We have lost a really, really good man.

Garlan "Gar" Williams of Hudson, Florida died April 26, 2012 at the age of 61 after a three year battle with cancer.

Gar and his wife Tammy were the folks in charge of the annual Angelus Country Concert and Golf Tournament event in Tampa, Florida. Working with Charlie Daniels and so many others, they raised a lot of money to help keep the Angelus open and caring for non ambulatory kids and adults. Read all about the Angelus here.

Anyone wishing to remember Gar may make donations to The Angelus or HPH Hospice.

I am posting the thoughts of a few of the Angelus regulars in tribute to a life lived well. A man who would give the shirt off of his back to help others. A man I was blessed to know for the past 14 years.

A HERO: By CHARLIE DANIELS

A little piece of my heart resides in the Tampa Bay area at a place called The Angelus where some special people are taken care of with a kind of love and selflessness that you rarely run across this day and age.

The reason I say that is because The Angelus provides care for people who truly cannot take care of themselves because of physical and mental disorders that leave them wheelchair bound, some of them unable to even speak and totally incapable of taking care of even their most basic hygiene needs.

Dave and Pauline Shaffer and their son Joe oversee the care and the constant needs of 30 or more "clients" as they call them, though I think patients would be a more descriptive term, as their every need is a hands-on proposition morning, noon and night.

Constant, demanding and largely thankless for anybody who is not totally devoted to doing the Lord's work.


As is the case with most of these shelters in the storm, there is never enough money to go around and it's seldom want to or need to, but have to, that governs the budget leaving little for the small extras that can help brighten the lives of people who, spend 24 hours a day in bed or a wheelchair

Though there are many good people involved in donating and raising funds for The Angelus, nobody has ever been more faithful and devoted to the cause than Gar and Tammy Williams, who over the course of many years have given their money, their time and their hearts and souls to make life a little better for some people who fly below almost everybody's radar.

Organizing events, coordinating logistics, contacting artists to do concerts, attracting golfers to play in the tournaments, securing sponsors, seeing to the needs of scores of participants and guests, and the list goes on and on, and they tirelessly attended to each detail, seeking no glory and asking no thanks.

After a long battle with cancer, Gar Williams went home this morning, leaving a rich legacy of service to his fellow man and more friends than can be counted.

Gar Williams was a man's man, an imposing, larger than life ex-pro football player whose gentleness was touching, whose energy was boundless and whose heart was several sizes larger than most.

To say Gar will be missed is an understatement, it's hard to imagine going to Tampa for our annual event and not getting a bear hug and spending time with one of my favorite people.

I loved Gar Williams and the many good deeds he left behind will be long remembered.

To Tammy and the family,

Hazel, Charlie, Jr., myself, and all of The CDB organization extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences.

Rest in peace, buddy.
Your friend and admirer,

Charlie Daniels
(Reprinted from Charlie's Soapbox at charliedaniels.com)




FROM GUY GILCHRIST - NANCY Cartoonist and Recording Artist. An Angelus Regular

It was always about the Angels of The Angelus, wasn't it, Gar? All about loving them so much. All about the feeling they give you when they look at you so happy and so so loved. Charlie, Doug, Danny, you brought us all together to feel that. To know God's love filling my heart right here on Earth during my lifetime....so I wouldn't have to wait to get to Heaven to feel that kind of love. Now, you've gone there before me, Gar. And I've got to try and be joyous for you. You are beyond the pain and get to be with the angels forever. But, I'm telling you....man....it's a rough day down here on Earth today. Gar...we'll see each other again, and laugh again. My love to Tammy, and my Angelus family.  - Guy Gilchrist


FROM THE CHARLIE DANIELS WEBSITE
The CDB family wishes to extend their condolences to Tammy Williams over the loss of her husband Gar, who passed away on April 26th after a long battle with cancer.

Gar and Tammy have been huge supporters of The Angelus in Hudson, FL over the years, and have helped raise countless dollars to help keep it operating.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tammy. Gar will be sorely missed.

To learn more about The Angelus and how to help support the work they do, go to: http://www.theangelus.com

FROM MICHAEL  BUFFALO SMITH
From the first time I was introduced to you some 14 years ago at my very first Angelus event, I thought the world of you. A big man, a towering figure, a former pro football hero. A gentle giant with a heart as big as Texas.

Over the years I have had so many good times at the Angelus events, playing music in the Lobby Bar, jamming late at night with all of my Southern Rock and country heroes, and onstage during the big concerts with Doug and Marshall Tucker, The Charlie Daniels Band and others. One thing I remember most is feeling so special when you gave me the big Gar smile, and the many times you thanked me for my tiny contribution and complemented me on my music and writing. You had a way of making us all feel like rock stars.

