State Controlled Radio #189-190 [Neil Young Archives #4/Giving Thanks For Neil Young]

Hi friends:

Happy Thanksgiving Week.  Hope you all are feeling grateful.  I know that I have much to be thankful for and I’m happy to be here sharing it with you.

The last two blasts from the horn of Neil Young came and went these past two weeks on State Controlled Radio.  I received many kind words about this series and I’m glad that so many people are enjoying them.  If you missed episodes 189 or 190 they can be found below.

This week on Saturday, November 28th it is Randy Newman’s 66th birthday.  I’ve had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Randy on two occasions over the past decade and I think he’s one of the finest American composers to ever come down the pike.  And after you tune in this Sunday or Monday on BZoO Worldwide Radio I’m sure that you will agree.  Happy Birthday Randy and many more.

GIG ALERT:  Now for all of you folks who are here in San Diego this week and are looking for something fun to do at the end of the weekend, Layne and I are hosting a house concert at our residence this Sunday evening on November 29th.  Scheduled to perform are The Assumptions, Sara Sterling, Mike Keneally, Charlie Cheney and yours truly.  Charlie is a fine songwriter that lives in Freemont, Michigan and he is touring the U.S. at the moment via Amtrak.  It is going to be a fun evening.  We open our doors at 6 PM and the music starts at 7 PM.  Please let me know if you plan on attending and if you need directions to the C Street chateau.

Saw They Might Be Giants this past Wednesday at the Belly Up Tavern (my fourth time seeing TMBG since 1989) and they were in fantastic form.  Many thanks to our friend Chili who shared her VIP status with us.

All right, once again with a feeling:  SHOULD YOU NEED A DJ OR MUSICIAN this holiday season, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  My phone number is at the bottom of this email…

All the best to each and every one of you and I hope to see you soon.

Peace,
Jon

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS:

11.29.09 The Assumptions, Sara Sterling, Mike Keneally, Charlie Cheney & Jon Kanis perform at C Street House Concert.  Doors at 6 PM, Music at 7 PM.  No cover, but please RSVP.

11.29.09 & 11.30.09 SCR Episode #191 “Words And Music By Randy Newman” on bzoo.org (11 PM PST)

State Controlled Radio Episode #189
November 15-16, 2009
Neil Young Archives #4/In The Middle Of The Road & Aiming For The Ditch [1969-1973]

State Controlled Radio Episode #190
November 22-23, 2009
Giving Thanks For Neil Young [Hamilton’s Tavern 2nd Saturday 3 hour special]

State Controlled Radio #186-188 [Neil Young Archives #1-3]

Hello everyone:

Happy Thursday to you.  November 12th, 2009.  Today it is Neil Young’s 64th birthday and, inversely, Dennis Borlek’s 46th birthday.  Happy birthday fellas.

In regards to Neil Young, if you have been following along with me on SCR, then you know that for the entire four weeks of when the Sun has been in Scorpio I have been creating a four-part series covering the first decade of Neil’s recording career in honor of Neil Young’s massive anthology project this year entitled The Neil Young Archives Volume I.

It has been Neil, Neil, Neil for weeks around these parts and it will all culminate this weekend with part four on BZoO Homegrown Radio at 11 PM PST.  And, should you have missed any of the previous three episodes, you can find them down in the valley below.

And not only am I doing four two-hour programs honoring the first decade of Neil’s recording career I am also producing a THREE HOUR career overview program called Giving Thanks For Neil Young for the 2nd Saturday celebration at Hamilton’s Tavern on November 14th from 5 to 8 PM.  Pizza Port is the featured brewer and as per usual it will be a hoot so come on down and celebrate with the Hamilton’s community for the best beer, music and people in San Diego.

http://www.hamiltonstavern.com/

And speaking of Hamilton’s Tavern, last Saturday I had a blast working with Davey at the Brewer’s Guild Festival.  The Hamilton’s ‘Lil Big Beer was a big hit with crowd.  Good times.

