Wednesday, October 12, 2011
IMELDA MAY on Jay Leno
Click about 80% down the track... the song "Inside Out" is at the end of the show.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Jerry Lee Lewis - Down the Line - 2 Camera Video
I just got back from a whirlwind road trip with my son that took us from Atlanta to Chattanooga, Nashville, Cleveland, and Mount Airy, NC. Before I post anything about that... here is a 2-camera version of Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis at the Viva Las Vegas Car Show on Easter weekend. Big Thanks to my friend in the UK - Allan, better known as Baldyal on YouTube. He shot the fantastic closeup shots, I shot the shaky stuff from afar. Be sure to check out all his other professionally-shot videos from VLV and elsewhere.
It was quite a performance!
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| JERRY LEE |
It was quite a performance!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Viva Las Vegas 2011 pt. 5
Sunday Day 5
Easter Sunday at Viva Las Vegas. While many folks around the country were going to church or taking their kids on an egg hunt... the people at The Orleans were headed to the pool. The Rockabilly Pool party started around noon. Tara went early to save a bunch of chairs for the Atlanta crew. They were going fast. Due to her efforts we had a place to enjoy the sun, people-watching, and the live music.
CHOCTAW BOOGIE
The night and Viva Las Vegas ended with a line-up of old-time Rockabilly stars. The band consisted of some of the finest musicians around - Bobby Trimble, Ashley Kingman, and Carl Sonny Leyland.
It was an amazing long weekend of music and memories. My reservations are already made for VLV 15 next year.
Monday morning, I drove Tara and Voytek to the airport, but my flight wasn't until the next day. I drove the rental car to Hoover dam.
Returning to the parking garage I noticed a small dent in the rear bumper. Some idiot had run into my vehicle then took off. Being in vacation mode, I tried to laugh it off. I didn't call the police (probably a bad move), and drove back to Vegas. I notified my insurance and I'm waiting to see what the outcome will be with that.
That night I visited the Paris Casino on the strip. I had a VERY filing meal at Le Village Buffet. Then, I lost a bundle at the casino. :( I should have stuck with the casino at The Orleans... I think the slots are a lot "looser" there.
The next day, I checked out, turned in the car (dealt with the dent), and caught the flight back to Atlanta.
Thanks for reading!
Easter Sunday at Viva Las Vegas. While many folks around the country were going to church or taking their kids on an egg hunt... the people at The Orleans were headed to the pool. The Rockabilly Pool party started around noon. Tara went early to save a bunch of chairs for the Atlanta crew. They were going fast. Due to her efforts we had a place to enjoy the sun, people-watching, and the live music.
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| Tyler and Brooke |
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| Tyler, Brooke, Tammy, & Scott |
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| Voytek enjoys Cherry Popper Rockabilly Cocktail with Tara |
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| Voytek and Tiki Go-Go Gal |
After a little rest back in the rooms, our group decided to have a dinner together at the Mexican Restaurant in the hotel. - La Costa Cantina. They were very accomodating to our large party with no reservation. We were joined by Melissa and her friend (whose name escapes me now) from Australia.
Kim Lenz and her Jaguars were the real highlight of the night. Kim and the boys put on a fantastic, energetic show.
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| MC Del Villarreal introduces Kim Lenz |
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| Melissa and Tara |
KISS AND TELL BABY
CHOCTAW BOOGIE
The night and Viva Las Vegas ended with a line-up of old-time Rockabilly stars. The band consisted of some of the finest musicians around - Bobby Trimble, Ashley Kingman, and Carl Sonny Leyland.
It was an amazing long weekend of music and memories. My reservations are already made for VLV 15 next year.
Monday morning, I drove Tara and Voytek to the airport, but my flight wasn't until the next day. I drove the rental car to Hoover dam.
Returning to the parking garage I noticed a small dent in the rear bumper. Some idiot had run into my vehicle then took off. Being in vacation mode, I tried to laugh it off. I didn't call the police (probably a bad move), and drove back to Vegas. I notified my insurance and I'm waiting to see what the outcome will be with that.
