Short Change Band

Short Change Band - Mid-January, 2012

2012-01-25T18:27:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone, and welcome back from the holidays as we were back out on the road last weekend.

After taking some much needed time-off, the band picked up right where we left off in 2011. Some great music came out of both the Hitchin' Post show on Friday and the Central Hotel on Saturday. By the time the last set came off Saturday night, we were as close to a "10" in performance as we ever were. There’s something about that Hotel and Kevin Michael Winters - he sparks the candle for me and D.D. every time, and the rest is history. Oh and happy belated birthday to Bobby. (Here’s an evening shot of us and shots of Jack Daniels - Cool huh?

Then on to Sunday, we were back at Goble Studios one last time to finish the new album. Here's the deal, we finished up with 12 tracks, not the original 11 tracks we had planned. The first cut goes out to John and Beanie as the song K.W. wrote and played at their wedding in 2010. We finish the album with a tune written by a friend of ours (Dave) titled "Gods Angel". Now we couldn't have planned that to happen if we tried. K.W. did such a nice job writing the music to this tune and a better finish could not have been found! (trust me) We hope you like what we did Dave.

Then after all that work was finally finished, our producer offered up an album name change as well. You see this album is far from “basics” 18 months later, it is as polished as a ‘57 Chevy Nomad. So our new title now will be “Just About to lose my Mind”. When you hear the whole C.D. you will understand, and my young grasshoppers. We should have this together and ready to roll very soon. Now were on to working on the liner notes and album pictures. (there’s still much to do)

And finally, this week in music:
We’re at Babcocks this Saturday night Showtime is 9pm. Rt.7 Wells Bridge. So, come out and help support us in our first appearance at Babcocks.

Peace out,

Mikee Dee

Short Change Band - Beginning of 2012

2012-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome people into 2012.. The boys are back in town after a couple of (much needed) weeks off to recharge and redevelop. We all managed to get together one weekend for "dinner and a movie" and last week many of us once again were in different parts of the country. Friday night we're back for our first show of the New Year. The weekend plans to be a busy one as well with three events planned... So here we go:

FRIDAY EVENING- 1/20 - AT 8PM - Catch us at the HITCHIN' POST located high above on Belden Hill Rt.7

SATURDAY EVENING - 1/21 - We are back to where it all began some 30 years ago- THE CENTRAL HOTEL & TAVERN- showtime - 6pm. Come out and Wish Bobby a Happy Birthday.

And you can bet after all that excitement, we'll be locked and loaded as we once again head back to Goble Studios an put the final touches onto the "Back To Basics" album. It's been eighteen months in the works and it's almost done. The running time is well over 45 minutes and probably our finest work to date. This will be our fifth CD in our catalog. (Wow, where did that 10 years go?)

And finally in closing, we have a couple events you may want to put on your calendar. The weekend of January the 28th, we're playing a new venue for the 2012 calendar. We will be at BABCOCK'S - in Wells Bridge. It's just past the Franklin exit on I-88 and located on Rt. 7. For all of our "east end" supporters. We know of two birthday's we will be celebrating that evening and we would love to have as many of our friends come out and support us. The Showtime is at 9pm. If you have never been to Babcock's, it's a very large arena style venue with a huge dance floor and stage. Come on down and check it out.

And finally we will begin working on in the upcoming weeks JAMBOREE IV- "Share the Music and Feed the People show. Our line up is filling up fast for the annual benefit with planned performances from the The Wild Ones, The Short Change Band, and even our friends The Blue J's and a host others will be back this year. So, put the Date - SATURDAY APRIL 28th on your Calendar. The Fest begins at 12 noon. And once again sound will be provided by GF Sound out of Glen Falls. (Thanks Gary) We'll have Prizes/ Raffles / and food... All for a good cause- help feed our community.

That's all I got- hope to see you this weekend- peace out,

-Mikee^Dee...

Short Change Band - New Year's 2011

2012-01-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone, here’s a quick New Year’s wish to all. We made it past another year.
Now on to a new one. As you all read this latest installment of the “band blog” let it be known we are officially on "break" here until mid January when we begin the new season with none other than a show back up to the Central Hotel and Tavern. Until then we are chillin'.
Here’s a quick note from last week's shows - Friday Night at Davy's was a great night for a party. Along with that, half of the Southern Tier ABATE chapter stopped by to say hello and wish us a Happy New Year. (nice)

We also had performances from some of our former band mates too. Thank you Ms. Susie for coming up and doing a few tunes, just like the old days. (note: almost five years to the day - Susie's last performance with the SCB took place.. My goodness how time flies)

Also thank you Chuck Mott for picking a couple tunes as well.

Saturday we were in Hallstead, PA and it was a pleasant twist for us, and what started out a bit slow tuned out to be a smoking show ending.

So for now we will be concentrating on finishing the album as well as preparing for Jamboree 2012- Feed the People IV.

And as we close out another week in the world of the South Change Band, we once again want to wish you all a safe and happy New Year, peace to you all see you all after winter break.

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Year End 2011

2011-12-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

It’s the Final Week of 2011, and what a year it was. There was some good things and some bad things that happened throughout the year, but through it all we made it right to the end. From the Jamboree in April to the Floods of September, It was all there.

We made some new friends along the way and we lost a few that were near and dear to us.
We’ll let the year 2011 go down as the year of change - good, bad, or indifferent. Our 2012 Mission Statement will be “As the world of music continues to change all we can do as a band is hope to meet this change head on and continue to bring you all the same quality product we have been delivering all along each and every time you attend one of our shows. [Amen]

Reviews:
Last Friday night at the Hitchin’ Post – It was the last show there for the year. The crowd was light to start but actually picked up as the evening went on. It was good to see some of our "out of town" friends that we haven't seen in quite some time. The band played well and it was a good night.

This week’s shows:
Friday Evening - Davy's Last Chance Saloon in downtown Chenango Forks/Rt. 12 – The Show Starts at 9pm.

SATURDAY NIGHT- Hallstead Legion- Hallstead PA. The show starts 9pm. Come join us for New Year’s Eve just across the State Line in Pennsylvania. This event is open to the public with no cover charge and finger food provided. (yes we do travel from time to time)

Have a safe Holiday week/ weekend and god bless. We’ll see you in 2012.

Peace out,

Mikey Dee

Short Change Band - Just before Christmas 2011

2011-12-20T07:18:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone.

With just days before Christmas I will not take up too much of your busy time, so let's move on. We were off last weekend but we did manage to have our annual Christmas Brunch with the Short Change Band family at the infamous Silo restaurant. Say hello' to Gary.

(Hi Gary, Hi Santa)

We have made this a yearly tradition for about ten years and they are still as special now as they were when we started. Merry Christmas Short Change! Now we begin the countdown to the end of the year with our final two shows.

This Week - FRIDAY Dec.23rd- 8pm- Live @ the HITCHIN' POST- located on Rt.7 a top BELDEN HILL. Come out and share some glad tidings' with the band.

We'll see you there. Peace and love and have a safe holiday,

-Mikee Dee

Short Change Band - Mid December, 2011

2011-12-13T22:38:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone, with just a mere two weeks left before Christmas and counting I'm hoping we are all shopping furiously to "get ‘er done"

Last weekend I was thinking while driving {still legal} while I was on my way home from Windsor - I spotted a young lad walking his dog in the park with no jacket and the kicker here was he barefooted as well. It was 29 degrees that day.

Then another thought I had was - here we are in the next millennium with the age of 4G phones, etc. and we still heat our homes with 15th century technology. {Burning Wood}
It really makes you wonder where we place our needs and wants in today’s society. (What a strange group we are)

Anyway, another simple blog week ahead for this week.

1st-The band is officially "off" this weekend.

Last Saturday night we were at Gordy's and we enjoyed a fun evening of sharing good music with good friends in a party type atmosphere, along with some "killer" wings. Do I say more?
Then on Sunday we went back into the studio to continue yet more work into the new album. We also added one more final track that was written by a friend of the band – “Dave” and was given to KW to put to life.

What a beautiful piece of music entitled "Gods Angel". Once we fired up the band express, we knew we had another quality piece of music here. Nice job once again KW in catapulting a moment from someone’s past.

We now have 12 cuts in this session with a total running time of about 45 minutes. (nice)
So we continue to move along everyday closer to completion.

You will also notice a shot of digital music here from the studio and live. That's a picture of Jakes smokin' guitar leads {4th line} in the song "On my Way” the vivid graph lines are Jakes
leads - cool huh?

That is what digital music looks like today.

As we close , continuing shopping at a mad rate as it helps the economy.

Love ya's and peace out,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Beginning of December, 2011

2011-12-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone. How are you all doing a mere three weeks before Christmas? Wow, where did year 2011 go?

Once again KW has been busy with the almighty pen and paper along with DD and I setting the table for our latest piece of time and music.
We began this task almost a year and half ago and finally we are heading around the corner to completion. I hadn't listened to the demo's in probably six months myself- and actually that was a great thing to do- because now we can take a whole new prospective to the finished product.

The only other local talent on this album other then ourselves and our sound engineer Dean is Susie and Jake from the infamous Blue J's band. They missed appearances on the Full Circle' album so we wanted to include them on “Back to Basics”. Don't be surprised if smoke fills yours speakers when Jake fires up that strat along with some great background vocals by Ms. Susie.

We also have a few other folks helping us out with Banjo, Harmonica, pedal steel and piano from as far away as Corning, NY.

I am very excited about this project as we continue to round the final corner. Also with eleven cuts prepared we now have a need to include one more very special tune written by a friend of ours (Dave) titled "God's Angel".

Dave gave KW the lyrics to this beautiful tune with a ton of personal meaning associated with it and asked him to put music to it. What a fantastic job KW did achieving this goal. Now DD and I will put the final touch to it with full instrumentation. Do I sound excited or what? It’s the best material to date my friends, you will see.

Now on to business. Last Week we were at the Central Hotel. The show went over well but with so much going this last weekend in other local events, the crowd was a bit light. That was OK, by the second set we found the SCB groove and we put some fire to the show. It was our last Hotel show for 2011. We’ll see you back there in mid January.

This Saturday we head back to Damascus (Windsor area) at GORDY'S PLACE. The Show begins at 8pm.. We hope you can make it down for some good music, good friends and some great wings.

So as we wrap up another year in “Short Change-Ville” we want to thank all of you - THE FANS for your continued support in 2011. We never know how long the ride will go on for us, that is why we enjoy the Journey week after week year after year, It's all good.

If you see DD this week wish him a Happy Birthday. Veronica has a birthdaqy too and next week Pretty Patty P M squared.

Peace and love,

Mikee^^ Dee

Short Change Band - November 28, 2011

2011-11-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. The year is short and before long we will be staring right at 2012.

I have a quick blog this week, and it goes like this:

Wednesday night we played at the Hitchin Post. It was a great show. The place was packed with standing room only. It was nice, as we had friends from as far away as the state of Illinois attend our show. (Sweet)

Thursday was Thanksgiving and I worked at a local Food Kitchen with my charming wife to feed the people of our community. (125 dinners were served) What a great feeling that was for me to help our community.

Friday night was Black Friday and we played at Davy's in Chenango Forks. It was a light crowd early on but a great show. We welcomed aboard Chris our new bar master.

Saturday I took a trip down to Pennsylvania to hook up with some friends I hadn't seen in twenty years. It was an awesome day as we had some lunch and did some gambling.

Sunday I had Thanksgiving at my house with the family. KW and DD went to Goble Studios to continue work on the new album "Back to Basics". KW says it’s our best material to date. The bad news though it that we're only in about 80% complete. But we will keep at it. Now we’re looking more to 2012 for a release. Oh well, it’ll be worth the wait I'm sure.

Shows: This Week – Saturday, December 5th we’re back at the "Central Hotel and Tavern" for our final 2011 Hotel Show. The Show begins at 6pm. We’ll see you then.

Have a great week. Peace and love,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Thanksgiving Week 2001

2011-11-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

Greetings once again. The weeks just keep flying by and before long this year will become history and then on 2012. (Wow!)

I just checked our event calendar for the year and we didn't perform 80 times like last year, but we're on target for over 70. That's not bad for a band that along with playing music and shows almost every week of the year, we maintain a pretty active social life with family and friends as well. The time spent internally is very important, so we do it wisely.
We played one show last weekend - Saturday night at the Central Hotel & Tavern as part on the "Encore" series of music. It was “Hunters Weekend” with great food and a great group of people to play for the entire evening.

We left everything set up and plugged in from the week before, so it made it very easy to take the show up another level from even last week. Hey if you missed it, you missed another "Stellar Performance” as Little Stevie would say, and we felt it too. Nice job again goes out to my band brothers - we were smokin'.

This week we have two shows: - one mid-week- and another on Friday.:

Show #1- Wednesday Evening at the Hitchin' Post - top of Belden Hill – The show begins around 8pm. (Get there early as this is premiere evening for a party night before Turkey Day)
Show # 2- Friday Evening {Black Friday} back up to Davy's Last Chance Saloon in downtown Chenango Forks. The show starts at 9pm.

So there you have it. We hope to see you all out and about this week. Come and share some holiday cheer with the band. Black Friday (you know) what that is the start of? (Oh Boy!)

Hey, get this - we are back in the Goble’s Studio this weekend to continue the final work on the “Back To Basics” CD. Santa may slide down your chimney with a copy before Christmas - but ya never know. (shhhh... let's keep it our secret)

In closing, have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. On a sad note, our deepest condolences go out with the passing of Doris from the Afton Inn. 25 years of parties and events for the whole community has come to an end. It’s the end of an era as we knew it.
God Bless Doris! We will see you on the other side.

- Mikey Dee^^

Short Change Band - November Hunter's Week, 2011

2011-11-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone. I have a quick installation this week. Can you believe it is going on the third week of November already? Wow! This weekend marks the opening of Big Game Gun Hunting season in New York as well. So with that being said – let’s move along.

We had gorgeous weather over the weekend with 55 degree temperatures and sunshine both Saturday and Sunday. With all the nice weather many people had plans for the weekend and our crowd on Saturday evening was a bit light, but fun just the same.

Most people turn out the first weekend of the month at the Hotel as that is when we traditionally play there. So possibly the change in date threw them off a bit too.
Anyway we put on a smokin' good show with many of the people in the crowd paying particular attention to K.W. Winters as he attacked that Telecaster as only he can. Leads were hot, D.D. was in the groove and myself - I'm just lovin’ it back there on the kit.

We got to switch it up a bit with Dominick on the drums and myself on the 5 string bass and DD moved over on the keys. There was some fun stuff there, and we didn't suck - that's always a good thing!

Now because we again repeat shows at the Central Hotel this Saturday, we choose an entirely different set of music as not to repeat any songs for this week’s presentation. Cool huh? How many bands do you know that can play 8 hours worth of music with no repeats? Not too many I would think. So this Saturday we will once again be back at the Central Hotel and Tavern for the annual “Hunters Party" weekend. The show begins around 5:00pm. Give time for the hunters to gather from the fields.

We hope to see you all there. Bobby puts on a great spread of food and it is offered to the crowd who come for the evening of music and mayhem supplied by yours truly “The Short Change Band”. We’re looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

So in closing, if you came out to see us last weekend - come on' back for an entirely different show - or if you didn't come out last week - you have a second this week to get off your dead ass and come down and support the band as well as have a bite to eat. Always a great spread, so we’ll see you all there.

And, I had someone come up to me last week and ask me what the Wine Vineyards in Southern California were like. I told her how they made the different wines and she thought they stored it all in bottles in a cellar somewhere. Now I'm no Julio Gallo, but from what they told us on the wine tour, the majority of it is stored in barrels until it is bottled and shipped off to the market.

So folks have a great week and safe hunting this season and we hope to see you all at the Central Hotel Saturday night {5:00pm – 9:00pm}

Peace and Love,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Beginning of November, 2011

2011-11-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Well greetings everyone. I hope it's all good in your world this week.

We had another crazy week for the band. We were all scattered in different directions once again. Due to the recent flood our band venues were once again cancelled so when this happens it's like when your parents left the kids in charge while they went away for the weekend. We raise some hell and have some fun. Not much sittin' and grinin' for this group.
Saturday morning was our First annual Veterans Day Breakfast at the Afton Fire House. The attendance was good as we served over 100 people in three hours.l There were many Veterans that attended in full dress medals, hats, and patches. It was a good feeling giving back to them and offering them some thanks for serving our great nation. A free breakfast is the least someone can do, and we did.

Saturday evening was the Kris Kristofferson show along with Joan Baez in Ithaca. Now two thirds of the band attended that show - K.W.and D.D. and it was indeed a great show of couple legends displaying their talents in a small theater venue. (Nice) Myself, I'm not much of "solo artist" show guy- I like the shows with whole band behind the artist so I bowed out.

I thought I would spend the night at home with my charming wife, but that didn't happen. Andrea took a load of her friends- {7 girls in all} and went up to Lumpy's to see the Partridge Family and myself - I took a gig up to Babcock's playing a show with some friends called the "Wild Ones”.My role was the second drummer. Now I don't know if you've ever seen a venue with two drummers playing in full sync, but it’s quite a site. The first drummer plays lead and the second drummer keeps the beat. I haven't done this in about five years. It takes a few minutes to find your place but once you’re in - it rocks. We had a full line of people on the dance floor just staring at our performances. You go through the night taking turns playing lead and actually it's a great drill - for your timing. Thanks to Chucky and the “Wild Ones” for letting me play the entire show with them. These guys are really good. Check them out sometime. I love their musical choices - nothing new, but many classics - done nicely.

And finally- This weekends show:
SATURDAY NIGHT: 11/12/11 THE CENTRAL HOTEL AND TAVERN 6-10PM and never a cover.... Hope to see you all there!

Rock on. Also Friday is Veterans Day, so be sure to give thanks to our national protectors of our fine nation.

Peace and love baby,

Mikee Dee

Short Change Band - Halloween Weekend, 2011

2011-10-31T20:15:00.001-07:00

I hope you all had a great Halloween weekend. We had cold rain, some snow and some sun (we got a bit of it all) and some great shows. So, lets' get right to the weekend reviews.

Friday Night was the annual Davy's Halloween mixer. We had a great time with some great costumes and a lot of fun people. It was all in there. They even kidnapped the Taco Bell dog for the party. (just kidding) “Pakrat” came up and played a smokin’ set with the band on the bass guitar. (Did you see his full page article in the Sunday Binghamton Press about those awesome carvings Jamie Bates does? It was a great article - check it out)

So after it was all said and done, it was sad to hear that our bartender (Val’s) last evening was indeed Friday night. She has been tending bar at Davy's on a Friday night for about as long as I can remember. I think I still had my Super glide back then, that's how long it's been. Anyway, Val best of luck as you move on. We will miss you.

Our Wedding Saturday in Sanitaria Springs went off without a hitch. The crowd wasn’t scared off from the weather as we really didn't get the snow amounts they promised us this time. A big congratulations go out to the bride and groom (Becky and Gene). And thanks to Rick and Patrick for some great food.

Then finally, Sunday came. The benefit for Mikey Mills' went off without a hitch. The support by family and friends was awesome. The musical lineup was extensive. There were three bands with such a broad avenue of musical passage. Our Host – “The Hats Off Band” played some awesome country dance tunes for the crowd to love followed by the “Short Change Band”, and we mixed it up a bit from some classic rock, outlaw country as well as some of our originals. That was followed up by a local Susquehanna band “Dirty Rotten Liars” with a bit more of the harder rock edge with some spontaneous originals. Nice Job guys!

Overall it was a fabulous afternoon to support the cause. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mikey's family and all the supporters who worked so hard to make the benefit a success.
And last but least, great thanks to our good friend John Davies and his master craft and wit on a microphone as the afternoon’s emcee. You got it done right buddy! Also a special thanks to “The Hats Off Band” for helping us have such an enjoyable afternoon. (Nick you rock buddy - thank you!)

Finally it was also Andrea’s big birthday on Halloween as she celebrated an important number this time. Happy Birthday ‘Drea - 32 never looked so good!

We're off this weekend once again but we're going to see country legend 'Kris Kristofferson.

We’ll see you next week. Peace and love,

-Mikee Dee..
P.S. A special get well wish goes out to our Sound Engineer/ Producer Dean Goble. I hope your better soon - we miss you buddy!

Short Change Band - October 25, 2011

2011-10-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings to everyone, it’s good to be back after having a fabulous weekend off. I've come to the conclusion that you need a few of those "hang out" weekends every now and then. Now we’re excited for this “Halloween Weekend” with three shows - 1 public- 1 private (wedding) and 1 Benefit... now that's a powerful weekend for sure. So on to the shows:

Friday October 28th – It’s the Annual Halloween Costume Party at none other than the infamous Davy's Last Chance Saloon - on Rt. 12 in sunny downtown Chenango Forks. Costume contests with prizes. The show starts at 9pm... Always a blast.. See you all there for some goulash fun.

Saturday, October 29th - Private- Wedding Reception

Sunday, October 30th - Huge Benefit for the family of Mikey Mills located in Susquehanna P.A. at Lakeys Bar and Grill. The show starts at 1pm as we share the stage with some of our friends –“ The Hats Off Band”Come down and show your support for Mikey's Family with his untimely passing. We hope to see you all there on Sunday October 30th *Food will served for an additional donation.

And as we close out another week in music, I have a quick note. There many businesses in and around our area that suffered dearly throughout the flood. Many had little or no insurance coverage. So when you’re out an about, give some of these places some much needed business and revenue - that's how we do it folks, and we all go down together.

Have a save Halloween weekend, and a Happy B-Day to Andrea, and hey, you better dig out the snow shovel too, it's almost time!

-Mikey Dee

Short Change Band - Mid - October, 2011

2011-10-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Greeting everyone. Once again we have another installment into the world of music with the Short Change Band. Last weekend we played not one but two local venues so let’s get right to the reviews.

Friday Night we were back up to the Hitchin' Post on Belden Hill. The show started right on time and for the next three hours we pretty much hit every song we performed right on the head.

We even had some old friends that had not seen us in quite some time come up after the show and remark to how tight we were and how good it all sounded. (Nice) Once in a while even the audience appreciates something good and they let us know.

I just spoke to DD about this very fact last week as well. Audiences today are much different from days in the past. It used to be when you went out - you took your best girl and you danced, drank and partied all night. These day’s people still drink but they think it's not cool to dance anymore? I just don't know. I think everyone's too used to watching music videos anymore and that's really what it consists of- sitting and watching. Oh well, the band plays on....

Saturday Evening we were back up to our other home base on the south end of the state - Gordy's Place. Let's say this: “I can't think of a better place to party with people, have some great food and drinks and not spend a fortune doing it - as it is at Gordy's”. We just love the atmosphere here and both the owners and the crowds make us feel right at home.

Thanks to Jack, Dom, and Johnny for coming up and jamming with the band. What a fun weekend that was.

This weekend we are off again as the venues we previously had booked were flooded out last month and did not re open- so let’s relax once again.

In closing, I hope all is well in your world. Be in touch, and stay well.

Peace and love,

Mikee^^ Dee

Short Change Band - 2nd Week of October, 2011

2011-10-12T03:53:00.001-07:00

Greetings everyone. It was so nice to take a week off from the music world and do some traveling. The Short Change Band members were in three different parts of the United States last week. Pictured is a shot from Newport Beach, California. The wife and I headed out for a quick visit last week to see family.

The Winters Family headed south to Greenville, South Carolina for some family obligations too and Double D went to Syracuse to see Darius Rucker and Rodney Atkins in concert. We all arrived back safe and sound and now we look forward to this week’s shows.

We have two performances on tap for this week’s venues.
FRIDAY EVENING- Oct. 14th – The Hitchin' Post - Belden Hill- show time 8:30 pm.
SATURDAY EVENING- Oct. 15th- we return once again to Gordy’s Place in downtown Damascus show time 8pm.

Two early shows and we are looking forward to seeing some old friends and perhaps some new ones as well.

And finally, before we sign off here, I'd like to make a couple quick comments about my California trip last week. This was my first trip to the big state and my first impression of the area was that the overall area of Southern California is vast in size and offers a beauty all to it’s own, the fuel prices out there were identical to ours, and actually a bit cheaper in some areas. There is a Taco stand or Mexican food joint on every corner which is actually quite convenient if you like that type of food. People drive the highways and freeways out there much like people drive on the [LIE] on Long Island as they truck along about 80 mph and nobody bothers you either. Oh and when it rains, which six months of the year it does not, you would think it was treated like a snowstorm back here. With the rain we have here no one would ever travel if they had to deal with it as much as we do - every week no less.

California is a vast state that takes up the mass of probably the area between Pennsylvania to about Georgia. What an incredible state that has about everything and anything anyone could want or need, but I don't see myself leaving the Sothern Tier anytime too soon to move to it. And after now seeing both oceans - the Atlantic as well as the Pacific- I'm thinking I am leaning more towards the Atlantic for beauty. (that's just my opinion - to each their own)
I don't even want to mention the plane travel as that's another whole story for another day. All I can say is as a traveler of plane flights - about every few years- travel has not gotten any better and as the passenger and you're pretty much held at bay once you climb aboard.
I can't wait to return my trip survey to the airlines, as they asked for my opinion. Oh Boy...

In closing, I hope to see you all out this weekend at the shows!

Be safe, be well, be good, as always, it’s good to be back,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - End of September, 2011

2011-09-27T12:19:00.001-07:00

Well hello everybody, we had another fantastic week in the world of the Short Change Band.
The moon must have been in line with Jupiter for sure last week because we pulled off an incredible weekend of music.

Every now and then we get very close to a #10 rating for show quality, but never quite hit it. These last two performances should have been recorded because they were every bit of Album quality.

Friday Night at Seebers Tavern (the weather outside was frightful, but inside was pure delightful) we started the night off smokin’ and we never looked back. You know when you’re knocking the bottom out of something when the people stand in front of the band and just watch your every move. Or when the people at the bar are dancing and singing along as you play. Now that's a show!

So you would think after getting that performance out of our system Friday night that one might ask what do we have left for Saturday. Well, we packed the trucks and headed west to Watkins Glen for a delightful show at the infamous "Yacht Club'.

Every time we head out there we always experience an outer aura in the sense that we setup a tailgate show in the camp ground and celebrate what some would call a "pre game" before the show. Saturday was no different and you can see by the photo provided that this 1.75 liter magnum was brought along consumed and conquered.

So as we finished up our cocktail hour and dinner, we continued the evening with none other than Mr. Jeffrey “A” as he sat in with The Short Change Band providing some incredible mandolin, harmonica and guitar solos throughout the evening. Thank You Jeffrey A!

Now keep in mind most of the guests at the club here are quite a bit older so the volume would be a concern as they had been in the past. So what we did this time that was different is setup the sound just above an acoustic show level and voila.

Everyone was dancing and singing in the aisles and the band performance was yet another 10+ show for sound and quality. What a great time! We hope to do it again next year.

On to this week’s upcoming shows:
Friday, September 30th – We’re back at the Hitchin' Post on Belden Hill to begin the "Fall Show Series" The band starts at 8:30 pm.
Saturday October 1st - We return once more to the Central Hotel in Nineveh. The show time there 6pm.

Don't miss out as the band has been playing some smokin' shows here in past couple weeks - get in while the fire is hot!

Next weekend we will be off, so take advantage of the double batch of love this week.
So as we close, I hope all is well in all of your world, and just maybe we will see you out this weekend. We'd love to see ya's!

