Road Trip, Part II

"NOTES FROM THE ROAD - PART II OF II"

Nashville, Tennessee

Monday, April 12th, 5:30pm. The Bluebird Cafe, located at 4101 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, TN. The Bluebird Cafe is world-famous for introducing the very best original country and acoustic music. This listening room has housed some of country's finest songwriters and performers. On Monday evenings, an open mic night brings in songwriters from all over the country. But there are specific house rules. Interested songwriters must arrive prior to 6:00pm to have their name put in a hat. Those individuals whose names are drawn, then perform according to the number drawn. The open stage continues until 9:00pm. In this short time-frame, not every one who shows up is able to perform. Each performer chosen is allowed two original songs in this "8 minutes" of limelight. I could feel the anticipation build in this cozy room of 21 tables as the names were drawn and announced. On this particular evening, luck was with me. Out of 26 total names called, I was quite pleased to be "number 13".

The musical, vocal, and song-writing talents of the performers on this evening's open mic amazed me! Keyboard players, guitar players, harmonica players; you name it! And the original music was heart-felt, honest, and "not necessarily" country. I must say that it was truly an honor to share the stage with these individuals. The audience response to Little Mary originals "Short-Term Woman" and "She's Still Here" was overwhelming. The next time I'm in Nashville, I'll do it again! For more information regarding the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN, check out www.bluebirdcafe.com.

Monday, April 12th, 9:30pm. The Boardwalk Cafe, located at 4114 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN. The Boardwalk Cafe also hosts a Monday evening open-stage. The organizer of this open-stage is Steve Gardsner. Thank you to Steve for "sneaking me in" on short-notice. This open-mic did not follow any particular music format, other than "original". During my original set at the Boardwalk, I discovered that the women in the room were enjoying my "humorous through experience" lyrics more than the men. It felt just like home. During the evening, many musicians introduced their original works, including an acoustic duo performing songs from their recent CD release. This duo, featuring guitar players Glen Mayo and Adam are members of "Octopus5". Definitely NOT blues, but two of the finest "new music" musician/vocalists that I have heard in a long time. Great "driving" rhythms and deeply honest lyrics show that these young men have walked many miles through love and life. Check out their web site at www.octopus5.com, and definitely check out their CD! Phone number for the Boardwalk Cafe: 615-832-5104.

Monday, April 12th, 11:30pm. The Hall of Fame Lounge and Country Music Theatre, located in the Quality Inn at 1407 Division Street, Nashville, TN. This original music, open-mic night is hosted by one of the most gracious and talented ladies in Nashville, Tallie Nichols. This intimate room brings in many acoustic performers, including country and rock-n-roll stylings. I also bumped into a musician friend of mine from Denver, Sean Carter. What a treat to hear that rich, sexy voice of his again! Prior to performing on this open stage, I spent some time talking with Tallie Nichols. She has managed and promoted herself in Nashville for many years. Her CD, "dreamers like me" is wonderful! Her lyrics view a woman who does what she wants, when she wants. Songs, "A Bad Boy Like You" and "Can't Keep A Good Heart Down" tell me that Tallie and I have traveled similar roads . Look her up when you're in Nashville at the Hall of Fame Lounge and Country Music Theatre; 615-251-7007.

Monday, April 12th; 2:00am. Legends Corner, located at 428 Broadway, Nashville, TN. I arrived at this open-stage in time to catch the last few songs. Yes, the live music often continues until 2:30am in THIS town! Legends Corner is one of several bars on this strip that participates in a "band-sharing" relationship. Meaning, that every 45 minutes the bands shift from bar to bar. Never the same musicians, never the same show. I discovered that several of the musicians that evening had previously worked in the Denver and Boulder, Colorado areas. Clayton, on keyboards, (he ROCKS!) said that Nashville is definitely his home. Jenny, (a cutie-pie from Boulder) is a Nashville resident, and fine vocalist, who is in the process of being signed by a Nashville record company. Tom Theiland, bass, (SOLID AND TRUE!) is also a Nashville pro! Visit Tom at www.bigtbase.com, go to "hotlinks" and scroll down to "Tom Theilen III Bass and Vocals".

Radio stations: While traveling in the central, Tennessee areas, tune into WMOT, FM 89.5, Public Radio of Murfreessboro, TN. Monday through Friday at 1:00pm catch the Beale Street Caravan Blues Show.

Also, WRVU, FM 91.1. This station features a "blast from the past" with funk and soul classics.

Kansas City, Missouri

Wednesday, April 14th. Blayney's of Westport located at 415 Westport Road, Kansas City, Missouri. The owner of this fine blues establishment, Dick, had previously proposed marriage to me, several times. Keep in mind, that Dick and I had only conversed via phone, and he had listened to some of my live demo tapes. When I arrived at Blayney's that evening, Dick was unavailable to meet me. Although, he had put the word out to his staff, and to the band, that "Little Mary" would be there! THANK YOU DICK FOR A WONDERFUL NIGHT IN KANSAS CITY!!! Your staff treated me like I was royalty, and I fell in love with "Big John and the 39th Avenue Blues Band"!!!! Big John is one of the finest keyboard players/ blues vocalists that I have heard! And his band includes the very best of Kansas City's blues musicians. Special thanks to Greg (drums), Wayne (bass) and JC (guitar) for letting me "play all night long"! They are currently working on their next CD release, and you can bet that Little Mary will bring lots of copies to Denver! Meanwhile, I proudly display a new bumper sticker on my guitar case, "I LOVE DICK" (be sure to read the small print!). Phone number for Blayney's of Westport: 816-561-3747. Visit Blayney's website!

In this two week journey I visited as many music venues as time would permit. I look forward to the next journey; to exploring additional blues "hotspots" and to visiting with more of the fine musical talent in each of these cities.

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