tag:kevinwestmusic.com,2005:/blogs/blog-stories-from-the-roadBlog - Stories from the road2020-01-17T11:17:05-08:00Kevin Westfalsetag:kevinwestmusic.com,2005:Post/61265292013-01-14T16:00:00-08:002020-01-17T11:17:13-08:00Hollywood CA (As advertised)
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/93c68d7d80da84e1c36218a076c2d18f91433a0b/original/k-hollywood.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzYxeDQ3OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="478" width="361" /></p>
<p> Hollywood California, where some dreams come true and others turn into nightmares. A place where you can reach out and touch "the stars" and yet remain a million miles away from the light. </p>
<p> It has been just over a year since I left Charleston SC (My home and favorite place in the world) to set off on my adventure to travel, play music and try to spread a little "Carolina Love" to the rest of the world. After traveling for a couple months I ended up here in Hollywood CA. I have been here for about a year now and it has been exactly "As Advertised". </p>
<p> As you ride down Sunset Blvd in Hollywood on a Friday night it's easy to see why so many people come here looking for fame and fortune. The strip is filled with beautiful people, lots of money and the three B's as I like to call them, Bentley's, Benz's and Beamers (BMW'S). Your wildest dreams right there on display. Just stop in the Rainbow Room on sunset. A classic Hollywood hangout spot. You'll see exotic cars like a half million dollar Original Shelby Cobra for example, sitting out front and any number of famous rockers or actors inside the joint surrounded by young beautiful people hoping to rub shoulders and even become friends with these celebs. Aspiring actors, writers and artists of all kinds hoping to meet that one person that can change their lives forever. The problem is, a lot of these young people that come out here get caught up in trying to be part of the scene. Trying to get discovered that way instead of putting in work developing their craft. Me I'm old enough to know better. Although you may never have MUCH control of how successful you are as an artist, you do however have TOTAL control over how good you are at expressing yourself and your art honestly and to the very best of your ability. This is developed through self discipline, dedication and a true love for what you do. A creative process that is forever growing and never satisfied with the latest accomplishment.</p>
<p> So of coarse I joined a band (Jet Pilot Jerry) and started booking solo shows so I could put in work as soon as possible. And more importantly, I started practicing guitar and writing more than ever, what Jazz players call "Woodshedding". But, I'll get back to the music in a bit.</p>
<p> Now let me tell you about a little something different I decided to try. I figured it was time for me to expand my artistic horizons. So, I thought it would be fun to work in television and movies. "When in Rome" right? I got to act in a short independent film Called "Teacher Of The Year" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGqjcZWXzrk written and directed by my friend R.J. Smith as well as playing a Zombie in another independent project. The contrast between being an actor and a musician/songwriter is challenging. As a musician I've spent my whole life trying to get people to know the TRUE me. Where as an actor, it's about perfecting the art of being someone else. I have worked as a stand in and a Production Assistant but mostly as a background actor. Doing this work I've been lucky to see some amazing actors work in person. Alfred Molina, Jim Carrey, James Gandofini, Kate Hudson, SNL Alum Molly Shannon, Chris Parnell and Ana Gasteyer to mention a few. On the contrary, I've also worked on a lot of sets with actors that weren't that great. Seeing people with little experience, not knowing their lines and/or just being unprofessional in general makes you really appreciate the actors that are good and the work they put in to be that good. In the past year I've worked on all these shows and movies. It has been a lot of fun and quite the learning experience. </p>
<h6>
Date Show Director<br>01-09-2013 NCIS SARA V@CENTRAL <br>01-08-2013 JUSTIFIED SARAHLEVY@CENTRAL<br>01-07-2013 CSI NEW YORK MICHELLE@CENTRAL<br>12-20-2012 NEIGHBORS LEAH@HEADQUARTERS<br>12-10-2012 NCIS SARA V@CENTRAL<br>12-07-2012 NCIS SARA V@CENTRAL<br>12-06-2012 BAD WORDS RICH@RICH KING CASTI<br>12-05-2012 BAD WORDS RICH@RICH KING CASTI<br>12-04-2012 BAD WORDS RICH@RICH KING CASTI<br>12-03-2012 MENTALIST SARA V@CENTRAL<br>11-30-2012 BAD WORDS RICH@RICH KING CASTI<br>11-29-2012 ZEPHYR SPRINGS BILL DANCE<br>11-28-2012 MISTRESSES*AFTRA TERANCE@BILLDANCE<br>11-27-2012 NEWS ROOM RICH@RICH KING CASTI<br>11-26-2012 SUBURGATORY MARIANN@CENTRAL<br>11-20-2012 JUSTIFIED SARAHLEVY@CENTRAL<br>11-19-2012 BODY OF PROOF*AFT ROCIO@CENTRALCASTING<br>11-16-2012 BEN & KATE DENISE@CENTRAL<br>11-14-2012 FAMILY TOOLS*AFT* ANNIE@CENTRAL<br>11-07-2012 REVENGE MARIANN@CENTRAL<br>10-30-2012 HART OF DIXIE *AFTRA SARAHLEVY@CENTRAL<br>10-29-2012 NCIS SARA V@CENTRAL<br>10-26-2012 SHAMELESS*AFTRA ROCIO@CENTRALCASTING<br>10-24-2012 GLEE MIKE@SANDE ALESSI<br>10-23-2012 NCIS SARA V@CENTRAL<br>10-22-2012 MISTRESSES*AFTRA TERANCE@BILLDANCE<br>10-19-2012 