Peace and Love,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Last week of September, 2011

2011-09-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone, I hope things are better in your world then they were last week. My gosh, what a year for weather it has been. We’ve had snowstorms, earthquakes, hurricanes, and flood waters - Hello can we have a break now? Anyway, we just have a few things from last week so I won't take up too much of your time.

Reviews: Last week we played one show at Davy's in Chenango Forks. It was a nice show with a good crowd, and we kept them there most the night. The band played well and I think just about everyone enjoyed the evening. We’ll see you back in October for the big Annual Halloween Party.

This week we have two shows, one public one private. Friday Evening 9pm we are at SEEBERS Tavern in downtown Smithville Flats. We hope to see you all there, come out and help support us at this new venue. Saturday evening we will be out of town in Watkins Glen playing a private venue along with special guest star Jeffery “A” joining us for the evening. It should be a fun filled weekend for sure.

And as we move along, we will be going back into the studio in the next few weeks to wrap up the final work on the album "Back to Basics". I'm almost thinking that we started this project last October. Well it will make a nice present for under the tree this year. We'd like to thank Pak Rat for all of the album cover work and pictures he has contributed to this project and also Susie and Jake for coming down and adding some spice back in January sometime. We've been on this for an awfully long time. I can tell you this though, it will be well worth the wait as we all worked very hard on the production of this puppy.

As we close out here, I hope to see you all back on the road again soon.

Stay safe and well, peace and love,

Mikee Dee^^
p.s. - Check out the Blues Brothers here pictured last week in Atlantic City.
(Jake and Elwood had nothing on us!)

Short Change Band - Mid September, 2011

2011-09-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone, it's been a couple crazy weeks here in the triple cites between Irene and Lee - I'm just glad it's over. How we endure all of this - god only knows. We're strong and a tough group of people, so we will overcome.

I hope you all made it through these tough times. My one silver lining this week was the birth of my new grand baby girl, Katelynn Nicole. Congratulations to Erin and John for a job well done. {Flood Baby}

So welcome back... we missed ya... Last weekend our crew headed to the luxurious Showboat Casino in Atlantic City for a couple days of planned R & R. We had a rough time getting out on Thursday during the height of the storm as many of the Highways and back roads were flooded over. But like a couple of Boy Scouts - we got out.

Atlantic City Boardwalk is not quite what it once was but it's still a pretty exciting area to visit if you haven’t been there. Everyone leaves home with the thought of hitting it big but few very rarely do. Most lose their ass and complain about it but hey “it is what is”. If you can keep it under control and spend responsibly, it can be a lot of fun.

By the second day we all decided instead of making Donald Trump richer, we would treat ourselves to a good time instead. So Friday afternoon we had a great seafood dinner, then came back and dressed to the nines and headed out for an evening of local entertainment.
For the next six hours we partied like it was 1999 all over again. We took in some clubs and seen some great bands and made countless numbers of new friends.

We finished up the evening consuming over $200 worth of Whiskey and that was truly a new accomplishment for even the SCB by any standard. We kept it all in check as we finished out the night walking home two miles on the boardwalk.

Next time we need to work our way backwards, that will make the trip back to the hotel a bit easier.

Great trip, great time boys... can't wait till next time. Like I used to tell my boys, the sign of a good evening of partying is "nobody got hurt" "nobody died" and "nobody got arrested" –priceless!

On to this week’s show:
Friday evening we’re in downtown Chenango Forks at Davy's Last Chance Saloon
The show begins at 9pm. We hope you can stop down and say “hi”
Tell us about how the floods affected you.

In closing we would like to wish Brock Towers as very safe deployment into the Marines next week. Hurry back home buddy as Saturday evening was your night to party. Thanks for including the Short Change Band in your plan before you leave.

And again as I close here, I wish you all well and be safe.

Peace and love,

Mikee Dee^^

Short Change Band - Last week of August, 2011

2011-08-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

What a crazy weekend for weather we had back here this week. And in one line - I'm glad that it is over. I went two days without electric and it brings an entirely different perspective to things. But ya know, life goes on. Anyone that was disappointed by the lack of Irene's punch - I guess it's all in where you experienced her. Good, bad or indifferent I'm glad it's over.

We're a bit late this week due to lack of power so let's move on.

Saturday's Show was the Annual Ticket Party at the Afton Sportsmen Club. It was a Great show, great party and we played right up to rain that evening. The attendance was good and actually I think it was up a bit from the past. There were a couple hundred people enjoying a summer afternoon of food, fun and good friends. What more can you say? The Boy's at club put on another winning event for sure.

We also would like to thank our buddies from the “Deuces Wild” Band for coming up and jamming out with us to a set of “Skynyrd” tunes. That's what it all about my friends, sharing the music and nobody does that more than we do - you can count on that. We’ll see you all again next year.

Here are the shows for this Holiday Weekend - Two public and one private:

Thursday Evening- Hitchin' Post, Belden Hill – Cans and Clams Bike Night - our last Bike Night Show for the 2011 season. The show begins 6pm. C'mon down and help kick off the Labor Day Weekend.

Sunday - Central Hotel and Tavern, Nineveh - Outside under the Pavilion weather permitting. (if not, we’ll be in the bar) The Show begins 4pm.

Have a great weekend and I hope by the time you all get to read this week’s blog, your lives are somewhat back to normal.

Peace out and be safe this weekend. It's still an 0.8 world out there - don't blow it,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - August Fun 2011

2011-08-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, a big weekend has just passed for us, so let us get right into it.
First, I needed to give you all an update on the time capsule. {my truck} What a week it had been as I took a step back in time with thirty five years of Rock and Roll of the past.

The old cassette tapes I made while doing college radio at WSCC sounded as good as the day I made them. Some of the titles were awesome - Tea for the Tillerman - Cat Stevens - High Lonesome- Charlie Daniels Band- Long Hard Ride - Marshall Tucker Band - and even some local music of the time- The Barnaby By Band.. If nothing else I can say this - Music is like talk radio - and after a while you become complacent and lose your objectivity. That's what has happened to FM radio as we know it today. We let them supply what you listen to everyday over the air. After a while it just becomes the same ole shit day in day out. It was nice to go back to a time where the listener made the choice as to what was good and what was not and what got air play. When you see bands like Nickelback making country cross-over tunes - "Houston we got troubles". I want my own Sirus radio Show so I can tell everybody how it used to be in the music world.. I know more than 40 songs- really I do! I will continue this week back in the time zone as today I was headed into the winter of 1979 - Joe Jackson, Heart, Eddie Money, and many others too.

Anyway- let us move on. Friday night at Dino's was another outside show - set indoors. We just can't cut a break weather wise this year with the outside shows. Some good music and some great people- What more can one say.

Saturday back up to the Junction. It was an outside show with perfect weather for the entire evening. It was a smoking show that brought out guest musicians such as one of our own past members on drums Joey P and good friend of the band - Tom's son Jason D... Let me tell you this - Jason has a set of pipes on him that are fabulous... He did a version of Mustang Sally better then the Wilson himself...
Anyone looking for a front man for a band - you may want to snag this guy before he's gone... just awesome.

Back to the band - So we put Joey back on drums - me on Bass - DD on Keys and K.W. on the Les Paul... Let me tell you, smoke was coming from the stage area for a while there... {Rudy had to high speed balance his rear wheel on his Softail} Hey smoke happens...

I gotta give this show about a (9+) Everybody got their monies worth that night.
Thanks Joey for stopping in. We see Joey about once every 3 years if we're lucky. His work takes him to all parts of the globe - literally. It was fun! We’ve had two weeks in a row with past family members.. Sweet....

Hey check back on the blog site for one of the first composites of the new album cover... Taken by none other than Pak - Rat himself.. We love that guy...
We're going to pick out the best three pictures and let you the "fan" chose the next album cover. We'll let you know when we pick the three pictures.. very soon...

And finally- this SATURDAY- the 27th annual "AFTON SPORTSMEN'S CLUB ANNUAL PARTY". Show starts early so get your tickets soon before they sell out. Last year we played a 9 hour show... We can't wait for this years to begin...

I need to head back to my time capsule and I'll catch you all next week for the big holiday weekend tour....Peace Love and be well,

-Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Mid-August, 2011

2011-08-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone, I hope this week’s installation finds you all well and good. We are entering the high side of summer and before you know it (it will be gone). So get out and get all of the things done you've been putting off until now because changes are not far off. There’s just four more weeks until fall will be here. (Ugh!) Enough already!

Hey I have to share this real quick here. I bought a little 4x4 pickup over the summer and one of the things it had was a kick ass cassette deck (do you remember cassette decks?) Well anyway I had to dig through the garage this week and low and behold I found some tapes I had recorded back from college radio days WSCC. Anyway, the rock and roll we listened to thirty five years ago is much different than the same 40 tunes that the WHALE plays over and over. I'm like a kid under a Christmas tree this week with 90 minutes of real Rock and Roll done the way I WOULD SPIN them back in the mid 70's! (Ahh life is good)

Also this week - Are you ready for some football? Not my favorite choice of teams but the conclusion is so noted. The only true good thing about fall is “FOOTBALL”. Okay, now on to business.

Last week we took a truck load out to Tioga Downs to see Wynonna Judd. Let me say this, I’ve always been a fan (not a huge one but I had to wonder why an artist with two gold greatest hits albums and five single CD’s released to her credit would dwell on covers by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Elvis and Foreigner. But it was what it was... enough said. Oh and she loves to talk (my goodness the poor band) they would begin a song and play the same notes for ten minutes! (wow)

Saturday's show: Butch and Cindy Ahner’s Pig Roast was an awesome party with heavy attendance this year. It was good to see a lot of old friends once again. We even had a special guest that evening – “Violet” a cute little girl that had written her own song about raining candy and performed it live over the microphone with no music. Taylor Swift move over you got competition very soon here girl.
And on the grown up side we also had “Cliffy” sit in for the night and played some hot smokin leads right alongside K.W. We rocked Saturday night as it was an evening of "making music" with my friends. (Thanks Cliffy for helping out)

On to this weekend: We have two shows:

Friday 8/19 - Dino's Bar & Grill in Conklin - outside under the stars – the show begins 8:30 pm

Saturday 8/20 – The Central Hotel & Tavern - outside under the pavilion – the show begins 4:00 pm.
Well that wraps up this week, oh and as we close, I would like to thank all of the vendors and staff peoples that came out last Saturday for little Andy's benefit in Endwell. I’d like to give special thanks to “Rise” and “Pawn Shop” and HT for supplying music and food, and to you - the people who supported the cause.

As always – peace,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - 2nd Week of August, 2011

2011-08-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

I want to take you through another week’s adventures as seen through the eyes of the Short Change Band. (It’s short and sweet)

Friday was an exceptional day for weather. The temperature was in the 80's and sunny. Little did I know that later that day we would be heading out on an adventure that would take us to see The Money Man himself - Eddie Money. But let me back up. So momma and I fire up the hogs and headed west to take in the 27th annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally. I think it has to be at least twenty years since I went to the last one. In those days you could park your scoot right in the park, which is a thing of the past. So we had to drive over to Broome Community College to park. We paid $5 to park and we were shuttled over by bus instead. Not a bad deal, as they really do have it organized with little wait time in either direction. (Let the show begin)

The concert began at about 8pm and for the next 75 minutes we got to "shake with the money man" He played all of hits as he has many and he even introduced a new song he wrote special for our troops overseas. As he performed it, four National Guardsmen came up on stage and took a bow with the band. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. (Nice)

The night finished out with "Two Tickets to paradise" and "Shakin’" and by 9:30 the place looked like a ghost town. I know D.D. as well as Jeffery A. both enjoyed the show as we continually got heads up signs from both of them through the evening as they stood up ahead of us counting down the hits being played. Eddie’s lead guitar player was awesome as he had been with Eddie all the way back into the late 70's . That's a lot of shows logged there my friends, for sure.

What a sweet night for riding motorcycle home that evening in nothing more than a Tee-Shirt for a coat. (Rare for our little neck of the woods)

On to Saturday, we met at 9am up to Frumpy’s in Greene, NY to begin shooting still photos for the new album cover. We thought it would be much nicer to use real stills rather than computer generated graphics for a cover. We had our good buddy Pak Rat come up and for the next hour or so and shot some two dozens photo's around everything from a ‘52 Ford to a ‘46 Chevy chopped pickup.

We are hoping to pick the best three out of the entire shoot and take it to you guys and help pick our new album sleeve via a vote.

So with that we finished up the photo shoot and had to kill a bit of time so we headed up to the cottage when we realized it was show time at Frumpy’s open house. What a sweet party Chris had right there at the shop. There were a good group of people that did finally show up even in the pouring rain. The food was great and the atmosphere was warm.

It was smart for us to locate ourselves in the shop area with all of the rain. We've had our share of "wet shows" this year both outside and inside if you can believe that one. I’d like to give special thanks all of you that made the day a success it turned out to be.

This weekend we play another private party as we head out once more to Ahner’s Pig Roast. The Short Change Band has been playing this party for over 25 years and still running. It’s another great band outing for sure!

Oh well time to beat feet, so be good, be well, see you all again soon!

p.s. In closing we are losing a couple of our great fans this next week as they load up the truck along with the other 7.2 million people that have moved from New York in the last decade... Robin and Chris best of luck in your new adventures in Wisconsin... Salute to our Cheese heads!

-Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Beginning of August, 2011

2011-08-03T04:11:00.000-07:00

Hello all, just finishing up another fantastic weekend of musical events. As we now enter into the month of August the rest of the summer is sure to fly by us much like the first half.

Right to the show reviews:

Friday night was our only public show for last week. We played once again at the VFW in Endicott. There was a nice crowd as many of our good friends came out to support us. The music we played was good and we even got a visit from our Aunt Flow again. It's always a plus to know when your Aunt Flow comes to town, adds that special little touch. (Priceless)

Saturday evening we played another award winning show outdoors up to Harry and Melissa's . It was a weather perfect day for an outdoor show. And once again we had some of our local friends stop by and show their support.

Outdoor shows with a farm yard full of goats running around is truly a rush. Vanilla is always so happy to greet us each year when we return. She really shows affection to Double D. But then again most of the barn animals do like Darrell anyway, as he is our modern day Dr. Doolittle. They even come up on stage while we play! What a great audience they make.
Special thanks to Harry and Melissa for having us back three years running now and always supplying a bottle of Jack for each and every show. Again, the band thanks you guys and we hope to do it again next year too. It’s one great party!

Sunday we actually split ways just a bit. Darrell had a prior commitment to address so we incorporated the services of "magic fingers Herb" to come help us out on the bass guitar for yet another outdoor party.

And once again we had to muster up as much stamina as we had to keep our volume down to a low roar, and in typical Short Change Fashion - we were fine. Even the older people commented on how well we performed and they could still carry on a conversation between each other. Hey we aim to please.

Anymore you almost need to carry two entire systems around in the truck to meet the needs of the events in question. But we're doing a good job so far with it anyway. Special thanks to Herb for filling in – as it’s almost like the boy never left. What a great utility guy, as he can do it all.
And this weekend we will be playing a local event at a buddy of ours business - an open house and customer appreciation party.

If you’re out and about this Saturday afternoon swing past "Frumpys Chop Shop" on Rt.12 in lower Greene. I'm sure he would love to meet you. Bring your Street Rods- Hot Rods- Harley's we love ‘em all..

And finally this weekend as well we will be shooting pictures for the new album cover for the Back to Basics CC with thanks to our photographer Packrat. You remember the Back to Basic's album right? Yeah we will be back in the studio shortly to finish. We are aiming for a release date sometime this fall. (Patience is a virtue)

Well that about wraps up another week in the jungle.

Keep it real, Keep it fun, and stay well ... Peace,

Mikee^^Dee....

Short Change Band - Last week of July, 2011

2011-07-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone. We’re starting a busy week this week so I will keep it short and sweet. The weather during the month of July this summer has been good so far, and one can only hope August will follow the same pattern as well. My gosh where did the year go?

On to the show reviews: Davy's last Friday night was a dry night but very warm. I really thought it would be a big bike night, but the attendance was on the light side. I find when this happens (and I know I speak for the boys in the band as well) It becomes a challenge to motivate ourselves when it does happens. But we really did kick it in the ass and delivered another smokin' show. We would like to thank Jason for coming up on stage and playing a few tunes with the band. Nice Job.

Saturday night we were at Tioga Downs. It was a nice venue and a great day of musical events. There were five bands that played that day. The festivities started at 11am and ran all the way to 1am as we closed out the evening. The special guest stars of the day were “The Fabulous ThunderBirds”. They hit the stage around 3:00pm and played for almost 90 minutes. The "Tuff Enough" boys put on an awesome show.

I was totally amazed at all of the different sound stage areas offered to all of the musical acts. There was music inside, outside, and everywhere. What a great day of events. I have to tip my hat to the Tioga Downs staff, they really know how to throw a party.

As the closers that night even at 10pm we still had a pretty captive audience. The sound quality was a bit of an issue as once again we tried to settle in on using the "outside" P.A. system, but as the evening wore on we found our place and by the last set we were smokin' .

When the crowd comes up and interacts with the band and even purchases our music, then that’s when you know that you are connecting. And as quickly as the night began, it was over. We’d like to send special thanks to Jeffery “A” for sitting in and playing some awesome Mandolin and Harp.

Not to mention our support team that followed us all the way out to the casino and spent the evening with the band. Thank you all.

We also made some new friends that night, and one in particular was a couple from Texas that were at the show celebrating 31 years of marital bliss. God bless ya's. They absolutely loved what we did and how we delivered it. This was the second group of visitors up from the south that were amazed at what we do here In the northeast. This was all in just the last few weeks and wishing that they had bands like us where they live in the south.

As I said earlier in the year, the Southern Tier is an awesome melting pot of collective music types and people from other parts of the country know a good thing when they hear it and see it. Support on- Southern Tier! It's what we do. We may not have the job market but we sure do have the music market covered.

On to this week’s Shows- We have three this week (one public and two private parties)
VFW in Endicott- Rt. 26- show begins Friday evening at 9pm – Open to the public
And Saturday is Harry and Melissa's private party
And Sunday is Tony and Doris' Family private family reunion
So there you have it - another week in paradise with the Short Change Band.

Be well, Be good, Behave,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - July Party Week, 2011

2011-07-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone and welcome aboard for another weekly tale-of -woe. Last weekend was all about the band as we all celebrated at the 2nd annual “Winters Fest”. The crew had a great Friday night staff party as we invited a couple of old friends for the evening (mostly from the Beam Family... Yeah good old Jim) that will make you do things that you can't remember happened the next day. What a great night of pickin', grinnin’ and jammin'. (I do remember that much)

Saturday was “family day” up to the cottage and I want to thank Cindy and Kevin for putting on one great event. Special thanks went out once again to Patrick and Frumpy for their awesome interpretations of Slushy Drinks. Wow they were perfectly mixed this year. One great party there!

Come Sunday was mostly a day devoted to R & R. I took in some TV and just relaxed a bit more. I couldn't believe as I was watching some Sunday movies, "Pure Country" with George Strait is going to be 20 years old this fall. Wow and Ray Charles has been gone now seven years too. Like The Rolling Stones once stated "Time waits for no one and it won't wait for you" -How true it is.

On to the shows this week:
FRIDAY NIGHT- Davy's in Downtown Chenango Forks - the show begins at 9pm. Ride your bike there this week and party with band.
SATURDAY- Blues party at the Tioga Downs Casino with bands all though the day as we play a closing show Saturday evening at 10pm for the featured afternoon artists “The Fabulous Thunderbirds”. We hope you can all stop by and take in a great full-day of musical guests.

In closing, try to stay cool this week with the record breaking heat. Stop by this weekend and have a cold beer or two when you come see us.

Peace and Love,

Mikee Dee

Short Change Band - Mid July, 2011

2011-07-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all. Here’s a quick installment into the weekly blog for mid July 2011.
There’s not too much to report on from last week. We played three shows though across two states.

Two events were outdoors and one was indoors. All three events were fun and basically event free.

It was the first time in the Summer Concert Series at the Hitchin' Post the weather cooperated on the deck.

Our Hallstead PA gig went over well with one exception. We brought along the summer
outdoor PA system and that proved to be a challenge in an a indoor venue. We got through
it though and that's how you learn for future shows.

We thought we would have the issue at the Super Celebration as we were moved from the elevated outdoor gazebo to a ground tent. (Challenges, it's what I like about who we are. We always play the variables).

All went well and we had a great weekend overall. Thanks to all that attended. We saw many old friends last week.

This week is the 2nd annual Winters Fest. And then next week on to TIOGA DOWNS... for a closer evening show with the Fabulous ThunderBirds.

That's our week - past - present - and future.

In closing we'd like to wish a safe and speedy recover to little Andy as she recovers from a nasty MVA of a couple weeks back.

Be good, be well, and enjoy the hot and dry weather while we have it.

Peace and Love,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - July 4th Weekend, 2011

2011-07-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Greetings to you all once again. We now entered into the second half of 2011, "like a snowball headed straight to hell" as the “Hag” would say. Here's hoping that everyone had a safe and relaxing Independence Day Weekend. I could not have asked for a more fulfilling weekend. I had “kinfolk” visit all the way from South Carolina and let me tell you this: “they will go home with some stories to tell about us country boys here in the north”. Nobody has a clue as to what we do here on the weekend in the Triple Cities, but we can stand alongside the best of them.
We began the weekend with the 3rd annual SCB golf tournament at Belden Hill. We had a terrific day with warm weather, and our group played quite well. We only got the golf carts stuck in the mud once and K.W. came about as close as anyone can come to a hole in one. It was a great day for the crew! Then we celebrated with some pizza and beers and then we were off to Fosters for the first of several 4th of July parties.

We truly opened the eyes of our southern kinfolk as we spent the better part of fifteen minutes climbing hills and mud holes to get to “Fosterville”. The family was also amazed at the waterfall and gravel pit and some of the beautiful camping areas at the “ville”.
Then we moved on to “Markieville” directly down the road and visited with some other friends from the Jersey shore area. It was a great day!

On to Sunday and the Central Hotel show. Once again we brought the family out to see the better part of five hours of Country Rock under the pavilion. They also got to sample an awesome Chicken barbeque. (A Central Hotel staple)

The weather that day was also tricky. We were at odds all day as to whether we play indoors or out. Of course we never learn from our past mistakes, so we played outside.

Everything was going fine until the skies opened up at about 6:30 pm. It rained so hard and so fast that my drum kit was mere inches from rushing ankle deep water moving at a rapid rate. And when it all ended so did the power. Now most bands would have packed up their shit and called it a night, but not this band. (Check out the photo of the acoustic/percussion jam that followed for the better part of an hour. (Thanks for Jeffrey A, Meredith, and our buddy Jim for helping us out with some great performances)

This is how we roll. When we powered back up, we played for another hour at no extra charge I might add.So as the evening came to a close and Sunday arrived , our friends from the south headed out - but not before hitting “Grandmas” Restaurant for some nice upstate home cookin’ before the long trip south began.

Yes the weekend was a great, me and momma even took the scoots out that afternoon and rode for about 75 miles through the hills of the northlands. Yes, "Life was good today"

So now on to the shows for the week:

THURSDAY- 6PM- BIKE NIGHT- HITCHIN' POST- RT 7 BELDEN HILL

FRIDAY - 9PM HALLSTEAD AMERICAN LEGION – NEW YORK AVE. HALLSTEAD, PA SATURDAY EVENING - 8PM COLESVILLE SUPER CELEBRATION – WELTON AVE.
(There will be Fireworks following the band around 9:30pm)

In closing, I hope to see you all at one of the shows this week, as we have many to choose from.
Be well,

Peace and love,

Mikee Dee^

Short Change Band - Graduation Weekend, 2011

2011-06-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Greetings all, another week has come and gone in a year that seems to be disappearing by the day. (Probably because it is) A mere six months from today another Christmas will have come and gone. See, now you'll start appreciating summer by the time you finish reading this week’s Blog

With the holiday weekend rapidly approaching we only have one event booked this week. We will be appearing for a single outdoor show this Sunday at the infamous “Central Hotel" in Nineveh. The Show starts at 3:00pm under the pavilion. As always, pack along a beach chair in your car just in case.. And bring the sun block (think positive)

Backing up a bit, let’s review last week’s shows. Last Thursday night we were once again scheduled to play Up to the Hitchin' post for “Bike Night” - "Cans and Clams" and once again we were rained out. It’s such a shame as we love outdoor shows and come next year’s booking season one of our goals are to explore more of them in our summer series.

Friday evening was another scheduled outside show that had to be moved indoors, this time at Dino's on Conklin Road in Binghamton. The indoor show went well but the issue that we have with these summer shows is that we tend to bring the "Big Guns" (equipment wise) for the outdoor shows and when the venues take a different curve and we play indoors, it becomes a bit of overkill in many senses.

We do try our best not to blow you all away with our sound and in those cases and we do put extra effort into delivering a fine quality musical experience for all. Sounds convincing doesn't it?

Then on to Saturday, the weekend being graduation weekend which held so many different events for so many different people. Everything from golf at the “Dicks Open” to “Crusin' Pallooza” makes it very difficult to go up against that format and then throw in graduation weekend, you got a cluster group going on there for sure.

I also conducted a graduation party up to the ranch this weekend and also celebrating my first year of martial bliss as well. The weather was less than perfect but that didn't stop the fifty or so hardy partiers that showed up anyway. The barbeque and Catering by "Patrick" himself was phenomenal. There are no finer array of Garlic knots and homemade Carrot cake to be had anywhere in the kingdom. Thanks Pat, also Cindy for that awesome lemon pudding.
As the day wore on the sun did make an appearance and by early evening the fire-pit was set a roaring. (It was kind of difficult to start with two inches of water all around the base of the pit, but the boys endured) With everything as wet as it was we were all forced to park roadside and that's a first for the fest in six years. Oh well it all worked out fine. We had some pickin' and grinnin’ going on that day and it was good to see many of the returners - return and we also made some new friends as well. And as quickly as it began, it was over by midnight. Yes, “All my Rowdy friends have indeed have settled down" It still has Little Stevie jumping for joy as we announced the 2012 party date. But we're already planning 2012 and we're going back to the original week date once again, and that date will be June 16th, so mark it on your calendar now so you can make next year’s.

And as we close another weekend of events I've had numerous folks ask about the new album "Back To Basics" and what's happening with it. Here's the deal, we have cover art and pictures that need to be done yet and some of the track work still needs to be completed and quite frankly we ran out of cash to finish it.

So at this point it looks like our release date will be sometime this fall. Look at it this way you will be able to give a copy or two to all of your friends and family come Christmas Time.
I would also like to wish a very Special Congratulations to Matt as his finishes High School and now heads off to college. On to phase two. Best of luck from the Short Change Band!
Have a safe holiday weekend and we hope to see you folks while we are out on the road this summer.

Be well, peace and love,

Mikee Dee^^

Short Change Band - Last week of June, 2011

2011-06-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings to you all.We had a fantastic week (last week). There were so many events and so little time to describe them. First, it was Laconia Bike Week, and our crew headed out on our adventure last Sunday morning. The weather was poor (to say the least). We rode 335 miles and 8 hours later we reached our destination. Not to mention the final 2 hours of it in the pouring rain. Laconia is noted for it.The attendance overall was a bit spotty this year. Once again these national events are just not drawing the Bikers that they once had, much like Daytona where many are coming in for the weekend tours and heading out after two or three days. (Ten day tours seem to be a thing of the past). People still want to go to these gigs, but financially they have to be very creative.