Saw Loud N Rich last evening at the Belly Up Tavern which is the monicker for Loudon Wainwright III & Richard Thompson, who performed both together and solo and the two of them were in top form, just spectacular.

And speaking of performing I look forward to playing this Saturday afternoon (just before the 2nd Saturday celebration) with Peter Barroso, where we are doing a nine-song set at his & Teresa’s Germexican party…it should be fun.

Oh! Hey, I should remind you with the holidays approaching that in addition to all these groovy programs that I produce FOR FREE every week that I also do mobile disc jockeying and perform live all the time so SHOULD YOU NEED A DJ OR MUSICIAN this holiday season, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  I have been doing corporate events, weddings and festivals of all sorts for over a dozen years.  Give me a call.  We can meet for coffee and discuss.

I hope this blast of words and music fills you with good cheer and I hope to see your smiling face soon.

Peace,
Jon

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS:

11.14.09 Hamilton’s Tavern 2nd Saturday from 5 to 8 PM with the debut of Episode #190 “Giving Thanks For Neil Young [three hour special]”

11.15.09 & 11.16.09 SCR Episode #189 “Neil Young Archives #4/In The Middle Of The Road & Aiming For The Ditch [1969-1973]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PST)

11.22.09 & 11.23.09 SCR Episode #190 “Giving Thanks For Neil Young [three hour special]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PST)

State Controlled Radio Episode #186
October 25-26, 2009
Neil Young Archives #1/Lighting South Towards Buffalo & Springfield [1963-1968]

State Controlled Radio Episode #187
November 1-2, 2009
Neil Young Archives #2/It’s A Solo Trip [1966-1971]

State Controlled Radio Episode #188
November 8-9, 2009
Neil Young Archives #3/Requiem For The Rockets or Don’t Spook The Horse [1963-1971]

State Controlled Radio #184-185 [Three Is A Magic Number/Happy Birthday Laura Nyro]

Howdy friends:

Wow, it is amazing how fast a couple of weeks can fly by.

It is Sunday afternoon as I write this post and I want you to know that starting this evening that for the next four weeks (the entire time that the Sun is in the sign of Scorpio) I am doing an in-depth exploration into the first decade of Neil Young’s amazing career in honor of the Archives Volume I ten disc box set that came out this June.  There has never been a release like this before and it is stunning in just about every regard.  So tune in this evening at 11 PM at www.bzoo.org to check out part one entitled Lighting South Towards Buffalo & Springfield.  It is a truly great show.

And because I am focusing on Neil Young this month in honor of his birthday (on November 12th), not only am I doing four two hour programs honoring the first decade of Neil’s recording career I am also producing a THREE HOUR career overview program called Giving Thanks For Neil Young for the 2nd Saturday celebration at Hamilton’s Tavern on November 14th from 5 to 8 PM.  I believe Pizza Port is the featured beer and as per usual it should be a hoot so come on down and celebrate with the Hamilton’s community for the best beer, music and people in San Diego.

http://www.hamiltonstavern.com/

And speaking of Hamilton’s Tavern, last Saturday I had a blast volunteering in the craft beer tent at the Viejas Bar-B-Q event…what fun.

And I saw two great shows this past week:  the Spiral Stairs opened for Bob Mould on Wednesday at the Belly Up Tavern where I had the chance to see my long time friend Jon Auer perform double duty with guitar and keys in the Spiral Stairs and then he filled in to perform bass duties with Bob Mould.  Tremendous.  And he only had 18 hours to learn the bass parts for 90 minutes of music…

And then last night I FINALLY got the chance to see TILTWHEEL perform at the Ken Club before they go off to the east coast for a week of shows.  Tiltwheel was louder than Bob Mould.  And just as good.  Added surprise was opening band The Glossines who were great and I saw Kristin Warnken (from Dizzy/Feral Children) for the first time in nearly 15 years.  What a kick!  For those of you who know Dizzy, they will be featured in a upcoming State Controlled Radio program in the new year so stay tuned for that…good times all around.

