tag:bojomusic.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=3News2021-09-03T15:28:24-04:00Bob Wrightfalsetag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/67353082021-09-03T15:28:24-04:002023-10-16T10:55:44-04:00post? pandemic post...<p>It has been a year and a half… 18 months… roughly 550 days… since the world as we know it came to a screeching halt and a lust for toilet paper overtook the land and ended that urge to go out and TP somebodies house. Not my first choice of things to stockpile. But those first few months did drive home to me the idea that there is a very real limit to what any of us can stockpile, or hoard might be a better, though harsher, word. Though we certainly need to obtain food on a fairly frequent basis… things expire, get eaten, get stale., etc. </p>
<p>I get tired of thinking about it…. but I still have to do it and the fragile nature of all things became much clearer to me as I watched things unfold in those harrowing past months. </p>
<p>What kept me going, besides great companionship, was the creative impulse, that part of me that needs to see the world through fresh eyes and to tell its stories in song. To feel that I am not alone in my thinking and to, hopefully, offer some succor to my fellow travelers on this increasingly shrinking planet. I don’t mean by writing pandemic songs, necessarily, but by continuing to tell stories that I find compelling, or human, or… I hate to say worthy as we all have worthy stories to tell… but perhaps that have a universality to them. Not sure. I just keep trying to get better every day and to be invisible inside the songs.</p>Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/67330502021-09-01T12:44:09-04:002021-10-26T07:35:11-04:00Oh man... has it been this long?<p>So, I just found out that I was awarded a CAC( City Artist Corps) Grant! Very excited about that as it has been a tough year for artists and my income from music has been pretty slim. Streaming doesn't garner much and live gigs have been out of the question for the most part. But things are looking up. I am booked back for the Richmondtown Tavern Concert Series in February and there will be a live show as part of the grant commitment by the end of October; details are still up in the air for it. Stay tuned</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is hard to believe it has been so long since I posted. I did have two monthly gigs co-hosting both an Irish Seisiun and a shanty session. I also did a few Zoom school classroom things for kids which are always fun and rewarding. The two CDs are out in the world for over a year now and have had some radio play, which is always appreciated.</p>Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/64814652020-11-19T15:40:31-05:002022-07-31T13:15:40-04:00This year isn't over yet?<p>Like most musicians there has not been much to report since the beginning of the year that will live in infamy. I still have not really done any promoting for the new CDs since I haven't been playing 'out'. I have done some things on Zoom, which has been a lifeline but far from perfect.</p>
<p>Our Irish Seisiun has been steamrolling along as has the Shanty session which you will see reflected in my calendar. Both give me something to look forward to every month which is great.</p>
<p>Other than that not much to report. I keep trying to upgrade the tech side of things to get a better online sound and have been woodshedding songs on banjo and guitar and learning lyrics for songs I have always procrastinated about learning, and, of course, still writing new songs, and there are some keepers there that I hope you get to hear soon.</p>Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/63225272020-05-19T14:49:08-04:002022-05-26T07:46:57-04:00May... really... wha' happened<p>- Both the CDs are done - one is in hand and the other was just shipped.</p>
<p>You can check them out at: bobwrightharbortown.hearnow.com (for Harbortown Redocks) and at : bobwright.hearnow.com (for Gingerbeard Whiskerchin)</p>
<p>- Two very different projects but I could not be happier with, or prouder of, either of them. And the wonderful Keri Sheheen did the artwork for both of them, as she should do for you (Ksheheen.com).</p>
<p>- Gigs are scarce with the pandemic but I am still doing the Irish Seisiun with SIARTS in a Zoom setting. A learning curve, hit and miss, at first but running pretty smoothly now. We are also hoping to get the Noble shanty session online soon... stay tuned.</p>
<p>- Also doing some online gigs for schools and other facilities that need a little burst of music for their students and/or clients. Fun and fulfilling.</p>
<p>- Woodshedding on fiddle tunes, Irish and American and whatever, for both banjo and guitar. Keeping the fingers loose and backing up the muscle memory. With any luck I may even learn a couple or three.</p>Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/62860992020-04-18T00:34:24-04:002022-04-23T07:19:11-04:00what a long strange year so far<p>Whoa... there is so much going on while we are quarantined and nothing can go on.</p>
<p>- finished up two recording projects:</p>
<p>(1) Harbortown Redocks with the crew from Harbortown, at Moon Studio, finally laying down some of the songs we have been doing out for white a while plus a few new ones for good measure. Still waiting for the physical product but it is available digitally on CDBaby for now. Really came out great and the cover art is terrific by Keri Sheheen.</p>
<p>(2) Gingerbeard Whiskerchin- I explain the title in the liner notes. Another stint with Bob Harris at Ampersand and I am really proud of it. Bill Doerge, Bob Harris, and I form the nucleus of the band with some heavy hitter guests on a lot of the tracks: Linda Hickman, Andy Leftwich, Michael Ronstadt, Ray Scro, and Dark Venus. It don't get no better folks and folkies. Keri is again working on the artwork as we speak. </p>
<p>- we are trying to get a version of the Irish Seisiun streaming live since we can't get together live... more on that as it happens.</p>
<p>- obviously I can't book any gigs for now, but don't hesitate to offer when things open up again.</p>
<p>-</p>Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879172020-01-02T19:00:00-05:002023-05-30T19:29:02-04:00Happy New Year!
<p>- Hoping to have a great year and I hope the same for you.
- The new CD projects are entitled Harbortown Redocks, and Gingerbeard Whiskerchin. Two very different thingss but I am very excited about the way they are both turning out. I do believe you will like them.
- the Irish seisiun is back and packed. Get there early if you plan to sit and eat a bite while you listen.
- I will also be looking for gigs to promote the new projects so don't hesitate to be in touch and well see what we can work out.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879162019-11-30T19:00:00-05:002021-09-22T00:10:57-04:00winter
<p>- the two new projects are almost done. Some dubbing, a couple of more tracks to record, and then a whole lot of mixing and mastering. One is all maritime stuff and the other is a pretty eclectic sleigh ride through my musical influences. Very excied about both of them.
- the Irish Seisiun is back and always a fun time. Doug and Linda just get better and better
- played at a tribute for my friend Mordecai Jacoby/aka/ Jay Coby the Singing Cowboy. Just a wonderful guy and a fine musician. He will be missed.
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879152019-09-05T20:00:00-04:002023-09-16T04:23:18-04:00Fall is in the air
<p>- A few things this September... SI Outloud and the Highland Games at the end of the month
- The Irish Seisiun will be cranking up again soon... probabl November
- the shanty is ongoing
- the recordings are coming along great and I am getting excited about them
- Big thanks to Frank Glaz for having Bill and I live on the radio at WPRB and thanks also to the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival for having me back this year on the Kids Stage
- And as always I am lookng for places to play so let me, or your local venue, know if you have an opening and I will try to get there.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879142019-07-24T20:00:00-04:002022-05-29T12:45:09-04:00summertime
<p>-lots of studio stuff in the works. A new project with Bob Harris at Ampersand studio that is coming along swimmingly. About a dozen or so tracks started and planning to add Ray Scro and his mighty saxophones to a couple followed by Linda Hickman on flute and whistle to give a few tracks extra sparkle with a dab of Irish melancholy. It is gonna be a good one with more guest artists lined up
- another project going with Henry Falco at Moon Studios and the Harbortown crew. Another dozen or so songs but these all have a nautical bent. A bunch in the can already with more to follow as th eyear progresses.
- No release dates yet but I feel really good about both projects and can't wait to get them out in the ether.
- August we'll be at the Barge Museum in Brooklyn for the Working Waterfront exhibit opening and I'll be back at Del Val Festival doing a bit on the kids stage and stopping off in Princeton to do a live session on air with Bill Doerge for Frank Glaz.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879132019-06-18T20:00:00-04:002022-05-30T08:28:33-04:00and the livin is easy
<p>- Marine Science Fair at P.S. 59 tomorrow
- P.S. 373 this Monday to sing Kate Walker at the unveiling of a mural dedicated to her. Very cool
- Moon studio this Sunday with Jan Christensen and Bob Conroy for work on a new Harbortown project; really looking forward to getting those guys in the studio
- back to Alice Austen in a month from now
- psyched to plat at the Barge Museum in August
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879122019-05-26T20:00:00-04:002022-05-12T08:02:41-04:00head spinning
<p>-just back from a trip to the UK and two sold out shows with The Spinners at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room. Wow. Such a great time and then a very successful guest spot at The Everyman.
- back in the studios soon- Moon and Ampersand for two different projects
- also back at the Harborview School in June for a few things.
- final Irish Seisiun of the season coming up
- back at the Del Val Fest on the kids stage again this year... please bring kids...
- finally crossed the Atlantic by ship. Just wonderful.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879112019-03-21T20:00:00-04:002022-06-24T15:11:05-04:00wow
<p>- The Jones are coming over from Liverpool for a visit and we shall play some music and travel the byroads.Then we return with them on the Queen Mary 2... so psyched
- Harbortown is at the New Jersey Folk Festival this year. Be there...
- we have an English folk club happening, house concerts, Irish Seisiuns, shanty sessions...
- and the studio stuff is starting to come together and certainly worth a listen. Stay tuned.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879102019-02-02T19:00:00-05:002021-09-08T07:28:19-04:00busy busy
<p>- Another fine show for our Veterans. Thanks Frank Glaz for putting it together every year.
- Heading back to England in May and this time taking a ship to Southhampton. Stoked. If you'd like me to come play whilst I am over let me know and hopefully we can work something out. I will mostly be staying in Liverpool.
- Two new recording projects kicking off this month. One maritimey at the wonderful Moon Studio here in sunny Staten Island and the other at the great Ampersand studio that will cover the non watery based stuff.
- Remember that I also have a new EP available entitled Solo Bojo Music. Check it out, I think you'll like it.
- Planning to follow in the steps of Lewis and Clark this summer. Would love to have some gigs along the way. Let me know if you are out there and would like me to stop by and play you a few tunes.
- The songwriting workshop for the Acoustic Music Guild was very nicely attended and folks went away smiling. If you would like me to come and show you what I've got, let me know and we'll see what we can work out.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879092019-01-21T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:11-05:00Winter is here...
<p>- Doing a songwriting workshop this Sunday. Lots of folks signed up and it should be a lot of fun. I am prepared and rarin to go
- looks like I will be back in April at the Pride Center for Guitar Month doing a presentation there. Had a lot of fun last year.
- Irish music concert at the College in March with Linda Hickman and James Cleveland; should be wonderful.