New Hampshire is a cool state. You can still ride “free” and as you travel one can take notice of the $3.58 gallon fuel prices that were offered in many places. Everything we bought was “tax free”. If you decide to buy a trailer or something "capital" in size - this is the place to buy it!
The only thing you are taxed on is prepared food. Even our beer didn't have the bottle deposit nonsense like back home. I was told by one of the locals that land taxes are high, many charged like the down state communities of New York. So there you go - life is still full of choices.

Well by Wednesday it was time to head home. It was the first time the temperatures went above 60 degrees and we saw sunshine. And after another eight hour trip home. (Like it all began - it was over). Traveling 900 miles in four days was not too shabby though. Thanks mom for letting the boys roam the range alone for three days. It was refreshing and as always and memorable.

So on to the show reviews:
Friday night once again we visited Davy's in downtown Chenango Forks. As we arrived Friday evening the place was packed. There were scoots from one end of the entrance all the way up the block. It was the first time I had to park out back since the winter snow. The crowd inside was rowdy and we played pretty much to a packed house all evening. It was a great show and it sure beats the last one up there where the rain overtook the dance floor. And thanks to Randy for jamming with us a bit. (That’s one cool fiddle you’ve got!)

Saturday Afternoon brought us back to Annie's Bar & Grill in Damascus. The golf tournament was a blast and the crowd once again supported the band. What can you say when you're playing a 2pm show and people are dancing and the sun is shining. It was another fun afternoon show to say the least.We also would like to thank our crew of supporters that day that showed up from as far as New Jersey for a day of sittin and drinkin'.

On to this week’s shows:
Thursday evening it’s Bike night at the Hitchin' Post on Belden hill. The show runs from 6pm to 9pm. We will once again be outdoors on the new deck. (Special for Bike night)
Friday it’s another probable outdoor event at Dino’s in Conklin, NY. The show begins 8:30pm . I can't wait to boogie this week. Dancing outside in the moonlight is what one would call priceless.

So in closing, be good - be well - be safe - and we hope to see you all soon again!

Peace,

Mikee Dee^^

Short Change Band - Second Week of June, 2011

2011-06-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings people , it's not very often I complete show reviews the night of a show but in mere hours we will be heading off to Bike Week in Laconia, NH. So time is short. Here we go.

Tonight we began our tribute to "Our Troops" tour. As you can see we flew our colors high and gave the much deserved respect to all of our Men and Women that are either serving today in the military as well as others who served in the past, not to mention the ones that gave their lives to help protect our great nation! God Bless to you all.

On to the show. (Oh, incidentally it rained again tonight) Fortunately, we were indoors and even though the crowd was light, we played one fine evening of music once again. Great job boys. Thanks again for Bobby and Chopper for having us.

On to next week’s shows:
Friday Evening June 17th at 9pm we’re at “Davy's Last Chance Saloon” in downtown Chenango Forks and Saturday June 18th we are back up to “Annie's Bar & Grill” on old Rt. 17 in Damascus for a 2pm early afternoon show. Sweet huh?

We hope you can all come out and help support the band and check out our new patriotic look.
Be well and keep the shiny side up - were gone bye bye,

Mikee Dee^^

Short Change Band - Beginning of June, 2011

2011-06-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well hello people, Here’s wishing a good week to you all!

Summer is on us big time this week. Motorcycle season is in full swing as well.
There are two huge Northeast events will take place back to back beginning Sunday June 5th one in Lake George {The Americade} and the following in {Laconia} New Hampshire. We have chosen to attend {Laconia} and we will begin our 300 mile journey this Sunday. I'm glad D.D. loaded up my i-pod for the trip. I'll sound just like a rolling circus truck as I come down the road with those Harley pipes rollin' and the music playing. Oh well- it should keep the bears away from the roadway.

On to last week’s reviews: We had one show last week as we once again played up to our dear friend Lisa's Ranch. The show was well attended and as the day began, once again we thought we would be washed out. But just like the week before, It rained most the day and by early evening the sky cleared and the night went well.

Special thanks to all of our guest musicians that took the stage with us last week- and there was group of them. You know who you all are!

On to Sunday - what can I say? The band likes to play golf and have bit of whiskey to help relax the nerves throughout the day.

We did just that as we attended another golf tournament - Short Change Band style.
Actually it was one of our best days of golf in years. We were all hot and hitting them like the pros. As the day went on I think I only lost one ball and that could be a first for me.

Captain and crew is beautiful thing as each of us contributed to a piece of the puzzle that day. When it was all said and done we went 1-Under Par for the day. And of course there are some teams that dial in 15-under - they always do. But hey, we had a blast. We even saved a bit of Jack for the next time.

On to this week:
We are back up to the Central Hotel this Saturday for Chicken Barbeque. The show begins at 6pm. There’s a good chance we’ll be indoors for this show. I hope to see all up there. Come out and wish us luck on our road trip north on Sunday.

In closing, we'd like to wish Jeff and Patty from Pawn Shop band a happy {one year anniversary} this week. Congratulations!

Ride safe- Be safe- Be well,

Mikee^^

Short Change Band - June 1, 2011

2011-06-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone. We had another interesting weekend and I would like to share a few events from it with you guys.

First welcome to summer this week (at least I think it’s summer) Two weeks ago we were burning wood to take the chill off the house and today we’re putting the air conditioning units in for the summer to cool it down. It’s bizarre to say the least. We had five sunny days for the entire month of May. This week bring on the sun block. Go figure huh?

Anyway on to last week’s reviews: 4 shows in 4 days:

Thursday evening was our summer kick off "Bike Night" up to the Hitchin' Post on Belden Hill. Once again the weather was questionable and with the roll of the dice we decided to play outdoors on the deck. The first two hours proved dry, but at the end of the last set the wind had picked up and it started to sprinkle. We closed out the night with a seven minute version of “Free Bird' and by the time the last note was played the wind picked up to about 60 mph and blew half the deck furniture out on to Route 7 and it rained in sheets sideways. The boys grabbed their scoots and drove them on to the porch and we unplugged and grabbed as much stuff as we could, but it was hopeless. It was like driving the band stage through the magic car wash on Front Street. Thank Goodness for the help from Ty and Dominick as they helped us wipe down and load up the best we could. Hey what are you going to do? We called it out there - but we learn from it too. It’s not the first time we baptized our equipment, and it won't be the last.

So Friday night arrives with more rain and more wind, but (hey) we’re at Davy's (indoors) so, let it rain - we don't care. Around the second set, the water started to back-up at the rear door and the next thing you know, we have two (plus) inches of water on the dance floor and stage area. So, no one was electrocuted and nobody drowned, but that was the end of that show. (So not even indoors can we cut a break)

As we moved into Saturday once again it rained. We were scheduled to play another outside show up in Fosterville and this time we were not going to take any chances at all. To get to Fosterville one must travel a mile down dirt roads and under power lines to arrive at the destination. We needed three - 4x4's to complete the equipment transfer. {Thanks Hippie} Anyway this time we once again made the choice to play indoors {enclosed porch] wasn't much to look at though the windows but we were dry! {Like the days of the Big Pink} And, wouldn't you know it - when we packed down that night the sky was filled with stars. I just don't know. Anyway, what an adventure through the woods.. {"Way back up in the woods among the evergreens"} Thanks Foster for a great evening. We hope everyone liked the band.

Finally Sunday comes, and it’s show #4 and another outside venue. It was Jeremy's Pig Roast. Rural gigs were once again the lay of the land as we headed back through the Hay Fields of Nineveh to complete our day’s event. The sun was shining Sunday and it had to be all of 90 degrees that day. They had a cool little stage for us all covered over. (very nice) When we play these outdoor events you never quite know what to expect. Sometimes it's a sweet stage - sometimes it's cardboard over grass. Jeremy hooked us up and special thanks to Mr. Stanley for supplying electrical power for the event. It's not easy to run a 2000 watt system when all you have is a generator to do so. So we played for the better part of five hours that day and as the sun went down, the sky started to get dark once again and the wind picked up. This time we knew better and got everything secured safe and sound and DRY.

So as I look at the two big blisters on both my palms from a weekend of drum sticks and maybe the 200+ songs played, all one can say is what a beautiful ride it was. A very special thanks to my two brothers that make what we do so much fun and our families that support us every weekend when we once again "Take on the world"

This week -Saturday- one show {Lisa's Big Annual Bash} - Private show - but guess what ? WERE OUTDOORS again- wish us luck!

Peace and love,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Last week of May, 2011

2011-05-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone, I hope all is well in your world this week. For the band, we kick off our summer Memorial shows for 2011 this weekend. As you come out to see us over the next few weeks, check out our new look. We’ve added a tribute to our troops - past and present. Please sign our book that will be on display and will list all of our fallen area heroes.

Along with our tribute tour we will also include some great "American tunes" that we’ve hand-picked just for this summertime event. We hope you enjoy our displays as well. It’s the least we can do for our fellow servicemen and women who give so much each and every day as they serve our country.

It’s a Big week for us so let’s get right to the Schedule:

Thursday Night- It’s the first “Biker Night” on the Patio at the Hitchin’ Post on Belden Hill. It’s a summer kickoff party with the show beginning at 6pm.

Friday Night we’re back to Davy's Last Chance Saloon in downtown Chenango Forks. The show begins at 9pm.

Saturday – The CENTRAL HOTEL annual Memorial Day show has been postponed as the owner is out of town on business. We’re sorry if you had this on your list of things to do for this weekend. The make-up show is now set for Saturday June 11th. Put that in your book. (So, Saturday we will be playing a private lake party in Coventry instead)

And finally this Sunday we will be at another private party in the Doraville area. So that winds up this weekend for the band.

Now in closing, Thursday and Friday will be our only "public" shows so to speak. So, we hope to see you all there.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend and don't forget to take in a parade or two this weekend and show your appreciation and support to all who have given so much for our fine country. Monday is not just a day off from work.

Peace and Love,

Mikee^^ Dee

Short Change Band - May 17, 2011

2011-05-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone! We had an absolute awesome weekend last week for music. We not only played some incredible shows and played some really awesome music, but we got to do it with some prior members of the Short Change Band as well.

Friday evening at the VFW in Endicott was nothing short of some pure magic. Jeffery “A” stopped by and played the entire evening with the band. We were privileged to some awesome mandolin solos and not to mention some fine guitar work too. Thanks Jeff!

The crowd stayed the entire evening and that's always a true sign that you must be doing something right. We also had some other friends stop by that evening, Susie (another former member of the SCB) said a quick “hello” and scooted out the door. We later found out she was celebrating a friend’s birthday and her birthday is coming up… ahh that explains that. Also, we need to thank Jim George for coming up and playing some awesome bass guitar in the last set with us. What a fun night!

So we get home around 3am and then we were back up again at 6am, hit the shower and down the road I go to our annual F.D/Auxiliary Golf tournament benefit. Set up time was 7am and there was much to do before the crowd arrived. The staff work at 7am was tough.

Then, at 9am I went back in the truck and off to the Afton Food Pantry to meet up with KW, DD, and Dom to present the check from the CHOW Jamboree. Check out the picture on our blog picture page.

It was truly a good morning. Then, Saturday evening I was off to another benefit to show support for a fellow fire fighter in another department who is currently in the hospital in Kingston NY (he’s in intensive care) Saturday was also another sad day as my own department lost a member as well on Friday the 13th due to a severe fall event while working at home. Yeah sometimes it's so sad when you lose a friend as close as brother in some cases, who you train with on Wednesday night and is gone by Friday. That's a tough deal my friends on anyone…

Anyway, on to Sunday. We were back on the road again, this time to Davy's Last Chance Saloon for (you guessed it) another benefit. This time it was to aid a participant in our local Achieve Program right here in Binghamton.

The turnout was scarce to say the least, but the band was hot once again. It was another Short Change Reunion. This time with our former lead player Cliffy Clune. All I can say was “Wow” there once again was some pure magic going on there my friends. I don't think we all played together in this format in about 5 years. It felt better than the old days for sure. Thanks Cliffy for your support...

And then, five hours after it started - it was over. But don't ever let it be said that this band doesn't give a damn... We give more than many others in the triple cities, and the funny part is - we've been doing it ever year for over 25 years... Now that's our share of giving back to the people who supported over all these years.

This week there are no scheduled shows as we are headed to the grand daddy of them all for concerts this weekend - ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd - Need we say more....
In closing, next weekend is memorial day weekend and we have four shows scheduled up for four days... yeah now that's Rock And Roll!

Enjoy the rain - love ya's all peace,

-Mikee Dee^^

Short Change Band - May, 2011

2011-05-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone, and welcome back to the band site once again. We’ve had a busy couple of weeks and it was nice to spend some independent time on our own this last weekend. Now it's back to business.

This Saturday we will present the proceeds check to the Afton Food Bank on behalf of the Jamboree Committee. This year’s benefit raised $2300.00. We didn’t achieve the goal of 3K, but still a much needed contribution.

In the past three years the Jamboree Committee has raised over $5000.00 and contributed it all to the Afton Food Pantry. It is with everyone's hard work and asserted effort that this is made possible. Again thanks to all of the staff and supporters as well as all of the contributing vendors. “Share the Music and Feed The People” -the saga continues.

This week we have one show on Friday evening, we will be live at the VFW on Rt. 26 in Endicott for a 9pm show. We hope that you can attend. We really haven't jammed since the benefit and I'm sure much like myself - the boys are hot and ready to roll. I Hope to once again see you all there for what will be an interesting show.

Peace Love and the American Way,

- Mikee Dee^^

Share the Music and Feed the People, April 30, 2011

2011-05-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

Well hello once again to you all. By the time you all read this installment, the Jam 2011 will be history

It was a great piece of volunteer work on Saturday, April 30th, 2011. There were four months of hard team work and it all came together at the Central Hotel.
Now I will be quite honest with you all. I truly had my doubts about this year’s outcome long before Saturday. We had some people who cancelled out, some bands who had other obligations or illness and even some non interests were underling factors this year.

If anyone would have held the printout of the original lineup of the bands, they would be quick to see the people we lost.

Also donations from the local community were not quite what they once were in prior years either. So with that all said and done, we pressed on - and like Dominic said last weekend when I was about to cry over all of these short-falls - he put it all in perspective. "Once the first band takes the stage we'll forget all about this" And was he ever right! Let us enjoy what we have.

The show that followed was absolutely awesome. We began with “The Wild Ones" from around Sidney way. We had a fill in picker that stepped up last minute so the boys could play. I gotta tell ya, these guys cooked. Every song was like they played it a hundred times in the past. A very special thanks to our Brother Cliff Clune for filling the void of the day. Gordy, Paul and Chucky - thank you for the outstanding show. Next up was The C.O.D. band. This band was very active in the late 80's early 90's. They have only done one other show in the last 21 yrs. and that was at the last Jam in 2010. There was some very sharp and crafted tunes by the boys – “Two Lane Highway”, “Hotel California” and not to mention, the smoking conclusion of “Free Bird” Yeah Mr. Chuck Mott had them all looking his way at those fiery leads he was playing. Special thanks to Herb and Tom as well for their continuing support for CHOW. Act Number three was “Pawn Shop”. Now if you have not heard these guys, you once again have missed the boat. They have some awesome guitar work and vocals by all. A very notable rendition of Ring of Fire and not to mention a close out song by “Lady Gaga/Talking Heads” and special thanks to Patty and Jeff and all the rest of the band for coming to our defense. Last up, but not least – “The Short Change Band”. By the time 4:30 pm came along we were truly ready to come out and jam a few tunes. That we did. We opened up with a bit of Merle Haggard then on to a couple of original songs and an oldie and took the show home with an original off the new album “Two O'clock in the Morning". The absolute kick ass performance by Dean on that fiddle was worth the price of admission alone. Dean Goble, thank you so much for coming down and showing your support for the cause. Gosh, I wish he was our fiddle player.

So this is the part where we come to terms and thanks to all. Special thanks to Gary for traveling all the way from the Albany area to help us out with sound and lighting. You're a special guy buddy. Then there's Krissy, Dom, Donna, Drea, Cindy, Chopper, Theresa, Hailey, Robin, Tammy, Chris, And all the hosts - Ty, Bobby, K.W.,D.D. and one kick ass master of ceremony Eddie.... Also special thanks to Robert and Brandon for cooking and grounds setup. And I'm probably missing a few others as well, but it is not intentional by any means. Anyway - that's quite the staff isn't it?

So now that I have bored you for the better part of ten minutes with this extensive "Thank You" Here is what we raised for CHOW: Our 2011 Jamboree yielded $2,300.00 that will be forwarded to the Afton Food Bank. That beats last year’s fundraiser by about $75. Not too shabby huh? It wasn't the 3K we were aiming for, but hell It's All Good!

The band is off this weekend for Mothers Day Weekend and a much needed weekend for some R&R...

Thanks again for all of your continued support and for the ones who missed it, there will never be the solidarity of our 3rd annual Jamboree every again. This was truly a "one time" priceless event... And we thought last year’s rocked!

And as always, Peace and love to all and Happy Mother’s day to all you "Mothers"

-Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Last week of April, 2011

2011-04-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone. It's been a crazy week this week with the upcoming "Share the Music and Feed the People" Jamboree for Chow and all, so I'll be brief.

Last Friday night at Davy's we had a great show with a really huge crowd. Thanks to all who came down and supported us on that cold rainy night. Saturday night at the Central Hotel was another great show. The whiskey was flowing and the band played on. Thanks again for all of our friends that came down to support us. It was also refreshing leaving the gear all set up for this weeks REALLY BIG SHOW: So here we go--- IT'S FINALLY HERE> Saturday April 30th is our 3rd annual Run For Chow... We have a great lineup of musicians on tap, some great door prizes and 50/50's not to mention the Raffles.

Bring some cash and buy some tickets and maybe win some prizes! And while you're there enjoy the events planned all throughout the afternoon, not to mention the big "Jam" at the end of the day.

Our cause is to have some fun with our friends and supporters, play some great music and jam with people we don't normally have the opportunity to do so with. But foremost we are there to help raise money for local families that do not have the ability to purchase enough food to eat. And if nothing else, raising money for that goal alone is what drives our Team of Workers.

P.S. we also are selling our 3rd annual commemorative Tee Shirts at a special price. We even have a few left over from the last Jamboree that we are selling as well..

So, JAMBOREE 2011 - we'll see you all there, at the Central Hotel on Oak Hill Road in Nineveh, NY. The start Time is at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, April 30, 2011.

p.s. We can accept monetary donations but at this time we are not accepting any can items or non perishables as this is a *funds* drive.

Thank You,

Peace and love - Mikee Dee

The Short Change Band - Back from Florida - April, 2011

2011-04-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone. Much like the song goes "The Boys Are Back In Town" - Yes that's right after sharing the stage for a single show last Thursday evening with our good friends "Those Guys" down in sunny St. Augustine Beach Florida. And, yep we're back.

The amazing story here is we were invited to play at the Famous Oasis Lounge on A-1-A in Florida, and in order to do that we needed to fly Double “D” down to Florida. Yes the entire SCB got to play a venue nearly 1300 miles from their home in the Triple Cities.

From all reports we played well and we didn't suck. The band members invited us to once again sit-in at the "Annual Rhythm and Ribs Festival" in downtown St. Augustine Saturday afternoon but there just wasn't enough time in the weekend to do so and being that far from home our return trip was awaiting - we had to take a pass. damn....

A very special thanks to the boys for letting us live the dream so many bands desire and never get to fulfill. SCB goes National - film at “11"
While we were down there we also got to catch up with our old friend Dave, now with "The Big Lonesome Band" formerly of “Those Guys” as well. Yeah it seems the band that once inspired us to try the impossible ourselves- recording after recording of original music- has gone their separate ways. As sad as that sounds, it's really all good. Everybody is doing their own thing with new people and they're making it work.

You give music (as you know it) the best shot you can at trying to become the next "recording stars” of the year. And, hey you keep trying and trying to live the dream. And much like a flame that goes out in time - you know when it's time to just move on.

Yeah it's sad but I gotta tell ya- we seen some awesome music pickers this week and it was all of remarkable quality. Dave best of luck with the "Big Lonesome Band" next week in Virginia and hey we love you guys. Walt, Barry, Chris and Jeremy...Keep up the versatility you guys show at each and every show you play.
So, our quick trip down to the sunshine state saw gasoline start out at 3.55 a gallon last week and as we pulled back into Binghamton this morning it was 3.99 a gallon – what a shocker. And like I told the desk clerk this morning as we left Virginia - "this is the Last Waltz for us" we won't be back till gas goes back down. The clerk stated, "I don't think that will ever happen" and I said to her in response" Well nice knowing you then".

It's such a shame for a band to travel south to fulfill a lifetime dream and have to shell out more money in fuel then in the Hotels we stayed in the entire time we were gone. I'm waiting now for a dividend check from Exxon for the support we showed in purchasing their products. Ugh!

Back to this week’s shows real quick:
Friday Night - The boys are back at Davy's - show starts at 9 pm. Come down so we can tell you all about our 'great adventure.
Saturday Night- The Central Hotel- Showtime- around 6pm.
And Don't forget the Chow Run Jamboree at the Hotel on April 30th - show starts at noon- $5 gets you in the door for 5 bands and another $5 makes you eligible for a chance to get in at all those great door prizes we are giving away. Come and help give the precious gift of food for someone less fortunate.

That pretty much concludes our great adventure story for this week. Music is a powerful tool and it's so nice to "share your tool" every now and again now isn't it?

Peace and Love,

Mikee^Dee^

Short Change Band - April 11th, 2011

2011-04-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well hello, I hope everyone is finally getting to appreciate the melting snow as spring is on its way. We had a busy week last week so let's get right to it.

Last Tuesday night a group of us headed uptown to take in the “Furthur” concert. For those that do not recognize the name, it’s a modern day affirmation of the old “Grateful Dead” band. I had not seen the “Dead” since the 70's so for me it was like taking a trip back in time. Two of the original members are still present and the rest are all hand-picked contributors from the years past. I sat back and for the next three hours I took a trip back in time. Even the lead guitarist that replaced Garcia, played every note like the master himself. Wow if you missed this show and you ever loved the “Dead” - you missed a good one.

I was a bit troubled by the press and the local news stations. The crowd in the arena numbered at least 8,000, but there wasn't a spot to stand or sit anywhere. The show got no reviews, no press no nothing. I have never seen such a huge crowd in the arena. Now if this was a beer run down State Street in early May and some college kid got caught throwing a drink at a cop or starting a brawl, it would be front page news for sure. Now I see why Binghamton won the honor of the 5th most depressing city in the country. They only report the bad and never the good. Oh well on to the show reviews:

Friday night at the Hitchin' Post was a good time. The crowd was better than the last time and basically we put on a decent show to boot. This concludes the winter show series at the post - next up is Thursday Night bike night on the deck. More dates to follow, we will post them as we get them.

Saturday Night we played a new club for the SCB at “On the Roxx in downtown Binghamton. It was a nice place, great show and a good crowd. I wasn't sure how well an “Outlaw Country Rock Band” such as us would go over there, as they all like that boom-chiggie stuff. We bucked up and played what we do and we did it well. We even had another club from down the road offering a future booking. Ah, the city is an interesting place to say the least. And, the food here is awesome too and great bartenders.

Finally this week we are off as we take a break for a bit and work on some new material as well. DON'T FORGET THE CHOW RUN APRIL 30TH AT THE CENTRAL HOTEL. {New band booking for the show- THE WILD ONES from the Sidney area are now on the bill as well. The show will start at noon and we hope to see all of you there.

So as always- be good- be safe- and be yourself,

(peace) Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Last Week of March, 2011

2011-03-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well hello everybody. Here is hoping everyone had a great weekend last week. I think it may have been the first time in weeks that we had a dry and sunny weekend. (But cold - oh so cold) Well you can't have it all I guess. At least it was snow free. Hopefully that's the end of winter 2010, but one can only wonder. Friday night at Davy's was nothing short of incredible. It has been a couple weeks since we had a really good show, so we were due. Patty from the Pawn Shop Band stopped by and did a couple tunes with us as well. Overall it was a great evening. (Missing her After All) was a priceless performance. Saturday we went on to Annie's Bar & Grill in Windsor for an evening performance but not before a business meeting at Gordy's earlier. We had an open discussion about the Jamboree that took place for the better part of an hour. Then on to beers and wings - it's a beautiful thing it is. Thanks Pat and Jim for having us down to our old haunt and always making us feel to home. Our show started at 9pm at Annie’s. The crowd was slow at first set but picked up nicely by the second set. It was good to see some friends from the “Hats Off Band” come by and support the band. Thanks to Jack for doing some music with us and not to mention our Annie who always comes up to sing a tune or two with the band as well. It was a fun night. {Happy Birthday Don} Sunday came and I entered into a bowling tournament with my Fire Department. Three hours and Three games later, along with about 300 total score, my day was done. It's nice being part of a team that can perform much better than me. Ahh, for the love of the handicap! Anyway, it was a fun afternoon. This week’s shows: Friday Night - 8:30 pm at the Hitchin’ Post - Rt. 7 - Belden Hill. Saturday Night - 9:00 pm- On the Roxx - Binghamton.. {Check the website for address- first show here} Jamboree - April 30th - Central Hotel - 3rd Annual Chow Run starts at noon($5 admission - come help us feed the poor) The new album – It’s Been a while since we spoke about the “Back to Basics” CD. Thing are good and we are continuing to plug along. K.W. and D.D. are headed back out there on Monday evening to continue work. We are all hoping for a release date of May 31st weekend. Also New: Our annual band raffle this year looks like it will be a Dinner for Two and an overnight stay, including breakfast the next morning at the Silo Restaurant. What a great investment here for a $5 chance. More details to follow. It’s kinda close, but romantic enough to make a fond memory for some lucky couple. So as we close, we hope to see you out this weekend and if you are in the area stop by and give a listen. Be safe Be Well, behave, Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - March 21, 2011

2011-03-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Let me start right from the beginning to say: Look for us at www.shortchangeband.com. All right, we had several people asking how to reach us this last weekend, and this is the best way that I know.

We had a great “late night” on Friday night up to Lumpy's Roadhouse in West Oneonta. We enjoyed great food and good friends, listening to a bit of music. Also, there was an intense song writing (lyrics) contest going on at table #3, inspired by none other than the “Jason Wicks Band” - priceless. Dean you Rock buddy!

Saturday night we were back up to the Central Hotel for another great evening of music. This time we were the suppliers of it. It was good to see some of old friends that have not ventured out to one of shows in quite some time. That's when you know spring fever is amongst us. Also that full moon on Saturday night was the biggest (closest) to the earth in something like eighteen years. (It was quite the site to see both Friday and Saturday night)

We started off the evening at the Hotel with some really “moldy” old outlaw country and by the second set KW strapped on the Strat and we were off and running. We also had some friends drop by and sit in for a few. Patty and Jeff Moat from the “Pawn Shop” and also a former member of the Short Change Band, Phil McDaniel came up to sing and play couple songs on the bass.

It was a fun night and we would like to thank you all for performing as well as attending the show. What a great party! Also, I have to say one thing, In between sets we always have the honor of previewing new music that is currently being played on the radio and the internet. You can call me a dinosaur or something, but I just can't handle some of this new music – rap, etc. It makes me feel good to know that my collection of over a thousand songs from the 70’s and 80’s classic rock albums are truly my salvation. And, like I said earlier, there really hasn't been a true rock produced album in probably twenty years now. (Sad)

I can remember my older brother was caught up in his 50's and 60's music and I thought he was a dinosaur as well back when I was a kid. But you know now I think whatever generation of music you grow up with as a kid and into adulthood is what you call your “Forte”. So, with that being said, it's really all relative I guess. But it doesn't mean I have to like it. I can probably settle in on about a dozen or two songs of new music per year that I really like and it's funny, most of them are songs that copy the classics of Rock and Roll anyway.