All right, should you have missed the last two weeks of SCR on BZoO Homegrown Radio show lists & download links can be found below.  Episode #184 is entitled Three Is A Magic Number: For Connoisseurs Celebrating The 3rd Anniversary of Hamilton’s Tavern and episode #185 is entitled Happy Birthday Laura Nyro [10.18.47-04.08.97].  Download links expire 01.23.10.

I hope this missive finds you in good health and in good spirits and I thank you for reading, thank you for listening and I hope to see your smiling face soon.

Peace,
Jon

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS:

10.25.09 & 10.26.09 SCR Episode #186 “Neil Young Archives #1/Lighting South Towards Buffalo & Springfield [1963-1968]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

11.01.09 & 11.02.09 SCR Episode #187 “Neil Young Archives #2/It’s A Solo Trip [1968-1971]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

11.08.09 & 11.09.09 SCR Episode #188 “Neil Young Archives #3/Requiem For The Rockets or Don’t Spook The Horse [1968-1971]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

11.14.09 Hamilton’s Tavern 2nd Saturday with the debut of Episode #190 “Giving Thanks For Neil Young [three hour special]”

11.15.09 & 11.16.09 SCR Episode #189 “Neil Young Archives #4/In The Middle Of The Road And Aiming For The Ditch [1971-1974]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

State Controlled Radio Episode #184
October 10-12, 2009
Three Is A Magic Number: For Connoisseurs Celebrating The 3rd Anniversary of Hamilton’s Tavern

State Controlled Radio Episode #185
October 18-19, 2009
Happy Birthday Laura Nyro [10.18.47-04.08.97]

State Controlled Radio #182-183 [Staying Till The End Of The Movie, Quadrophenia]

Friends:

Hi there.  I’ve got one or two things to run by you this week.

This Saturday, October 10th is the three year anniversary of Hamilton’s Tavern and they have an array of special events planned from Friday through Sunday, including, of course, the 2nd Saturday celebration from 5 to 8 PM.  I am putting together a “best of” State Controlled Radio from the 25 or so previous 2nd Saturday programs.  It should be quite a party.  Come and join us.

http://www.hamiltonstavern.com/

Tonight — Tuesday, October 6th, Little Feat is performing at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.  I was asked to come up with some sentiments for the Yo DJ column in the San Diego Reader and this is what ran this past Thursday if you didn’t see it:

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/sep/30/yo-dj-little-feat/

And, should you have missed the last two weeks of SCR on BZoO Homegrown Radio show lists & download links can be found below.  Episode #182 is entitled Staying Till The End Of The Movie and episode #183 is all about The Who’s 1973 masterpiece Quadrophenia.  

Fall is in the air finally and I couldn’t be happier about it.  September was quite the slog.

Thanks for reading, thanks for listening and I hope to see you soon.

Peace,
Jon

State Controlled Radio Episode #182
September 27-28, 2009
Staying Till The End Of The Movie

State Controlled Radio Episode #183
October 4-5, 2009
Quadrophenia

State Controlled Radio #179-181 [Roger Waters, Hank Williams, Shel Silverstein]

Hello my friends and happy Autumnal Equinox:

Summer is fading out of view in the rear view mirror and thankfully, some of the heat from the last few weeks seems to be cooling out just a bit.

The last three weeks have brought three new State Controlled Radio programs that I think you’ll enjoy very much: episode #179 on Roger Waters, #180 on Hank Williams Sr. and #181 on Shel Silverstein. I also posted fresh links to episode #22 [Syd Barrett] and #103 [David Gilmour] to give the Pink Floyd fans in the audience a more comprehensive range of material.

