SSB Blog The Southern Spirits Band

Lights!!!!

2010-05-22T17:44:00.003-04:00

Since the chinese withdrawl of our light system when Brian left, I went out to Rogers Ohio and grabbed a light set up which is... as you may have guessed... made in TPC or the peoples republic of china.... Soooooo... I guess we can still thank the country for our light show. No more 100% lights on though, I grabbed a light board so we can set scenes, change lighting and make the show better. We have a new sound system, a new light system, a new lineup and we'll have some new songs. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK OUT THERE! Now we just need to find some good representation and we are set.

Rick

Updates

2010-05-17T14:38:00.002-04:00

Well? What can I say... Brian quit the band and we had to find a replacement. Don't worry, the guy we got to replace him is very good, and quite a nice guy. We'll be back in the Fall with a new lineup, some new songs, and a new attitude.... Bigger and Better! We're gonna miss Brian.... Everybody take a drink!

Rick

Sorry its been a while....

2010-03-14T22:01:00.002-04:00

Sorry that its been so long since I've posted anything, but between school (yeah thats right... I'm a college boy now), the drama of whacked out ex's, being recently unemployed... It's been nutz! Anyway, we've put together a string of great shows, look forward to retooling the show this summer and really appreciate the support our fans have shown at all of the shows. The Polish White Eagles was amazing. Special thanks to John Briney, our unofficial/official photographer/videographer who has posted some really good bootleg video of the band the past few eweeks on youtube. For those of you who want to see... go to youtube and search jcbassboomer. You'll see plenty of good video, and some of his from the sofa king cool band. (I dare you to say that 5 X's fast). Anyway, it was a good show at the Manor Legion this past weekend and we had an appreciative crowd for St Patricks Day. We kinda miss Randy at the shows... but I hear his employer is working him to death. Hope to see more people at the shows in the future. The Ghost Of Billy The Kid is going to be developed in the next few weeks and sent for publishing and development hopefully for TV or the movies (wishful thinking). The concept has just about everyone who has heard of it thinking "big time" for the song and the story. In talking to Moe on the way home last night, we talked about the possibilities for Farmer's Market also. I just have to tie down and do it. I've gotten bits and pieces done, but never had the time to fully develop things. Now that finals are next week (alll papers and no tests) I sould have some time to work on them. I just have to discipline myself to do it like a 9-5 thing and really work at it. So... that's whats been happenin on my end. For the few who do read this. Se you next time

Rick

Polish White Eagles Society

2010-02-14T08:54:00.002-05:00

Well.... Last week the job was cancelled and the venue shut down for the evening... 30 inches of snow later and a light dusting of a half inch last night and whats happened? Well the Saints won the Super Bowl and we had the LARGEST and GREATEST indoor crowd we have ever played for. Many of our crowd came to see us but we had plenty of new faces. They sang, they danced, they yelled and screamed. What a gig. The band unanimously voted this the best ever yet!

Now... all our crowds are great and so are ALL of our fans, but last night was magical. A sweethearts Valentines dance of over 200 people, most of whom stayed.

THANK YOU CHEWTON!!! YOU REALLY ROCK!

Has it REALLY been that long?

2010-01-19T00:54:00.002-05:00

DANG!!! I can't believe how I have slacked off on the blog!!! Hmmmm, I got unemployed by a rat ass company 2 weeks before Christmas.... We had a GREAT New Years at the Town and Country.... some dumbass ex showed up at a job and not only made a complete fool of herself, she had to get a taste of her own medicine and ended up being shot down, shown up and outclassed. Way to go to the wives and girlfriends who again made the guys in the band PROUD with their good behavior. Unfortunately in this business, someone is always trying to create drama to make themselves feel important rather than have a good time. Isnt it about time we all just live and let live? (I used to be F off and Die but I grew up... Hahahahahaha)

Then Huey got sick combined with the snowstorm from hell which cancelled a job and this past week was the Turners club. We displayed some unusual and uncharacteristic rust at first, but had it fixed by the 2nd set. This week is our make up date for the job that got cancelled so no more time off. New and original material is on tap to do for 2010 & I'll try to get to this more often.... I start college 2moro and its gonna be fun!

Rick

A small but MIGHTY crowd.

2009-12-20T04:31:00.003-05:00

Lets face it folks.... snow storms suck! But I have to give thanks and all credit to Huey and Brian (Drums and Bass) for braving the weather and driving 70+ miles despite 7+ inches on the edge of the Laurel Highlands from whence they came whilst we only endured about 2 or 3. Thank you Brian and his wife Sherry for the framed pictures of the band around the tree and an individual action photo. Very thoughtful and nicely done! Thanks Linda for having us again at the Homestead, it is always a good time there. It was a very intimate (a polite term for about 10 people or small) crowd that ROCKED!. Actually there were more people when you consider turnover, but I dont think there were more than 15 plus the band and the wives at any given time. Randy....hope you feel better dude, we missed you, Justin and Holly tonight.

The band played very well again and the crowd was very pleased as was the owner Linda and Megan the bartender. New and exciting things in store for 2010! Plus since the prices of everything have gone up, the band is only increasing rates by $50 a show. Should be some new clubs and an expanded territory since I can go beat the bushes now that I lost my day job 2 weeks before Christmas and will be collecting unemployment. Central PA, Eastern OH, Northern WV and the panhandle of MD....LOOKOUT! Here comes Southern Spirits!

Merry Christmas EVERYONE! Thanks Cheri for making the end of 2009 a memorable one and I know your future looks increasingly brighter going forward and I certainly look forward to seeing you again in the future.

Next week we are off for the Holiday and then New Years Eve we are at the Town and Country for a command performance by the owner as we originally intended to stay at home with loved ones at that time. Then on Saturday the 2nd, we are at Six Packs in New Castle, PA on Rt 65.

Again, Thanks Brian and Huey, Antoinette and Sherry, and Merry Christmas everybody. May you all have a blessed Holiday with loved ones or the one who loves YOU!

Rick

Hazel Manor

2009-12-13T05:09:00.002-05:00

The band was SMOKIN hot in Ellwood City last night. Tighter than a gnat's ass. The crowd was small and mostly the wrong demographic, but the band rocked on and the crowd was still very appreciative. Got canned by the shit company I work for yesterday.... thats right! 2 weeks before Christmas and I found out that it was a set up and had been planned as long as 3-4 months ago. When I first heard I was on "the list" for refusing to cow tow to illegal practices, and being called names by my direct supervisor I decided to tough it out as they deliberately made my job exponentially harder.... BIG MISTAKE! Several silver linings though to this! C'mon people! We've introduced Phillip (our tip jar.. get it??? Phillip the tip jar?) Now that y'all know that over 1/2 the band is unemployed... well. you get the picture. Also, I now have more time to get some more lucrative gigs, AND REALLY GET SOME STUDIO WORK DONE. I also will collect unemployment until I can find new work since the reasons for my dismissal were a bunch of CRAP. So the resolution for the New Year will be to get the new albim DONE and play live cuts for the GREATEST AUDINCES IN THE WORLD! OUR FANS.

Rick

Beaver Falls Turners

2009-12-06T03:33:00.003-05:00

Great fricken night! I mean WOW was the band tight and the sound was great! After being sick with a respiratory infection all last week (I think I finally shook the damn thing) I was a little froggy before the show and rather worried I wasn't going to be able to sing. Boy was I wrong! I think it was probably one of the best vocal performances I've had in a long time (although I do tend to be hyper-critical of MY performances). Being a "members only" club, the crowd wasnt overly huge, and they were rather laid back, but they were very complimentary between sets.

