End of Summer Update

Well.

It has been a truly eventful Summer concert season for the band. We had a great time performing for audiences young and old across New York state.

We've been quite busy for quite some time; and on the personal front, we've had a few set-backs and losses-- some major events.

After this busy season, we've decided to slow down just a bit, so we'll be taking most of September and October off (although Bruce, Joel and I played a No-Stars Trio gig at the Harvest Run, and the band has a few dates in October-- Friday the 5th at Vizzi's in Kenmore, and Saturday the 27th at a private affair in Wendleville). We're going to be recuperating, soul-searching, writing, planning, recording, and rehearsing. We'll get some more shows in for you in November and December (we've got some more casino dates coming-up too), but we're getting ready to kick it up a notch for 2008...

Check back here and at the home site for more info, and we'll see you soon. THANKS for your support and for being the greatest music fans on Earth.

GJ

Blues Hospitalizations...

Still haven't heard an update on Etta James' condition.

By now, everyone probably knows that Bo Diddley had a heart attack (which he apparently suffered while in-hospital for a check-up; I suppose that was somewhat serendipitous)...

Anyone with any updates on either of these artists' condition, post a comment here, or e-mail me at Gregg@MightyNoStars.com.

GJ

It's true, and apparently, official...

See for yourself over at Yahoo News. Rock Stars die much earlier (on average) than members of the general population. An official study has been made, and we finally have an answer to a burning question...

Can you imagine? Who knew? (I wonder who spent the money to support an academic waste of time such as this?).

GJ

Endorsement deals signed by some of your favorite Mighty No-Stars!

Bruce Rounds has signed a deal with First Act to endorse their new Delia (semi-hollow body) guitar. Listen for the new axe at live shows and on future recordings.

First Act is a well-known maker of student instruments, and is now moving into the professional/high-end guitar market. Bruce joins a number of well-known First Act endorsers, including David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Larry McCray, Rusty Anderson (Paul McCartney), Henry and Jo Jo Garza (Los Lonely Boys), Rick Neilsen of Cheap Trick, Paul Westerberg of The Replacements, Tommy Byrnes (Billy Joel), and many others.

Earlier this year, bassist Joel Thomas signed an agreement to endorse the uniquely elegant, hand-crafted, Barker Vertical Bass. The Barker Bass is a real eye-opener (it's a very unique and attractive instrument), but the live sound is incredible. Check out Joel's Barker at live shows and listen for it on future recordings with Gregg Juke & The Mighty No-Stars.

Musicians that may be interested in either First Act guitars or the Barker Bass should see Bruce or Joel at an upcoming show; they'd be happy to tell you all about their new instruments and the companies that made them!

GJ

A Movie Review (?), Etta James Update, and more shows...

I know many of you are reading this blog, because you tell me so... But getting you to participate has been like pulling teeth, aye? So I'm trying a new tactic-- controversy. Well, maybe not too contoversial for some of you, and maybe old news for a lot of you, but here goes:

I took my oldest son to see Spider-Man 3 the other night... Yeah, I know it's a little late in the season, but we usually wait for the video release, so he was still ahead of the curve (we still haven't seen Rise of the Silver Surfer). Anyway, as an old Marvel comics and specifically Spider-Man fan, and after seeing the first two (pretty decent) movies, I was extremely underwhelmed and unimpressed. This everything-but-the-kitchen-sink waste of a good roll of film or two was truly bad cinema. The special effects were great, but that is the most positive thing I can say about it. The acting was sub-par on almost all accounts; other than Thomas Haden Church, who somehow was able to squeeze some pathos and depth out of a lifeless script in his portrayal of The Sandman. This film had no idea of what it really wanted to be-- at various turns it attempted to be a serious rendition of the ostensive story, a comedy, a relationship drama, and an epic adventure; unfortunately, none of those concepts were developed enough to be successful in any of those areas. As an additional albatross around the neck of the producers and director Sam Raimi, the movie was full of little incongruous annoyances for true Spider-Man fans (for instance, after ignoring Gwen Stacy for the first two films, using many of the newer comic book reinventions of Spidey's early years as source material, bringing her in as a two-bit sideshow character in this movie was simply wrong... What's next? The Jackal making Mary Jane clones?). For the first 40 minutes or so, I actually thought the movie might be safe for my younger children, then the obligatory "ratings-creep" content began to appear, apparently to "spice things up a bit." There is far too much back-story info that is assumed or glossed-over, too many continuity issues, and character development (beyond cartoonish stereotypes) is almost non-existent. The movie and its director over-reach, in an attempt to be "all things to all people," and we as an audience suffer for it; we suffer horribly. Perhaps even more than all of the poor people that Black Adam took his wrath out on in the very recent "World War III." Did I mention that I didn't like Spider-Man 3 much? Who knew your humble songster and blog-host was such a geeky-fanboy? (Quite a few people, actually).