That's today's history lesson, now on to this weekend:

We're back home to Davy's Last Chance Saloon this Friday night in downtown Chenango ForksThe show starts at 9pm.

And then Saturday night we're back up to Annie’s Bar & Grill on old Rt. 17 in Windsor.The show begins at 9pm.

We hope to see you all soon and have a safe week as we have not one, but two snow events planned for this SPRING WEEK.

Peace,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Mid - March, 2011

2011-03-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all. Another week of winter has come and gone and actually this week could be the breaker we've all been waiting for. It’s sunny and 50 Degrees and I can't believe it. I've even spotted tons of geese making the trip back north.

I’ve even seen some bonehead today on a yellow sporty in Binghamton in a Tee-Shirt and shorts. My god what was he thinking? Did he lose his sport bike or what. So I guess spring is closer then we think.

On to the review from last week. The Hitchin' Post show, quite simply put - was not one of our finer shows for 2011. The crowd was mellow and we just couldn't jump start the action train for the evening. Oh well, you can't have “Garden Shows” every time you play out. Now where would the challenge be if they were all "Hallmark Appearances"

Saturday we had an evening off but after the Friday night show, it was nice to kick back a night and focus on Sundays "work on the new album"- day.

Yeah we were back in the studio once again working on "Back to Basics" with some old friends of ours - Jake and Susie from the Blue J's. We came away with some awesome guitar work from Jake and some sweet three part harmonies from Susie. Thank you guys for adding some intense "depth" to our project.

We also want to thank Ken for coming by all the way past Corning and adding some intense blues harp and banjo parts to a couple of our songs as well.

We worked at it almost all day and like they say in the kitchen - "The proof is in the puddin'. One step closer boys and girls to the finished product. It just keeps getting better and better.

We also would like to thank our engineer/producer Dean for his never ending patience through all of this as this album has truly been a labor of love.

On to Frumpy's for the production of our next album cover. The Frump himself has us all lined up to shoot a cover using one sweet Black 49 Ford Coupe (V8 of course)
We even got Pak-Rat involved in picture composition on this one too. Sweet!

So as we close, Saturday Evening we return to Nineveh Junction - AKA Central Hotel. The show starts about 6pm. So, stop by and just say hi. And I promise this week- "We Won't Suck"

Be well Be good Behave,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Beginning of March, 2011

2011-03-10T04:04:00.000-08:00

Hello to you all. By now most of you should be shoveled out from our two feet of snowfall from the weekend. Too bad, for just a moment I did get to see the lawn for the first time this year. Oh well, we still have another month at least for potential snow events. (Uggh- come-on spring!)

Saturday evening we got to experience a new venue for the Short Change Band. Lumpy's Roadhouse in West Oneonta. Lumpy's Roadhouse was formally called the “Country Rock Café” on Rt. 23. Now, four years later, Ty and his staff and friends have done some extensive indoor changes and has added a menu of some really good food items as well.
The evening show went well. We played a ton of tunes from different formats - some classic rock, Blues, oldies and even some outlaw county - oh and not to mention tunes from the Short Change Band music catalog.

The crowd danced and seemed to enjoy what we brought to the stage and that's always a good thing. We have decided to change our musical heading just a bit to that of a "Honky Tonk /Outlaw Country Rock Band - oh and not to mention our own originals...
We are a hell raisin’ party band (not a country dance band like many people still have the impression) For us there is really very few styles of music that we do not attempt to play, but as a three piece band, we know where our limitations lie.

We find covering the last fifty years of musical history a great place to call home. We tend to mix it up just fine. All we need is the atmosphere for us to "create in " and we're off to the races for sure.

Sunday came and even as the weather took a turn as we all headed to the Binghamton Senators Hockey game. We got to watch a great game as the Senators sent the Admirals home packin' by the final score of 4- to 1! I also made a new friend at the game by the name of Max. (He’s the Binghamton Senator’s mascot) Yeah we ripped it up pretty good we did, banging the plexiglass together like a couple of kids while the crowd watched. You had to be there to truly take it all in.

We also would like to sincerely thank Lucinda for getting us some great seats for the game. We truly enjoyed it. We also got to see our name on the overhead sign for “group night” - 'Thanks To the Short Change Band" .. yeah!

On to the shows for this week;
FRIDAY EVENING- 8:30 PM- BACK TO THE HITCHIN' POST AT BELDEN HILL
SATURDAY EVENING WE ARE UP TO THE HILLCREST LEGION FOR THE ANNUAL ABATE M.C. CABIN FEVER PARTY... {COVER CHARGE AT DOOR}*

So as we close out another week’s blog, we hope you can come out and see us this weekend. You know where we are but we don't know where you are - Unless you come out...

Be well , be good, peace and love -see you soon,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Beginning of March, 2011

2011-03-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well a big hello to you all. I hope you survived last week’s big storm on Friday. We had our first canceled show since the flood of 2006. Hopefully we are beyond the “heavy hitters” from here forward, but I wouldn't count on it just yet.

Saturday’s show up to the Central Hotel was a hot one. We hadn't played in a couple weeks and when that happens we start "jonesin" to play. The show came off good and we even wound up playing over as well. It was also my first time to sample a five string Bass. What a neat concept they are. I can't wait to play it again. Thanks to Dom for coming up and jamming a few tunes so I could partake.

Also on Saturday the band got together to review our newest album mix for the “Back to Basics” CD. We are now ready to add the needed final instrumentation and background vocals to finish this bad boy up and get it printed. We are shooting for some time in late April.
Sunday we had our second committee meeting for the “Share the Music and Feed the People” Chow Run scheduled for April 30th at the Central Hotel. Everything so far is proceeding as planned. The poster has been completed and the musical line-up is also pretty much secured as well. Don't forget to put that date on your calendar. It's gonna be a great event and by attending (the spectators) actually helps out people in need.. Cool huh?

And finally, but not least... The big show Saturday Night in East Laurens takes place - Goble Studio Recording Artists – “The Short Change Band” - Live at "Lumpy's Roadhouse" Rt.23 East Laurens. The show begins at 8:30pm. We hope you all can come out and support the band and also try some of the great menu items available too.

We’ll see you all there, have a great week

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Last full week of February, 2011

2011-02-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

Well hello everybody. I hope every little thing in your life is just “a happenin’ for ya”.
Last week was exciting for the band as we all headed out of town for some much deserved R & R for a few days. Now we're back!

This weekend we hit the road again. Here’s where we’re playing this weekend:

Friday Night brings us to Davy's in Downtown Chenango Forks - show at 9pm
Saturday we’re back up to the No Tell Hotel in Nineveh Junction - show time 6pm

So there you have it, an evening show and a matinee - you take your pick. We have a bit of something for everyone.

And as we close, don't forget to mark your calendar for Saturday April 30th. That’s the date of the 3rd Annual Run for Chow (Share the Music and Feed the People) The show begins at noon at the Central Hotel. This show is bound to run into the early evening for sure. There will be 5 bands playing for 5 hours. The cost is just $5 and then some mix and match picking. Oh yeah, did I say food and door prizes will also be available too for a nominal fee? So come one, come all and help feed the people less fortunate then yourself right in your own community.

We hope to see you this weekend. Keep the shiny side up!

Peace,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Mid-February, 2011

2011-02-16T03:53:00.000-08:00

Well hello. We had another amazing weekend that passed and the shows we had Friday and Saturday were absolutely awesome.

Friday night we were up to the Hitchin’ Post and it was as close to a stellar 10' performance that we’ve had in a long time. We played hard and the quality was good, and it showed.

We rolled the dice once again over the state line down in P.A. at the Hallstead American Legion the next night as well. The people down there had us mixed up with another band with a similar name that evidently had a less than successful evening there back when they were playing. So with that being said our first set was a bit of being 'put under the microscope' - so to speak, but by the second set we settled in and had them just lovin’ us.

By the end of the night we had numerous people come up and compliment the band for the evening performance and that always makes us feel good. We work hard at putting together a good show every time we play mixing it up and adding new material constantly.

There are not to many bands that can span over 50 years of Rock and Roll and Country and Blues like we do and rather than try and change to meet the troops, we still go with the formula that makes the Short Change Band just that - A Southern Rock Honky Tonk band. It's all we know and I feel we are really developing into something of our own character.

Speaking of which we are celebrating a bit of a milestone here in the new year. Double D has reached his 5 year pin with the band and I gotta tell ya - There are very few other Bass players I'd rather play with. His formula and structure with the Bass has taken on some new elements and when DD is firing on all 8 - he's unstoppable.

Myself, it was long about this time I joined the band as well - gosh back in the mid 80's. So there is nobody more dedicated to what we do than myself. I'm sure that K.W. and myself have now logged over 1000 shows played together! (Incredible Accomplishment)

And K.W. keeps improving his song writing abilities and when he's cooking on that Les Paul guitar - he's unstoppable as well.

So if you haven't seen us lately, please come out and take in a show as I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as we do delivering it to you.

We have no shows this weekend as we air out the hope chest for a weekend.

We’ll see you soon, be well be good and Happy Valentine’s day to all.
Peace,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - February 6, 2011

2011-02-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the big game as much as I did. It was truly one of the better Super bowls in my opinion. I was telling my youngest son on Saturday that it would be a close game but I felt Green Bay had what they needed to become the new champions. I predicted Green Bay 32 to the Steelers 28 - how close was that huh? That Aaron Rogers is a “keeper” in my book.

Friday night we were at the Endicott VFW. We had a quiet first set, then all of a sudden the place like packs out. To truly appreciate the night you had to be there. We even had our Buddy Jim George come up and play some tunes on the Bass with us. We took a 3-hour show and extended it to almost 4-hours. If I felt better, we probably would have even played a bit longer. I just hate the cold that travels from your head to your chest and decides to take up shop there in your lungs. Yeah, welcome cold and flu season.

Saturday we had a night off and we were going to plan some band family stuff, but being under the weather still, as well as a bit of freezing rain and ice put a damper on the Saturday night “on the town plans”

Oh I forgot to mention, we also took a road trip out to Lumpy's Roadhouse in East Laurens last week to check out the place and sample some of the most interesting wings I’ve ever tasted. Remember this when you head to the Roadhouse this spring and summer –“Dry Rub” baby - that's the word...yum yummm good...

We also plan to debut a show out there with the band on Saturday March 5th, so put that on your calendar. Those of you out east, we hope to see you there for this show. The place is massive and the food is second to none, with a Southern Barbeque theme.

This week’s Shows - Hitchin Post Friday night, the show starts at 8:30pm. It's our first show of the new year back at the Post. We always have a blast there. Here we come D.J. Saturday night we venture south to the Halstead American Legion. The show begins there at 8:30pm.

Basically we have headed West, East and South - all in two weeks. Have a great week and drive safe and don't let the winter weather get you down. I heard today we are back up to 10 hours a day of sunlight. Or for us, just light - No sun.But hey, I can hear those pipes on the scoot anytime now! Winter's not forever, so keep the shiny side up and the pedal down.

Peace ,

Mikee ^ Dee

Short Change Band - Last week of January, 2011

2011-01-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

Well hello people, I hope all is well in your world this week. The end of January is almost here and frankly it could not come sooner for my taste. Why did I ever pick this year to quit going to Bike Week, I'll never know. I sure could use some fun, sun, riding, and hit the beach right about now. Anyway, on to the weekend of past.

Friday night we were at Davy's Last Chance Saloon in Chenango Forks, and it was an awesome show. It was as close to a "10" in performance I think we could score it. Amazing after taking off two weeks how tight a show we could perform. The crowd stayed all night and so did we.

Saturday night we were back to the Central Hotel & Tavern for another stellar performance. The evening was filled mostly with friends and family who came up to celebrate KW’s retirement from Frito Lay (36 years later) here we are!We had some guests come up and play with us on stage Saturday. We had Jeffery “A” sit in the night with the band and we would like to thank him for his contributions. (We love that mandolin) And also our friends from Pawn Shop for coming up and playing a set of their fine musical selections. Sweet show! (You should have been there)And Bobby, Chopper and Donnie, thank you guys for some awesome spreads of food. Nobody went home hungry on Saturday night, that's for sure.

On Sunday we had our first meeting to begin work on this year’s “Run for Chow” - “Share the Music and Feed the People” show. The event will be on a Saturday this year, April 30th 2011. The first band starts playing at 1:00pm. Please mark this important date on your calendar. People who are less fortunate then yourself depend on it just to eat. We will have tons of door prizes, raffles, 50-50's and just a ton of good things that day for all to enjoy. More details and the band lineup will be announced as we move along here in the next few weeks. We will also be selling our year number two commemorative tee-shirts along with a few still packed away from last year. We're indoors so mark this as a 'rain or shine' event. Last year we raised almost 2300.00 for the food bank. Let’s try and double that figure this year.

Our weekend lineup for Feb. 4th and 5th 2011 is as follows. Friday Evening - VFW hall in Endicott, so don't miss this show as we head west this weekend for a change. We'll be rockin' by 8:30pm and the VFW is open to the general public for this show as well. There is no show this Saturday, as the band is going bowling!. (oh boy, look out)

And finally, best of luck to our good friend Ty, who just recently purchased the former Country Rock Cafe (I guess you would call East Laurens - 6 miles from Oneonta) The new bar will be called "Lumpys" Road House" (sweet huh?) And, I hear that Magic Eddie is helping out in the food department. Ride Sally Ride - Can't wait! Thursday night will be Ladies night, Friday is Country night, and Saturday is Classic rock night. Sunday is Blues in the afternoon. Ohh boy...

Be well, be cool, and we hope to see you at a show real soon,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - January 24th

2011-01-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

Well greetings people, I hope your cold weekend of football playoffs went better than mine. Yep the Bears are done for another season as well as the New York Jets. In two weeks we will find out just who the toughest team was overall for 2010 in the illustrious Super bowl XXXXV.
I have no vested interest in either Pittsburgh or the Green Bay teams, but from the underdog perspective I'd like to see the Packers win this one. Number 6 seed - has gone the distance here.

Anyway, a couple quick notes. We fire up the big machine this weekend after taking some time off to work in the studio and of course watch some great football the last couple weekends.
We continue to make significant progress on the new album and next week we will venture back up to Candor once more to continue work.

Also in our time off we got to once again check out some bands other than ourselves perform. Friday night the Jason Wicks Band' At the Hitch in' Post and Pawn Shop at the new Mosquito Lounge. Jason's Band has an amazing lineup. The band members are from five different counties. The music is mostly 90's style radio country with some newer stuff too. Stronger points - Great Jake Owen/George Strait copies. Great Fiddler and Mandolin/harmonica players.

Pawn Shop- My gosh if you have not seen these guys please do- They did a rendition of Lady Gaga that was absolutely incredible. They just keep getting better and better every time out of the box. Nice upgrade there Mosquito Lounge. They're on State Street now across from McDonalds.

On to the shows for this week:
Friday night - Davy's Last Chance Saloon in Chenango Forks - Start Time 9pm
Saturday Night - The Central Hotel - Nineveh Junction - Start Time 6pm.

We hope to see you all there this weekend. And if you see K.W. wish him a happy retirement as he finally leaves Frito Lay after 36 years. Wow - what a journey!

Also, congratulations to Gaye and Terry for tying the knot last weekend. Best of luck. Catch you on the flip side.

Be well, drive safe, loves ya's Peace,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Start of the new Year 2011

2011-01-10T03:59:00.000-08:00

Well Happy New year everyone, as we enter into another brand new year. The true start of the next decade as well - 2011. I hope everyone's Christmas and New Years went well as ours sure did and last Friday night we fired the SCB machine up for the beginning of another season of music.It was our first gig of the year at Annie's in Windsor. We had an interesting start to the day picking up about 5 inches of snow in the hills, but by band time it was clear enough to set the machine into motion. It was 2 degrees outside but it was pretty hot inside. It had been three weeks since we played a single note together, but it was like we never missed a beat. The boys were jonesin’ and it showed. The crowd was remarkably good for such a poor weather filled day that was more than we had expected. We even had the infamous Annie Mills herself come up and do a number with the band. Yes, life was good today. It was good to see some of our old friends again as well. Thank you for showing us the support.

Saturday was another interesting show as this one was in support of a family that had lost their young child in a motor vehicle accident that took place back in late November. We were glad we could help out and try and raise some money and show our support. The benefit was well received and contributions and door prizes given for raffles were awesome.We would like to thank Patty, Jeff, and our newest friend Steve G. for making the trip down to Nineveh on such short notice and perform for the benefit. The event could not have been the success it was without the help of Bobby and Chopper from the Central, Donnie, Tammy, Theresa and Hailey, Rob not to mention the family who also contributed all of their hard work and efforts as well.And myself, I would like to thank my brothers in arms - Kevin and Darrell for their support as well as our wives who help make the efforts we put forth so worthwhile. And, like Kevin says "it's what we are and what we do, we give back" -perfectly said.

Oh, and now I know the true meaning of what a Chinese auction really is , thank you Darrell.There are no scheduled shows this week as we once again head back into studio #2 in Candor to continue working on "Back to Basics".

Loves ya and I’ll see you next week,

Mikee^^Dee

The Short Change Band - Last Events of 2010

2010-12-20T04:55:00.000-08:00

Hello people and welcome to the last blog installment for 2010. And what a great year it has been! With the completion of Saturday’s show up to the Central Hotel, the Short Change Band once again played over 80 shows for the 2010 season. (Pretty amazing huh?) We owe it all to you - the people who come out each week to party with us and support us. We thank you.

Also in 2010 we managed to release two new pieces of music as well. "The Full Circle" CD and now the compilation CD titled "5 years of Change”. Appropriately titled huh? And, as we end out the 2010 year we continue to work on our newest piece of music called "Back to Basics"…

So now that you're all amazed at our accomplishments for the year, we still didn't purchase a tour bus or chart a single yet - but there's always next year! It's what we love and what we do almost every weekend of the year. (Now that's some dedication for ya)

On to the shows, Friday Night at Davy's was a fun night for the band and a decent show. Pak Rat stopped by and picked a bit. The full moon Friday night sent the place off in its own Ore. Crazy people enjoying a crazy night! We'll be back in January.

Saturday night was the first annual Christmas Party at the Central Hotel. If you missed this one - you missed one sweet show, and a perfect ending to a perfect season of music.
The food was once again second to none, people wanted to party and the band was feeling it too.

Special thanks once again to our hosts - Chopper and Bobby for helping to put on a fantastic spread. You the fans for all the great dishes to pass that were brought to the party and not to mention all the of the musical guests of the evening too.

Special Guests included Herbie, Steven B. Cook, Johnny Brown on Keys and Jeff and Patty Moat too. It’s quite a list in all. The Highlight of the show of musical guests in my eyes was Patty's awesome rendition of the Sugarland song "Stuck on You" - Nice job Patty, Jennifer Nettles would be proud of you for sure.

In closing, once again thanks again for a great 2010 and remember to say a pray for all of our service people still in active tours all over the world and also for our departed friends that we also lost in 2010. Their memories will always be with us.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas from the Short Change Band - We will see you again in 2011.

Peace and Love,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - December, 2010

2010-12-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

Greetings people, just two short weeks is all that separates the time before Christmas and the time past it. Another great year has basically come and gone. This week is another quick installment for the blog as we didn't play any shows over the weekend, but that's not to say we weren't busy.

Saturday morning we were at Goble Studio's in Candor NY. We once again continued to work on the "Back to Basic's" CD. And it can now be said that it will contain 11 brand new cuts. The primary tracks are complete and now we await phase two as we enter into the new year. The CD is probably some of our best work to date. KW has written some very sweet tunes for this album, not to mention some of the awesome Bass work DD has put down as well not to mention I even had a couple of good moments here myself. This is our most commercial mainstream stuff to date. There is truly a song for everyone on this album. I will keep you posted.

Saturday night was movie night up to the ranch as we took in a show entitled “Caveman” with none other than Ringo Starr from the Beatles as the lead role along with John Cossack, and Barbara Bock.

Alright, so it took me about twenty years to catch up, but I did. The Barbequed steaks on the grill weren't too shabby either, along with a spot of Jack… priceless evening! Oh, did I mention the spiked hot cider too?

Sunday came and we headed up to the Silo for our 5th annual Band Christmas Brunch. Gary and the crew up there always make us feel right at home and the food is fantastic. As you can see by the picture we got to tell Santa all of our wishes we had for Christmas as well as the bands intentions for 2011. What a great weekend!

So on to this week’s shows:
Friday Night 12/17 is our last show of the year up to Davy's in Chenango Forks. The show starts at 9pm. Come on out to see us one last time at Davy's in 2010.

Saturday Night is the Big Christmas Party at the CENTRAL HOTEL. The show starts at 5pm. If you come, please bring a simple dish to pass. It’s always a lot of fun. Stop and take just a few minutes out of your busy weekend and say hello to your old friends and have a bite to eat too. Not to mention listening to the band. I'm sure if you ask the boys, they will play some of those new album cuts just for you.

Be well, be good and talk at you all real soon.

Peace and Love,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Mid-December 2010

2010-12-08T04:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings all, I hope you all had a fine week last week as I can say we sure did. This endorsement will be a short and sweet one as the last few have been extensive too say the least. (Be positive)

First, as we start to wrap up the 2010 season I'd like to mention what a great ride it has been. Last weekend we tried to cram a month’s worth of shows in a single weekend. KW was ill last week and we had our doubts about how the shows were going to turnout. And once again, everything was good.

We would like to thank DJ at the Hitchin' Post for having us again on Friday night, the Moose Club in Susquehanna for having us Saturday night as we paid a very special homage to Joe Skiba from the Stinky Boys - You will be missed my brother, but “Mustang Sally” will live on. (Ride Sally Ride)

And finally we would like to Thank Annie for having us play Sunday in remembrance of Beannie. It was a tough weekend for a lot of people. Sometimes the holidays are not always merry for all.

On to this weekend, we have no shows scheduled, but we will be back in the recording studio to try and finish up laying down the basic tracks for album number six. {Back to Basics} So far some really good stuff has come out of the last few sessions. Even Dean (the sound engineer) has commented on how much we have grown as musicians. How many other bands in this area have enough material to release a “Greatest Hits” package and then on to the next installment. You can't say that we don't give KW enough shit to right about, as every week with me, Darrell is always a saga in itself. What a blast!

This Sunday is the bands 5th annual Christmas Brunch, just like a family we are.....
So in closing (see I kept it short and sweet) Make sure you wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to D.D. as he too now enters cycle three of life.

Peace and love (and like it's three weeks till Christmas)so grin and bear it – “Get ‘r Done”,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Last week of November, 2010

2010-11-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

Greetings people, I hope your Turkey Day was a great one. If you think about all that we have, not to mention all who help every day, to make your day the success it is, you would be amazed at just what you have achieved over the past year yourself.

On that note I have a few events that took place in 2010 that I would like to reflect on in place of the PPOTW. This will be just a bit more positive as we just came off one of my favorite holidays of the year. This is what I have to be thankful for in 2010:

My first positive event for 2010 is the Short Change Band and the 80+ shows we pulled off this year is nothing short of incredible. The music we make and the time we spend together is nothing short of priceless. (My brothers of creation) We make the music we play /we don't play it (only in between sets… hahah)

Second, our band’s 4th CD release – “Full Circle” This baby took over a year to produce and fifteen musicians to get it done. What a great piece of music. Thank you for the experience Dean!

Third, The Myrtle Beach annual Short Change Band Field trip to the south. The tour wouldn't be complete without some Black Crown Royal and a trip to “Crabby Mike's” Wow!

Fourth, we had the Last “DeBetto Fest” (aka weddings) three weddings from one family in two weeks – priceless! And an experience in walking down the aisle that no one there will ever forget. Thank you my Andrea for letting me be “That Guy".

Fifth, the trip to “Sturgis Bike Week” and 3,500 miles of pure fun in the sun. And, if you weren't there I could never explain it to ya. Thanks to my Fire Fighter/EMT brother Chucky and his charming wife Teresa for such a memory maker. And thanks to all of our new friends across the U.S.

Sixth, the annual road trip to Atlantic City with Cadillac Chris, Pat and Markie Mark. Four guys on their way to the House of Blues to take in a Billy Idol show – priceless!
Then I could go on with the “Winters Fest weekend”, the Tom Petty/Crosby, Stills & Nash Concert, The Watkins Glen Yacht Club Show, The Afton Sportsmen Club party... we could talk for an hour! All I can say is WE ARE ALL BLESSED, so be sure to realize just how well you have it my friends, and respect it. Enough, and on to the shows as we have tons to talk about..

Friday Night 12/3 at the Hitchin' Post - 8:30pm start. It’s the last show up to the Post for 2010.
Saturday Night 12/4 we’re at the Susquehanna Moose Club in PA. (Open to the public) 9:00pm start.
Sunday afternoon 12/5 we’re at Annie's with a memorial show for Beenie.

Three days, three great shows! We hope to see you at some or all.

Reviews: Wednesday night at the Hitchin' Post on Fat Wednesday: The crowd was great, the show was as close to a “10” as I think we could rate it. We were firing on all eight cylinders that night. If you missed this show - this was the one! Good people, Great music, Good guests (Thanks Phil) and some great Coyote Ugly - yeah they were dancin' on the bar having a better time than probably should have been allowed, but it was fun just the same. It was a true “Bikers” evening as clothes were hanging off the ceiling fans that night. I thought for a minute I was at the Boot Hill Saloon in Daytona Beach. The things we do on Fat Wednesday! (Film at 11 - Thanks DJ)

Friday Night we were up to Davy's for another hot show. The only problem was the crowd forgot to show up. So we did our thing and packed up a bit early and that was it. (That’s the first time this year we went home early but none the less, this was not a typical year at any venue)

So that was our weekend of “Thanks”. We hope you all arrived to your destinations safe and sound and got back home the same way. Wish us luck with our Triple Venue weekend coming up, and (oh, I almost forgot to mention that I’m cooking breakfast up to the Afton Fire House on Saturday morning, complete with Santa for 100+ people. The cost is $6 a head for Pancakes, eggs and all the fixins', at the Afton Fire House Saturday morning at 8am. (Spring St., behind the Afton Inn)

Peace and Love,

Mikee Dee^^

Short Change Band - Thanksgiving Week

2010-11-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Well hello once again to you as we enter the week of Thanksgiving. We have two shows this week - FAT WEDNESDAY 11/24 - LIVE AT THE HITCHIN' POST BELDEN HILL- 8PM start and BLACK FRIDAY 11/26 AT DAVY'S LAST CHANCE SALOON - CHENANGO FORKS - 9PM.
What a great way to help celebrate the season of giving. Giving the Short Change Band a listen...

On to my PPOTW: This is an upcoming peeve of sorts, as I don't think it has happened just yet. Harley Davidson over the last two years have closed two of it's U.S. manufacturing plants only to hear now they may open a brand new one in India.

This is why Americans try to purchase the closest facsimile of the American concept at least up to this point. I will put this in very simple terms. If this does indeed happen MY next motorcycle will be a Victory or something similar that is still made and manufactured in America by Americans. That would be like taking GM and moving operations to China or even Korea. It’s not a good thing, people. I will keep you all posted as this story takes shape.