Next week its back to Ellwood City and the Hazel Manor. Gonna be another wild Ellwood crowd!

Bootsies

2009-11-29T04:56:00.002-05:00

The first really rough night in a while for me. While I was sick, I could at least do the material admirably albeit rearranged a little to avoid the high notes. Tonight the old pipes wouldnt cooperate and I just wasnt satisfied with my performance. It became such a distraction that I wasnt playing all of my instruments properly either. Damn sinus infection dripping onto my vocal chords. But the silver lining was that there were 15 people there in the first set and then another 15 added 1/2 way into the second.

One of these days, I'll get Norma to stay for a whole TWO sets... or maybe even 2 and a half! (Haha) But I totally understand because the weekends usually take as much out of me as the work week. Ah, no rest for the weary working 14 hours a day and getting to bed between 8 & 9 during the week only to stay up til 6 AM Sunday morning after a show Saturday night. Way past MY bedtime, So anyone who works a similar crazy schedule???? I can surely understand if they can't make it thru a whole show. Ahhhh kisses so sweet.

The band sounded OK although I thought there were power surges during the night and I was right. Unfortunately I believe that even though my amp was surge protected, the keys and foot pedal werent and I think the boost blew a channel in my amp. DAMN!

Rick

Hog Wild

2009-11-28T12:50:00.003-05:00

What a great night. One of the things I love about Ellwood City is that you could play a different bar every weekend there, have a great big raucus crowd and only play to about 5 or 6 of the same people. Hog Wild was a great time and though the venue is small, it ROCKS! Sorry 6 packs cancelled, but we picked up Hog Wild at the last minute and put on a helluva good show. We'll be back Jan 9th and cant wait. Tonite we play Bootsies in McKeesport. Last time the Jaeger girls were there and all had a good time. let you know how that went later.

Rick

Homestead We Love YOU & THANKS!!!

2009-11-22T03:47:00.004-05:00

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT! Thanks to whoever dropped the $100 in the tip jar! It was GREAT to have Holly back in the house and thanks to Timmy for finally getting out to see the band. The band was tight, the room was full, and danced and sang and yelled and shouted for more... I wish everywhere was that gracious and fun. Ellwood City ROCKS! And there were pretty women out the wazoo there too. Thats a good thing because then the guys come out to see the pretty girls and the girls come to be seen and meet guys. Its a cause and effect thing. Its a good thing.

My new guitar finally stayed in tune and I was able to play rhythms while Moe and Frank dueled out solos on Green Grass and High Tides and Highway Song. Happy Birthday Laci and Happy Birthday Ty! After 3 weeks of fighting that residual respiratory infection, I sang Journey's Lights and Stay Awhile and NAILED IT! It felt good. I hit all the high notes on ALL the material and didnt have to stay away or rearrange any of my vocals.

The band played really well except for the last song of the night and I'm STILL trying to figure out why and how that happened. Fortunately liberal amounts of alcohol applied generously throughout the crowd made it alot less noticeable to the audience. Looking forward to Friday and Saturday night next weekend. I wonder how many will show with Black Friday and the start of hunting season. I'm not expecting much, but you never know. As always, a special thanks to our faithful roadies Randy and Justin. Sorry about what happened between the second & third sets Justin but we don't have much control over perceptions when you get wrongly accused of crap. Special thanks to Randy who lets me dance with his girlfriend Holly while I sing the slow stuff. Its all at her insistence but I enjoy it too.

Rick

A VERY special night in Manor PA

2009-11-15T05:59:00.005-05:00

As I sit here typing and trying to stay awake... having been up for the past 24 hours,,, and eating for the 2nd time in that same period, I can honestly say that tonight was ONE of the most special nights that the band has played. While the guys played well, the sound was REALLY good considering that we did not have any sound reinforcement on any of the instruments, and its a large hall with high ceilings and a small but appreciative crowd..... I was absolutely THRILLED when lo and behold (after I made a flipant comment about coming to see the band to a lovely young woman I have been speaking with but had never met) this thing of beauty came walking down the ramp into the hall and IT WAS HER!!!! What a GREAT surprise!

And while my voice went a little sharp and flat against my will from time to time, & cracked every now and then, she was very gracious and flattering. Pretty good kiss after the 1st set too!!! What a sweetie. Thanks for comin out Norma! Even if it WAS only for a little bit, it was very special for me. I hope you enjoyed it and I cant WAIT to take you to Bootsie's in 2 weeks the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Hmmmm, may have to stuff the bird.... and eat some pie and... HEY! Y'all gitcher minds out da gutter now..... (cept'n you NA, thats your perogative! ROTFL)

Anyhoo, lookin forward to next weekend at the Homestead in Ellwood. Those Ellwood City crowds are ALWAYS great whether they are large or small. Its always a good time. Regardless.... I owe someone a special surprise to repay the one I got tonight.... Don't worry, I'll think of something

Tired and stupid and hoping to be up by Steeler time...

Rick

Thanks Tony and Y-103!

2009-11-08T20:48:00.003-05:00

Was a really good night at Town and Country!!! What a GREAT crowd! Thanks to the promos on Y-103 the evening was a success. Tony the clubs owner is a class act! (and dont tell him I said he's a stand up guy too) The band sounded very good despite the frog in my throat... (I still havent shaken my respiratory infection completely and it may take another week or two). Looking forward to the Manor Legion next weekend. Havent been there in a while due to some flooding there.

Rick

The Alpine Inn and A BIG one next Saturday

2009-11-01T10:03:00.002-05:00

There is not much I can say about the Alpine Inn except it was a VERY good night for the band. I have to admit I was really concerned as to how my voice would hold out since on Wednesday I started coming down with something, Thursday I was off work and being treated for swine flu ( I didn't have a fever though so if it WAS swine flu, it was non-contagious and a mild case), Friday I worked 13 hours and my nose ran liike a faucet up until showtime and my voice was extremely hoarse. But I'll be danged if my voice performed better than my brain did last night! I guess after 30 years, you learn to "sing above" a cold as it is put. I hit almost every note I aimed for and while I noticed a difference in tone and timbre, everything was in tune and rockin well!

I do feel bad about giving it to my cat Wink though.... poor guy has runny eyes now. Today I can honestly say I feel MUCH better.

Next week is a big show at the Town and Country Lounge on Rt 422 just west of New Castle. That place is a cozy little joint that has great food and good people. Tony the owner is a class act all the way. Listen for the radio ads this week on Y-103 in Youngstown, OH for the show! I really want to pack that place for Tony and make him a lot of money next week because He always treats us so well.

Hope to see EVERYONE there.... except my ex-wife! LOL

Rick

Jaeger Girls!!! HOORAY !!! And a Couple of BIG nights upcoming!

2009-10-27T17:11:00.005-04:00

Really good crowd at Bootsies in McKeesport, PA last Saturday night and the Jaegermeister girls made it that much more special. BIG kudos to the guy dancing and doing the Capt Morgan poses... what a lot of fun HE was too.

BIG night coming up for the halloween party at The Alpine Inn in Beaver Falls on Rt 18 at The PA Turnpike. What a BEAUTIFUL room with a BEAUTIFUL crowd and Great acoustics! ALWAYS a good time there. 1st class all the way, and the balcony is a great place to see the show too! (No... none of you are safe from ME up there either....)