That night I visited the Paris Casino on the strip. I had a VERY filing meal at Le Village Buffet. Then, I lost a bundle at the casino. :( I should have stuck with the casino at The Orleans... I think the slots are a lot "looser" there.
The next day, I checked out, turned in the car (dealt with the dent), and caught the flight back to Atlanta.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Viva Las Vegas 2011 pt. 4
rSaturday Day 4
Saturday at Viva Las Vegas always means one thing - the car show. It's an all-day event in the parking lot behind the hotel. I knew it was going to be a long day. First to look at the cars, then to enjoy the music on the outdoor stage. Everyone was looking forward to the headliner - Rock 'n' Roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis.
Hundreds of classic cars and hot rods are on display at the VLV car show -- along with some hot pin-up gals.
The ladies were out and about, posing prettily beside the shiny hunks of steel and chrome. I took my dad's old Yashica medium-format camera to Vegas just for this event.
Here's a video I put together that I hope captures the spirit of the VLV car show:
I met up with Tyler and Brooke and we did some shopping at various vendors. I picked up a Charlie Sheen type Bowling Shirt.
At one point we literally ran into Gene Vincent's daughter and grand-daughter:
The Blasters were next on the big stage... we were stuck in the back of the crowd... but they sure sounded good:
Tyler, Brooke, and I ducked back into the hotel for an hour or so to recharge... and enjoy a few cocktails. Then it was back to the car show to get a good "seat" for Jerry Lee Lewis. We were able to get about 5 rows back from the stage. Of course we were standing the whole time.
Jerry's sister Linda Gail started the party with a few standards like "Blue Suede Shoes". Then, the man came out. He looked a little frail, but once he sat down at the grand piano... he was 20 years old again. Jerry Lee and the band put on a fabulous show. His voice was strong and his piano-playing was as good as ever.
GREAT BALLS OF FIRE
GEORGIA ON MY MIND
DOWN THE LINE
The crowd was very satisfied. It was such a contrast to the disappointing show the year before from an aging Chuck Berry.
Back inside the hotel, I headed for the showroom to see Deke Dickerson's Guitar Geek Festival. The auditorium was packed... so I looked around for an alternative. I found a door marked PRIVATE BOX. It was unlocked. I walked in and there was nobody there. It had a couch and a table and some seats in front against a railing. PERFECT. I got some great videos of the amazing performances.
LOS STRAITJACKETS
CRAZY JOE
It was back to the Showroom again at 10:30pm for the Burlesque Competition. I cheered on Atlanta's entry Miss Tallulah Love. Unfortunately she didn't win.
My roommate Derek was at the front of the room, taking hundreds of photos. Mine are no where near his quality.. but here's Tallulah.
Due to Nick Curran's re-occurrence of cancer, he and the Lowlifes had to cancel their Saturday night performance at VLV. Deke Dickerson was asked to fill-in... and he did. He brought Crazy Joe and drummer Chris "Sugarballs" Sprague along. They kept the audience (and a bunch of idiotic drunk women in front) entertained as the guys played quite a few originals and classic covers. They made it interesting as they traded instruments between each other... sometimes several times in the same song!
You can imagine what a long, yet satisfying day it was. I slipped back to the room to get some sleep and get ready for the final day at Viva!
Go to the FINAL day Blog of Viva Las Vegas 14
Saturday at Viva Las Vegas always means one thing - the car show. It's an all-day event in the parking lot behind the hotel. I knew it was going to be a long day. First to look at the cars, then to enjoy the music on the outdoor stage. Everyone was looking forward to the headliner - Rock 'n' Roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis.
Hundreds of classic cars and hot rods are on display at the VLV car show -- along with some hot pin-up gals.
The ladies were out and about, posing prettily beside the shiny hunks of steel and chrome. I took my dad's old Yashica medium-format camera to Vegas just for this event.
Here's a video I put together that I hope captures the spirit of the VLV car show:
I met up with Tyler and Brooke and we did some shopping at various vendors. I picked up a Charlie Sheen type Bowling Shirt.