On to last week’s shows. Friday night at Dino's in Binghamton. It was a great show and a great crowd. KW had to handle the vocals on his own as I was out of town on assignment. I’d like to give special thanks to Kip for filling the shoes while I was out.

Saturday Night was Hunters Appreciation night up to the Central Hotel. It was another good show along with some fantastic fixings for all the hunters that came out. Once again, great job and Kudos's to Bobby, Chopper, Rob and Ollie for all the hard work putting this event together. Free of charge are always the toughest ones. Also we would like to thank Herb for coming out and playing guitars for the evening as well as the infamous Steven B. Cook. Ah, It felt so good "to be back home again".

So as we head into Thanksgiving week and the first full week of hunting season, please be careful and be safe and think about what you're doing before you do it. You sure as hell do not want one of those portable blow tubes installed on your car as a memento of your intoxication. Also have a great Black Friday experience and make sure you remember the less fortunate while you're shopping, ‘til you drop...

And don't forget to say a prayer for our Service men and women abroad for all they give, so you can eat your dinner in your home safely.

Peace and Love. Happy Thanks to you all,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Mid-November, 2010

2010-11-15T04:38:00.000-08:00

Well hello to my friends. I hope your weekend was a fine one and you got to go out and enjoy some of that great late-fall weather. Some of you even got the scoots out this weekend for one last run with the sun. Sweet!

Let's get right to it.

PPOTW: This week’s pet peeve deals with gasoline. I like when a barrel of oil climbs to $87 like it did last week. Keep in mind - they say this price is slated for January delivery, and the price at the pump today goes up 15 cents in a matter of hours. Damn that pisses me off. And don't tell me what a bargain our gasoline at home is as compared to Europe's. I don't live in freakin' Europe and I don't have passenger train service or buses where I live. So that's my pet peeve of the week. If I'm missing something here e-mail me back. Meanwhile it's just one more thing Pennsylvania has over us. Cigarette prices, clothes without tax and gas that's 15 cents a gallon cheaper - maybe more.

Hey, my new Italian Governor- are you listening here? You have a couple more things to fix while you're rebuilding New York, that our last Governor didn't see.

THIS WEEK’S SHOWS: DINO'S IN BINGHAMTON FRIDAY NIGHT- 11/19- 8:30 START: and SATURDAY EVENING 11/20 - AT THE CENTRAL HOTEL in NINEVEH. FOR HUNTERS APPRECIATION NIGHT- SHOW STARTS 5PM/ FOOD PROVIDED.

Last Friday night’s show at the Hitchin' Post. My goodness what a fun night that was. We had guests come all the way from Windsor way and from points west as well.
And once again we changed up the P.A. format. This time we tried the powered tops over the conventional Peavey's. It’s just one more consideration. Each system has their “good” and “bad” about them.

We did incorporate a full rock and roll sound which was a first at the Hitchin’ Post for us. We've come an long ways since the days of the Ovation and Congas, complete with acoustic percussion for the blues bar sound.

We also changed our location in the bar as well as we pointed due-north for this show. Anyway, we played for three plus hours and had a smokin’ show with only one fifteen minute break the entire evening. The bar had a great crowd and I think both young and old liked what we we’re doing as the dance floor was full for the last few tunes. This show I give a rating of about an 8. The equipment kept it from being higher I think.

On to Sunday, we we’re back to Dean’s in studio's one and two as we continued to work on album #6. I forgot about the greatest hits collection, yep album #6 and “Back to Basics”. We have two more dates for the year as we hope to finish the "foundation" of the album by year’s end.

So that's about it for this week boys and girls.

Remember gun season officially opens next Saturday morning at sunrise. So, beware of both and deer and hunter at this point. Be well and be good, I hope to see you for a couple of great shows this next week.

Be safe/drive safe. Peace and love,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Week Two of November, 2010

2010-11-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

Well hello to you all, I hope you put to use that extra hour of sleep you got this weekend. I did, that's why I'm writing the blog so early. Anyway, let’s get right to it.

This week’s show: [The Hitchin' Post - 8:30pm to 11:30pm Friday Night 11-12-10] I hope to see you all there!

Next: On to the PPOTW. This week’s Pet Peeve goes out to all of the continuing negative press being given to Loud Pipes on Motorcycles. My take on it is - I've been riding scoots now for over 35 years (Harleys for about 20 years) Jap Bikes can be loud and Harley's can be louder. I personally would like to have a dime for every time I personally cracked that throttle open and some dumb ass opened their eyes at me long enough and spared my life to live another day. But not like any other annoyance, this one goes away in about 10 seconds – so get over it already.

On to Saturdays show review. We were at Gordy's in Damascus. It was like being back home again for the band. And of course we had to partake in some of those "finger lickin’ good chicken wings". Priceless! Let me say this - so many of the venues that we play have food available and a menu (a few still don't) but I personally like my Gordy's wings the best. And they are still very reasonably priced. Thanks Pat for making us feel "Right to home" again!
The show kicked off at exactly at 8pm. The crowd was light for the first set but by 10pm the place was full. It always makes you wonder if you suck or not when your crowd doesn't show up to watch ya. Fortunately we proved the latter.

We still are making adjustments to the sound system and we finally feel comfortable with a sound between the "big guns and the little guns" sort of right in the middle. The only thing we have not modified is DD's sound as he uses the same rig for any venue. The bigger gigs we still do kick it up a notch and will continue to do so. KW does have a stacker and a Les Paul he does like to still play it from time to time.

So by the third set we had a visitor come up and set in. It was none other than our very own Susie from the now infamous Blue J's. And just like the days of old, we sounded sweet. Ahh you gotta love that Susie, we had to twist her arm but we did talk her into doing four tunes with us. Nice job Susie, and once again, our thanks you.

See, if you missed the show this week - you missed history being made once again. That was the first time in almost four years that I got to do some live stage music with Ms. Susie. (Ahh ya gotta love her)

The overall night's performance rating for the show was in the high 8's for sure.

So in Closing have a great week and remember this next week as it will include Veterans Day on Thursday. Do something nice for our Veterans as they give their lives every day to help protect yours.

Next Saturday it's back up to Dean's in Studio's 1 and 2. Wish us luck as we continue work on the next album – “Back to Basics”

Have Great Week, be safe, peace and love,

Mikee^^Dee

The Short Change Band - Beginning of November, 2010

2010-11-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all. Sorry for the late entry this week as I really wanted to wait for the much anticipated midterm election results. And just as I figured, the American People have spoken again as they all waited two years for a change that never seemed to happen. So, they went back to what they know. If it sounds too good -it probably isn't so good after all.

New York on the other hand sent a different message all together. They liked their weak leadership, high taxes, loss of personal freedom and late budgets, so much so, they signed on for another term of it. I guess only time will tell. It's not the journey that worries me as much as the ride. Does the word "term limit" mean anything to anyone?

Anyway back to business, Friday night we were at Davy's and it was a great show. We also had a great group of people and players that all showed up for the party. Also, special thanks to Val our bar hostess, as well as all our guest musicians, Jamie, Johnny, Joey and Stacey. I rated this show an 8.5 on the performance / delivery scale.

Saturday night was band appreciation night. I took in shows from “String of Pearls" (nice job Pearl) as well as “Pawn Shop”. This is the first time in a while since I’ve seen Patty, Jeff and the gang. If you like “Sublime” type music, this is your band. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to sit in a bit as I truly enjoyed it.

Unfortunately we did not go into the studio this last week as Dean was working on some new digital equipment for the board. We will return on November 13th to continue work on the "Back to Basics " CD.

This Week One Show - SATURDAY 11/06 at Gordy's on old Rt.17 in Windsor/Damascus. The start time is 8:00pm. (Remember, you gain an hour of sleep Sunday at 2:00AM) Come down early like we do and order up some of those delicious wings and fries that separate these folks from the rest.

Have a great week, and I hope to see you all this weekend.

Peace and love,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Last week of October, 2010

2010-10-24T19:08:00.001-07:00

Well hello people, I hope all is well in your world this week. Last week was a most powerful week and I will explain it all to you here in a minute.

My first note here was this being a particularly sad week as this was the anniversary of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane crash that went down 33 years ago (last week) in that swamp in Mississippi. I can remember the event like it was just yesterday. I bought that newly released “Street Survivors” Album the day it was released {with the flamed cover and all}. I even attended that tour as they were still the openers at the time. (Imagine that) That night they opened for the Doobie Brothers and let me tell you this - they smoked the Doobies - so bad that after two songs played by the Doobies, we left. No comparison there! Three weeks later the fame was over. It was so sad as that was the third time in four years I seen the boys and they had come such a long way up the ladder. Free Bird {three years later after the release was just becoming the icon song it grew to be}

So, eighteen years later I got to meet the drummer from Skynyrd {Artie} at Bike Week at the Infamous Iron Horse Saloon. He just formed a brand new Band by the name of "Those Guys". As bizarre as this was my buddies Grant and Bobby were doing security that day and asked if I'd like to meet Artie in between shows. Big decision there huh? Anyway, Artie was an interesting person to say the least. He was pissed at the time that the band was reforming and beginning a tour and a new album and he was politely being replaced. I remember him telling me how his arm still bothered him from the crash all those years later and the one thing he did mention was how on the day of the crash he was stuck in that swamp busted all up along with everybody else and they called out for help for what seemed like hours before they were rescued. That kinda creeped me out it did- he was so vivid. The show went back on and within what seemed like minutes later Artie had words with the owner’s son at the Iron Horse and a mêlée broke out. The band grabbed their gear and the show was over. What a day that was. I still have the photo of me and Artie at my desk at work. So enough said here.

On to the PPOTW...This weeks pet peeve is musical censorship. Short and sweet, I've been listening to "Money" by Pink Floyd for about for about 38 years now. I've always liked the part that went "Goodie Good Bullshit".. Well guess what? They took away the "Bullshit". Now don't you wish someone would do that for you in everyday life? Until that happens, give me back my "Bullshit" please!

We had one show this weekend. We were back to one of our original stomping grounds - The Afton Inn. The crowd was surprisingly good and we just enjoyed ourselves to death. It was a night with god people, good music, and good whiskey. The people there are "True" people' and they are getting harder and harder to find in our industry. So we appreciate the ones that really do take care of the band. Deb, thanks for being upright for the SCB. I rated this show about an 8.

This Friday night we're back up to Davy's in Chenango Forks for the 10th annual Halloween party. Come in costume and win a prize. Come listen to us too! Because we will be there, so don't miss this one. You can check out the pictures from last year on our website. It will truly be a good time there.

And finally, you see that picture of K.W. from the studio last week. We will return this Saturday back to Gobel Studios once again pick up work on the "Back to Basics" CD.

So in closing, be well, be good, and be careful and don’t let the Goblins getcha. And, if you see Andrea this week wish her a Happy Birthday-Halloween wish. Special people are born on that day, I can truly testify to that!

Peace and love,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Late October, 2010

2010-10-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all as another weekend is now history in 2010. Let's head right to Shows this upcoming week:

Saturday October 23rd we’re at The Afton Inn. The show begins at 6PM

We had a big week (last week) so I’ll get right to the reviews in a minute. But first I am going to add a new feature to the weekly Blog. I will call it "my pet peeve of the week" section.
This week’s pet peeve is (and trust me, if you know me- I gotta million of ‘em) Cell Phone plans. Short and sweet. A few years back I remember simple monthly phone plans that started at $29.99 a month for coverage. Now that cell phones are all the rage, last week’s paper plans were being offered at an entry level of $69.99! Now, one would think with the volume of customers with cell phones in use, the prices would go down. (Good luck there) That's my PPOTW for 10/17/2010. And, you may now get more in your plan these days, but is it all worth another $500 more a year? What happened to the days of Rotary dial phones and phone booths? Wow, don't get me started...

Friday night at the Hitchin' Post. What started out as a somewhat mellow evening became quite the party by the time of the last set. We made some new friends from Trout Creek and entertained some of our regulars for what became an awesome night of music. I rate this show a 7.

Saturday night we were at the VFW in Endicott. It was a new venue for the SCB and once again what started out mellow turned into one hell of a party by the third set. We would like to thank all of our friends who came up to party with us from Frito Lay, as well as quite a few of our regulars and even some people from out of state as well. I've come to the conclusion that we play for the crowd and when the crowd is not into it, we aren't either. We feel like Dee Jays – Yuk!

Also some good times were had when Patty and Jeff from “Pawn Shop” came up and jammed a few tunes with us too. Nice job (Jeff) on the awesome dance song we played. Double D tagged it right on. A special thanks to Mike (Manager at the VFW) for making us feel very welcome at the club. We will be back in the New Year. I rated this show a 9 - mostly on quality and enthusiasm, we rocked good.

In closing, anytime you can bring home a group of drunks and you have to stop so they can puke on the side of the road, now that's a party! I’m glad I volunteered to be the DD - and it had nothing to do with Darrell either. Coca cola cowboy I was....

On to Sunday. After arriving home at almost 3am, it's back in the studio and time to begin album number five. So appropriately titled "Back to Basics". We had a 9:30 am start and we were off to the races once more. I will keep you all in the loop to where our progress takes in the upcoming months as this will surely be a spring 2011 release date at best.

Well, have a great week and enjoy whatever sunshine you can grab as it will become harder to find now in the upcoming weeks and also wishing my son Mikee a Happy Birthday wish as well Zack my step grandson. Ahh, to be 20 again!

Peace,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - October Weekend

2010-10-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Shows Friday Night- The Hitchin' Post, Belden Hill - 8:30pm – 11:30pm
Saturday Night- VFW Endicott (Open to the Public) - 9pm- to 1am

Well hello to all. Friday night (10/08) we were at Dino's in Binghamton. It was our first show indoors at Dino’s and it went over quite well. There were quite a few people who ventured in an out the entire evening as we brought out the “stripped down” acoustic show one more time. I think at this point we pretty much have perfected the "acoustic show' concept. We originally had all the instruments wired directly to the board. That was just a bit too hot for the board, so now we're back to the amps, but ever so gentle.

Saturday was also a great day as we finished out our golf season for what will most likely be the last showing of the clubs for this year. And it's good thing, I really hate the game and I do suck at it. I still don't rightly understand the concept of whacking a ball a couple hundred yards at a time and then tapping it into a hole ever so gently. Easier said than done. Maybe it's just the whiskey that makes it fun. DD and I did enjoy that, and the good weather.

So as the day progressed between golf and music. There is always time for a scoot ride. Yeah, me and the bride took a little bike ride through the back roads of Chenango County.

I am so sadden by all of the little businesses that are no longer open as well as the repair shops, markets, and deli's. That is just some of the signs of people in a small town that are no longer there. It would be a welcome site too. So sad of what New York has become. A simple landfill with Malls, Wall-Mart’s and Price Choppers. But the 80 mile back roads ride was fun.

So then came Sunday and the infamous 10/10/10 date! And the “Alan and Bonnie Knapp” wedding. Once again we pulled the acoustic set out and brought it to the hall in Sidney for over 100 guests. I was amazed at all the people present for a Sunday indoor wedding. Check out the photo of us with our Bartender for the event. Nice Job Heather! So for the next four hours we played, we greeted and played some more. Not too much whiskey, but just enough. Thank you Alan and Bonnie for being so thoughtful. It's those special little touches that really count.
And as soon as it started it was over. It was the end of the weekend.

We hope you all enjoyed your Columbus Day weekend as we all surely did. Next Sunday we're back in the studio to begin work on our next album appropriately titled "Back to Basics”.

We’ll see you all down the road.

Short, Sweet, & Simple. Peace,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - The Start of October, 2010

2010-10-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hello to you all, another week in the year 2010 has come and gone. Where do the weeks go? This week’s shows are as follows:

FRIDAY - 10/8- DINO'S BAR AND GRILL- BINGHAMTON NY- SHOW STARTS 8:30 PM.
SATURDAY NIGHT- OFF
SUNDAY- BONNIE AND ALAN'S BIG WEDDING- PRIVATE PARTY*

Last Saturday afternoon at 1pm we all met up to the ranch for a great seasons- end barbeque, complete with some cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. We also conducted our third quarter business meeting and discussed itineraries of the band for the present as well as futures in 2011. You can't know where you’re going if you don't know where you've been.
We also kicked out some new tunes in the music room for some of our upcoming events and shows. So, we do practice once in a while.

We headed out at 5pm to the "No-Tell" hotel. It was an interesting evening at the Hotel. Sometimes we pack the joint and sometimes we do not. When you don't serve food on a regular basis or even advertise, your chances of having a good crowd is a crap shoot. Lord only knows what type of night your gonna have crowd-wise.

Fortunately for us, many of the people "we know " and contacted - showed up and saved the day.

The evening (musically) was OK. It was not one of the best, but by no means a poor one either. We had musical guests “The Cardboard Cutouts” come up and play a few tunes for us. They came all the way from Walton. Now let me tell you this, you will not find a more fun group of guys then the “Cutouts”. Their new wave-punk jam style of music is always fun to watch and great to listen to... Danny we love ya bud- keep up with those powerful vocals.
And not to mention our buddy Dominic, who also came by to jam a bit on the drum kit. It was a fun night for all. It’s a shame the crowd was not more plentiful for the evening. Now I had another thought here. I don't know if it's since the Hotel now has hired more bands to play every couple of weeks or maybe everybody's broke or playing it cool with the drinking and driving. Anyway we are feeling it "crowd and attendance" wise.

Now I may be a funny duck, where I can go out and listen to a band and have a good time and just drink Coke. But that's me and I don't see the big deal with it all.

So as questionable as the weekend was - it was then over. Maybe in the future, band bookings should go by the hour and booked accordingly. Because I gotta tell ya, the last hour is murder on a band in an empty bar. (Wow, there’s a great album title - "Murder on a band in an empty Bar") Hey I like it...

So in closing, we have nice weather for the weekend coming up, so get out on those scoots a couple more times before you put them all to sleep next month. That's why I love living in the north, we replace riding with hunting and football. Oh well ride safe, be safe and hope to see you all out for Friday's show at Dino's in Binghamton.

P.S. The wings are good here too!

Peace,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Last Weekend of September, 2010

2010-09-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all, I have much to tell you, so let's get right to it.

Friday night we were at Davy's in downtown Chenango Forks. It was our first show we played in a couple weeks so we needed to get the cobwebs out. By the second set we were rolling once again. We had guest vocalist “Pretty Patty Patterson Moat” come up and take the stage for a couple of great tunes and we even had Richie from the infamous “Jason Wicks Band” come up and play a few tunes on the skins. Richie, you smoked - nice job! Other guest appearances were by none other than our own Andrea and Cindy {sure to cause an early snowstorm there}

All in all it was a good show Friday night, and once again the bar was packed at 1pm. I'm still trying to figure this out - everyone must just stop here for "one more" before they get home. Yeah that's it...

Sunday’s show was a benefit for a friend of ours “Louis” who is having some serious health issues. We were glad we could help out. he event was held up to the Honky Tonk Saloon in Sherburne, NY and was hosted by some old friends of ours the “Sundown Band”.

Along with the performances from the Short Change Band and the Sundown Band were some relatively new comers “Shawn and Hailey”. Now if you haven't seen this band you are in for quite the treat. The entire band is made up of High School kids. And the enthusiasm they put forth is just priceless. The Bass player is 13 and his guitar is as big as he is. The drummer “Cody” is 13 as well and plays like a trooper and between these two guys they give the rest of the band the opportunity to play mandolins and 12 sting acoustic guitar as well and some nice vocals. Great job Shawn and Hailey! I can't wait to see where these guys are in ten years.

It is so memorable to see these young kids following the footsteps of the older bands and putting their own touch of magic along the way. Keep up the good work guys.

And Sundown, Rick French - thanks for coming up and jammin' with us a bit and running some great sound for us while we took the stage. My only regret of the day was not being able to watch Sundown perform. (being close to 50 miles from home on a Sunday night put a damper on that) [Next Time] And Finally, the owner of the Honky Tonk “Brenda”, thanks for treating us like kings the day of the benefit. We'll be back.

We hope to see you all up to the Central Hotel on Saturday Evening, it’s been quite some time since the Hotel, so we will play with a vengeance for sure! There could even be a guest appearance by none other than the “Cardboard Cutouts” themselves. We'll see..

Come see a good show and cheer them on.

Be well, Be good, and be safe,
Mikee^Dee

The Short Change Band last full week of September, 2010

2010-09-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

This week’s shows: Friday Night 9/24/10 - Davy's Last Chance Saloon in downtown Chenango Forks at 9:00pm. Saturday - No Shows. Sunday 9/26/10 - The Honky Tonk Saloon in Sherburne, NY (Abate Party open to the public from 2pm- 5pm. We hope to set you all this weekend at one or both of our shows. Both shows are on Rt. 12 (or just off it) ... amazing huh?

On to last Friday’s road trip to Atlantic City with Cadillac Chris. The Frump himself and our road crew -On Tap - Billy Idol live at the House of Blues. [See Dinner picture at Hooters]
Let me say this: “ if you ever travel to New Jersey, at least on the pay roads, the new one dollar bill is now the 10 dollar bill. A Whopper lunch is $10. A Car Valet is $10. A slice of pizza and a coke is $10. A glass of Jack (a bargain) at $9.75. That sets the table so to speak for Jersey.

So we arrive at the Tropicana Hotel and they bang us an additional $50 for a cot bed for 2 nights. Nice huh? Not to let the high price of American living diminish our MoJo (Gasoline on the other hand was a mere $2.34 a gallon) Figure that one out...

Anyway Friday night at the House of Blues was the place to be at 9pm as Billy Idol took the stage. The house was packed to the gills (standing room only) for all. Now I'm not a lover of General Admission shows but watching Billy Idol’s performance for the next 90 minutes was worth the sore feet.

The light show was awesome and the sound was good, but a bit loud. His band smoked too! They were all very accomplished musicians. His lead player “Steve” has been with him since the early days, and he just smoked that Blonde Les Paul.

After ninety minutes of “Flesh for Fantasy”, “Dancin' with myself” and some new selections, two of which were acoustic guitar selections that Billy played himself. He finished up with “White Wedding” a selection that Billy himself played a Strat on. No bad man - not bad. And then the last encore took us home with “Rebel Yell”. Wow, here's a guy in his 50's that when he ripped off his shirt was cut to the nines, with six pack abs and all. You go Billy! If you ever get a chance to see the boy, he's still got it all.

This girl standing next to me was saying it was the biggest crowd she has ever seen at a House of Blues show and she was a local, so she should know. Wow two record attendance setting concerts in a month. Cool huh?

Then on to Saturday, it was Steven B. Cook's Big Birthday Party. I felt bad being 400 miles away from home as I really wanted to be a part of the “Cookster’s” 60th bash. Well much like the weeks earlier show, I mentioned that of a Short Change Band reunion, and this was even a step closer to that rendition with Phil and Donnie playing too. Not to mention Johnny from the old “Harmony Road” days! The music played and Whiskey flowed. Damn I hate missing parties like that...

So in closing, the one thing you need to know is no grass ever grows under any of our feet. We live every minute to the fullest, the way life is meant to be.

Be good, be well, and see you all soon,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Beginning of September, 2010

2010-09-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all, the week is rapidly passing us by, and probably by now you have also noticed the days are getting shorter and the sunrises are becoming later as well. It’s a sure sign that fall is upon us. Next Thursday (for all of you calendar watchers) is the first official day of fall. We've had temperatures up to the ranch this week in the upper 30's - oh boy.

Anyway, this will be a pretty light passage this week as we really don't have much to report on. We are an interesting group. K.W. just assumes he’ll brew beer on his day off, DD went to see his Miami Dolphins play a live game in Buffalo, and myself - I'm heading off to see Billy Idol with Cadillac Chris and his road crew this weekend. But more of that later...

The only Show we had last week was at Jonathan’s in Endwell. It was a semi-acoustic show with some electric. The show was anything less than "inspirational". Let me say this “we play to the crowd and we live for our crowds”. I think many people these days just go to clubs to drink, play lotto, or watch sports. Gone are the days of “Dance and Hoopla”. It's a bit sad to say the least, but these days playing clubs are not like they were ten or twenty years ago. Maybe you need a good full moon or something these days to go out and raise some hell. I just haven't figured it out just yet.

Enough said, this weekend we are off as K.W. and DD help Steve Cook celebrate his birthday, and like I mentioned earlier - a group of us are heading down to the “House of Blues” to go see the infamous Billy Idol. This will be his last stop as he finishes up from a worldwide tour. The House of Blues in Atlantic City is a small venue that boasts a seating capacity of about 1200 people. I find that hard to believe as the size of the hall is a bit deceiving. They do have two levels and two bars located right inside the hall, if you don't mind laying out a five spot or better for a domestic beer, you're good to go.

So that about sums this week’s installment - oh if you see Ms. Cindy this week make sure you wish her a very Happy Birthday. As I'm sure she would like that!

Be well, be good, and if you do something just a wee-bit illegal - don't you get caught!

Love ya’s,

Mikee^Dee

Short Change Band - Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well hello once again to you all. What a weekend it was. We have so much to cover, so let's move right into it. Labor Day weekend was going to be a busy weekend with three shows and all for us. To make a long story short, the first two were cancelled leaving us with just one show for the whole weekend.

Now any other band would have been crying in their tears, but not us, we are a creative bunch and here's how it all panned out.

First, Friday’s show up to the Public House was cancelled as the owner who booked the show earlier in the year failed to let the band know what was going on when he sold the place to new owners. Poor excuse there but hey, you learn through your mistakes.

The pig roast scheduled for Saturday was cancelled due to a marriage breakup. Hey we all have been there before and Saturday’s weather for an outdoor show would have been a challenge once that front came through that afternoon. So what did we do you might ask?

Friday night we did a Mets game doubleheader no less up in Bingo town. The Mets got their asses kicked both games but the Fireworks were priceless.

Saturday morning we scheduled a SCB golf outing that took us from the golf course after completing 9 holes, right on down to the Central Hotel for an afternoon of beverage sampling. We did save a bit of sanity for that evening as we all gathered once again up to Applebee's for a band type dinner. See we make the best of any sour event. It's how we roll. Don't get mad and have more fun is our philosophy!

Special event deposits for our shows will be in the 2011 budget, you can count on that one. Oh and then we also found out this weekend that we did not get chosen for the head act up to BowBell's sportsman's club event next July. We thought after they finally fired Ellen and the boys that we would be the next up, but it didn't happen. But hey we went through this same thing with a club up in Endwell last year too. We are a very resilient group of lads and ya know other venues will come our way. You just gotta rethink your approach just in case they ever do call you, then it's on our' terms. That works for me.

Anyways, on to our Premiere Show at the Central. The tailgate party up to the ranch began at 2pm. Little did we know that the Short Change Band was going to playing a revival show that day. Yes, you heard it correctly – Revival, and it was featuring Steven B. Cook himself.
Gosh it's been probably fifteen years (at least) since Steve sat in and we couldn't wait for the magic to begin. And what a show it was, complete a with a whole bus load of Stinky Boys, fresh up from Susquehanna PA. We love these guys (and girls) as they always add a party flavor to everywhere they go. Thanks again guys for supporting the SCB! We enjoy the friendship and brotherhood. Great vocals too. I can still hear "Takin care of Business” in the back of my head!
And then about five hours (after it all began) it was over.

We would like to thank Steven B. for coming down and making a bit of magic with band. It’s been a long time bro... Don't make a stranger out of yourself cause we missed ya. Also I'm sure DD will be posting some great pictures from the evening as well on our website.