The gauntlet has been thrown, bring it on...

Etta James is supposed to be back on the road on August 23rd... Thoughts and prayers are with you, darlin'...

Last Saturday's gig at St. Christopher's Summerfest was lots of fun-- Great audience, good food, and excellent weather. Paul Fadale (Bobby Millitello & RPM, Colleen Williams) subbed with us on drums. Great job, Paul! Thanks to everyone at St. Chris, and we hope to see you again next year.

Last night was a great time out in Attica. We'd like to thank the folks for a warm welcome...

A new date has been added for August-- Saturday, August 25th at Finnan's in Lockport.

Until next time, God Bless & Good Blues,

GJ

GospelFest, Etta James, and a Newsbrief...

Hey Ya'll,

Had the chance to run sound and stage-manage Gateway GospelFest 2007 in Williamsville on Thursday night. It was a great night of fun, music, and ministry, and the talent was really outtasight... Big props to Marc Scibilia (all the way from Nashville, bringing us that Bob Dylan/Mark Cohen/Billy Joel/Keith Green Gospel-thang), Tina Williams (all the way from Buffalo!), True Bethel Men's Choir, poetess extraordinaire Toni Benjamin, Carlos and Julius Spencer (ChoSon), Minister Stephen Kulu, and all of the rest of the talent that put on so much more than a show... Also, our M.C. par excellence, Mr. Al Wood of WBLK 93.7 FM.

Has anybody heard anything new on Etta James? I haven't yet...

Don't forget this weekend (Saturday night) at St. Christopher's lawn fete with Your Mighty No-Stars. Also, next week Wednesday, the 8th in Attica, N.Y., Friday the 10th of August back at Double-Diamond in Ellicottville, then the Ascension Church lawn fete in North Tonawanda (Saturday the 11th). The Lewiston Blue Monday show on the 20th, our second "Wild On The Water" SPCA cruise on Sunday, August 26th, and the Hamburg Summer Concert Series on Wednesday the 29th to finish out the month.

Can Summer be more than half over?!?!??? Awwwwww...

Stay-tuned (right here and at the home website) for some BIG news coming in about a week.

C U at the Gig, God Bless & Good Blues,

GJ

That was odd...

I've wracked (sp?) my brain attempting to fathom the situation, but there are only a few possible explanations for what occured at the Double-Diamond in Ellicottville this past Friday night:

1) The people in Ellicottville are abnormally friendly

2) The people in Ellicottville are exceptionally starved for quality entertainment

3) I've got the Kavorka...

Hard as it is to accept, I'm leaning towards number three.

GJ

Etta James Hospitalized

She had some type of abdominal surgery and was forced to cancel a major portion of her tour.

Here's a link with scant info: http://www.melodytent.com/

"Get Well, Get Well Soon, We Want You To Get Well!"

God Bless, Get Well, & Good Blues ,

GJ

A Close Shave and Mighty Summer Update Number Two

I’ve been told that people want to read more personal things on artist’s blogs, rather than simply news and promo stuff. “A glimpse into your world,” they said. Why don’t you try this one on for size then. If the view frightens you, imagine being me:

God preserved my life last night, and for that I’m truly grateful…

I’m riding my Yamaha Zuma home from rehearsal see, and I’m heading down a deserted but mainline road, on which I have the right-of-way and a green light. I’m traveling well within the speed limit, by the way…

Up on my left, I see a van on a side-street waiting to enter the main drag. There’s just the two of us on the road, mind you. As I enter the intersection, at the last possible second, this guy pulls out at a pretty decent speed on a straight-up T-bone collision course with me and my little 50 cc bike. I have no “headroom” (either geographically or with the throttle) to get out of the way. They say your life flashes before your eyes when you are about to die. Mine did, but in an unexpected way—not a chronological, panoramic view; but all I could think of was my wife and kids and unborn child. “Jesus!” No time for complicated prayers.