- lots of recording projects coming up; should be in the studios by February with a basket full of new stuff and a total lack of inhibition... we plan to make 'em gooduns
- there are some other things in the works too... going back to Liverpool in May but this time we are going on a ship to Southhampton. Definitely pumped for that trip.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879082018-12-29T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:11-05:00Happy New Year!
<p>- it has been a busy 2018 with some interesting twists and turns-
- released my Ep Solo Bojo Music and some tracks have gotten radio play here and there
- the release of the Working Waterfront CD Songs Of Our Sea and the concert to introduce it
- return of the Irish Seisiun... still going strong and building.
- a big thanks to Jim and Pat Gill for their weekly Irish sessions; a great help to me and a fun way to learn and try out new stuff
- honored to be asked to do a songwriting workshop for the Acoustic Musicians Guild in Toms River, New Jersey. And a big thank you to my buddy Bill Doerge for doing the yeomans work to get it done. Hope to see you there.
- working on a lot of songs to get recorded this coming year and have a number of potential collaborations coming up that I am really looking forward to
- hoping to do more traveling this year. If you want me to come to your hometown let me know.
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879072018-11-06T19:00:00-05:002022-02-03T09:22:51-05:00Fall back<p>- Big thanks to the Unitarian Church for having me. It went very well. - CD release for the Songs of Our Sea coming up should be a great show. - Solo Bojo Music out in the world; hope it fares well. Let me know if you want a copy - The Irish Seisiun starts up this Sunday, 11/11/18. Always a good, talented crowd. - And as always I have a bunch of projects in various stages of disrepair; should make for a fun new year.</p>Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879062018-09-27T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:11-05:00Whew... busy
<p>-lots of stuff to report
- my new EP/CD, Solo Bojo Music, is done and the release date is 10/1/19. Look for it on my bandcamp page: www.bobwright-harbortown.com. Six songs, just me and my Waterloo. Or pick one up at the next gig.
- the NY State Canal Conference is happening and Harbortown will play a small part in it. Check the calendar. Very proud to have this event, not only in NYC for the first time, but hosted on Staten Island. Big deal.
- Always a privilege to do a service for the Unitarian Church and we have a really nice program set for 10/21. All are welcome.
-Still planning a new Harbortown project and a new one with Bill Doerge and Bob Harris. Songs are written, rehearsals are happening, and new music is in the air.
- A couple of other very cool collaborations are in the offing. Details as they unfold
- Looking forward to the brand spanking new (for Staten Island) Highland Games coming up. Should be a blast and we hope to see you there.
- always seem to miss the IBMA in Raleigh every year andI do really miss it. Hopefully next year.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879052018-08-21T20:00:00-04:002021-08-10T04:32:32-04:00dog days
<p>- the new EP is done and mastered and I just need to get it packaged and ready to roll. Solo Bojo Music is the title. Six new songs solo, just me and a guitar.
- The Unitarian Church has kindly asked me back to do one of their Sunday services. Looking forward to that.
- The Highland Games of Staten Island has asked Doug, Linda, and I to bring the Irish Seisiun there. Details to follow.
- Del Val next week on the kids stage and I am really looking forward to it; have a really nice program planned... just need some kids to make it all work. If you are there bring your kids by on Saturday afternoon.
- Planning to start earnestly on an new recording project with Bill Doerge and Bob Harris and a new Harbortown project at Moon Studios with Bill, Bob Conroy, and Jan Christensen. Can't wait.
- and the Erie Canal Conference is in October on Staten Island. I will be involved with some aspects of that and I believe Harbortown will do a set at some point.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879042018-07-19T20:00:00-04:002020-09-15T05:35:58-04:00Summertime and the livi... what... what... it is July already
<p>- I have been super busy with different things and thought I was only a month behind... but 3 months!!$!$!$
- Where to start: was back at the Harborview school a couple of times. So honored that they use The Oyster Aristocracy as a part of their curriculum. Music and environmental awareness in one package. Cool
- Played again for Fleet Week overlooking the entrance to New York Harbor. Spectacular view and event.
- The Irish Seisiun just gets bigger and better. Done for the Summer but we will be back in the Fall. Doug Barr just got a big grant to go and study concertina in Ireland; he will be even better than ever.
- Back again at the Alice Austen House for their Community Day speaking of spectacular locations on the harbor. Always a thrill to sing the Alice Austen song in the exact same spot the photo it is based on was taken. Chills and thrills. Sweet.
- July found me back at Frets and Refrains music camp run by Nancy Covey and the great Richard Thompson. My 3rd time although I had not been back in 5 years. Lured back by the chance to study with the brilliant Celtic guitar player Tony McManus. He is mind blowing and, more importantly for this old teacher, he can teach. I have enough stuff to keep me busy for a very long time. And hopefully I will also sound better at the Seisiuns.
- And... I have been back in the studio starting to work on several projects. A couple with Bob Harris at Ampersand Studio and one with Harbortown and Henry Falco at Moon Studio. Details to follow but the 1st one is an EP of 6 solo songs; just me and my Waterloo guitar. That is just about done and I can sell those for a great price. The others are going to take time and involve about 20 more songs including a Christmas song based on a true story my Grandmother told me. Sorry, not this year but next year it will be ready... fingers crossed. All the songs are original and I am fortunate to always get great feedback, input, and old fashioned help from Bill Doerge, Bob Conroy, and Jan Christensen... the other guys in Harbortown
- Super psyched to be doing a couple of sets on the children's stage at the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival this year. I have worked backstage for years and am excited to get a chance to perform. Such a great festival. I expect to see you there.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879032018-04-11T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:11-05:00April come what will
<p>Busy busy busy.
Nice time with Linda Hickman’s MS people. Shared songs and stories about Staten Island and talked writing.
Doing a guitar presentation for Guitar Month at the local Gay Pride Center for their senior members. Hope they like what I have planned.
Very happy to be asked to do a couple of performances for kids at the next Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival. Kids keep you honest.
The Irish Seisiuns have been fantastic and really well attended; enjoying them.
Harbortown played to two sold out shows at Historic Richmondtown Tavern and had a really fun evening with very receptive audiences. Such a great place to play.
Enjoying my time as a ‘new’ member of Stout... I have played with them quite a bit over the years but always as a substitute; great fun and they are great guys.
The shanty sessions are also doing amazingly well. A lot of people show up to listen but more and more people work up the nerve to join in and that is really what it is all about.
Heading back up to NEFFA in a week or so with Jan and Bill to do a Saturday night set. We are locked, loaded, and primed. Don’t miss it.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879022018-03-07T19:00:00-05:002022-01-13T14:42:51-05:00clocks ahead
<p>- wow. Daylight Savings is back upon us and I missed the whole month of February... been pretty busy with stuff and March is proving to be just as busy
- working up lots of new songs and hoping to get some of them recorded in the Spring
- with the shanty session, the Irish Seisiun, Stout, and Harbortown, things are popping. Check out the calendar.
-don't forget to check: bobwright-harbortown.com to purchase music. Lots of stuff on there and more is coming so check often
- looking forward to returning to NEFFA again this year but was so sorry to hear about the passing of Linda Leslie. She always took good care of us and kept us updated on what to do and to expect. Big shoes to fill.
- heading down to North Carolina in April for an IBMA Leadership Retreat and am looking forward to seeing what is new in that world.
- am also returning to Richard Thompsons wonderful camp in the Adirondacks this July and a chance to study with Tony McManus... and yes, of course, with Richard and the other great instructors they have like Sloan Wainwright...
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879012018-01-02T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:002018!#!$!#!
<p>- The Seisiun is back in full force- see the schedule and then get there and join in
- heading back to NEFFA this year with Harbortown and it will be fun... we promise
- honored to be a new member of the fabulous long-running folk group Stout and have some shows lined up with them already
- shanty session as always on the 3rd Sunday of the month
- more stuff in the line but can't say yet</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60879002017-11-19T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:00Thanksgiving
<p>- turkey in a couple of days and a lot else going on
- Irish Seisiun back up and running
- shanty session going strong
- planning to go back to NEFFA this year in April
- a bunch of new songs getting wrung out before they are hung out
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878992017-09-11T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:00Fall... ahh...
<p>- heading to the UK and a spot at the Everyman Folk Club in Liverpool and a chance to hang with our wonderful friends Chris and Hughie Jones.
- Sang a few songs in my Folk Fellow role for SI Arts brewery event. Great turnout and the event was very well received.
- we will be doing a vacation road trip to Kentucky the first week of October. Always available along the way if anyone wants to hear me. Heading to the track at Keeneland.
- Had a great time at the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival again as part of the back stage crew. Been doing it for about 12 years and I always learn something.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878982017-08-28T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:00where did the year go
<p>- Had a bit of a health thing to deal with which kept me close to home for several months but all is well now and I am getting things back on track
- so much has happened since I last wrote-the showcases at FAI went great and I did a couple of school programs that were very well received and very rewarding.
- one after-school program was a CASA grant funded program with Naomi Sturm and SI Arts at the Harborview School on Staten Island; got to teach the kids my songs about their local history. They took to them right away and it is a thrill to hear.
- the other program was sponsored by the Noble Museum and run by Dawn Daniels. That was done at a number of schools and we were teaching the kids about the Robbins Reef Lighthouse. I taught them my song about the lighthouse. Very cool.
- Bill and I did the Austen House Community Day event again; spectacular place
- a big thanks to Nick Dowen at the Noble who consistently sells my CDs in the gift shop; greatly appreciated
- I received a grant to do a live recording at the monthly shanty session at the Noble. The CD is done and only available in their gift shop. We donated the CD to the Noble and they get all the proceeds. Very proud of that
- am still a Folk Fellow for the Working Waterfront Project; we will see where that leads
- the Irish Seisiun had some rough spots but we are hoping to have it back this coming season. Stay tuned.
-got a brand new custom Okie open-back banjo from Rob Bishline. Fantastic! Now I need to start dropping some thumb.
- Heading back to Liverpool soon and that is always a fun time. Fun audiences and they keep you honest and on your toes.
- still writing and always striving to be better; pretty picky about what you get to hear but that is definitely for the best
- and, as always, if anyone has a gig to offer it would be greatly appreciated
- oh yeah, I have a new Bandcamp page with music for sale if you care to check it out: www.bobwright-harbortown.com</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878972017-01-02T19:00:00-05:002022-04-03T08:32:32-04:00Happy New Year!
<p>- I hope y'all had a safe and Happy New Years eve and are all set to take on the new year and whatever challenges it presents
- Very happy to be given a slot to showcase at the Folk Alliance by Si Kahn. I mean, c'mon. its Si Kahn.
- Been writing a ton of new stuff that I am hoping to get out there; probably play some of it at the Tavern concert in a few weeks.And that is great venue to play. Hope to see some of you there. Too cool.