At one point we literally ran into Gene Vincent's daughter and grand-daughter:
 |
| The Vincent Family with Tyler and Brooke |
The Blasters were next on the big stage... we were stuck in the back of the crowd... but they sure sounded good:
Tyler, Brooke, and I ducked back into the hotel for an hour or so to recharge... and enjoy a few cocktails. Then it was back to the car show to get a good "seat" for Jerry Lee Lewis. We were able to get about 5 rows back from the stage. Of course we were standing the whole time.
Jerry's sister Linda Gail started the party with a few standards like "Blue Suede Shoes". Then, the man came out. He looked a little frail, but once he sat down at the grand piano... he was 20 years old again. Jerry Lee and the band put on a fabulous show. His voice was strong and his piano-playing was as good as ever.
GREAT BALLS OF FIRE
GEORGIA ON MY MIND
DOWN THE LINE
The crowd was very satisfied. It was such a contrast to the disappointing show the year before from an aging Chuck Berry.
Back inside the hotel, I headed for the showroom to see Deke Dickerson's Guitar Geek Festival. The auditorium was packed... so I looked around for an alternative. I found a door marked PRIVATE BOX. It was unlocked. I walked in and there was nobody there. It had a couch and a table and some seats in front against a railing. PERFECT. I got some great videos of the amazing performances.
LOS STRAITJACKETS
CRAZY JOE
It was back to the Showroom again at 10:30pm for the Burlesque Competition. I cheered on Atlanta's entry Miss Tallulah Love. Unfortunately she didn't win.
My roommate Derek was at the front of the room, taking hundreds of photos. Mine are no where near his quality.. but here's Tallulah.
 |
| shot from big screen monitor |
Due to Nick Curran's re-occurrence of cancer, he and the Lowlifes had to cancel their Saturday night performance at VLV. Deke Dickerson was asked to fill-in... and he did. He brought Crazy Joe and drummer Chris "Sugarballs" Sprague along. They kept the audience (and a bunch of idiotic drunk women in front) entertained as the guys played quite a few originals and classic covers. They made it interesting as they traded instruments between each other... sometimes several times in the same song!
You can imagine what a long, yet satisfying day it was. I slipped back to the room to get some sleep and get ready for the final day at Viva!
Go to the FINAL day Blog of Viva Las Vegas 14
Monday, May 16, 2011
Viva Las Vegas 2011 pt. 3
Day 3 - Friday
I got up relatively early and had a wonderful breakfast with DJ/MC Del Villarreal. Over eggs and bacon, we had a great discussion about the state of rockabilly music. Then he gave me a rundown of each of the bands performing at Viva. I ran into Del numerous times again during the weekend... and I hope to see him again down the road. Great guy.
I was getting a bit weary of the inside of the casino... and mostly losing money on the slot machines. So Voytek and Steve Barnett (from the Psycho DeVilles) and I jumped in my rental car to drive to downtown Vegas. Our mission was to see the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop -- made famous by the History Channel show "Pawn Stars".
Well, as you can see the line was around the block. We didn't get to see Rick, Big Hoss, the Old Man, or even Chumlee. There wasn't even a place to park. So, we cruised back toward the hotel. The line at "In and Out" was also too long... so Voytek suggested the "Jack in the Box" for lunch. It was pretty disgusting. Not recommended. Back to the Orleans.
Even though the official pool party was set for the weekend... I went back to the pool for some cool drinks and hot sun.
The big event for the Atlanta crewe at VLV was the Friday night appearance by our friends "The Psycho DeVilles". It was set for 6pm in the Bienville Room.
Del Villarreal introduces the Psycho DeVilles
Hot Rod Walt
A very large crowd really enjoyed the high-energy show.
Tammy and Scott from the ATL
Tyler Atomic, Denise, and Tara. The girls are holding the famous bowling pin cocktails.
The Psycho DeVilles made a lot of new fans that night. Afterward, with the encouragement of the band's Atlanta friends, the crowd bought a lot of merchandise.
I wasn't able to get a ticket for the Burlesque show at 7:30pm. The line to get the free tickets was astronomically long. But that was fine because at 8pm, Gambler's Mark were playing in the Bienville Room. They put on a great show.