One second I’m about to be either crushed or sent 10-20 blocks down the road; the next, I’m just a fraction ahead of van-guy. Heart pounding, I look behind me and he just drives off… I hesitate for a second, then turn and follow him. Understand, I was completely peaceful and not angry at all at this time. I was just grateful to be alive. It’s not that I’m incapable of road-rage (just ask Mrs. Juke), and if any event ever warranted it, it was the heinous maneuver of van-guy, but I wasn’t upset. I simply thought he should know (just in case he didn’t) that he almost killed someone with his vehicle.

I follow him around a few blocks as he drives home. I boldly ride up his driveway waiting for him to get out of his car. He hesitates, then opens the door, probably expecting an irate rider and some kind of physical altercation. A gentleman that I would estimate to be between the age of 65-70 emerges; older, but not frail by any means (maybe a former Navy man or Marine or something). I say—“Listen, I’m not gonna yell, I just want to encourage you to really pay attention while you’re driving at night. I’ve got a wife and kids and you almost creamed me.” (Honest, just as calmly as I typed it right here)…

“And where did you come from?” he asks, pretty unrepentant and cocky. I say “From the street I was riding on, minding my own business, with my bright headlamp on, the right-of-way, and a green light.”

“You were going at a pretty good clip, too.” Still unrepentant. Now, I don’t know how many of you are familiar with the Yamaha Zuma, but it is not a Suzuki, Ducati, Kawasaki, or a Harley. It is a motor-scooter that is capable of great speed (in Europe and Japan). Here in the good-old U.S. of A., the engine and exhaust are artificially restricted. I can make 55 miles an hour, coming down a really big hill, with an extreme tail-wind at my back, on a really good day. I was riding well within the established speed limit. But the point is lost on van-guy. Attitude and voice rising with piqued modulation, he finally ends with “What do you want me to say?” (“SORRY” would have been nice, but obviously not in van-guy’s vocabulary). I wonder if he leaves “Peace Prints?” “Thanks for your concern,” I say, as I ride off into the night, wondering when he’s actually going to kill someone with that vehicle… I live to sing for you another day, members of the No-Star Nation, no thanks to night-blind van-guy…

On a more pleasant note:

Last weekend’s gigs were a blast. Saturday night we played at the Buffalo Yacht Club’s annual regatta opposite the Outer Circle Orchestra. I know a bunch of these guys—like our old-friend and part-time No-Star Reggie Evans, Andrew Case (The Great Train Robbery), Mike Reid (Maria Aurigema, The Electras) and John Allen (he may not remember me, but he used to play with some of my friends like Jim and Paul, and I have a tape of a little jazz trio we did with John on sax, myself on drums, and “Commander Alexander” on bass). West African drumming virtuoso M’Baye is also still with the OCO. (Editor’s note—When M’Baye first came to Buffalo from Africa about 20 years ago, before he joined the OCO, he was putting together an Afro-Pop band, and I jammed with him and some friends of mine. M’Baye said—“Gregg is an excellent drummer, but the other guy has a van.” Thus ended my career in Afro-Pop). Anyway, these guys are tight, a riot to listen to, and cover all of the hip grooves, if you’re into African or Latin or Worldbeat music. Check them out if you get the chance. We had a great time at the BYC; big shout-out to Don Wharfe who hooked us up with some seriously tasty chicken on the hospitality side…

After the gig, I stopped by to check-out Speedy Parker’s last set (last song, actually). Then paid a visit to Joanne at the Queen City Grill, but I was too late to see the band; they were already packing up.

Sunday, we played to a capacity crowd in Orchard Park. Thanks to all of the folks on the OP town committee for making things great, and especially to Don Lambrusco (OP sound-tech and keyboardist for the Boys of Summer) for getting us out of a technical jam in time to start the show as scheduled! Also thanks to Mark from Speedy's band for coming out to the OP show to say "hi."