Nice job as always K.W. and D.D. as we smoked Sunday’s show!

And finally this week’s show. We have one show this Friday night at Jonathan's in Endwell NY. The show time is 9pm. We’ll see you there on Friday.

Have a great week and remember the kids are all back in school so drive carefully,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Last full week of August 2010

2010-08-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well well well, by the time most of you get to your emails this week, the month of August will be just about a memory. And, of course I have some new memories to add to it as that's really what the blog is all about anyway (memory recollections) so, here we go with the latest. {This was a great weekend too}

Friday Night we loaded up the bus and headed to the SPAC in Saratoga Springs for one incredible concert. Crosby Stills and Nash along with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
We got to the SPAC about 6pm and had to park a mile away from the event. It felt almost like a Woodstock installment of sorts. So not to admit defeat, we set the EZ-Up in the parking lot and proceeded like many of other concert goers did, we had our own “Tailgate Party”.

So now it's almost 7pm and as we finish up with some Quizno's Subs and a couple beers we were on our way. What we were about to see was absolutely unbelievable. Where we would wind up was the better part of a quarter mile from the stage on the very edge of the grass. There were almost 50,000 people that came to see CSN and Petty.

We met some people and partied together for the better part of the next four hours. You could not have asked for a better night of weather for a concert either. It was a star lit night, baby!
The sound at the SPAC is really very good for an inside/outside venue. CSN were first up and they covered all their hits and then some - Even a Rolling Stones tune “Ruby Tuesday” The boys are a bit older then the days when they started but they still rip it up pretty good for an AARP tour. Steven Stills played that Strat like a craftsman and Graham Nash did an exceptional piano solo on “Please come to Chicago” So, forty years after Woodstock, they still played quite well. Glad we came.

So then, all of a sudden (you thought you were asshole to belly button thick) with people for the CSN show, then Tom Petty starts his show, and the placed packed up tighter. There was standing room only for as far as you could see in any direction (awesome) Even the air around you started to take on an aroma of it's own. Let the show begin, and what a show it was. He did all the hits and everybody sang along to every song. There was dancing, clapping, swaying - it was all going on. Then four hours later it all ended just like it began. Oh, he finished with my favorite Petty tune right at the very last Encore – “American Girl” What a show!

So now 50,000 people had to leave and much like Cattle to market as we began the 45 minute trip back to the parking lot. Now the crowd heading to their seats were taking their cars to the gates, or trying to. We sat once again and decided another tailgate party just might be the thing. Anyway DD had us all back and home by about 3am. Wow, what a Friday that was. But hang on it gets better!

Saturday, we were at the Afton Sportsman’s Club (Ticket Party). All I can say is the weather was gorgeous and good weather always makes for a great outdoor party. By 1pm the cars starting pulling in, one after another they rolled in. (I’ve been up to the club for 25 years and I’ve never seen this many cars and people in my life in that lot. Wow!

There was an ora in the air too. The people came to party, eat and drink, and for the better part of almost eight hours they did just that. I don't know how the club buys food for an event that big and it all tasted so good and they never ran out of anything. My god you leave their hungry there's something wrong with ya.

We played what was probably one of the best shows we put on all summer. It felt great being back with my brothers on stage and we all felt the Mojo - DD was smokin on that Bass and KW was feeling it too. It's nice when you’re playing "your" show especially in an outside venue and people are lovin’ it. (Ya play for the crowd)

So anyway the show went on for over seven hours, maybe eight by the time the last song was played and as always SCB never repeats a single tune unless we are asked to do it- cause we just don't.

We had performances by Mark from the “Deuces Wild” band and Colleen who came up and finger picked a couple tunes with the band and sang some Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks songs. (nice)

There was some magic going on when Mark lit up the stage with a six minute rendition of Johnny B Goode. It doesn't get any better. I know you all seen it because I asked you all to come, and you certainly did.

We would personally like to thank Patrick and Donnie, Mike, Steve, Pete and all the staff up there at the Club. They treated us like gold and we appreciate it. (Other than some Green M&M's in bowl, we couldn’t ask for more)

You need to put the last Saturday in August on your 2011 calendar, because we're coming back and you'll wanna be there. A better party does not exist ANYWHERE, just ask the people who came and that's all you really have to do is just come. (Say no more)

Next Weekend is Labor Day Weekend: 3 days - 3 shows:

Friday Night- Nathianael Greene’s Publik House in Greene - 9pm show
Saturday – Evan’s Pig Roast - private party*
Sunday- the “No Tell Central Hotel Show” show time starts between 3pm and 4pm
{Outdoors - bring a chair}

We hope to see you all out for the last true weekend of summer!

Love ya's,

Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Late August 2010

2010-08-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all as we continue on through the final weeks of summer 2010. For the most part you could not have asked for a better summer if you ordered it up from scratch. Enjoy what's left of it in the next couple of weeks as we are sure to have frost on the pumpkin one morning before you know it.

Last week marked my return to the band after being out of town for the last two weeks. It felt good to get back to the "egg" so to speak. Saturday was our “almost Annual Yacht Club” show that takes place in the awesome town of Watkins Glen. We originally had plans to bring out the camper and set up shop at the resort for the weekend, but the weather kinda put a damper on that. We were able to salvage the Saturday afternoon part as you can see our little "tailgate central' that we set up in the back forty of the club.

And as always we like to include the trademark “whiskey bottle” at all of our overnight events and this one was no exception. We were able to partake in a new product by the name of Crown Royal (Black). It was quite tasty with much less bite than the Jack... Maybe a change in the wind for the future - ya never know? Nice job Canada.

Anyway on to the show. We brought along the upscale acoustic show for this venue and I think for the most part it was just what the doctor ordered. Not to loud, not to soft, perfect. Our crowd stayed packed till we took our first break nearly two hours into the show (it was a smokin' set) We commenced the night at about 12:30 to a remaining few hard core dancers. We did play our hearts out and it showed. Nice job guys, it felt good to be back with my brothers - like I never left! (Priceless)

We spent the night indoors at the club and then back on the road home Sunday morning. (185 miles later) the trip ended much as it began. Another priceless weekend and this one was out of town, but none the less we rocked em'... and then the rain came.

So now this week we are on to the Afton Sportsman's Club annual ticket raffle party. This is one of the most enjoyable events of the summer and we are hoping for some awesome weather to send it out to as well. Still some tickets available with some big high ticket prizes associated with it. Get a few people to split that $100 ticket if you can't swing it on your own. It's to support the club and helps pay the bills up there too.

If you haven't seen the club lately - you gotta check it out. Donnie and Patrick and few of the other members up there really dialed in the old club and made some really nice improvements and updates to it too. Hope to see you all there on Saturday. We will be rolling in around noon, so come spend the day.

How about some history in rock and roll linage.

1. Ringo Starr quits the Beatles this week in 1968 only to be talked back in by Paul to finish work on the White Album.
2. Billy Joel Divorces Christie Brinkley this week in 1994
3. Gene Simmons od KISS is 61

Be well- be good - be safe,

- Mikee^^Dee

Mike's Trip to Sturgis

2010-08-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well hello once again to you all.

After returning from an incredible 10 day adventure across the western part of the United States, I need to share some of the adventure with you - the viewers. By now you have probably figured out - we went to Sturgis S.D. Now Sturgis Bike week is noted as the biggest organized motorcycle event in the World. With attendees this year numbering almost 800,000 bikers. And i have to tell you this - it was not easy to get around to any one place without very heavy biker traffic.

We departed with three bikes and a Toy Hauler last Thursday night. Now let me tell you this, if you have never traveled across country for any length of time, this trip to Sturgis is a tough one. Even driving it is almost 1800 miles one way. The roads (Interstate) suck big time and one has to wonder what they do with almost $200 worth of toll money we denoted just to "bounce" around and break shit on for the better part of thirty hours and three days. The ToY Hauler experience is really very cool. It is a 35ft. camper with a back door that opens up and you drive and stow your scoots inside - it's that simple. Add a full kitchen and a couple of overhead queen beds and you're camping. This year we were guests of Chucky and Theresa as neither had ever been to Sturgis before. Basically you travel about six or seven hundred miles each day and as you fuel up at Travel Stops. You set up your table and chairs in the parking lot out back under a tree and have some beverages and a sandwich and back on the road you go. Some nights we pulled into Wal-mart parking lots to sleep and some nights campgrounds. All in all you save alot of cash when your not putting down $25 a meal for every time you stop. Camping for 4 people runs about about $10 each person per night on the road. This was all a new concept for me. I was amazed as I seen hotel specials of $79 to $99 dollars a night on Highway Billboards. Big bargains there huh?

So Finally Sunday afternoon we arrive at The Wild Bills Campground in Deadwood S.D. We spent the next 5 days there doing 100 miles trips all across the Black Hills of S.D. We met and partied with some incredible people from all over the nation, Seattle, San Francisco, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Minnesota. This list goes on... Bikers are such a cool group of people- They are who they are for the most part - no fluff- and no plastic - real americans. We hit as many big time locations as I could bring our guests too in 5 days - Mount Rushmore - Main Street Sturgis - Deadwood, Hill City, The Full Throttle Saloon, and Finally our longest grueling trip Devils Tower in Wyoming.

Take a look at the picture I provided - very pretty. That day we drove almost 250 miles - double up in over 100 degree heat and you want to ride all the way the way to Sturgis on your scoot ya say - I'll meet you there. So in closing we had a trip that we will remember for many years to come. It was Sturgis' 70th annual party and it was a keeper. And while i was gone the boys plugged on. We had subs for both weeks and special thanks go out to the boys from Hat's Off {Nick and Lance} as they helped fill the void on the 7th up to Wild Bills- {wow that's were I was only 1800 miles away} and also to Kip who filled the void up to the Ahners Annual Pig Roast.

Thanks Guys for helping to make my cross country trip that took 14 months to plan - the success it was... and thanks to my brothers for their patience as well while I was gone - I never doubted you guys.

This week we once again head West to our almost Annual Yacht Club' event show.

We will be trying a new approach for this venue and that will be an acoustic SCB show. We keep playing them as long as the popularity is there.So now as we head into the final weeks of August - wow that summer went quick- have a safe remaining August and hope to you all again in the upcoming weeks.

Check our website for shows near you.

Peace and Love

-Mikee^^Dee

Short Change Band - Middle Two Weeks of August, 2010

2010-08-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, this is KW filling in for Mikee Dee.
Wow, the weekends continue to be awesome as summer is winding down and we’re headed into Labor Day.

Let’s get to it and start with August 7th where we were at none other than “Wild Bill Hare’s” party. This is one of our favorites. How can you not like a party where the host says “Okay guys, take a break – it’s time for some whiskey”. Bill is one of those who likes Jack as much as we do. So much, he left half a suitcase of clothes in Aruba so he could bring back the biggest bottle of Jack I’ve ever seen. (Awesome!) We had Nick Allen from the “Hats Off Band” help us on the drums and Lance Trotter played a couple songs on the bass and helped with the vocals. Great Job Guys! After the show we went down to the fire pit for more beer, whiskey, marshmallows and some good conversation. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling too well – I took a microphone to the face earlier, and didn’t stay too long. (Sorry Bill – Next time brother)

Moving on to August 14th and Ahner’s Pig Roast. It’s always a good time. We’ve been playing this party for over 20 Years. You know we have a good time here! Once again it was a gorgeous day. DD and I started the afternoon with a golf tournament at Belden Hill. We finished the golf tournament and went straight to the party (we didn’t have time to stay for dinner or the door prizes – We hope Herb got us some good prizes) Filling in for Mike this time was Kip Kettle. We’re glad to call him a friend. That’s the way it is in the music business, it brings people together close that fast. What a great job Kip did for never even hearing us before. It was like he had been playing with us for years. Thanks again Kip!

As always, the food was excellent; our hosts (Butch and Cindy) have the absolute best fireworks show. What can I tell you? This is one of the premiere parties of the summer. Thanks to Tim Whalen for singing a couple songs too!

We’re glad Mike is back and hope he and his lovely wife Andrea had a great time at Sturgis. Although we had fun, we missed him. The three of us just have great chemistry when we play. So now it’s off to Watkins Glen and the Yacht Party.

Our Greatest Hits CD is out and you can get one at any of our shows. We’re back in the studio for the recording of the next album this fall. The title of the next album is “Back to Basics” We hope you’ll love it as we once again cover all styles of music, including sarcasm.

So, as Mike would say – “Peace Out” and enjoy life. Remember the words of “The Welfare Song” – “Why work when you can get it for free!”

See you at the next show,

KW

Short Change Band - Beginning of August, 2010

2010-08-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

The summer is ever evaporating away right before our eyes as it is August. (wow) Slow down summer because you have been an exceptional one this year. We had 22 days of July over 80 degrees – priceless (especially for the southern tier)

This week will be short and sweet. This week is also an exceptional one as it is the week that Sturgis begins. I've got friends packing up and heading out as we speak. I'm envious for sure - the 70th anniversary to boot. Guns and Roses announced a reunion show and the Buffalo Chip has them.

Anyway, last Friday evening was another in the series of Davy's signature shows. Everybody there enjoyed the evening as the jams once again continued on. We had a visit once again from our buddy Dominick who sat in for a set and even the infamous Donnie Gillette graced us with his presence as well. Truly another Hallmark weekend for sure.

Saturday came and KW and myself have begun work on a new song together - this time around I wrote the music and KW wrote the lyrics. Something different for sure and actually I can hardly wait till the fall to begin work on our 5th album. Tentatively titled "Back to Basics". This could be our best one yet. But then I always say that and they are all good anyway. Each album is like a kid in the family and all growing up with every addition.

So back to Saturday, we had another outdoor pig roast up to Harry and Melissa's. Once again the weather was picture perfect, the food fantastic and the people were marvelous. And once again we even received our signature bottle of Jack for the show, that we proudly displayed on our speaker collumn. Thanks Harry for remembering us and our unusual customs. We are "True Americans"Oh I almost forgot to mention our buddy “Vanillia”. Vanilla was a giant goat that took a liking to D.D. and she was determined to fight anyone or anything that tried to get between them. Oh DD does that really stand for Doctor Doolittle because the animals do love him.

So now the next 2 weeks are all home parties (Pig Roasts) so you may not get too much in the way of a blogs from them. But, if something exciting happens - trust me you will be the first to know.

As we close, enjoy the last few weeks of summer and make every day count. Keep the shiny side up and the rubber down.

Peace to you all see you soon

-Mikee^Dee

The Short Change Band last week of July 2010

2010-07-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well hello once again my friends. Our summer is passing by at an incredible rate of speed isn't it? And I have to tell you, having some down time over the last couple weeks with the band has become very addictive. Even playing outdoors these last few shows have been incredibly uncomfortable with the heat and humidity but it sure beats fighting off a foot of snow now doesn't it? So, I'm over it now, so let’s move on.

Friday night we decided to go out and grab a beer and some wings- So we headed up to Binghamton for both. We found ourselves at a cute little Pub called McGirk’s. What a great place to do both and take in a band as well. Friday night’s show was none other than our friends, “Bad Weather Blues” band. What a great group of folks in this line up. For the better part of the next two hours I sat on a chair ride of some fantastic blues work that you would hardly hear anywhere else. The talent in this band is second to none. What I thought was cool was five musicians all playing in their own little world, creating like an orchestra, and it all came together. I loved Tom's 6 string Bass, Mike on the key boards, Steve on the Drums, Deb on vocals and Sonny Boy Bob on guitar. All I can say is you need to see them if you have not. Now I can see why they have done shows as far south as Key West.

I try to tell you folks this before, we have some of the best musical talent anywhere in the country right here in Binghamton. If you don't believe me, go see these guys and let me know what you all think. Their CD titled “BWBB” is very notable as well. Deb, you are quite the songwriter.

On to Saturday, we spent part the day helping KW up to the lake with the boys. Again, 95 degrees and soggy. Saturday night was a great night to chill on the couch with a movie and some popcorn.

On to Sunday and the Tony and Doris reunion up to the Afton Sportsman's Club. Once again there were great people, great food, and good times prevailed. I can't think of a more finer establishment to have an outdoor event. The people are great and the grounds are always well groomed. Don't miss the annual ticket party on August 29th. Sunday all-day. As yours truly the SCB will once again take the stage.

On to this weekend’s events calendar:
Friday Night, 7/27 at 9pm we’re at Davy's in downtown Chenango Forks - Our only public show left in July - don't miss it.
Saturday afternoon we’re at a private party up to Harry and Melissa's.

We hope to see you all out an about this Friday, and as always be safe and have a great week!

Mikee^^ Dee

Short Change Band - Fourth week in July

2010-07-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello people, once again we had another virtually rain free weekend that made the “Great Outdoors” the place you wanted to be. It was hazy, hot, and humid. But, hey it is mid-summer now isn't it?On to our weekend.

Friday night was our premiere at Dino's. The weather didn’t look good early in the afternoon for an outdoor show that night but, the weather did it's thing early and so did we later - outdoors. The first two sets were weird, because it was a new place and we had new acoustics, and we were outdoors, so we were not in our home element. But, by the time the last set came around we were smokin'. Nice job boys! We can't wait to try Dino's out again in October!

I think overall we put on a great show and I want to thank you all for coming out and showing your support for our first show in the Binghamton area in quite some time.

So we wrap up the show and by the time we get home it's 2am and four hours later we're up for golf. (Yes, the Short Change boys and crew went out and hacked away for the better part of four hours on Saturday morning with temperatures in the 90's, it made the green label Jack go down all the more smoother over some good ole ice cubes. (Thanks Herbie) Some of us shot under 100 and some of us didn't but ya can't say it was for a lack of trying.

It was nice just to have a "non Committed Saturday" in the middle of the summer. I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth as they are very few and far between.

Sunday was a very interesting day to say the least. One of local country crooners celebrated his 80th birthday - The infamous "Bucky Moon". So me and momma jumped on the scoots and took a nice ride out to Candor and back.There were over 200 people gathered up to the Fire House in Candor for a Sunday show as well as a guest vocal appearance by none other than Bucky himself. Let me tell you a bit about Bucky. He and his band have been playing in the Tioga County area for the better part of forty years. He has been a musician since the late 1940's after he got out of the service.

So for the better part of all Musical Time Bucky has been there till his retirement just this past December 2009. His failing health is finally making him put his cowboy hat up, but what a musicianhe was. He played in Nashville when country music was "real country” music - not this stuff you hear today (as he put it) He has played with many notable pickers in his time as recently as last year with Tracy Bird right in Owego. The day was complete with a standing ovation from the crowd for Bucky!

So many people over those years came out to see Bucky and his band and yesterday we were honored to see what may be one of his last shows. Bucky was on his motorized cart yesterday along with his oxygen bottle. But the boy could still sing! God Bless You Bucky for all the people through the years you and your band have touched. A better more caring mancould not be found. My mom would have loved this guy. He plays that type of music that just makes you feel Good.

On to this week: Friday night no show***Saturday night no show***It's KW and Cindy’s Anniversary weekend. (So we're all taking off) And it's DD’s High School reunion too.. and I guess if I have to celebrate something too. This is the week I rode scoot all the way to Richmond non-stop back in 93 for the VA State Rally. Well, it meant something to me. It was a long trip and a long time ago too. I was riding an 89 bagger back then...Sunday we play a family reuinon up in Afton.. So a great week for all of us in the cards..So in closing, be well, be cool
and be good.

We’ll see all on the flipside.

Mikee^ Dee

Short Change Band - Mid July 2010

2010-07-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings to you all and a Happy Mid-July. Wow, where is the year going? It's a mere 106 days ‘til Election Day. We must all remember the new taxes you will have to pay or are currently paying and the price we pay just to be a "New Yorker" is ridiculous. It's time to clean house and start over again. Remember, if you don't vote, you really can't complain when your smokes go up, your clothes are once again taxed, your Star Program is gone, and Your taxes all climb to the moon. You won't even be able to tan your ass anymore without a tax on that now too. Just putting the bug in your ear as we now enter into Mid-July without a completed New York State Budget - absolutely a disgrace. Enough said here...

Anyway, last weekend was a good weekend. We played 2 shows on Saturday that pretty much took up about 11 hours of the day between performances and travel time. But they were both a fun time. The Colesville Super Celebration was the gig that wasn't supposed to happened - and happened well. The show was a bit smaller this year than years past, but none the less it was well organized and you couldn't have asked for a better day of weather.

We played a hot 2-hour set with the only break for the Hottest Wing eating contest. There were actually several people who signed up for this contest - both male and females. Now when they serve these at Gramma's most people can only eat two or three of these fire wings, but the winner ate 21. Wow! You go A.J! I can't wait for next year’s competition. I even offered to help out with the next one. As a biker we have had our share of setting up and running various competitions under our belts. Nice Job Aaron and Amy. Patience is a virtue.

On to Lisa’s Party. All I can say here is - the crowd was good - the food was good - and the beer never stopped flowing. As the band would sing "we had a real good time". Thanks Lisa and Robin for having us again. Happy Anniversary goes out to Chuck and your charming wife.
On to this weekend... New Location - Dino's Bar and Grill on Conklin Road in Binghamton N.Y. The Show begins at 8:30 p.m. Ride up on your scoot, drive your car - but come up. Help us make our first show up here a memorable one. We don't want to be asked into the first set by the owner- "Don't ya got no friends" (Famous quote there)

Be Well, Be Safe and hope to see you all the show Friday night - Indoors or outdoors, we will be ready to rock!

Peace and Love,

Mikee^^ Dee

Short Change Band - Hot Early July 2010

2010-07-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

My goodness, July snuck right up on us didn't it? It's July and it's hot and it's dry, but it’s my kind of summer shaping up here. There’s a big difference from last summer’s monsoon type weather.

Anyway let’s get on to last week’s review. We only did one show last weekend and it was on America’s Birthday no less. We started the morning out with the band playing some golf and then an awesome cookout complete with beers and then on to a great show down to the Central Hotel. Priceless*

We had four-piece that day as the infamous Jeffery “A” was in town and decided to jam a bit with us. Outside shows are always a blast too and the weather was perfect and the crowd was good and the beers and whiskey were cold. Hey Lynn, thanks for the round of Jacks for us! The band always appreciates some good iced whiskey on a hot summer day.

The show went well and we also want to thank Lil' Stevie for coming up and sitting in for a few tunes as well. (Just like one big happy family)

So on to this weekend: Saturday we have two shows planned and both are outdoors. The Colesville Super Celebration in Harpursville is first as the show begins at 2:00 p.m. Then we’re on to a private party up to Lisa Gibson’s house. (Do you remember Lisa? She was the winner of our free show - winner of 2009) So this weekend we are paying up (so to speak)

And real quick note as we close here. We have been selling numerous copies of the new album and now we are setting our sites on to a couple of new venues. We began putting together a "Greatest Hits" type of a compilation for the next release and we hope to call this collection simply “5 Years of Change”. It kind of says it all doesn't it? We hope to have this all put together by early fall. We really have to go through all of the material selected and remember to give credits to all of the musicians and people involved (and there were many) The album will also track about 70 minutes as it will contain at least 20 songs. Even if you have all four of our albums you will still like to have a copy of this bad boy, it flows really nice, and it's mostly all up tempo selections.

And then as we move into the later fall as we had talked about doing another completely new album that we would release for early spring of 2011. KW has been writing up a storm this year and we all have so much to say. KW really has his “A” game going on this next set of tunes, but I don't want to let the cat out the bag so to speak so soon.

So that's what's new in our Crib. We hope all is well and we are hoping to see you all this weekend.

Peace- be well- be safe-

Mikee^^Dee P.S. - Happy Birthday FRUMPY-- from the whole SCB

4th of July Holiday Weekend

2010-06-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hello to you all, another crazy week has evolved so this week’s Blog entry will be short and sweet. Last Weekend’s gigs were fun- anything less than packed shows but both shows rocked and were a lot of fun for the band.

Friday night at Davy's was what I would call a musically digital evening. Pak Rat stopped by and jammed a bit with us and that that was all the incentive DD needed. The boy smoked that Bass the entire night to follow. KW pulled out 4 or 5 new tunes either we never played before or we had not played in about 5 years but either way they were all exceptional. We had our share of compliments from the crowd that night as well.

On to Gordy's Saturday evening. We all met for some of those incredible wings I told you about before the show. Then on to the first set- again we took a step back in time and pulled off some old tunes from many years ago. When you have 300 song repertoire, one never knows what might pop up on any given night.

The second set brought out our Buddy Bob the Barber, as he captured a bit of Charlie Daniels and some Alabama.. cool. The highlight of the evening was Bob's son - Bob Jr. aka “Bad Weather Blues Band” What a smokin' rendition of Mustang Sally along with a couple of Blues tunes. Nice job from both Father and Son.

The night was good. Pat and Jim treat us like gold down there and we simply like Gordy's and it kinda sets a stage for other owners to follow. We love you guys!

On to the Independence Holiday weekend. We only have one show this weekend –The Central Hotel- Sunday- July 4th- We're all meeting up there about 3pm - show to follow.. It’s supposed to be 85 and sunny - C'mon summer.. Bring along a lawn chair as we will most likely be under the pavilion.. We hope to see you all there, and remember Monday’s the holiday, so live on the edge and come out Sunday. We promise to have you out of there before DARK.

And in closing, go ahead and spend a little time with yourself this weekend and try doing something patriotic or maybe even try helping someone, It's truly the American way. Or, just sit back and listen to a bit of Skynyrd’s Red White and Blue single - Americas true answer to the Workin' Man.

God Bless and have a safe holiday weekend in whatever you do,

Mikee^^Dee

DeBetto Fest and shows this week

2010-06-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all. What a fantastic weekend it was, and now as we all sit back and reflect about (one would ask) “how do we top that one?” Frumpy suggested possibly a 100 foot Ferris wheel and Johnny suggested a petting zoo.

So if you missed the last DeBetto Fest, you missed a lot. Let me give you all a few of the highlights. Friday night was the 5th annual Staff party. We had some of the best steaks on the grill that money could buy, (Thanks Pete) not to mention some of the best whiskey money could buy as well. Needless to say for me, it was a 22-hour day (after putting in a half day at work starting at 2AM) we called it a night. I guess you could say it was a bachelor party in a sense for um-wha too. Thanks KW, Uncle Richie and DD!

Then came Saturday. We had so much to do in preparation for (not one) but two Weddings that day - yeah you heard it right - that's my big size 16 down below here in case you're wondering who's hand that is. Pat brought up the catering wagon just for this special day. I supplied the burgers and hot dogs for the first round and by Saturday night Pat was making some awesome funnel cakes, onion rings and meatball subs. Wow, now Frumpy put together an Automatic Slushy machine compete with piña colada’s and some other frozen concoctions at 190 proof.

But let's back up a minute here. 11AM came and it's Bobby and Jobi's turn first to tie the knot. Bobby dressed in complete military attire and Jobi looked stunning in her dress. A military wedding – sweet! Then, 2PM came and it was our turn. "Red Neck Yacht Club" was the best way to describe me and Andrea's outfits. Not many people I know ever get married in a bathing suit and a black tux shirt, but you just gotta know me.And thanks HT for making it short and sweet – Priceless! If you witnessed this ceremony you definitely got an earful here.