BODY OF PROOF*AFT ROCIO@CENTRALCASTING<br>10-18-2012 LETS MAKE A DEAL DEBBY@BACKGROUND<br>10-17-2012 RAISING HOPE***AFTRA ET@CENTRAL<br>10-16-2012 MISTRESSES*AFTRA TERANCE@BILLDANCE<br>10-15-2012 SAVING MR BANKS BILL DANCE<br>10-11-2012 PARTNERS SARA V@CENTRAL<br>10-09-2012 VEGAS DENISE@CENTRAL<br>10-08-2012 BIG BANG THEORY SARA V@CENTRAL<br>10-04-2012 MONDAY MORNINGS*AFTR ROB@RICHKINGCASTING<br>10-02-2012 MIKE AND MOLLY***AFT SARA V@CENTRAL<br>10-01-2012 MENTALIST <br>09-26-2012 FITT/SAVING MR. BANK BILL DANCE<br>09-25-2012 MISTRESSES*AFTRA TERANCE@BILLDANCE<br>09-21-2012 VEGAS DENISE@CENTRAL<br>09-20-2012 SAM & CAT*AFT* MARIANN@CENTRAL<br>09-13-2012 PARENTHOOD*AFT W/SAG ET@CENTRAL<br>09-11-2012 MISTRESSES*AFTRA TERANCE@BILLDANCE<br>08-28-2012 MISTRESSES*AFTRA SELF<br>08-23-2012 NCIS <br>08-16-2012 DARK PLAN PETE SUTTON<br>08-15-2012 GLEE MIKE@SANDE ALESSI<br>08-12-2012 COMM/USA TODAY HEATHER@PRIME<br>08-09-2012 SUBURGATORY MARIANN@CENTRAL<br>08-08-2012 NCIS <br>08-07-2012 MISTRESSES*AFTRA TERANCE@BILLDANCE<br>08-03-2012 MENTALIST <br>07-29-2012 COMM/HOTDOG LAURA@ADVANCED<br>07-25-2012 JOBS ROB@RICHKINGCASTING<br>07-24-2012 SHAMELESS*AFTRA ROCIO@CENTRALCASTING<br>07-31-2012 RIZZOLI*AFTRA W/ SAG ET@CENTRAL<br>07-23-2012 PRETTY LIAR**AFTRA DENISE@CENTRAL<br>05-29-2012 ENLIGHTENED ROB@RICHKINGCASTING<br>05-11-2012 RIZZOLI*AFTRA W/ SAG ET@CENTRAL<br>05-09-2012 GLEE MIKE@SANDE ALESSI<br>04-30-2012 ENLIGHTENED ROB@RICHKINGCASTING<br>04-20-2012 NCIS <br>04-17-2012 ENLIGHTENED ROB@RICHKINGCASTING<br>04-16-2012 ENLIGHTENED ROB@RICHKINGCASTING<br>04-03-2012 ENLIGHTENED RICH@RICH KING CASTI<br>03-31-2012 SOLAR FLIGHT PRIME CASTING<br>03-30-2012 BREAKING IN***AFTRA MARIANN@CENTRAL<br>03-29-2012 SOLAR FLIGHT HEATHER@PRIME<br>03-28-2012 BONES TAYLOR@CENTRAL<br>03-26-2012 CHELSEA GENERAL*AFTR RICH@RICH KING CASTI<br>03-23-2012 HOUSE MARIANN@CENTRAL<br>03-22-2012 VICTORIOUS*AFTRA RYAN@RICH KING CAST<br>03-21-2012 RITES OF SPRING HEATHER@PRIME<br>03-20-2012 CHELSEA GENERAL*AFTR RICH@RICH KING CASTI<br>03-13-2012 GRACELAND*AFTRA TERANCE@BILLDANCE<br>03-09-2012 REVENGE MARIANN@CENTRAL<br>03-08-2012 BERT WONDERSTONE MICHELLE@CENTRAL<br>03-01-2012 MENTALIST <br>02-25-2012 BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE*AFT TERANCE@BILLDANCE<br>02-23-2012 LUCK CHRIS@CHRIS GRAY<br>02-21-2012 AWAKE*AFT* SANDI@CENTRAL<br>02-16-2012 MENTALIST <br>02-14-2012 SUBURGATORY MARIANN@CENTRAL
</h6>
<p>A few characters I've played</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/ea3d1b5a4e285cc4be36669962ffd52fb6f35338/original/1961-005.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjU3eDI1OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="259" width="257" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/7193fb536721acf4014ded3be2b121dd27ad8ce8/original/oct-8-235.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzE2eDIxOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="219" width="316" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/0db0aa93d76efa1b3d7269c817891f077ed1ff28/original/dr-k-dub.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzIweDQyNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="427" width="320" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/a3b69531d7cee8b419b1c9da0058fbea032a62f8/original/business-man.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjE3eDQxMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="411" width="217" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/3e22f07461ab72632426d4f00217312e36960378/original/oct-8-193.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTM1eDI0NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="244" width="135" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/d01cf4ceebe4c1fe5eab0962d42b504913ea7666/original/zombie.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTcweDI5MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="290" style="font-size: 10px;" width="170" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/59a0f3502a6d447cebfc61d99ca8fbc7be3692b6/original/zoo-keeper.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjIweDI5NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="294" width="220" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> So back to my favorite subject, MUSIC. As I mentioned earlier, I joined a band called Jet Pilot Jerry. A very guitar driven sound JPJ has influences all over the spectrum. Our lead man is my good friend Rodney Smith. RJ as some call him is very influenced by music of the 90's and he is more than just a singer/songwriter guitar player. He is also a talented actor/writer/director with some great work under his belt. Adam Vogt is our bass player. Adam seems to like a lot of progressive and classic rock. He is also an improv actor. On drums we have a cat named Jeff Kazanjian. Jeff is a stand up comedian. Thank god he is funny as hell. It would've been rough to play music with him if his act was lame. I haven't really figured out his influences yet. I play lead guitar and have recently started singing some songs as well. If your reading this chances are you know my influences. Miles, Tupac, Stevie Ray, Dave Mathews, David Gilmore and so on. </p>