Congratulations go out to our good friend JJ Moscato, and his bride Carla. JJ was married last weekend, and is always looking for a way to get out of a gig…

Upcoming events and news—We’ll be at the Blue Monday concert series in Lewiston on August 20th, followed by the second “Wild On The Water” cruise on the Miss Buffalo II (to support the SPCA Wildlife Department) on Sunday the 26th (Tickets are still available!). Other gig news available at the home website or at our My Space page (an update is coming soon—promise).

Watch for Joel Thomas on an upcoming episode of “Crossroads” on Adelphia 13, and listen for me on another installment of “Just Me and the Dog” with Dale Campbell on WJJL 1440 AM.

By the way, please feel free to call 107.7 The Lake, or WBFO 88.7 (Blues on the weekends with Jim Santella, Debbie Sims, and Anita West), and request Mighty No-Stars’ music. C’mon, it’s fun and won’t cost you a dime, but would make us, in the words of the great John Werrick, “Eternally grateful.”…

This coming weekend, we’re in Ellicottville Friday night at the Double-Diamond (9-1), followed by the “Sea-Serpent Balloon Festival” in Perry, N.Y. on Saturday from 12-2. Take a ride down to the southtowns this weekend; the weather will be fine, and the music will be extraordinary.

Don’t forget, our new CD (“Blues Power”) is still available, as is “WBFO Gives Me The Blues, Vol. II.” AND, “WBFO Gives Me The Blues, Vol. III” is now available from the station. Pick-up your copies today.

And for Heaven’s sake, watch where you’re going out there, especially at night……

God Bless & Good Blues (and you’d better wear your helmet),

GJ

Mighty Summer Update Number One

Woh.

The last few weeks have been heavy, to say the least... We have had another line-up change, yours truly had some surgery, and I recently received word that Buffalo music legend Mark Freeland passed away. On a much more personal note, I lost my nephew in a senseless motorcycle accident...

As to the surgery, I am healing slowly, but surely. As somebody said, "What a drag it is, getting old..."

My nephew Joe(y) will always be my little Spider-Man fan, hiding under the kitchen table at bedtime. We will miss you, Joe. And your family will be there for each other...

Three quick Mark Freeland stories--

1) One of my high school music memories is of sneaking into the Continental to dance with "Queen Punk" (that's a whole 'nuther story) and to listen to Mark and Electroman play "Potatoes and Corn" all night on that tiny stage. Also, playing "Nucleork" from the Pegasonics LP on our high school radio station, despite protests from the jugheaded neanderthals in the rocker section of the cafeteria...

2) Years ago, when our friend Tom Henry was sick, we had a benefit for him with a bunch of local talent. Tom and Mark where friends, but Mark was not invited to perform at the benefit. He staged a coup (literally-- he took the stage), and, in tribute to Tom, performed a condensed one-man version of the entire Jimi Hendrix movie; it was actually quite impressive...

3) Also years ago, at a time that was apparently not as musically or artistically fruitful for Mark as the past had been (this was in the early 90's?), I was sort of subbing long-term with Lance Diamond down at the Elmwood Lounge (the gig that goes on forever, apparently). Anyway, I'm playing drums with Lance, and Mark brings down his amp and guitar to sit-in, and he basically commandeers a little section of stage. Lance is a bit uncomfortable, but doesn't seem to be able to say "no." So Mark plugs in and begins to wail "out" stuff at high volume all night (and when he wasn't, he was grabbing sticks from my bag and wailing on the bell of my cymbal). He bequethed us a real musical memory, if not a memorable musical performance!

The first "Wild on the Water" Blues Cruise for the SPCA went very well. Despite some challenges, all of the current members of Your Mighty No-Stars did a great job under pressure
(what else would you expect from real pros like these?). The next cruise on the Miss Buffalo II is on August 26th. Get your tickets through the SPCA or Buffalo Harbor Cruises. It's going to be a blast!

Time to catch our collective breath and look towards a positive Summer 2007 season...

* Our old friend Adam Cesar will be subbing with us on the summer tour this year; stop by a gig and say howdy.

