MAY 8, 2012



• Paul Thorn's brand new album hits the streets today, and on this project he tries something fun and different: covering songs he loves by other songwriters. "I wanted to take a break from myself, do something different, and just have fun." It's an album of covers, but it's also a Paul Thorn album through and through.

Tune in tonight for a special webcast in which Paul plays and discusses tracks from his new album What The Hell Is Goin' On? and you can join in the conversation via Twitter and online chat. This all takes place on the Stageit website on release day, today, May 8th, at 7:00p CDT.

You will be able to ask questions and make comments during the show via Twitter (@pimpspreachers) and live chat on the Stageit site. The cost is $5.00 and proceeds go to benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. It's an interactive PT experience, and it's for a good cause. Go to Paul Thorn's Website and follow the link.


• Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records announced today the release of Last Of A Dying Breed from Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band’s first studio album since the September 29, 2009 release of God & Guns which debuted at #18 on the Billboard Top 20 and gave the band their highest debut since 1977.  Last Of A Dying Breed reunites the band with producer Bob Marlette who produced God & Guns.

“It was great to get back in the studio with Bob for this new album,” said Gary Rossington “we kind of went back old school this time.  All of us playing together in the studio as a band, tracking songs and creating licks.  We had a lot of fun and the music really flowed for us, so that’s when you know you are on to something good.  We can’t wait to let the fans hear these songs and play ‘em live.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd also has a new bass player, Johnny Colt, an original member of the Black Crowes who has also played with Train and Rockstar Supernova.  When asked about receiving a phone call from Rickey Medlocke on behalf of Lynyrd Skynyrd to join the band, Johnny said, “What else do you say to Medlocke, Rossington and Van Zant? We’re talking southern rock royalty.  We’re talking Lynyrd Skynyrd. The only thing out of my mouth was when and where!”


• When Jim Dickinson died on August 15, 2009 at the age of 67, his hometown paper, The Memphis Commercial Appeal ran a lengthy, appreciative obituary chronicling his many achievements and credits.  The lead read “The North Mississippi Allstars have lost their father, Bob Dylan has lost a ‘brother, rock and roll has lost one of its great cult heroes and Memphis has lost a musical icon with the death of Jim Dickinson.”

His work in the studio with the likes of Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Big Star, the Replacements, Ry Cooder and others had consistently put him in the front ranks of recording studio “go to” guys, not only in Memphis but in Muscle Shoals and Miami, as well. His own recording career was something else entirely.

His music was powerful, a driving force, marked by explosive spontaneity, it was an outlet for a creative spirit who found inspiration in the artists with whom he worked as well as those who had influenced him early on. Son Luther Dickinson writes in his poignant liner notes, “Nobody could rock as hard as he could.”   Yet, for the first fifty or so years of his life, Jim Dickson -- as James Luther Dickinson, his recording artist alter ego -- recorded sporadically and NEVER for the same label twice.

This all changed early in the new century with the release of Jungle Jim & The Voodoo Tiger, the elder Dickinson’s album debut for Memphis International Records.  It was followed, in fairly rapid succession, with the release of Killers From Space and Dinosaurs Walk In Circles.  Now, despite the fact that he’s departed this mortal coil, comes a fourth for the label, the aptly titled I’m Just Dead, I’m Not Gone.  It’s Dickinson’s fourth album for the label and set for release on CD, LP and digitally on July 3rd.

It was on Friday, June 2, 2006 that Dickinson took to the stage of the New Daisy Theater on historic Beale Street for a rare and much anticipated show date.  Backed by the aforementioned North Mississippi All Stars, sons Luther on guitar and vocals and Cody on bass and vocals along with de facto/honorary son Chris Chew on bass plus session jack-of-all-tracks Jimmy Davis on guitar and vocals.  Front and center on piano and lead vocals was James Luther Dickson who commanded the stage for a rollicking set, the cream of which comprises  I’m Just Dead, I’m Not Gone.

-Buffalo

Talk about the end of an era. When George Lindsey passed away early this morning (May 6, 2012) at the age of 83, the world lost one of it's great southern actor/comedians.

Lindsey was best known for his character Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show from 1964 to 1968 and its successor, Mayberry RFD, from 1968 to 1971. He played the same character — a service station attendant — on Hee Haw from 1971 until it went out of production in 1993. He also did many comedy tours and private engagements as the lovable dim-witted character.

Lindsey told The Associated Press in 1985 that "America has grown up with me. Goober is every man; everyone finds something to like about ol' Goober."