<p> Thanks to the open-armed attitude of some local musicians it wasn't long at all before we were playing out. My first solo show and my first show with Jet Pilot Jerry were on the same night at the same venue. O'brien's Pub in Santa Monica. It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of good people that night. </p>
<p>O'brien's Pub Santa Monica</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/4dce83a342359c8647ffd4e5abed9bcc9d06812f/original/dsc03012.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzk4eDIxMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="213" width="398" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/9343137dc3ae1edd291ab32f8d2ba51a05aa85ba/original/dsc02999.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjIweDIzMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="230" width="220" /></p>
<p> Since then I have played all over the Los Angeles area. From the Santa Monica Pier playing solo for tips to playing with JPJ at the famous "Kibitz Room" or "The Mint" a legendary music venue in LA since 1937.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/5d05dc365d12289cc8910db45629e56a2c61ba26/original/oct-8-149.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDI4MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="281" width="500" /></p>
<p>Here is the link to a Jet Pilot Jerry song</p>
<p>
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</p>
<p> Enough about me. Now it's time to get down to business and check out the LA local music scene. What I found was unexpected. For such a big town it seems a lot of the local musicians know each other well and are very supportive of one another. No one plays much cover music either which was a nice thing to hear. The problem here is that there are so many musicians that will play for free or even "Pay To Play" that it is hard to make money playing out. They call it "Pay to Play" out here when a venue books you, you are expected to sell a certain amount of tickets. Anywhere from 10 - 50 tickets depending on the venue. What ever you don't sell you have to pay for out of pocket. So it can be a tricky situation if you can't draw a good crowd. That mainly pertains to the premiere venues in Hollywood like The Roxy, The Mint, Viper Room, etc... Most shows in other parts of town are 3 or so bands playing for free just trying to get their (Original) music out there. Ok, enough about how the music scene here works, let me tell you about what I've seen and heard. Lots of talent in this town. </p>
<p> So off I go and where better to start than the world famous "Sunset Strip". I went to "The Roxy Theatre" upstairs there's a venue they call "On The Rox". I saw a Singer Songwriter named Kelli Debbs (http://www.kellidebbs.com/) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelli-Debbs-Music/477165940192?fref=ts. What a great first act to see in LA. A voice that you wouldn't believe and a really good songwriter as well.</p>
<p>Kelli Debbs </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/570661e8abcf6d33afb840ff11c6856c84019465/original/kelli-debbs.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzYweDI0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" width="360" /></p>
<p> Next I went to another classic Hollywood venue. The Kibitz Room (in Canters Deli http://www.cantersdeli.com/lounge.html). A venue where the likes of The Doors and Frank Zappa could be seen back in the day. And Guns & Roses, The Red Hot Chili and even the Wallflowers have played (and eaten) here as well. I was there to see a band called Stage 11. (<a style="cursor: pointer; color: #3b5998; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; background-color: #f1f3f8;" rel="nofollow nofollow" href="http://www.stage11music.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://www.Stage11music.com/</a>) A Charismatic front man in Diego Garcia, a tight band and great songwriting make these guys definitely worth checking out. They're also good people who really support the local music scene. They have put me and my new band Jet Pilot Jerry on a bunch of shows including a few at the Kibitz Room. </p>
<p>Stage 11</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/227bf26493d4f999ccc7b684976f4a942667507f/original/stage-11.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDkzeDQ5MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="493" width="493" /></p>
<p> Speaking of a band that is supportive of the LA music scene XYZYX (<a style="cursor: pointer; color: #3b5998; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;" rel="nofollow" href="http://xyzyxtheband.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">http://xyzyxtheband.com</a>) is a band that I saw at another Premiere Hollywood venue, The House Of Blues On Sunset. If I had to use one word to describe XYZYX it would be FUN. With their semi choreographed stage moves and running around like crazy people this band is fun to watch. But don't let that fool ya. Some bands will use theatrics like this to cover up a lack of musical skill. NOT the case here! These cats are solid players, good song writers and well rehearsed. The man out front for XYZYX is named David Daskal. David is a man of many talents. (Like most artists out here) Other than being a singer and a songwriter he is also an actor, writer, and producer with his own youtube series called "ISSUES" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpYzd0ijxQA very funny stuff. David Daskal is also the guy that booked me my first show in LA (The O'brien's show) within 5 minutes of meeting him. I appreciate the fact that he was quick to put the new guy in town (Me) on a bill just like that. He did research me before we actually confirmed but he offered me the slot before even hearing me. That was cool.</p>
