My 15 year old feline buddy is an Oregonian again. Mr. Penny Brown whom has been cared for by AJ & Rob of Burney, CA is back with me, and I can't thank them enough; Snow started coming down just north of Klamath Falls and it's snowing again in Central Oregon @ 6am. Keep it warm, folks - we got some rockin' to do!
Namaste'
BL
First I want to thank Rabbine, Santiago, "Raise The Vibe" jazz trio, Azuras', Amy & Cory from Tart, Leif James and Jimmy Joe, and all the other great folks we met at the Artwalk friday night. Bend was hoppin! Guess I'll have to finish the Blues Cruise Story in few days - I'm heading south to pick up my old buddy Penny Brown and bring him back to Bend. Thanks AJ & Rob. Thanks Penny Oss.
This holiday season is shaping up nicely. New Years could find Dem Ol' Elks on the coast; Parties in November & December, Bend and Coos Bay; Solo @ Tart on Nov. 27th. Jan & March at Scoots in Sisters. Still possible new blues album with Derek Doggett in Portland before the end of the year.....
I'll let y'all know one way of the other. Check my face book and YouTube pages, too.
Bill, my brother: Thank you for being my friend, all the good times and good music we shared. I know you are no longer hurting. I wish I could have done more to help.
Awright, day 3 of the cruise was the only time we got off the ship during the 7 day trip. That will tell you something. The ship was fun. Lots of fun. Sharon and I caught a bus from Cabo north to Todos Santos, the home of the real Hotel California. Our tour guide named Daniel knew a lot about where we were, how life is there, and things that make their beautiful country what it is. He told of former days when Don Henley was in the area. Also about how California was split into upper and lower sections, their religions, cultures etc. When we arrived in Todos Santos, The Hotel California was where the bus parked. Upon entering, the feeling there was indeed magical, the food was very real and the people are happy to be right where they are. Most of the roads and streets are dirt, and Daniel led us on foot around town. The Mission mentioned in the Eagles song was just up the hill from the hotel, and after some local info, we were allowed to go in and look around. The doors are over 300 years old. I stopped and touched them, Sharon taking pics all over... Again, the feeling of being in that particular location entranced me, and I felt the urge to touch or tap things like the pews, the shrines, the built in antique lock boxes, etc. Carefully. I sat in a velvet padded seat in front of what looked like the place people get baptised. Many of the folks were surprised but I had to explore as much as I could. I might never get another chance in this life, right? Soooo....I went to the stage area and sat in another velvet padded seat, the preachers, I suppose. Next to that seat was a big shiny brass bell and a rope within my reach. hmmmmm..... I heard someone say.....
Later, back at the ship - We bumped right into Commander Cody. I told him my band has been playing some of his songs for years and he said thank you. I said thank you, and Ansel, I mean Sharon got a pic of me with him. Cool. Then Steve Willis, Elvins keyboardist was hosting the jam at the Crows Nest and I got to jam with him and some other really good players. Later still at the dinner table, we sat with Scrap Iron and told him of our day. He said Dam, you ain't supposed to ring that bell! You gonna get struck down by lightinin! I explained that I was not of any particular religion, but a curious child of God. He accepted that. Before we left for our room, I uncased my guitar and showed it. Scrap Iron, who was Little Miltons road manager for 31 years asked what her name was. I said she doesn't have one yet. He said Can I name her? I said go ahead. He says "Bessie". "Bessie Mae". He informed us that was Little Miltons guitars name. Wow what an honor. Even though he didn't show it, I think he was a little emotional, too, and as he walked away he leaned over and told me it was his honor.....Is that cool or what.....
Thanks for letting me share. G'night.
Namaste'
Bobby Lindstrom & Bessie Mae
Hello everyone! My brodder and long time drummer for Elkhorn, Michael Carrillo is on his way to Bend as I type. Yeah, a day early, so we will undoubtedly be at the Northside Jam tonight. Also, Bill Jansen will be joining us on friday @ SCOOTS in Sisters for our first public gig in Bend since the eighties! Downbeat is 9pm for the full band, but Mike and me will be doing a semi acoustic set during happy hour around 5pm - 6pm. The crowd should be warmed up for us, happy hour starts at 3. I have so much Blues Cruise energy stored up inside me I just can't wait to ROCK Scoots!
