Update - May 27, 2007

This month found the boys in three of their favorite nightspots, as well as one new joint. All three of the oldies, Zukey Lake Tavern, Hermann's Olde Town Grill, and Dick O'Dow's, were jammed with people that stayed all night. In fact, all three were still crowded when the band left the house! The new place, O'Callaghan's, is brand new to the area. It's part of the recent development at US 23 and Silver Lake Road in Green Oak Township. This is one of three O'Callaghan's (the others being in Plymouth and Milford), and is a fabulous building with lots of hardwood decor and walls splitting the room into multiple large seating areas. The band plays right by the main bar area. There's no real dance atmosphere and the music is kept at lower volumes than most clubs. It's more of a "Have a single malt whiskey and chat it up while taking in some live background music" kind of bar. The Bluescasters can rip it up or lay back and still put forth the musical goods, and played pretty well as usual. I think we will be willing to do it again. It's sort of fun playing with that feel sometimes.

The Boweevil got out to Zukey Lake this past Friday to check out David Gerald and Insurrection. These guys are solid performers and bring good dynamics into their live show. David has a smooth rasp (is that possible?) to his singing, and plays a strat with reckless abandon. This quartet has a very full sound with the Hammond organ fills and piano provided by Mike Rupprecht, who also is a lead vocalist on a few tunes. Joel Warren (drums, vocals) and Bob Bennett (bass) provide the rock solid backbeat. They play mostly covers of blues classics and seem to hit all the numbers that people really want to hear. I see from their website that David is releasing a single titled "Hell and Back". We strongly recommend you get out to one of their gigs. You just might think Stevie Ray Vaughn is still alive and well.

There has also been a Boweevil sighting at a couple recent Witch Doctor's shows as he fills in for the venerable Todd Perkins on bass. Rumor has it that this will reoccur a couple of times in the next month...at Frenchie's in Ypsilanti's Depot Town, and at the South Lyon Hotel. Todd is one super fine bass man, so come out for them anytime. It's just that the "blast from the past" aspect of Doug's mojo style bass playing is a good novelty. Besides, we know you want to be there just to see the sunglasses, the black suit, and also have the opportunity to buy a Crown on the rocks for the 'weevil.

The boys are looking forward to a few new venues in June as they play the Bisto in Ann Arbor and Fire Rock in Hartland for the first time. Come on out and join us. You can't lose with the blues we use. We are also appearing outdoors at the U-M hospital courtyard, which is a free event and open to the public. See our events calendar for details on these and other gigs. We thank you, as always, for your continuing support of live entertainment (especially us!). The next person the buy a Crown Royal for the Boweevil will receive a free Bluescasters coffee mug, complete with band member names and photos immortalizing them in ceramic glory for eternity, or until you drop it...whichever comes first. Mmmmmmm...coffeeeee

Later...

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Hey...What the hell happened to April?

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Update - March 11, 2007

The band is on a roll and we want to make it clear that it's all because of people like you going out and listening. We've been playing to full houses every weekend for the past couple of months. That's a great motivator. It's lifted our performance level by sheer audience energy. That said...Thanks!

Last night Zukey Lake Tavern was the place to be. Hundred's of y'all thought so, anyway. Seats were hard to find but good times were all around. Tables were shoved aside to make a dance floor, the blues had a real feeling, and the house was rockin'. Kevin from the Chris Canas Blues Revolution and his wife Tracy were on hand, so the Boweevil was able to take a break while Kevin supplied bass artillery. That cat can play, jack! The Fifthcaster, Dan Kafila, was on hand, which always keeps us on our toes. Dan knows our songs and our style so well now that we count him to let us know when we are doing it right or if we need to ratchet it up a notch. Jeff and Erin, Bill and Sherry, so many other good friends of The Bluescasters...we couldn't do it without you. At least, we probably wouldn't want to do it without you. It's like sex. You can do it alone...

The band (as you probably read on our home page) has been honored with some award nominations. The Motor City Music Foundation has got the group up for the outstanding blues and R & B artist/group and our recently released CD, "Give Yourself the Blues" CD as outstanding blues recording. The Detroit Music Awards is an annual event and people can register and vote on-line. To register, you need to go to the website www.detroitmusicawards.com and fill out just a couple bits of info. Once your registration is accepted, you can vote each year without having to register again. Not everyone is accepted as a voter. The registration process calls for you to show some affilliation to the music scene and/or the Detroit metro area. The idea is possibly to keep the competition from becoming a ballot stuffing popularity contest.