<p>XYZYX</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/f2ccf73ff5efce0dd1b9eb2abf4ffd03ff19d958/original/xyzyx.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjYweDQzOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="439" width="660" /></p>
<p> Other notable acts I've seen here, "Simply" https://www.reverbnation.com/bandsimply A blues trio with a guy named Namseok Kim playing lead guitar and killing it. Reminds me of Jimmy Page. Nam (As he goes by) is from Seoul Korea and is a graduate student at UCLA, studying science and electrical engineering. Man this kid can play! And he is one of the most humble nicest people you'd could hope to meet.</p>
<p> Another band I like a lot is called Powertribe. http://www.facebook.com/powertribe?fref=ts Also a power trio this group is lead by Darren Stroud. Darren is a true shredder in every sense of the word. First time I saw him he reminded me of Randy Rhoads. And he was playing with blues band at the time if that tells you anything. Powertribe is a throwback to players like Tony MacApline, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani etc... The kind of stuff I grew up on so it is cool to see and hear. </p>
<p> Just one more band I'd like to mention before I go on is "Lobate Scarp" http://www.facebook.com/lobatescarp?fref=ts Described as " Los Angeles's best progressive space opera rock band!" They do live up to the hype. Epic songwriting and arrangements backed by excellent musicianship make their music really stand apart from most music you hear these days. Their soon to be released new album "Time and Space" is a sound all in it self and is one of my favorite independent recordings I've heard. </p>
<p> Now I could go on about all the talented musicians and artists I've seen out here but that could take days. So I'm just gonna wrap it up here. Thank you for reading my story. I'm going home to Charleston a week from today on Jan 22nd and I'll be playing my favorite venue ever, The Charleston Pour House on Jan 31st so keep an eye for my Chucktown story in the next couple weeks. It should be a good one.</p>
<p>Thanks again,</p>
<p> K-Dub:)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#333333; line-height:15.994318008422852px; background-color:#f1f3f8"><br></span></p>
Kevin Westtag:kevinwestmusic.com,2005:Post/61265282012-02-03T16:00:00-08:002020-01-17T11:17:11-08:00Boulder & Snow Mass Colorado (8000 feet up! Man I was high;)
<p> It was Dec 1st when I left Chicago on my way to Colorado. Almost a month since I left Charleston on my journey across the country. The drive from Chicago to Colorado wasn't so bad. I drove through the night so I didn't get to see much of Iowa or Nebraska. I got the feeling I wasn't missing much. I did get pulled over by what I can only assume was a bored cop in Omaha. He said he stopped me for improper lane change. He basically had me sit in his car with him for like 15 minutes or so while he ran my licence and let me go. No big deal. I drove a little longer and hit a rest stop for a few Z's. By the time the sun came up I was ready to get out of Nebraska. And about an hour later i was.</p>
<p> I hit the Colorado border and everything just felt better. Even the "Welcome to Colorado" sign looked like it was hand carved from a hunk of tree. Soon the prairie turned to hills then to mountains. It was beautiful! Plus, to not be a criminal for the first time in my life for carrying weed was a pretty awesome feeling as well.</p>
<p> As soon as I got into boulder I met with my friend Ara. Ara is a real charismatic, everyone knows and loves him kinda guy. So I got the VIP treatment the whole time I was there. The first thing we did (after getting really high;) was go to a very nice house / recording studio in Eldorado Canyon. Ara's friend Andy Mcewen is an excellent musician / Engineer. His studio was nice. All kinds of nice instruments. A Rhodes elec Piano and a Hammond B3 in the Rehearsal space alone for example. Ara, Andy & I had a nice little jam session (Ara on drums, Andie on Bass & me on Guitar) then we listened to some music that Andy had been recording. The stuff sounded good. If you're ever in Boulder and need to do some recording I recommend working with Andy Mcewen: cruciblerecording.com (mcewenandy@gmail.com)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/d182af726076757e466fe424751dc2a9fa3e0196/original/dsc02654.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="338" width="600" /></p>