* Dates are up (with a few stragglers still coming in) at both http://www.mightynostars.com/, and at our MySpace site (www.MySpace.com/greggjukeandthemightynostars). Lots of great gigs to see the band at this year!

* The new CD ("Blues Power") is available at live shows and at the home website. Don't forget both "WBFO Gives Me The Blues," Volumes I & II as well (http://www.wbfo.org/)...

* Speaking of the home website, the major overhaul we have been working on is basically complete (although we still anticipate some hip additions, including video, more product in the No-Star Store, etc., etc.). Stop by http://www.mightynostars.com/ and check out our new look and feel on the web. There are a bunch of new sections, including the No-Star Nation (you can join today!). Stay tuned for tweaks, new photos, a special "Know Your No-Stars" section, and more. Everybody say "Yeah" for webmaster Bill O'Shea!!!!

Check here for more frequent updates, and we'll see you at a gig!

God Bless & Good Blues,

GJ

New Stuff Coming

Soon!

Check back in two weeks for lots of new news, information, and No-Star Mania!

GJ

Overdue Update

Well, it's been awhile, so here are a few items:

1) Our "MySpace" page is up and running with full-functionality. Check it out at www.myspace.com/greggjukeandthemightynostars

2) Our long-promised website overhaul is, well, not complete, but it's on the way, and Webmaster Bill has given our site a sleek new look. Check out the new and improved www.mightynostars.com

3) The next WBFO compilation CD ("WBFO Gives Me The Blues, Vol. III, 'Homegrown' ") is being put together, and they decided to tap into all of that reality TV/"American Idol" energy...
SOoooo, an online vote was held to see which tunes from which local and regional artists would appear on the new disc. So far, your Mighty No-Stars have made the first round of cuts, and are on our way to inclusion. Check back at www.wbfo.org to see when the next round of voting will take place. Let's "Blues the Vote" in 2007...


We'll talk with you soon... God Bless & Good Blues...

GJ

RIP: Jimmy Gomes

I just heard that musician and veritable institution Jimmy Gomes, leader of the Jazz Example, who presided over the proceedings at Buffalo's famed Anchor Bar for countless eons, has passed.

Drummer Danny Hull, in his recently brief but poignant tribute, called Gomes "Buffalo's Art Blakey," and mentioned that there is "no one swinging harder in Heaven, and no one better dressed." Amen. (Well, there's one that's quite a bit better dressed, and James Brown will give Gomes a run for his... what? Clarence said they don't use money in Heaven. But you get the picture).

I haven't seen the Jazz Example in years, and the last memory I have intact of seeing Jimmy swing his socks off was back in the 80's, but man, did he swing. And those funky custom leopard shell Kents were something to behold, too.

RIP, JG. Tang tang tang, t-tang-a-daaaaaaaang...

God Bless & Good Blues,

GJ

2007!!!!

Welcome to 2007...

We certainly hope you had a fantastic Christmas, Hannukah, and New Years season. We have all enjoyed a little quiet time after the holidays (gigs, a total of 5 Christmas shows, and 3 CD's later), but it's time for us to get back to work!

Here are some news items and information for the new year:

* The long-awaited first full-length recording from your Mighty No-Stars (Gregg Juke & The Mighty No-Stars: Blues Power, on Blue Buffalo Records) is finally here and available. Watch this space, the home website (seriously, an update and major overhaul is coming soon at www.mightynostars.com), and our new "My Space" site for details on where to pick up the disc, or simply order one via e-mail or pick one up at a gig. Sixteen tracks of Maximum Blues, Soul, and Roots-Rockin' R&B! (13 originals and 3 covers)... We will be planning a couple of big-time CD release parties for early Spring, but don't let that stop you from getting a disc right now!

* Our holiday CD (the 3-song EP "Feed The Need 2006") to benefit local charity is still on sale (we have a few copies left). MANY THANKS to all of those supporters who picked up a disc for the holiday season. Your money will be put to good use to help feed those less fortunate. Contact us to get your copy...

* Check www.WBFO.org to get your copy of "WBFO Gives Me The Blues, Vol. II," featuring our tune "Nomo Loot." Support the local scene, the band, and public radio at the same time...

* Check out Mark Lenkei's new CD ("Pay To Play"), featuring yours truly...

