'Time to Get a Gun' singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith returns to Aces Live in Bradenton

Criminally under-appreciated Canadian singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith has recorded a slew of great, self-penned songs since he started releasing albums and touring relentlessly in the 1980s.

My favorites Eaglesmith numbers include the wonderfully warped love letter "Wilder Than Her," the deftly silly "White Trash," the poignant migrant-workers lament "Carmelita," the stirring cautionary tale "Alcohol & Pills" and new stuff like the sepia-toned memory pain of "Cigarette Machine."

But Eaglesmith's most famous song, another one of my favorites, is "Time to Get a Gun." "Fred-Heads" were loving it for more than a decade before country superstar Miranda Lambert introduced the song to the masses when she recorded it for her platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated 2009 album "Revolution."

Read more.

—Photo by Kori Heppner/Shock Ink.

WEEKEND: Florida Georgia Line at Joyland, Trampled Under Foot at Aces, Boyz II Men at Mahaffey

Tyler Hubbard, left, and Brian Kelley of country music duo Florida Georgia Line.

The parents of Lakewood Ranch High seniors Josh "Bubba" Rogers and Brett "Bswag" Wagner have teamed with Joyland and one of the hottest new acts in country music for a benefit concert to celebrate their sons' birthdays and raise seat belt awareness.

The 1st annual B.U.B.B.A. Birthday Bash concert on Friday will feature a performance by Florida Georgia Line, with all of the ticket sales going to the Buckle Up for Bswag and Bubba Association.

Also known as B.U.B.B.A, the organization was started by Gena Rogers and Debbie Wagner, the mothers of the two boys who lost their lives as a result of a car accident on Christmas night last year.

Tyler Hubbard, of Monroe, Ga., and Brian Kelley, of Ormond Beach -- they formed FGL a couple years ago in Nashville -- will be holding a special meet and greet for the families and friends of Josh and Brett at the Bradenton country music venue.

During a recent phone interview with the Herald, Kelley recalled that some high school friends of his lost their lives in a car crash.

"We've always been about giving back and when we heard about this event we jumped at the chance," he said.

Read more.

• One of the most buzzed about acts on the blues scene of recent years, Trampled Under Foot makes a highly anticipated stop at Aces Live today in Bradenton.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/10/04/4224962/trampled-under-foot-at-aces-live.html#storylink=cpy

• Boyz II Men, which have a date in St. Pete today, brilliantly updated R&B in the 1990s with a New Jack Swing sensibility while never overshadowing the group's rich, smooth, timeless vocals.

• The Village of the Arts celebrates the opening of Bradenton's new Riverwalk (grand opening Oct. 18) and the inaugural Bradenton Blues Festival (Dec. 1) with "A River of Art in Blue" Artwalk.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/10/04/4224954/blues-artwalk-at-village-of-the.html#storylink=cpy

• And more in Weekend.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/10/04/4224960/boyz-ii-men-at-the-mahaffey-in.html#storylink=cpy

—Photo: Tyler Hubbard, left, and Brian Kelley of country music duo Florida Georgia Line. Adam Taylor/Republic Nashville

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/10/04/4224952/florida-georgia-line-headlines.html#storylink=cpy

Q&A: Commander Cody on 'Lost in the Ozone' 40th anniversary

Commander Cody performs Friday at Aces Live

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen’s first full-length release, “Lost in the Ozone,” debuting in the Billboard 200.

One of the great country-rock albums of all time, it features such classics as the Top 10 hit “Hot Rod Lincoln,” “Seeds and Stems Again Blues” and “Wine Do Yer Stuff.”

Commander Cody, real name George Frayne, recently spoke to the Herald from his Saratoga Springs, N.Y., home about the album.

Frayne and his new band-mates will be performing songs from “Lost in the Ozone” and more favorites on  Friday (March 23) at Aces Live in Bradenton.

While recording your debut album, “Lost in the Ozone,” what did you and your band-mates at the time hope to accomplish?

We were just sort of of trying to be a rockabilly-blues band. We were trying to reach the college kids.”

“Lost in the Ozone” is rightfully cited as one of most important country-rock albums. But Bob Dylan released “John Wesley Harding,” which closed with the country song “I’ll Be Your Baby, Tonight,” in December of 1967. 

The Byrds’ “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” came out in Aug. of 1968 and then Dylan issued “Nashville Skyline” in ’69.  Were you listening to any of these albums?

Oh, yeah. Those albums gave us a sense that the avenues we chose to go down were valid and other people were listening to the same stuff as we were.