<p> Ara also took me to see some sights. Boulder is a beautiful place. The main spot in downtown boulder is called the Pearl St. Mall. It was awesome while it was snowing. It looked like something right out of a Christmas Special.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/612adcb08acc63e19d6260bf975051dc369c3e54/original/dsc02726.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQ1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p> We also went to a Pinball arcade which was really cool. It had a bunch of old school pinball machines as well as newer more modern machines. Maybe I'm showing my age a little but I've never been a big fan of video games. I always liked pinball better. So I thought this place was awesome!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/4d8d6029c916fa4e306664cec74e05d75176b877/original/dsc02713.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
<p> So again, being on a tight budget. I didn't get to get out as much as would've liked. But of course, I did go out some. The first time out we went to spot called "Southern Sun Brewery" which is the southern location of the "Mountain Sun Brewery"on a Monday night. This place had the best wings I've ever had in my life. There was no cover and the band was amazing. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/9349aa5ebc316f2daeaccae02505d5b7e8d935ba/original/dsc02729.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQ1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p> A few nights later we went to what they called a "Secret Show" hosted by KGNU Radio and held at a venue called Odd Fellows Lodge. It's a show where they sell tickets but don't tell you who is playing. An interesting concept. The band that night was called "Paper Bird". Very original. The eight-piece band consists of three female singers, accompanied by banjo, guitar, stand up bass, percussion and trombone. <span style="color:#000000"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display:inline; line-height:15px; text-align:left">The three female singers fronting the band kinda reminded me of the girls sin</span><span style="line-height:15px; text-align:left">ging</span></span> by the river in "Oh Brother Where Art Thou". Not that the music sounded like that, but the quality of their voices was that good in a three part harmony. Paper Bird is a band that I think would be very well received in Charleston SC. So hit'm up Chucktown. That was really all the music I got to see in Boulder. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Paper Bird at the Odd Fellows Lodge on 16th and Pearl in Boulder</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/e84646cd3d42235c6ce4f9b77829f419c4a9593a/original/dsc02745.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDI2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="260" width="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> Another thing I got to see in Boulder was a behind the scenes look at the medical marijuana industry and how it worked. I was not disappointed. I actually got to go and work for a day in a grow warehouse. I was clipping finished and dried weed off the stick into containers. It was Awesome! I probably clipped 6 or 7 pounds of some truly amazing weed that day. The guy I was working for also took me to another location where there was a few grow operations and a dispensary in the same building. It was unreal! Quality and quantity like I have never seen before. And at a price you wouldn't believe. I mean not expensive at all. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/f9ac3ea0f4b5bc12e40d538183e9288939bedd2e/original/dsc02730.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQ1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p> After a fun filled week in Boulder it was time to move on. The next stop, "Snow Mass" CO. A ski mountain town right next to Aspen. I would say Snow Mass is to Aspen what Folly Beach is to Charleston. A little bit smaller and more of a local feel to the place. My good friend (practically my brother) of many years Charlie Burrows is there working in a place called Base Camp Bar & Grill. He had me booked to play a couple of shows there. The shows were booked for Saturday and Sunday evenings of that weekend. I also had a live radio spot to do that Saturday morning an KSPN Radio. I got there late Friday afternoon. I hadn't drank much on my trip up to this point but that changed as soon as I saw Charlie. We got Hammered Drunk. It was fun and great to see my friend. I see Charlie once every year or two so we tend to drink a little to much whenever we do get to hang out.</p>
<p> The radio spot in the morning was rough as you can imagine, but still fun. I was hungover in a big way. I chatted with the DJ for a couple minutes, played a song and I was out.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/029a91bd244dc9438732181a81fe04d3d1721b56/original/dsc02797-640x480.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></p>
<p> That night I played at Base Camp Bar & Grill. It was a lot of fun. Oddly enough almost everyone in the room that night was from South Carolina. Most from Charleston. Even the staff were from South Carolina. Just goes to show ya what a small world it is. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>South Carolina rep'n in Snow Mass</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/0c977ba07e25b4d6c9456d13e9d275a3cd160935/original/dsc02805.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQ1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p> My time is Colorado was truly amazing. I got see some of Mother Natures finest work. But I was ready to get out of the cold. It was time to head to Cali. But that's another story (coming soon). Thanks for taking the time to read about my adventures. I hope you were somewhat entertained.</p>