Back in 2002, Bill Jarnigan  at The University of North Alabama invited me down for The George Lindsey Film Festival. Just prior to the trip, we published our first print issue of my old magazine GRITZ, and in it I featured an interview I had conducted with George. Of course, meeting and talking to him and handing him the magazine down at the school was quite a thrill. I will never forget meeting Lindsey, his hilarious presentation to the crowd, along with rare film clips, and the general good time that he and Bill delivered, along with the special guest that year, Mike Curb. As I recall, it was also my first meeting with the infamous "Leaning Man," Funky Donnie Fritts, as well as with film maker Tonya Holly. Great memories.

Check out my interview with George from 2002 here.

We'll miss you Goober, but you will live forever in one of the most popular and continuous running television shows of all time.

Funeral arrangements are still being made.

-Buffalo

Back by popular demand, here are the Top Ten spins of the week here in the palatial offices of Universal Music Tribe, just down the hall from the UMT Radio studio. Remember, the albums don’t necessarily have to be new, they just have to have that certain “thing” that makes a Buffalo smile.


1. Kara Clark  Southern Hospitality
    Nashville by way of West Virginia singer/songwriter Kara Clark is one of the most original, unique artists to be seen on a Nashville stage lately. She may have single handedly invented a
   new sub-genre, “Gothic Outlaw Country.”

2. Unknown Hinson  Live & Undead
    The King! I would explain, but I ain’t got time for that mess!

3. Hank Williams III   Long Gone Daddy
    III pays tribute to his grandfather in a big way. For those of you who have seen Hank III play, this album has none of his head banging power punk, it’ straight up old school country & western, including a few tunes written by the original Hank.

4. Thomas Wynn & The Believers  Brothers  Sisters
    I can’t manage to move this one out of my Top Ten. Just listen to Thomas and Olivia and the band and you’ll see why.

5. Chuck Foster    Gettin’ Back To Livin’
    The Old Union keyboard man and singer goes country, with a little help from Bonnie Bramlett and other Nashville talents.

6. The Beatles  Rubber Soul
    My favorite Beatles record changes almost daily, but I have really been diggin’ on Rubber Soul this week.

7. Stevie Hawkins  What The Funk?
    I’m not about to run down this Atlanta drummer/singer’s resume. Just Google it. His new album features some of the greatest funk and r&b musicians of all time, and it is as funky as last weeks dirty socks. Man, I haven’t heard funk like this since the seventies.

8. Kate Bush  50 Words for Snow
    Perhaps Kate's moodiest album to date, and one of my favorites. Haunting. And perfect for playing while I write.

9. David Bowie   Hunky Dory
    Probably my all time favorite album from Bowie.

10. Bob Dylan    Biograph
     I have so much Dylan in my collection it ain’t even funny, yet I always seem to bull out the boxed set. It flows baby.

That’s it for now. Happy listening.  Buffalo

Honestly, I had not been to a rasslin’ match since the 1980s when my buddy The Weasel and I used to go darn near every Monday night to Greenville Memorial Auditorium for the matches. Bell time, 8:15 PM. I used to love going to those matches and seeing all the larger than life wrestlers like Nature Boy Ric Flair, Blackjack Mulligan, Ox Baker, Ricky Steamboat and the biggest of them all, the late great Andre the Giant.

I knew that my old friend from many years ago had become a wrestler, and was doing it on a regional level for many years, but when I was married and living in Greenville, getting down here to Spartanburg for a nighttime wrestling event proved to be nearly impossible. But things change, and now I am living here in Sparkle City, and my room mate pal Tim and I traveled across town last Saturday night to the American Coliseum for American Pro Wrestling, mostly to see our friend “Beautiful Bobby Diamond” in action.

I had no idea it would be so much fun. When we got there, a band was playing classic and southern rock songs, and as fate would have it, they started playing “Can’t You See” the minute we sat down. And to make it even better, they followed that one up with Toy Caldwell’s solo tune “Midnight Promises.” Truth is, they weren’t half bad.

The American Coliseum is not really the size of a coliseum. More the size of a mid-size bar. Only difference is, this isn’t a bar like atmosphere. Their wrestling shows are family friendly events. I enjoyed watching the kids getting into the ring action.

Speaking of fans, there were a few that I assume are regulars, one of which was a lady who yelled at the heels (bad guys) from beginning to end.

I have to say, they give you a lot of entertainment for the reasonable cover charge of ten bucks. It was loads of fun. Just like in the days of Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling, these folks are doing it “old school.” I felt like it was 1979 again. Heels coming out onto the stage- I mean ring- and talking junk and getting into it with outspoken fans.

Now there’s no way I can remember the names of all the rasslers we saw. I do remember Chief J. Eagle, a great, loud mouth baddie that, judging by the tons of posters on the walls, is one of their biggest stars. And there was a young wrestler that seemed to be adored by the crowd named Dusty Money. I know, I didn’t get the name either, but he did well. There was a tag team called The Brigade, and just a whole lot of others.