* Look for the Patti Parks Band in the Buffalo/WNY area-- several fundraisers occuring to help them raise funds for their trip to Memphis this year!

* We'll be pretty busy playing down in the Southern Tier of WNY in February/March. Hope to see all of our fans down there out at one (or more) of the shows...

* A great new indoor Blues festival is slated for Buffalo in March-- check out www.wnyblues.org for details.

* We are currently re-vamping our show with lots of new originals and covers. We look forward to seeing you at a gig!

* We may have some major news coming down the pike at the end of the month. Stay tuned.

God Bless & Good Blues,

GJ

No-Stars' News Wire...

The new Christmas disc, “Feed The Need 2006,” is finished and available! Proceeds from the 3-song E.P. will benefit local charities feeding the hungry this season. Order on-line (see the entry below) or at one of our gigs or events. We’d like to thank the Blues Society of WNY, the Lafayette Tap Room, Rick Nicotra, and everybody at the Am-Jam on Saturday for inviting us down to promote the CD… We sold a bunch and listened to some good tunes too (lots of up and coming talent at the Am-Jam, which we always enjoy getting to whenever our schedules allow). We also saw our own Guy Nirelli sitting in with the house band, as well as our good friend Jimmy Wozniak.

The new album, “Blues Power,” will also be available before 2007 (we have had delays due to the “October Surprise” storm and aftermath, but we should still have discs available before Christmas). Order now, for the music enthusiast on your list. Also, from what I’ve heard, the new WBFO CD (“WBFO Gives Me The Blues, Vol. II”) is available from the station. Check out their website for more information.

Speaking of B3 master Guy Nirelli, it is with a mixture of both joy and sadness that we must announce his impending departure from the No-Stars bullpen—Joy that he will be moving on to a full-time gig with the lovely and talented Patti Parks, who will be representing the WNY region in Memphis this year at the International Blues Challenge; sadness at losing one of the best board players on the East Coast from the fold! Congratulations again go to Patti and the band; we wish you all the best. Guy will be working with us for awhile during this transitional time, so make sure you stop by and say “hello” at a gig and wish him well in this new venture. We’re sure to see big things from the Patti Parks Band in the future… Details of some of the fundraisers they’ll be having to raise money for the Memphis trip will be available at their website, as well as at www.WNYBlues.org.

That’s all the news for now… See you at the next show!

GJ

Important News Flash...

Dear Mighty No-Stars Fans and Supporters;

Due to circumstances beyond our ability to design or control, we will not be involved in the Holiday CD project called “Happy Holidays from Buffalo” which is being put out this year under the auspices of an organization called “Musicians For WNY” (contrary to the info that appears on the group’s website); and unfortunately, we cannot in good conscience recommend the CD to you as socially conscious music consumers of good taste.

We are still interested in doing something positive with our music for those in need this Christmas, so here’s what we’ll do—We will make a new 3-song E.P., including our newest track “Always (The Poor)” available for $3.00 U.S. plus postage and handling (that’s $1.00 per tune) with 90% of the proceeds from each sale going directly to the Food Bank of WNY (the 10% is just to cover our manufacturing costs)… So you can still support the No-Stars, give someone on your list the gift of music, and do something to help those less fortunate this year.

We are taking pre-orders now, so all you have to do to reserve your copy is send an e-mail requesting one to Gregg@MightyNoStars.com. We will contact you with details on how to order.

Don’t forget our other releases this year—the long-awaited Mighty No-Stars album (“Blues Power!”), and the “WBFO Gives You The Blues, Vol. II” sampler. Both will make great gifts this year and you’ll be supporting local music too!

Thanks again, see you at a gig, and don’t forget to reserve your copy today!

Gregg Juke

"October Surprise" Update

Well then, what can we say? It was a warm and sunny day; the next it was cold, with two feet of snow and trees were destroyed for miles and miles in the storm’s wake. At times during the storm, it was difficult to determine whether the rumbling sounds were those of thunder (in a snow storm, no less!) or of the trees breaking under their own weight and exploding from the inside-out.