ANOTHER BIG NIGHT coming up at the Town and Country Lounge on Rt 422 just west of New Castle in Edinburg. Some may remember the FREE pig roast we played there earlier this year. As a club owner, Tony is a class act. Hmmmm... Speaking of class acts, and beautiful people, A SPECIAL THANKS to Cyndi Duncan who is helping the band get promoted for the upcoming show Nov 7th at the Town and Country. She works for a broadcasting company that has THE #1 radio station that plays classic rock in the area. And I have to tell you, it IS the best... just like Cyndi. Thanks doll! You've been a BIG help.

Anybody coming to the Alpine Inn this Saturday might want to get dressed up.... I am told by the clubs owner Al there are going to be prizes! (No his last name isn't "Pine" either smart a**)

Rick

Bootsie's Bar

2009-10-25T20:14:00.002-04:00

Great time at Bootsie's Bar! I got like 5 pics posted here. Made some new friends and have a tentative new booking here on Nov. 28th. The band sounded great (again) and everyone enjoyed themselves. Beer-tenders Gemma and Molly kept everyone from dying of thirst. Some decided to test their Halloween costumes out for next week.

Thanks to Joe for having us and hope to see everyone there again after Thanksgiving!

Brian

Another Great Six Packs Night

2009-10-18T06:16:00.003-04:00

As you may have read before... WE LOVE SIX PACKS! What a great bar. Such an active and appreciaive crowd, they stay ALL night and dance, yell and sing along with the band. The band put on one helluva show. We were tight, had a good mix, weren't too loud and burned it up all night. AND SOOOOOO many beautiful women! All I can say is that is a GREAT fricken place! Despite others who hang out there, they didn't show up which made it even better.

Jojo, we hope you feel better soon! Holly??? Thanks for the dance! Still havta think baseball LOL! Looks like I have a weekly dance partner for the slow stuff. Don't miss the next time we're there on Nov 27th the day AFTER Thanksgiving on a Friday.

Gotta be gettin to bed. Its 6:30, I got home about 3:30 and I got involved with typing my new special friend Norma from Pittsburgh an email. My E- penpal lol, ate and now I am dozing at the wheel here. Anyway, next week is Bootsies in McKeesport. See y'all there. Sorry for any typos... I'm BEAT! DAMN it was a good night!

Rick

Sims Bowling Alley

2009-10-11T03:17:00.006-04:00

And the band rattles off another good show! Sims bowling alley was a really good time. I got to dance with Holly (happy birthday honey...22 is a great age) as I promised I would last week, and it was nice having a warm body close for a change (I had to keep thinking... baseball, baseball, baseball. lol I'm TEASING! Thats Randy's girlfriend now so stop it!) So... I also noticed that we have a new follower to the blog. Welcome Roxanne! Unfortunately, because we are all getting old and feeble minded, we couldn't remember you unless you are the really attractive Roxanne we met at the Paramount (we never forget a pretty face!)

Speaking of really attractive pretty faces.... Thanks Lori for all of the wonderful compliments about the band. Its great to meet new people and we were grateful for the opportunity to meet YOU. Thank the couple you came out with for bringing you and for their compliments as well. Hope to see you again real soon... now that you have a schedule, it should be easier, and if you (or anyone else) loses or misplaces the schedule, you can see it online at http://www.southernspiritsband.com/ or email us at southernspiritsband@gmail.com and we will get back as soon as possible. We try to get to our email frequently, but sometimes we forget (Its that old and feeble thing again). Oh yes.... and Lori? Since you left early with your ride, you missed: Ramblin Man and Melissa/Allman Bros, Long Train Runnin/Doobie Bros, Can't You See and 24 Hours at a Time/Marshall Tucker, Keep on Rocking in the Free World/Neil Young, Stealin/Uriah Heap, Hold Your Head Up/Argent, Needle and the Spoon/Skynyrd and I'm sure I am forgetting some more. But thanks again! You were great! AND the more pretty faces in the crowd? The more guys come to see the pretty girls... that means more people seeing the band and thats just good business. Since you came with friends, if you ever need a lift to see a show, just email us and we will see what we can do to get you to and from safe and sound or just call the number on the business card anytime.

Thanks to all of the guys from AWS up in New Castle for coming down and catching the show. Wiz, Shawn and Shaky and your girls too! Thanks to Randy our roadie for making it and helping tear down and load out. I actually got home before 2:30! Now we just gotta get you there when we set up and load in (lol). Thanks to the two lovely young ladies who were dancing throughout the first and second set. Didn't get to meet you or get your names, but you were alot of fun and seemed to have fun too. (and I have to admit that teasing you was incredible fun for me)

And why is it many of the bars we play advertise us as The Southern Spirit Band??? That last "S" always seems to get lost. Hmmmm I don't know. Other things I wonder about are: The farther away timewise I get from my ex-wife... the more fun I'm having with the band it seems. The wives and girlfriends all say I am more interactive with the crowd and seem to be REALLY happy. Yeah... I guess its true. But since hardly anybody really reads the blog, and I seem to be the primary writer.... I can pretty much let my private life all hang out here. Coooooool.

Next week is Six Packs in New Castle! Always pack 'em in there like sardines. Great place to play. Don't miss the halloween party at the Alpine across the street from Sims on the 31st. Can't wait to see you all.

Rick

A Whirlwind Week!

2009-10-07T16:50:00.000-04:00

Wow!!! All I can say is WOW!!! met some great people, played with some great people and put on some great shows. It started last weekend when our buddy Jim Kane got married on Sept 26! Congrats Jim and Donna. Frank, Moe and I (along with Randy and Holly, our road crew) travelled to Travelers Rest, SC and jammed with some quality people. Chris Hicks performed the ceremony then took the stage and played up a storm. (For the past 12 years he played with Marshall Tucker... and 8 years with the Outlaws before that!) What a helluva nice guy! Chris and his wife Jenny were very kind and complimentary about the guys and I, and I really appreciated that coming from a talent like him. I hope to play with him again in the future. Rock On Chris Hicks Band! (even if you did try to hire Randy away from us!!! LOL)

Then Moe and I took off west to Nashville Music City USA... (Nashvegas as they call it) and WOW! What an experience. We visited with Jaime Laritz who is a childhood friend of Moe's and if you REALLY want to see a true guitar hero, then search his name on You Tube! Mindblowing talent , owner of Dog Ear Studios and a super nice guy. Class "A" all the way. While we were in Nashville, we ran around the live music district and saw some great talent play including Trace Adkins' bass player, a guitarist named JD Simo who I expect to hear alot from in the future, and then of course the few celebs who were clubbing and sitting in like members of Poison and Tommy Tutone. I told Moe Nashville was the land of beautiful women and once again it didn't disappoint!!! Everywhere you look and I mean EVERYWHERE there were nothing but beautiful women... and the majority of them were actually NICE!!! L.A. Has NOTHING on that town.