So then the party began. All in all we had about a hundred guests pass though the ranch over the 2 day event. We had four different bands pick some music and when it was all over and done the dozen or so campers pulled out. We had three 60" bags full of empty cans and bottles - now that's a party! Thanks to perfect weather - Thank you god! (After last year I knew you would hook us up one more time)

What a great weekend as we all enter into the next phases of our lives. How can you describe it any better than that? So as we close, I want to thank all of my staff helpers - KW, Cindy, DD, Pat, Frumpy, Pak Rat - what can I say? Without you all we would be nothing ... oops I stole that line sorry.

Anyway, thank you again. Not to mention all of my brothers and sisters that traveled the ends of the earth to be up on god's knob for such a special event.

On to this weekend: Friday Night at 9PM we’re at Davy's. C'mon down that country road and set a spell. And a very special show this Saturday as we're back down to Gordy's Place in Damascus - right outside of the village of Windsor on old Rt. 17. The Show starts at 8PM. You remember this place - this is the one I told you all about the fantastic wings they serve. Yum!

So what else can I say? We’ll see you all soon, be safe and God Bless

Mikee^^Dee

June - DeBetto Fest Week

2010-06-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all. Sorry for the mid-week lateness in the Blog, but it's been just one of those weeks. So this addition will be quite simple and easy and painless - all in one blog.

Wow, last weekend was the Jeff and Patty Wedding. From the picture below one can see it was one elegant exciting afternoon. What's to say? The wedding ceremony was a 5-star - 25 people in the wedding party how could it be anything less than elegant. The reception was a 5 star- location and a 5 star overall. The musicians jammed out at the end, it was priceless.

I think in the future we should start filming these events instead of just taking stills, because it just doesn't do it justice. And from the Band, we love you guys and wish you both all the good luck a future could ever bring. The best man said it best "May you both go to sleep every night of your lives with a smile on each of your faces - "Sweet"

So then Sunday came and we played a show for The Cortland Chapter of Abate. The last Stop was down to the Central Hotel. It was just like being home on a Saturday, except we were indoors 'cause of the rain. The show lasted about three hours and as well played the last tune of the night, the Bar filled up with tire burnout smoke. Now does it get any better then that?

Hats off too Bobby and Chopper for the food, it was fantastic.

This weekend is the Final installment of the DeBetto fest. The weather is supposed to be superb. The musical guests will be numerous as well and the show begins at 7pm. Come at 2pm and catch the starts of Horse shoes and Bocci, along with some burgers and dogs. (not to mention all the ceremonies going on during the day) What a great way to finalize a great 5- year running tradition. See you there. Oh, you need to bring your own chair and BYOB and leave the rest to us. Oh and don't forget the SPF 50 too, because you're gonna need it!

See you there,

Mikee^^

Short Change Band - First Week in June, 2010

2010-06-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well hello again people, I hope your weekend served you well. Once again we were on the road (not once) but twice this weekend. Let's go right to it.

Friday Night we played an early show up to the Afton Inn located in Downtown Afton NY. It was a hot night and thank goodness for fans other than the two-legged types. The show began and crowd was a bit light for a Friday. (One reason we try to stay away from the Bar scene for the summer is because there are simply too many other venues going on at the same time. Races, camping, sports) because when it's nice, people want out and I can't blame them. We do want to thank Lil' Stevie for stopping by and adding some flavor to the evening, not to mention the smoking rendition of "24 hours at a time" tune he played with the band. Our special thanks to Dominick for some awesome drumming on "Can't You See" as well.

Then on to Saturday's show. Annie's Bar & Grill in Windsor was the place to be last Saturday evening. There was a golf tournament in town that day and Annie's was packed. It's nice even when it's hotter than all get out, and we can pack a Honky Tonk and keep them all there for the entire evening. The show was an (11) if that's possible and we sure needed that with crowds being kinda thin the last few weeks. The show stoppers of the evening in this venue was Annie (herself) with a kick-ass rendition of "Keep your hands yourself" as she came up to sing with the band and that was followed by none other than Bob "The Barber" himself - (Mr. Wooly Bully) Wow! Some great guest talent last weekend and did I forget to mention the smoke coming off the fret board of KW's Les Paul guitar. It was a Great evening for sure!

We also got to find out about one of the band members love for "snow cones". Now I'm an ice cream man myself but to each their own. One thing about Snow Cones, they're fun to look at!

Our third hero for the weekend was none other then DD himself. As the weather deteriorated yesterday we were all in Afton playing in a golf tournament. The weather was tough and it did cause us to retreat for a bit as the rain fell sideways along with hail and wind that accompanied it all. Finally, a couple Bloody Mary's later we were back on the course (soaking wet) but back. It was very difficult to reclaim the talent we once set out with that morning as everything including your golf shoes were filled with water. But DD proceeded to be the hero of the day with a series of drives well in excess of 275 yards. You go buddy...

We all got a lot of weekend last week for the money. The really good ones are hard to come by and when they do come along, you need to enjoy the ride. And we sure did!

This weekend is Jeff and Patty's wedding so we will not be doing anything public until Sunday. We will be up to the Central Hotel for a 2 hour ABATE motorcycle poker run, so stop up and check it out as the show begins at 4pm. (Weather permitting) we may even be outdoors once again. Yeah!

This week in Rock and Roll history
Nancy Sinatra - "These Boots Are Made For Walkin" She turns 70 this weekBrenda Lee - "little miss dynamite" graduates H.S. this week in 1963 after already scoring 12 top 10 singles (this week in 1963)Grand Funk Railroad releases "American Band" this week in 73

Finally in closing, two more weeks until the final installment of the infamous DeBetto Fest. Invites have been passed out and we are hoping once again to have the weather cooperate this year to close out another tradition of the times. Remember your are responsible for 3 things. Bring your own Beverage, bring your own chair to sit in and something to sleep in or on as by now you must know, this is an all-nighter for sure! Pickin' with the band starts at 7pm and the "Scariest Ghost Story" contest begins around the campfire at 10pm. {The staff reports Friday at 5pm for setup and debriefing}

Hope to see your there!

Peace and be well,

Mikee^^ Dee

The Short Change Band, June 1st, 2010

2010-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hello all, yes it was a great weekend to pay your respects to all of solders who served this great country past and present. It was also a time to catch up on a bit of R&R , so I hope you got to do a little of both.

The weather could not have been better for anything you had planned to do outdoors. Priceless!

It was also a pretty mellow weekend for the band,as well. We did one show on Sunday up to the Central Hotel and if you missed that one you missed a good one.
It was outdoors and you could not have asked for a nicer day to play out in the open air. The crowd was a bit lighter then in the past but holiday weekends tend to be like that. With the economy (the way it is) many people I think just got out of Dodge for the Holiday weekend.

That didn't stop the show from going on and we played our asses off to the ones that came to party. A special thanks once again for Jeff and Patty stepping up and doing a few tunes with us. "Life was good today". Upon conclusion of the Central Hotel Tour, we headed north up to Fosters and his outside party for a bit of Music Trivia around the campfire with a couple of cold ones. We're pretty good with those 50's and 60's tunes and titles, and little foot notes. Thanks goodness for DD's IPhone to help us with those hard to guess tunes. It helps keep your mind sharp, sometimes the whiskey just isn't enough.

So on to this weekend. On Friday Night were at the Afton Inn for a 8:30pm show and then on to Annie's Bar & Grill for another show Saturday that begins at 8:00 pm. Another busy weekend for the band. So, pick a show and come on out and see us, or better yet - try to do both! We'll see you there.

On to this weeks in "Rock and Roll History"

Gary Lewis and the Playboys release their follow up to this Diamond Ring' with "Save Your Heart For Me" this week in 1965
The Beatles begin to put down tracks for the infamous "White Album" this week in 1968.
Ray Davies flies back to England to re-record their newest single 'Lola.
The BBC refused to play the tune with the words "Coka-Cola" thus the "Sweet Cherry Cola" line was used as the substitute. {The Beatles had the same issue with their single a year earlier "Come Together" but they won their plea and the line remained} A far cry form some of the issues we share in tunes lyrics today.

In closing have a great week hope to see you all out to the shows this week.

Be well,

Mikee^^Dee

P.S. If you see Chopper this week, wish her a Happy Birthday!

And it's mere days now to the Final DeBetto' Fest - Block out the 19th on your calendars.....

Short Change Band - Memorial Weekend 2010

2010-05-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hello all, Have I ever told you how much I hate Mondays? I think it's the toughest day of the week and it really taxes ones stamina. So because it's been a tough day and it's hot and sunny out, I'm making this this week's blog entry short and sweet.

Friday night's show up to Davy's was a lot of fun as they most always are. We had a good crowd, met up with some great friends, and played some good music. What more is there to say? Oh, I almost forgot the smokin' session from Pak-Rat. Damn that boy can play the blues.. Nice job Bro!

Saturday we played at Josh and Madonna's wedding in Nineveh. It was an outdoor show that went over quite well. The rainy weather even held off till the very end. Best of luck to you two and we hope you have a great time this week up to the Cape.

Well, we have a big holiday weekend coming this week, so I hope you all take advantage of the beautiful weather and get outdoors. We will be up to the Central Hotel, outside under the pavilion for a 3:00PM show.We really concentrate on outside shows as soon as the weather allows it and 80 degrees and sunny is always a plus for us. We hope to see you all there This Sunday, (5/30) bring your lawn chair along just in case, we tend to fill up fast for these outdoor shows.

And back to This week in Rock and Roll History: It's a Big week for birthdays: Bob Dylan turns 69, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac turns 62, and John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival is 65. Wow how time moves along....

So in closing, I hope you all have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend, and remember what Memorial Day is truly all about - Support for our troops that have given their lives from years past up to today. They have done so much for our country in preserving the lifestyles that we all take for granted.

Peace, and I'll see you all soon,

Mikey Dee^^

Monday, May 17, 2010

2010-05-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Greetings all, we are back from Bike Week 2010 in South Carolina. It was so nice just to get away even if it was only for a couple days. The weather in Myrtle Beach was fantastic (92 degrees, sunny and no rain) There's something to be said about the south, they got the weather over us. Anyway, on to Bike Week. The word was out that apparently Bikers are no longer welcome at Myrtle Beach. After all these years they've pulled the plug and this will probably be the last year for what its worth. Nobody wants to go to a place to get hassled and ticketed especially when you are on a vacation. Our hotel had about 6 bikes in the lot, down from the normal 50 or so. The "Dog House South" (famous biker bar) was closed. Murphy's Pub had two golfers and ourselves in it last Saturday. And even the "Suck, Bang and Blow" (maybe) had 100 bikes in both the front lot and all the rear combined. That's such a shame. I think the other thing you have to remember is it's now 2010 and there is a new type of Biker moving up into the foreground. The kids are all grown up and many just want to to do their own thing and not necessarily follow in the parents footsteps. Most of us now are second generation bikers, many of the founders of the late 60's 70's and 80's are just a bit too old to still be raising hell and sleeping in tent on the ground. So now 80's bikers are moving over for the new millennium bikers. So it's kinda sad in a way just like T. West used to say "Other than Corvettes every sport has about a 10-15 year cycle". How true that is. All I can say is "Ride it like you stole it" (at least for now anyway).

So with that, on to the last week's shows. Friday night we played our last winter show up to the HITCHIN' POST. Double D was out of town that night so I jumped up on the bass and had our buddy Wally Jo fill in once again on the drums. It was a great show, and KW and Wally can't wait to do it again sometime. The acoustic shows can be a lot of fun, they are what you make of them, mellow entertainment.

On to Saturday and the AFTON SPORTSMAN'S CLUB. It was the spring roast and the first outdoor show of the year and once again. Patrick, Donnie and the whole club put on a great party. The food here is always excellent. Saturday was no exception. Keep up the good work guys, we're looking forward to the August party.

So now it's still Saturday and on to show number two. The American Legion Post 1645 in Binghamton. Once again we played another stellar acoustic show. The people here just love the band and we try our best to do our best especially in an acoustic show setting, with no screaming guitars, no slamin' drums, just soft and gentle. So soft and gentle I almost wanted to "pop up some corn and just sit on the couch" after this show, so-good.

So now on to this coming Friday Night's show at DAVY'S in CHENANGO FORKS. Yep, were back again for a 9pm Friday night show. Don't miss this one, it should be fun.

Also in closing the new album is selling like hot cakes, so get your copy soon for the mere price of $10. This CD contains 9 songs written by KW himself, one by me and KW as well as a dedication tune for Vinny, our dear Bass brother of yesteryear... Not to mention performances by some of the best musicians throughout the Triple Cites, 15 players in all. So, hey what are you waiting for? (Buy one)

As I close this blog for the week of the 17th, Monday is the "Freedom Motorcycle Rally" in Albany. Basically, if you ride a motorcycle this is where you should be. Demand to be counted and let Albany know that what they write or don't write for your protection is what's in your Best interest. Once your rights are taken away, it's next to impossible to get them back. Ride safe my brothers and sisters and most of all just RIDE.

Peace,

Mikee^^ Dee.... (p.s. 4 more weeks till the 5th annual - and final -DeBetto' fest)

JAMBOREE – 2ND ANNUAL SHARE THE MUSIC - FEED THE PEOPLE CHOW RUN - Thank You!

2010-05-06T04:04:00.000-07:00

On Sunday April 25th The SHORT CHANGE BAND along with a few close friends put on our annual fund raise to help aid the AFTON FOOD PANTRY:

With the support of the following businesses, Bands, fellow Staff members as well as the public we were able to meet our goal and raise over $2000.00 from this event. We would like to also acknowledge the following people and donators. We would have never been able to do this without you all.

THANKS TO YOU: Sincerely the SHORT CHANGE BAND

BANDS:
The Blue J’s / The Cardboard Cutouts/ The C.O.D Band/ Ring of Fire/ Chops/ The Short Change Band:

SECURITY: TY- DOMINICK – RAY RAY

STAFF:
JOHNNY M/C TY- DOMINICK- KEVIN-MIKEE-DARRELL-CINDY-ANDREA- DONNA-CHRIS-ROBIN-DONNIE-ROBERT j.r.HALEY THERESA-TIM AND THE SOUND GUYS:

BUSINESS DONATIONS:
SHORT CHANGE BAND / ROBBY’S LIQUORS /88BC/ FRUMPY’S AUTO SERENITY Xscape/ Bruce Bosket/AFTON GRILLE BAKERY/ Doc’s HOME BREW/ NAPPY FARMS/ AFTONCOUNTRY STORE/ GRAMMAS CAFÉ HITCHIN’ POST /BELDEN HILL GOLF COURSE /AFTON GOLF COURSE
AFTON CUSTOM MEATS/ NINEVEH COUNTRY STORE/ Frito-Lay / STERLING SOUND

THE CENTRAL HOTEL- Bobby and Chopper- for all that you do – And all that you donated-
THANK YOU… SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR

Monday, May 3, 2010

2010-05-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all. Here's a quick addition of this week's Blog. After running around crazy for the last few weeks it is now time to take a week off from playin' out. The following week is sure to be crazy once more as we hit it again hard with one show on Friday night and two shows on Saturday. So our rest is short lived. We almost had 4 shows.....

The final count with the Jamboree was over 300 people in attendance and that helped us to raise $2,235 that we proudly handed into our local Afton food pantry. We were also glad that we could make a difference in helping to feed needy families in our own communit y and I'm sure that we achieved that goal. Thanks again to you all and especially Dominick, Ty and our fellow Abate brothers and sisters Saturday up to the food pantry.
Look for the photos and the Press Release, complete with thank you's on our website as soon as they are posted. We hope to make this event even better next year.

Saturday Night's show up to the Central Hotel started out a bit slower than usual, not to mention it was 84 degrees on Saturday and that could have contributed to the light attendance. When you go from Winter on Monday, complete with snow on Tuesday, to 84 degrees on Saturday, it's bound to throw anyone's internal thermostat for a loop. As the night went on the crowd got a bit more rowdy and we never did get to pack up the show till we played the better part of 5 hours. Now that's entertainment for ya, huh? We played stuff we haven't played in years and we played stuff we never played before and by the time it was all said and done we even played almost all of the (soon to be recorded) songs from album #5...

Special thanks to our musical guests, Herb and Dominick. The night was good. Oh and let's not forget Jim as well...

Lets back up. we just finished album #4 and that is all packaged and ready to go. You can pick up the much anticipated Full Circle CD the next time you see us. We had 15 musicians on this album with a run time of 45 minutes.

It actually is quite good even if I say so myself. The reviews are coming in quite positive. It's worth the 10 bucks for sure. Some of the best stuff we've done to date, with the help of our friends - cool huh?

In closing, our next show is May 14th at the infamous Hitchin' Post, atop of Belden Hill. Our special guest for this show will be Wally Jo Webster. DD will be out of town on assignment. The show begins at 8:30 pm, we hope to see you all then....

Peace,

Mikee Dee^^

CHOW Benefit at the Central Hotel Review

2010-04-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well hello people, I hope your weekend was half as good as ours. We had a priceless one for sure. But, business first - Friday Night we were up to Davy's. Even after a long hard week that took KW halfway around the country and back as well as the incredible stressful weeks that both DD and myself experienced, we came - we rocked and we boogied. It was another great show that was well appreciated by our Biker friends up to Davy's.

Saturday Night we were back up to the Central Hotel to begin setup up for the Sunday Food Run and Jamboree. Even after setting up and getting all of our stuff together for the big Junction Function the next day, we just had to jam! We fired it all up and played the better part of 90 minutes, just for the hell of it I guess - call it a stress reliever.

Then, Sunday morning at 9am it was SHOWTIME back up to the Central Hotel for the final setup and arrangements. By noon we were all plugged in and ready to go. Everything was set. First up the fabulous "Blue J's. This was the first time I got to witness the entire five piece band complete with Keys. You will not meet a finer group of performers and when they started the show off at noon, you could feel the magic of music in the air. Let the Mojo begin. They had a fantastic first set that literally put everybody into a party mood. And for just a moment you could forget about the pouring rain that was going on just outside the door. Thank god we went with our first instinct and set everybody up indoors that day. April can be funny with weather - 80 and sunny one day and snow the next.
On to Act No.2 - The infamous "Cardboard Cutouts". I gotta tell ya, I loved these guys! They are all young kids playing new music, their way. The way they signaturize their tunes and make them their own is commendable. They did some new stuff as well as some classic rock. Look for these guys as a truly new musical force in the very near future. A bit of break ensued and then on to the 20-Year reunion of the C.O.D. band. What a great group of guys even if I say so myself. There are not many bands anymore around town playing Hotel California and Free bird (8 minute versions of each). And As Tom said that day "We never really broke up, we just completed our world tour". I couldn't have said it better myself. Nice job guys! On to the 4th act - "Ring of Fire". Wally Jo and the boys with their pleasant brand of Americana style music was fantastic. Another band that were into their Mojo that day as well. Not many bands would ever try to play "16 Tons", and play it very convincingly to boot. It Reminded me of that old "Stray Cat Strut" tune. So by now the place is packed, with the better part of 300 people stopped to witness and listen to some of Binghamton's finest musicians, all gathered to help raise money for the food needy citizens in our area. Act 5 was "Chops". Many people know these guys but never realized that they play as a drummer & guitarist duo. Interestingly enough though, I had another plan in the back of my feeble mind. How about a Gator Stu reunion? Yeah, you heard it "Gator Stu" like it was in the beginning with Gene, Donnie & Jake. Well let me tell you here friends, this was the show of the day for sure. Now Jake is the lead player for the Blue J's these days and hadn't picked up a Bass guitar in about 5 years. When these guys played, 300 people watched, some danced, some sang - All i can say was Wow! Now how do you follow an act like that? Smoke was coming off the stage - these guys were so hot. Jake, nice job on the memory bank. It never left ya brother. Act number 6, the host Band "Short Change" with a guest musician and friend who stopped by and sat in with the band too. Dean Goble brought with him his arsenal of fiddle and Tele Guitar to the stage. Now we thought because we have so much of own own material now and then having our producer and sound engineer all on one stage, we're doing our own stuff for this show. When we opened up with our first single "Jack Daniels Whiskey" and Dean played that fiddle the crowd went wild and the rest was was all child's play from then on. We pulled off five of our own songs and at the end we had a bit of time left to include a copy tune of "Mustang Sally". Now most people would think nothing of us doing this, but when you have a 3-year old sitting on your lap playing drums along with you, it becomes priceless. Little Sean played the show of his life and the crowd goes crazy. How do you top all this?

We then began to pick and choose from the hat, that's how you do it. And for the better part of the next 2 hours we all played the "mix and match up" game.
All I can say is, we should have recorded this day either on video or tape, but it just didn't happen. The only thing you have here are your memories and Robin's fantastic pictures for this recollection.

So just as it all started, it finally came to a close 7 hours later. And as the dust settles one can just sit back and say "wow" we did our best. Special thanks to all of our BANDS - thank you all! Our staff, Robin, Tammy and Chris, Donna Thank you all! Tim and his crew for some awesome sound work - Thank you guys! Bobby, Chopper and all your fine staff! Donnie - Thank you for the "behind the scenes" and all the vendors for their fine donations. Ty, Dom, Johnny "nice pipes" - love you guys! Andrea, Cindy, and to my brothers KW and Darrell - We did it! And thank you to all of our guests for making this event the true success it was.

When the final numbers come in I will be sure to include them in our upcoming Blogs and for informational purposes we just about passed last years donation by 3 times the previous amount. Sweet!

In closing we all decided a gig this strong needs to take place on a Saturday (not a Sunday) So look for that next April when we head into 2011 to take place on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday.

Don't forget this Saturday's Show - we're back up to the magical hotel - The Central. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. (Don't be late)

We even have a few event shirts from the Jamboree left to sell. We hope to see you all again, and we'll pick up where we left off (so to speak)

Peace and Be well,

Mikee^^Dee And Good night...........

CHOW Benefit at the Central Hotel April 25th

2010-04-20T19:54:00.001-07:00

Well hello everybody. We have an incredible week ahead of us and much to cover so I'm going to get right to it.

Saturday night's show up to the Afton Inn was nothing short of fabulous. Two weeks and two shows in a row with great results. We played - we jammed- we played some more. Nice job Dominic taking us out of the second set on the drums.
We saw a ton of familiar faces once again, and that always makes it all worth while in the end.

On to Sunday we were back into the studio for our final trip this go around. Our 4th album "FULL CIRCLE" is complete and now in the hands of the packagers. Whoppee...Nice Job Dean!
It contains 12 great tunes with a run time of about 45 mins. We had 15 musicians who gave their all to help make this the great piece of music that it is. People say you need to leave your mark though each generation, and this is our Footprint that we hope will help support that concept.

Just reading the reflection that KW includes on every album we make, says it all!

We about hocked our gear to pay for it all this time around as this is our most expensive project to date. There probably won't be to many discounts on this bad boy, but $10 is by no means an outrageous price to ask for so much talent. So be kind to the cause when buying your copy. Get one for a friend too.

Moving ahead to this Friday night, we're back up to Davy's Last Chance Saloon, located in downtown Chenango Forks. The show begins at 9pm. We hope to see there. Let's go for three hot shows in a row!

Now on to the Jamboree - We have all been working diligently here for the better part or 2 months in preparation to this Sunday's "FEED THE PEOPLE AND SHARE THE MUSIC Jamboree. It will begin at 12:00 noon at the Central Hotel & Tavern in Nineveh. Now you can either read about this historic event or be there to witness it first hand.

I was thinking about the concept of the Jamboree yesterday on the way home from work. All the first generation people who have instilled their passion unto to us, to help others through music. The Bucky Moons, The Ben Shackeltons, The Charlie Sherman's of the music world of the past. The jamboree concept Of pickin' an grinnin' all together to help support a common a cause. Young and old alike sharing one stage as we pass down this concept of jammin' between 20 or 30 musician's for one afternoon of music. It makes me crazy with excitement just thinking of it.
The goal here is to have an effective event that is two fold, a great show as well as raising money to help feed the people in and out our local community. These are people you know, kids that go to school with your kids. Almost 1000 kids meals alone were served just last year alone. When I heard that the pantry distributed over 22,000 meals for the year 2009 - I said OMG... how can you not be moved to help neighbors with the single most important need in their lives- FOOD.

So with this in mind, this is the drive that will bring this group of 50 of us together this Sunday to succeed in that very goal.. Help Supply money to purchase Meals and food for the less fortunate.

Other than that, we hope to see you all there. If you miss that day, you miss alot. Oh in closing if you wish to just make a donation in lieu of a visit. Please make your check out THE AFTON FOOD BANK, and mail it to my PO Box and I will surely add it to the what we collect on Sunday
Mike DeBetta, PO Box 185 Harpursville NY. 13787. AND THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Peace,

Mikee^^ Dee

Monday, April 12, 2010

2010-04-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all, I hope your weekend was a grand as ours was. We played up to the Central Hotel once again and what a smokin' show we put on Saturday night. I'd rate the performance a 10+, what a great night for creating music boys!

Along with a great show we had a visit from our Brothers from different mothers -"THE STINKY BOYS" from Susquehanna P.A. If you have ever had the pleasure to party up with the Stinky Boys crew, they are truly a unique group of motorcycle enthusiasts. They not only party with ya, but they sing with ya too. Incredible, that's the only way to describe the fun. We love these guys and girls, what a great group of people!

Also on Saturday evening we had a former member of the SCB "Herb Winters" stop by and jam a few hours with us on stage. It's always a fun time when Herbies around. Gives KW a chance to roam the strings for leads when you have that second guitarist. D.D.was feelin it too - Sweet show, if you missed it - you missed alot.

We also had a ton of friends we haven't partied with in ages stop down and support us as well. Wow what a great night. Thank you all for attending and showing your support!

Here's a quick note on the band history line here: Having Herbie play with us the other night made me think for a minute how Many people don't remember the SCB time line much like myself. So, I will give you all a very quick history lesson - via the Short Change Band:

After Vince was hospitalized back in late 1988 we had to discuss what the future of the band would be. Steve had pretty much stepped down by 1988 and KW and myself had decided that we would fulfill the dates we already had booked. We then decided by the spring of 1989 to give the SCB a bit of a rest out of respect for Vince. We used fill in players at the time to cover Vinnie and they went between Phil and Herbie. Both were Bass players and guitarists in their own rights. Both worked us till the end. The summer of 1989 was kind of sad as we put the SCB on hold and myself as a member for just a short time back then was not ready to retire in any way shape or form. Thus entered the C.O.D. band. Fragments and splinters from 4 other bands was the forte' that carried us on for the better part of the next 3 years. The SCB had returned for a short time in this period but playing one time or so monthly was in no way comparing to our 3 shows every week regiment with C.O.D. Herb and I were not part of that short reunion, so we passed. Now the C.O.D. band became the fill for myself Herb, Phil, John, and of course Tom. When it was all said and done and the cuts were made, we remained a four-piece band - Phil and John left the band and we brought Chuck aboard. So for the better part of the next 3 years we played over 500 shows. And one day just like it all started, it came to an end. That type of pace would burn anyone out. Still to this day no band played what we played - Everything from Hank Thompson to Tesla. We did it all....We had a blast doing it too! In the spring of '91 Vince passed after a long 3 year battle with cancer. 'Til this day it's not something any of us dwell on. It was tough on all of us, not to mention our local followers. So to make a long story short we decided to put the band back together that summer and continued on with Herb on Bass as well as a new member on guitar, Cliffy. The Short Change Band was back, not quite like it once was but into the next phase. Enough already, maybe next week I'll take you from September 95' - because it all changed again that fall. (Film at Eleven)

This history stuff is tough on the brain, so let that be your weekly installment of Rock and Roll History too.