Now, back to my ramblings on the cruise: For the record, I am telling this story from memory, and if I miss some folks or get names wrong, forgive me. There were over 600 crew members and somewhere around 1600 cruisers! OK, the first day we watched one of the best guitarists around, Larry McCray and his great band as the ship left the harbor. I had to take a nap, then we checked out Edgar Winter rehearsing in the Crows Nest, up close and personal.
The second day, which is already a blur in my mind until I check Sharons notes, Randy Oxford hosted the Crows Nest Jam and it was !!%$**&^$%%!!!!! YEAH! I got to jam with Jim McGloughlin, world champion harmonica player, Ron (Dr. John fame) killer trumpet man, Mark Early, Roomful of Blues sax man....holy moly....I may need to study my notes from the trip in order to sort all this out....the phone is ringing....talk to you later... love you all
Namaste'
BL
oh - p.s. Elkhorn is playing in Charleston sunday night starting at 7:30pm. A possibly haunted house across from the church behind Davy Jones Locker.... Calling all Elks!!! HooooooOOOOOOOOooooo!!!
Greetings to all my friends and fans! Especially the new ones from the trip to Mexico and back. Bill Jansen's was our first stop the night of the 16th, and I want to thank him for his hospitality and always being there for me, good times and bad. And while I'm at it, thanks for picking our exhausted butts up from PDX last sunday night and putting us up again. We met some good people between our nodding off - on the plane flight to San Diego, too: Jake, Jace and mom and sister, hope to see you again. We arrived and caught a shuttle to the boat and started off making friends in the line as we got on. Tommy - Hey! David and Carmen - Hey!
When we got our baggage put in our 1st Deck room, we ventured up towards the activities, the voice of XM / Sirius Radio, Big LLou was the first person to greet us and his welcome was as big as he is. Llou, thank you again for sharing such great vibes. You got 'em, bud.
Before I continue which will take a few days, I must send huge thanks to the man who got us on this wonderful trip, Mr. Randy Oxford. Trombonist, entertainer, and one of my favorite people. Randy, you SO rock! Thank you a million times. Like you said, this trip changes your life.
Now, folks I am hittin' the hay and will write more tomorrow. By the way, ELKHORN will be playing in Sisters, Oregon friday night @ 9pm to 12am, and in Charleston on Halloween at 7:30 pm at a haunted house behind Davy Jones Locker. CALLING ALL ELKS!
Namaste'
BL
Talk about hard to find words. My guitar has a name now. Bessie Mae. Thanks Scrap Iron. Visited The Hotel California in Todos Santos and rang the mission bell. Saw a flock of flying fish. Jammed with a world champion harmonica player. Sang Amazing Grace with Big LLou, the voice of Sirius XM radio. Wrote a new song for the winner of the International Blues Challenge, Grady Champion Band. Ate like a King. Didn't get sea sick my first time on the ocean. Only broke two strings the entire cruise. Saw and jammed with many different members of some of the following bands: Johnny & Edgar Winter, Elvin Bishop, Irma Thomas, Low Rider Band, Los Lobos, Tommy Castro, Larry McCray - was that enough - guess not - I'll getcha some pics up soon I hope... Got two gigs this weekend: Scoots in Sisters' 9pm friday night; Elkhorn @ a haunted house in Charleston sunday 7:30pm... I can say the people on the ship seem like all brothers and sisters I hadn't met until the 17th. There's a big web being built to connect us all......talk soon, k? Namaste'
BL
Good morning sunshine! Nice drive yesterday, dinner at Gustavs with Erin, Adrian, Yorgi & muh-bebbe. It's almost 6am, I better start waking up the crew.....plane leaves at 9:15.... love to you all....
Namaste'
BL
Hey gang! Here we go. I'm a rock n roller headed to my fathers house. The Ms Zaandam leaves San Diego headed for Mexico sunday afternoon, and my baby and me are gonna be on it for The Legendary Blues Cruise. Will try and keep you posted along the way. YEAH.
