Michael  Falzarano

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Welcome to The Word

2007

May 03/07

    Been awhile since I've writing  here, I was asked to write for the New Riders page Latest News which I've been doing so instead of more or less writing the same thing twice for the time being if you want to know what's going on in my world check out www.thenewriders.com. Thanks.... Michael F.

Feb. 18/07

    Things are rolling along here in NRPS world as we get ready for a short run in the North East next week. We'll be playing four shows on this run. We'll be returning to The Egg in Albany, last time we were there we had a sell out and we're hoping for another, it's getting close but there are still some tickets left, so friends up in the Albany area come on out. Then we return to The River St. Jazz Cafe, again sold out last time so let's see what we can make happen this time, tell a friend. Then we play two show at a new venue for us The Boulton Center for the Arts, these two shows are already SOLD OUT thanks for making that happen. The other stuff that's happening are The DVD/CD The New Riders of the Purple Sage, Wanted: Live At Turkey Trot that we shot last summer is at the manufacturer and should be available with in the next two weeks. Also the CD we recorded  with Bob and Betty on the New Years eve run is being mixed and mastered and should be ready for release by summer.  It looks like we'll be playing The Green Apple Festival in New York city also there's lots of other summer Festival offers coming and we'll keep you posted on that. David is off in Hawaii playing some shows with David Nelson and Friends and then in March he'll be heading off to England, Scotland and Holland to play some show with his old buddy Banana. Everybody in the band has been staying busy playing other none NRPS gigs and I've been doing a lot of studio work, getting my next CD ready for release. We are looking forward to getting back together for our mini run and continuing the journey. Well, that's it for now........ NRPS

Jan. 6/07

Happy New Year. We hope the coming year is a happy, safe and prosperous one for all. 2006 was a fantastic year for the renaissance of The New Riders of the Purple Sage, we toured extensively and played over a 100 shows in just about every state and Canada, many of which like our last four shows were sold out. We want to thank everyone who came out to the shows and music fans everywhere who go out and support live music, you make it happen. We released 8 CDs from our "Sound Board Series" which are recorded by our ace sound man Tim "Sound Dawg" Stiegler. In July we shot a DVD at Turkey Trot Acres which we hope to get out early in 2007. Bob and Betty came out from San Francisco to recorded our New Years Eve show for a CD release later this year on RCM LIVE records . We did two benefits, one for The Rex Foundation in New York City and another for senator Patrick Leahy in Washington DC with Bob Weir and Micky Hart and The Flying Other Brothers. We also got to play at the art show which unveiled five oil on canvas paintings that Jerry Garcia created while attending the San Francisco Institute of Art under the teaching of Elmer Bishof. We want to thank all the great musicians that came out to play with us in 2006, Robert Hunter, Peter Rowan, Bob Weir, Mark Karan and Jeff Chimenti of Rat Dog, John Popper, Donna Jean Godchaux, David Gans, Tom Constanten, Bob Mattews, Darlene DiDomenico, Gary Vogensen, Professor Louie, Larry Packer, Jeff Mattson, Wendy Lanter, Keller Williams, Eric Weisberg, Kenny Kosek, Joanne Lediger, Mookie Siegel, Billy Laymon, Pete Sears and Commander Cody. Wow, that's a list, thanks to all of you, you're the best. 2006 also found our own David Nelson at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville playing with Jesse McReynolds. He became the first ever performer to play a Grateful Dead song at the Opry when he played and sang Ripple. We hear there wasn't a dry eye in the house. That's why Nelson is team leader. Our only disappointment was that we were not able to get John Dawson out to the show at The Aladdin Theater in Portland OR. We were talking to him about coming out to that show but it just didn't work out, he just wasn't ready to travel all the way from Mexico. John's music is The New Riders of the Purple Sage and we hope he can join us at some point so he can again feel the love the fans have for him, our fingers are crossed for 2007. We want to thank all the promoters, club and theater owners and festival bookers who hired us through out 2006 and the whole gang at Blue Mountain Artists for booking us. The renaissance continues. Well, I think that's about it, have a great new year and as always, we hope to see you at the shows..... Michael F.

2006

Dec. 4/06

I haven't had time to post here lately, because I've been so busy in NRPS world,  so I copied over all the latest goings on over the last few days from The Latest News page at www.thenewriders.com.

    Yesterday was a much needed day off after the whirlwind run through the Bay Area. Well, a day off in a manner of speaking, we spent the day on the bus driving 12 hours to Portland OR. from Crystal Bay NV. The show at The Crystal Bay Casino, as it was the last time was sold near capacity with lots of smiling faces, old friends and new. A few ladies couldn't contain themselves and jumped on stage to dance, although fun to watch, it's not a good idea with all the wires and gear everywhere so our crew escorted them off and "the train kept a rolling". All in all we had a blast.... Here's some cool stuff for ya, someone sent over a link of us playing Last Lonely Eagle  with Bob Matthews at Nelson Ledges July 3 2006 you can find it at this link. http://www.RCMLive.com/NRPS/LstLnlyEgl.mp3. Also if you missed our live broadcast on KPFA on Nov. 29 or would like to hear it again you can find it at this link. http://www.kpfa.org/archives/index.php?arch=17406, Enjoy. We're going to be putting up a free download page soon where you'll be able to download other cool stuff as well, stay tuned. Also you can find a NRPS interview and story on the Rex Foundations site at this link, http://www.rexfoundation.org/musicianspotlight/nrps.html. Tonight we'll be at the ALADDIN THEATER see ya there..... NRPS

Dec. 2/06

    Well, we finished up our Bay Area shows at The Mystic Theater last night and just like the other three shows it was a rockin' good time. Again, like last nights show we were joined by some old friends, Peter Rowan, Mark Karan, Bob Mattews and Darlene DiDomenico all came back for round two and we also had Gary Vogensen on board for the evenings festivities. Gary played guitar in the New Riders for years with John Dawson before John retired to Mexico. It was great to have him with us. We want to thank all the friends and family that came out to all the shows and to all the musician, thanks for sharing your talent with us and making the last four days in the Bay Area Fantastic. Now, it's on to The Crystal Bay Club on Lake Tahoe for a show tonight, we had a great time here back in the spring and we're hopping for more of the same. Thanks again for coming out to all the shows, we'll see ya down the road....... NRPS

Dec 1/06

    Just back from The Great American Music Hall and all we can say here at NRPS central  is wow, what a night. Peter Rowan, Mark Karan and  Jeff Chimenti of Rat Dog, David Gans, Bob Matthews and Darlene DiDomenico.  For those of you that don't know, Darlene sang back up vocals on many of the NRPS albums back in the day and it was great to have her on board, she helped us out with some back up vocals on the John Dawson song Whiskey. We did a lot of the great NRPS tunes and also played some cool old school folk songs and rocked out like a fright train out of control. Peter Rowen even strapped on one of Falzarano's Telecasters midway through the second set and was rockin' out as a electric as it gets. Who knows what's going to happen at the Mystic Theater tonight. Some of the highlights included Peggy O, Panama Red, Friend Of The Devil, I Don't Know You, Willie and the Wand Jive and an off the charts Take A Letter Maria, and let us not forget the Johnny Markowski song Higher which pretty much took the roof off the joint. We want to thank all the special guest that came out and played making the night one to remember. As many of the fans said, You guys F*ckin' rocked...... See you at the Mystic....NRPS

Nov.29/06

    The Jerry Gracia art show at The Matrix last night was an absolute blast lots of old friends and family in attendance, everyone in great sprits and having a great time. The art work looked fantastic and we played two solid sets and everyone rocked out with us till the last note was played. Tonight we went over to Berkeley to play live on the David Gans show "Dead to the World"  - KPFA  94.1 FM. We played  two hours of New Riders music and Gans joined us for several tunes and also sang Four Strong Winds the old Ian Tyson song. David will also be joining us at the Great American Music hall tomorrow night the 30th, that show along with the show at the Mystic will be NRPS and friends some of the guys from Rat Dog, The writer of Panama Red  and LA Cowboy will be with us (we can't actual use his name but you know him) I hear Bobby Vega and Bob Mattews will also be on board and you never know who else might show up. It's been a fun time in the Bay area so far and the next few nights should be more of the same. See ya at the shows...... NRPS

Nov. 23/06

    Happy Thanksgiving to all.....    

    Well John Dawson may just be "Rollin' into Portland Town". We just spoke with McDuke and plans are underway to see if we can hook up at the Alladin Theatre in Portland Oregon on Monday December 4th. Marmaduke sounded great and very excited to come up and play with the band. Keeping our fingers crossed, and don't forget the power of positive thinking.... NRPS

    Also it looks like the bay area shows at The Matrix, The Great American Music Hall and The Mystic Theater are shaping up to be very interesting events as well and don't forget to tune in on the 29th of Nov. to the David Gans show "Dead to the World"  - KPFA  94.1 FM  we'll be playing live from 8 to 10:00. At this point the Jerry Gracia art show we're playing at The Matrix in San Francisco is invitation only but we'll keep you posted should that change..... See Ya at the shows.... NRPS

Nov. 21/06

    Just back from a short run through the Northeast. The tour was short but sweet, all the shows were sold near capacity and the crowds couldn't have been more enthusiastic. All the shows were great but the show in New York was well, New York. Jeff Mattson from Kettle Joe's/Zen Tricksters joined us for a few songs and Kenny Kosek played fiddle with us all night and may be joining us again on New Years Eve at Mexicali Blues, we'll keep you posted on that. Some of you might remember Kenny from Jerry Garcia's run on Broadway back in the late 80s. Both he and David were in Jerry's band for that run. It was fantastic to have him and Jeff join us for the evening.  Next week we head to the West coast for a bunch of shows. There is talk of some very special guests joining us out there as well throughout the tour so keep your ears open and we'll let you know as it unfolds. Thanks to all who came out to the shows, and have a happy Thanksgiving...... NRPS

Nov. 16

    We started our winter touring last night at The Stone Church in Newmarket, New Hampshire. The near capacity crowd was there with us till the wee hours of the morning and we all had a rocking good time. Today were off the Lebanon New Hampshire where we'll be playing The Lebanon Opera House, then it's down to New York City to play The Concert Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture  both of those shows are getting close to sold out, so if you want in to either get your tickets now. After those two shows we'll be heading down to Baltimore, Maryland to play The 8X10 then back up to NYC to do a Sirius Radio show for Jam on 17 the station that Buddy Cage has his show on.  We break for Thanksgiving then head to the West coast for and extended tour after which we head back to the Northeast for a week long run after Christmas leading up to New Years Eve. No rest for the weary around here. I'll be keeping you posted on all the goings on as we go.....Michael F.