Met a beautiful country girl online named Nikki Cole. Met her thru MySpace of all places. She is a 24 year old artist that is up and coming and I would expect to see big things from her in the future. Look her up if you're into country music on MySpace. She is a real talent... its just gonna take the public a little time to realize that. She's a really nice kid and I wish her the absolute best...(and if you read this honey I hope this finds your mother doing better too)

Then Yesterday!!!! The Homewood Junction Heritage Days Festival in the afternoon AND the Alpine Inn later that night. What a GREAT crowd at both places! There were almost as many beautiful ladies at the Alpine Inn as there were in Nashville. Got a cutie for one of the bartenders, and the women in the crowd were really good looking too. Its great to show off a little talent when there are pretty faces in the crowd...Why??? cause I'm a show off....!!!! The band was smokin hot at the Alpine. We held the crowd almost all night which is saying something in this economy with the DUI laws and all. And while several of my mates didn't think we sounded that great during the day, I believe that we sounded great then too... I will admit that it was hard to hear on stage as it was an outdoor gig, but I went out front (the joys of a wireless mic) and the band was really great there too and I am not saying that either cause I'm in the band.

HEY!!! We're just playin across the street next weekend at Sims Lanes?? I dont know how THAT happened, but I've never played a bowling alley bar before either so it should be exciting.
Hope to see all of you there!!

Rick

Homewood Heritage Festival and Alpine Lounge photos

2009-10-07T16:43:00.000-04:00

A very long day for the band! I was up for 24 hours by the time I got home. Check out these photos from the Homewood Heritage Festival, and these photos taken by John Briney at the Alpine Lounge. Thanks to John for doing such a great job and for sending them so promptly!

Next week we'll be at Sim's Bowling Lanes. See yinz there!

Brian

Whats a Turner?????

2009-09-13T14:19:00.000-04:00

I found out last night after a GREAT night at the Beaver Falls Turners Club that a Turner is actually a Turnverine (sp?) and this has to do with gymnastics. While the Turners in Beaver Falls had no gymnastics program due to lack of interest, they DO have a bowling alley attached to the club and that is also part of the Turners tradition as was explained to me by the club president Barney. AND WHILE this particular Turners Club has no active gymnastics program, there were SOME very pretty ladies at the club with whom I would not have minded tumbling on a mat with... (hee hee I am SOOOO bad). Anyway, I would like to commend the band on some really GREAT playing last night. Great rooms lend themselves to great sounds. I also want to thank my sister Melissa and her husband Jeff for showing up last night. First time she has ever seen the band and first time I have gotten to meet her husband. Good stuff. (for those of you with questions, she is my sister by marriage). Looking forward to Salatinos River House Cafe in Charleroi over in the Mon Valley next week. Should be exciting. Conquering the world 1 Valley at a time! Mon, Ohio, Allegheny, Beaver, Shenango, Mahoning! Thats alot of territory to cover but we WILL do it.

Rick

Ghost of Billy the Kid

2009-09-12T10:44:00.000-04:00

The first real track of the new upcoming recording is in the can conceptually. Hopefully the band will learn this song and we can do it live as we have had some promises made that we would be "visited" or "seen" by some industry people once we started incorporating our original mateial. Won't be tonite at the Turners Club in Beaver Falls though. The song? Ghost of Billy the Kid. Don't get any preconceived notions though because its hard to pigeonhole this piece into a genre. Reminiscient of classic southern rock but not dated (sounding like it was written for the period in time when southern rock ruled the airwaves) the song has a driving beat behind the story of a drifter who is accused of murders he didn't commit. If we ever get it into video production proper, it will be a MONSTER! So far, the initial focus group type tests have come back resoundingly positive. Wish us luck!!!! We could be becoming real big real quick. Hope y'all can keep up.

Rick

WE ARE NATIONAL !!!

2009-08-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

Well,.... The Birmingham News in Alabama on al.com mentioned Southern Spirits from Pennsylvania in the Aug 4th edition. Apparently James Carville made a quote that "Pennsylvania was Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between" and the band Southern Spirits from that same state plays Sweet Home Alabama!" (quoting both James Carville and adding the article quote as it appeared) We also made the Philly Examiner about our gig at the Alpine Inn a few weeks ago... (man WHAT A NICE ROOM!), and that article was very flattering also.

guess we gotta learn We're Ba-a-a-a-a-a-d, We're nationwide. Hope to see y'all at the Homestead in Ellwood or when we pack 'em in like sardines at Six Packs in New Castle, PA. Thats gonna be soooooo wild. A good time will be had by all. THANKS BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA!!!

Rick

A little time off

2009-08-05T21:54:00.000-04:00

Well... The pig roast was a success. Thanks to all who came out. I also wanna thank everyone who came out to the Alpine Inn just off the Beaver Falls exit of the PA turnpike on Rt 18 N. What a BEAUTIFUL room. Thanks lisa and Al for having us, and Allan (Alan?) for booking us at the Heritage Days Festival the afternoon of Oct 3rd in Homewood Junction just across the street from the Inn and behind the Holiday Inn Beaver Falls. Cant wait to play the Inn again on Oct 3 after the festival. And AGAIN fo the Halloween party Oct 31! we're up on facebook guys. Search Southern Spirits. Got links to our website and blog!

Rick

PIG ROAST !!!!!! FREE FOOD

2009-07-14T20:06:00.000-04:00

Got a really good feeling about the pig roast this Sunday on Rt 422 West between New Castle and the Ohio State line across from Michelangelo's Flea market. I think its going to be HUGE!!!

People keep asking me about what time we are playing and while the shindig starts at 2, the band starts around 3 I think.

I have heard a LOT of great feedback from Thunder and it is really appreciated. I also want to give a shout out to Lisa and Ron and hope to see them there. Hell....HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE.

Rick

Thunder in the Cascades at Coopers Lake

2009-06-27T23:50:00.000-04:00

F**K !!!! I love playing that sh*t !!! Its been about 10 years but its still fun as hell. I have to admit, the biker crowd is definitely my favorite to play for. Thanks Johnny for having us and Bob for making us feel welcome. You guys definitely know how to throw a party. Next job should be just as good. in 3 weeks, we are playing a PIG ROAST... thats right, a PIG ROAST. It is a get together in appreciation of customers for the Town and Country Bar on Rt 422 west just shy of the Ohio line. The food and entertainment are FREE... thats right, I said FREE !!! Ya gotta pay for the booze though. We will be playing outside and the festivities start at 2 PM. Hope to see you there. If we get a third of the people who said this evening that they were coming out to that then we are going to need another pig.... really!!! A BIG thanks to my wife Debi who passed out fliers for the upcoming event.

Anyway, it was a f*cking great time tonite and the band was smokin hot. Everything was tight and the crowd was extremely appreciative. I would definitely do it again and I think I can speak for the band that they would too.

Beth and Brad from The Intent were very complimentary regarding our band and most of the band stayed for their first set after we finished tearing down and packing up. The Intent ALWAYS plays to a huge crowd at Thunder and pleases every year. I spoke to Beth about working some future dates and she was more than amicable and willing. I TOLD her we would end up playing together at some point in the near future. Some members of my last band were less than hospitable towards The Intent ten years ago for no real reason. Quite frankly it was embarassing. But Beth is good people and hasn't harbored any ill will and I am sure we will be putting something together in the near future.

P.S. Our email for the band is southernspiritsband@gmail.com for those who want to get in touch. We love hearing from our fans and since the web page is STILL under construction, it does not appear anywhere there. HOPEFULLY, Antoinette got some good video we can use on the web site. The only stuff we have is old and not of the greatest quality.

ANYWAY... Sorry it took so long to finally get back to the blog. I promise I won't be so long between posts. Love you all... yes that means YOU too if you are reading this. (no its not some secret code... I DID say ALL of you and that means everybody. Peace Out!