- The Working Waterfront Project went very well and we hope to continue it in the new year. I am also doing a school program with Dawn Daniels, from the Noble Maritime Collection. I get to teach the kids my Kate Walker song; always get shivers when kids join in on the song.
- the Doerflinger CD is moving along and we are trying to record a bunch of it live at the session. So far so good.
- and as ever... send us your venues and we will try to get there...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878962016-11-08T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:00What?!?!?
<p>- Wow. It has been a while since I had a chance to write. Some stuff came up that needed doing and taking care of and it took me out of the game for a bit but all is back on track now.
-The shanty session is still going strong and we are putting together a plan to get the Doerflinger CD recorded.
Look for a release concert in April with a special guest from Liverpool joining in. And he has donated a track for the CD... yessss... Hughie Jones will be back with us and that is always and honor and a delight.
- adn yes, the Irish Seisiun is back! All the dates are on the calendar and we hope you come and listen and take part in it. Always fun.
- I have a boatload of new songs that I am hoping to get demoed up in the next few months. Really torn about doing a whole CD as CDs don't sell anymore... but that is what the DJs want.
-did some traveling for pleasure... couple of weeks up on the Cape and then a couple of weeks in Sicily and Rome... great times.
- spent a couple of days on jury duty; had some surgery done. lots of stuff to deal with like I said
- I will be more on top of this now that things are settled
- and yes, as always, if you know of someplace you think we should play give us a holler...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878952016-06-16T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:00June tunes
<p>- Back at the Ocean County Artists Guild tonight (June 17)in Toms River, New Jersey with Bob C and Bill. Always a great crowd and we have some new songs in store.
-LUMEN- June 25- be there! We have a set of original songs about the Staten Island waterfront and are delighted to take part in this amazing event. It gets better every year and it is always especially good when it is hosted by Atlantic Salt. It has to be seen to be believed.
- Bill and I are back in New Jersey at the Blueberry Fest on the 26th. First time there; sure do love blueberries... either high or low bush...
- The Soundscape for the opening installation at SI Arts Culture Lounge on July 14th is done and sounds (in my humble opinion) awesome. Those Henry Falco ears were essential to it and he came through big time. Moon Studios... just go there.
- The shanty session is back this Sunday (June 19) 2-5 and just gets better and better.
- Missing Liverpool and Ireland this year so far but am hoping to get back over soon. Give us a shout if you have a venue for us.
- last Seisiun for the season done and we look forward to coming back strong in September.
- visited with Nancy and Donald Nitchie on the Vineyard a few weeks ago and it was wonderful to see them and to catch up on the news.
- Humbled to be asked again to sing Cobh of Sorrow at the AOH golf outing next to the famine victim memorial.
- Alice Austen House Community Day, 150th birthday celebration on July 23. Best view in the city.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878942016-06-16T20:00:00-04:002022-05-11T07:22:59-04:00June tunes
<p>- Back at the Ocean County Artists Guild tonight (June 17)in Toms River, New Jersey with Bob C and Bill. Always a great crowd and we have some new songs in store.
-LUMEN- June 25- be there! We have a set of original songs about the Staten Island waterfront and are delighted to take part in this amazing event. It gets better every year and it is always especially good when it is hosted by Atlantic Salt. It has to be seen to be believed.
- Bill and I are back in New Jersey at the Blueberry Fest on the 26th. First time there; sure do love blueberries... either high or low bush...
- The Soundscape for the opening installation at SI Arts Culture Lounge on July 14th is done and sounds (in my humble opinion) awesome. Those Henry Falco ears were essential to it and he came through big time. Moon Studios... just go there.
- The shanty session is back this Sunday (June 19) 2-5 and just gets better and better.
- Missing Liverpool and Ireland this year so far but am hoping to get back over soon. Give us a shout if you have a venue for us.
- last Seisiun for the season done and we look forward to coming back strong in September.
- visited with Nancy and Donald Nitchie on the Vineyard a few weeks ago and it was wonderful to see them and to catch up on the news.
- Humbled to be asked again to sing Cobh of Sorrow at the AOH golf outing next to the famine victim memorial.
- Alice Austen House Community Day, 150th birthday celebration on July 23. Best view in the city.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878932016-05-07T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:00Whew...
<p>-Been super busy and that is always a good thing
- Big thanks to the New Jersey Folk Festival for inviting me. We had a blast and got some great feedback from folks. Always appreciated.
- The Working Waterfront project is kicking... I have a lot of the sound files I need for the soundscape and we ( Bill and I)are recording a bass and banjo track tomorrow as an underlay of the whole thing. An original new tune entitled Duffy's Cut. And we will be doing a short set at Lumen. You have to check out Lumen!
- Can not believe Summer is nigh.
- Had a meeting at McSorleys (highly recommended meeting place) for the shanty CD; should begin recording in July and everyone is psyched to get going. It will be fun to do and, with the talent available, will be a great thing to take away from the Museum shop when we have the monthly shanty sing at the Noble Collection.
- and a big thank you to Erin and Dawn at the Noble for allowing us to record a video for my song Out in Michigan there. What a backdrop. If you have not been to the Noble you need to get there now! It is beautifully maintained and drop dead gorgeous. Jan's son Eric Hebert did the videography and I am waiting to see how it turned out. Again... we had fun...
- had a chance to catch up a bit with my old banjo teacher, Tony Trischka, at the NJFF. Nice to see Skyline reunited.
-and as always... send us your venues and your desires to see us and maybe we can make it happen.
ciao</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878922016-03-28T20:00:00-04:002021-11-20T11:26:31-05:00Wow!
<p>-Double wow! Just found out that I am one of 6 folks selected for the singer-songwriter showcase at the New Jersey Folk Festival. This is a long running, well attended and well run event and I couldn't be more honored or more pleased.
- Had a fun time at Pat Salmons book release signing. Nice of her to ask me to do my Stapleton Beer song for the release of her book about Staten Island Breweries. We used to have a lot of them; maybe that is how we became the forgotten borough
- New England Folk Festival coming up soon and Harbortown is all dressed up and ready to go. See you there on Friday night.
- Have some ideas for my working waterfront project and am itching to start piecing them together.
- putting together a recording project for the shanty session; should be a great time and a CD that will mean a lot to a lot of people; stay tuned. The session has been getting better and bigger and you should try to make it to it.
- Irish Seisiún going strong as well.
- speaking of which, a big thanks to Mike and Mary McVey for having Doug, Linda, and I to play at their St Patrick's party
and also to play for a memorial to the Uprising at the RANDALL TAVERN on 4/ 24/16
- heading back up to Ashokan for the Local 1000 Retreat again this year and looking forward to seeing folks I don't get to see too often and to learning from those that are there
- some other gigs in New Jersey in the works this year; a couple are listed and some are still not confirmed</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878912016-03-12T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:00March madness
<p>-Had a super busy week and had a great time. Big thanks to the venues: Flagship Brewery, College of Staten Island, SI Arts, The Noble Collection, and Historic Richmondtown Tavern Concert Series. And, of course, to the folks who came out to see us... it was our privilege.
- Working Waterfront in progress and will be a fascinating trip. Hey I am a Research Fellow!
- Several new things in the works for the coming months; will post them as soon as I have confirmation.
- The Irish Seisiún has been going great and we have been getting other gigs from it. Sweet.
- Submitted the stage plan for NEFFA today so that is a go at the end of April.
- Will be doing some school programs with Dawn Daniels from the Noble Maritime Collection teaching kids some harbor
lore and songs that they should know. Always great to work with her. We have done many programs both at the Museum and at her dance school together so it should be great.
- We are always on the prowl for new venues and welcoming audiences. Keep us in mind and give us a shout if you think you might want us to stop in and sing a few for you, or maybe do a songwriting workshop.
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878902016-01-22T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:10-05:00exciting stuff planned
<p>- blizzard outside so it is a good time to try and catch you up
- Had the first meeting yesterday for the new Working Waterfront Project with our local arts council, Staten Island Arts. It is a very exciting project that will unfold over the next couple of years and I am honored to be included in it as one of 4 research fellows. Can't wait to get started and will flesh it all out as time goes quickly by
- Harbortown in back at the Tavern on March 12; thanks to them for having us back again. Great place to play acoustic music. It'll be a good'un with lots of new stuff and some very talented band members.
- writing a lot lately and am very pleased with some of the songs; I write a lot but it in't all... mostly isn't all... for for human consumption. Stay tuned
- the Seisiun will take place on Superbowl Sunday, 2/7, but from 1-4 instead of 2-5. Still plenty of time to get in a few tunes and see the game afterwards.
- The shanty sessions have really been getting a nice turnout with some really fine singers in attendance lately.
- this Wednesday night, 1/27, I will be at the ETG with a bunch of other fine folks paying tribute to Pete Seeger. I'll be doing two songs that Pete did... not hard to pick as he has done pretty much every song...
- Bill and I are very proud to go back again to a VA hospital in New Jersey to play for veterans with PTSD on 2/5. Thanks to Frank Glaz for organizing it and for doing this for over 20 years. We went last year for the first time.
as always, if you want to hear us check out the calendar or give us a call about a gig you might have for us</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878892015-12-31T19:00:00-05:002022-06-01T15:35:01-04:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!
<p>- it is shaping up to be a great year and I really look forward to meeting some of the folks out there who want to hear what we are up to.
- the next Seisiun is this Sunday and they have been taking off so it should be a happening place to be
- working on some new songs and I think I like them... stay tuned...
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878882015-12-13T19:00:00-05:002021-05-01T19:41:41-04:00banjo hohoho
<p>-Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday to all!
- Congratulations to Naomi Sturm for the grant she received for the Working Waterfront Project. Proud to say that I will be a research fellow for the project. It promises to be amazing.
- Played some Irish Trad yesterday for a SI Arts Folklore project, Trouble The Water, which is now an online database with victims of Hurricane Sandy telling their stories.
What a great time at the Toms River Library a couple of weeks back. Bob and Bill were in top form and I just went along for the ride; big thanks to all who came and to the library for having us back again. And... we got to do all songs about Staten Island!
- Another big shout out to Joe Pszonek at WMSC to having Bill and I on to chat and play a couple of things live in the studio. It was a great time and he was impressively prepared for us; the man knows how to run an interview.
- got another recording project in the very preliminary works; all shanties from Snug Harbor with an all-star cast... stay tuned...
- and still working on some new tracks of some new songs for a new year...
- very happy to be back in the Tavern concert series this year... it'll be a goodun'
- and the shanty session in this Sunday (12/20)... you need to come...
- and very happy to say that the Irish Seisiun is back up and running at the very accommodating Flagship Brewery... psst... the beer is really really good ... next up is January 3, 2-5 pm
- and as always... send us your gigs... thanks</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878872015-11-08T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00where oh where did October go?