Nov. 12

   For the last few days Buddy Cage and I have been down at Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp teaching. This is the first time for Buddy and I'm pretty sure he'll be back because it seems to me like he's having a grand old time, and the whole gang thought it was great to have him on board. I've been teaching here three or four times a year for 9 years and it is always a fantastic time, this weekend was more of the same. Last night G.E. Smith did a show at the Fur Peace Station Theater and man was it rockin'. He opened up the show solo acoustic, it was booked as an electric show but at the last minute he decided to do some acoustic stuff so he borrowed my Gibson and to the stage he went. After a few acoustic tunes he had Jack Casady and Eric Diaz (Hot Tuna's current drummer) Join him then a little later he brought Buddy and I out and shortly after that he had Jorma come out. The show was sold out and I'm here to tell you a rocking good time was had by all. G. E. cover a lot of ground playing everything from traditional folk to funky blues from a Grateful Dead tune (Sugaree) to one by Cool and The Gang, Buddy Cage rocking on a Cool and The Gang song, man you should've heard that. Some of the fans told me Buddy was the  nitroglycerine that made the whole band explode, I'd have to agree with them. I even got to do one of my songs, When There's Two There's Trouble which I cut for my next CD and features Buddy and Vasar Clements. All in all we had a blast. Now it's time to head home and get ready for the next NRPS tour which starts on Wednesday. See Ya at the shows.....

Nov. 7

    Time to get out and vote then check out The New Riders of the Purple Sage website...... Michael F.

Oct. 22

    Wow, has it been that long since I've written on this page. Well to much has happened to get into everything. I'm down in Florida now where we just played a sold out show at The Bamboo Room. Two days ago we were up at the Magnolia Fest in Live Oak FL. We played two sets one in the day time at 5:00 on the Meadow Stage and then later that night on the main stage at 9:00 both shows where greeted by a capacity crowd of very enthusiastic fans. The next morning our tour bus broke down and we had to scramble to get to southern FL. but it all worked itself out and here we are with a day off. Tomorrow we'll be heading up to Atlanta to play Smiths Olde Bar, it'll be our first time there and our old friend David Gans will be opening the show. Then from there it's on up the road. The DVD/CD project "Wanted Live At Turkey Trot" is coming along nicely and we hope to have it out by early November. A bunch of cool new dates just came in for the end of the year, so I'll be putting them up shortly, keep your eyes peeled for them. Any way that's it for now, I'm gonna go get some breakfast with Captain Toast, talk to ya later....... Michael F.

Sept.3

    Well, it's been a while since I've been able to get on line. We have 5 more shows under the belt,  working our way up to our 100th show, Time is flying. The Mill was a blast and 10 tickets away from a sell out to boot. Our two sold out shows at The Lucas School House couldn't have been better. We sold out the first show almost immediately so they added at late show. The late show, early show thing is always fun because you get to go to two totally different places in the same night. It's never the same show and you got to love that... Our show at the Shawnee Cave was very interesting and brought out some deep spiritual feeling and jams. I'm told we clocked in a 23 minute Dirty Business. Then we went up to Bloomington, IN to play Uncle Festers and then had a much needed day off. Now it's on to The Mad Frog in Cincinnati, OH. I'll keep you posted on the next bit of goings on..... Michael F.

Sept. 28

    The first show of the tour went off without a hitch. Great venue, great crowd and it was great to be back on stage with the boys. We played for about three and a half hours and cover a lot of musical ground. We're off to Iowa City today where we'll be playing at The Mill in fact the bus is waiting on me so I got to run. Later....... Michael F.

Sept. 27

    After a longer then usual drive to Chicago about 24 hours, we arrived safe and sound. We had a little bus trouble and had to take care of it midway into the trip, but at lest it wasn't anything major. So, here we are at the hotel for a bit then it's off to sound check at Fitzgerald's and the beginning of the NRPS fall/winter tour. It's gonna be a fun and exciting rest of the year for the NRPS we have a bunch of cool new dates coming in right out till New Years Eve and some friends have said that they would like to come out and sit in, so we'll see what happens with that, with the NRPS you never know. Any way it's shower time and off to the sound check. More will follow....... Michael F.

Sept. 22

    Well, Fall is almost upon us now. It's always been my favorite season.  I was talking to Jorma yesterday about getting old and how quickly time is marching on and how some of our friend who used to be the young ones are now in there 40s and 50s. I guess they're still the young ones. We both agreed that getting old isn't that bad, compared to the alternative. We got on the subject while talking about he and Vanessa's dog Napoleon, the dog is now 14 years old and things are started to go wrong with him but he's hanging in there. I was there the day they picked him up it just doesn't seem like 14 years ago. Time marches on..... I've been busy in the studio mixing the tracks for the NRPS new DVD/CD, "Wanted: Live at Turkey Trot". It's going to be a 13 song set with some killer jams, like the 20 minute Garden of Eden or the 15 minute Portland Woman and it's chuck full of many of the other great John Dawson tunes along with a new tune to the NRPS set list the Mississippi John Hurt song, Sliding Delta. We are hoping to have it available on the road in about a month. Turkey Trot was a great place to shoot the DVD it's an intimate setting with and open air feel. There were about 200 people there and everyone could hear and see the band no matter where they stood or sat. The main room has large windows all down both sides with no glass in them so the audience could spread out on the lawn, hang by the picnic tables just out side the windows or stay in the room with the band. No matter where you are at Turkey Trot you can see and hear the band great. Everyone who came to the show was treated to a great home style backyard Barbeque, and our host and owners Pete and Sherry Clare made sure no one went hungry. We had a fantastic time and plan on playing there again next year. I'll be leaving for tour next week with The NRPS, we're going to the Midwest this time. This is our first trip out there and some of the shows are already sold out, which is always a good thing. We are really looking forward to getting back out after a few weeks off. I'll keep you posted as things progress but now I have to head over to the studio and go to work. Later..... Michael F.

Sept. 11

    It's hard to believe it's been 5 years, sometimes it feels like it was longer sometimes it feels like last year. Now it's time to reflect and remember the heroism and sacrifice that came during and in wake of the attack. My heart goes out to all those who lost love ones, you're in our prayers and thoughts........Michael F.

I wrote that earlier today and didn't want to get heavy or get into the politics of it all and still don't, but after seeing the footage again on TV and reliving it, I got to say that I'm still angry and pissed about it and still don't understand why. I guess why is something that never will be understood. It's just to crazy to understand. Below is a lyric to a song I wrote about a year after the attack, I still fell the same .....

Soul Searchlight

I’ve been looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way

These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier everyday

I woke up one morning thought it would be like any other day

By the time I washed my face well the whole world had changed

As I watched it unfold there on my TV set

An anger began to grow and it ain’t subsided yet

So I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way

These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier everyday

Down in the valley of darkness

An ocean of tears has been cried

Feels like I’m waist deep in a wide muddy river

Now I’m just trying to make it to the other side

I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way

These are crazy times we’re living in, getting crazier and crazier everyday

Some of my good friends left here

Some in long black Cadillac’s

Some got on planes and flew away

They never will come back

I’m looking for a soul searchlight to help me find my way

These are crazy times we’re living in getting crazier and crazier everyday

Now I keep playing it over and over in my head

It’s like a freight train hammering down the line

I can hear it loud and I can see it clear

Though I will never understand these crazy times

 Sept. 7

    I just received a copy of a new CD by the Colorado bluegrass band Quickdraw called Good For What Ails You. They covered my song Last Train Out which I wrote for the late Allen Woody. When they first contacted me about doing the song I thought Last Train Out as a bluegrass song I don't know, but what the hell could be cool. They had heard Jorma and I play it live on the radio somewhere and thought it could be a cool bluegrass tune for them to record. I have to say they did a great job with it, I would have never thought to try it as a bluegrass tune but it works great and sounds fantastic. The band is made up of Kurt Hunsinger on Banjo and vocals, J. Randal Jones on Bass and vocals, Kent R. Taylor on Mandolin and Vocals and Mark Merryman on Guitar and vocals. If you're in the boulder area you should check them out and tell I said Hi...... Michael F.