Between producing shows #180 and #181 I had the pleasure of traveling to Northern Virginia for five days last weekend and hanging out with some of my favorite people: namely the good folks that I know in and around the rock and roll outfit 4 Out Of 5 Doctors. I had the chance to sing, play, dance and party with Jeff, Cal and George [Tommy & Cat you were missed] and had a splendid time at the Virgo party. My thanks go out to Jeff & Sally for putting me up and inviting me out, and also to Cal & Wendy for doing the same. I had so much fun with you guys along with George & Marty, Ben & Christina, Jim, Gil & Chris, Gil & Lynn and even Steve O. Hope to see you again for next year’s shindig.

It is a crazy week of DJ activity with much work to be done and I am especially looking forward to singing and spinning this Friday for the Pfifer/Melero wedding in Temecula. I want to send out good wishes and lots of love to Nicole & Glenn for a lifetime of happiness together.

The content for this week’s SCR program is a mystery to me but tune in this Sunday at BZoO Homegrown Radio [www.bzoo.org] to hear Episode #182 at 11 PM PDT.

All right. There are five programs with fresh download links to each show listed below. Dig in while they’re still hot. Oh, and please be sure to check out the San Diego Reader a week from Thursday [10.01.09] where I am the featured DJ in Josh Board’s regular column. I submitted 500 words of “memories” regarding the band Little Feat, who are coming to the Belly Up Tavern on October 6th… I hope this finds you in good spirits and that your cup runneth over. See you soon everyone.

Peace. Out.
Jon

State Controlled Radio Episode #179
September 6-7, 2009
Words & Music by Roger Waters [born 09.06.43]

State Controlled Radio Episode #180
September 13-14, 2009
Words & Music by Hank Williams Sr. [09.17.23-01.01.53]

State Controlled Radio Episode #181
September 20-21, 2009
Words, Music & Stories by Shel Silverstein [09.25.30-05.08.99]

State Controlled Radio #177 & 178 [Action Painting At Its Finest, Phase One & Two]

Hi folks:

Happy Labor Day weekend to you all.  Hopefully you are getting some respite from the heat and from work.

Yesterday [September 6th] was Roger Water’s 66th birthday and I was more than happy to honor him with a State Controlled Radio program.  I think it turned out quite well if I say so meself.  It airs again tonight on BZoO Worldwide Radio at 11 PM PDT.

The previous two weeks have been filled with the dog days of summer which have made it very challenging to get much work done.  In spite of the heat and the humidity I managed to produce two programs entitled Action Painting At Its Finest, Phase One and Two.  If you missed them on BZoO you can catch them below.

Once again, I will NOT be at Hamilton’s Tavern this weekend for the traditional 2nd Saturday celebration.  AJ Larue is doing the music this time around and I hope that everyone at Hammie’s has a great time.

I will, of course, be in Arlington, Virginia from September 11th through the 15th to hang with my fellow virgins and Virginians at the Virgo party on 09.12.09 at Ben’s place.  Really looking forward to seeing everyone.  Happy birthday to Jeff, Sally, Wendy, Ben…and to Virgos everywhere.

I hope this finds you cool.  I gotta run, many tasks to complete before leaving town in three days.

And on with our next round…

Yours,
Jon

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS:

09.06.09 & 09.07.09 SCR Episode #179 “Words & Music by Roger Waters [born 09.06.43]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)
09.13.09 & 09.14.09 SCR Episode #180 “Words & Music by Hank Williams Sr. [09.17.23-01.01.53]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)
09.20.09 & 09.21.09 SCR Episode #181 “Words & Music by Shel Silverstein [09.25.30-05.08.99]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

State Controlled Radio Episode #177
August 23-24, 2009
Action Painting At Its Finest Phase One

State Controlled Radio Episode #178
August 30-31, 2009
Action Painting At Its Finest Phase Two

State Controlled Radio #174-176 [Barry And The Remains Parts One & Two/Woodstock Music & Art Fair]

Greetings friends:

It is Thursday and I am going to try and keep this short and sweet.