The Boweevil has been active in the Detroit music scene lately. Actively getting entertained, wining and dining, and hearing some great music by some of the very talented musicians who have also been nominated for DMA awards. On Thursday, I checked out S.G. Wood and Rachel Lynn, A.K.A. the Hummingbirds, at Connor O'Neil's in ann Arbor. They're nominated in a couple categories and are a really great act with loads of talent. They surprised me by opening the show with a way cool version of Robert Johnson's "Crossroads". I voted for them and hope some more of you do as well. On Friday, Root Doctor played at Memphis Smoke in Royal Oak. Wow! This a a top flight blues outfit that also plays Motown-style R & B with the best of them. The powerful vocals of Freddie Cunninghan alone are reason enough to get off the couch...and the soul-infused, Hammond B3 centered instrumentation is the perfect backdrop. If you haven't yet had a chance to see them, and the Hummingbirds, I suggest that you click on their names (above) to open the link to their websites, take a look at their schedules, and mark a couple dates on your own calendar. You'll be glad you did!

Come out to the Zukey lake Tavern this coming Friday and catch a set or three of Thayrone and the Witch Doctors. The Boweevil was a former bass man for this group and will be reprising that role as he stands in for the venerable Todd Perkins. "Once a Witch Doctor, always a Witch Doctor", says Thayrone. It's not unlike poison ivy. Once that mojo gets on you, you gotta keep scratching that itch. If you come out early while I'm still sober, you can buy me a drink! How's that for an offer you can't refuse?

The Bluescasters next performance is on Saturday, the 24th of March, at Dick O'Dow's in Birmingham. This joint is always packed with a couple hundred partiers that are serious about having a good time. As the band is packing their stuff out the door at 2:00 A.M., the staff is yelling at the crowd to go home. I'm not sure when they finally do clear the place, but it's definitely after we're gone. The staff there is great and they work really hard at keeping the drinks fresh and the food hot. The Bluescasters supply the rest. See ya.

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Update - February 20, 2007

I'm not in the writing mood, but a picture is worth a thousand words. Here's a couple of action shots by the legendary Fifthcaster & friend, Dan Kafila. Here, the boys in the band are in the full tilt boogified action mode.

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Update - January 16, 2007

One gig into 2007 and already things are looking pretty exciting on The Bluescasters' horizon. A new phase in the band's development has been officially unveiled as the boys took the stage at Hermann's Old Town Grill in Plymouth last Saturday. Our very own Prince of Darkness and musical jack-of-all-instruments, Phil, donned a Fender Telecaster...thus making the 'casters a classic two-guitar band for the first time. I use the word "officially" because we experimented with it at Goodnite Gracie in Ann Arbor at a December 23 show. We had a blast and so did the crowd apparently, since Hermann's back room and dance floor were packed to capacity right until closing time. Only the mandatory 1:00 A.M. curfew imposed by the city brought things to an end.

At one point, during a dual-guitar instrumental break toward the end of our "Fat Eddie's Diner", the group was overwhelmed with enthusiasm and forgot how to end the song...so we didn't! At least, not until five full minutes of high energy guitar shredding brought the dancers to the brink of exhaustion (not to mention the rhythm section). That ended the second set in style and nobody was going to miss the third set after that!

It is worth pointing out that drummer Harry grew up two blocks from there and had twenty friends stop in. Toss in a few other Bluescasters' pals (thanks Dan, Cory, Dr. Bob, Shep from Chris Canas, Tracy, Blues Owl Dr. Bob, Bill & Phillis who always are the first dancers, and others), and you might say the audience was loaded (in more ways than one!). However, two random birthday groups didn't exactly run away from the music either. Also, don't let me forget to thank the lovely ladies who stepped up on stage with us and made it feel not unlike an Ike and Tina Turner Revue complete with female chorus. Truly a night to remember, and hopefully a sign that 2007 is going to be the year that dust collects on folk's TVs while they're out taking in society and all the good feelings that go along with large gatherings for a common goal - ENTERTAINMENT.

By the way, speaking of our friend Dan, he laid a disc full of photos on me from past Bluescasters gigs that he had accumulated over many months. I'll be slowly formatting them for use on this website and everyone's browsing pleasure. Thanks, Dan. I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate your support and friendship.

Next Saturday, January 20, the band will be playing at Dick O'Dow's in downtown Birmingham. We encourage you to come out and tip a drink with us. It's tougher to get the dancers rolling at O'Dow's, but with your help, it can be done. The joint is always packed, and all it takes to send the place into full-tilt boogie is a sparkplug dance couple. Come on...it can't always be Bill & Phillis. This time it's your turn!

