On Today's date in AUGUST Bonahistory (Page 2 of 3)

August 18 last year at Club Nokia was such a fun time. Phil and I flew out for the weekend. I was kind of tentative about making the trip at first because I didn't know how big a part Joe was going to have with the whole thing since it was the "Battle of the Blues" final. So I was asking about it on the forum and Joe ended up responding that he would be the emcee and he'd be playing with his band. Well, after getting a direct response from the man himself, the flights and hotel were instantly booked We didn't know any of the California gang yet, and found out later we were probably standing right next to Rick and didn't even know it. The competition was cool to watch and afterwards Joe and the guys came out and played a set. Dr. John played with them on Blues Deluxe. Joe seemed really pumped up and excited and just wailed on his solos. Great to see him playing in a small place. This was the setlist:
Slow Train
Last Kiss
Dust Bowl
Blues Deluxe
Who's Been Talking
Sloe Gin
Ballad of John Henry
Lonesome Road Blues
Django/Mountain Time
Crossroads

I know Guitar Center has video of some of this out there on youtube.

Here are a couple of vids I shot  from that show. Best deal in years! This was also the final appearance of Rick Melick on keyboards with the band.  Sloe Gin and BOJH, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBnqnYjo-_Q Django into Mountain Time, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWdoSaubWQ8

Thanks Sam Now that I'm looking through some of our stuff, there is also one from 7/16/02 that I don't know the location of either. Sorry I didn't see this when you were doing the July ones. This is the setlist:

Cradlerock                                     I Know Where I Belong
Walk In My Shadow                        Instrumental Jam
A New Day Yesterday                     Had To Cry Today
Trouble Waiting                             Solo
If Heartaches Were Nickels             Are You Experienced

Your help on these is greatly appreciated.

Thanks Sam  Now that I'm looking through some of our stuff, there is also one from 7/16/02 that I don't know the location of either.

You remembered the brief introduction at the Iridium...

7/16/02....I am stumped!!!  I usually pour one shot of Jack during my nightly research.  Broke out the Crown Royal tonight.  I did find a show scheduled 7/17/02 at the Avalon Theater in Grand Junction OK.  Didn't have that one, (and found a few other '02s near that date, so thank you for the cattle prod jolt)...I'd say we know a general location of the country, but then again, it appears he was in TX two days later.    Will keep digging.  Best to you!

The show at Toad's was the first time I used my (at the time new) camera and I had no clue what I was doing with it.

Was a night for new things - first tour Joe used the theremin - played Spike Driver Blues, which later became the Ballad of John Henry, and used it again for Just Got Paid.  Someday I want to try one of those things out - they fascinate me.

Here's my few usable pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24057301@N … 440340350/

Sandy

That you tube clip was done by Joe's brother-in-law.

Sandy

LOL'ed at the post of the little one "jamming" on the plastic guitar to Mountain Time.  Too bad that wasn't the full song, but plenty of great examples on YouTube of it, anyway.

Reminded me of a show at Elgin Community College (years ago) that's been discussed elsewhere, here.  When someone popped a forum member's kid up on stage with his plastic guitar, and Joe welcomed him as a "guest 'guitarist'" (though not verbally, just ushered him on up, and as I recall turned him around to face the audience).  One of many priceless Joe B. show moments.

Hey, we like nostalgia here...

One from the vault.......

I do recall my buddy John from Caz saying he was upfront (we still had not met although paths cross once again!).  I keep looking for him in this.   Of course I have the ears/eyes priorities and sync plague that I do, unwittingly, or at least inattentively, with the video cameras, which means hang on, E ticket ride in progress-you are there!  I know John likes close local shows because it keeps the circle staying round ( ), an important precept for Central New York living at it's best.

I am not sure if this was the first time Joe played the now famous show closer Z.Z. Top/ Led Zeppelin saluting, Just Got Paid-Dazed & Confused (and MORE! still develops over time you see) medley.  But no keys, no theremin, no Flying V... Plain & Simple, "Let's ROCK!"  I do know it was the year the band first showcased, at least publicly as far as I know.  The famous "Covers you would love to see Joe Bonamassa do"  thread finally had somebody's request actually come to pass (Phil C.)  Mark Epstein, wow what a trip, too bad it was so short.  Was good to have a bassist who knew the pace again...Bogie famously stayed on longer, speaking of wow & trips...

And those photos by fotopete from this venue (http://www.fotopete.com/concerts/turning/index.html),...just Beautiful (name's wrong).  Great pictures indeed.  Also, I do know Mark and Bogie worked great together with Joe.  And the crowd here did impress both of them also.  Not too shabby for a Thursday night in summer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKhXer1npyc

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

ps-anybody know of an earlier performance?

"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.”