There have been lots of gigs and activity these past few weeks.  Thanks to those of you who came out and supported them.  Will Sexton was great at Lestats btw.  So were Bettysue, Charlie Faye, Mike Thompson and William Walter.  Do yourself a favor and find Will’s album Bus Stop Gossip, Other Lies & Respected Crimes.  It is fantastic.

This Sunday (August 23rd) local San Diego artist and instructor Liz Washburn is closing her Red Door Studio and taking her business and art classes into cyberspace.  That means there is only one last chance to see what her studio looks like before it is her-story.  She is selling stuff (art pieces & furniture I believe) and having a final everything must go party and from 2 to 4 PM I will be making a righteous noise with my voice and my guitar to play out the end of an era.  Come by and join in the fun.  The event starts at 10 AM and ends at 4 PM.  Red Door Studio is located at 830 25th Street, Suite 104 [I believe that E Street is the cross street at 25th).

And now a word about State Controlled Radio...

I loved how my two-part special on Barry And The Remains turned out.  If you don't know their music, do yourself a favor and get hip to one of the greatest bands of the 1960s.  If you happened to miss either part you can catch it below.  www.theremains.com.

The same goes for my three-hour program honoring the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Music And Art Fair.  You can catch that below also.

This week and next week on SCR I am working my own unique brand of mojo in a manner similar to that of Jackson Pollack (or perhaps Maude Lebowski) by flinging anything that I can think of at my canvas and seeing what visionary magic emerges.  This week is Phase One of Action Painting At Its Finest.  Next week will be Phase Two.  Tune in this Sunday on August 23rd at 11 PM on BZoO Worldwide Radio to find out what I'm on about.

I turn 45 next Wednesday on August 26th.  I wish you luck.  Might have to meet up with a few friends at Hamilton's Tavern and toast in the new solar year.

Oh, speaking of Hamilton's Tavern I won't be around for 2nd Saturday in September as I'll be in Virginia for the Virgo party at Ben Mason's on 09.12.09.  I can't wait to sing and dance with Jeff, Wendy, Ben and all the other virgins...

Roger Waters and Hank Williams Sr. are Virgos.

Gonna see Steely Dan perform Gaucho in its entirety this Saturday night in Los Angeles.  I'm sure it will be wonderful.  And Mike Keneally's new album "Scambot: One" is pretty awesome.  It comes out in September.  Check it out at Mike's site at www.keneally.com.

Was that short?  Sweet?  Hope this finds you well.  With a song on my lips and joy in my heart...

Yours,
Jon

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS:

08.23.09 Jon Kanis performs at Red Door Studio, San Diego

08.23.09 & 08.24.09 SCR Episode #177 "Action Painting At Its Finest Phase One" on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

08.30.09 & 08.31.09 SCR Episode #178 "Action Painting At Its Finest Phase Two" on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

09.06.09 & 09.07.09 SCR Episode #179 "Words & Music by Roger Waters [born 09.06.43]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

09.13.09 & 09.14.09 SCR Episode #180 “Words & Music by Hank Williams Sr. [09.17.23-01.01.53]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

09.20.09 & 09.21.09 SCR Episode #181 “Words & Music by Shel Silverstein [09.25.30-05.08.99]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

State Controlled Radio Episode #174
August 2-3, 2009
A Conversation with Barry And The Remains • Part One

State Controlled Radio Episode #175
August 9-10, 2009
A Conversation with Barry And The Remains • Part Two

State Controlled Radio Episode #176
August 16-17, 2009
Getting Back To The Garden:
Celebrating The 40th Anniversary Of The Woodstock Music & Art Fair
[4 Days Of Peace & Music] [Hamilton’s 2nd Saturday]

State Controlled Radio #171-173 [Arrogant Bastards/James Paul McCartney Part Three/Letting Yer Freak Flag Fly]

Hello everyone and greetings on this fine Tuesday: Hope this email finds you well.