<p>- was sidelined for a few weeks in October but all is well and I am back up and running
- spent the day with the wondrous Bill Doerge and the magnificent Bob Harris at Ampersand Studios recording ten new tracks.
CD or not CD... that is the question
- Harbortown is back at the Toms River on the 30th of November. Stop by, say howdy, and give us a listen. You may even like what you hear.
- the monthly shanty session continues to grow and to attract attention. You are not there because... ?
- trying to get the monthly Irish Seisiun back up and running on a more reliable schedule. Should know tomorrow.
- and, as always, we are open to offers of gigs. Can't hurt to give us a call and see.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878862015-09-08T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00Yikes...time flys
<p>- can not believe I have not posted since June but I have not been home that much and a lot of good stuff happened but that is old news
-August we were honored to play at the grand opening of the National Lighthouse Museum right here on sunny Staten Island. The Museum has a ways to go but it is a miracle that it is there at all to visit and to enjoy. Greatness will follow.
- Bill and I also played at the Alice Austen House again and I never get tired of singing the Alice Austen song on the porch that inspired me to write the song... and the location and the view... WOW.
- speaking of wow... ended August at the Borderline Cafe's annual tribute picnic. This year the honoree was the legendary Tom Paxton who was there in the flesh, did a short set like everybody else, and got to hear what we do. Got to meet him and hang out a bit and he was wonderful both onstage and off. What a treat. And I had to take over running the jam this year as Roger Sprung couldn't be there as he had another gig. Fun time.
- lots of meetings with museum and arts folks happening... stay tuned for what could be some very cool future projects. I'm excited.
- and now September... where to start... well we are doing a Hughie Jones show this Saturday night as he is here for the 20th anniversary celebration for the shanty session. Check the calendar for details.
-And filmmakers Leia Grossman and Gabriel Baron are making a documentary about the session. I have seen the trailer and it looks amazing; can't wait for the final product.
- might be going back in the studio in the late Fall if things work out... Should I do another CD or sell single track... CD or not CD that is the question
- Bill and I will be back at the Toms River Library with Bob Conroy in November. Wonderful venue.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878852015-06-17T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00and the livin is easy
<p>- can not thank Chris and Hughie Jones enough for the friendship, hospitality, and artistry. They are wonderful.
- and a big thanks to Mick and Do Groves for putting us up, putting up with us, and for sharing the talent in such an open way.
Great stuff.
- lots of things happening with more to come in the Fall. Working on the details and will post them as soon as things get confirmed
- Ocean County Artists Guild next week... be there... it will be fun...
- Lighthouse Museum gig in August; stay tuned
- Borderline's Tom Paxton tribute in August; hope he is there.
- More thanks to the Everyman Folk Club; Alan Bell and Fleetwood Maritime Day; the good folks of Exeter who filled the Village Hall and had such nice things to say afterwards, greatly appreciated; the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival for doing yeoman's work to help support the RNLI.
- this weeks shanty session at the Noble will be filmed by filmmaker Gabriel Baron. Should be interesting.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878842015-05-12T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00My, my, May...
<p>- heading to the UK in a few days and have a few gigs lined up. Details to follow, but I know at least one will be in my old haunt in Liverpool.
- Borderline Tribute to Tom Paxton in August... the man has written some songs I hear...
- Thanks again to the folks at the New England Folk Festival. We had a blast.
- Keep my buddy and bandmate Jan Christensen in your thoughts as he tackles some health issues. We need more people like Jan around.
- Ocean County gig coming up after I get back and it will be hard to top last years turnout but it will be fun to try.
- The Irish seisiun will be back at the Flagship in September... stay tuned.
- Shanty session at the Noble this Sunday and it just keeps getting better and more people keep showing up. You should too! Might even try out a new song this week.
- Had a great time at the yearly Local 1000 Gathering/ Retreat at the Ashokan Center. Heard a lot of wonderful songs and players and am proud to be part of the musicians union.
- Thanks to Ridgefield Park for having Risky Business back again this year for the annual Earth Day event. Lots of familiar faces and a chance to play bluegrass at the waters edge.
- some other stuff in the offing but nothing I can discuss just yet
- and, as always, if you want to see and hear us let your local venue know and maybe we can work something out.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878832015-04-04T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00April finally Spring...
<p>- great fun last night at the ETG Cafe for my 50th anniversary show. Full house and enthusiastic. Just a pure pleasure.
- next up is NEFFA; happy to be back again and hoping to bring in some new fans to the Harbortown boathouse
- spent a week in L.A. and had perfect weather and climbed lots of stairs... ask me when you see me
- heading over to the UK the end of May and will be at the Everyman in Liverpool around the 27th of May; looks like there might be some other gigs too; will keep you posted when I know for sure
- Local 1000 retreat coming up in a few weeks; pretty close to home this year
- back at Ridgefield Park soon with Risky Business; always a nice day there
- The Irish Seisiun will return to the Flagship Brewery the first Sunday in September
- the Shanty session continues every third Sunday of the month, 2-5 pm, at the Noble Collection
- hope to see some of you and, as always, if you want us in your town give us a holler or tell your local venue about us</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878822015-03-16T20:00:00-04:002021-05-01T19:43:03-04:00snow away
<p>- this Saturday night( 3/21/15) Bill and I will be supporting Jan Christensen at the ETG Cafe. Great songs and a great guy.
- then, in two weeks (April 4) Bill and I will be back at the ETG doing a special show on the same date I first played out exactly 50 years ago.... WHWHWHAT...
- NEFFA coming up the end of April and that should be wonderful; nice to be surrounded by folks of a like mind
- FAI was a good time this year and we did some showcases that were well received and I finally got to meet one of my banjo heroes, and really nice guy, Alan Munde. Attended his workshop and that was a pleasure.
- doing a St. Pats party this Friday at Mike McVey's house with Doug Barr and Linda Hickman. Thanks Mike.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878812015-02-23T19:00:00-05:002022-05-12T08:02:54-04:00Folk Alliance
<p>- Bill, Vincent Cross, and I bit the bullet and drove to FAI... 1200 wintry miles each way but we had a great time and now on to the next phase of whatever it is we do
- planning to do a 50th anniversary evening on April 4 at the ETG Cafe here on Staten Island. That will be 50 years TO THE DAY from the first time I performed out in high school at Xaverian in Brooklyn. Mascot is a clipper ship... no shock there.
- A big thank you to both Ken Gaines from Anderson Fair in Texas and Mike Beck from Access Film in Chicago for hosting our showcases at FAI. Met some great folks and got some great feedback about our performances. Apparently if you keep doing this you get better...hmmm...
- Always a fun time at Local 1000's no showcase zone room at FAI. There are a lot of wonderful songwriters around let me tell you.
- love the new Waterloo... enough said</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878802015-02-06T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00Kansas City...
<p>- Seisiun tomorrow... was moved back a week because of the Super Bowl
-The March 1st Seisiun also has a time change (4-7 instead of the usual 2-5)because of the local St. Pats parade but the Hibernians after party will be there so it should be a real fun evening.
-Kansas City and the FAI next week and we are ready to roll. Bill and I are driving out with our buddy Vincent Cross( make sure to check out his showcases!). Should be a blast. Our showcase schedule is on the calendar here
- Got a new Waterloo guitar and it is just a killer little box. Planning to use it for the FAI showcases.
-Shanty session next week (2/15) at the Noble, usual 2-5 time.
- Planning a new show at the ETG on the 50th (!?!?!?!) anniversary of the first time I ever 'graced' a stage. From 4/4/65- 4/4/15
Yikes...
- thank to Frank Glaz for inviting us to his annual show at the Veterans Center in Lyons , New Jersey for veterans with PTSD.
Always happy to play for my fellow veterans</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878792014-12-28T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:002015
<p>- Happy New Year and hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday!
- No Seisiun this month but we'll be back on February 1st and every first Sunday after that! Come on by and bring a song or your dancing shoes.
- the Stan Jay tribute is on 1/11 and there will be a lot of fine musicians playing and paying respects to a local legend and all around good guy.
- February brings Bill and I out to FAI in Kansas City and we have a few showcases set up so far. See you there!
- April we will be back at the New England Folk Festival on the Friday night of the weekend with Harbortown
-As always, we are looking for gigs and hoping to come by your town and offer up our musical wares. Let us know if you have a venue we'd be a good fit for.
- Thanks to Bridget Bartolini for inviting me to take part in the 5 Boro Story Project at the Staten Island Museum. A really wonderful afternoon with some fine performances. And thanks to Diane Matyas for her usual great work at the Museum coordinating it all and emceeing.
- great shanty session in December and we will be back at it again the third Sunday of the month. no excuses, you know you want to sing.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878782014-11-17T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00phew
<p>- been busy with lots of stuff
- big thanks to Mike Beck and Access Films for hosting Bill and I at a showcase at NERFA this past Saturday
and a bigger thank you to the folks who stopped, listened and even sang along. Awesome.
- A lot of new stuff on the calendar; I won't repeat it all here. Hope you find something you like.
- took place in a wonderful recording session on Sunday for the multi-talented Guy MIchetti's new Christmas Song,
Sing A Christmas Song. Privileged to be a part of a chorus of about 20 fine local musicians adding some voices to the choruses of the song. I heard a mix today and it sounds great. Big kudos to Guy and to Henry Falco at Moon Studios.
- very happy to be a part of a tribute concert for Stan Jay, he of Mandolin Brothers fame. I knew Stan for over 40 years and he was always a delight to hang with... funny, smart, and caring... not a bad combination. He will be missed.
- took a road trip and finally got to see Sun Studios and the Delta Blues Museum. So many talented folks to remember.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878772014-10-02T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00back in action
<p>- back at it after a couple of weeks recuperating from a routine medical thing. Had to miss the last shanty session and
a bunch of other things but I am better than ever and anxious to get back on track
- Irish Seisiun this Sunday, 10/5, at the Flagship Brewery, 2-5 pm. Myself, Linda Hickman, and Doug Barr hosting. It was packed last time event though we had to struggle to get the sound right but we have been working on that and it should be much better this time around. Great feedback about it and we plan to be there every fist Sunday of the month.
- heading up to the Big Squeeze in a week or so, New England's premier weekend long pickin party, picnic, campout, what ever you want it to be. Always a fun time.
- will be involved in the 5 Boro storytelling project in December at the Staten Island Museum and that should be pretty special.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878762014-09-02T20:00:00-04:002020-09-23T04:20:20-04:00lookin' good
<p>- big thanks to the best festival crew to work with headed by Archie Warnock,
as usual Delaware Valley is a great time to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.
