News and Notes from Rick Malis . . .
This week I will be playing in the round with Tom Breiding and Robert Wagner this Saturday night, February 25th at the Three Penny Opry at The Starlite Lounge in Blawnox.

We will be singing songs that we wrote that were inspired by the Pittsburgh region. The show starts at 8:00 p.m.

Coincidently, one of my Pittsburgh songs, “Shot and a Beer Town” was picked as one of five finalists in a Post Gazette contest about songs about Pittsburgh. Here’s the link: http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/
I’m not trying to influence your vote but …

Also, my new CD, “Blue and Brokenhearted” is now up on the Sugar Babe Records web site for sale. A link will get you to CD Baby’s site where you can sample the tunes.

Hope to see you on Saturday night.

Dennis McCurdy and the Lonesome No More Band
It's Not With Blinded Eyes

Next Saturday . . .
Next Saturday’s show is going to feature Robert Wagner, Tom Breiding, and myself singing in the round. The theme of the evening will be songs about or inspired by Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. I will also be doing a song or so from my new CD “Blue and Brokenhearted”.

This Saturday . . .
Art Gazdik, Gerard Rohlf and David Yates will be playing some Irish music.

Dennis McCurdy has an Irish name.

Scott Milner and Richard Kobertz will be playing from a largely American songbag.

And Robert Wagner will be there for moral support.

Good people. Good music. Good times.

THIS SLACKER KILLED THE SING-ALONG THAT KILLS FASCISTS

Folks,

The sing-along could have been a wonderful event, had I been prepared. I owe everybody who attended, as well as Pete Seeger and the ghosts of Leadbelly and Woody, an apology. I did let myself get too busy to bring off the evening as I should have. I didn't learn most of the songs I played until the afternoon of the sing-along. I didn't even create an outline for the evening. So, please forgive me for limiting by omission what could have been a very memorable night. That we enjoyed it as much as we did betokens just how much finer it could have been with a little attention and care. I offer a special apology to Mr. Robison who came out specifically for the sing-along and who, to the best of my knowledge, had never attended a Three Penny Opry event before. And to the couple who had come for the sing-along, but left in a huff before the opening act was finished.

If I get another crack at organizing a show for 3PO, and I hope that I may, I give my word to come prepared. I would, in fact, like to try a variant on the same Sing-Along theme.

Your Servant in Song,
Jack Erdie

Love, Pittsburgh Style
Check out John Hayes' compilation here.

This Sing-Along Kills Fascists
A Tribute to Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. Hosted by Jack Erdie

Straight from the moonlist:

Midnight Special is one of many songs that Leadbelly helped to put on the world's musical landscape.

This Saturday (February 11) at The Starlite, we're having a night of singing in tribute to Leadbelly, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Things will get started around 8:00.

Jack Erdie is the host, and we're calling the night THIS SING ALONG KILLS FASCISTS.

Why the "heavy" title? Woody Guthrie wrote THIS MACHINE KILLS FASCISTS on his guitar. Pete Seeger wrote THIS MACHINE SURROUNDS HATE WITH LOVE AND FORCES IT TO SURRENDER on his banjo.

Most of us just write the lyrics of our songs on little cheat-sheets we tape to the sides of our guitars just in case we forget the words.

Pumpkin Raves

No not Linus on ecstasy and Northern Soul music, but a glowing review of Jack Erdie's latest.

Just a Pickin' and a Barkin'
This Friday (and the first Friday of EVERY month)at 8:00 pm, it's BLUEGRASS NIGHT at The Threepenny Opry in the back room of The Starlite Lounge. Howard Davidson hosts.

If you haven't been around a lot of bluegrass music, you'll be pleased to know that the people are as genuinely friendly and warm as you'll find anywhere. You don't have to worry about fitting in. It's a given--you will fit in.

Another cool thing is that you'll find people who were alive when Roosevelt was President sitting right along with people who weren't yet born when Carter was President. It's neat to see people of all ages having a good time together.

On Saturday night, Norman Nardini is hosting a pep rally for The Steelers. The Saturday shows at The Starlite usually happen in the back room, but Norman will be in the bar. He'll get rolling around 9:00.