You can also visit The Bluescasters in our other cyber location at myspace.com/detroitbluescasters. Not that there's anything new about us there, but you can have a look at all of our cool friends from around the state, country, and even the world. I know, I know...searching around myspace seems like something for sexual predators. Truly, it can be fun. Just be careful...it's addictive kinda like TV. We still want you to leave the house on Fridays and Saturdays and burn off as many calories as you consume dancing to the compelling beat of Harry's snare drum.

Thanks, as always, for stopping by this site to have a look, keep track of what we're up to, look ahead on our schedule, browse the photos (mostly of y'all), and take interest in our music. Without you, we would be what my friend Bill Gowen calls a "waste of skin". You wouldn't want that on your conscience now, would you?

See ya soon.

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Hi and Happy New Year everybody!

I've been relatively lazy for the past six weeks or so (you too? must be something in the air), but I'm compelled to put out the word. "What word?", you may be asing yourself. Why, I'm talking plain and simple Hoodang, folks. For the benefit of those who couldn't be there, all five billion of you, Dave Rossiter and Hoodang played a whale of a concert at the Ark in downtown Ann Arbor last night. For me, it just doesn't get much better. I'm not a country music kind of guy...at least, not the kind of country that puts Cosmopolitan and GQ models in expensive clothes, covered with carefully applied stage dust, simulating folks with real soul. But I am a huge fan of Hank Williams senior, Bob Dylan, and John Prine. With Hoodang, one gets a satisfactory dose of all of the above in a way no one else can deliver.

It may seem crazy to those of you who know me. My first live show was Jim Morrison and The Doors, followed by Cream and Johnny Winter in the glorious, yet hazy, '60s. However, real music is real music, whether it be Jimi Hendrix, Albert Collins, or Mozart. Hoodang is the real McCoy, and nobody who sits through a show is gonna argue with me.

This particular night was no exception, except that the show was recorded for a live CD (slightly motivational) and the band was expanded from four to seven, and rather well rehearsed, as always. Besides the normally fabulous line-up of Dave Rossiter in front on acoustic guitar and vocals, John Latini on bass and harmony vocals, Drew Howard on all things strings (steel pedal, dobro, mandolin, and Telecaster guitar), and Pat Bills on drums, you can toss in Neil Donato on piano and organ, Whit Hill on second vocal, and Rachel Nagy of the Hummingbirds just for good measure.

I can't describe all of the incredible musical nuances of the show here without wearing out a finger on both hands, so let me just say it was so cool that I'm jealous of myself for having been there. The rest of you 4,999,999,999 poor slobs will have to settle for buying the CD when it comes out. In the meantime, get your ass out to the next available Hoodang show, John Latini show, Whit Hill Show, or Hummingbirds' show so you don't miss out on the action. A good time is guaranteed by the Boweevil himself.

While you're at it (if you still have time) take in a Bluescasters' show too. They're not too bad themselves. The Bluescasters are appearing at Hermann's Old Town Grill in Plymouth this Saturday, January 13th, at 9:30. We're gonna have a little Hoodang of our own.

Hope to see ya there,

The Boweevil

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Update - November 26, 2006

Although The Bluescasters took another week off, one Boweevil managed to get out on the town again and burn a little midnight oil. In my efforts to expand my awareness of the local music scene and fresh off the heels of last week's Hoodang show, I took in John Latini and friends at the Tap Room Annex in Ypsilanti. Those of you who have been there already know it's a cool room to watch and listen to live music. In additiion, it's always good to support club owners like Brian Brickley (also of the Martindales) in return for the years of support he has shown to area musicians.

On this particular night, John Latini's "friends" included a large portion of the Latini family. John's brother Jim performed several songs. Also in attendance and on stage for several songs was Maggie McCabe, of the "many bands" reputation. Two keyboard players took turns along with a fabulously talented female fiddler, who also sang a goose bump raising rendition of Willie Nelson's "Crazy", a la Patsy Cline. John played guitar to round out that duet. Please get out to the Tap Room and help keep all of this talent from moving to places like Chicago and San Francisco. Let's keep Michigan culturally active (and have a blast at the same time).

