Feb 26
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I was down in Key West with the Sp*m Allstars last weekend  ..

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and happened to run across a group of Amish (Mennonites? from Sarasota?) waiting for a trip on a glass bottom boat, named Fury!

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Great time had by all, and the Green Parrot was packed … again! I think the Key West Art Festival (l*me) was going on too? oof.

For a good time - click here ->

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Nov 13

- ASH > November 8-12, 2012 / Boston, MA

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This was kinda like a (okay, full-blown) re-union for me, of sorts. Human Sexual Response got together, again (They originally called it quits, in ’82, w/a “last” NYE show in ’88?) at the House of Blues/Boston. The show coincided with the release of thier “UNBA UNBA” DVD, that captured them performing at “peak” level (all shows were) in 1982, at a club called “Streets” in Boston, MA. I guess they had it all set-up proper like, with (mobile?) 24 track recording and multiple cameras/angles – can’t wait to see it? soon!

So, I went up on 11/8-12 (ASH > MIA > BOS / Thur-Mon), and landed on one cold New England Thursday, with a flu-cold in reprise mode*, that had me eating ALL the Vietnamese/Korean noodle soups (w/ hot green tea!) I could find in the BOS area (they’re ALL over Allston & @$7-8+/-, bada-bing!). I’ve been trying to shake this wicked flu/cold-thingy for almost 2 weeks+ now. *Many, can attest to it’s evil, debilitating and sheer viral power. Thankfully, it was only cold, not deathly cold – weather wise. (no f’n snow/ice).

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A special thanks to Peg & Andy (+ Kitty & Logan) for their lovely accommodations in the South End/BOS – 500 Harrison Ave.  (at the top of Thayer St., yep!), my old ‘hood/city! *Now 100% yuppy-fied. A wee Ash History: I moved to BOS from Maine in the Spring of ’84, or was it Winter ’83/84?) when I was 19. Long enough ago, that I remember having a cocktail at (the) Bill’s Bar, when it was located on Mass Ave. (opp. the Christian Scientist Ctr.). I had heard of HSR in HS and was eager to inhale the Boston music scene as quickly as possible. While working (intern) at the SPIT art Dept., I got lucky as HSR were booked to do a Halloween show (1984?) at Spit, so I got a chance to see them after their official “split” a couple of years prior. ( Plus, I got to see PIL at Metro the following month). Come to think of it, I was also a “barback” at Metro/Spit (’84/’85 +/-?), so that means I was working with Dini and Casey back in the day. and … living on Wellington St. (So. End, less than a block from Wally’s Jazz! What a find that place was.)

Live – Boston @House of Blues:

Anyways – back to the Human Sexual Response show at the House of Blues … it was KILLER, loads of fun and oddly enough, I was able to recognize a handful of folk from the olde days. The band (all 7 original members!) had the entire audience in the palm of their hands, and it looked like they were having as much fun as the audience was.

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The Legendary Rich Gilbert (Guitar Idol/friend) was picking off the hits on his Duesenberg Starplayer (white/sparkle) ”HR2″ Special (*maybe modified a wee bit, possibly, hmmm – Rich?). I thought he would of had a bigger rig (4×12/50w+) and at least 2 guitars on stage, but he (still) knows what he’s doing up there, and, I was just happy to be witnessing it all! ahem, I even took some guitar lessons from him back in the day too! (I’m still a horrible, but happy, guitar player.;– ) And, ahem, I still use a thumb pick because of him (geeky, I know – but – he was right) - LRG! Great to also see: Gregg/George, Harry, Fred, Kenji, Vikki, Carmine/Molly and … everyone else I squinted at (tried to recognize), really! *Sorry I missed loads of other, cool folk too? next time/show (right!?!?), really!

Did I mention I got the LP “Fig. 14″ signed by the whole band?! yep. Special thanks to opening act - Contrapposto (Maine-iacs! Have a wee listen! Representing ME, Ayuh!) They (2 – Singer/Keybrds) were cool and we all got a chuckle that (my cousin Corde’s kid, Mike) Old Soul had connected us.

I also had a pint at JJ Foley’s for Wild Bill.  – ;=)

 

Oct 2

Elvis was spotted in Publix …

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… 5th St/Alton Rd – Miami Beach, FL 33139

Sep 20
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Sauerkraut” (24″ x 36″) color/glossy – $75 (incl. s/h, tube w/in US) / contact: Me 

UFFF © J. Kelley / 2012

Sep 3

I went down to Key West with the Spam Allstars …

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.. who were playing at the Green Parrot. Always a great time (Fri/Sat), loads of good folk in a great place down for good times. Ladies & Gentlemen (on the way back) - Alabama Jacks!

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… with a (real patriotic) dance-floor swinger! A traditional stop is required on any r/t journey to Mile Marker 0.

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This pair was on the beach when I got back on Sunday (4pm+/-) …

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… hang ten!

Jul 9

A good night for …

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… local neon

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steam and a cold beer (w, JK at The Abbey) …

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… Mardi Gras (?) window #2 …

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… or 2nd hand window shopping.

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… all on a perfect night.

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*From the mind of Ashley Swanson / 2007 "Miami Beach, a sunny place for shady people."© / special thanks to WordPress!