<p>Thanks for keeping up with me:)</p>
<p>Kevin </p>
<p> <strong>A FEW MORE PICS FROM COLORADO</strong></p>
<p>The Van ("The House") Frozen in place </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/6e0644b95a7378a66d8c2a745626fdb3ad7256ab/original/dsc02662.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
<p>Me on Fowler Trail headed towards Rattle Snake Gulch near Boulder</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/aa8438b8076665aa4b17e27b2989e7c89c7f4618/original/dsc02674.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/3d863e28763530ac08837ccc891da96461b4b684/original/dsc02692.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
<p>Rattle Snake Gulch</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/7286f5b0ae60dbb5d437d9a50dbb0693209e6d23/original/dsc02686.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/0011daf2c7f12f7da60a9b6b6d676e1fa393d826/original/dsc02683.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/7f73728451b8cde2252538842b5b14ba87a223d3/original/dsc02678.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
<p>Snow Mass</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/6c5891a4c524614ae59b852b13fd8eafd39d94dc/original/dsc02808.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQ1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /></p>
Kevin Westtag:kevinwestmusic.com,2005:Post/61265272011-12-03T16:00:00-08:002020-01-17T11:17:08-08:00Chicago (Playing the Blues and reconnecting with the family)
<p> Well, I've been gone from Charleston for a little over a month now. I do already miss my friends and family. I miss playing with the band (Shawn & Daniel) and being on Folly Beach listening to great music like, Louis Dixson Project <strong>(louied.com)</strong>, Elise Testone & The Freeloaders <strong>(reverbnation.com/freeloaders)</strong> and Graham Whorley <strong>(grahamwhorley.com) </strong>to mention a few. But my adventure has been great so far. This stop, Chicago:)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/7cc04511b13253e0e188369af934938d35178463/original/stories-from-the-road-2-014.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjE4eDM0NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="347" width="618" /></p>
<p> The drive from Louisville to Chicago was a breeze. It took about five hours to get to the south side. As soon as I got there I met with my uncle and a few of my cousins for drinks. It was great to see them. It had been years since my last visit. I will get back to talking about family and the bond that seems to exist no matter how long you go without seeing each other later. </p>
<p> But first, lets talk music. I didn't get out to see and play as much as I wanted but I did get out some. The goal was to find a good Open Blues Jam. The problem was Chicago is so big that there are 20 Blues Jams a night. The first one I went to was an experience. It was at a place called "Mike's Luv'n Music". My cousin PJ and I roll up to the spot and it looks closed. Then PJ tells me that the part of town we're in is a little sketchy. At this point I'm thinking I should just bail. But then I figure, might as well check it out. All part of the adventure right? So we get out of the car and walk towards this run down looking shack of a joint to see what's up. As we get closer to the door we can hear live music inside. But , it was kinda rough. Sounded like some kids just learning to play or something. I go to open the door and it's locked. The bartender inside stares right at me through the window but didn't acknowledge us at all. Mean while there is no one inside but the bartender and whoever was playing. Then, I noticed a hand written note on an old school cheap paper plate taped to the window that said "No gang colors allowed". I don't know if what i had on resembled gang colors or not. But they never opened the door so I didn't get to play that night. Something tells me I'm better off. So that was LAME!</p>
<p> Next was the U S Beer Company <strong>(usbeercompany.com)</strong>. A nice little venue on N. Halstead. Right near Depaul University. It wasn't an Open Blues Jam but it was a pretty cool open mic hosted by an impressive young musician named Alex Hardaway who someone said was a theater student. There were some really talented singer/songwriters and one cat even did some poetry that was pretty funny. The crowd was friendly and the bartender was a sweet pretty girl named Danielle. I thought the place was great. I'm just sorry I didn't get to back one more time before I left town. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/9e2e35f06e328c0fa7f0895acacc1354cb66584b/original/u-s-beer.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTkxeDI1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="250" width="591" /></p>
<p> So then it was time to play some real Chicago blues with some real Chicago Blues players. After a little online research I found out that one of the good spots to hit was Kingston Mines <strong>(kingstonmines.com)</strong>. Another venue on N. Halstead.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/5634cb1faa3a5483a45618548e19fcf186a6c826/original/stories-from-the-road-2-029.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTc1eDI1NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="256" width="575" /> </p>