- Hamburger Sandwich debuted at #68 on the Folk Charts for August. Call up your local folk station and get those requests in!
- first Irish Seisiun at the Flagship Brewery this Sunday and I am psyched to be playing with two stellar musicians- Linda Hickman and Doug Barr- 2-5 pm
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878752014-08-23T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00thank you
<p>A big thanks to the following stations who have played tracks from Hamburger Sandwich:
- WVUD in Delaware
- WLRN in Florida- Folk and Acoustic Music with Michael Stock
- WWSP in Wisconsin- Acoustic Revival with Jim Canales
- Highway 61 with Massimo Ferro- Italy
- Midnight Special with Rick Warren- Chicago
- WIOX- with Sonny Ochs- New York- Folk Music and Other Stuff
- WFDU with Ron Olesko- New Jersey
- WVKR- Poughkeepsie
- WBGU- Bowling Green, Ohio
- WYSO- DAYTON, Ohio
- Eclectic Chair with Trish Lewis- Michigan
- Saturday Cafe- Oregon
- Out of the Woods with Chip Colcord- New Hampshire</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878742014-08-20T20:00:00-04:002020-11-09T05:33:03-05:00Best time of the year
<p>- been on the Cape for a couple of weeks just hanging and having fun
- Irish Session at Flagship Brewery coming up 9/7, 2-5 pm. Inaugural
one, then first Sunday of every month
- missed the Shanty on Sunday but will be there in September
- volunteering again at the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival.
They know how to do it right and it is always great to see familiar faces and do some catching up
- big thanks to all the radio stations that have been playing tracks from Hamburger Sandwich; they are the keepers of
The flame</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878732014-07-30T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:09-05:00yep
<p>- GREAT audience at the Ocean County Artists Guild and the largest crowd they have ever had for a show. Very humbling
and it is nice to see that hard work pays off. We will be back there again 6/19/2015!
- congratulations to Jan Christensen for his fine new live release 'Passages': www.woodenshipsmusic.com
- next week the Lighthouse Museum celebrates its opening with The Harbormen... that would be Harbortown, Stout, Frank Woerner, and Jan Christensen doing our own things and some stuff together. Lots of crusty old sea dogs singing that day.
- The new Irish session at the Flagship brewery starts on September 7 and will be every first Sunday of the month. Very excited to be a part of it. Doug Barr and Linda Hickman are the instigators.
- just sent out a bunch of the new CDs to radio stations around the States. I think we got all the right ones covered, but if you want one for your station give us a holler where ever you may be.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878722014-07-17T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00July flys by
<p>- next Friday... July 25... we are at the Ocean County Artists Guild again.
Filled up last year and we are hoping for the same; have some great stuff lined up
- August 7 we (The Harbormen) will sing for the long anticipated opening of the National
Lighthouse Museum here on Staten Island
- shanty session this Sunday (always the third Sunday of the month from 2-5)
at the Noble; they just keep getting better and better... this time Jan Christensen will be debuting his new CD...
which includes yours truly in the cast of characters and I am honored that he recorded one of my songs on it
- heading up to the Cape for a couple of weeks in August and hope to get some good jams in with
all the fine local talent hiding up there in the land of sand.
- we are always looking for gigs so don't hesitate to contact us if you think we need to play in your neck of the woods</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878712014-06-21T20:00:00-04:002020-12-10T14:08:53-05:00Summer
<p>- nice event this Saturday ( 6/28/14) at the beautiful Alice Austen house.
Freshly renovated and loaded for banjo
- remember we'll be at the Ocean County Artists Guild in July
- the shanty sessions lately have been excellent with people showing up from all corners
of the planet
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878702014-05-11T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00Whew
<p>- the last few weeks were incredibly full and took a ton of planning and coordination to pull off... and we did... NEFFA, Brick Hill House concerts, Dunlap house concert, Conroy house concert, and the culmination at the Noble Collection
- The Doerflinger plaque is beautiful and will look amazing hanging outside the main entrance facing the water
- next shanty session this coming Sunday, May 19, 2-5
- Ridgefield Park Earth Day this Saturday with Risky Business Bluegrass Band; always a fun time in a park setting on the river
- shot lots of video and recorded a lot of the shows; hope we have some good stuff to post in the coming weeks
- as always, we are looking for places to play and welcome suggestions, offers, or a nice cup of tea
- the Doerflinger project consumed the last year and now I need another project to get the juices flowing again
- Hamburger Sandwich has been getting airplay here and there and a lot of folks tell me they think it is our best CD yet. We are proud of it. And we love to play those songs for a crowd...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878692014-04-08T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00Yikes... where did March go
<p>- Not very sad to see this winter lumber to an end. I like the cold but it just got to be too much after a while. Give me the sun and the sixties and I am a happy camper
- a lot happening in the next few weeks... New England Folk Festival... Brick Hill house concert... Doerflinger plaque dedication and concert...
- just got a new Shure mic that mounts on a camera to try and put some video stuff together with better audio quality. Should be fun to play with and put some new songs out there for people to hear.
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878682014-02-24T19:00:00-05:002021-12-21T18:01:49-05:00back from Kansas
<p>- The Folk Alliance event was way better than I anticipated... always takes me a while to warm up to new ideas. I met a lot of really nice people and got to play some songs, including a showcase with Mara Levine who graciously did two of my songs. Don Flemons stopped by and sat in for a song and that was very cool.
- Special thanks to Christine Lavin and Sonny Ochs for hosting the first FAI laptop concert and for inviting me to be on. A lot of folks played and it was a whole lot of fun. Let me know if you got to see it!
- Radio show coming up next week: Bill and I will be on Joe Will's show from Burlington County Comm Coll in south Jersey on March 8, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.. I love doing live radio and if any other DJs want us we are happy to be there.
- a big thank you to Frank Todd for having us back on WPRB's show Music You Can't hear on The Radio.
- really looking forward to the quick tour of New England at the end of April; check the schedule for the dates
- Very proud to be putting together a show to remember the contributions of Bill Doerflinger and a dedication of a plaque at the Noble Maritime Collection on Staten Island. Headliner is Hughie Jones and the date is May 9.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878672014-01-30T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00not all that is frozen is lost
<p>- some very sad news the last week or so... first the loss of David Kleinman, a wonderful guy with an amazing set of skills that almost seem impossible to belong to one person. I knew him as a folk singer but he was so much more and his presence will be missed
- then, of course, there is the loss of Pete Seeger. What can I say that hasn't been said already other than that he was very kind to me in whatever interactions we had over the years, as he was to everybody he came into contact with. If you are a New Yorker you probably ran into him someplace because he seemed to be everywhere and was always open and accessible. Sweet dreams Pete and give Toshi a big hug.
- winter was pretty slow but in the last week or so the dates have been rolling in and we are always looking for places to ply our trade... check the calendar here or give us a holler if you want us to come to your area
- heading out to Kansas City with my buddy, songwriter Vincent Cross for the National Folk Alliance shindig in mid-February and hoping to meet some good folks and get to play a tune or a song here and there. Say howdy if you see me.
- the new CD is out and available all over the internet and, of course, I'd be delighted to send you one for $12 or stop by a gig and they are a mere $10.00</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878662013-11-30T19:00:00-05:002021-07-17T05:14:58-04:00banjo-hoho
<p>-Ahh... December and the pace quickens as Christmas time's a'comin... and I hear CDs make for a fine stocking stuffer so don't be shy and buy buy buy
- the house concert was a great success and we had a ton of fun. Thanks to Joe, Jen and Vincent for helping to make our release night a blast
- remember the shanty sessions are every third Sunday of the month at the Noble Collection and they are participatory, not a performance, so don't be afraid to join in
- all signed up and ready to go out to Kansas City for my first Folk Alliance International get together and am looking forward to it
- been writing down a bunch of ideas and trying to grow some new songs... ya can't force 'em out but it helps to focus and pay attention if they are trying to get out
- going to the Christmas Revels in Cambridge for the first time and looking forward to hearing my friend John Browne adding his guitar to the fabulous mix</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878652013-11-03T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00Its here!!!
<p>- The new CD, Hamburger Sandwich, arrived and it looks great... sounds pretty darn good too if I do say so.
It'll be up on CDBaby in a short while and then will be available there, here, and a bunch of other places online. Or you can just send me a check for $12.00 and I'll get one to you ASAP.
- the house concert is pretty much full and it will be a great evening of fun and music.
- heading up to NERFA for the day on Saturday with Vincent Cross; say howdy if you see me
- put a new Fults tailpiece on my Bishline and it is a mighty fine piece of machinery</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878642013-10-24T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00Fallll…. about time
<p>- The house concert is 11/16 at the Scro manse. He has had some great ones in the last year or so and we are planning on keeping that track record alive. The wonderful Vincent Cross is opening for Bill and I, and we will do all the songs from the new CD. It is called Hamburger Sandwich and it is making me hungry just to think about it.
- the shanty, as always, turns up some fine singers and it is always the third Sunday of the month, 2-5 p.m. at the Noble Maritime Collection. Come on down!
- Bergenfield Library wrote to tell us that it was the best event they have had this year, and the year is about over. Thanks to them for having us and for all the folks who came out. It was way more than they anticipated.
- Been testing out the new K&K pickup in my Collings and so far it is awesome; really natural sounding and expressive.
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878632013-10-05T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00October… the best month
<p>-Okay, it isn't the best month just because I was born in October. Just feel those cool temps and check out the leaves…
enough said.
- Still on track for the house concert/CD release. The new Cd is called Hamburger Sandwich and will be
totally completed in a few weeks. Just getting all the info out to Oasis to get the project all put together. They did an awesome job on the last three and I think this one will top those. I'm really excited about this one.
- big thanks to Bob Harris for his great playing, producing, and golden ears on the project. I think you're going to like this one
- Bergenfiled Library with Risky Business this week
- another possible house concert on Long Island is in the planning stages; it'll be a fun time
- as always, we are always looking to play and open to suggestions for venues
- heading to the National Folk Alliance in Kansas City in February. Anybody else going?</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878622013-09-03T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00Yikes, it is September already
<p>- Wishing all my old colleagues a great school year.
- Del Val Fest is still the best and had some great fun jamming with Ellen and Peter Vigour, Allen and Emily Cohen, and with Hillbilly Water. Special thanks to Archie Warnock for running a fine back stage crew; kept us on track even when there was no track.
- Final mixes on the new CD are in progress and I am chomping at the bit; was up at Saratoga for the races this year
(150th anniversary) so bear with me while I mix my metaphors.
- couple of great shanty things coming up this month
-Kweskin band was even better than I'd hoped. They were all there but Fritz (RIP) with their voices intact
and playing great. So happy that I got to see them one last time.
