"I love the way you talk, I likes the way you walk" John Lee Hooker, singing "Bang Bang Bang"

Have You Heard---

Looks like a busy week of music coming up. Hope to see y’all out there.

This week in History, Birthdays: Berry Gordy 83, Little Richard 80, John Mayall 79, JJ Cale 74, Jon Stewart 50.

In 1979, 11 people were trampled to death at a Who concert in Cincinnati. This should have been the end of open seating at large venues.

In 1981, Natalie Wood, age 43 drowned off the coast of Santa Catalina Island, Ca. I was in love with that woman.

In 2001, George Harrison, my favorite Beatle, died at age 58

Wednesday, December 5

43 Church has Artist Row End Of Season Party hosted by Julie Dougherty and Dave Bailin.  As Julie says “who knows who will show up to play.” Sounds like a good take.  

In a Pigs Eye has Mary Beth Maes

The Village Tavern is trying something new again with Jazz and Blues Night. I stopped in last week for some jazz and caught some cool cats from Berkley. This is a good addition to Wednesday evenings. Check it out.

Rockafellas is back with the Latin Dance Party. Bring your dancing shoes and learn some cool steps. Then use them later when the dance floor opens for you to show your stuff.

Just got a hot tip that Roze and Jim Malone from The Merj are hosting open mic at Murphy’s tonight. I hope that Murphy’s comes back with more music for ADULTS. This is a great start. I for one really miss the Saturday afternoon jams.

Thursday, December 6

Vic’s Boathouse has Open Mic.

Bees Deluxe take the stage at Brodies Seaport Cafe  

In a Pigs Eye has my favorite local rockers, Dave Bailin and the Bailouts.  Always my Pick of the Night.

Gulu Gulu has the return of Rory McHarg.

43 Church has the weekly residents, The Session, featuring The Dejas.

Friday, December 7

The Strungout Playboys are at Brodie’s Seaport Café. Tony Gallo heads up this band of talented musicians, playing a variety of rock, country and blues

The Weekly Blues Jam at In a Pigs Eye is at 4PM. This show never ceases to amaze me. You never know who might walk in the door. Last week the jam was led by the talent’s of Dave Bailin and Andrew Harney. You just have to check it out. Last week, we were treated to a visit by Joe Wall.(Joe’s Joe’s Wall’s Wall’s) Don’t ask. Hope to see more of you soon Joe. Later on, at 9PM, Zeke Martin takes the stage. I like that the Pig is doing 2 shows on Fridays now. Come on down and show some support.

The Lobster Shanty has their house band Vein tonight and every Friday night.  

Rockafellas has The Pop Disaster.  

The Village Tavern has the return of The Cool Change Band. They are doing something right because they have been here several times in the short history of The Tavern. I said it before, you have to check out this cool, new music venue.

Boris Bop performs at Gulu Gulu

Katie O’brien is playing at Finz.

Saturday, December 8, “A day that will live in infamy.”

Gulu Gulu has the rock and blues of Eric French    

In a Pigs Eye are featuring my very favorites, Juke Joint 5, playing their monthly “Second Saturday” gig. I can’t say enough about these guys. They will shake down the house with their version of some old time blues. I’ve told a lot of people about this and last month it was SRO. Expect the same tonight. Welcome back to Salem, guys. (and girl) obviously, my Pick of the Evening. Hell, let’s make this my Pick of the Weekend!!!

The Lobster Shanty has Three Toad Sloth at 8 to 11PM tonight. I spell that correct every time now.

The Reunion are at Vics Boathouse. Website says Bushmills with no explanation. See you there Keith.

Rockafellas has Radio Edit

The Village Tavern has The Lori Timony and Higher Ground Band.

Sunday, December 9

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.  I’ll add a comment later in the week when I find out who the special guest is.

O’Neill’s has their weekly Irish Session starting around 4 today. Bring the kids. It’s that kind of show. Pam and I caught some of these show the last few weeks and made me realize how much I miss this. I need to visit more often to get in shape for my upcoming trip to the old sod. This is one of the reasons I love living in Salem.

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

In a Pigs Eye has the Ervin Dhimo Trio to close out the weekend nicely for you.  

Monday, December 10

Domenic Frizzi hosts the weekly open mic tonight at In a Pigs Eye.

Shows you may have missed:

I think last week was the first Wednesday night Jazz and Blues night at The Village Tavern. I was out, doing my “research” for this blog and happened upon it. This is another great addition to the local scene, especially, what recently was the somewhat quiet Wednesday nights. That all changes now. I’m declaring the start of the weekend, from this point on, begins Wednesday. (Oh, me liver!)

I followed that show by going on down to Pigs Eye, to hear Ted and Pete from Britannica. What a great show they put on with 60’s and 70’s oldies like Bus Stop, any way you want it, I’m a believer and the like. Brings me back to my “HAY DAYS”. Great show, guys.

And Sunday, it was the weekly Sunday/Funday at Brodies Seaport Café. Last weeks featured artists and I hope I spell this right) Brad Heylier and Mr Nick. Always a good show their.

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 from last year’s Christmas party that Julie Dougherty runs Every year on Christmas Eve at the Hawthorne Hotel. What a great gig. Pam and I try to make it all the time. These lucky folks were visiting town from Ohio and just happened on the party.