I’m going to start with information regarding gigs for the next two weeks: This Wednesday [July 29th] at 9 PM I am playing bass in a band with Bart Mendoza [on guitar] where we are backing up power pop singer/songwriter Jeremy Morris at Lestat’s Coffee House. We are playing a taut 10 song set that is gonna rock and it will be a lot of fun. The Wendy Bailey Band performs as well. Lestat’s is at 3343 Adams Avenue. 619.282.0437. www.lestats.com

THEN, on Sunday, August 9th [again at Lestat's Coffee House] at 9 PM I am playing bass & singing with Listening To Rocks as we do a set opening for my friend Will Sexton who is visiting from Austin, TX. Will is doing his “Wine And Nut Show” with friends Charlie Faye and Bettysue. Also performing on the bill is William Walter. Once again, Lestat’s is at 3343 Adams Avenue. 619.282.0437. www.lestats.com

And THEN, on Friday, August 14th Listening To Rocks is performing at a FREE open concert at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts in their air conditioned 800 seat theatre. It’s all ages and free and there will be two other bands performing: Myron and the Kyniptionz (blues rock: www.kyniptionz.com) and Hit N’ Run (top 40/classic rock covers: www.myspace.com/hitnrunsd). Not sure of the start time yet, but will keep you posted…mark the date as this will be a cool show at a great venue. www.powayarts.org

Okay, time to get up-to-date regarding State Controlled Radio. The last email I sent out featured the Michael Jackson tribute show and since that program [Episode #170] there have been three more SCR shows. If you missed any of them on BZoO Worldwide Radio you can check them out below. Show lists and download links provided.

All right, I am very excited to present both this week and next week on SCR my two part program A Conversation With Barry And The Remains. The Remains are one of my favorite groups of all-time and I had the privilege to interview all four members of the band in Nashville, Tennessee back in April and this week in honor of Barry Tashian’s birthday on August 5th we are going to dive deep into the world and the music of Barry, Vern Miller, Bill Briggs and Chip Damiani. So tune in this Sunday on August 2nd at 11 PM for part one on BZoO Worldwide Radio.

Now, in between the two Remains programs I am also producing a very special THREE HOUR State Controlled Radio as we honor the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Music & Art Fair…and this is, of course, happening for our 2nd Saturday celebration at Hamilton’s Tavern on August 8th where we will debut episode #176 Getting Back To The Garden. The Hamilton’s taco bar will be present and Coronado Brewing Company is the featured brewery this month. How HOT will it get??? The bell rings at 5 PM (but you better show up early if you want to get in). 1521 30th Street in San Diego. 619.238.5460. www.hamiltonstavern.com.

Did you feel the solar eclipse last Tuesday on the 21st? Fast changes on the horizon…

…and I think that covers it for the moment. Thank you for reading and being involved and I look forward to seeing you soon…at a show!

Peace, Jon

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS:

07.29.09 Jeremy Morris & The Wendy Bailey Band perform at Lestat’s Coffee House, San Diego 08.02.09 & 08.03.09 SCR Episode #174 “A Conversation With Barry And The Remains Part One” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)
08.08.09 Hamilton’s Tavern 2nd Saturday with the debut of Episode #176 “Getting Back To The Garden: Celebrating The 40th Anniversary Of The Woodstock Music & Art Fair [4 Days Of Peace & Music]”
08.09.09 Listening To Rocks, Will Sexton & William Walter perform at Lestat’s Coffee House, San Diego
08.09.09 & 08.10.09 SCR Episode #175 “A Conversation With Barry And The Remains Part Two” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)
08.14.09 Listening To Rocks, Myron and the Kyniptionz and Hit N’ Run perform at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway
08.16.09 & 08.17.09 SCR Episode #176 “Getting Back To The Garden: Celebrating The 40th Anniversary Of The Woodstock Music & Art Fair [4 Days Of Peace & Music]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