In case you haven’t heard, the Buffalo & WNY area is still recovering from a surprise snow storm that occurred on October 12th. I have lived here most of my life, and I don’t recall snow earlier than October 31st, and certainly not this kind of “real winter” snow storm. I saw a transformer exploding, and it looked just like 4th of July fireworks. Very odd. So were the reports of blue, green, and purple lightening! (I didn’t see any, but several reputable sources described it to me).

Juke Manor was without power for eight days, although on or about the fifth day a friend blessed us with a generator. We still did not have a phone connection until yesterday (October 29th), which makes what, 18 days without a telephone? On October 13th, I left early in the morning to get some groceries—all told it was a six-hour trip to a store that is about seven minutes from my house… We also had to cancel a 50th Anniversary party for my folks that has been planned for over a year, and we had to cancel a gig on Friday the 13th (I think that’s one of only three that I’ve ever scuttled for any reason in the last 25 years). Big shout-out to Seneca Niagara—the folks in admin decided to pay all of their bands anyway, even though nobody was able to make their gigs that night!

We are finally starting to see more of the local streets cleared and the 25 foot long by 8 foot high, five foot deep wood and brush pile in front of my house is starting to get moved out of the way by workers. What impressed me the most was how people really pitched-in to help others. We had a lot of help from friends, family, and neighbors at our place, and we were able to remove most of the debris from the lawns of quite a few older folks that would have had great difficulty in doing so on their own. I’d also like to thank all of the relief workers, the power companies that sent personnel to help National Grid and NYSEG restore electricity (we saw trucks from down south and from Quebec), and the phone company men. Maybe somebody can take the time to explain to me what the different hard-hat designs and shapes mean…

Needless to say, we’ve been pretty busy and are just now starting to get back to band stuff… The exciting news is that we now have three (yes, _3_!) recording projects that will be available this Christmas season, plus another CD that we want to remind you about:

The first is the long-awaited album project from Gregg Juke & The Mighty No-Stars—Blues Power. This project has been several years in the making, but we feel it will have been worth the wait. Sixteen tracks (13 originals and three covers), available soon (watch the home website: http://www.mightynostars.com/ for details). We will get release-party details out to you as soon as possible.

The second CD is a local project to benefit the Food Bank of Western New York. This CD is called “Happy Holidays from Buffalo,” and will feature lots of local talent. It is being created under the auspices of an organization called Musicians for WNY (http://www.musiciansforwny.org/). We are contributing a new song slated for our next album called “Always (The Poor).” Pick-up a great gift this year and help people helping others at the same time.

The last CD that we’re going to be on in 2006 is a compilation on DCD Records called “WBFO Gives You The Blues, Vol. II,” which is a premium for those donating to WBFO during this year’s fund drive. We are contributing the track “Nomo Loot” from the upcoming album Blues Power. Lots of great local blues and roots acts will be involved, and these tracks were all hand-picked by WBFO Blues host Jim Santella. Pick this one up and give yourself or a friend the Blues this year…

Also, the long-delayed release of Boston-based singer-songwriter Mark Lenkei’s second album should be upon us soon. The album features yours truly on drums, percussion and vocals, keyboard phenom J.J. Moscato on organ, and was produced by our long-time friend and associate (and sometime Mighty No-Stars bass-sub) Glenn Bernardis. We’ll keep you posted as details are available.

We had our first gig back after the storm and a brief pre-planned hiatus at the Pearl Street Grill on Saturday night. Great crowd, and it was good to see Patti Parks, Judd Sunshine, and Gus Pusateri in the audience. Sorry the Sabres lost, folks… I was really looking forward to getting some cheap applause and billing the rest of the evening as “Sabre-ween.” Don’t forget to get down to the Lafayette Tap Room on November 4th and support Patti and all of the other bands competing in this year’s “Memphis Bound” competition.