I probably discovered “Act Naturally” off a (Buck Owens) greatest hits album in '63 or '64, when we were getting really bored with playing stuff like "Wooly Bully"... Doing “Act Naturally” and (Owens') “Tiger By the Tail,” and then the Beatles doing "Act Naturally" we knew we were doing the right thing.


What inspired you to cover and sing vocals on the classic rockabilly song “Hot Rod Lincoln”?

Here's the thing that happened. Basically, I played piano and booked the band. There was no Lynyrd Skynyrd or Marshall Tucker but for some reason there had to be a Commander and the band decided it would be me. People would say, “Where’s The Commander?"

I couldn’t sing a (expletive) note but sure could talk fast. I found the Johnny Bond version (of "Hot Rod Lincoln") in the 50 cent bin at the farmer’s market in Bay Shore (N.Y.) and just said, "Let’s do it."

"Lost in the Ozone" features a cover of the Willie Nelson chestnut “Family Bible” and fiddle and steel guitar throughout. But at the same time, you had long hair and were singing hippie anthems like the title track. How did country audiences react to your music back then?

They hated us. That’s why he stopped, by 1976 we had broken up. To them we just had long hair and didn’t take a bath and wanted to find a pot party. We played the CMA convention and they booed us off stage.

Another great song from “Lost in the Ozone” is “Seeds and Stems Again Blues.” Does it surprise you that 35 years after co-writing that song, marijuana legalization is still a hot topic?

It should have been legal a long time ago.

The album opens with three killer songs, all credited to you and Billy C. Farlow. Any chance of you and him ever working together again?

No. Billy C. stole some stuff from me so we’re not talking.

What did he steal?

He stole my stash, man. My medical marijuana. If it wasn’t so serious it would be funny.





Details: Commander Cody with S.G. Skin & Bone Band, 9 p.m. March 23, Aces Live, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton. Tickets: $20 (advance), $25 (door). Information: 941-795-3886 or http://4aceslounge.com.

Jose’s Real Cuban Food in Bradenton to have 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' viewing party at Aces Live

Jose Baserva by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com .

Jose Baserva is finally ready to celebrate.

He waited in suspense for months because Food Network kept changing the air date on him.

Now it’s confirmed.

His Bradenton restaurant Jose’s Real Cuban Food will appear on the popular road show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 on Food Network as well at noon Tuesday, Sept. 20 and 9 p.m. Friday Sept. 30.

A nationwide audience will be able to see crazy-haired host Guy Fieri dine on Baserva’s picadillo, paella and boliche.

To accommodate the larger crowd, Baserva and his delectable food will be moving across the street to Aces Live; joining forces with Bradenton Beach resident Damon Fowler’s “Sugar Shack Mondays.”

The internationally acclaimed Damon Fowler Group will perform original blues and Americana music from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then start a second set after the show airs. The group will be joined by special guest Shar-Baby, a blues singer and guitarist based in Birmingham. Ala.

A second viewing party featuring Jose’s famed Cuban sandwiches will take place at Aces Live during lunch Tuesday.

“I can’t wait,” Baserva said. “I’m looking forward to see myself on national TV.”

Details: 7 p.m. Sept. 19, Aces Live, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton. Admission: Free. Information: (941) 795-3886 or http://4aceslounge.com.

Damon Fowler returns from Italy tour for Sugar Shack Monday at Aces in Bradenton

Damon Fowler at Blues Revue open house Friday in Bradenton's Village of the Arts. Note Fowler's producer/pal Scott Cable in the background. Photo by Wade Tatangelo.

This week's edition of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays at Aces Live in Bradenton features a full evening of Blind Pig recording artist the Damon Fowler Group.

And maybe some special guests.

And, yes, probably our beloved puppets.

During the interview portion of the show, I'll be talking to Fowler, Chuck Riley (bass) and Devin Neel (drums) about their recent tour of Italy. We'll also discuss the hugely successful Blues Revue bash Fowler and Neel special guested at Friday.

See you at Aces or watch online. Both options free!

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8:30 p.m. Mon., August 8 with special guest:
Damon Fowler Group 

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click to watch the performances and my interview with Fowler (and perhaps some special guests)  at

8:30 p.m. Monday, August 8

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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UPDATED 8/10: Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dan Toler battling Lou Gehrig's disease

Dan Toler publicity photo

courtesy of Catbone Unreleased Music & Film, LLC.

Photographer: Jeffery Scott Frayer.

UPDATED 8/10: Check out the new website HelpDanToler.com. Also, please note the photo credit below.


UPDATED 8/2: "Former Allman Brother battles ALS"
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Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist and Manatee County resident Dan Toler has gone public about his worsening battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease).