Sept. 6

    Well, I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day. I spent it at the US Open with my family. Hard to believe Summer came and went already. This summer went by quickly but was a busy and exciting one with all the NRPS touring, playing clubs, theaters and festivals. The Fall has always been my favorite season, not too cold not too hot and here it is just about on us. Team NRPS have some great tours planed for the rest of the year starting in the upper Midwest on September 27, then we head down South again on October 18 where we'll play the Magnolia Fest on the 20th and return to some of our favorite clubs and some new ones through out the South. Then we have a short run through the Northeast in early November followed by an extended run in the Northwest starting in San Francisco later in the month. We'll be out west till the 10th or 11th of December followed by a break for the holidays then we close out the year by doing a short run leading up to New Years Eve, more on that as it unfolds. We'll also be putting together the DVD/CD that we shot and recorded in back in July. So, the rest of the year is going to be just as busy as the last 8 months. And if all that's not enough this Oct. will mark the one year anniversary of the rebirth of the NRPS. No rest for the weary around here.... Now, you might have heard that I wasn't felling well and had to be rushed to the emergency room while on vacation up on Martha's Vineyard. Well, I happy to tell you that it wasn't that serious but a giant scare and I'm pretty much back to normal, if there is such a thing. I was out to Dinner when I started to feel weird and with in 15 minutes my sight was blurred my speech was slurred the room was spinning around and I couldn't walk, I thought I was having a stroke to be honest, so off to the hospital I went in the ambulance. After many hours of testing, EKG, CAT scan, blood work, pulse monitoring, blood pressure testing and intravenous liquid they determined that I wasn't having a stroke but did have a very serious inner ear infection. I had been having an ear problem for a few weeks before but had it treated an thought that it was all cleared up, I was wrong. All in all I feel much better now and hope never to se the inside of an ambulance again. Well, I think that about covers it so for now. So, that's it until more unfolds. Check out the tour page for all the current and new listing, there are many. Later....... Michael F.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that my album The King James Sessions which features The Kerry Kearney Band, Pete Sears and Jason Crosby among others was an Editor's Choice Winner by the music website Kweevak.com, The 2006 "Kweevak.com Music Project of the Year Awards" were presented to the Top-50 winners as chosen by the staff and associates of the Kweevak.com website. you can check out other winners here - http://www.kweevak.com/rd_cdawards.php thanks to the gang at Kweevak..... Michael F.

Aug. 20

    Well, we finished up our summer tour at The Gathering of the Vibes playing a rocking set and we're joined by our old friend Donna Jean Godchaux for a song. It was a overcast rainy day but that didn't damper anyone's good time. I got to hang with Jorma and Jack before our set and got to listen to there set, they sounded fantastic as usual. It was a fun day of great music and old friends. All the other shows went great as well. The Ligonier Tavern was Sold Out, The Rocks Off Cruise was rocking, The Riverside was fun and Penn',s Peak was fantastic, one of the best looking and sounding rooms I've ever played. All in all, all the tours we've played so far have been fantastic and I want to thank all the folks who came out to the shows for making it happen. Let's keep it going, and tell your friends. We start up in late September again and run right out to New Years Eve. I hope to see you all at the shows. See ya in the fall.......... MF

Aug. 14

    Just got back from our Sold Out show at Cain Park with PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE, POCO and  CHRIS HILLMAN. We all had a blast, about 3000 people showed up for the event. I'm really beat now, so it's off to bed. Early bus call tomorrow....... Michael F.

Aug.13

    Just got into Cleveland after a 10 hour ride from NY. we'll be headlining a show later today with  PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE, POCO and  CHRIS HILLMAN should be fun. We met up here with David Nelson who just got back from Nashville where he recorded a few Grateful Dead songs with the legendry mandolin player JESSE McREYNOLDS of Jim and Jesse fame, they recorded Fire On the Mountain, Ripple, Franklins Tower and The Wheel. Then on Friday night he joined Jesse and The Virginia Boys at The Grand Old Opry and became the first ever performer to play a Grateful Dead song at the Opry when he sang Ripple. I hear there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Really I'm not sure it gets any better then that. Except that he got to hang and meet Little Jimmy Dickens, Really doe's it get any better then that. That's why Nelson is team leader. Any way we start this run of shows today and I'll try to give you all the full report as we go. Again congratulations to David for having played one of the greatest shows in this whole country, The Grand Old Opry. As the kids say ROCK ON DUDE......... Michael F

Aug. 10

    Been away for a few days with the family. The rest of the tour went smooth great weather, cool venues and lots of music. The Starr Hill Music Hall in Charlottesville VA and The State Theater in Washington DC were both fantastic and the last show of the tour at The Jerry Birthday Bash couldn't have been better. They sure know how to host a good party there. I'll be heading home tomorrow to get ready for the final leg of our summer tour which will end up at the Vibes, that should be a fun day, Keller, Tuna, Rat Dog, The Rhythm Devils and The NRPS all on the same day. Gonna be something going on there. We're looking forward to it an can't wait. Till next time.... Michael F.

Aug. 2

    I've been off line for awhile, and actually can't get on line today either but just wanted to get some stuff down before I forget. The Balloon Festival went off great, it rained a bit earlier in the day and we thought we might be in for another rainy day and evening but the rain came a went pretty quick. By time we went on at 8:00 it was a very nice dry summer night. We played our ninety minute to several thousand people, our show was followed by a giant fireworks display. A fun night all in all. On Saturday night and Sunday afternoon we were at Turkey Trot Acres for a two day show and DVD/CD shoot. It was very hot but I think everything went well and the DVD/CD should see the light of day with in the next few months. Pete and Sherry who own and run Turkey Trot Acres couldn't have been nicer to work for. They put us up and fed us like kings. We hope to play there again next year...... Michael F.

July 24

    Well, day two wasn't any drier, but we had a great time in spite of it. The crowd wasn't bothered by it either. We did two sets starting around 8:00 and ending just after curfew at 11:30. Sunday was also a blast. The sun came out, and I sat in with NRPS drummer Johnny Markowski's band Stir Fried. We went on at about 2:00 and played for two hours just before Dark Star Orchestra. A Bears Picnic over all was a fantastic experience for all who attended. It's a small festival that I hope it will grow in the future (but not too big). Ben and the whole gang there did a great job with everything so I hope they'll continue onward. This was a short run for the NRPS, but we start back up in three days and go out for two weeks. Then we have a week off followed by an other ten days ending up at The Vibes with Rat Dog, Hot Tuna and a whole host of others. That show is going to be a wild one. Things are continuing to move fast in NRPS world with lots of exciting things on the horizon. First up is a two-day DVD shoot for a new DVD/CD package which will be shot live at Turkey Trot Acres on the 29th and 30th of this month. We'll also be at the SUNSHINE DAYDREAM FARM  festival for the JERRY GARCIA BIRTHDAY BASH along with Keller Williams, Blues Traveler and others. There are lots of other cool gigs coming up, which are on my tour page. Also keep your eyes on the look out for some really fantastic stuff going on this fall and winter. Did I just say winter? Man, time is flying by. So, that's it for now........ Michael F.

July 22

    Day one at the Bears Picnic was a pretty wet one. Midday the sky opened up, and it poured hard for about two hours. It did delay the Kettle Joe band with Donna Jean Godchaux from getting onstage on time, but once they did they sounded fantastic. We went on to a packed house a little later and were joined for a few songs during our set by Donna Jean, Mookie Siegel, Wendy Lanter and Jeff Mattson all from Kettle Joe's. Donna Jean did Take A Letter Maria (a song which she sang on the original version of), Jeff did Any Naked Eye and Truck Driving Man along with Mookie Siegel, and then Wendy came out and sang on Garden of Eden. Later Donna Jean and Mookie came back and did Ripple with us to close out the night. It was a great night of music and friendship. We'll be doing more show together in the future so I'm sure there'll be more cross pollinating going on. Well, that's it for now. I'm going to head over to the site for day two and will give you the low down tomorrow........Michael F.

July 21

    Getting ready to head down the road to A Bears Picnic out in Pennsylvania with the NRPS. Last night we had a fun show at Berkner Hall in Brookhaven on Long Island. Joe Vignola and the rest of the gang there know how to host a great party. It was the first show of this run, and it was great to get back together with the guys and play music. We're all looking forward to the Bears Picnic today and tomorrow and then again on Sunday when Johnny's band Sir Fried plays. Ronnie and Buddy will be playing with them and most likely I'll play a number or two also. Should be a fantastic weekend. I've got to go now and pack for the road trip to Penn. More on all this later...........Michael F.

July16

    I'll be on Jerry Schaefer's radio show Graveyard Blues tonight on WRCN 103.9 at 8:00 PM. We'll be playing some classic New Riders of the Purple Sage and talking about the recent tours and goings on with the NRPS. We'll also be giving away some tickets to this Thursday night's show at Berkner Hall in Brookhaven on Long Island. If you would like to purchase some of the remaining tickets, you can do so at The NRPS have played on Long Island twice before for private shows. This is the first time this version of the band will be on Long Island for a show open to the public, and we expect a wild night. If you haven't listened to Jerry's show Graveyard Blues, you should. It's one of the last non-formatted shows on FM radio. I've done the show a bunch of times in the past. It's the kind of show where he can play anything he feels, new, old, unreleased or whatever. I'll most likely also be playing a few cuts from my next CD Crazy Days. The CD is coming along and should be out this fall. The album features some really great players. The late Vassar Clements makes an appearance on some of the cuts along with Melvin Seals, Buddy Cage, Kerry Kearney and Kane Daily, among others. I even got together with my old band The Memphis Pilgrims and did 4 tracks. I'm hoping to get a few more key players on board before all is said and done. I'll keep you posted. Anyway tune in tonight, and maybe you'll win some tickets..... Michael F.