Rick

Another fine show at the Homestead

2009-06-08T00:47:00.000-04:00

Smokin' hot night for us, musically speaking! Everyone was spot on and sounding tight. Great crowd, some new faces, all of which had a great time. Wendy servin' up the drinks didn't get much of a break all night. I just had a blast! Can't wait for the next time we play there.

What hockey game?

Brian

Ellwood City Block Party

2009-05-22T09:45:00.000-04:00

Having never been to one of these, I wasn't sure what to think before we arrived there. I was pleasantly surprised to see hundreds of Harleys parking in the street while we were setting up the equipment. Some of the band arrived late, then trouble with the sound system (usually, a dead snake is a comforting sight), resulting in a 30 minute late start. Once we got started, though, I forgot all about the problems we had and had a great time performing for very responsive crowd! (Ya gotta love bikers!) The band sounded great, performance-wise and (thanks to sound engineer, Jim) audio quality was awesome. We got so many compliments on our sound and performance and BSed with so many people that we didn't get to take too many pictures, but, we got some. I posted them here.

Great time, good people, much fun! I'd love to do another!

Brian

The Homestead

2009-05-10T22:41:00.000-04:00

Great time at 'The Homestead'! The band sounded GREAT! The audience was AWESOME! Big thanks to Mike for having us there, as well as to the bartenders, Darla and Linda, for doing a bang-up job! Special thanks to Moe's brother, DJ, for taking some great photos of the audience and the band. I posted them here. Thanks also to "Jay Vee" for buyin' me a couple beers!

Kathy and John set a new record in the "Number of Gigs Attended" competition. I'm not keeping count, but, man, it's a lot! Thanks for coming out again!

We'll see everyone there again on Jun 6th!

Brian

its that time of year

2009-05-09T12:05:00.000-04:00

Well???? I guess its that time of year again. People are starting to get outside more and with money being tight everywhere, the clubs are getting emptier. I have to admit that the pictures of the band Brian has are VERY good. With a little editing, we could have a potential back cover for an album! On a sad note, Southern Rock suffered yet another blow yesterday with the passing of the bass player for Lynyrd Skynyrd who assumed duties after Leon Wilkersons death. On a brighter note, we are at the Homestead tonight. The sets have changed up some, the band has been tight, and the sound has been getting better. Y'all need to buck the trend and come see the band. Forget camping, forget working in the yard, get a babysitter for the kids and join something special.... a great band playing live music that YOU grew up to. In some places you have to pay big bucks for that kind of entertainment and you never get to meet the band. We are totally accessible and ready to entertain you! See you there

Band Pics...

2009-05-07T21:25:00.001-04:00

We have a new photo display online! They are pictures that may (or not) end up on the website, eventually. There are a couple that could be album covers. The link is Band Pics. (On the far left of the page, "All Albums" is highlighted in blue. Underneath that is "Band Photos", click that, and wait for the pics to load. You can view a slide show by clicking on the 'ring of squares' just above the picks on the right.) Save it in your favorites and visit it often, (like weekly) (or weakly), for updates. I'll be putting new ones up after every gig, if I remember to take them. The 70's were tough on me. Oh, the 80's, too. And the 90's. Enjoy!

Brian

If YOU missed the 3rd set at the Moose......

2009-04-26T04:18:00.000-04:00

For those of you who missed the 3rd set Saturday night at the Ellwood City Moose or if you missed the show..... shame on you!!!! We played a "this is the part of the show where we pull it out our A**" section that included Whipping Post (which as Moe put it, we havent played since 1902), La Grange and Flirtin With Disaster (neither of which we have ever played together before last night). We had a GREAT night and man oh man were the first two sets smokin. We changed up the set list and really played well. Adding Long Haired Country Boy by Charlie Daniels and sung by Brian has given the crowds something to sing along to and Green Grass and High Tides with Moe and Frank dueling on guitar always gets the crowd on their feet after the song screaming and applauding. Great to see Moe's brother DJ and young Elliott, Anthony and Joey (Moe's kids), Debi, Frankie and Sherri. (missed ya Antoinette!), John and Kathy. New friends and fans Rob, Melissa (sorry we didn't play the tune of the same name for you), Randy, Wiz, Holly, Amanda (Holly's sis) and any and everybody else I forgot or failed to mention. The weather was fricken beautiful which usually hurts the draw of the crowd, but we still had a decent size group.

This is a GREAT group of guys we have assembled. LOTS of talent. Next week is the Manor Legion. Hope to see all the folks from Irwin there. Love you all my brothers. Couldn't do it without you!

Rick

P.S. Sorry about steppin on you Brian in the third set. I thought you were done speaking which is why I started gabbin to the crowd. Maybe we should steal a buzzer/light system that we can push a button that a red light goes on when we are talking to the crowd, and goes out when we are thru on stage. Yeah...RIIIIIIGHT! As soon as I steal a new amp and a telecaster to play on stage, and a new PA and some more lights so we can unemploy some of those cheap labor Chinese who made our current light show. LOL

The Homestead

2009-04-19T04:17:00.000-04:00

Great night! The band was tight, there was a great crowd, (we had our spies..... not really, check out the other bars that had bands in Ellwood City) apparently nobody bothered to tell the other clubs in town not to book a band because everyone would be out to see us. We played to a full house while the other bands played to table tops. Ellwood City is really starting to become a 2nd home for the band. If we ever hit it REALLY BIG, I am sure none of the guys would complain if the town said we were from Ellwood City. As I may have said before, it's easy to see how Donnie Iris made it so big with the GREAT crowds Ellwood has to offer.

Thanks to ........ Kathy and John, John, JoJo Biker, Jeebs, Bill, Matt and Becky, Nicole and everyone else who showed up at the Homestead Bar. Next week its off to the other side of town where we will be playing the Moose Club. The band did really well. Everybody was tight and the sound was good for not being mic'd. next week we'll try and roll out another new one for y'all by Molly Hatchet.

Sometimes we play our best stuff at the end of the night just to get y'all to stick around. Know what I mean? HELL YEAH! (everybody take a drink). just makin sure you're all payin attention!!! Look forward to seein everybody next weekend.

Rick

Where'd everybody go???

2009-04-13T14:20:00.000-04:00

Well, we played Sweeneys Cafe and Pub and those few who were there really seemed to enjoy themselves. Stephanie (sp?) behind the bar was most gracious and kind and had good things to say. Unfortunately due to the Easter weekend, it was a hit or miss proposition. Thanks to Mandi at the Waffle House on Race Track Rd by the Meadows track and casino on the way home for the great service and engaging conversation after we ate on the way home. Being a truck driver by trade, I miss the waffle house as I used to frequent them often when I was over the road. But alas, being a local driver has limited my stops at the various epicurian establishments us drivers eat at. (I know, never end a sentence with a preposition)

The band sounded very good for being off for a week. Would some rich folk please throw some money our way so we can quit our day jobs and pursue this thing the way it was meant to be? LOL! This band is just too damn good with too little time to be able to do what really needs to be done.