When Tammy told me three years ago about your cancer, I broke down and cried. That is, until I saw you a while later at the Angelus event and  I was made to feel so good by your simple words when I told you I was sad, “Well, I'm ready whenever it is my time. Until then, I am going to just keep doing what I do and trying help these kids any way I can.” Selfless. Wow. I want to be more like you Gar.

I had no idea that that night in the big tent for the banquet would be the last time I would speak to you. I didn’t attend the two years after that, but was so excited that I am coming back this year. I was looking forward to seeing you again. The thing is, I may not see you, but I guarantee you I will feel your presence. Your spirit will be felt at Angelus from now on.

Well. I will let you go now. I am sure you hare to visit with Tommy Crain, Taz DiGregorio, Rene Gray and all the other friends who have crossed over. Tell them all ol’ Buffalo says hello, and when my time comes brother, I will see you in the light.

To Tammy, I know you will be fine. You are one tough lady. I know you will miss your sweet man, but I know you will keep moving forward with your life’s work, just like Gar would want. God bless you darlin.’ I’ll see you in December.

With a heavy heart, Michael Buffalo

Buffalo’s Top Ten of The Week

Basically, this is simply the most played recordings at the UMT offices this week. This includes new releases, old records, demos,  and even DVDs. Another blatant attempt to influence your musical tastes.



1. Blackberry Smoke  Little Piece of Dixie
    You kiddin’ me? These guys had me at hello. Everything I love about southern rock in one package delivered from Atlanta.
2. Kara Clark  Southern Hospitality
    Kara rocks my planet. She’s like the love child of Ozzy Osbourne and Patsy Cline. An outstanding songwriter who breaks every rule in Nashville. Yeah!
3. Thomas Wynn & The Believers   Brothers and Sisters
    One of my favorite groups. Thomas and Olivia are the coolest brother and sister team since Donnie and Marie. The songs are top of the line.
4. Buster Cousins Band   Jacksonville
    Super fresh Southern Rock from Mark Emerick (Commander Cody) and Timmy Kelliher (Galloway Kelliher). Good stuff.
5. The Handful  Wooden Indian
    A hard rocking trio from New York that has some real Southern Rock vibes.
6. Blues Traveler   25
    The ultimate collection from John Popper and the boys. Brand new release also includes some very cool alternate versions and demos.
7. The Marshall Tucker Band  Together Forever
    Sure, I like all the albums. But this week I pulled this one out to listen to the great “Singing Rhymes” again. Doug Gray just wails on this one!
8. Swampdawamp  Short Stories from a Long Road
    Another one of my favorites of the “newer” bands. I could listen to Gig Michaels sing the phone book. He’s original.
9. Grinderswitch  Hearts of the South
    After doing the Macon Hearts of the South show with Larry Howard, I pulled out some Grinderswitch. Always good for what ails ya.
10. The Allman Brothers Band  Brothers and Sisters
      Sure it spawned huge hits like “Ramblin’ Man” and “Jessica,” but one of my favorite cuts is Dickey Betts singing “Pony Boy.”

What do you think?

- Buffalo

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When I got word a few days ago that Levon Helm was in the final stages of cancer, I was stopped right in my tracks. After all, Levon has been a part of my musical life since the earliest days of high school, when I was forming my playlist of bands that I would love for the rest of my life. Certainly The Band ranked right up there in the top part of that list. 

I had heard that Helm had been very ill for the past few weeks. He underwent a medical procedure earlier this year but was back on stage in March.Then last week he postponed a series of shows due to a slipped disc in his back. He also canceled his performances this past weekend. Also confusing fans who purchased tickets to one of those postponed shows, they received a message stating, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Levon Helm band show slated for April 6th at The Wellmont Theatre, will not be re-scheduled. Levon and the band thank everyone for their continued support and are truly sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused.”

Helm’s high profile 72st birthday concert in Kingston, NY was also recently removed from his website. In addition, noted music talk show personality Matt Pinfield tweeted, “The RnR HOF ceremony’s memorial is starting now with who died this year and both Levon Helm of the Band and Robin Gibb are on their death beds tonight” (later though the legitimacy of Pinfield’s knowledge of Helm’s health was publicly called into question).

During an induction speech last Saturday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Helm's former bandmate Robbie Robertson offered his "prayers and love" for the drummer, adding to the public speculation.