July 10

    I just got my copy of the new Rex Benefit show CD available at the Grateful Dead store at www.dead.net. Here's what the writeup says about it. "On November 12, 2005, The Zen Tricksters and Special Guests, Mickey Hart, Donna Jean Godchaux, David Nelson, Tom Constanten, Michael Falzarano, Rob Barraco, Greg Anton, David Mackay and Wendy Lanter, came together for the first ever NYC Rex Foundation Black Tie-Dye Ball Benefit and created a night of incredible musical chemistry. Recorded LIVE at the Concert Hall, New York Society of Ethical Culture." This two-disc set captures the amazing energy of the concert. All the proceeds of the sale of this CD go to the Rex Foundation. My hats off to Donna Jean and The Tricksters who did a fantastic job mixing it and putting the whole thing together. It also includes my song When There's Two There's Trouble with the whole gang playing on it. I'm really pleased with it. If you want to support The Rex Foundation, go on over to Deadnet and pick it up..........Michael F.

July 7

    Been getting caught up on the home front stuff. I forgot to mention a few things in my last post. Bob Matthews and Betty Cantor were at The Gratefulfest at Nelson Ledges and recorded the whole weekend, so hopefully the tapes will surface soon. Also Bob joined us on bass guitar for a song, The Last Lonely Eagle and did an outstanding job with it. Bob was the very first bass player with The New Riders even before Phil Lesh. It was great to have him sit in. Later in the evening NRPS David Nelson joined DSO for Cumberland Blues, which sounded sweet. Not much else happening at this point so that's it for now........ Michael F

July 4

    Happy Independence Day to all. Well, I'm back home from tour now for about two weeks before we head out again. The whole tour was another grand success. We played at a whole other level, and the audiences were very enthusiastic. I want again to thank everyone who came out to the shows and voiced their support for the band. Also I've got to thank our hardworking crew for making it all happen smoothly. Toast our Road Manager, "The Sound Dawg" Tim Stigler for doing sound so well, Lil' Toast for taking care of the guitars and drums along with Scare Crow who is also our monitor guy, and whenever time allows, opens the show for us as a 'Scropener and does a fine job of it at that. The last show was at The Gratefulfest at Nelson Ledges. We went on and did a two-hour set and were followed by Hot Tuna, Keller Williams and then DSO. It was great to see and get to hang with Jorma and Jack for a bit. I see Jorma often at his guitar camp The Fur Peace Ranch where I teach 3 or 4 times a year. Jack I haven't seen for a few years. My how time flies by. It was great to reconnect with him, and I'm glad to know that he and his wife Diana are both doing well. Also this was the first time I got to hear the new Tuna lineup. They sounded fantastic. Barry Mitterhoff rocked the mandolin while Eric Diaz pounded out the beat. I also got to hang and talk to both Barry and Eric after the show, really nice guys. We all had some laughs, and then it was time to move on down the road -- Tuna to another gig and The Riders home for a bit. I've got some studio work I've got to get back to before we head out again so there's no rest for the weary around here. Till next time... Michael F.

July 3

    Got to run so this is a short one, but just wanted to say thanks to all who came to Peaches last night. We had a great show. Now I've got to get on the bus and get to the festival site. Till tomorrow..... Michael F.

July 2

    I haven't played Ziggy's for quite awhile. Last time I played there was with Jorma back in the mid nineties. It hasn't change much, still a fun place to play. It's an old rustic style open air road house with wooden floors and shutters, no glass and big fans blowing. The audience was rocking through out. We did our two sets and had to blast out of there right away to get to Ohio to play Peaches Grill, so there was no hang time. But it was great to see the folks who run the club again, and a good time was had by all. Tonight it's a sold out show at Peaches Grill then tomorrow we'll be at Grateful Fest. along with my old buddies Hot Tuna. Should be a fun time. More on that as it unfolds.........Michael F.

July 1

    We just pulled into North Carolina after a 8-hour overnight bus ride and will be at Ziggy's tonight. The show last night at The Free Bird Live was another fantastic night. The club's sound system made it a pleasure, and the audience enthusiasm was just too much. We had a blast. Can't wait to play there again. Well, the votes are in and New Riders drummer Johnny Markowski won the Jambands.com contest for best drummer. Congratulations. We here at NRPS central would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote. So, in his honor we broke out one of his songs last night, a tune called Higher. The crowd loved it, and we rocked. I'm sure it's a keeper, and we'll be playing it often now. For those of you that are keeping up on the set list thing that makes three break outs on this tour so far. The other two were Peggy O and Long Black Veil. I'm gonna try to get a little sleep before the gig tonight so that's it for now...... Michael F.

June 30

    We had a fantastic time last night at Skippers Smokehouse. It's an outdoor club so it was hot, but the near capacity crowd who attended rocked out and danced all night from the first note to the last. Today we're off to Jacksonville to play The Free Bird. I've got to pack and get on the bus, but I'll give you the full report tomorrow....Michael F.

June 29

    We had a Sold Out show at the Bamboo Room tonight. What a cool place -- you should check it out if you're in the West Palm Beach area.  Lake Worth to be exact. We're up early tomorrow and off to Tampa to play Skippers Smokehouse. So this just a quick note and off to bed. Till tomorrow.... Michael F.

P.S. We had two break out numbers tonight, Peggy O and Long Black Veil....more to follow......

June 28

    Another few shows are under our belt. Sunday night we played The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock NY then made the 17-hour overnight bus trip to South Carolina to play the Pour House. They were both great shows. Professor Louie and The Crowmatix opened the Woodstock show. They sounded fantastic. They've settled into a great lineup and their sound has really jelled. I spent two years playing with them and have many a great tale to tell for it. Professor Louie and his fiddle player Larry Packer both joined us for a few songs in both of our sets, and they rocked......The show at the Pour house was broadcasted over the internet, and I'm told it sounded great. We just finished the 10-hour drive to Lake Worth FL where we'll be playing a sold out show at The Bamboo Room. This is my first time at the BR. I just stopped in to check it out, and it looks like it's gonna be a good-sounding room. I'll give you the full report tomorrow. Stay tuned......Michael F.

June 25

    Played another sold out show at Mexicali Blues last night with The New Riders. As always the show was a blast. There is even some talk about playing there New Year's Eve weekend (Saturday and Sunday night). I'll keep you posted on that. I just bought a new laptop so I'll be able to keep things more up to date here. Tonight we'll be at the Bearsville Theater. Professor Louie and The Crowmatix will be opening the show. We're all looking forward to this one. The Bearsville Theater is a great place to play and hear music, and it's almost sold out to boot. Then we leave right after the show for South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina and then two shows in Ohio. It's gonna be a busy week. For the last ten days or so www.jambands.com has been running a contest of sorts "which band are you most impressed with the drummer." Johnny Markowski, The New Riders drummer, has been battling it out with Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward for number one. So go to www.jambands.com and vote for Johnny, and thanks to all those of you who have already voted. Well, that's it for know. Later....... Michael F.

P.S. I forgot to mention The Mexicali show was a three-set night. We were having such a great time we didn't feel like stopping -- what a night!

May 25

    Finished up this early spring tour with a bang, selling out the last five shows. Then we went down to Washington, DC for the Senator Patrick Leahy fundraiser with Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and The Flying Other Brothers. We had an absolute blast. Our set ended with Bob Weir joining us for Mama Tried, Big River and Henry. Then at the end of the night we all jammed on Black Muddy River and Going Down The Road Feeling Bad. The place was packed, and everyone that stopped in left with smiles on their faces. I hope we'll be back next year. I have a few days off now, and then it's out to Southeastern Ohio to The Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp with my old buddy Jorma before I go back out with The NRPS. This is going to be an action-packed summer. Stay tuned and come out to the shows. See ya there...... Michael F.

May 18

    Just stopped home for the day and am getting ready for the Sold Out show tonight at The Canal Room with The New Riders. This is going to be a fun one to play, being the first time in a long, long time the NRPS have played NYC. The energy level is way up. This whole May run as been a blast so far. Most of the shows were sellouts or close to it, and all the remaining shows are sold out. Then next week we head down to Washington DC for the Senator Patrick Leahy fund raiser with Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and The Flying Other Brothers. A lot more dates have come in so check the tour page for the updates. On a sad note, famed Grateful Dead roadie Ramrod has passed away. I know one guitar player up in heaven will be glad to see and hang with him again. I didn't know Ramrod well, but I did know him. We met on the first Furthur Festival in the mid '90s, and he was always right there to lend a helping hand and wisdom. Fare thee well. Well I'm gonna get back to packing my stuff for the rest of the tour. See you at the shows........ Michael F.

April 18

    I just got back from The New Riders tour of the West Coast. All in all it was an amazing trip from the first show to the last. The first show was at the famous GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL in San Francisco. I've played San Francisco many times with Jorma and Hot Tuna, but this was the first trip back since the 2001 New Year's Eve show. It was great to see and hang with many old friends, and the show itself went off without a hitch. The band was tight and the crowd enthusiastic. A great combination for a fun night. The next night it was off to THE CRYSTAL BAY CLUB in Nevada, one of the best sounding shows of the tour in my opinion, and a near sell-out to boot. The next stop was THE MYSTIC THEATRE in Petaluma, CA for one of the most magical shows of the tour. The show was sold out in advance so the excitement level was high. Many old friends were on hand. Robert Hunter was there and stood down front listening and singing along for the whole show before joining us on Ripple to close the show. Rambling Jack Elliot sat on stage, and Stanley Mouse was in the house along with many others. To say the night was magical is an understatement. Here's what Robert Hunter had to say in his review of the show on his website.

