Joe Bonamassa @ The Pageant

Hey Kat-Seems to me we have similar relationships.   My hubby and I went to see Jonny Lang on Tuesday night and during the show Anthony turn to me and said...Joe is the total package, he's the most talented guitarist out there!!  And I have to agree with your feelings of how exciting it is to watch Joe's rising stardom!  I hope you and Jim have a blast at the Pageant show, along with all your friends!

My personal observation at Jonny Lang - I think I've taken Joe for granted.  I never totally appreciated how great he looks performing and how nice his guitar/singing faces are!!  Beyond all your talent Joe, you have a really nice stage presence!!  You're a natural born talent and look very at ease on the stage.  (Not that you haven't worked hard to achieve that...)

As a sidenote to diehard Jonny Lang fans- I am in no way dissing this really talented guy.  I went to this show only owning 2 of his CD's, so I don't consider myself a well versed fan.  Jonny is one of the most passionate singers I've witnessed in a long time.  He sings from the bottom of his heart, he truly does, but I was in the front row and some of his faces...yikes!! My mom was a music major in college back in the 50's and she did alot of voice training.  I think maybe it was one of her instructors personal pet peeves to sing in a way that your face doesn't contort too much...she always pointed this out with performers, so maybe it's her fault that I critique musicians' faces.

I got my tickets coming for the Pageant show. Instead of sitting in the orchestra section and looking up, I opted for tickets in the first tier, sitting at stage level right off to the side of Joe, section G, row A, seats 1-4. I hate photographing looking up artists nostrils!

Kat and Jim, we are also headed to the Greater Ozarks Blues Festival in September.

~Rhonda

SO what's the deal with the Halo Bar and muscling a table (first 4 patrons) if you pretend you are homeless in Saint Louis for 3 days and camp on the doorsteps to get in first on show night?!  Are we talking a retro-styled
theater?

Rock On & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! "
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”

Rocket,

The Halo Bar is one of the entrances to The Pageant. If you go into the bar you can get in line for general admission seating and those doors open 30 minutes before the regular entrance to The Pageant. It is a neat venue, I believe it was built in 2001 specifically for artists such as Joe. It has a great sound system and acoustics and there is not a bad seat in the house. The neon sign outside is retro. Check it out, www.thepageant.com

~Rhonda

I understand the concept (shutter speed, etc.) but haven't the foggiest idea of how to actually do it. If they do allow us to bring OUR type of cameras in, I'll practice beforehand and any tips you care to show me will be appreciated.

Rhonda: I am sorry to have not responded, but due to the kid being off school, I haven't been reading up.  Here is my number if there is anything we can do to assist with getting the Pageant sold out for Joe (636) 225-3380 - Kathy Bigott

I do have one idea.  Tony Campanella Band would like to open the show for Joe.  Tony is one of our best, if not THE best local blues/rock guitarist. You probably have heard of him.  Tony recently opened for Deep Purple at the Pageant and it was phenom.  As great as the sound system is at the pageant, Deep Purple brought in extra gear and lighting.  I asked Tony's bass player for ear plugs, which I usually don't require. but anyway,

Tony can help drive ticket sales for Joe by advertising this on his own website, as well as Jim & I can assist with circulating any flyers at the Blues/Rock clubs that we frequent.   Our other great local artists are:

Jimmy Lee Kennett - No website, but plays a wicked Trower
Steve Pecaro- I believe he has a website                                   and

These three players are also the hosts of the annual SRV tribute held at the Pageant that is sponsored by KSHE radio.  We have been spreading the news by word of mouth, through these circuits, so Joe may not need any help.

I struggled with seat selection when I purchased tickets through ticketmaster and settled on the orchestra pit, which, as you know is normally open, but they are apparently setting it up with seating.  I settled on this and we are in row 4 on the pit, although I know that first tier is to die for.

I also saw the Pageant's ad in the Riverfront Times listing Joe's upcoming show, and I'm sure this will also drive sales, but again, there is that percentage of people that still have not seen Joe and are awaiting their BONABAPTISM...  and what a dunking into the TONE CAULDREN it will be to get it at a great venue such as the pageant.

They should bring tissues, cause if we get MOUNTAIN TIME, on the "G"- they're gonna cry.!!!!!     

Here's a smiley face @@@@@@@!

See Ya'll at the Pageant

Jane:

Jim runs Tony's sound for his larger gig's;  gear, amps & stuff.  He is a friend, a great guitar player, and we've already spoken with him about this,  hypothetically, so if Joe wants Tony to open for him, I'm gonna say it's like 99% done deal.  Have someone from Joe's management call Jim Bigott to confirm it and Jim will give them Tony's cell to confirm also directly with Tony.  Jim's cell is (314) 283-0187.  I don't have Tony's cell, but even if I did, I'm not sure it would be appropriate for me to publish it without his permission, so I won't.  But here is Jim's (husband).  He don't care, he loves this stuff and the music "shop talk".  He's got a blackberry superglued to his head 24/7.  I just laugh at it.

Tony opened for Deep Purple most recently and also for Robin Trower when he played last year at the Pageant.  I won't speak for Tony regarding compensation, but I do know for a fact that he did not receive any compensation for either.  It's not work for him.  It's his passion, and he does have 3 children, a wife, and full time day job.  His kids love it when they get to watch their dad play the Pageant. 

Download song samples from his website.  Take a listen to his original songs.  and hey...... He's Italian too !  -  Likea the mafia brotherhood.

Gotta go finish watching "Scarface" now.  Pacino says "djyou know, the eyes never lie".  Love it !, then I'm gonna listen to my mob hits CD.

Also, ironically, the Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute this year was announced by KSHE radio as being tentatively the week after Joe's in case anyone out there in the STL area was unaware of it, but don't quote me on this date.
Kathy

If all they allow are point and shoot, I won't be bringing a camera. All I have is my Canon.

Tony Campannella would be great to open for Joe. I've not seen him live but my son has and took some video and the guy can flat play!

Camera or not, I'm really looking forward to this. I haven't been to a concert since I saw Joe last July in KC and now I have Rush tickets for the 24th of this month as well as Joe's tickets. Feast or famine..............