His younger sibling, drummer David “Frankie” Toler, died June 4 at Tidewell hospice care in Bradenton after a prolonged illness following a liver transplant.
 
He was 59.

Former Allman drummer leaves lasting legacy

David ‘Frankie’ Toler: 1951-2011

Danny and Frankie had played together in the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern as well as several other projects.

Allman Brothers Band featuring Dan and Frankie Toler performing "Whipping Post" live in Gainesville, 1979

A swollen vocal cord has made it impossible for Toler to speak above a whisper in recent months.

So he has used Facebook to issue a stirring "Note to Family, Friends & Fans:"

"First of all I thank each and every one of you for being such good people and I want all of you to know I love you very much with all my heart and soul," Toler writes.

After acknowledging his friend, fellow local guitarist Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt (Iron Butterfly, Captain Beyond), Toler continues: "We are both fighters and a couple of strong willed men that happen to love playing music for our family, friends and fans. We both have been dealt a tough way out of this life.

Dan Toler  honoring his brother Frankie on June 25, 2011. By Wade Tatangelo

"Jesus Christ is going to take care of the both of us and just maybe a cure will come along. Rhino has the liver to deal with and I have been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Neither one of us know how much time we have left but then again this is true with each and every one of us. I know in my heart without God I am doomed. I thank my wife Debby Toler for taking care of me like no other person in this world could. She has been my rock for many many years and I love Debby with all my heart and soul. Thank you Lord for having Debby in my life.

Q&A with former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dan Toler; headlining free MacFest on May 14

I hope you people come out to Aces on Aug. 13th as there will be some killer picking happening for sure with (performers) like Greg Poulos, Sean Chambers, Tony Tyler, Tucci Band, Matt Facciolla, my band will be there performing, Mike "Louie the Lip" Logan and a possible jam at the end with other fine pickers. Should be fun. Maybe Larry Reinhardt might sit in and pick one with me. Who knows who will show up and play.

I love doing benefits for people that need help and I never ever thought a benefit would have to be held for me. It definetly breaks my heart but I want to thank everyone helping out with this event. Chaz Trippy, Angie and Todd Cook, Tom Mossman, Don Carrington (Mr. Pink Ball) Steve Tucci, Glenn Halverson and I know I am leaving out some names therefore please forgive me.

Without our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ there is no reason to exist and He is offering everlasting life to all who believe in Him. Trust in the Lord. May God bless you all and keep you forever, Amen.

Your Friend,

Dan Toler"


Benefit for Danny Toler
Starting at 4:00 p.m. with Greg Poulas & Friends, Mike Kach, Greg Voorhees, Frankie Lombardi, Tucci Band; at 5:00 p.m. Billy Rice 6:00 p.m. Jack Elka, Bill Huff, Todd Cook, Chaz Trippy, Matthew Facciolla Band, The Dan Toler Band (Dangerous Dan Toler, Chaz Trippy, Gary Guzzardo, Jeff Artabasy, Mike Hensley, Tony Tyler, Dani Jaye, Lauren Mitchell) and the Sean Chambers Band.
4 p.m. Aug. 13 to 1 a.m. Aug. 14
Ace's -Bradentons Live Music Venue
4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton
Information: (941) 795-3886 or http://4aceslounge.com.

If you are unable to attend Danny's Benefit but would like to make a donation you can send a check payable to Dan Toler and send it to:

Ace's Bradenton's Live Music Venue
Dan Toler
4343 Palma Sola Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34209

Damon Fowler nominated for two Blues Blast Music Awards; headlining Sugar Shack Mondays tonight at Aces in Bradenton

Damon Fowler/Blind Pig Records

Blind Pig recording artist and Bradenton Beach resident Damon Fowler has been nominated for a Blues Blast Music Award in the Contemporary Blues CD category. He's up against superstar Buddy Guy and Sugar Shack Monday's debut guest JP Soars, among others.

Both Fowler and Gina Sicilia, last week's Sugar Shack Monday guest, have been nominated for the Sean Costello Rising Star Award.

From the press release issued this morning:

In early May, a group of Blues music industry professionals including music critics, journalists, festival promoters, music venue managers, musicians and other Blues music industry professionals nominated the best of 2011 Blues music in eight categories.



Voting to determine the winners begins July 1, 2011 and continues until August 31st, 2011 on our website at http://www.TheBluesBlast.com/. Voting is open to anyone who is a Blues Blast Magazine subscriber. Subscriptions are FREE and you are automatically signed up as part of the voting process on our website.



The 2011 Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies will be held at Buddy Guys’ Legends in Chicago, Illinois, October 27th, 2011. The awards ceremony will feature music by some of the artists nominated. Tickets for the event will go on sale in mid August at  http://www.TheBluesBlast.com/.