"Just got back from the New Riders show at the Mystic in Petaluma. It sure took me back. Packed out house singing along lustily on songs they didn't know they loved so much and suddenly discovered they did. Friends crawled out of the woodwork for this one. Betty Cantor was there and Annette Flowers; Michelle, who is to the Riders what Sue Swanson is to the Dead, first fan and lifetime helper. Dan and Patty Healy both looking great. Ramblin' Jack Elliot spry, spare, ancient and smiling. Other faces half remembered but accounted for. An aura of Joy quickly established itself, similar to the first night of the Dead at Alpine on an intimate scale (a weird parallel I know, but there you go) - the resurrection feel, not repeatable on demand. The spirit bloweth where it listeth. Everyone realized pdq it was one of those nights destined to be remembered, what the music is all about, all it was ever about: love, magic and kick ass songs.

I spent the night on my feet way up front, soaking it all in. Finally went to the back of the house, dead on said feet, with Maureen and Kate to await the encore, which was, fittingly, the late Buck Owen's "Truck Drivin Man" a song no Riders show ever omitted to play. The band's manager spotted me seated in the rear of the Mystic, said the band wanted me to do the last number with them. I said I'd worn my voice out singing along with the crowd, which was true, not to mention not having been on stage since opening for the Dead & the ABB at the Gorge a century or two ago - but there was some part of "no" he didn't understand, as a good manager shouldn't, so without bothering to have my arm politely ripped out of the socket I went up and did it.

Long time since I've been on stage but I can always pull a Ripple out of the hat. How sweet it was to finally sing with the New Riders of the Purple Sage after nearly forty years. A deep emotional experience on the heels of one of the best NRPS shows I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of them. Old Nelson had tears in his eyes, Buddy sitting there like a great glowing Buddha of the pedal steel. Old home night in the 21st Century. The ghosts of Spencer Dryden, Dave Torbert, Skip Batten and Dale Franklin singing along on the chorus, JG present in the melody itself. 

Buddy Cage,  Michael Falzarano,  Robert Hunter,  Johnny Markowski,  David Nelson,  Ronnie Penque

The missing Marmaduke seemed supernaturally imminent in the voices of Michael Falzarano of Hot Tuna, whose rhythm guitar is simple and absolutely superb, and of Ronnie Penque and Johnny Markowski of the DN band who acquitted themselves with honors. Each of the three is capable of believably copping the Dawson style without which it wouldn't be the Riders. So much so that it seemed like a chorus of Marmadukes on the harmony parts! I won't even get into what a storm Nelson picked on his Telecaster, and of course, Buddy is Buddy. Nuff said. If this sounds like a rave review, so be it. Go get 'em Riders!"   Robert Hunter

Thanks Robert for all the kind words. I hope you'll be joining us again soon, anytime anyplace.

BLUE LAKE CASINO, a fun show on Indian reservation, followed. The show went well although we were still catching our breath from the previous night's events, The crowd got us going again, and everyone had a great time dancing, singing along and rocking out. After the show we made the trek up to Eugene to play Taboo. What a crazy night this turned into, and I mean that in the best of ways. About five minutes after we pulled up in our tour bus, the Furthur Bus pulled in behind us full of The Merry Pranksters, who later that night did a set of their own.  We joined them for a wild rendition of Turn On Your Love Light. What a night it was. Next in line was THE TRIPLE DOOR in Seattle. This was a new club for me. Most of the others on this tour I've played in the past. It had the look of an old classy Las Vegas dinner club, and it had a killer sound system so the show sounded great. Towards the end of the first set and again in the second set we had John Popper of Blues Traveler come out and sit in with us on harp. The near capacity crowd went wild, and the band rocked.  Again I have to say what a night. This show made it six in a row. We were all looking forward to a day off when a call came in asking us if we wanted to do an unannounced show in Portland the next night with John Popper at Salaba's. We all agreed (except for Buddy Cage who had a previous commitment). We sometimes jokingly call ourselves The Pontificators so we decided on the name of John Popper and The Pontification Nation. With less than 24 hours of notice 300 people showed up. We did some covers, some NRPS song and some Blues Traveler tunes -- and a good time was had by all. Then it was onto  The ALADDIN THEATER for what would turn out to be another sold out show in one of the greatest towns to play, Portland. The crowds there have always been over the top with enthusiasm. This night would be no different. They showed us a great time. We then trekked to Salem, Oregon to a place called Lefty's (the owners have two daughters who are both south paws). The place has the look of an old '50s diner, the food was great the sound fantastic.  As if that weren't enough, it too was sold out.  What more could you ask for? Last but not least was our final show of the tour at THE ROGUE THEATRE making it 10 shows in a row by the way. The Rogue is an old renovated Victorian theater and a fitting place for our last show. The band was loose, and the crowd was there to have a good time which we all did. All in all it was a fantastic tour from day one to the final night. We can't wait to get back to the West Coast again, The agent is talking about possibly returning in November so we'll see. But next up is a Northeast tour which includes NYC for the first time. We'll be at THE CANAL ROOM on May 18th. This show is almost sold out so if you're thinking about it, get your tickets now. The whole tour is up on my tour page along with many other upcoming dates. Well that's it for now. Again, thanks to all who came out to support us out west, and we hope to see ya again soon........ Michael F.

March 21

    Just got back from a short run out to Colorado with The New Riders. We played three shows, two in Denver and one up in Keystone. The first night in Denver was a sold out show at CERVANTES MASTERPIECE BALLROOM with Dark Star Orchestra. We had a blast playing with them; what a great bunch of guys. The next night we were next door at QUIXOTES TRUE BLUE. Both shows were a lot of fun. All who attended seemed to be having a great time rocking out and singing along. Sunday night we went up to Keystone and played The Goat Tavern, another great time was had by all.  We even pulled out some new/old songs, I did California Day and  Dave did Duncan and Brady. Next up for us is a two-week tour on the West Coast. We start in San Francisco at GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HAL and work our way up the coast. It'll be this version of the band's first tour out west, and we're all looking forward it. All the dates are up on the tour page along with all the other dates. Well, I think that's it for now. There are a lot more things brewing and as they come together I'll let you know...... Michael F.

March 12

    The last bunch of entries got lost in cyber space, oh well. I think I figured out what went wrong, and I think I rectified it. If you're reading this, it's fixed. A lot has been going on since my last entry. Last night I went to The Beacon Theater to hang and listen to The Allman Brothers. They sounded fantastic as they always do. Great jazz drummer Roy Haynes sat in for a song as did Peter Frampton and Jay Collins on sax. They all took the band to new places. The show was sold out, and the crowd was totally into it. I've played The Beacon Theater many times with Hot Tuna and love the room as it just has a special vibe. I hope to play there again with The New Riders of the Purple Sage someday. Speaking of The NRPS, we'll be heading out to Colorado next week, then to the West Coast in April for a two-week run followed by two-week runs in May, June, July, August and September. As you can see, things are rolling along in that world. There is also some talk about doing a live DVD/CD set in few months. I'll keep you posted on that. Last week I played with NRPS bass player Ron Penque's band The Neon Gods at Mexicali Blues. That was a lot of fun, great bunch of players. I even got to break out some of my tunes, and the band did a great job with them. I've also been spending a lot of time in the studio working on my new CD, Crazy Days. The project is coming along, and I hope to have it out later this year. Well, that's it for now.  I'll be back soon, and hey, Spring will be here before we know it........Michael F.

Jan. 23

    Just returned from a short run down south with The New Riders. As with the previous tours with The NRPS, everything went great, close to sell-outs at all but one show, and The Pour House in Charleston, SC did sell out. The band is really starting to sound tight, and we are beginning to bring in some new songs which we'll be playing when we get back together in March for a run out in Colorado. We did start playing "Let It Bleed" by the Stones after we received a phone call from a friend at the Garden where they were playing.  I've played at some of the clubs on this run before with Jorma and Hot Tuna. so it was nice to play down south again and see some old friends. The NRPS have a bunch of cool tours coming up in '06 starting with Colorado in March, The West Coast in April, back to the North East in May, including NYC for the first time on May 18, followed by festivals throughout the summer. As the dates are confirmed I'll put them up. Well, that's it for now. Happy Trails........ Michael F.

Jan. 1

    Happy New Year to all. I hope you all had a fun time last night and are not paying too high a price for it today. Last year was an interesting one filled with ups and down and twists and turns, but in the end, it turned out to be a really great year.  Lost some old friends like Vassar Clements and Spencer Dryden, and made some new ones like Melvin Seals and Dave Nelson. Well, Dave I've actually known for along time, but didn't really get to know him till I joined The New Riders Of The Purple Sage, a band he helped found back in the early seventies. Joining the NRPS in October of '05 was a surprise development that just erupted out of nowhere, and it's working out really well. We've now done two tours and have many others planned for '06. I also got my album The King James Sessions out and started working on another one called Crazy Days. I hope to release it early this year. I produced a few albums for other people and taught at Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp three times last year. I also played many live shows with many other fantastic musicians like The Zen Tricksters and special guests Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay, Tom Constanten,  Mickey Hart, (Grateful Dead) David Nelson (NRPS), Rob Barraco ( Phil & Friends and The Dead), Greg Anton at the Rex fund raiser. I got to play with Melvin Seals for the first time as well as Geoff Achison, a fantastic guitarist from Australia. Played a number of shows with my old friend Kerry Kearney and wrote a song for his new album Secrets From the Psychedelta which was released in July of '05. I also played with Guy Davis and Peter  Mulvey when we did an impromptu concert at The Fur Peace Station Concert Hall. So, all in all it was a busy year. I'm looking forward to '06 and making music with my friends. Have a great one..... Michael F.

