2012! SCARY!

Happy New Years Everybody!

It's the time of year when we reflect on the past one, think of the new one, what went good, what went bad, what can change. Of course it's typically the time when you make a "resolution" to change SOMETHING for the better.

I'm grateful for a lot of new opportunities I had this year. I had some great unusual gigs: pool parties, with the Jewish band Sclock Rock, entertaining the famous Isgro's Bakery Christmas party in Philly's Italian Market.

And some plain just-super-cool gigs, opening for Ray Manzerek with Kind Of Blue, opening for Popa Chubby with The Heard, bringing The Heard, essentially The FUX, to The Perk. Wow! Never thought I'd see that day! And of course all the monthly NYC gigs at Otto's: despite the low pay (I lose money by the time I get home) it's so much fun and experience.

There were some new jam opportunities too, some good (The Eagle) some bad (The Firehouse, which has now been closed.) Grumpy's is having it tough too but we didn't fold. For the future I'm excited about the Eagle because it's so loose and crazy...it reminds me of a former notorious FUX haunt in Beth called 2nd Av, where we kind of "cut our teeth."

On the other hand the economy tanked. Student registration is down (but picking up) Some of my regular jams I've had to take pay cuts to provide my bands regular gigs. I'm doing solo acts, which I never thought was possible.

But things change. Change is the only thing that's constant. So here's to a New Year, and new changes! Of course, they come in and good and bad, so let's "JAM" our way thru it!

Thanks, and have a great New Year!
Roman

Grumpy's Jam on Thursday Nights Struggling

The late great Charles Fambrough on bass (Jazz Messengers) was a frequent visitor for
the great food, good atmosphere and good jams.

Fri Oct 14

I love this jam. The food is slammin' and the attitude is great. It provides an outlet for jamming that includes not just blues, but rock, jazz, country, reggae, fusion and anything we can think of. There's lots of creative improvisation but also chart reading as well. Kids to adults practicing or just learning or totally impressing.

And the attendance has been OK, moderate, not really bad, in fact with too many more the night gets a little longer than preferred. But sadly that doesn't justify the outcome.

Grumpy pulled me aside Thursday before the jam and said we aren't making ends meet. We're close, but more often he operates at a loss now. It's the economy, they used to do better. Everyone is struggling. But like so many jams that open and sooner or later close Grumpy's is in the same predicament after so many years.

He suggested doing it maybe once a month, and also informed me that we cannot do the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (our most popular night for school students) because they've hired a better drawing band.

Some of the kids that played here are pro's now, and they were here playing with the big dogs

The problem is that even though there's a nice draw, there's very low sales. I know that doesn't apply to all, but let's face it: musicians aren't going to jams to get smashed. It's not a tailgate party. They want to perform well. And the kitchen more or less closes (10 pm) just after we get rolling (9:30)

But if everyone just sips a beer or a coke (I've known some people to even bring their own bottle of water!) it won't continue.

So I am asking everyone for help. Just a little. The band is going to take a pay cut to keep it going weekly. I'll run the jam a little more efficiently and I promise if you have a long wait (I can't get everyone done by 11) just remind me next time and you'll go first.

I'm asking anyone who's ever enjoyed my crazy eclectic jam to show up a little more often and get some take home food if you don't want to drink. Hey if you DO want Grumpy's great authentic ribs once a week or so get them on Thursday night and be entertained too! You can also help by forwarding this plea and website to other friends and jammers.

Spread the word. Keep this great Thursday night social scene alive! Help me get some more musicians, beginner or professional. Don't come alone, bring friends with you when you come. After all, it cost nothing to go in and participate, and I'm not asking for donations for some benefit or something....it benefits YOU...your playing progress...your belly's progress! And it benefits live, creative, good times for all.

Grumpy's will continue weekly for a bit and hope that we can all justify the time, cost, and effort to keep the gear going, the house band interested and run the staff.

At this point I want to thank my band who are excellent in talent and attitude: Suavek Zaniensienko and Keith McGonigle . Also anyone else who has shared the stage with me, especially the rotating drummers. Also Val at the bar who is also trying to generate support for this night. And of course all of you reading this and participating in any way. Thank you!

Thanks for your time and support,

Roman