Raul Malo, the extraordinary lead singer of the Mavericks, died this week...what a voice! Once on a Hillbilly IDOL trip to Nashville, we had a backstage hang with the Mavericks bass player, Robert Reynolds, & drummer, Paul Deacon. Paul asks me, "Where are you from?", I say, "Chardon Ohio", he says, "I was born in Painesville."
GAR Hall, Peninsula, OH. Nearly sold out, see 'gigs'calendar.
We just moved into December, there's just enough snow here in Ohio to cross-country ski a little, and, I guess, it's ok to listen to Christmas music now ...
I've still got a handful of shows in 2025. This Friday (5th), I'll join Thor Platter and Anthony Papaleo at the Flatiron Cafe', (7-10) Cleveland's oldest Irish pub. See the 'gigs' calendar for details.
On Sunday (7th) the Big 'Grass Band presents 3 hours (3-6) of Bluegrass at Forest City Brewery. We're happy to welcome back David Mayfield (mandolin) for this show. David's been keeping a busy schedule with the Parade, so it's always nice to pick & sing with him. I present a show on the First Sunday monthly at Forest City, my monthly gig! I may also add the Cartey Stanley, a 'Mt. Rushmore' Bluegrass giant, passed away today, December 1, 1966 ... we'll sing some Stanley Brothers in his honor.
Reminder, Tall Paul & Western Drawl's, HoHoHoedown 2025 (our annual holiday show) goes down at the GAR Hall on December 13. I think there are still some tix available. We promise a grand & fun show, with added guests, Kara Scott & Cory Grinder!
Hit the 'gigs' tab on my home page for show details.
I hope you all found plenty to be thankful for today, which is a good reminder that one doesn't need a special annual day to show thanks & be grateful. We should be grateful & thankful every day.
I'd like to send my love & prayers to Carol Elizabeth Jones, who's been going through a rough patch. We met 39 years ago at the Wheatland Music Festival in Remus, MI. Over the years we've sung together, recorded together, taught singing classes together and have had more fun than should be allowed. We shared our lives with each other through many of life's milestone events. CE is a beacon of light, a one-of-a-kind person & a beautiful soul. I've attached a photo with us performing 'Can't You Hear Me Calling', with Alice Gerrard and Kevin Kehrberg.
I'll open my Christmas tree farm for business on Black friday, and I'll be open every Saturday & Sunday (10-4) until I close up shop. So if you're looking for a tree that is NOT perfect, maybe a buck rub, broken branch or 2, a bit sparce on one side, a little bigger or smaller than you were hoping for, etc... but if that's ok with you, & you like my cheap price, come on over (10260 Chardon road, Chardon, OH) I also have handmade wreaths & maple syrup from my farm.
Greetings!
There are a couple of shows coming up this weekend.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Hillbilly IDOL are reuniting for a show at the famed, GAR Hall in Peninsula. The band began in 1991, with Dave Huddleston & I getting together & swapping music & influences. We added bass & drums and eventually steel guitar. The band made 3 recordings. This night, the original band, with added confidant, Caroline King (piano / accordion), will plays original songs from their first two records, as well as music that inspired them. Some tickets are still available. https://thepeninsulafoundation.org/events/
On Friday, Nov. 21, Caroline King & I bring our 'King / Kovac' music fun out east, to the Laleure Winery. This will be our first time there. So, if you live in Geauga/Portage or Trumbull Counties, or just want to check out a cool new venue (only 45 minutes from Downtown CLE), this is it ... meet you there!
Greetings one and all! For the past several years my website has been like an old car or house, limping along, in need of repair, unreliable - well, all that's changed! Thanks to my son, Jack, today debuts an updated version of my old site, with accurate descriptions of bands, updated personal, fresh photos & videos and a complete 'Gigs' calendar.
My vow is to keep it current & up-2-date, so that when I'm asked where someone can find out where I'm playing, or how to book a band, or want more info about me, it will be here waiting. So, feel free to visit often to see what's going on in my world, or in the acoustic Americana music scene, as I'll make a weekly blog post. Always, thanks for your support and for keeping acoustic music alive & vibrant in NEOH!