In other news, Guy, myself, Joel, Pastor Joe, and Joel’s son Justin recently went to a shooting event called “Shoot ‘till You Drop.” Yes, that’s really what it was called. We partook of various shotgun shooting sports, including skeet, trap, and sporting clays. The entire band was supposed to go, but some last-minute issues came up for some of the guys. We asked our manager, Susan, if she'd like to come along with us (I suggested a Katherine Hepburn type of look with riding pants), but she just spun on her heels and mumbled something mostly unintelligible, probably unsavory, and largely unfavorable to the idea... Try as we might, we did not see Michael Moore, Alec Baldwin, or any member of PETA anywhere on the premises. I know next to nothing about shotgun shooting (currently, I now know just a little more than nothing); needless to say I hit less than 50 percent of the targets, but Joel and Guy both hit TWO with ONE shot. Pastor Joe also pulls them out of the air with great ease. I fared better on the air-rifle range, having the second fastest time for knocking down all the targets. I guess all of that practice with rifle marksmanship in the service was worth something! Look for pictures and the full scoop on the home website soon…

Finally, congratulations go out once again to former No-Star Jack Prybylski for his nomination in the category of “Best Blues Saxophone Player” in the upcoming Buffalo Area Music Awards. Congratulations also go out to all of the nominees.

Thanks for checking in, we’ll see you at one of the gigs, and of course, God Bless & Good Blues…

GJ

A few News Items...

*We had a great gig back at Alternative Brews on Saturday night... small but motivated crowd,
plus guest appearances from J.J. Moscato (www.jjmoscato.com), Jack Civilleto, April Mazzone, and Patti Parks! And we saw Doug "Shaky-Leg" Thornton from The Electras, Mike Mietlicki from Musicians for Western New York (www.musiciansforwny.org), and renowned music educator John Fatta in the audience... Not bad for our first gig back at Alt-Brews since last June!

*The album is coming!!!! Really! Watch the home website (www.mightynostars.com) for more info; we should have discs in about four weeks (well in advance of the Holiday shopping season).
Also, look for more upcoming changes as we continue our website overhaul...

*A new October date has just been added (Friday the 13th at Seneca Niagara Casino, 6pm-10pm). Hope to see you there...

*Lots of new originals (and more coming) in the live show!

*As we mentioned earlier, we'll be taking a little breather in October, but the band will be participating in an upcoming event called "Shoot 'till you Drop"... Only serious! More details and photos to come(?)...

Talk with you soon, God Bless & Good Blues,

GJ

September Song...

I heard an interesting version of this classic once, performed by Lou Reed, believe it or not... Not adding it to our set-list anytime soon, however.

It has been a very busy summer concert season. We have some dates this month (primarily the Casinos, the River Grill, and Alt-Brews), but we will be taking some much-needed time off from performing in October for R&R (Rest and Relaxation, not you-know-what) and to re-tool our show (new songs; LOTS of new originals) and do some recording (not to mention my parents 50th wedding anniversary, which is a pretty big deal for the entire Juke household).

As it turns out, the Christmas compilation CD that we are submitting a track for is coming out this year, so we are finishing-up a new original for that project... But the really exciting news is that finally, finally, finally, our first full-length album will be out this fall (finishing touches are being completed as we speak); definitely available before Thanksgiving for this year's Holiday Season...

Watch the home website for more changes on the design front, as well as updates in the "fan of the month" section, and CD release and availability details!

On a more somber note, today is 9-11... It seems almost impossible that five years have passed already. No matter what your politics are, please remember our troops worldwide, firemen, and law enforcement personnell, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

C U at a show soon, or catch us live in November...

God Bless & Good Blues,

GJ

A Rather August Assembly...

Why? Why can't I stop with the corny tangential semi-meaningless post titles? I dunno; it just seems so much better than "Entry # 275, 8/6/06"...

Anyway, once again, longtime no post from us here... Sorry folks, we have had some computer difficulties, as well as a really busy summer, and we are in the thick of the summer concert season as we speak. August is packed! Come out and see the band.

We had a great time this evening at St. Christopher's Summerfest 2006. Good food, nice crowd, and of course, great music. We'd like to thank St. Chris' staff for hosting such a great event, and including your humble Mighty No-Stars in the mix. Our two newest No-Stars, drummer Paul Warner and saxophonist Greg Connell really outdid themselves this evening, as did the entire group. Come see the band while you can still get in for less than $25 a ticket!!!!

More changes coming at the home website (www.mightynostars.com)... Check back often.

Also, don't forget to check us out in Lockport, N.Y. on Saturday, August 26. The Boats & Blues event benefits a very worthy cause...

CU next time. God Bless & Good Blues...

GJ