Rick

Hazel Manor

2009-03-22T16:46:00.000-04:00

Great night! The band is back on track. The sound was good, the energy level was electric and a good time was had by all. Thanks to Randy for helping haul equipment, and Jeff who was a very accommodating host. The sound stage was very quiet and as a result the band was tight. I hope something opens up so that we can get back there soon. Thanks Steve for the great pics and video. Its always great to see you there. Plus, and of course... our #1 fan Kathy made the trip and John was with her too. Next week is the Ellwood Moose! Hope the crowd migrates, but it seems we get a few familiar faces in every club in Ellwood City, but each club has its own crowd.
The band loves playing in Ellwood because the crowds are large, loud and appreciative. It makes me understand why Donnie Iris made it so big as he is from that area originally.

Could Ellwood City be (once again) the spring board for another great band??? Time will tell.

Rick

P.S. I love these guys. What a special group

Retooling for the future

2009-03-19T16:12:00.000-04:00

Well.... where do I start. I've spoken to everyone about the Manor Legion performance and we all agree that it was a trainwreck. Although it was still better than most bands out there it was not the southern spirits show most are used to seeing. So, we are recommitting ourselves to making the show much better by refocusing our efforts to control the sound and volume, and not allowing external or internal distractions affect our show.

I plan to.... in the near future.... get the band some good sound reinforcement and transportation for such equipment. I also plan to purchase a fender telecaster and an amp, as well as a volume pedal for my rig as the keys are hardly heard since my rig is not properly amplified. I realize that this will take several thousand dollars so it may take a few months, but we will be so much better with proper sound and lights.

With that said, it is off to the raucus crowds in Ellwood City at the Hazel Manor to put on a much better show than the last two weeks have been.. Like any good team, no one goes undefeated and we have lost the past two weeks after a great long winning streak. Time to start a new one!

Brian is right.... Kathy has sole claim to the #1 fan title. I think she has missed only 1 show. Thanks kath! We all love you.

Rick

Where are my manners?

2009-03-14T01:50:00.001-04:00

In reference to the comment to 'Hey Again' by Hughy. (Below) I apologize for not doing this before.

Thanks to Jeff of "Hey Andy's" for giving us a chance to play in his establishment. We all appreciate him taking a chance on having us there, sound unheard.

Thanks also to Antoinette for her aggressive marketing efforts and making this gig (as well as others to come) possible. She has been doing a bang-up job of getting our name out there in an area where we are virtually unknown. I (as well as the rest of the band, I'm sure) appreciate the time and effort that she is putting in to get us playing often. Booking gigs is not as easy as it sounds, and she is doing a great job. Kudos, babe!

Thanks to all who came to see us there. Hopefully, we will gain some new fans. Kathy (holder of the world record for attending Southern Spirits gigs) will have to tell John about it, since he didn't make it.

On a performance note, the timing issues were all mine. I seemed to be daydreaming, but, I was actually distracted by worrying about the set-up and whether or not everyone could hear everything. So, my bad.

Okay. Now on to the Manor Legion!

Brian

Hey Again

2009-03-11T11:02:00.000-04:00

Ditto everything Rick mentioned below. Great time, great crowd. Probably the worst night that we've had (musically speaking), but, still not bad. The band just seemed to be a tad off. Personally, I had some timing issues on a couple songs. Possibly, we were due for a not-so-great night. We usually don't have a problem finding "the groove". Possibly the long commute or the strange "split room" set-up may have played a part. Who knows? All in all, still a great time and place. I can't wait for May 16th to go back there to redeem ourselves.

Don't you just love Antoinette's mom? She ROCKS! She needs to come out more often! A pure pleasure to finally meet her.

On to the American Legion in Manor!

Brian

Six Packs Bar and Grill

2009-03-04T17:00:00.000-05:00

PACKED!!! Thats the only thing I can say about the show last Saturday night. A GREAT crowd, a full house, and thanks to the staff (Ashley and Kate...no not the Olsen Twins) and Lori for having faith in booking us, and Ed (one of the club owners) for all the kind words and extra incentive at the end of the night. I can't find the myspace page for the bar so I cant see what wassaid, or pictures or nuthin. Bums ne out, but I AM looking forward to rocking the Mon valley this week at Hey Andy's. Antoinette is psyched and we dont intend to disappoint. It promises to be really exciting and the start of a whole new territory for us. We cover about a 50-60 mile radius around Pittsburgh and its GETTING BIGGER! Longer trips for us, but the fans really make it worth it.

The band was great last week as usual and didnt miss many beats for not having played for 2 weeks. there were some rough spots but all in all nobody noticed but the band. We have become really good at covering up mistakes and making it look like a planned "live" rendition of a song. Not really wrong notes, but more oops I missed a cue stuff that extends a song of whih I am most guilty. Take the highway started ot a little rough, was a little fast, but came out just fine. We may have to keep the "pull it out our a** (butt) section of the show. it also allows us to add new music to our list of songs without having the luxury of a practice since we're booked solid and alwas adding dates through the summer. This is a good thing.

Its all good! See y'all out there.

Rick

its been a while

2009-02-28T15:35:00.001-05:00

HEY! I just worked 75 hours this week! Crap! Doesn't give me much time on the blog. Especially working the 10P til ? shift. Anyway, we are playing Six Packs tonite. Promises to be a huge crowd for such a small intimate joint. Lookin forward to it. The guys are in for a surprise tonite....what I like to call the let's pull a song out of our collective asses part of the show. This is when we take a song we have never played out live together and play it for an audience. The menu tonite is Take The Highway by Marshall Tucker. We'll see how it goes. I am excited about tnite. Next week too since its' Huey's people and his turf. It's about time we played for his crowd. We still gotta hit Butler for Frank, and I am sure we will play there soon. Hmmmmm, gotta talk to Moe about all of the Ellwood City bookings cuz you can only play 1 small town so many times. We have 3 weeks in a row there, although the crowds in Ellwood ARE the BEST! Don't get me wrong, the crowds eveywhere we play are great, but Ellwood hoots and hollers and dances and screams and cheers. 50 people sound like 500! Cant wait to see what the crowds south of here are like. Been workin like a dog these past few weeks. The money is nice, but I havent had time to try and get the recordings done for the big shots. Hope that boat hasnt sailed. Speaking of Marshall Tucker earlier.... hear we are playing WITH them sometime this fall. Exciting stuff. Well....til next free 5 minutes.....maybe in a few weeks (haha).

Rick

Manor Legion Gig

2009-01-27T14:46:00.000-05:00

Thank yinz all for supporting our performance at the Manor American Legion! I had a blast. It was nice to see a bunch of my friends come out to hear us play. Our most avid fans (in this area), Kathy, Jan, Dana & Tony, as well as their friends (and hopefully our newest fans) plus the Legion regulars (ditto) all seemed to enjoy themselves. The band sounded great and had a blast jammin' for yinz. Can't wait to play there again on March 14th.

Back to laundry. I'll try to blog again before the Ellwood City Moose gig.

Brian

Good Job Guys

2009-01-27T00:29:00.000-05:00

Hey there, just droppin' a line, but I wish it was warm enough to go fishin'. I just wanna say that I had a great time Saturday at The Manor American Legion. Great place to play and hang out. Friendly people that love and support the band, and a possible connection to get an outside summer gig. Mandy was really cool and took care of the band and the patrons. Even The Liar's Club showed up, ha ha ha. You had to be there. Looking forward to playing there again soon, I think sometime in March.
I'm not used to using proper grammar or Capitol letters when needed. I thank the guys for being great as usual and pulling off the new songs that we rehearsed once, and for getting through Feel Like Makin' Love by Bad Company a song that we've never played together, ever!!!! That's why I love this band. We can pull off songs like no other band. It's like if two of the guys kinda know a song that someone requests, we try it and pull it off pretty damn good. Then walla we have a new song to add to the list. Great job guys!! Keep up the good work!!