State Controlled Radio Episode #171
July 12-13, 2009
Arrogant Bastards: Rock’s Cockiest Front Men [& Women] [Hamilton’s 2nd Saturday]

State Controlled Radio Episode #172
July 19-20, 2009
Words & Music by James Paul McCartney • Part Three

State Controlled Radio Episode #173
July 26-27, 2009
Letting Yer Freak Flag Fly

State Controlled Radio #170

Hey there folks…
Dateline:  Tuesday, July 7th, 2009.

I know that I sent you a four-pack of shows a mere four days ago but I thought that since the whole world seems to be caught up in the media fervor that is Michael Jackson’s memorial today, best to get my show out while it remains timely.  If you missed it Sunday or Monday evening, you can find it below.

Thanks to the few who came out to see LTR at HOB Sunday night.  We had a great time.

Again, I am at Alchemy performing solo acoustic this Thursday evening from 5 to 7 PM so come on down and unwind.  Alchemy is at the corner of Beech Street and 30th in South Park.  www.alchemysandiego.com

Peace, peace, peace.

Hope this finds you well.

Ciao everybody,
Jon

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS:

07.09.09 Jon Kanis performs at Alchemy, South Park, San Diego from 5 to 7 PM

07.11.09 Hamilton’s Tavern 2nd Saturday with the debut of Episode #171 “Arrogant Bastards:  Rock’s Cockiest Front Men [& Women].”

07.12.09 SCR Episode #171 “Arrogant Bastards:  Rock’s Cockiest Front Men [& Women]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

07.13.09 SCR Episode #171 “Arrogant Bastards:  Rock’s Cockiest Front Men [& Women]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

State Controlled Radio Episode #170
July 5-6, 2009
Michael Joseph Jackson [08.29.58-06.25.09]

State Controlled Radio #166-169

Greetings friends!
Dateline:  Thursday, July 2nd, 2009.

It has been one month since my last blog/e-blast, and that’s because of a number of factors.  I was out of town for eight days to visit the east coast and that put me a bit behind my usual schedule.  Since the last blast I have joined the social networking fun of Facebook and, of course, I started my own blog at www.jonkanis.com/blog for anyone who is interested in keeping up with my activities (gigs, State Controlled Radio, etc.).

The trip back east had been planned for a couple of months by Layne and myself to visit friends in NYC and to see 4 Out Of 5 Doctors perform in Vienna, Virginia.  However, the night before we were due to leave Layne had an accident where she tripped and fell, which bruised her elbow, shoulder, knee and blackened her eye.  She/We should have cancelled the trip, but all of our accommodations had been pre-paid.  So we went ahead and actually enjoyed our time in NYC (where we saw our friends Joe & Tom) and saw a wonderful revival of Hair at the Al Hirschfield Theatre (that has Bernard Purdie and Wilbur Bascomb in the pit band — absolutely amazing).  We also caught a performance of Mary Stuart, a fictionalized account of Queen Elizabeth and Mary Queen Of Scots, that was also wonderful.  By the time we were due to leave NYC for DC though Layne’s health took a turn for the worse.  She caught the first performance of the Doctors at Jammin’ Java, but by Saturday she became bed-ridden for four days.  It was awful for her.  She is STILL in recovery mode, but getting well SOON.

The 2nd night of 4 Out Of 5 Doctors was as good a performance of the band as I’ve ever witnessed; they were dynamite.  The wrap party on Sunday was an absolute blast and I somehow managed to eat at my favorite pizza place The Broiler (where I had my first job at the age of 12 folding pizza boxes) 4 times out of 5 days.  I enjoyed the time in my old hometown, but it kinda sucked that Layne couldn’t join me for most of it.  BIG lesson:  NEVER book a pre-paid non-refundable vacation folks.  I will be posting pics from the trip on Facebook and my blog soon.