Last night, on Sunday, I took a ride to the Old Town Tavern in Ann Arbor with my pal, Jesse Sinatra, to see the Royal Garden Trio. We hooked up with friends Bill and Phillis, who had the front row table. It's good to be lucky. Luck was indeed on our side, as we were treated to some fantastic gypsy jazz and swing music. The Royal Garden Trio is a can't miss act, laden with talent, and really polished. However, on this night, it turned out to be a celebration of sorts for the band as they turned five years old right in front of us, and turned it up notch. To commemorate the event, Brian (Delaney) called on a few friends from Phil Oglivie's Rhythm Kings to come sit in with the trio. It just doesn't get any better than this...and no cover? Are you kidding me?

As the first set progressed, the crowd had no idea what was in store. Brian had mentioned the anniversary, but not the means of celebration. So what started out looking like the picture to the right, grew throughout the set until it got as large as a six piece combo.

When you add players like Paul Finkbeiner on coronet, Chris Smith playing the sousaphone, and, I think, Andrew Bishop?, on clarinet...WOW! How often do you find that combo in a corner bar anywhere?

The next thing you know, the band looks pretty darn big (below, left), and sounds ever bigger. Check out the crowd, too (below, center). Think people aren't willing to go out on a Sunday night? It was SRO. On top of everything else, when the band struck up "Under My Skin", Mr. Sinatra picked up the mike and did it his way (below, right). I saw people dancing out on the sidewalk and looking through the Old Town's windows.

Oh, yeah, man...music scenes like the one we got just don't exist everywhere. It's a good thing this bass player plays in a band. When The Bluescasters are playing, I only consume half as much whiskey as when I sit with you in the crowd, being entertained by pros who spend a lifetime working at the craft, and do it out of love for the music. Maybe I'll see you at the next one. CNN just has reruns anyway.

Adios, amigo

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Update - November 18, 2006

Usually, on a Sunday night, I would likely be sitting here telling you about this weekends adventures of The Bluescasters. However, since a picture is worth a thousand words, you can check out a 20,000 word essay on our Saturday night gig at the Zukey Lake Tavern by clicking this link to our photp page. I'll simply state that a good time was had by all and many thanks to the friends of the band that came and joined us.

I will spend a couple of moments pushing another band at you, because you need to go out and see them. For those of you, who like me, had not seen Hoodang in the past, prepare to be impressed and entertained. These cats can flat out play, are rock solid and air tight, and as tasty as freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Think Hank Williams Sr. with a half cup of John Prine and a tablespoon of Bob Dylan just to add some spice.

Hoodang is Dave Rossiter in front playing acoustic guitar and singing the lead vocals, Drew Howard on pedal steel, Telecaster guitar, and mandolin, John Latini on bass and vocal harmonies, and Pat Bills on drums. There are no holes on the great sound these four put out and it must not be a secret. Sprinkled in the audience was Dan Mulholland, Al Hill, David Mosher, etc., and a packed house...on a Sunday night!! So put down that TV remote and hit the very next club that Hoodang is playing. While you're at it, buy a CD or three so you can share the music with your friends. As always, the Boweevil and his bandmates would like to encourage everyone to support live music and those people working hard to make it happen for you. That includes the musicians and the club owners. Hoodang will be at the Ark on January 9th. Be there!

Cheers...the Boweevil

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Update - November 15, 2006

Hi, everyone (and you, too) - It's been some kind of wild ride, the days leading up to the recent CD release party. There was a mad rush to get all of the material to the manufacturer in time (actually, the last minute) due to the bands quest for quality with anything we lay out for public consumption. With the four of us all putting our ears to the arrangement and mix grindstone, the final result was worth the extra effort. Even using overnight priority shipping in both directions, the CDs arrived no less than two days before the big event. Now, I wish we would have had another set of eyes looking over the cover art and text. It's been brought to my attention that...nowhere on the cover does our website address appear. 0-:) It's one of those deals where musicians, as is typical, are less sensitive to the visuals than they are to audio. Of course, these days you can find anything using Google or other search engines. I'm sure that those that really want to find us...will.

We did get right back to work on the live stage playing the following Saturday at Hermann's Old Town Grill in Plymouth. A nice crowd turned out and we had a great time playing without the stress of hosting a party at the same time. Keep visiting Hermann's even when we're not there. It's an excellent blues hangout and in real danger of becoming just a hangout, sans blues, or even worse...Karaoke! Ughh!!