- hoping to have a CD release party at the Scro house the beginning of November; all depends on getting the CD packaged
up and ready for human consumption... Hmmm... edible CD's might not be a bad idea... throw them into iTunes and then have a nice stack instead of a dust collector on the shelf. A lot of the 'food' on the shelves is already plastic anyway.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878612013-08-21T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00August ramblings
<p>-Heard the fiddle tracks for the new CD and they are epic… Gary Oleyar done real good; needs to be mixed and mastered but it is just about there so keep your ears peeled
- going to the Folk Alliance International in Kansas City in February to make some new friends
and to make some music with some new friends; never been there and really looking forward to some great
music and some even better barbecue
- volunteering at the Delaware Valley Fest again in a week or so and it is still one of the best with an awesome lineup
and run by some great folks; miss it at your own peril
- got to jam with sax player extraordinaire Ray Scro recently and we're
talking about doing a show together to shake up the old boundaries a tad
- Pete Becker is putting a K&K Quantum pickup (with the blender and internal mic) into my Collings D2H and I can't wait to
put it through its paces; great sounding guitar to begin with and I have my hopes up adn Peter is a good man
to put your hopes on if you need work done.
- psyched to go see my favorite band from back in the day next week… the Kweskin Jug Band playing up at the Egg in Albany</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878602013-08-04T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00Where did July go????
<p>Been so busy I haven't posted lately but it has all been good kinds of busy.
- great fun to be part of a Spinners reunion in the U.K. Those guys can still sing and they know how to entertain
- new CD is more than in the works and I hope to be done with it pretty soon; look for a house concert/ CD release
show in the Fall
- thanks again to Hereford for having us and to the folks in Toms River for continuing to support
live music and for a wonderful venue
- Frets and Refrains camp was awesome this year… always inspiring to hang with other songwriters.
A big thank you to the Thompson clan for running it and for being so willing to help.
- A big thanks to the guys in Harbortown… Jan Christensen, Bob Conroy, and Bill Doerge… incredibly generous, talented musicians and I am lucky to call them friends much less partners in rhyme.
- finally had the Staten Island premiere of Shellshocked at the Noble and it was very exciting for us. Can't wait to see Emily's next project about fireflies</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878592013-06-08T20:00:00-04:002021-05-01T19:44:35-04:00great week
<p>fun week:
- sat in with Arnie Fleischer and the Weschester Bluegrass Boys in New Rochelle
- went to the LIttle Red Schoolhouse in the Village to see the play the 4th grade classes wrote and
performed based around 'Downings Oyster Bar'… nothing better than hearing a bunch of kids singing one of
your songs and they did an amazing job
- wrote a new song for the Perine House fundraiser and played there today. Beautiful place and a great cause.
I think they really liked the song…" Along the King's Highway"
- Lighthouse Gala this Wednesday and we'll be playing some of our lighthouse songs there no doubt
- Mara Levine's CD release party on the 23rd and I'll be sitting in on a couple of songs
- going back to the Richard Thompson camp the last week of June and ending that week with a gig down in Ocean County, New Jersey on the 28th
- and then over to Liverpool the following Monday
- whew… I am a good kind of tired already</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878582013-05-02T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00May my my
<p>- Lots of Harborlore stuff with the Brooklyn Arts Council this month… info on the calendar page
- Jan Christensen is doing a solo show in Saugerties at the Kiersted House on May 19, and I'l be sitting in for a song with him
- Bill Doerge solo house concert coming up on May 11… probably do a song or two with him
- heading to Liverpool, UK, in July… always a treat to play over there
- the awesome students at the Little Red Schoolhouse in the Village are using two of my songs in plays they have written for the end of the year. So honored.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878572013-04-01T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00April stuff
<p>- just confirmed for the Lighthouse Gala in June
- lucky to have such a talented crew to work with
- doing an interview for Snug Harbor's Staten Island music exhibit this Friday
- couple of new songs fresh off the presses… yeah, yeah, I know I need to get a bunch of stuff recorded
- booking now for the season if anyone wants us we'll be happy to accommodate</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878562013-03-08T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00today and beyond
<p>- Risky at the Tavern tonight!
- Museum of Natural History tomorrow… so psyched…
- sons of St. Patrick on Wednesday.
- St. Pat's parade on the Island is actually on St. Patrick's Day this year… yes…
- Shanty session at the Noble… also on St. Paddy's Day
- old friends visiting
- Earth Day at Ridgefield next month
- Whew… a lot going on
- Harborlore events all through May and June… Brooklyn and
Staten Island hooking up to harbor boost
- Some recording coming up too...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878552013-02-06T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:08-05:00lots of cool stuf
<p>- Risky Business back for the Tavern series on March 9
and the following day
Harbortown plays the American Museum of Natural History for the
screening of Shellshocked… too cool
- back for Earth Day at Ridgefield Park… always a wonderful place to play with great people
- Judge Brennan has asked me to be a part of some upcoming events… still in the planning stages… and I look forward to being a part of Staten Island history as it happens… details when I know them
- have started planning for some recording projects and I am itching to get
some of the many songs I have backed up in the can and out in the world …
so I can write more...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878542013-01-09T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00tough times
<p>-Tough times in Harbortown the past month or so: Sandy's devastation and then the deaths of my mother-in-law Doris Ford Sabella, Howie Liefer, and Regina Flynn. Give them all a thought when you can.
- Upcoming things include the Tavern show this Saturday night and a spot on live radio in Princeton with Frank Glaz on WPRB at 7:30 on January 27th.
- Excited that Shellshocked will be at New York's Museum of Natural History on March 10; perfect venue for it.
- Planning 2013 so check in periodically to see what we have in store!</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878532012-11-23T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00catching up
<p>- finished a new song about Julie Mindler, the first woman Snug at Sailors Snug Harbor
- another new song about Sandy entitled 'Island in the Storm'; I plan to do it at the fundraiser on 12/2 at St Mary's
- a few strong possibilities coming up in the Spring… stay tuned
- just spent some time in New Orleans and people were very interested and concerned about the storm here; wonderful people down there… and the food and music ain't too shabby either!
- hopping to get back over to Ireland/ England and points East this Summer. Anybody have any venues to suggest it would be greatly appreciated
- I have a backlog of over 80 songs to record…anyone have any luck with Kickstarter?
- had a fun and relaxing shanty session this week… remember they are every third Sunday of the month at the Noble
Maritime Collection</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878522012-11-15T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00where did the month go
<p>- Shellshocked clips tonight (11/16) on NBC at 7:30
- doing a couple of fundraisers in the coming weeks for Sandy victims.
There has been great devastation to the Staten Island shore communities
- Keep an eye out for the Tavern series.
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878512012-10-15T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00Wow...
<p>-Wow…Wow… and double wow… what a turnout for the Sailing to Staten Island show; they all had a great time and so did we
Big thanks to everybody and to COAHSI and JPMorgan Chase for making it possible
- back to the Tavern again… January with Harbortown; March with Risky Business
- Lots of talks going on and there will be some great projects coming up in the new year… stay tuned
- Bill Doerge is making his house concert solo debut at the Scro's in two weeks… 11/3/12. He'll be opening for piano wiz
Vinnie Ruggieri. I'm looking forward to both sets.
- Shellshocked NYC Premiere is sold out!!! Wish I could be there but we have a gig that night.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878502012-09-19T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00busy busy
<p>- the Shellshocked New York premiere is on October 18. Can't be there as we will be opening for Hughie Jones that night, but I know it will be great. The seaport store will have copies of The Oyster Aristocracy so stock up.
- our thoughts go out to Jim Brennan whose brother Thomas died.
- thanks to Greg Murphy for all the help at SUNY Maritime with the Snug Harbor research. Great archive of material
and a beautiful facility in the old Fort Schuyler.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878492012-09-16T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00Fall is back
<p>-love the Fall and lots going on…
- 10/13 at the Noble Museum is really turning into something special; miss it at your
peril
- Bill D house concert 11/3… looking forward to hearing what he pulls out of his
musical hat
- big thanks to Dawn Daniels for hosting our 10/18 show with Harbortown and Hughie Jones…
pinch me I must be dreaming
- Shellshocked will have it's New York opening in October at the South Street Seaport… yessss… details to follow
- had a great time at the Borderline picnic honoring Si Kahn… big thanks to Si for the kind words and inspiration, to Sol Zeller for putting on the show, and to Mara Levine for all the work that went into it.
- finishing up the research for the Snug show tomorrow at SUNY Maritime and can't wait to see what they have to offer.
- wrote a new song about the issues facing Alaskan fishermen up in Bristol Bay area where a proposed mine would destroy
the largest wild salmon fishery in the world; should be up on their website in the next few days
- big thanks to Rebecca and Victoria from LOVETV for having me on twice while they were here in the states;
lots of fun from Down Under; Australia should be proud</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878482012-08-21T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00it is official
<p>-October 13 at the Noble Gallery… the great Hughie Jones will be there as well as Irish singer Jim Macfarland…
- going to do LoveTV tomorrow… performance art that sounds like it will be a fun little way to while away
a beautiful Staten Island evening. Look for it… somewhere…
anybody have any real early Staten ISland info on William Main Doerflinger it would be greatly appreciated</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878472012-08-07T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00coming soon
<p>- lots happening with the JP Morgan grant. Look for a show in mid-late October at the Noble Collection with
(gasp)the great Hughie Jones, the one and only Frank Woerner, Jan Christiansen, Bob Conroy, Frank Hendrix, and me. Rumors of others are true but not confirmed. Check back in a few days
- still writing and have lots of new material… do I do a country CD… a sea CD… bluegrass… folk… all of the above…Opinions?
- The Richard Thompson camp ramifications are still coming… what a great group of people
-</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878462012-07-23T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00Wow… Wow… Wow
<p>- The Richard Thompson guitar camp was beyond good. Great instructors, wonderful food, and
an overall caring staff both at the camp and the resort (Full Moon Resort, Big Indian, New York)
Great experience. They plan to do it again next year… you should be there.
- Next up is the Si Kahn tribute extravaganza at the Borderline. I'll be there with Risky Business and Si will be there
accepting well deserved kudos from us all.
- Will start work on the Snug Harbor grant in August when everyone is back in town, has time, and can focus. Really looking forward to seeing what transpires and to putting the show together; has to be done by the end of December.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878452012-07-07T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00Hereford Lighthouse
<p>- First off, a big thank you to Les and the crew at The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival for having us. Very hot day but we had fun, got great feedback, and look forward to being back there again next year. Beautiful lighthouse and gardens in Wildwood, New Jersey that are well worth a look see.