Namaste'
BL
Hey everyone! All systems are readying for The Legendary Blues Cruise.... Naw, I'm not excited... well, maybe a little...Johnny & Edgar...Coco Montoya...Los Lobos....Ruthie Foster.....Elvin.....Tommy Castro.....Randy Oxford.....etc etc etc.....I'm thinkin' there's gonna be some JAMMIN!!! Will defenitely be taking pix.....
Namaste'
BL
Hey gang - Bobby was interviewed yesterday by a new fan and friend, photo-journalist Amanda M. Rose. Pics up on photo page by Sharon Jensen. By the way, the coffee at "Thump" coffee house downtown Bend rivals Brother Bears coffee in Yellow Springs, Ohio. I mean good. Check out face book for more pics and www.amandamrosephoto.com
Namaste'
BL
Hi gang! Still whizzing, pasting and pooting here - to the best of my ability. Tonight Sharon and I are going to Sun River to check out Scott Foxx and Jeff Leslie & band at the Owls Nest. (my gear is still in the van just in case)
Namaste'
BL
p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!
Tonight me and me goil are headed out for yet another adventurous trip into Bends' world of music. Fortunately Sharon knows a lot music folks here, thus our first stop will be at McMenamins in downtown to hear Bret Alan & His Funky Friends, and my Vox halfstack will be in the rig along with my trusty Les Paul just in case.... pun...
Second stop if we make it will be at The Northside Cafe open mic session. It was one week ago Scotty Fox and the rest of the regulars dern near adopted me. Looking forward and gotta get ready now. Love to you all.
Namaste'
BL
p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVIE RAY MAYS!! WE LOVE YOU, YOU TWISTED BASTID!!
Greetings everybody - I'm back in my little portable crows nest, letting this past wonderful weekend settle into my conciousness. Sharon and I hit Portland in the afternoon on saturday, unloaded and freshened up (thanks Adrian & Erin)...... found our way to Gabriel Park & a dozen or so close friends shared in John Dooley and Trish Rigdons marriage, I was honored to play a few songs, then to dinner and after attended the Jamorama at the White Eagle, David Jester and his video camera leading the way.... Do you remember Mr. Lucky and The Gamblers? hmmmm...whippersnappers? Met a young guitarist named Derek Doggett, watch for him. Sunday we went to the best dinner at Sharons relatives place east of town (thanks Lee, Lori & family) then sunday night met Troy Thornton at the Trails End Saloon Blues Jam hosted by great local bassist David Kahl, Vince Adama drums, and Derek popped in again; Home today - I tell ya we're doing something right - It seemed like a week away from home, but it was really only a couple days...I thank God for guiding and protecting us..... hopefully will get some more pix up soon...I'm happily tired, hope you are all well! Namaste' BL
Hello there. I'm still absorbing great vibes from witnessing just how good of a band Heart actually is - as I digest the tuesday night jam after the concert, and the fun with T-bone Stone, Paul Biondi & Skip Jones @ The Black Forest in Eugene. Add last night here in Bend. This is all new to me, and I am being welcomed verily. Played a few acoustically at Strictly Organic coffeehouse (thanks Dan), then slid over to the Northside Bar & Grill for some electric blues. Scott, Bobby, Mike, Charlie, Franky, Lacy, Bob, Jeff, Bill, Gary.....and the rest of the names escape me now....thank you so much for accepting me and my old guitar.
Our trip to Portland is bumped til friday. John Dooley and Trish Rigdon will be getting married @ 6pm saturday! We'll spend a couple days meeting folks, shootin' the shit, and no doubt playing music. Trails' End has a blues jam sunday night.
Namaste'
BL
Sharon won tickets to see Ann & Nancy Wilson & Co., so while we're in the valley, we're meeting T-bone Stone, Paul Biondi and host Skip Jones at the Black Forest for a great jam....Will try and get some pix for ya!
Speaking of pix, we finally got some of Bill Leslie's Labor Day Campout up...