The next week, the band set up shop in downtown Birmingham. This is a place that packs 'em in like no other. Being an irish pub, a blues band might seem out of place. However, even Birminghamites can't resist the call of Harry's snare pounding the 2 and the 4. By the time the third Guiness is consumed, the place heats up and spontaneous dancing usually breaks out. My pal, Thayrone, just booked his Witch Doctors, Tom and Todd, in the joint. Please go out and see them, if not at O'Dow's, then at your favorite blues bar. They feature the rhythm section from Hell and the poetic strains of Thayrone woven in between. You'll find Dick O'Dow's on the north side of Maple, just west of Old Woodward. The place looks something like this:

You may be asking yourself; "Where's Phil? I see Harry, Doug and Kerry, but no Phil". Hmmm...Pictures don't lie.

Found him!...as usual, in his nightstalker persona, working on yet another wildass scheme filled with intrigue and skullduggery. If nothing else, he allows his fellow Bluescasters total freedom to focus on music as the ladies can't see us through his glow. I would like to know what he's thinking at this moment, captured in high resolution by the Boweevil...or at least...what his hands are doing! From the happy look on the faces of these two stunners, the imagination runs wild!

So, if you want to cash in on this kind of action at the next Bluescasters show, keep in touch with the schedule on this website. We want to see you having a good time, soaking in some premium music performed by this talented group, enjoying a drink with a friend, and taking in the ambience of the cool clubs around the area. While you're at it, you may want to pick up a copy of Give Yourself the Blues and have The Bluescasters right there in your own living room. In fact, with Christmas right around the corner, this is a real opprtunity to pick up a couple of presents for the music lovers in your life without having the stand in line at some crummy joint like Best Buy. Let's see...standing in line at Best Buy or being in a cool night club, listening to a great band, having a drink with your friends... Once again, the choice is obvious!

Out...

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Update - October 21 "Give Yourself the Blues" CD release party

Let me begin with the party on Saturday evening in the 2nd floor barroom of the South Lyon Hotel. The band members were in the house early setting up shop, decorating, doing sound checks, etc. The place was already moderately crowded with dinner guests. As it turns out, most of them were there for the first World Series game as well. By the time music fans were piling in at 8:30, seats were already hard to come by. When the first notes were struck at 9:00, it was standing room only, and stayed that way throughout the night!

Understand, the SLH upstairs is a big room and holds 150 - 200 people easily, so it's not hard to imagine that it was a loud, raucous gathering. Even with the Tigers getting their tails kicked, the mood was really upbeat. Several friends and family members of the band were there (Renee, Louise, Deb, Matt, Ted, Pat, Sherry, Bill, Lettie, Margie, Diane, the other Diane, Al, Kinks, Dr. Bob, Dave, Laura, Carol, Scott, Griff, Jesse, Gary, Teri, Jennifer, and on and on...my apologies to those that I've not mentioned) giving The Bluescasters tremendous support and inspiration. The band members would like to thank all of you. If you only had half as much fun as we did, you must have still had a blast.

The band did a short 35 minute warm-up set of some old favorites and then spent some time with the partiers sharing the moment, and of course, hawking CDs. Extra thanks to Deb and Matt for working all night at the cash box. The band also sold some official "Bluescasters shades", complete with logo, from their stash of this very limited edition item. During one dance floor moment, the sunglasses came out in force, and John Belushi was doing the James Brown good-foot dance high in the sky.

I hope that everyone got a chance to spin the disc a time or two since Saturday. It will remind people of what a great party it was and, without a doubt, remind them that this band can write some catchy tunes. For those who couldn't be there, come on out and see us at Hermann's Old Town Grill in Plymouth on November 4th or Dick O'Dow's in Birmingham on November 11th. All of the new songs will be on the set list and we will have more CDs and Bluescasters sunglasses. You don't just want to own this disc...you need to own it! There's one song on it titled "Nothing Lasts Forever", but maybe these songs will come close.

Oh yeah, don't let me forget to mention that our gig at the Bayou Grill, our first one there, was the last live music they are having there. The owners made the business decision to shut it off and stop the bleeding quickly, as they were not able to be convinced that enough music fans would stop in for a drink on a Saturday night to even pay the musicians. Without your support, these places can't survive. Here's a joint with no cover charge, live entertainment, a good pour, and a nice room to boot, and they couldn't attract more than a few tables. Myself...I like being in the audience even more than I like being in the band, and you'll see me hanging out in these places listening to the likes of Bugs Beddow, Lady Sunshine, The Blues Owls, The Witch Doctors, Kinks and his Krew, Chris Canas and the Blues Revolution, and others. Are you kidding me? I can hear all of these cats for free in an intimate setting or pay to $150 to see The Eagles (yawn) in a baseball stadium? The choice is obvious! Let's keep a good thing going. I'll save a seat for you.

Thanks for visiting this site and listening to my rambling...

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