- Raritan Festival next Saturday (7/14/12). Another gorgeous location on the water and we play from 4- 4:40
- In the great news category, just received word that Bob Conroy, Jan Christensen, and I were awarded a JPMorgan Chase grant for a research project and show about the former residents of Sailor's Snug Harbor… retired sailors. More to come, but a big thank you to JPMorgan Chase for sponsoring it and to the grant panel for believing in us.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878442012-06-28T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00Cobh
<p>- another beautiful tribute this morning by the AOH at the memorial for the unknown Irish buried beneath what is now a golf course and a privilege for me to sing my song, Cobh of Sorrow (which is about the victims) at the memorial stone. Thanks once again to Judge Brennan, Mike McVey, and the AOH for asking me to be there.
- sang a couple of songs at my buddy Joe Russo's great retirement bash. Big thanks to Richie Castellano for hooking me into his sound system right before he got up and amazed everyone with his awesomeness.
-Hereford Inlet Festival next Saturday and am looking forward to getting down the shore. Forget the crappy show, the real Jersey shore is miles and miles of gorgeous beaches and nice people.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878432012-06-14T20:00:00-04:002022-03-26T12:03:17-04:00summer coming
<p>- summer is only a few days away and we have a couple of things coming up so check the calendar
- So sorry to hear that Caryl P. Weiss died; was looking forward to being on the bill with her
at the Hereford Lighthouse Festival. My condolences to her family and friends.
- hoping to do some traveling this summer around the states and if you'd like us in your town
tell a local venue about us and we'll be there
- putting together a show in the Fall at a great new venue on Staten Island that promises to be
great fun; will keep you updated as it starts to come together</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878422012-06-04T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00Time Flies
<p>Wow. Summer is here already and we have a few things lined up on the calendar page plus, as always, the monthly Shanty sessions at the Noble Collection (3rd Sunday of every month at 2 p.m.)
- thought I had a few songs in need of recording so I counted last night, which I hadn't done recently. Figured I had enough for maybe a CD or two... there are almost 80... I counted 3 times as I thought I was seeing things. Lots of things that we have been playing plus a bunch that just slipped through the cracks... and I just finished another one yesterday
- went to two spectacular graduation things last week for my two talented nieces Maggie and Emma. Maggie with honors from New Paltz ... and already has a job... Emma as valedictorian from Providence College and she will be in Germany in September working on a Fulbright... whew... uhhh... I play the banjo...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878412012-04-17T20:00:00-04:002023-01-24T11:45:20-05:00spring things
<p>- This last Shanty Sing was excellent and tied in nicely to the wonderful Titanic art opening at the Noble Collection. Go see it if you get the chance.
- Sad banjo news with the loss of Earl Scruggs and the retirement of J.D. Crowe; won't see the likes of either of them again.
- Ridgefield Park Earth Day coming up on the 28th with Risky Business; always a fun time and a nice location on the river. Thanks for having us back again!
- Still writing a lot and procrastinating about recording... soon...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878402012-04-02T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00april showers
<p>lots of good stuff happening:
-we'll be playing a new venue/ festival in July... check the calendar
- the Kermit interview is on the stands. I'm proud of it so pick up a copy and support banjo players everywhere
- Summerfest is coming up quick... details to follow
- working on a new grant idea with Bob Conroy... wish us luck
- Titanic Shanty sing coming up in a week or so</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878392012-04-02T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00april showers
<p>lots of good stuff happening:
-we'll be playing a new venue/ festival in July... check the calendar
- the Kermit interview is on the stands. I'm proud of it so pick up a copy and support banjo players everywhere
- Summerfest is coming up quick... details to follow
- working on a new grant idea with Bob Conroy... wish us luck
- Titanic Shanty sing coming up in a week or so</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878382012-03-14T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00good stuff
<p>Lets see:
- this Sunday at noon Bob Conroy and I are gonna double up on the old 5-strings at the Veterans Memorial Hall at Snug Harbor for a Civil War tune. The event is the opening of the Staten Island Time Machine Essay Contest for high school kids.
- later that same day... Shanty Sing at Snug Harbor in the venerable home of the shanty, The John Noble Collection. Bring a voice or just come to listen. Open to the public and free.
- Kermit in the April issue of The Banjo Newsletter! Not often I admit to talking to frogs but who can resist an amphibian banjo picker.
-Risky Business at the Tavern on April 14th! And in Ridgefield Park on April 28th.
- Found out that Harbortown was awarded a Summerfest grant to play a show the same weekend as Art by the Ferry. I believe it will be on June 8th but will get back with the details.
- Shellshocked is doing great: won Best Short Feature at the Princeton Environmental Film Festival and has upcoming screenings in San Francisco, a couple in Canada, and back to the East Coast at Cambridge. Don't miss it.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878372012-01-28T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00what a day!
<p>- The Shellshocked premiere went over really well and it was a treat to be there and see Emily get some recognition for all the hard work she has put into it. And a big thank you to the Princeton Environmental Film Festival for providing such a great opportunity.
- Then later that night we had a lot of fun at the Tavern. They've done a lot of structural shoring up and tightening up to the old place and it is tight as a drum and resonates like an old bass fiddle. Candlelight, wood stove, and pure acoustic sound in a wooden building built in the 19th century makes for a pretty amazing sound and experience. No electricity and a privy out back... doesn't get any better. I'll be back there on April 14 with the Risky Business Bluegrass Band... but don't wait for us, there are great acts there every Saturday (and twice St. Pat's weekend) until the end of April starting with the great maritime sounds of the Tavernacle Choir next Saturday night. Thanks to the staff and the audience for making Harbortown's life that much better.
-Into the studio on Tuesday to record the new Hazel Dickens song. Got to debut it at the show on Saturday and I am really pumped now to get it recorded. Hazel is one of my songwriting heroes and was a fearless singer; she is missed.
- Kermit got back to me and his wit is still so dry its hard to believe it comes out of a frogs mouth. April Banjo Newsletter...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877902012-01-25T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:05-05:00big weekend
<p>- Shellshocked at the Princeton Film Festival this Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
-Tavern Concert- 7:30 and 9 p.m. Call for reservations.
- Heading into the studio in the next week or so to cut a couple of new songs and see how things go... have a lot to record but not sure how much we'll get done.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878362012-01-12T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00feeling froggy
<p>- I'm working on an interview with that greenest banjo player on the planet, Mr. Kermit. T. Frog. Look for it in the April issue of Banjo Newsletter. It'll be fun.
-This Sunday (January 15) is the nest Shanty sing at the Noble Collection. Come on out and join the fun.
- Remember! Harbortown at the Tavern on January 28th
- World premiere of Shellshocked (also January 28) at the Princeton Film Festival</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878352012-01-03T19:00:00-05:002022-01-13T14:42:33-05:00January
<p>Ahh... a new year begins and it promises to be a good one. Hope everybody had a fun, safe New Years Eve and are geared up and ready to make 2012 into the year of their dreams.
Signed up to go to the Richard Thompson workshops this coming July in the Catskills. The man himself will be there and I am really looking forward to sitting at the feet of a master and absorbing as much as I can.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877912011-12-20T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
<p>- Thanks to those of you who have been supportive of what I do and I hope you have a great holiday season.
- Shellshocked premieres at the Princeton Film Festival on January 28th, 2012. We'll be there to see it and I hope some of you can make it too.
-There are a couple of Tavern shows listed for the new season on the calendar page... a real favorite venue of ours.
- A bunch of potential projects are in the works for next year so we are really hoping they come to fruition; I'll keep you updated on any developments.
-And as always, we are looking to play and ask that you recommend us to your favorite venue.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878342011-12-07T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00tavern shows and oysters
<p>-Harbortown will be back for the Tavern series at Richmondtown on January 28th; check the calendar for details. Candlelight and a potbelly stove... acoustic heaven.
- Shellshocked is completed and you can check it out on IMDB. Emily Driscoll has done a great job with it so check it out.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878332011-11-26T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00yikes... it's almost December
<p>-Wow... the year is cruising to a halt and it has been a good one. Looking forward to some recording in the next few months, some fresh gigs, and getting out to see folks and play a few songs and tunes for them.
- Had a blast at Toms River and big thanks to Karla and the staff for having us and for working hard to get the word out and provide a wonderful space for a show.
- If you'd like to see us and we haven't been to your area don't hesitate to contact your local venues and recommend us to them; always greatly appreciated!</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878322011-10-14T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:07-05:00libraries
<p>- We love libraries for a lot of reasons, but we especially love to do shows at them. Remember, this coming Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. we'll be at the Toms River (New Jersey) Library and would love to see y'all there</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878312011-10-05T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00sea songs and such
<p>-back from Nashville and had a great time catching up and sitting in on some songwriter song swaps.
- John Street Church has incredible acoustics; no sound system and the sound just filled the church with a richness and fullness I rarely get miced. Great audience and we had a blast
- bunch of new song ideas... got to get crackin on them and s lot that need to be recorded if we ever get our butts back into the studio... been playing some of them out for a while now and they have been well received so I have no excuses
- lookin to get back to England and Ireland if anyone has any leads they'd be appreciated</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878302011-09-22T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00Nashville cats
<p>- Heading down to Nashville for IBMA week tomorrow morning with Bill; been a while and I am really looking forward to it.
- Hoping to get back into the studio soon as I have a lot of new songs and would like to get them fleshed out and see if they work or not. Some of them I have been doing out for a while so I feel pretty good about those and others are so new they still feel shrink-wrapped; takes a lot of playing them to get them in shape.
-Lots of news about oysters lately; seems like they are on everyones short list to save and I couldn't be happier. The more oysters, the cleaner the water... simple as that.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878292011-09-14T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00country ham and oysters
<p>- good rehearsal last night for the sea song show on October 2; will be a lot of fun and I can't wait
- Toms River Library on the evening of 10/19 at 8 p.m. Check us out while you are checking some books out... a win-win situation
- sorry to hear about Wade Mainer... 104 years old... wow and productive until the end
- Nashville soon! Lots of good folks to shake and howdy and loads of good music
- shanty sing at the Noble collection this Sunday; always a good time and some great singers show up</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877942011-09-06T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00this weekend... plus
<p>-Playing with the Bad Dogz at the Bucks County Bluegrass Festival on Saturday from 6:40-8 p.m.
- Sunday is the opening for Rich Rainey's new art exhibit at the Fair Lawn, New Jersey library. We'll be picking starting at 2:30
- IBMA week in Nashville coming up. Hoping to see a lot of friends and catch up with them. Bill and I will be there on Sunday. Haven't been since the move to Nashville and I am ready!
- Had great fun picking with Allen Cohen, Vincent Cross, Gene Yellin, and Bruno Bruzzese this past weekend at Del Val Fest.