MO

Lots of Exciting Stuff and New Years Resolutions Kept

2009-01-25T12:38:00.000-05:00

Great show night last night. I have to admit that the last few shows, including last night at the Manor Legion, constantly reminds me of why I love playing for al you people. It was a great crowd and a larger crowd last night in the great hall. The people were very appreciative and supportive and expressed their satisfaction with the band. We, in return are very sincere when we say "Thank You" to everyone who speaks with us during the course of a show because without the good people we play for, we wouldn't be able to afford the priviledge of playing for you all. Thanks to Mandy and Alan for keeping the drinks flowing for the patrons. I cant wait to go back in March. Hopefully its warmer and Antoinette and the wives can make it so Kathy has some company.

We have some new clubs coming up in Monongahela and Belle Vernon, PA called Hey Andy's and Sweeny's Cafe and Pub. Exciting Stuff! I look forward to rocking out for those great people closer to Hueys home base. Six Packs in New castle allows me to play really close to home so I am excited about that date on Feb 28.

I belieeeeeve that Huey is going over to Brians today so that the rhythm tracks to 4 of the originals we have done for submission to the powers that be who have requested material in an effort to get us to that next level. The material has been received well so far and my fingers are crossed that success is within our grasp because I cant think of a more deserving group of guys that could use a big break. Hmmmm.... even more exciting stuff.

Looks like my new years resolutions are happening!!!! This is a monumental FIRST for me. (read the previous post regarding those resolutions) No, I didnt quit smoking but we're playing new material, recording the original material, Moe actually blogged, and Brian has the southernspiritsband.blogspot.com address on our schedules! 4 out of 5!!!! Who knows!!!! Maybe Frank n Huey will actually blog! New clubs, new music, new faces..... LOTS OF EXCITING STUFF !!!!!

Rick

Town and Country ROCKS!

2009-01-18T03:14:00.000-05:00

All I can say is WOW!!!! What a bar! GREAT CROWD, great staff, great owner. This was by far the best crowd we have played for yet. The guys in the band were hot as usual and only got better because of the electricity in the crowd. Nights like tonight always remind me of why I love playing so much. Good looking girls brought out the guys, people yelled and cheered and a good time was had by all. Thanks to Kathy and John for helping to bring our equipment to us as it was all at Brian's place in anticipation of playing down his way last week... which was cancelled due to 10 inches of snow up here, and ice down there. Thanks to DJ Ray for pumpin jams between sets. I love playing for all of you. Any crowd that gets into the music, sings, yells and comes up and gets to know the band is GREAT and we thank you because it IS appreciated. The crowd mostly stayed all night with very few people leaving after the second set mostly because of the DUI laws that are screwing bar owners and bands everywhere. I'm not knocking the fact that people should be responsible when drinking if they are driving, but DAMN! there are more DUI's in the jails than there are other criminals. I think its a revenue issue that is justified by public safety and social issues. Regardless of my views, the crowd, the owners, the bartenders and just the whole night was fricken GREAT! I would definitely look forward to playing there again whenever they want us. Thanks to everyone at the Town and Country on Route 422 West just outside of New Castle, PA where Good food and Good Friends meet and let the good times roll! In our case...good times rock and rolled. Thank you, I can't say enough about the positive experience we had there. Rick

Whats with the weather????

2009-01-16T19:19:00.000-05:00

How come the weather sux when i make a post? Its fricken -8 degrees out there with a -30+ wind chill. DAMN! Anyway, guess we might try out a few new songs tomorrow night but we'll see how they go in sound check 1st. Frank and Moe are eager to do the new material. Me? I wanna make sure that the material is ready for public consumption b4 doing it. anyway, I am excited about playing the town and country cuz its about 3 or 4 miles from where i work and some of the guys may come out and see us. Nuthin like playin for friends. GO STEELERS! had to get that 1 out. See y'all 2moro.
Rick

BAAAAAAD Weather

2009-01-10T12:21:00.000-05:00

8 inches and counting and its not even noon yet. My deepest apologies to those who planned to see us at the Irwin Eagles tonight but the worst of the storm hasnt hit yet and we got 8 inches already, Frank has ten and its snowing an inch an hour. Its just too dangerous for Frank, Moe and myself to make our way down there. Surprisingly enough, Brian said he only has about an inch but I am sure he will get more. I am actually waiting for the state to declare a state of emergency up here and then no one will be allowed on the road except emergency vehicles. We had a great time playing at the Eagles but alas it was not meant to be. We are still playing in the Irwin area at the Manor Legion and other nearby places so keep an eye out. Unfortunately the website dates arent current so I'll have to rely on Brian to post them here or Moe to post them on the web. Sorry again Eagles. you will be missed

New Songs

2009-01-08T20:33:00.000-05:00

We've been working on some new (for us) songs. .38 Special and Montgomery Gentry tunes. Probably the most difficult to learn tunes I've ever played. Try to remember that these guys had tons of time in a studio to nail these tunes, and that only the perfect takes (plus over-dubs) is what you hear on the recording. (Okay. I'm just trying to make myself feel good.) I'm sure that they play them well live, though I've never heard.

Come out to hear us. We've been working our gonads off on these tunes and I hope that it shows. I know that my crotch bulge is a tad smaller. (If that's even possible.) See yinz soon!

Brian

Holiday Eating Tips

2008-12-17T05:38:00.000-05:00

This was emailed to me by Antionette's brother, Ramo. I enjoyed it and thought I'd share it with yinz.

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies - Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a great holiday season!

Brian

How Bout Them Stillers?

2008-12-14T20:11:00.000-05:00

What a fricken game! I just got done watchin the Steelers beat the Ravens and win the division championship and a first round bye. What a game! Fantastic finish and a great defensive matchup. The Steelers got it done when they needed to. Just like the Christmas party at the Irwin Eagles. We got it done when we needed to. Despite fighting a bad cold, I was able to put forth a respectable vocal performance although the cold did get the better of my equilibrium and I almost fell into Frank on the very first song. How embarassing! For those of you who don't know by now, I don't drink or do illegal drugs anymore so the thought that my balance was affected by other influences would be incorrect. I do on rare occasion enjoy a sip or two of Old No. 7, but I usually only enjoy that in front of a bonfire at home when I don't have to worry about anything like travelling. The guys sounded incredible last night and a good time was had by all. A relatively small but enthusiastically appreciative crowd enjoyed the show and the 8 - 12 show meant that we could all come home and be with our families a litttle sooner. Hopefully we can get the original material recorded over the holiday break and get this record deal thing squared away. We have two weeks off although we are presently trying to negotiate a New Years Eve gig. For those of you who aren't aware, I was making $600 vs. 90% of the door minimum almost 25 years ago in night clubs when things were alot less expensive. Today a good working band is making around 25% less than that because of the DUI laws and DJ's and karaoke. This is honestly one of the best and most talented groups of guys I've had the priviledge of playing with and the declining of both revenue and audience numbers are hard to understand. Its not just southern rock that we are representing, but classic rock, and live music. And that makes our form of entertainment special (yeah yeah, never start a sentence with a preposition......lighten up already). It is those people who get excited, follow the band and get to know the players who are going to benefit if this thing goes global as I hope it will. This is why we name names in this blog. While we love all of the people who come and interact with us, there is something to be said for the regulars. Not just the wives and girlfriends, but Kathy and John, Bill, John (a different John) and all of those people whose faces we recognize but names we may forget. When this band hits the big money circuit, it is you who will be rewarded with access, tickets and whatever else we can think of to thank you for being loyal from the start. In case I get tied up, or the family is using this $1500 deck of cards preventing me from posting something soon, have a safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. A great crowd makes it all worth while. Thanks for your support in 2008. Look forward to entertaining you in 2009! God Bless Us everyone

