Have You Heard---

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

This week in History, Birthdays:  Dick Van Dyke 87, Tim Conway 70, Dionne Warwick 72, Dave Clark 70, Keith Richards 69, Dickie Betts 69, Steve Buscemi 55.

In 2003, Saddam Hussein was found hiding in a “Spider Hole” I remember where I was when I heard. I was on the beach in Jamaica, enjoying some of the local “color”

Wednesday, December 19

In a Pigs Eye has The Scardy Cats

The Village Tavern continue their Wednesday night series with Jazz and Blues Night. Take my word, this is a good take.

Rockafellas is back with the Latin Dance Party.  

Thursday, December 20

Vic’s Boathouse has Open Mic.

Noe Socha Trio are at Brodies Seaport Café. Noe is becoming well known around here and for good reason. Come out and see and hear this rising star.

In a Pigs Eye has Allison Manion and Mike Mele.  I haven’t heard these guys but I hear good things. And it’s always a fun night at the Pig.

Gulu Gulu has the return of Ladyhips. I like Lady Hips.

Henley Douglas Jr continues his cool jazz at Finz tonight.  

43 Church has the weekly residency of The Dejas present The Session.

Rockafellas has Midnight Goggles

At the Lobster Shanty (I LOVE THIS PLACE), it’s Dave Bailin, doing an acoustic gig. Dave’s shows are always a good take. And so is Le Shant.

Friday, December 21

The Weekly Blues Jam at In a Pigs Eye is at 4PM. This is some of the most fun you can have in town. It’s always good music and a great crowd. And at 9PM, Peter Fedele and Matt Pert take the stage to continue the fun into the wee hours.

The Transisters return to Brodie’s Seaport Café.  These guys are gonna git you up dancing. Come on down for some fun music.

The Lobster Shanty has their house band Vein tonight. These guys wouldn’t have this gig if they were not Fantastic. If you haven’t heard this band, stop in before the Shanty closes for the winter in just 4 weeks.

Rockafella’s has Spike The Punch.  

The Village Tavern has Girls Night Out Quartet.  Oh man, you gotta love the sound of that. I may have to stop in for a listen.

Bird Mancini is playing at Finz. Now I really like this duo. For a 2 pc band, they make a lot of noise. And it’s good noise too. They do a lot of original songs mixed in with some Beatles and others. They are probably sick of me requesting “Apple Scruffs” but what other band plays that song? And they play it well. My Pick of the Evening.

Howling Wolf is featuring Adria Smith Trio.

Gulu Gulu has Bunwinkies tonight. Interesting name. I think I like it.

Saturday, December 22

In a Pigs Eye are featuring   Grateful Dead Tribute Band with John Frazee

The Lobster Shanty has Release the Hounds  

The Jackleg Preachers are at Vics Boathouse.  

Gulu Gulu has Dr. DK    

Rockafellas has Pulse.

The Village Tavern has Britannica.  This highly entertaining band does a lot of early British Rock and Roll, and they do it well. This is going to be a good show. If you haven’t checked out this room, here is your chance.

One of my favorites, The Merj are at Brodies Seaport Café. This is a great room for this duo and they are always well received here. Sorry I missed them last week but Christmas, family, Blah Blah Blah. You know the story. I won’t miss them tonight thou. Let’s call this my Pick of the Evening.

Cool Change are playing down at Howling Wolf tonight.

Sunday, December 16

Sunday/Funday is the weekly jam at Brodie’s Seaport Café, starting around 4:15. This weekly event, hosted by the amazing talents of Steve Peabody (PBD) and Chris Fitz is always my Pick of the Afternoon  

O’Neill’s has their weekly Irish Session starting around 4 today. Bring the kids. It’s that kind of show.  

Cap’ts has Jazz Brunch at noon. Peter Kostopolous is on the bill.

In a Pigs Eye has Brian Cogger and Friends to close out the weekend nicely for you.  

Monday, December 24

Julie Dougherty host’s her 30^th annual Christmas Carol Sing tonight in the Grand Ballroom at Hawthorne Hotel, from 4-7PM. We are so lucky to have Julie in Salem as an everlasting presence and influence on the live music scene. Pam and I have been attending this annual family friendly event for at least 5 years. You have to see the entrance of Santa, playing the fiddle on Here Comes Santa Clause. Gives me chills just thinking about it.

Being Christmas Eve, I’m not sure anything else is happening with music tonight. I do know that we always follow Julie’s concert with a trip to the Shanty for out annual “Girly Drink.”  Merry Christmas, one and all.  See y’all next week.

Shows you may have missed:

Dave Bailin and the Bailouts tore it up with some great Rock and Roll Thursday, Keith’s birthday. Always a great show with these guys.

Last Friday’s Jam at In a Pigs Eye was highlighted by Ed Keenan, who got up and did an original song, “living my life at the speed limit” the crowd went nuts with this long awaited appearance from Ed. And living it he is. Great job Ed. Hope to hear more from you in the near future.

SUNDAY/FUNDAY, the weekly spectacular music series at Brodies Seaport Café, was highlighted this week with special guests Evan Goodrow and Dannie Burnette. Evan is such a special talent and Dannie gives me chills to hear her sing. We need to hear more from both of you. Not to mention the great talents of Chris Fitz and Steve (PBD) Peabody. Always my Pick of the Week

This list was put together with much help from STANSLIST. See his site here:  http://www.stanslist.com  Thanks Stan.  

Please excuse any incorrect spelling and omissions.

Go out and listen to some great LIVE music in the wonderful, strange, hip town of Salem.

And tip your bartenders and servers.  

And always check with the venue as times and schedules change. (and I sometimes mess up)

Hope to see you out there!

Today’s picture is taken in much warmer times, at Artist Row back in May. It’s hard to believe but someone with no life called the police on this rowdy trio at 2:30 on a spring afternoon because they were too loud. I see two guitars and 3 angels singing. Shown are Erinn (2N) Brown, Elle Gallo and Julie Dougherty.