All questions were answered yesterday when his wife posted the following statement on his Official Website.

Dear Friends,
Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.
Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...We appreciate all the love and support and concern.

From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy

Levon is one of a kind. Although I never met him, my friend Mitch Lopate hung out with him several times and assures me Helm was just as down to earth and kind as I had imagined. We will miss him greatly.

-Buffalo

It has been quite some time since I saw a movie that just made me laugh nonstop from start to finish. I am still grinning.

Peter and Bobby Farrelly direct from a script they penned with Mike Cerrone (Me, Myself & Irene), and the movie is a real comedy winner. The PG rated film starts out a little slow as we are introduced to the baby stooges and then see them as 12 year-olds for a while. It is after they are all grown up, about fifteen minutes into the film, that the real hilarity ensues. Like a non-stop action film, The Three Stooges is a non-stop comedy.

Will Sasso as Curly Howard, Sean Hayes as Larry Fine and Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe Howard are the perfect cast. Each actor not only looks like their character (especially Moe), they have the voices and mannerisms down pat. It’s uncanny.

Sofía Vergara adds some real sexy scenes with her low cut tops and over the top beauty. Even if she is a downright evil character. Hey, if you’re gonna be killed, it might as well be done by a hottie, right?

Jane Lynch is great as Mother Superior, as is Jennifer Hudson as a nun who even gets a chance to sing a few bars of a gospel tune, and the Sports Illustrated model Kate Upton makes a great nun as well, especially when she emerges from the swimming pool at the end of the movie in an over the top sexy swim suit. It will be interesting to see what the Catholic church has to say about that wacky comedy stunt. Of course, the nun that steals the show is Larry David as Sister Mary-Mengele. I know, right?

The Stooges recreate many of the stunts and bits we all remember from the old shorts, but they also add a lot of bits that the Stooges might have done in 2012. Just a hilarious and well done tribute to the real Kings of Comedy, Moe, Larry and Curly. Soitenly!

-Michael Buffalo Smith



  

The notes have been piling up and I could barely see over the dash. Time to post a few and watch the road!

CRUISIN’

The Native American Heritage Association presents Rock Legends Cruise II, setting sale January 10, 2013 and returning January 14.  The line up of performers so far includes: Paul Rogers, Foreigner, 38 Special, Creedance Clearwater Revisited, Bachman & Turner, The Marshall Tucker Band, Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Molly Hatchet, The Kentucky Headhunters, Pat Travers, The Artimus Pyle Band, Black Oak Arkansas, The Royal Southern Brotherhood, Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, Swampdawamp, and Whiskey Meyers. Rock Legends Cruise I made history, and how it’s time to do it all over again. Get more info and book your cabin at www.rocklegendscruise.com.

Reigning ICM Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year, The Roys, invite their fans to join them for Danny Stewart's Bluegrass Cruise aboard CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE'S Sensation January 20-24. The spectacular vessel departs Port Canaveral, Florida for two, four-night Bluegrass sailings January 20-24 and January 27-31, but THE ROYS will entertain during the first sailing only. Ports of call include the exciting islands of Freeport and Nassau; the current, "Early Bird" price of $499 per person (based upon double cabin occupancy) is valid through April 3, but bookings will continue at varied prices. The cost includes luxurious shipboard accommodations and all food and beverages except for carbonated and alcoholic drinks.

 Fans can reserve their spot at www.theroysonline.com.


CENTRIC Television (a part of BET Networks, a division of Viacom)  joins the incredible array of R&B superstars scheduled to set sail on the first-ever Soul Train Cruise as the network is named an official media partner.  Home to the Soul Train Awards and the legendary weekly Soul Train series, CENTRIC will helps steer the iconic show in new and exciting destinations including extensive cruise promotions on the network, onboard events and co-branding opportunities.  The love, peace and Soul Train travels from the tracks of your memories to the sea your soul on its maiden voyage from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on February 17th, 2013 with intimate concerts and round-the-clock activities featuring Patti LaBelle, The O’Jays, Kool and the Gang, Jeffrey Osborne, War, the Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding, Sr. and the Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans, George Duke, comedian Alonzo Bodden and many more will be onboard.  Special early reservation rates are now available through April 30th, 2012.

FESTIVALS
Just when you think it can’t get any better, organizers announce the addition of Willie Nelson, Uncle Kracker and Needtobreathe to the impressive list of performers set to take the stage at BamaJam 2012 on Thursday, June 14 through Saturday, June 16 in Enterprise, Alabama. These performers join previously announced stars Kid Rock, Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson in what promises to be the premier entertainment and lifestyles event of the south. Stay tuned for even more artist announcements and a full festival schedule!

