aides Sally and Barb helped purchase a residential property in Ellsworth, Maine ready for us to move in. It is called Studio 455. It is good. The site features level ground, good screening, room for parking, big yard for parties, modern kitchen, domestic utilities, and lots of power outlets. Finally! Rio Bisbee Band has a dedicated rehearsal studio where we can walk in and play, without the usual lug-and-plug required at temporary locations. The acquisition of a comfortable home is a tonic for Rio Bisbee Band. Initial sessions were fabulous! With Al Deal on sound control, Rio Bisbee Band music, both classics from the 20 ^th Century, and the latest recordings are now available for listening and viewing around the world on web platforms. Several times in 2024 Studio 455 hosted musical parties, indoor and out, offering local musicians a chance to play, record and share their music. For Night of the Dead, Rio Bisbee Band presented Ugbuggery for the first time in years to a small, yet intense crowd of waving, raving Bisbee-ites at the Grand Auditorium in Ellsworth, Maine.

In 2025 Rio Bisbee Band acquired the eponymous domain riobisbee.band to build an information site for any and all to visit, listen and view old and new Rio Bisbee performance and art. Click on various portals for something you may also like. Be free to send comments, and of course a place and time we can perform in your town.

What will Rio Bisbee Band do next? was/is the perennial question. Go on tour? Go on vacation? Or will Rio Bisbee.Band finally fulfill destiny to be the most diverse, most unusual, and coolest independent rock ‘n roll band in the world? Stay tuned for soonest update!

Rio Bisbee.Band – Maine source for Rock Pointillism since 1980.