I had to duck out of Gambler's Mark to get in the front row for the Horton Brothers over in the main ballroom. These talented guys from Austin, Texas write songs that combine great lyrics, harmony, and some jazzy hillbilly guitar licks. The phenomenal Dave Biller adds his guitar skills to Bobby and Billy Horton's vocal collaborations.
Here's a song from their new CD "Songs in the Key of Lonesome". The title is "Box of Knotty Pine" ... quirky lyrics... great tune:
This another good one ... with that trademarkEverly Brothers Horton Brothers harmony.
I've been looking forward to seeing Jessie and the Orbits. She may just be the next new hot girl singer on the international rockabilly scene. Jessie is a knockout and the band is very hot too.
GO to Saturday Day 4 Blog!
I got up relatively early and had a wonderful breakfast with DJ/MC Del Villarreal. Over eggs and bacon, we had a great discussion about the state of rockabilly music. Then he gave me a rundown of each of the bands performing at Viva. I ran into Del numerous times again during the weekend... and I hope to see him again down the road. Great guy.
I was getting a bit weary of the inside of the casino... and mostly losing money on the slot machines. So Voytek and Steve Barnett (from the Psycho DeVilles) and I jumped in my rental car to drive to downtown Vegas. Our mission was to see the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop -- made famous by the History Channel show "Pawn Stars".
 |
| Ridiculous Line |
 |
| No Parking Spots left |
 |
| Crazy |
Well, as you can see the line was around the block. We didn't get to see Rick, Big Hoss, the Old Man, or even Chumlee. There wasn't even a place to park. So, we cruised back toward the hotel. The line at "In and Out" was also too long... so Voytek suggested the "Jack in the Box" for lunch. It was pretty disgusting. Not recommended. Back to the Orleans.
Even though the official pool party was set for the weekend... I went back to the pool for some cool drinks and hot sun.
The big event for the Atlanta crewe at VLV was the Friday night appearance by our friends "The Psycho DeVilles". It was set for 6pm in the Bienville Room.
Tyler Atomic, Denise, and Tara. The girls are holding the famous bowling pin cocktails.
 |
| Walt, Steve, and Paul - The Psycho DeVilles |
The Psycho DeVilles made a lot of new fans that night. Afterward, with the encouragement of the band's Atlanta friends, the crowd bought a lot of merchandise.
I wasn't able to get a ticket for the Burlesque show at 7:30pm. The line to get the free tickets was astronomically long. But that was fine because at 8pm, Gambler's Mark were playing in the Bienville Room. They put on a great show.
I had to duck out of Gambler's Mark to get in the front row for the Horton Brothers over in the main ballroom. These talented guys from Austin, Texas write songs that combine great lyrics, harmony, and some jazzy hillbilly guitar licks. The phenomenal Dave Biller adds his guitar skills to Bobby and Billy Horton's vocal collaborations.
Here's a song from their new CD "Songs in the Key of Lonesome". The title is "Box of Knotty Pine" ... quirky lyrics... great tune:
This another good one ... with that trademark
I've been looking forward to seeing Jessie and the Orbits. She may just be the next new hot girl singer on the international rockabilly scene. Jessie is a knockout and the band is very hot too.
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| Jessie |
I was fading fast by midnight... for some reason. But I had to stay for a couple songs from Big Sandy y Los Straitjackets. The stage lights weren't working correctly, but nobody cared.
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| Paul and Robbie from The Stumblers (and a friend) |
GO to Saturday Day 4 Blog!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Viva Las Vegas 2011 pt. 2
Day 2 - Thursday
Despite the late night, I was up early to get in line for registration and receive my wristband.
The registration line snaked its way through the slot machines.
Along the way, we met some nice folks, including a fella from British Columbia who said there was still snow on the ground in his yard.
The is what we came for.
With wristband in place, Voytek and I went to the pool to join Tara and a gal from Sacramento named Desiree.
A little bit later I was off in the rental car again to pick-up my roommate Derek at the airport.
I passed the Hard Rock Hotel on Paradise Drive.
Back at the Orleans, I checked out the vendor area.
The vintage and retro clothing stores were a big hit, especially with the ladies.
There was a very cool selection of some of the latest discs.