2005

Dec. 26

    Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season filled with joy. Mine is. Now it's on to New Year's Eve and a new year. More on that later. I just put up some new dates on the tour page for upcoming New Rider shows. Hope to see you all there......Michael F.

Dec. 19

    Well, I'm back from The New Riders tour. We had a blast at all the shows and four of the nine shows were Sold Out which is always great. David and Buddy were on fire every night, playing some truly amazing solos, and the songs that John Dawson and Dave Torbert wrote are so great that they almost play themselves. I had a fantastic time. I want to thank all the fans of the band that came out to the shows, and all the promoters who booked the shows. It seemed to me that a good time was had by all. There are more tours being booked for 2006 starting in the south in January, Colorado in March, the West Coast in April and then back east in May so keep your eyes and ears open. As the dates come in, I'll put them up on the tour page. Happy Holidays...... Michael F.

Dec. 6

    I'll be blasting off later on today for Cleveland, OH where I'll meet up with the rest of the New Riders to begin our winter tour. Because we had such a great time on the last run we are all looking forward to this tour. We'll be playing some new venues and and a few we've played in the past. A lot of you have emailed me about the Mexicali show tickets. All I can say is get them early. Last time many of you couldn't get in, and the only way to ensure that doesn't happen again is to purchase in advance. Likewise for the other shows as well. We'll be pulling some more classics out on this tour, which is easy to do with this band because they had so many. Well, I think I'll go finish packing and then it's off to the airport. I'm not sure I'll be able to keep you updated from there, but you can get some up to date info over at David Nelson's site on his chat page, http://www.nelsonband.com/guestbook.html Hope to see you at the shows......... Michael F.

Dec. 2

    Last night I went down to Tribeca Rock to sit in with my friends Stir Fried. The club is closing its door next week, and it was nice to play there one last time. I've been playing that club since 2000 back when it was Tribeca Blues so it's sad to see it go. Same old NYC story, lease expired and the landlord wants too much to renew it. Pretty soon there will be no small clubs in this town, which will really be too bad. Been spending a lot of time finishing up some projects and getting ready for The New Riders tour that starts next week on the 7th up in Cleveland. We're all looking forward to that. Many of the clubs are close to selling out so get your tickets early. Hope to see you at the shows....... Michael F.

Nov. 24

    Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope it's filled with love, family and friends. The weatherman is talking about snow. Now that's a little early in the game for me, but hey, bring it on. For me this has been a great year so far with much to be thankful for, but I know for others around the country and the world for that matter it has not been the best of times. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Remember Everything Changes and things will look up. Well, it looks like The New Riders tour is complete now. It will start in Cleveland, OH at WILBERTS on the 7th of December before heading down south and then winding up back in New Jersey at Mexicali Blues  for two nights on the 16th and 17th. If you plan on coming to the Mexicali shows, you might want to buy your tickets in advance. Last time it sold out quickly and many couldn't get in. In fact many of the shows sold out on the last tour, so you might want to get your tickets in advance for the other shows also. The whole tour is up on my tour page now. I hope to see you at the shows. By the way the Black Tie-Dye Ball Rex Foundation Benefit concert can now be heard on Relix Radio. The show sounds great; check it out. Everybody did a fantastic job that night. My favorite song of the the show was Dave Nelson's Any Naked Eye, which is just a great song. He also did another one of his tunes called Different World. I did one of my songs called When There's Two There's Trouble and one of my favorite NRPS songs Louisiana Lady. Maybe we'll get to play the other songs on the upcoming NRPS tour. Well, again have a happy Thanksgiving.......... Michael F.

Nov. 14

    The Black Tie-Dye Ball Rex Foundation Benefit at The Concert Hall of the New York Society for Ethical Culture this weekend was a grand success. The whole gang did an outstanding job putting it all together. Three hours of music with The Zen Tricksters and special guests Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay, Tom Constanten,  Mickey Hart, (Grateful Dead) David Nelson (NRPS), Rob Barraco ( Phil & Friends and The Dead), Greg Anton and myself. Everyone sounded fantastic. A big thanks has to go out to The Zen Tricksters for making the thing happen and go smoothly. Jeff Mattson and Klyph Black worked tirelessly behind the scene to put it together. Thanks again. I hope they do it again next year. If so, I'll be there. It was also great to hang with Dave Nelson for a few days as we get ready for our upcoming tour with the NRPS in December. It's going to be a good one. This one stays on the East Coast, but after the new year we'll head down south.  In March we'll go to the West Coast. More on all that when it comes in. The dates for the December tour are already up on my tour page so check them out. Alright, got to go get Dave and get him to the airport. Later.... Michael F.
 

Nov. 10

    Back from Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp with four days of teaching and jamming the guys. We had a blast, and the show on Saturday night with Jorma and David Bromberg was great. David also played later with The Angel Band who were also outstanding. I'll tell you this though, the drive to and from Ohio isn't getting any shorter. This Saturday night I'll be at The Concert Hall of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 W. 64 St., NYC for the  performing with The Zen Tricksters w/special guests Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay, Tom Constanten,  Mickey Hart, (Grateful Dead) David Nelson (NRPS), Rob Barraco ( Phil & Friends and The Dead) and Greg Anton among others. Some tickets are still available, but they're going fast. So get on it if you intend on going. The December tour with The New Riders Of The Purple Sage is coming together. It looks like it'll start in Cleveland on the 7th and run through the 18th, making stops in Virginia, West Virginia, DC, Maryland, New Jersey and maybe Long Island. As soon as the dates are confirmed, I'll put them up on the tour page. Well that's it for now. Hope to see ya at the shows... Michael F.

Nov. 1

    Back from Las Vegas, and as I predicted, it was a wild one. The The AT 40 Halloween bash was a total blast. Great promoters, great club, great crowd and Sold Out to boot. You can't ask for more than that. The show got underway at 6:30 with a seminar with assorted luminaries and the Merry Pranksters, then the music got going at about  8:00 and went till dawn. The New Riders Of The Purple Sage got on stage about 11:00 and did a smoking 90-minute set. The party kept right on rolling all night long into the wee hours of the morning and finally finished up at around 6:30 am. All in all, it was a one hell of a time. There's talk of doing it again next year, and you won't want to miss it if it happens again. Earlier that day I took a ride on the legendary Furthur bus. We had the whole Furthur bus experience, even got pulled over and got a ticket for going too slow in traffic. What a fantastic 24 hours. Tomorrow I head out to Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp to host and play at Jam Stock. I'm looking forward to that. It should prove to be pretty interesting. The weekend is sold out as is the show with David Bromberg on Saturday night. So those of you who signed up and have tickets, I'll see ya there. It's gonna be fun. Well, that's it for now, Blue Mountain Artists are booking another tour for the New Riders, and I'll have more info on that when I return. Until then....... Michael F.

Oct. 24

    Later this week I'll be heading out to Las Vegas for a big Halloween bash, The AT 40. It'll be held at a club called The Beach and will feature The New Riders Of The Purple Sage along with many other guests and acts. This should be a wild one. The NRPS have also signed on with Blue Mountain Artists. They will be booking us, so if you're interested please contact them at 704-525-1559. When I return form Vegas I head out to Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp to teach and play at the second annual Jam Stock. We had a fantastic time doing it last year, and I know this year will be the same -- plus there will be a show at The Fur Peace Station with David Bromberg on Saturday night. I haven't seen Bromberg in a long time so that should be fun. The show is sold out, but if you enroll in one of the classes, you're in. Got to get the week going now so we'll talk later..... Michael F.
 

Oct. 12

    Well, we finished up The New Riders Of The Purple Sage tour on Sunday at Brownies 23 East, and I gotta say the whole run was a huge success. Sell outs and record attendance at the Harvest Festival. Musically it just gelled right from the start, and it felt like we had been playing together for years. I feel honored to be able to play these great songs with original members Buddy Cage and David Nelson. For the most part I'm singing many of the songs that John Dawson wrote and sang in the original lineup of the band. John is a great songwriter, so the songs almost play themselves. He was also a great singer. We have different vocal styles, but I'm trying to capture the essence of what he did and stay true to the songs as best I can. I hope someday he'll be well enough to come out and play a few songs with us or even rejoin the band full time. You never know. Johnny Markowski (drums and vocals) and Ronnie Penque (bass and vocals) also did a fantastic job in laying down the groove. I think a special thanks has to go out to Johnny Markowski. This whole thing would not have gotten off the ground if it weren't for his idea in the first place. So John thanks -- you helped make a lot of fans happy because they got to hear the songs again, live. We are going to learn more of the tunes as we go, but here's the song list as it stands so far:

Dave is singing Garden of Eden, Dirty Business, Dim Lights-Thick Smoke, The Last Lonely Eagle, Contract, Panama Red, Lonesome LA Cowboy, Dead Flowers, Portland Woman, Ripple, Willie & the Hand Jive and Friend Of The Devil.

I'm singing Truck Driving Man, Runnin’ Back To You, Louisiana Lady, I Don't Know You, Sutter’s Mill, California Day, Nadine and Rainbow.

Ronnie is singing Whiskey, Sunday Suzie, Take a Letter Maria, Watcha Gonna Do and Henry.

Johnny, the man that got this whole thing rolling, is singing Groupie. Here's some of the others we hope add to the list: Glendale Train,  Sweet Lovin’ One, Hi Hello How Are You, and Kick in the Head, among others. Well, that's it for now. Later........ Michael F.

