Here We Go Again

Since last I posted, the second floor at 12 Church has hosted 2 networking events, the local Kiwanis and weekend bookend of a rehearsal dinner on Friday and a 25th anniversary on Sunday.

So now it's back to our half-fortnightly Studio 12 Brigadoon. The instruments, amps, Ed Carine & Tim Tansey have all crept out of their hiding places and are ready to sing & dance back to life.

Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8:30

Open Mic with a Stack of Pancakes

Studio 12 opens the stage tomorrow at 8:00 as we enjoy the first Open Mic of the Summer.

Last week Montclair's Finest joined us for a while and registered a very gentle noise complaint... looks like I'll have to break down & run the AC with the windows closed. The fellas hung around and enjoyed a killer Elmore James number performed by Michael R, Ed C, Brett V, Roy, Tim & Pancakes.

Speaking of Pancakes, James O'Malley aka Pancakes (pictured) shows up to play on a regular basis, typically meandering in around 10. This guy can play and play he does. Sometimes Pancakes takes a set, sometimes he's content to be one of the pit musicians. I can honestly say that I can't remember ever hearing a more accomplished guitarist, period. His homemade guitar is part cigar box, part jackhammer & part stiletto. Ya really gotta see it (& hear Pancakes).

I'm feeling pasta (both bolognese & pomodoro) and who knows what else on the menu.

This week's birthdays include Todd Rundgren, Jeff Beck, Mick Fleetwood & Cindy Lauper.

Open Mic Wednesday Night

Studio 12 open mic is every Wednesday night and this week is no exception. Food & drinks open at 7:30. Sign-up starts at 8:00.

This week's big news is that Alma S has been relentlessly busting my chops to create a Studio 12 blog.... Well, here it is..... Kudos to Alma for dragging me kicking & screaming into the 21st century.

The big turnout at the geezer reunion two weeks ago must have really blistered a few fingers as last week's turnout was light... Actually turned out to be more of a jam. Brett, Michael, Yossi, John K, Pancakes, Tim & I had a blast. The audience seemed to enjoy himself.

The pic above is a veritable who's who of the local open mic scene... Pete (runs the Fine Grind OM), Meg (ran the Church Street OM last year), Jan (runs Jiggs's OM) & Ilsa (runs Tierney's OM). I'm wanna be just like them someday. Historical note: also pictured is the PA from the late lamented Montclair Center Stage.

This week's musical birthdays include Nilsson, Wilson (Brian, that is) and Ray Davies.

Arugula, Chicken Marsala, Boneless Short Ribs, Farfalle, Panna Cotta & whatever else (and whatever preparation) the spirit moves me will be on the menu.

Peace,
Greg