<p> This Bues Jam was hosted by a legitimate old school Blues Man named Linsey Alexander. Him and his band were the real deal. They had a very traditional Chicago blues sound to perfection with a little modern edge. Very impressive. People don't realize (myself sometimes included) that the feel of The Blues changes a little bit in different parts of the country. In my opinion the Chicago style of Blues Is one of the more distinct. I'm not gonna sit here and try and explain theoretically what makes it unique. It's just one of those things like music from New Orleans you just know it when you hear it and these guys were it. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/99fe1aca978ad3be0e87fb5e56677ad543dd4a0f/original/stories-from-the-road-2-023.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQzMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="431" width="600" /></p>
<p> Linsey and the band played for about 45 minutes then it was time to start getting other people up to play. I went on with the first line up of players. It was me, another guitar player, a trumpet player and a Harmonica player as well as the bass and drums. It was a bit crowded but they were all good musicians so that didn't matter.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/16b2bf3993c9568a5a37a11643e4c3878ac43e68/original/img-20111127-201908.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQ1MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p> Playing with these guys was great. It was about half way through the first song I remember ed, I'm not a blues Player. It's not that I can't follow the changes or understand what's going on. I just have my own approach to playing Blues that is more based on my interpretation of the chords and less on the studying of great artists and traditional technique. These musicians had definitely done the latter. Needless to say I was a bit outside my comfort zone. It was a nice reminder that there is always so much more to know and room to grow. It was as fun as it was humbling. </p>
<p> The last venue i got to hit in Chicago was The Cubby Bear on W. Addison right across from Wrigley field.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/a5c4417bbba627567988f491c154a2e5aa05d7a5/original/cubby-bear.gif/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTcyeDEzMSJd.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="131" width="172" /></p>
<p> This wasn't an open Blues Jam but a "Local Music Showcase". That's what they called it. It was actually an open mic night but instead of getting there and signing up you had to email ahead of time to get on the list. It was kind of dead that night but what a cool venue. There were three pretty girls there that night that I met. Stephanie, Nel and Amanda. If you ladies see this, thanks for listening:). I had played The Cubby Bear once before in 2003. The place seems to have been remodeled since. I look forward to getting back there sometime soon as well.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/4326f5e759d574f94d12452b0c96dc72cc46b066/original/stories-from-the-road-2-077.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
<p> Now on a more personal note, I'd like to talk about the family. I have only been to Chicago 3 times in my adult life. I went often as a kid though, and it was always great. My father was the oldest of ten brothers and sisters. So i have lots of relatives in Chicago. My brothers, cousins and I used to raise some hell when we were kids. But, as time goes by we get older and tend to lose touch. So coming back now after all these years I wasn't sure what to expect. But,I have to say things are as if we had never lost touch at all. First off my cousin Nick gives me his house to stay in by myself while I'm there. He stayed with his girlfriend. So that was a nice upgrade from the van (or "The House" as I like to call it). My cousin PJ and my uncle Pat were there every day making sure I had everything i needed and that I was seeing and doing all the things I had hoped to while I was there. My family doesn't have any money. Just a bunch of working folks struggling to get by like everyone else in these hard times. But they knew I was there on a limited budget and everyone tried to help out. Be it buying me a drink or a meal, putting gas in my tank or whatever. Even my cousins girlfriends Kim and Samantha treated me like family even though we had just met. My point is the unconditional love and support that comes from family can be a special thing and I am grateful to have it. So thanks again to "The Fam" and Chicago for showing me a good time. I hope to be back soon.</p>
<p>Me being a tourist:)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/1c7d1690e6d3dd9ef2d64c956a97d7315a496f52/original/stories-from-the-road-2-033.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="337" width="600" /></p>
Kevin Westtag:kevinwestmusic.com,2005:Post/61265262011-11-09T16:00:00-08:002020-01-17T11:17:07-08:00My first stop Louisville KY (First run in with law)