Oct. 7

    Another sold out show with the NRPS. Mexicali Blues was an absolute blast, even up a notch from the Rain Desert which in itself was terrific. Mexicali Blues holds about 350 people, and I tell you there were more than that in the room last night with another couple of hundred people outside who couldn't get in. I tried to tell ya to get there early if you wanted to get in, but the owner said we'll be back soon. I'll keep you posted. The band really sounded great if I must say so myself. Even though we never played together as a band before this week, when we were on stage it felt as if we've been together forever. Funny how that works. I've known Buddy and David for many years, and it's just fantastic to be playing these songs with them along with Johnny and Ronnie. Here's a list of the songs we have been playing so far.  We plan to add more as we go each night. So far Dave is singing Garden of Eden, Dirty Business, The Last Lonely Eagle, Contract, Panama Red, Lonesome LA Cowboy, Portland Woman and Willie & the Hand Jive. I'm singing Truck Driving Man, Runnin’ Back To You, Louisiana Lady, I Don't Know You, Sutter’s Mill and Rainbow. Ronnie is singing Whiskey, Sunday Suzie, Take a Letter Maria, Watcha Gonna Do and Henry. Johnny, the man that got this whole thing rolling, is singing Groupie. Here's some of the others we hope add to the list: Dead Flowers, Glendale Train, California Day, Nadine, Sweet Lovin’ One, Hi Hello How Are You, and Dim Lights. Tonight we'll be up in Woodstock, NY at  THE JOYOUS LAKE and again I say, get there early if you're going to buy tickets at the door because they're almost sold out. I hope to see you at the show........ Michael F.

P.S.  I'll be away from the computer for a few days so I'll fill you all in when I return... MF

Oct. 6

    I just got up and have to leave for the sound check at Mexicali Blues, but I just wanted to let you all know that the show last night at The Rain Desert with the New Riders Of The Purple Sage was a blast. The show was sold out and everyone who attended had a rockin' good time.  All left with smiles on their faces including the band. It just came together, like we'd been playing together for years. We started out the first set with "Henry" and ended the second set with "Panama Red" and covered a lot of ground in between. Tonight's show at Mexicali should prove to be just as good. It's very close to a sell out at this time so if you plan on stopping by you might want to get there early. Got to run, see ya at the show........ Michael F.

Oct.5

    We had our final  New Riders Of The Purple Sage rehearsal last night before our first show tonight at The Rain Desert up in Connecticut. The songs have come together and now it's time to play them live and get this show on the road. Everybody's very excited to start our little run and see how it feels to play the tunes live. We have about 30 of the songs ready to rock, which should be enough to get us going.  We're going to learn more as we go. There are a few shows being booked in late October and early November and as soon as they're inked I'll post them. Well, got to go get in the shower and then go meet the vans and head up to Connecticut and onward. Remember, support live music. I hope to see ya at the shows....... Michael F.

Sept. 17

    Been a while I know. I've been busy with the The NRPS project and working in the studio. We've been rehearsing the NRPS songs out in Nyack, NY at a friend's studio. It's coming along great. We've compiled a really great collection of songs so far and are adding more as we go.  It's starting to sound pretty good, if I say so myself. The NRPS had so many great songs that it's a bit hard to choose, but we're sorting through them. There has been a lot of interest from other promoters in booking future shows and tours after we finish our run in October. There are some very strong possibilities on the horizon. I'll keep you posted if anything comes up. We are all excited and looking forward to getting this cosmic rodeo rolling. I hope to see many of you at the shows.... Till the next time..... Michael

Sept. 1

Here's the latest news on the up coming NRPS tour.

For immediate release:

New Riders Of The Purple Sage

Featuring original members:

David Nelson & Buddy Cage

with

Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna)      Johnny Markowski (Stir Fried/JGB)

Ronnie Penque (Stir Fried/JGB/Ripple)

The New Riders of the Purple Sage Ride Again.

The long-awaited return of The New Riders of the Purple Sage has fans in a psychedelic head spin. Original members David Nelson (guitar and vocals) and Buddy Cage (pedal Steel) along with Michael Falzarano (guitar, mandolin and vocals), Johnny Markowski (drums and vocals) and Ronnie Penque (bass and vocals) will treat the Northeast to a tour with shows throughout the Tri-State area, Philadelphia and The Harvest Festival in upstate New York. Once called the greatest cosmic, psychedelic-country folk rock & roll band in the universe, the new lineup of NRPS will revive its legendary reputation in early October.

Veterans David Nelson and Buddy Cage have put together a smokin’ band to perform its timeless music to fans both old and new. "David and I will be playing our NRPS catalog," says Buddy Cage who replaced Jerry Garcia on pedal steel in the band's earliest lineup in 1971. Original bass player Dave Torbert and drummer Spencer Dryden have passed away and are now a part of the ethereal band. They will undoubtedly be smiling down as their music lives on. Co-founder John Dawson cannot lend his considerable talents due to ongoing health problems although he will be there in spirit.

Formed in 1969, The New Riders were signed to Columbia Records in 1971 by Clive Davis and its eponymous first album, New Riders of the Purple Sage, was released in September of that year to widespread acclaim. For the next 11 years the band continued to tour and release over 12 albums, selling over 4 million records. The two bands that helped define country rock as we know it are The Eagles and The New Riders of the Purple Sage. If the Eagles were the Beatles of country rock, then The New Riders of the Purple Sage were The Rolling Stones – rockin', rowdy and genuine.  The New Riders Of The Purple Sage Ride Again

August 26

    Well, as I said in my last posting below, the tour with The New Riders Of The Purple Sage Featuring Original Members David Nelson and Buddy Cage along with Michael falzarano, Ronnie  Penque and Johnny Markowski has now been booked, all six dates on the East Coast are in. See my tour page for the details. See ya at the shows........ Michael F.

August 25

    Hello all. I've been away for the last few days up at the ranch, riding around the hills on the ATVs, going horseback riding and getting dusty and dirty with The New Riders Of The Purple Sage in my headphones. I came back to a flood of emails, seems everyone wants to know about the rumored New Riders Of The Purple Sage reunion tour. I'll tell ya what I know. About a day or two after I got back from my trip to Amsterdam I got a call from Buddy Cage, Buddy and I have played together on and off with various bands for about 10 years now, so I thought it was just another call for a one off gig. I was surprised when he told me that he and David Nelson had decided to put a new version of The New Riders together to tour with and asked if I would be interested in playing guitar, mandolin and singing with them. Now, I think a little of my history is in order to put this turn of events into perspective. When I was coming up and living on Long Island in the early 70s, I had a band called The New Highway. Much of what I did in that band is what I still do today, straight up Americana, roots rock. My repertoire consisted of some originals, some blues and boogie covers, some country rock covers, a few Hot Tuna songs, a band, as you know, I later joined in 1983, played with for over 20 years and have an ongoing, positive relationship with to this day. But by far the band that was most covered in TNH was The New Riders Of The Purple Sage. I loved that band and played and sang many of their songs. So, I told Buddy, count me in. To say I'm excited to do this gig is a bit of and understatement. Here are the facts as of today. The New Riders Of The Purple Sage will be reforming with original members David Nelson and Buddy Cage along with Johnny Markowski on drums and vocals, Ronnie Penque on bass and vocals and myself on guitar, mandolin and vocals. The original bass player Dave Torbert and original drummer Spencer Dryden have unfortunately passed away and are now a part of The Heavenly Band. But I think they'll be smiling down on us knowing that their music lives on. Now, for me, John Dawson was always the driving force of The New Riders so I am disappointed that he cannot make the tour, do to ongoing health problems. The only thing I can say about that is I will try to stay true to what I think was his vision for the band. There are already about 5 or 6 dates booked that I'll put up on my tour page when I'm done here. I'll keep you posted on what happens next, and I'll leave you with this funny thought...last time I hooked up with two guys from the San Francisco bay area for a reunion tour it lasted 20 years..... Michael F.

August 16

    Buy now I'm sure you've heard the news of the passing of legendary fiddle play and all around grand gentlemen Vassar Celments. I was in the studio today, strangely enough working on a few tunes that Vassar and I recorded together for my next album when I got the news. Although I felt like calling it a day, I made the decision to work on because I know he would have preferred to make music than not. I have had the honor to know him and call him a friend for many years now. We've played together, recorded together and laughed together, and he will be missed. His music will live forever.... Michael F.  Below is the statement from his website.

VASSAR CLEMENTS (1928 - 2005)

Thank You Vassar - God Bless You. Rest In Peace.

August 9

    I just got back from my trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. I spent most of the time in Amsterdam and a few days at the end of the trip in Belgium. I had never been to Belgium before, and it's a beautiful country. I was in two cities there, Antwerp and Bruges. Both are ancient cities with lots to see. I missed the blues festival in Bruges by a day or two. I would've liked to have made it there for that because a lot of people I know were on the festival like John Hammond Jr. along with New York's Poppa Chubby and others, but that didn't work out. I spent most of my time in Amsterdam. Anyone that's been to Amsterdam knows it's a fun city with lots to do. Unfortunately there isn't much of a live music scene there at this point, but I did stop by a cool blues club. I can't remember the name right now, but I'll get it and will let you know, in case you find yourself in Amsterdam looking for the blues someday. My daughter was in a small town about 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam at The Youth Friendship Games playing soccer for one of the USA teams, The Untouchables. So my wife and I got to see some of the countryside, to and from the games in the day time. The Untouchables held their own against the all the other USA teams and some of the European teams, but in the end the Europeans proved to be too much. The Untouchables did work hard and made it to the top pool and the final rounds. My daughter was also picked for the penalty kick competition where she and four other girls from her team along with girls from other teams had to kick against a real goalie. They each got 5 kicks to get the ball by him. It was not easy. It was fun to watch, but I think the girls were a little nervous about being out there on their own. All in all the trip was a blast, and I hope to get back to Amsterdam soon. Now it's back to work..... Michael F.