Namaste'
BL
Hi gang - Weather permitting I will be doing my debut in Bend on the patio at 10 Barrel Brew Pub. That's the good news. We found out a few days ago that Street Vibrations in Reno will not be on our schedule this year, I hear they are almost exclusively booking only local bands. Dem Ol' Elks will look forward. We will be playing Good Vibrations next year in Salem.
Namaste'
BL
Sharon won (Clear 101.7) tickets to see Heart at Alton Baker Park in Eugene tuesday night! I am thinking we might have to leave Bruce either at home or in the van, but that butterflies will be allowed......Now, there's a jam at the Black Forest that night......so I called Mr. Paul Biondi and Mr. T-bone Stone and they are meeting me there. Skip Jones is the host. YES! This will be very good. I love it.
p.s. T-bone is playing at a concert somewhere in Astoria this weekend..... if you're in the area, check it out.
p.s.s. I heard something about T-bone being on a record that is getting nominated for a Grammy!?!! I will refrain from cheering at the top of my lungs until I can confirm it......
p.s.s.s. Skeet is opening for our beloved Charlie Freak @ Rogers Zoo tonight in North Bend, and he will also be there saturday! My BRODDERS: You ROCK!
Hello everyone! We've been having such a wonderful time this past week, we must be doing things right? Along with the sad news of Bert Sanders, Fred Girt and Pat Rutheford passing, we have been meeting lots of people, playing lots of music, camping, BBQ-ing, driving, fishing, swimming, and getting the last tastes of summer '10. There are so many folks to thank so I will mention some. First is our very own war hero and good friend Rob Boyce and his beautiful woman Melissa, along with their close friends, who welcomed us and adopted us in Keizer. You folks are amazing, we love you all and will see you again. Robs place has a big cornfield behind it, and he made sure he sent us to our next location with over a hundred ears of corn for Bill and Barbie Leslies' Lone Pine Ranch Campout. There we were also welcomed and adopted as family, played a lot of music for days, and like Robs place, we were also filled with the most excellent food, spirits, stories (some true), poker tournaments (I'll pass), volleyball, fresh homegrown veggies & homemade jerky while the close-to-holy aroma of native Myrtle trees danced around us. It was hard to leave, but we finally did and then spent 2 nights and days at Sharons dad Waz's place, got skunked trolling for Chinook in the Coquille river, but felt completely happy just to have taken in the gorgeous scenery from the rivers view, the ranch where Wally Wallberg, Tom Kimm, Mike Anderson & I rehearsed back in the early 70's, ate psychedelics, drank opiated absenth, tripped to Allman Brothers and Steve Miller music and cut some teeth we hadn't expected. From the Riverton boat ramp, close to the now-world-renowned Clausen wood production art gallery & home (what memories there!) past the smokestack of the old Riverton river boat, of which only the top 6 feet is still above ground at the edge of the river.....to where Bear Creek enters the Coquille, the cabin of Mike and Betty Jo Ray where maybe my very first childhood memory lives...way, way too much I could write about. It's hard to be grateful enough for what I have now.....I hope you enjoy my sharing. Thanks.
Namaste'
BL
p.s. God, please send my love to everyone who still feels the pain from the horribly stupid and wasteful attacks on the twin towers in New York City 9 years ago. Thank You. Amen.
I am again sorrowed for the families and loved ones of two more of my friends. God and those who care, please send prayers for comfort and healing where it is needed. Thank You. I am also joyed to have known these men and honored to call them friends, and grateful to be a believer and to know they are in a very good place now. Nancy, be strong and if there is anything I can do to help, let me know.
Namaste'
BL
p.s. news and pics and details from this last week soon...it was great. g'night all.
Allright! Remember Rob Boyce, our hero from our front tire blowout the first day of our 2006 tour? We're leaving a day early to get in on his seafood boil in Keizer tonight, and be close to our friday gig at the Hitchin' Post. T-bone Stone will grace us, and maybe some other special guests, too.
Then saturday we'll head down to Bill Leslies' Lone Pine Ranch party for some more Elkishness. Bring the family. Then we just might stay around that general area for a couple more days & cavort. Will try and get some pics up along the way, if not here, then check my facebook page. .......click the link on homepage.....