<p> Hello my friends, and welcome to the first installment of my new blog "Stories From The Road". I'll be traveling around the country checking out the local music scene in different cities across America. So while I'm gone I'll be posting the highlights of my adventure here.</p>
<p> It was Nov 3, 2011 I left my home, the one place in the world I love most, Charleston, SC. I have been living on James Island/Folly Beach for most of my life and I have been playing music in the Charleston area for about fifteen years. Life has been great. Charleston is an amazing place where artists of all kinds are encouraged to express them selves honestly without (much;) judgement. Now it is time to take the inspiration the "Holy City" has given me and the music I've created as a result to the rest of the world (or at least the country:).</p>
<p> This is what I call "The House". My headquarters as I embark on this journey to explore the American "Local Music Scene".</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/64c69b89cc8691512690ebf8ac5f336f7d07b522/original/dsc02518.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NzAweDQyMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="420" width="700" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/671d060a463ba44e71395d0e9aeb1bdb3b89c7cb/original/the-road-042.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDYweDI1OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="258" width="460" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/b2be6489afa8b19c18086f3d3e6709fb3aed4f1b/original/the-road-048.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDU5eDI1OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="258" width="459" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> First stop, Louisville KY. The ride from Charleston was smooth and uneventful. I spent my first night in "The House" at a rest area in Polk CO. NC just across the SC/NC border. I slept like a champ. Headquarters is comfortable.</p>
<p> My first night out in Louisville was interesting to say the least. I met with my long time friend Donald and we set out to see some live music. A sax player that Donald knows was playing at a venue called <strong>Headliners</strong> so we headed that way. We get to the club, pull up to the fenced in parking lot, pay the attendant and park. After maybe three to five minutes sitting in the car getting our shit together we're surrounded by the police. They drag us out of the car screaming about "Where's the drugs?" and search us. They found the weed. We didn't have much. Just a small glass bowl and about enough grass to fill it one time. But that was enough. So now I'm thinking to myself "Motherfucker! Am I really going to jail my first night out? I just left Charleston yesterday". Fortunately in Louisville KY they just write you a ticket for simple possession. So, no jail.</p>
<p> I know, not all THAT interesting. But, here is where it gets newsworthy. As the cop is writing the ticket he informs us that the Louisville P. D. just camp out in that lot every weekend searching everyone and anyone they feel like. That's how they "Pad they're stats" as one officer said. On the ticket it said they were there investigating cars being broken into. But it was a fenced in lot with an attendant. Why would they need to stake out the place? Afterwards the lot attendant apologizes for not warning us. So, he obviously knew what was going on. Which leads me to believe the venue <strong>HEADLINERSLOUISVILLE.COM</strong> had to know what was going on as well. So if you're in Louisville and you go to Headliners just be careful.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> That was sad but not all bad we still managed to see the show. The first band we saw was called "Hoots & Hellmouth" out of Philly(<strong>hootsandhellmouth.com</strong>). I like them a lot. They had sort of a bluegrass"ish modern rock sound. Very original and full of energy. Great live performance.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/c10ae92da3935655755d7ecb5089a3de09083eab/original/the-road-061.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> The next band was Vessel (<strong>www.reverbnation.com/thevesselband</strong>). They were good as well. A seven piece band. They had three Guitars, Saxophone, Keyboards, Bass and Drums. I guess they would fit in to what you would call the "Jam band" sound but, they are much better than most bands you hear going in that direction. Great vocal harmonies and a very tight show.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/b816e112c45109d9c6463384185bf8f11bc1254c/original/the-road-064.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> The next two nights I went to a spot called Stevie Ray"s Blues Bar (<strong>stevieraysbluesbar.com</strong>) for an open mic one night and a blues jam on the other. Both were good. The venue was really cool. Everyone was nice. The other players were all laid back and easy to jam with. I will go back again before I leave Louisville.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/fae504dae0b5717ab62d59fd3162cc983c2f4dbd/original/the-road-087.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391828/c21ef67ee3b7979333467246ad5ec84b0cc00dfd/original/the-road-090.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="400" /></p>
<p> Be sure and check out the photo section of my website to see other pics from Louisville KY</p>
Kevin West