Irwin Eagles Aerie 1671

2008-12-14T10:49:00.000-05:00

Great time last night at the Eagles Christmas party. Everyone in the band did a nice job. I got the lyrics right on "Copperhead Road" and Rick remembered to turn his mic on before he started singing! (I knew it would happen!) It was great to see a lot of my friends there. The crowd was very responsive and appreciative. Many had been there all day (the party started at 3:00pm) and you could see that some were a tad partied out. Special thanks to Lori Hohman (Ladies Auxiliary President) for the food spread and Dave Rae (Past Worthy President and Trustee) for booking us there and actually moving their Christmas party so that we could play there for it. (The party was originally scheduled for next week, but, we were already booked in Ellwood City.) Everyone had a great time and we are looking forward to playing there again on January 10th.

Brian

Hot Damn! I'm Back!

2008-12-12T22:33:00.000-05:00

Sorry Brian for leaving you with the blogging duties. Hopefully we can educate Frankenmoe (no thats not some creation from a Mary Shelley novel, although Frank and Moe are monster guitarists) on how to post a blog so people can get to know them too! But I couldn't have put it any better than what Brian posted. And YES!... the day he gets Copperhead Road right, maybe i'll remember to turn on the fricken microphone so the crowd can hear the opening vocals on my songs. Unfortunately, I seem to have caught that ferocious cold that's going around and hope it doesn't affect the show at the Irwin Eagles this week. The greatest band nobody has heard AND the greatest blog nobody has read...... YET! Still working on that record deal thing between LA & Nashville. Just got to get the time to re-record some of the original material. We also have a plan to incorporate new material into the set list so y'all don't get tired of hearing the same stuff week in and week out. We're trying not to take some time off to do that but it may be unavoidable. Great to add my 2 cents worth again.

Fire destroys "Duffy's Saloon"

2008-12-08T18:29:00.001-05:00

Sadly, fire has destroyed "Duffy's Saloon" in Mt. Pleasant, PA this morning. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the mishap. We had a good time playing there, due mostly to Carol and the fine staff that was employed there. We sincerely wish them all luck in finding new employment in this trying economy.

Brian

Wampum, PA - Yee Haawww!

2008-12-07T13:41:00.000-05:00

What a great time! Birthdays out the wahzoo and nuthin' but a PARTY! The band sounded great again (as usual) and the staff at the "Paramount" cafe was nothing short of outstanding. Special thanks to Nancy, Judy and Doobie for making sure that no one went thirsty. Great people and service with a smile. The crowd was great, as well. It's quite a pleasure to play to a crowd that appreciates our music. Hope to see you all again real soon.

Brian

"Hog Wild" in Ellwood City

2008-11-30T13:29:00.000-05:00

Kudos to the owners and staff of the "Hog Wild" bar in Ellwood City, PA! Kathy was great and the 'beertenders' Patsy and Jean were real hustlers making sure that no one went thirsty with fast, personable service. Great crowd, too. Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. The band played exceptionally well, too. We just seem to get tighter every time we play. I swear one day I'll get through 'Copperhead Road' without drawing a blank! hahaha It's always in the second verse. I'll work on it.

Thanks again to the folks at "Hog Wild" for a real good time! See yinz again.

Brian

Thanks to Carol at "Duffy's"...

2008-11-28T18:15:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Carol at "Duffy's" in Mount Pleasant, PA for giving us the opportunity to entertain her patrons. Her and her staff were great! Nice place; nice people; good food; good service... It's unfortunate that we can't seem to draw a crowd there. I guess you just can't please all of the people all of the time. Fortunately for us that Duffy's is the only place that this has happened - what with the economy being what it is and all. We still kick butt in the Irwin area and in Ellwood City we absolutely crush. But, it is what it is. A great time for us, at least!

Thanks again to the whole crew at "Duffy's". We had fun and we hope you did too.

Brian

Duffy's

2008-11-27T18:01:00.001-05:00

Well...??? Guess its true, we ARE the best band nobody has ever heard. The guys were red hot last night and played immaculately but alas it was for 5 people and the people sitting at the bar. 3 of those were our people. Thanks Cheri, Trish and Kathy for hangin with the band and the couple in the back too. Stuffed my sorry butt for Thanksgiving and hope all found themselves with the ones they love. 3 days and we're at Hog Wild in Ellwood City for another show. See y'all then

Rick

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Playing at Duffy's near Mt Pleasant in Mammoth, PA tonite. Probably get my ass kicked by Brian again at pool before the show. He's actually pretty good you know. Frank has a pretty bad cold so i'll pick up extra vocal duties tonite by singing "can't you see" and hope he can hold up for the backup vocals. It was a later crowd last time we played there so the dance floor was empty thru the first set. We're hoping for a great crowd tonite and being the night before Thanksgiving we should hopefully have one as it has historically been a big night. We can't stress enough how much we appreciate all of the people that show up to see us. That and SUPPORT SOUTHERN ROCK AND YOUR LOCAL BANDS!!! Thanks all. Pretty soon you'll be hearing from the other members and not just Brian and I. These posts are just to let y'all get to know us and what our thoughts are. Since no one really knows about the blog or email address yet it gives us a head start on things.

Rick

Definitely a great time!

2008-11-23T16:36:00.000-05:00

I totally agree with Rick. Great crowd, great time. Plus the fact that it was my wife's and my 22nd wedding anniversary ... I didn't have to take her to dinner and a movie! hahaha Looking forward to playing there again on January 24th. Hope to see everyone there.

Bri

Rick's Thoughts about Manor Legion

2008-11-23T14:44:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody! Played the Manor American Legion last night. What a crowd! In a word... WOW! Great audience! I think I can speak for the band when I say that the more a crowd reacts and interacts to the music and the band, the more fun we have and the better we play. I have to admit that the crowd in Manor, PA gave the folks in Ellwood City a real run for the money. Both towns are fast becoming band favorites with the warm, friendly and responsive crowds. While we love playing everywhere we go, dancing, rowdy, fun loving crowds are the best! I hope Sally's pictures with the band came out ok at the end of the night, and thank you Stacy for your kind and flattering comments. We can't wait to play at the Legion and see you all again in January! You guys were great! Thanks

Rick

Introduction

2008-11-23T14:04:00.000-05:00

Well its about time. A forum for the band to share its feelings with the fans who come out and support us every time we take the stage. Just what the world needs huh? Another Blog. While we are still getting organized, we do have an email address now: southernspiritsband@gmail.com We welcome the opportunity to here from all of you and while we cannot guarantee that we will be able to answer every email, I can promise that one of the band members will read your email and/or file the unread emails to specific members into each band members folder for private viewing. We will make every effort to let you know who is posting what on the blog. While you can visit www.southernspiritsband.com to check out dates and pics, sign the guestbook and view live footage of the band, we ask for your patience as the website is a work in progress. We look forward to taking this opportunity to let you get to know us better.

Rick