Rick and Marilyn on the Sloop Clearwater

 Rick and Marilyn played the Sloop Clearwater on Labor Day 2024. I was so very happy to be able to do this, and I jumped at the chance, right? And what a perfectly beautiful night it was. A cool wind was blowing and it looked like we would have a nice sail. 

We get there, with a few minutes to spare and we are happy about that, because I have no clue on parking. Everything is marked ‘Permit Only’, but what kind of permit and what does any of that mean? So, I parked where we could fairly easily unload and get to the boat, and the people on the boat did not have a clue on parking either, so I left it there. 

It was there when I returned. Without a ticket attached. whew.

We walked with our ‘calling cards’, otherwise known as GUITARS. LOL. We went right past the guy who was stopping people from boarding and went right to the boat, greeted by Jacob, who was just a really wonderful guy and our point person. 

We talked briefly about what we would be doing, that our gear is battery powered, that we basically did folk songs. We were asked for a labor song after the silence, but we don't have one. Should have thought of that, but really we also didn't have time to develop a song. But the captain was ok with us doing the environmental song by Joni, Big Yellow Taxi.

So, we hang out, saying hi to the folk who board. Now we are all on and the captain tells us all the stuff we have to know to be safe on the boat. Like where the life jackets are. Be sure to listen to the crew members. Do NOT step here, do not walk there. You know, the things that might help keep you alive on the river.

Oh, didn't I say? I am PETRIFIED of the water. of drowning. I can not swim. I don't have a CLUE once I am in the water, on how to keep breathing. But I have always loved Pete Seeger and his boat and his ideas on using music to bring people together.  So, here I am. To play music on Pete's boat.

We push off and prepare to raise the sail.  It goes up and up and we sing a chanty to keep the beat.

Music! 

And now it is time to make Rick and Marilyn music!!!. 

I don't remember which songs we played.  What I do remember is seeing all these people with the wind in their hair and smiles on their faces enjoying being on this majestic river on this beautiful day! What I did not know, until we got off the boat, was that MANY people, in the spirit of Pete, I imagine, were singing our folk songs, belting them, enjoying the music by making it their own! THAT is what it is all about.  

We had the traditional silent time, and watched the river, felt the wind and heard the birds around us.  And then we sang the old song ‘Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around’, with labor oriented verses (instead of Big Yellow Taxi). And headed back to shore. 

What an amazing time!

Music Making!

 Wow. 

Summer is almost gone. Rick and Marilyn are winding down their gigs for the year, with September nearly a wash out because we are both going on two week vacations... Rick in the beginning of the month, and Marilyn at the end. And that pretty much does it for playing outside in the Northeast USA, right? lol. 

I have a couple gigs while Rick is gone. My friend Tommy Sharp has agreed to sit in for Rick, and we will be doing some song that he brings to the table. I look forward to that!

And... we look for inside gigs. Your favorite bar (let them know we will email them and let us know where!). Maybe a holiday party or office party. Or even a House Concert... and I can tell you all about that so you can make a decision, as well as help you plan it!! It is FUN!!!

So these are the gigs for the rest of the month. Come out and see us!!!

June 2024

 It certainly is a wonderful summer so far! I personally traveled to see Neil Young 6 times in May, planning it right before he, unfortunately, cancelled 3 shows and has not told us why, except for 'illness'. Of course, his fans hope for a full and speedy recovery, whoever is sick!!!

Rick and Marilyn have also had a great time recently. We have played a couple farmers markets, a festival and an opening for a new Social Center in Valatie. 

Upcoming this weekend is Fathers Day, and we are playing the Upper Depot Brewery, 708 State St, Hudson, and we are hoping that folks will be coming out to celebrate our fathers of all stripes with good music from the 60's and 70's, sung by Marilyn and complimented by the wonderful guitar of Rick Warren!!!

Take a look at our calendar for some other upcoming dates. 

Hope to see you soon!

Bruuuuuuuce!!!

 This past Monday, I saw Bruce Springsteen with my good friend Pam, at her suggestion. We were both Springsteen 'virgins' and I was fasinated by his show.  Pam *really* seemed to get into it. I was ok with it. I am not sure why. Maybe if I was in front of him instead of so far off on the side, I would have been more captivated. But we were so close... I was 6 rows up from the stage, Nils side.  My sound really was muffled. But it was Bruce and it was certainly something to see. I can't say that I could hear the words, so I am not sure what to say about his song writing from a Live perspective (as opposed to recorded). But the BIG music sound was great!! And Bruce's fans... wow. They have something they do for every song (or well known song, i guess). Swaying with hands in the air... what a sight to see ALL those folks doing that... and, being so far on the side, I had a great view of that. And... he cues them. The Boss I guess, lol.

And what it must be, to be on that stage. Having a whole sold out stadium of mostly older people, standing and swaying and singing and dancing. It SERIOUSLY was fun, a good time. How does he do it? Well, he has a lot of people on stage doing a lot of stuff. Lots to look at all the time. And there is not much pause in between the songs. He pretty much goes from one song to another. And he moves alot around the stage. And smiling, touching the crowd, passing something out, maybe picks, putting them into peoples hands. He saw a boy with a handicap next to Pam and was extremely kind to him, paying him some sort of personal attention. Yep, people like it when spirits are high and the person on stage is personal with them. Arkward when there is not a real connection. But making that real connection is important in getting all those folks to pay attention to a band for a SOLID two and a half hours. Bruce does not do a lot of musical breaks, it is mostly singing, telling his stories, I guess. (remember... muddy sound)

What else to learn about Bruce? he really loves giving his fans a good time. Right down to not wasting time. The encore was THERE and then the lights came on. Done. He came out at the stroke of the advertised beginning time. Professional with a heart. Yeah.