Namaste'
Travelin' Willbobby
I am sad for Berts death, but honored to have been his friend. It's always tough to try and write this stuff, but Bert was as good a guitar-picker that ever walked this Earth. Anyone who ever heard him will tell you the same I am sure. You could close your eyes and listen and swear to God he was playing a pedal steel, but open them and see it really was just an old Gibson 6-string and a volume pedal. Nobody could ever fill Berts shoes, if he was wearing shoes. I had the pleasure of picking with his band Remote Control many times, as well as sitting in his living room sending music out the windows and into the trees and through the country air. Now that he has gone, I feel the resposnibility to play guitar just that much better. I love my job. Maybe as much as Bert did. We will miss you Mr. Sanders.
Namaste'
BL
Just got back from downtown Bend. Bob Dylan (finally got to see him!) & John Mellencamp & their bands packed the amphitheater. I'm gotta write more and better, and the inspiration is afoot. Aloft. Somedernwhere?
New pix up.
Namaste'
BL
Back home in the Crows Nest-East, rested and ready for this new day. Last weekend was another guided whirlwind shoulder-rubbing, butt-bumping, moon-howling trip in Portland. The DK Stewart Band was, as expected, kickin' it up friday night at Duff's garage. What can I say? It seems to require the best of elements working together before I can really dance - and they evidently were, cuz me and my baby were shakin' it UP - and the only mind-altering substance involved was music. Really good music. Met and/or re-met some good to know peeps from the biz: Chris, Don, Peter and Cory from the band; David & Jane from KMHD Radio (FM 89.1); Betsy McBride: ala Albert Powers (wow - homies unite!)....afterwards my good friend Joe McCarthy [Trumpet player extraordinairest for DK Stewart] took us to breakfast at the Hotcake House to honor the late Drugless Douglas Stephens. Talk about step into the Light.... Couldn't ask for more. Saturday found ourselves amid thousands of recovering brothers and sisters at Unity In The Streets @ Columbia Park, an NA event with more great music, food and recovery filling the place....Thanks Will. Then saturday night my brodder Troy and I attended a very cool house party in the southeast (Karylee's) with Franco Paletta & The Stingers set up in the back yard. There's something about walking down the street in some neighborhood you don't know and hearing LIVE BLUES floating around that turns me into a little kid again. Wound up playing for a couple hours at the campfire, after the electric music ended. More good connections with folks there....Details of progress will come I am sure...
.......gigs coming up in September include The Hitchin' Post in Salem/Keizer; Bill Leslie's Lone Pine Ranch Party; The Coos Bay Funfest; Grand opening of The Pizza Coop in Coos Bay; Street Vibrations in Reno;
More as it comes. Hopefully more pics, too. Have the best day of your life. Now.
Namaste'
BL & friends
Hey gang! Greetings from Central Oregon. I'm setting up a little crowsnest in my RV. After 3 gigs in two days last weekend: Salem, Middle Creek and Salem again. 100 degrees there. 100 degrees in Bend during my firewood cutting and carport building days, mon/tues, but it felt good getting an intense workout. Now, back to booking, moving, and it sounds like a trip to Portland this weekend to haul some stuff and visit some friends and maybe do a gig or two......John, Randy, Orange, Dee, Michele, Studebaker, Sonny & Tallan::: The Ohio Benefits have been put on hold indefinitely...but not forever.....I'll try to contact you all soon.... Namaste' to all my friends and fans across the country! Good things are coming. Good things are here. Dig them.
BL
Soaring up over Curly Barkers Ranch, I look back and see the point of my departure, the Tioga Hotel proudly standing up through time and trial, ready for the next one hundred years. Below me, Elkhorn Ranch and all its now legendary tales, from Bill Heckard and me opting to fish for steelhead instead of going to school, to Tony Zarbanos introduction to the Coos County forest and what fun we had helping educate him. Spike Vaughans place, the barn dances, the UH-OH Squad, Spook Flanagans Studios and his Uncle Jacks tree farm, and the new generations of inhabitants of this area. The memories are too much for me, so I look ahead and I fly on - knowing a power much greater than me watches....and guides me if I allow it. I'll be back for Llamapalooza this saturday. Peace and Love.
Namaste'
BL