Okay, it was finally time for the music. The first act in the big Mardi Gras ballroom was Li'l Mo and the Dynaflos. They are a high-energy doo-wop group that really got the crowd going.
In the smaller Bienville Room at the Orleans, The Still Creek Brothers were starting up. They're a rockin' band from Vancouver with traditional hillbilly harmonies.
Back in the main Ballroom, The outlandish Pachuco Jose & Los Diamantes brought their LA style of fashion and music to the stage ... en español!
I was looking forward to hearing Miss Lauren Marie. I had seen her at the Continental Club in Austin a couple years ago, and I was smitten. As it turned out, this was her last U.S. performance. She is moving to Germany to start a new life. Lauren Marie put on a great show, backed-up by the incomparable Horton Brothers.
Between the acts Thursday night, I spent my time checking out the vendors room and the folks in the hallway.
One of my favorite performances of the entire weekender was the Modern Don Juans. The band consists of Tony Estrada (Star Mountain Dreamers), Bobby Trimble (Big Sandy & his Fly Rite Boys), Tjarko Jeen (Ronnie Dawson), Todd Wulfmeyer (Marti Brom & her Jet Tone Boys). They really put on a high-quality show, and the crowd ate it up.
Afterward, I bought their CD, and chatted with Todd, Tjarko, and Bobby. What a nice bunch of boys.
The last performance Thursday night was the 1am set by Los Straitjackets in the main ballroom. The crowd was really ready for their brand of stylish rock 'n' roll instrumentals. The time difference was getting to me a little bit... but I hung in there... as did Tara and Voytek.
I think it was after that song that I snuck out of the ballroom and made my way back to the room, to prepare for further adventures and fun.
Click to go on to Day 3 -->
Despite the late night, I was up early to get in line for registration and receive my wristband.
Along the way, we met some nice folks, including a fella from British Columbia who said there was still snow on the ground in his yard.
The is what we came for.
With wristband in place, Voytek and I went to the pool to join Tara and a gal from Sacramento named Desiree.
 |
| Poolside at The Orleans |
A little bit later I was off in the rental car again to pick-up my roommate Derek at the airport.
I passed the Hard Rock Hotel on Paradise Drive.
Okay, it was finally time for the music. The first act in the big Mardi Gras ballroom was Li'l Mo and the Dynaflos. They are a high-energy doo-wop group that really got the crowd going.
Li'l Mo and the Dynaflos
In the smaller Bienville Room at the Orleans, The Still Creek Brothers were starting up. They're a rockin' band from Vancouver with traditional hillbilly harmonies.
Still Creek Brothers
Back in the main Ballroom, The outlandish Pachuco Jose & Los Diamantes brought their LA style of fashion and music to the stage ... en español!
Pachuco Jose & Los Diamantes
I was looking forward to hearing Miss Lauren Marie. I had seen her at the Continental Club in Austin a couple years ago, and I was smitten. As it turned out, this was her last U.S. performance. She is moving to Germany to start a new life. Lauren Marie put on a great show, backed-up by the incomparable Horton Brothers.
Red River Valley
Careless Love
Between the acts Thursday night, I spent my time checking out the vendors room and the folks in the hallway.
One of my favorite performances of the entire weekender was the Modern Don Juans. The band consists of Tony Estrada (Star Mountain Dreamers), Bobby Trimble (Big Sandy & his Fly Rite Boys), Tjarko Jeen (Ronnie Dawson), Todd Wulfmeyer (Marti Brom & her Jet Tone Boys). They really put on a high-quality show, and the crowd ate it up.
Mondern Don Juans
Afterward, I bought their CD, and chatted with Todd, Tjarko, and Bobby. What a nice bunch of boys.
The last performance Thursday night was the 1am set by Los Straitjackets in the main ballroom. The crowd was really ready for their brand of stylish rock 'n' roll instrumentals. The time difference was getting to me a little bit... but I hung in there... as did Tara and Voytek.
Los Straitjackets
I think it was after that song that I snuck out of the ballroom and made my way back to the room, to prepare for further adventures and fun.
Click to go on to Day 3 -->
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