Specially priced 3-day tickets are available online at www.bamajam2012.com, as well as through Ticketfly.com, or charge by phone at (877) 4FLYTIX or (877-435-9849).
 
If you would like to be a sponsor or if you have any questions regarding ticketing, please call (615) 340-9500.

Known as the Northeast’s premier music, arts and camping festival, the 17th annual Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, Conn. will deliver a four-day extravaganza featuring a stellar lineup including: Primus, Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsby with Special Guest Branford Marsalis, Mickey Hart Band, Sound Tribe Sector 9, The Avett Brothers, along with Yonder Mountain String Band, 7 Walkers, The Greyboy Allstars, and Steel Pulse. Vibes favorites Dark Star Orchestra, Zappa Plays Zappa, and Bridgeport’s own Deep Banana Blackout will return to the stage in 2012. Over 40 bands will perform on multiple stages located throughout the 370-acre beachfront venue. While Early Bird tickets have sold out, Way Advance ticket pricing has been extended as a token of thanks to the “Vibe Tribe” for their neverending love of great music and good times.

TOUR NEWS
Sure to be one of this touring season’s hottest packages, The Gang of Outlaws Tour, brings three leaders of their respective genres together for six weeks of performances this May and June.  Joining the legendary ZZ Top are 3 Doors Down and, on most of the dates, Gretchen Wilson. The tour will alight at select eastern, southern and mid western venues, kicking off May 25 in Manchester, NH. GangOfOutlaws.com 


Benatar released her long-awaited autobiography in 2010, Between a Heart and a Rock Place, which allowed the world a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of the most beloved female rock ‘n’ roll icons of all time. In between albums, the extraordinary pair enjoys devoting time to their 2 daughters, philanthropic/charity work, production projects, writing, touring, managing their vitamin company, and developing new music that is slated to be released in 2013.


RIP
We were saddened to learn of the recent death of amplification innovator Jiim Marshall. The man who gave rock one of its key visual and sonic props has died. Jim Marshall, known as "The Father of Loud" for inventing the Marshall amplifier, was 88 years old.

Marshall was a drummer and drum teacher who used his earnings to set up a music shop in west London in 1960. Among his customers were the likes of Ritchie Blackmore and Pete Townshend, and it was through talking to them that Marshall realised there was a gap in the market for a guitar amplifier cheaper than the American-made models popular at the time. When, at Townshend's request, a Marshall 1959 amplifier head was teamed with a cabinet, the "Marshall stack" was born, becoming the defining feature in rock bands' backlines for generations to come.


MORE NEWS...
Rock 'n' roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis was recently married for a seventh time -- this time to the ex-wife of a cousin whose sister Lewis wed when she was 13. Lewis, 76, married Judith Brown, who was previously married to his cousin, Rusty, on March 9 in Natchez, Mississippi, according to his representative Maureen O'Connor. Lewis and his sixth wife, Kerrie McCarver, were married for 20 years and had a child. They were divorced in 2004.

Stevie Hawkins has been nominated in the 2012 Indie Music Channel Awards for "Best Male Blues Artist" and "Best Blues Live Performance."  The awards ceremony will take place April 29, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Foundation Room at the House Of Blues on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
Meanwhile, check out us out at: http://www.steviehawkins.com/asteroidfunk.html


Recently Montgomery Gentry joined TNA Wrestling’s "Cowboy" James Storm for a cameo appearance in his new video for “Longnecks and Rednecks." Knowing they are huge wrestling fans, Storm invited Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry to watch him wrestle in The Impact Zone in Orlando, FL. While waiting backstage to celebrate with their wrestling buddy, the platinum-selling duo got into a slight altercation with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode during the taping of the top-rated Impact Wrestling on Spike TV.

Millions of wrestling fans witnessed TNA's Bobby Roode's vile act towards country music duo Montgomery Gentry on the Thursday, April 5 airing of TNA Wrestling, which resulted in a fight breaking out in the locker room area. Bobby Roode, Storms' "Lockdown 2012" opponent for the upcoming pay-per-view extravaganza, met Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry face-to-face. Roode's disapproval of the duo's friendship with Storm resulted in an altercation and Roode spitting his water in Gentry’s face. Immediately, a fight broke out with Eddie Montgomery's cowboy hat being ripped-off and thrown.

View the altercation here!

That's it for now! Be sure to send your music news for consideration to me a michaelbuffalosmith@gmail.com

Later, Sports Fans! Buffalo