- Delaware Valley was great this year and it is a pleasure to work there with the folks I get to work with.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877932011-08-30T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00Shellshocked
<p>-Saw a preview of Shellshocked, Emily Driscoll's new documentary on oysters and it is terrific. Listen for 3 of my songs in it.
- Dan Milner's wonderful article on oysters is in this issue of Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore. Thanks to Dan for a very nice mention and description of The Oyster Aristocracy CD
- Had a nice visit with our favorite banjo booster, Nancy Nitchie, while we were on Martha's Vineyard. Subscribe to the Banjo Newsletter!</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877922011-08-30T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00Liz Meyer
<p>So sad to hear about the death of my friend, Liz Meyer. Liz was a great singer and songwriter and with her husband, Pieter, did a great deal to promote bluegrass music in Europe. She will be missed.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878282011-08-08T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00thanks
<p>Thanks to the folks who made it out for the Waterfront Festival on Saturday!
It really means a lot when people go the extra mile to get there.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877952011-07-26T20:00:00-04:002020-09-11T03:38:18-04:00hot hot hot
<p>-Going to miss the next shanty sing in August... but you shouldn't. 8/21/11 from 2-5. Remember they are the third Sunday of the month at the Noble Maritime Collection. I plan to be there on 9/18/11
- Lots of new dates on the calendar so give it a read.
- Bill and I are headed to the IBMA week this year. Nashville... yeah...
- Delaware Valley Bluegrass Fest is a must see 40th anniversary show this year; miss it at your own peril. I'll be helping out again this year so say howdy if you see me</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878272011-07-16T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00yo... hoho
<p>-Shanty sing today at 2
-Did some guitar work on my song Immigrant Dream for Mara Levine's new CD at Bob Harris' excellent studio this past Thursday. Bill did his usual excellent bass work for that cut and another track.
- In the planning stages for a set at the Staten Island Waterfront Festival at the ferry terminal on August 6.
-Looking forward to the Borderline Tribute to Si Kahn; playing there with Risky Business.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878262011-06-15T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00'bout changes and things
<p>-Couldn't resist the headline; saw one of my songwriting heroes, Eric Andersen, a few weeks ago at R H Tugs just a few blocks from my house. Fun to see him and glad to hear that the songs still hold up.
- This Sunday (6/18/11) is the next installment of the shanty sing at the Noble Maritime Collection; 2-5 p.m. Big turnout last time and are hoping for more of the same this week.
- Raritan Festival next week (6/25) and it will be nice to sing a few songs about the bay within feet of the bay itself. Lots of other music too and all kinds of activities. If the weather is nice you have no excuses.
- IBMA retreat weekend was great! Couldn't have asked for nicer people, timelier topics, or better jamming. Felt like I'd died and gone to Lake Woebegone.
- Heading to Nashville in September for this years World Of Bluegrass week; first time in a few years so I am psyched to go. Nashville always has good music happening someplace.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878252011-05-24T20:00:00-04:002021-10-20T11:01:41-04:00gigs and things
<p>-The IBMA Leadership Retreat is coming up in a week or so. Should be excellent; looking forward to learning more about Bluegrass Nation... and a jam or two!
-Art by the Ferry and the Maritime Festival were fun and Bill and I got to stretch a bit. Busy week started with the shanty sing at the Noble Collection. Next one is 6/19, 2-5.
- tentative gig at the Toms River library in October; will post details as soon as I know.
- Listen for a couple of songs from The Oyster Aristocracy in the new documentary on the oyster industry in New York by film maker and Director Emily Driscoll.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878242011-03-23T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00museum
<p>Went to the loooonnnggg awaited groundbreaking for the Staten Island Museum's new space at Snug Harbor yesterday. It is going to be fantastic when it is finished.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878232011-03-21T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00lots going on
<p>-Allen Cohen is promoting the first ever Staten Island Bluegrass Day and Risky Business is proud to be a part of it.
- I'll be singing Cobh of Sorrow for the AOH at the mass grave site the song is about. Looking forward to that.
- Dan Milner has written an article about oystering for "Visions: The Journal of New York Folklore" and gives a nice mention to The Oyster Aristocracy in it. Should be out in a couple of months.
- The shanty sing, a staple in Manhattan for years is moving to Staten Island! The first session is May 15th at the John Noble Museum from 2-5. Should be a lot of good times.
- Caroline Cutroneo and Jim Brennan have asked Bill and I to do some studio work for her CD in progress. About time Caroline gets the exposure she deserves.
- I'll be going to the IBMA Leadership alumni get together the first weekend in June down in Maryland. Anybody needs a ride let me know.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878222010-12-30T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00long time coming
<p>Too much facebook and not enough attention to the site but I plan to change that. Lots of new stuff going on so keep posted.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878212010-03-10T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00busy busy
<p>Lots of good things happening... Tavern show coming up... the Bluegrass series with Cross, Farrell, Cohen and Wright... Art by the Ferry... Staten Island Irish Fair... Staten Island Museums Naturefest...</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878202009-11-16T19:00:00-05:002020-09-19T06:08:03-04:00new show
<p>Just got a call from the Tavern for a show in April. Comne on out an dsing some songs about our little island.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878192009-11-05T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00gigs
<p>The Museum show went great... SRO crowd. Have a house concert coming up in a few weeks and a tentative date with Mara Levine for March.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878182009-10-16T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00oyster show
<p>Well, it is almost here and we are all practiced up and ready to let it rip. Hope to see you at the Museum Thursday night for The Oyster Aristocracy.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878172009-07-27T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:009/11 Memorial Sing
<p>Just got a phone call today from the Brooklyn Council of the Arts that my song, The Dust Came Down, was selected for the show they are planning on September 11. I'm honored to be chosen and it should be an interesting and moving event. I'll post more details when I get them but be sure to come out and support this great event.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878162009-07-27T20:00:00-04:002020-12-10T14:01:06-05:00wvbr
<p>Great fun at Bound for Glory and a big thank you to those who listened in. The Belles were in full glory and you miissed a good one if you didn't hear it. And a thanks to Phil and Terry and the rest of the crew for both their professionalism and caring.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878152009-07-23T20:00:00-04:002020-11-14T04:54:31-05:00summertime
<p>Working on the Oyster stuff; studio time next week and hopefully something to put out at the show in October when we world premiere it. Bound for Glory in July and Waterpod in August.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878142009-07-23T20:00:00-04:002021-12-01T19:52:14-05:00waterpod
<p>We'll be helping COAHSI celebrate the arrival of Waterpod at the Salt Pier on Staten Island.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878132009-07-15T20:00:00-04:002020-10-09T03:22:56-04:00belles trio
<p>Remember... Bill and I join the Belles Trio on the Bound for Glory radio show the evening of 7/26 up there in lovely Ithaca. Come out and hear us or stream it live on WVBR 93.5 FM starting at 8:30. Http://wvbr.com</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878122009-06-06T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00art by the ferry
<p>This years festival is bigger and better. Attendance seems up and there is still another weekend to go. We're not playing next weekend but Bill and I did a very well received set yesterday and plan to be back next year.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878112009-05-30T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00art by the ferry fundraiser
<p>Some excellent talent at the ETG Cafe last night and a hefty chunk of change raised for the Art by the Ferry Festival... which is the next two weekends. Bill and I will be playing on Saturday the 6th.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878102009-05-04T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00new listings
<p>Check out the calendar for a bunch of new gigs coming up in the next month or so.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878092009-04-24T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00moving along
<p>The oyster stuff is really coming together and should be well seasoned by the time we debut it at the Museum in the Fall. Probably try out a couple of them on Make Music New York Day... also at the Museum this year.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878082009-03-22T20:00:00-04:002021-11-05T18:21:28-04:00Si Kahn/ Immigrant family detention
<p>Went to a fundraiser at Mara Levine's yesterday to help protest Immigrant family detention. Si Kahn was there and it was great to pick a few with him and to help his grassroots organization raise awareness of something we should all be ashamed of.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878072009-02-02T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00Cabaret
<p>A splendid time was had by all at the Beatles Cabaret. Be there the next time.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878062009-01-30T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00Beatles Cabaret/ ETG Cafe
<p>Bill and I will be doing a couple of Beatles things at this show tonight if you want to get in touch with your inner fab. We will be two of many and it should be a fun night.
8- 10 p.m.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878052008-12-04T19:00:00-05:002021-10-04T23:56:09-04:00Cablevision
<p>A big thanks to Ralph Litwin and all the folks at Cablevision for hosting us This past Wenesday and giving us a chance to do what we do. We did about 6 songs and tunes for the show and are looking forward to it getting out there in cyber world for y'all.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878042008-11-23T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00Grant award
<p>Just got word that my grant application for the Oyster Aristocracy project was approved by COAHSI and am really excited to be doing this one. There will be a show in the Fall of 2009 at the Staten Island Museum. Should be fun.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878032008-11-23T19:00:00-05:002023-02-21T09:12:48-05:00and horses sing none of it
<p>We'll be taping this very cool TV show on December 3rd and I'll let you know when it airs.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878022008-11-23T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00grant shows
<p>Had a couple of excellent shows this weekend with wonderful audiences. Very different shows but both well-received and fun to do.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878012008-11-08T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00immigration
<p>Starting to get real excited about the upcoming show on immigration. We'll have a bunch of new songs written for the grant from COAHSI and some of the old stuff that deals with immigration. Don't miss it!</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60878002008-11-08T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00library show
<p>Had a great time yesterday at the Great Kills Library. Had a full room of attentive, appreciative folks... thanks for coming. And thanks to Hishi Velardo for having us.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877992008-11-07T19:00:00-05:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00tv show
<p>We've been iinvited to perform on Ralph Litwins fine cable TV show out of New Jersey, tentatively early December. Should be great fun and am really looking forward to it.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877982008-10-17T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00studio/ fun
<p>Had a great time at Mara's CD release party last weekend helping to promote her new CD Mara's Gems and getting the opportunity to play with some new folks.
Was in Moon studio the next day recording some tracks for the immigrant stuff with Bob Conroy and Bill Doerge. Looking forward to that show in November.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877972008-08-24T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00Shows
<p>I've added a bunch of new shows for the Fall; hope you can make some.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877962008-05-17T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:06-05:00NEW CD!
<p>Excited to tell you that the new CD is finally done and ready for the world's consumption. Check it out at CDBaby.com. It is called The Diver.</p>
Bob Wrighttag:bojomusic.com,2005:Post/60877892008-05-10T20:00:00-04:002020-01-03T14:29:05-05:00Tri County show
<p>Had a fine gig with the Tri-County Ramblers on May 10, thanks to Allen Cohen and the Staten Island Council of the Arts</p>
Bob Wright