Before I left for town, however, I managed to produce a two-part special on the career of Paul McCartney in honor of Paul’s birthday on June 18th (there is a third part that features live performances exclusively that is coming in July).  I also produced a show for Hamilton Tavern’s 2nd Saturday in June and upon my return from the east coast produced a program honoring the amazing songsmith Doc Pomus, whose birthday was last Saturday.  If you missed any or all of these shows there are show lists and download links available down below for you to get caught up.  That’s eight hours of quality entertainment pro bono.

So, Michael Jackson died this week and I can hardly wrap my head around what the guy’s musical legacy adds up to.  He is six years (and three days) older than me and I feel like I grew up with him.  The Ed Sullivan Show, Jackson 5 Saturday morning cartoons, AM radio and MTV.  I was never a fanatic about his work but I respect what he accomplished as an artist and there is no denying his revolutionary impact on popular music and the music business as whole…for better or for worse.  And because it is the 4th of July weekend there are few artists who represent American culture as ubiquitously as Michael Jackson so I will be honoring MJ this Sunday with a two-hour special covering his entire career from the debut LP of the J5 up through his final solo LP in 2001 Invincible.  Check it out on bzoo.org Sunday night at 11 PM.

* GIG ALERT:  Listening To Rocks is headlining the Blindspot Records showcase at House Of Blues this Sunday (July 5th) evening downtown.  Doors are 7 PM.  We are going on last.  If you would like to attend I have free tix available so let me know if you are interested.  Also on the bill are:  New Archaic, Skelpin, Shamey Jays and Blackwater Conspiracy. For more info go to www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/sandiego/

And speaking of Listening To Rocks there are now seven performances posted on youtube by my friend and videographer Steve Laub from LTR’s performance at Lestat’s last July.  Check ‘em out, they look and sound great.  Thank you Steve!

* ANOTHER GIG ALERT:  If Sunday night ends up being too late for you, then please come by Alchemy next Thursday (July 9th) where I will be performing solo acoustic from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  No cover.  Come check it out.  Info at: www.alchemysandiego.com

* Next weekend is 2nd Saturday at Hamilton’s Tavern on July 11th where we will debut episode #171 Arrogant Bastards:  Rock’s Cockiest Front Men [& Women] to tie-in with Stone brewing who is hosting the event.  The fun starts at 5 PM.  1521 30th Street in San Diego.  619.238.5460. www.hamiltonstavern.com.

I think that covers it for the moment.  I hope to see you soon and until then…

Peace,
Jon

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS:

07.05.09 SCR Episode #170 “Michael Joseph Jackson [08.29.58-06.25.09]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

07.06.09 SCR Episode #170 “Michael Joseph Jackson [08.29.58-06.25.09]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

07.06.09 Listening To Rocks performs at House Of Blues, downtown San Diego

07.09.09 Jon Kanis performs at Alchemy, South Park, San Diego from 5 to 7 PM

07.11.09 Hamilton’s Tavern 2nd Saturday with the debut of Episode #171 “Arrogant Bastards:  Rock’s Cockiest Front Men [& Women].”

07.12.09 SCR Episode #171 “Arrogant Bastards:  Rock’s Cockiest Front Men [& Women]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

07.13.09 SCR Episode #171 “Arrogant Bastards:  Rock’s Cockiest Front Men [& Women]” on bzoo.org (11 PM PDT)

State Controlled Radio Episode #166
June 7-8, 2009
Words & Music by James Paul McCartney • Part One

State Controlled Radio Episode #167
June 14-15, 2009
Words & Music by James Paul McCartney • Part Two

State Controlled Radio Episode #168
June 21-22, 2009
Have A Drink On Me [aka The Days Of Wine And Roses]

State Controlled Radio Episode #169
June 28-29, 2009
A Celebration Of Doc Pomus [06.27.25-03.14.91]