At one point, two of the wrestlers got into an unplanned (yeah, right) scuffle and all of the wrestlers and referees came running out from the dressing rooms to help pull the two off of one another. Well, at least for the moment.

Finally the time came to see my buddy Bobby “Diamond” in action, teaming up with a guy called The Rebel Kid, complete with confederate flags sewn onto his long red pants. It was a fun match. I forget the name of the heels they wrestled against, but in the end, Bobby and the Kid lost the match. Hey, even the best lose once in a while, right?

When I left after over three hours of fun, I vowed to return soon, and let my inner redneck run loose again. Just too much fun.

- Buffalo

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

I am still kind of numb. A week ago today I got the word that one of my best friends from high school had suffered a stroke and was severely bleeding inside his brain. Then by Thursday, his family made the extremely difficult decision to turn off the machines that were keeping his body alive. His mind was gone from the moment of the stroke, so there was no one there any longer.

Tony Marvin Pearson. Wow. The end of an era. I first met Tony when he was a freshman and I was a sophomore at James F. Byrnes High School in Duncan, SC. We hit it off immediately due to our musical bond. We were both rabid music and comedy fans. We both collected albums and 45’s. We both wanted to be disc jockeys, so we were in the Byrnes Broadcasting Association and the Junior Achievement Radio Club. In both organizations, he and I were the only two left after a few weeks and some disillusioned would be radio people dropped out. Well, a few more hung in at J.A., but not in the B.B.A.

On Saturday morning we would broadcast live from WORD radio in Spartanburg, under the watchful eye of Steve McCoy. Then after that we would tape our B.B.A. show at WSPA downtown with Mel Black.

In those days, getting a radio broadcast license was much harder than it is now. Tony and I went to Atlanta and took tests at the FCC as we made our way up from third class, to second class operators. We didn’t do first class, because that was for tech guys and repair men. We just wanted to talk and spin records.

We used to make cassette tapes of air checks at home for one another. Talking and playing just the beginning and end of the songs, doing commercials, etc. We eventually got hired by a real radio station. Tony got in first at WBBR in Traveler’s Rest, SC, and then recommended me to the boss, so he actually got me my first radio job.

From there, we both worked at stations all over the Carolinas. Eventually, I moved to writing and started working for newspapers an magazines, but Tony, sometimes known as Geoff Lynne, continued in radio and did very well with it for many years.

Back at Byrnes, we took classes together. We planned it that way. Harold “My God people!” McManus’ history class. Art class was fun. A class in furniture refinishing. Shop class. Food for dudes. Chorus. We both worked for the school paper and yearbook. Anything creative. Along with our friend Bill Hudson, we did comedy skits in the school talent show. Sadly, Bill passed away from a stroke much like Tony just over a year ago. I like to think they are together now, laughing and sharing stories.

I have so many memories. One that really stands out is he and I double dating to the Piedmont Interstate Fair. I took a girl I was crushing on something fierce named Judy Lawhon. She was a sweetheart. (RIP Judy)  Tony took her friend Kim Jones, another beautiful and sweet girl. We had a blast that night, riding the Hemilaya and all these other rides, playing games and winning teddy bears for our dates. I think we both grew up a lot that night in 1975.

Another thing we did for about a year was gospel singing. Yes, it’s true. We played in churches. Most of the time this female friend of his played piano. I can’t remember her name. And I played bass guitar. We both sang good ol’ southern gospel.

Years after high school, Tony married his second wife, and when they broke up and divorced, I ended up seeing her, and eventually married her. Then when we got divorced, he married her again! Eventually they divorced and he and I both later remarried, but for a while it as a little like Days of Our Lives.

Today, as I prepare to attend my old friend’s memorial service, I think about him a lot. The thing that rises to the top each time is music. So many songs that will always remind me of Tony. Songs like: Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “The Bitch is Back;” Billy Joel’s whole “Glass Houses” LP; KISS “Destroyer” LP; “Hey Paula” Paul & Paula; “Don’t Go Breakin My Heart” Elton John & Kiki Dee; “Farewell Party” Gene Watson; “The Lighthouse” Rusty Goodman; “Looking for a City”  Johnny Cook; the debut album from Klaatu; “Rose Colored Glasses” John Conelee; The Marshall Tucker Band’s first album; “Hungry Heart” Bruce Springsteen; “Bloody Bess” Karla Devito; "Lady"  Kenny Rogers; “Laughter in the Rain”  Neil Sedaka; anything by Electric Light Orchestra. There are others, but I just can’t recall them all right now.

Tony and I went through heaven and hell together. We had our ups and downs, but the thing I will remember most is all the fun we had when we were the kings of the rock and roll party at Byrnes High School, driving all over in my ‘65 Ford Galaxy with a case full of 8-Track tapes and just plain living. Yeah. Those were the days. I will miss you, old friend.

- Michael Buffalo Smith