Click for complete list of nominees and listening links.

This week's edition of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday at Aces Live in Bradenton features the Damon Fowler Group with special guest Ed Zeppelin.

What's Ed Zeppelin?


A killer side-project full of surprises that Fowler has maintained for years.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8:30 p.m. Mon., June 20 with
Damon Fowler Group 
and special guest Ed Zeppelin

Aces Live, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click to watch the performances and my interviews with Fowler and others in Ed Zeppelin 

8:30 p.m. Monday, June20

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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UPDATED 6/19: WATCH Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday with special guests Gina Sicilia, Jack Sullivan of Blues Revue magazine

UPDATED 6/19: Just returning to work mode after a week vacation. Here ya go.

Interview with Jack Sullivan of Blues Revue magazine from this June 13's edition of Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays at Aces Live in Bradenton.

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

Performance by VizzTone Label Group artist Gina Sicilia.

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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My interview with Sicilia and her guitarist/producer Dave Gross.

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

Sicilia set two.

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

Gina Sicilia publicity photo

This week's most exciting edition of  Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday at Aces Live in Bradenton features special guest Gina Sicilia.

In addition to interviewing Sicilia, I'll also be doing a special segment with Jack Sullivan of Blues Revue, the international blues magazine that recently moved its headquarters from California to Bradenton.

It prompted this story I did that ran on the front page of the Bradenton Herald on Saturday:

"Famed Blues Revue magazine HQ moves to Village of the Arts."

Sicilia records for Blues Revue's highly regarded record label VizzTone.

From Sicilia's website:

Young Philadelphia songstress Gina Sicilia exploded onto the scene in 2007,
as her debut CD, "Allow Me to Confess," was met with joyous acclaim by fans and
critics alike.

She was heralded as a distinctive new voice in the Blues, as well as an
insightful songwriter and interpreter of neglected classics in the Rhythm & Blues
canon.

In 2008 she was nominated for “Best New Artist Debut” at the Blues
Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee, just as her sophomore release "Hey Sugar" proved her also to be a legitimate contender in the worlds of Classic Country and
Americana.

With her new 2011 release, "Can't Control Myself," Gina broadens her stylistic
palette, infusing even more Soul and Americana into her bedrock influences of Blues
and R&B. This CD features seven new Gina Sicilia compositions, as well as three
choice covers borrowed from Bobby Bland, Stevie Wonder, and Ike & Tina Turner.

Gina’s singing and songwriting continue to break new ground, showing remarkable
depth, power, and seemingly unstoppable growth. "Can't Control Myself" was
produced and engineered by Gina’s label mate, the insanely talented Dave Gross,
who also played every instrumental track on the record
except for trumpet, sax, and one lap-steel track.

Now 25 years old, the genre-defying Gina Sicilia continues to smash
pigeonholes into kindling and redefine the boundaries of soulful music.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8 p.m. Mon., June 13 with special guest:
Gina Sicilia

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click to watch the performances and my interviews with Sicilia and Sullivan.  

8:30 p.m. Monday, June 13

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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WATCH: Damon Fowler's 'Sugar Shack Monday' with special guest Soupbone and performance by the Damon Fowler Group

Here are the links to view last night's tribute, terrific performances and interview:

Frankie Toler tribute.

Soupbone performance with Damon Folwer.


Wade and Wally puppet sketch—Soupbone interview with Fowler.

Damon Folwer Group performance with members of Soupbone.

Damon Fowler's friends Soupbone/publicity photo.

Today's Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Monday at Aces Live in Bradenton features special guest Soupbone along with a performance by Blind Pig recording artist the Damon Fowler Group.

Statement form Soupbone:

Soupbone is a band from the Tampa Bay area. We have just released a self- titled CD. Our music is rooted in New Orleans funk, rock, blues and country.. The band is full of real players, George Harris (guitar), Rob Stoney (piano and organ), Mark Dupuy (drums), Vince Caruso (bass) and Kyle Rohde (vocals.) This is our first gig in the Bradenton area since the CD dropped, so come on out and get yourself a copy. We were so thrilled to have our friend Damon play on two tracks on the disc. Looking forward to having him sit in with the band at Aces. Come on out and experience Soupbone for yourself on Damon Fowler's "Sugar Shack Mondays" at Aces.

Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays

Showcasing the best in touring talent

8 p.m. Mon., June 6 with special guest:
Damon Fowler Group 

Ace's, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton

No cover

Click to watch the performances and my interview with members of Soupbone andFowler 

8:30 p.m. Monday, June 6

Watch live streaming video from sugarshackmonday at livestream.com

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