July 23

    I'm heading over to Amsterdam later on today. My laptop crashed on me for some reason, if I can get it up and running again I'll have it with me. So I can update you on all the goings on while I'm there. If not it'll have to wait till I return. I spent some time in the studio last week working on various projects that I hope to finish when I return. Some cool things are going on while I'm away you might want to check out. Hot Tuna will be on the Blues Cruise on the 27th and on the 31st The Kerry Kearney Band will be on the Island opening a show for Mountain's 35th Anniversary w/ Warren Haynes. If you're in Ohio, Professor Louie and The Crowmatix will be there next week. You can check their websites for more info. Got to run. Talk to ya soon....... Michael F.

July 16

    Wow, this week flew by. Been working in the studio a lot, trying to finish up a bunch of stuff before I head over to Amsterdam next week. I just received a new CD from and old friend I met while on tour with Hot Tuna back in '92. We were on the road in Europe, Finland to be exact, playing The Pori Jazz Festival when we met. His name is Henry O. His band was also playing the festival, and he asked me to sit in on a few songs which I did and had a blast doing. We've been friends ever since. It's hard to believe that was 13 years ago, just doesn't seem that long ago. Anyway his new CD Got The Blues is really great so try to check it out. It's part acoustic and part electric, Henry is a fantastic blues guitar player with an authentic feel. Hopefully I'll get back to Finland some day, and we can play together again. Another new CD out is Secrets From The Psychedelta by The Kerry Kearney Band. I'm on two songs, and we do one of my songs together called "Planet Blues." It came out pretty good, I must say. It also comes with a DVD. You can get it at kerrykearney.com. I put up a few more Reviews, old and new on the reviews page to check out. Well, I think that's about it for now............. Michael F.

July 10

    On the way out to The Riverhead Blues Festival yesterday I stopped by Jimmy Fleming's house for his annual backyard bash. He had about 100 people there, and I sat in with his band The Electrix for their first set and had great fun doing it. It's always a pleasure playing with those guys. The party was attended by a really nice bunch of people. Everyone I met at the party was there to have a good time and a good time was had. Then I went out to the festival and caught Michael Powers, Maxine Brown and Tinsly Ellis. They were all smoking. Then at midnight I did a show with The Kerry Kearney Band at The Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. As always it was a blast, and we didn't get out of there till 3:00 am. We here at MF.com have put up a new page with some reviews and quotes, old and new. I recently got a few cool Reviews for my CD The King James Sessions, so we decided to put them up. The Relix Magazine. and  Kweevak Music Magazine reviews are already up along with some others. I'm told that I also got a review in Hitting The Note, but I haven't seen that one yet. I'm trying to track it down. If you've got it, maybe you could email it to me. This coming week I'll be in the studio and preparing to go to Amsterdam, which I'm really looking forward to. I haven't been there in a long time. Got to head out on the day.......Michael F.

July 5

    I hope everybody had a great weekend and 4th Of July celebration. I spent it out on Fire Island with friends and family. We went to the beach, did some sailing and got hooked on the TV show 24. We got hold of the first season on DVD and got sucked in immediately. I can highly recommend it. Tomorrow it's back to JMS studio to continue work on my next album, which I hope to have out later this year. This weekend is The Riverhead Blues Festival. Many of my friends are on the bill this year, such as The Kerry Kearney Band, Alexis P. Suter, The Kane Daily Band, Toby Walker and Professor Louie and The Crowmatix to name a few. I'll most likely be sitting it with some of them. On Saturday night at The Vail-Leavitt Music Hall  I'll be playing with The Kerry Kearney Band. It's sort of an anniversary party for Kerry who has now played the festival for seven consecutive years. The Vail Leavett is a small theater so if you want to attend I recommend that you get your tickets in advance. To do so click here, Tickets. Also, if you hang out at the festival till the end on Sunday, there is an festival wrap up show with Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers, who are always a crowd pleaser. It'll be at the Riverhead  Aquarium and will get underway at 6 PM... Got to go run some errands. Talk to ya later.... Michael F.

June 30

    Went to see Garth Hudson play last night, Hudson on the Hudson so to speak. He played a free show on the Hudson at Chambers St. with a full band that included two drummers, a percussionist, a horn section, a guitarist, an upright bassist and others. He did a mix of his compositions and old Band tunes. The band sounded tight, and he was (as usual) a wizard on all the keyboards, grand piano, Hammond organ, accordion and various other synthesizers. I toured with Garth a few years ago, but when you're playing on stage it's hard to hear all that's going on. So it was great to just sit back and enjoy the sounds...... I want to say a farewell to the great Chet Helms, The Father of the "Summer of Love" who died on June 25th from a stroke at the age of 62. Here's a little something someone forwarded to me that pretty much sums him up I think.
Chet Helms and his production company, the Family Dog, turned small
get-togethers of local musicians and artists into a scene that
eventually produced the great, legendary gatherings of the Summer of
Love. Rock promoter Bill Graham first turned to Chet Helms and his
well-connected family of artists and audiences in San Francisco to build
his own promotional empire, well after the local "scene" had been
established and nurtured in coffee houses all over the city.
I met him a few times when I was playing in San Francisco. He seemed like a nice guy who always treated those around him with respect. He's probably promoting a show up in heaven as we speak.........Michael F.
 

June 29.

    Where does the time go? It seems like I just got back from Jorma's camp, but it was a week ago now. I've been busy in the studio and getting my daughter off to camp. Getting back to The Fur Peace Ranch weekend, I just want to say again what a great time it was and getting to hang with G.E. Smith, Guy Davis and Peter  Mulvey made it all the better. I've known G.E. for some time now, but I just met Guy and Peter that weekend. I have listened to their music for a while now, and I'm a big fan of both. Listening to Guy you know you're listening to the real thing, and the number of songs he knows is over the top. His newest CD Legacy is fantastic. The opening tune "Uncle Tom's Dead" is a blues/rap song which features his son rapping about rap music while Guy tells it like it is, kind of a history lesson. It's one of the freshest blues songs I've heard in a while. The rest of the album just keeps getting better from there. Up until now his album Chocolate To The Bone was my favorite, but I'm really getting into Legacy now. Peter is a great singer/songwriter. I just love the way he puts a tune together. He also knows about a thousand songs. He'll be playing out on the Island here in NY later in the summer at Stonybrook so you should check him out. Well, I just got a call from a friend who said Garth Hudson is playing a free show downtown so I think I'm gonna head over and check him out and say hello. More on that later.... Michael F.

June 21

    I just got back from the Fur Peace Ranch  guitar camp where I taught my workshop "Blues For Beginners." I had a great time as usual. We had a fun bunch of guys there this weekend, about 33 of them. Everyone got along great and jammed, jammed, jammed. G.E. Smith, Guy Davis and Peter  Mulvey were also there. Both Peter and Guy were just wonderful to be around and hanging with G.E. is like hanging with any of my NY bros. Peter is a really nice guy, and Guy is a blast to be around. He must know 2,000 songs. He played and sang non-stop for three days and on Friday night drove 4 hours to Pittsburgh to play a gig at Club Cafe, then drove back in time for the Saturday morning workshop. Now that's working. On Saturday night Guy, Peter and I did a show at the Fur Peace Station. What a fun night. We each played a song...Peter followed by Guy and then me with each other comping, for about two hours. I think we each did about 10 songs. All in all, the weekend was a blast. I'm a little burnt out from the 11-hour drive night now. I do want to talk a bit more about this weekend, but it'll have to wait till later........ Michael F.

June 15

    Well, all the graduation festivities have subsided, and now my daughter's off to high school next year. Hard to believe. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone over at Grace Church School for the great education they've given her during her 9 years there. I would also like to congratulate all the kids for all their hard work over the years...... Well, I'm off to Jorma's guitar camp tomorrow. This will be a fun weekend. I'll be teaching my course "Blues For Beginners." Also on board this weekend are G.E. Smith, Guy Davis and Peter  Mulvey. The weekend is pretty much sold out so I know there'll be a lot of picking going on. Tonight I'll be at B.B. King's (237 West 42nd Street, NYC) for The Safe Space  benefit. I would Like to thank Relix Magazine and Blues Planet Records for their support and help as they were both very generous and eager to lend a helping hand.  Well, I guess it's time to pack for the trip to Ohio tomorrow. I'll give you the full report when I return....... Michael F.

June 8

    The last few days have been spent getting ready for my daughter's graduation and working with Kerry Kearney on his next release. Last night we cut some vocals on a song I wrote a while back called "Planet Blues" which features some great New Orleans style piano playing by Tony Campo. A few days earlier we worked on another tune of mine called "It's A God Almighty World" which Jorma recorded a while back on his album Land of Heroes. Some of The Electrix stopped by to lend a hand on that one. Both of the songs are coming along great as is the rest of the album. The next few days I'll spend working on the graduation celebration at my daughter's school, then it's back to the studio. Well, it looks like summer is here in New York. It's about 90 degrees today so I think I'm going to go out and enjoy some sunshine. Bye for now..... Michael F.