This Saturday we're at the Afton Inn, Main Street in Afton NY. The show begins at 7pm, Stop down and say "hi".

And don't forget the Share the music and feed the people Jamboree on Sunday April 25th, 12 noon. Put it in phone, your voice mail, tape it to your forehead. You don't want to miss this show.. 6 bands and a ton of jammin' and pickin' I get excited just talkin' about it!

And as always peace and love to you all,

Mikee^^ Dee

Thursday, April 8, 2010

2010-04-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hello again to you all. I started this on Sunday and here it is Wednesday and I still didn't finish up. So this week's installment will short as well as late.

The beautiful weather held right into the weekend and I think people had other things on their minds then listening to bar music and drinking beer. (Not to mention it was Easter weekend) We will have to remember that for next year. Easter Time is family time. The show at Fiddler's last Saturday was a hot show. We didn't have a big crowd, but once again we played our asses off for the 20 or more folks that did show up. Better luck next time I guess) We gave it our "all"

This Saturday night we are back at the Central Hotel for a 7pm show. It seems like it's been forever since we were all back home and I'm sure this weekend's show will reflect that as well! We're Jonesin' to play my friends. I hope you can come out and party!

And Remember, our Run for Chow - Feed the People and Share the Music Jamboree comes up in two more short weeks. (Sunday, April 25th at 12:00 Noon at the Central Hotel) I hope to see you folks all soon, because we miss our fans and band groupies alike - we really do! Come out and help support a terrific cause.

This week in Rock and Roll History:

Janis Joplin plays her last show with Big Brother and the Holding Company in San Francisco this week in 1970.
Toto plays it's final overseas tour before they decided to disband this week in 2008
Meat Loaf stars in a guest episode on "House" this week in 2009. (Damn I missed that one)

Have a great short and sweet week. I hope to see you all very soon! Come on out see us this weekend at the Central. It's our home away from home show

Peace - Sincerely yours,

Mikee^^Dee

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

2010-03-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well hello to you all. Wow, it's Easter week already! The first quarter of 2010 is history already, where does time go?

I have a lot of news to share in this weeks blog so let's move right along.

The Full Circle album continues to move along. As I stated last week we only have a few more cuts left to finish. This week being Easter Week doesn't look too promising but maybe soon there after. And hey, you can't rush perfection so relax.

On to the Show review, we were at Gordy's Place last Saturday night. I gotta tell ya this, Pat and Jim are two of the most upright people you would ever want to meet.
They treat so well down there, how can you not put on a good show? You're treated like family there. The wings once again were fantastic. What a way to start the night out huh? With our bellies full and a couple of cold ones, we started out what was to become a rather sweet show. Once again we powered it all up through the P.A. (much like the week before) We had great results, good sound and people can still think while you are playing.

We had a good crowd and everybody seemed to be having a good time. We must have played at least 15 of our originals that night too. KW even brought another fresh tune to the show that we never played before and once again, it was pure magic.
The rush you get from those type of "off the cuff" tunes are priceless and we generally do them so well.

So on to Sunday, we had the big Jamboree staff meeting up to the Central Hotel. We all wanted to meet with the security guys, the owner as well as the sound guy and review the days events. We are hoping this turns out to be one fantastic afternoon of music makin' fun raisin' this side of the triple cities.

Put April 25th at high noon on your calendar. There will be six bands with open pickin', raffles, 50/50's and good food. You just can't beat it, trust me. They will be selling chicken barbeque dinners as well. Admission is $5 to get in, that's to watch all six bands and the jamboree. Everything else is for sale so bring along some cash and maybe you'll win some great door prizes too.

Help us make our second annual Run for Chow "Share the Music and Feed The People" a success once again.

This weekend we're at Fiddlers Tavern in Conklin, so that's the place to be. The show starts around 9pm on Saturday. I was just down here last weekend to see our friends the Blue J's and the newly remodeled bar is quite nice. We will have all the bells and whistles this weekend so come out and see us.

This week in Rock And Roll History:
The Beatles hold the top 5 singles on the Billboard 100 this week in 1964:
Lesley Gore makes her fist appearance on American Bandstand this week in 1963- {Played Tioga Downs here last weekend}47 yrs. later (wow!)
Eric Clapton turns 65:

Hey gotta run, so be good have fun and if we don't see you all this Saturday night at Fiddlers
have a happy and safe Easter Weekend!

Peace,

Mikee^Dee

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

2010-03-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well another fabulous weekend has now come and gone. Along with all the music, the weather - yes, the weather was 65 degrees and sunny for the third week in March! (Priceless) I hope this is the beginning of what is to come for this spring and summer. I wanna Ride..........

Friday night we were up to the Hitchin' Post and we had a mellow evening that really didn't go anywhere. The sound system was a bit off and DD had a guitar blowout so that pre-set the stage for the evening. It's amazing what the little things can do. But the night wasn't a total write-off as there some very positive moments as well. By having some of these sound issues we were able to take the system to the next level the following day.

Saturday we were at Mary's Tavern (Benefit for TY) It was less than 10 hours after the first show of the weekend, and we began another. This time we put all the instruments through the sound board and we went total electric with no amps. The sound was perfect (not too loud, not too wimpy) but just right. So it really was a learning curve for us as this may be the new "acoustic" blend we were looking for all along.

So, this Saturday (just to be sure) we are going to try it all over again up to Gordy's Place in Windsor this Saturday night beginning at 8pm.

Anyway, (back to the benefit) what a great time we all had. The M.C. clubs from as far away as Buffalo came all the way down to show support to a brother in need. There were over 200 people who attended that day. Nice Job Ty jr. and all of your crew, you sure know how to put on a party. (Dad will be proud) Also, a special thanks to Bobby and his band Half Baked for letting us come up and jam a bit too. (Making good music is really what it's all about my friends) Ego's are a musician's worst enemy remember that.

So, from the benefit we went off to Markie Marks birthday party for some Beers and Pizza, not to mention some Rumba (but we won't go into that today) As we moved on from there we still had one more stop as we headed out to Fiddler's Tavern in Conklin to see our buddies "The Blue J's". What a great show and the perfect ending for a day that had alot of mileage to it. Wow!

Then Sunday came and once more, we were back to the studio to continue work on the Full Circle CD. I can say now that we are about 82.4% complete. KW, DD and I spent some time with our producer to review the song mixes. There are five more cuts left to get mixed, then we will be done. And like I always say, "it's the best work we've done to date" We did manage to take home the (7) songs that have been mixed, so we do have some songs to demo. If you're real nice to KW and DD they may just play some of it for you.

So now on to this weekend (Saturday Night) we're at Gordy's Place in Windsor. The show begins at 8pm. We hope you can make it early as they have some of the best wings in the triple cities and they are very reasonable.

This Week in Rock And Roll History;

Dick Clark from American Bandstand does his last show as he retires in 1989:
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith turns 62
And Dion Dimucci marries his wife Sue as the single 'Runaround Sue' soars to number #1 on Billboard Charts this week in 1963...

Be well Be good and I hope to see you all on Saturday night up to Gordy's ... Ohh and it's a mere 13 more weeks till the final Debetto Fest.. More details to follow.
Mark your calendars early.

Peace,

Mikee^^Dee

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

2010-03-16T09:40:00.001-07:00

Well hello to you all and happy spring? The snow is almost gone and the mercury is rising by the day. The Geese have been moving out for the last few weeks. Is it really over? Oh and we changed the clocks too, so as the song goes "In a country that turns back time"... {Al Stewart} that would be us.

Anyway lets get to this week in Short Change Ville: Last Friday night we were at Davy's and had a Great show, and we needed it as it had been almost a month really since we all played together in a an Electric Show. The crowd was a bit light but once again, on a Friday night it poured outside. When the weather is bad at night the crowd is generally light. It seems that people in the winter time just lose the "want to" come out and jam.

Then Saturday Night came, and we joined the Stinky Boys party in Susquehanna PA. The Moose Lodge was a fun place and we had a good crowd that once again for the second week in a row - "Rocked" and "Rolled" literally. The night would not be complete without a few tunes from the Stinky boys Trio. It's always a fun time as we were "Takin' Care of Business". Thanks for the invite boys, and we hope we can do it again real soon.

Time Line Updates: We continue work this weekend as we try to wrap up the final work on the Full Circle CD. Hopefully we will have it ready by the end of March, let's keep your fingers crossed.

April 25th is the big Feed The People CHOW Run at the Central Hotel in Nineveh. We have six bands and six hours of creating and jamming, for a mere $5 donation. The party starts at noon that Sunday, we can't wait!

And finally our 2010 fund raiser for the band will begin Memorial Day weekend at the Central Hotel as well. The annual "win the band for a day" raffle. The tickets will go on sale beginning on Memorial Day weekend and will run till Labor day, where we will draw a winner for the 2011 summer season. So, get your tickets soon as they will be limited once again to just 200. There are pretty good odds there.

This week's shows: Friday night we're at the Hitchin' Post for an Unplugged show that begins at 8:30 pm. The Hitchin' Post is located on Rt. 7 just below Belden Hill in Harpursville. So, come down and see us....

Saturday we are playing at a Benefit show up to Mary's Tavern (across from Lowes off Front Street. It's an early start at 1PM. Please come down and show your support for our friend Ty who is having surgery today. There will be a $10 donation at the door, which includes music. The event runs from noon to 7 pm. Bobby's band Half Baked will be the host band for the event. We Hope to see you all there.

This week in Rock & Roll History:
Joe Perry of Areosmith gets a knee replacement this week in 2008*
Mike Love of the Beach Boys Era- "Little Deuce Coupe" turns 69 this week*
and Nancy Wilson of Heart is 56 this week as well - You Barracuda you...*

So in closing, go out an enjoy the sun this week and we will see you all this weekend right?

Just kidding - Try-

Peace, Mikee^Dee.........

Monday, March 8, 2010

2010-03-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to you all. I’m fresh back from Daytona Bike Week 2010. Now you may think Florida this year is much like Florida was in the past. Let me tell you it was not. Yeah I know you all got two feet of snow but you live here and we deal with it all the time. When you go on vacation, you hope for vacation type weather. Well friends it did not happen. The weather was in the 50's the entire week and if you didn't have a windshield the wind would burn your face like toast. Not what one would expect but you deal with what you got. I was scraping windows every morning, and that was just not right - not in Florida.

The one cool thing was the night of the storm we were all gathered at the Oasis ( a biker bar) in St. Augustine, watching the weather channel and jammin' to the band. (Those Guys) It was something to see, Jim Cantore standing in front of the Super Eight Motel on old Front Street doing a live report. So we were with you all in sprit.

The other thing I'd like to mention is "live music" - you guys don't know how lucky you are to have so much live music and venues to choose from just mere minutes from where you live and work every week. This does not exist in many other parts of the country and as times get harder and the alcohol prices increase along with the laws, the venues like ours could gone forever - just like that. So, Support your local musicians, they are a very important piece of "our" culture and heritage in the Triple-Cities.

On to the Shows: Saturday night at the Central Hotel it was a busy venue with many new faces. DD was out of town on family business, so that put myself on Bass and Wally Jo Webster on drums. It was a fun show as we had some rockin' moments that night for sure. You had to be there to truly understand this point
We also introduced the 2010 Short Change Band calendar that night. ($10 gets a beautiful piece of hand crafted work with many hard to find- un-seen live photo's of the band and many of our fans- groupies – friends) Nice piece of work Robin! The band thanks you.

This Friday Night we’re at Davy's in downtown Chenango Forks. The show starts at 9pm....Come one come all!

Saturday Night- we're coming to Stinky Boys Country- to rock Susquehanna P.A at the Susquehanna Moose Lodge. Everyone is welcome. It sounds like a Biker Party Weekend to me!

And finally- this week in rock and roll History is as follows:
Peter Wolf - lead vocalist of the J. Geils Band is 64
Grand Funk Railroad Releases - 'Closer to Home" album- 1970
Brad Delp lead vocalist of the band Boston commits suicide in 2007

Be well, be safe, be you

Peace: Mikee^ Dee

February 22, 2010

2010-02-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hello people, I hope all is well in all of your world today as we enter into week number eight of the year 2010. In better words, it's about three weeks before spring and not to mention spinning the clocks forward for a bit of Daylight Savings time. C'mon spring!

Let's get right to last week's show review. Friday night we were up to the Hitchin' Post for yet another in our series of acoustic shows. The crowd was fair, and I learned later that there were a series of Pub crawls all throughout Binghamton that night. Lets face it, when the beer's are flowin', that's where you be goin' especially all for one price.

Musically, the band was a tight as we have ever been. We took both guitars and ran them directly into the board giving us a super balanced sound. It's so nice when you can hear yourself and everything has a clean presence to it. Nice!

Jeff and Patty stopped by for dinner that evening and we talked them both into doing some acoustic music with the band, and as always, electric or acoustic - it all sounds so good. Nice job on that Gin Blossoms tune Jeff - we rocked it.

On to the latest with the new album: First, for some of you folks, you may not be aware of our other three albums we have to our credit. Let me give you a quick history lesson here. In 2006 we released our first album "Going Aluminum". It was our first studio accomplishment that included many of the past members of the Short Change band lineup. Some good stuff there and some of KW's first song writing attempts as well. In 2007 the remaining three members of the Short Change Band went on to record a small Trinket for the 2007 holidays and we called it simply "Sessions". Many of these tunes were remixed and buffed up for the next album as what was to become our most polished CD to date "Take The High Road". We were on track with this album as it included not only the Short Change Band folks but a another handful of professional session musicians as well. Now as we grow yet again, we anxiously await the finishing touch of the "Full Circle" CD. This album will have 12 cuts - a dozen of songs with our musical bandmates. It will include everything from cello's to horns.
At this point I would guess it's approximately 75% mixed down. There are only 12 cuts on this bad boy so the rest should be completed very soon. Hopefully by March 1st. I can't wait! Plus, n the meantime. find your raffle ticket stubs from the "win the band" contest, so you can purchase the CD for just $5!

We would like to begin work on our next CD sometime in early April. The title at this point is unknown.

Alright, now you know everything I know about The band's recording activities and progress. I hope it helped.

On to the history of Rock and Roll this Week:

Fats Anton Domino - turns 82 this week- "I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill"
The Police' sign a 10 year contract with A&M records this week in 1978
And Jamie Fox win a best actor Oscar for his roll in the Movie Ray' - this week in 2005

I hope to see you all out and about. Have a great week and be safe - peace

-Mikee^^Dee

Sunday, February 14, 2010

2010-02-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

Well hello to all this fine Presidents week 2010. My goodness, six weeks into this year and I'm still having issues with all of these 2000 numbers. I like the 1900 series numbers much better.

So here we go this week. First we would like to send out our deepest condolences to a good friend of our family. Rusty you will always be near and dear to the Short Change family and friends. Rusty would sit in and sing with our band numerous times in the past. He had his own band back in the late 80's by the name of Heat Wave. Rusty passed away this week in North Carolina. He was 49. (See the picture below)

Friday night we were up to Davy's Last Chance Saloon in Chenango Forks. Starting out the night DD drives half the way up from Kirkwood and makes the realization he forgot his Bass. (Oops) But even through it all the show went on, and on time as well (and DD got his bass) Before the show started he broke his amp. But we got through that too. That would have put a bit of tension on most bands, but not us!

The night proved to go in Short Change fashion. We played a 90 minute first set, and it was a smokin' set to boot. The band was hot, the Whiskey was cold and the beers were flowin'. Ahh what a great show. Not to mention two brand new killer songs KW debuted that night as well. One is a fantastic Blues tune and the other a ballad that is so good, well you gotta come hear it! (that's all I can say)

On to Saturday, it was our third annual dinner and a movie with the band. This time we tried a different approach. The pre-party was up to DD's that included Strawberry Daiquiri’s and a chick flick for the band wives, and an awesome DVD “The Story of Anvil” for the guys. This movie was all about a Heavy Metal band from Canada that spent thirty years of their lives performing and writing music only to have nothing but the memories of doing so - to show for it. It was based all about two members of the band that stuck it out together for all those years, the drummer and the lead guitarist (is any of this sounding familiar yet?) Here these two guys were turning 50, and spent their lives devoted to a cause. They did it all and had squat to show for it but thirteen albums they had made themselves. I don't know if I was impressed or depressed after watching it. It's a great DVD if you get a chance to see it, and it really puts the current music business of today into prospective. Great job DD!

Then on to dinner at Applebee's (that is always the tradition) What a great time and a good meal between all the Short Change family members. We do these as a group at least once every year. It's the sense of family in our band.

The new album: Everyone including us are chomping at the bit for the thing. We are in the process of emailing final mixes back and forth to help save time. It's coming along well. I wish I had a Rotary phone still.

The Run For Chow: The Lineup is complete and we are all on track for April 25th at noon at the Central Hotel. You can download the poster from our website! Six bands will perform that day and group pickin' begins at about 3:30 that afternoon. The Cost is $5 for EVERYONE that day..Even the performers are on board with this. We need to all work together to help make a difference that counts.

The next show is at the Hitchin' Post this Friday at 8:30pm
The Short Change Acoustic Show – the last show for February
So, stop down have a bite to eat and stay for the band.

And finally this week in Rock and Roll history:
One moment of our own, Vince introduces KW to Mikee for the first time in a musical venue as we begin what we later went on to call “The Night Line Band” This week in 1987 (Another Short Change splinter Band) FYI - Bet you all didn't know that one!
So another week passes by and I hope by the time you read this you enjoyed Valentine’s day and another Daytona 500 will have come and gone too (Boggie Boggie)

Oh and what other band could play song title Text games between one another for the better part of an hour using only lyrics from our own songs - The Short Change Band, silly!

Be well, be happy, be you, behave,

Mikee^^ Dee

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

2010-02-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

Well hello everybody, I hope your Superbowl pick's were what you wanted them to be. I thought the Saints were awesome. I always root for the underdog anyway and New Orleans (the City) needed that little shot in the arm.

Let us begin this week’s segment with the long awaited new Album “Full Circle”. We spoke with the engineer and he assures us that it is still in the works. We thought we would have a product by Christmas 2009 but that just didn't happen with a project this size. We had fifteen musicians and five vocalists, and that was not an easy accomplishment in one weekend at the ranch. So, two months later, we wait. I'm sure it will be well worth the wait when it is all said and done. Please be patient. We have eleven more songs in the can ready to roll for album five, that is due to begin this spring. We never sleep....

Next is the "Feed the People and Share the Music" on April 25th. The starting lineup is almost complete as we await one more confirmation from another band, and when you hear who it is - you will know it was well worth the wait.
So from a band prospective, we've been pretty busy as we are rapidly approaching mid February already - wow.

On to last weekend’s review. On Saturday night we were up to the Hotel and it was a fantastic show. We began the evening with a young gentleman (Casey) from Afton having a going away party as he heads out for deployment in Afghanistan. Be safe J-Man and get back home soon - safe and sound.

We then noticed the house was full with the Stinky Boys.... God I love these guys. We were going to have them come up and perform but they had to dash and run. Next time guys… We’ll see you at the Susquehanna Moose Club on March 13th.
The highlight of the evening was a smokin' performance from a couple of members from the “Rise” band and not to mention some tunes from the pretty Patty Patterson. What a great evening it was.

This weekend - one performance - Friday evening 2/12- back up to Davy's Last Chance Saloon in downtown Chenango Forks. The show begins at 9pm. We hope to see you all there.

Saturday night is “band night”. We try to do one of these a couple times a year where we all get together with the band wives and do dinner and a movie. We are not only a band, we are a family unit as well.

This week in Rock History:
The Beatles arrive in America at Kennedy Airport to begin their first American Tour 1964:
Bill Haley of the "Rock around the Clock" era dies of a heart attack this week in 1981:
An the infamous Waylon Jennings dies of complications from diabetes this week in 2002

This weekend: THE DAYTONA 500 happens - can't wait for that either!

Be well, be good, see you all soon - peace,

Mikee^^Dee

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

2010-02-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

Well hello to you all, new week, new month, and a new day. What a great weekend we had last week and if you sit back and relax for the next five minutes I'll tell you all about it. Let’s begin with Friday’s show down to Annie's in Windsor. What a great crowd we had for an opening evening. We made sure to step up the pace a bit right from the get go. Even with single digits outside the band was heating up on the inside. The first set was almost 90 minutes long - that's smokin'. And people actually danced!

We had Annie come up and sing with the band. What a great performance of “Keep Your Hands to Yourself". Nice job Annie! I know the girls appreciated the shots there after - Salute.

Than we moved on and had Pretty Patty Patterson come up and perform with the band. It was another outstanding performance. Nice job to both ladies. I just love when we get our guests up, it's so exciting - the way music should be when the audience participates. (Oh, I almost forgot Ted, who came up and did a bit of Charlie Daniels too) now the night was complete.

Now on to Saturday. It's not very often that DD leaves us a Saturday open and when he does I capitalize on it. Remember we do over 60 shows a year and that leaves very little weekend time for us personally. So I grabbed the Mrs. and off we go to dinner and a show. Now you’re thinking we did a movie didn't ya? Nope, we went band hoppin'. Our sights for Saturday night were on none other than some old friends from our past - The Blue Jays. Let me tell you this, the last time I saw these guys was about two summers ago and since then they have formed a fantastic musical bond that you would have to go see to understand it. For the next two hours we got to hear them play some great Delta Blues, and some great covers as well. Susie does a Dylan tune that Bob himself would surely be proud of her performance of it. It was very powerful. And, the band - they all sing Sue, James, Jake and Scotty. If you are a fan of the Blues and others -- you gotta go out and give these guys a listen. Nice Job Blue Jay’s! I know DD and the Mrs. also enjoyed themselves.

On to this week in Rock history:

This week in 1949, RCA records releases the first 45 rpm record. Seven in all that week, later to revolutionize the music industry for the next 35 + years. Also This week in rock - The day the music “died' The infamous plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper in 1959.
And finally this week in Rock - The Midnight Special concert series premieres on NBC - Friday nights in 1973.

This Saturday’s show (2/6/10) We're back home to the Central Hotel in Nineveh. The Show time 7pm. We’ll see you all there. Be well, behave, and be safe!

- Mikee^^ Dee

Monday, January 25, 2010

2010-01-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hello All, I hope this weekend’s football didn't get you down too much. I am still amazed at the intensity this sport carries week in and week out. I wouldn't want to be Brett Farve today (the beating that guy took) He would be safer being a bouncer in a bar than what he went through last week!

What a crazy weekend for Rock and Roll. It was all about balance - too much whiskey one night and not enough the next - my goodness are we losing our touch? I hope not! Anyway, we still managed 2 smokin' shows last weekend.

We would like to thank all the guest musical talent that showed up at Davy’s on Friday night. Deb and her fine vocal talents, our own Johnny D and not to mention Ms. Stacy. What a great night for music. The bar was packed almost the entire night and the band played well.

Saturday night up to the Hitchin’ Post was another fine acoustic show. I had someone come up to me after Saturday Night’s show and ask me why we only play 3 hours. I asked him "did you ever play an acoustic Bass and a twelve string guitar for 3 hours before and a drum with a shirt condom draped across it? If you did, you would know what I mean.

We continue working on the Run for Chow show coming up on April 25th. The location is set, the staff has been selected and now we continue to work on the Band lineup for that day. Our long time buddies Ty and Dominic came on board last weekend, now the team is complete.

You need to put this date on your calendar. The show will be awesome. I was even told last weekend there might even be a C.O.D. band Reunion - special for that show. It's been very close to 20 years since they last played together – I can't wait! It will surely be the best $5 bucks you will ever spend and you will be helping to feed the less fortunate as well.

Rock and Roll History: Sam Cooke records Chain Gang this week in 1960* - John Lennon writes and records/ Instant Karma single all in one day - this week in 1970*
and finally The First KISS concert takes place this week in Queens, NY this week in 1973*

And this Friday night we play a brand new venue at Annie’s Bar located in Windsor, NY, on what we used to call old Rt.17. You can't miss it. Friday night’s show begins at 9pm. Come on down and wish us luck.

Be good, Be well and we will see you all very soon,

Mikee^Dee

And KW great football party- nice job brother)

January 17, 2010

2010-01-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

I hope your week went well. It looks like we got a little break from the sub-cold temperatures. Yesterday my thermometer read 51. Can't beat that the second week of January. So let's get right to it.

Band News: The new album "Full Circle" is in the middle of being mixed down and compressed. We all eagerly await this new piece of music. I listen to the demo copy in my car almost daily and it is quite good.

There are a dozen cuts that cover about 55 minutes of running time as our songs these days are getting more lengthy by the album, and that's good. As I stated in the past there are about 15 different guests on this CD - everything from Cello's to horns to accordions - it's all in there.

And, A Short Change Album would not be complete without at least 5 genres of music types. There's Southern Rock, Blues, Instrumentals, Love songs, and even some truck driving music - it's all there! It's some of our best work to date not to mention the ever changing mode of fantastic song writing by Mr. KW Winters himself. The boy is "coming out" for sure - you go brother!

We have become a three-piece completion machine. KW writes and we all create the new masters that evolve. It's an awesome process my friends. And, while we are on that subject, Album number four is complete. For our fifth album we spoke of releasing a greatest hits CD, as well as adding 3 or 4 new songs to that. The song writing for KW has been so productive that we have another album's worth of material on it's own - so the greatest hits CD will have to wait another year. Enough on the music business at hand
.
Show Review: Gordy's Gordy's Gordy's- Saturday night was truly a dinner and a show for us. We got to sample some of those fantastic wings I told you folks about, and yes they still are very good!

The show began exactly at 8pm as promised. The crowd was a bit light in the beginning but by 9pm there wasn't a seat left to be had. We also had a number of guests including past a past member of the Short Change Band (dating back to the late 70's maybe - let's say early 80's - it makes me feel better). Great Drumming Jim and the night would not have been complete without Bob the "Barber" doing "Wooly Bully" Ahh, what a great night! (Great show boys)

If you missed it, like I've said before you missed a good one. We were due.

Upcoming Shows:
This Friday Night- Davy's in Chenango Fork's - 9pm
Saturday Night - We're back to The Hitchin'Post in Belden - 8pm
Two great nights of music- Try to come out and catch us.

Finally in Rock And Roll History - this week it's all about us. Three years ago this week the Short Change Band played it's last show as a four-piece band. The band converted over to three-piece ever since. This week in R&R history.

Everybody have a great week,hope to see you all soon!

-Mikee^^ Dee

January 11, 2010 (First Blog of the New Year!)

2010-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2010. With 2009 in the past we are all looking forward to a new and better year.

This will be a quick Blog this week as we really do not have a whole lot to report on.

Last Friday we played a private party (a biker party that was actually a pretty good venue. Once again it snowed so the crowds departed early. Can't blame them, nobody likes to party and then have to drive home in a blizzard) And besides, it was cold too. Why we do what we do in the middle of the winter on a Friday night - god only knows. It's what we do i guess.

This Saturday we are back in Windsor. come see us down at Gordy's where it's always a good time. Not to mention the best Wings this side of Binghamton. The show starts at 8pm, so it's an early Saturday night with a great start time. I hope to see you all once again.

And an upcoming event I would like to start the PR work on this week is a benefit that will take place on Sunday April 25th 2010. We are going to sponsor an old time Jamboree that day at the Infamous Central Hotel in Nineveh. The show begins at noon and there will be quite a few different bands from around the Triple Cities to help with the cause. Tentatively this our 2nd annual benefit for CHOW - (Afton Food Bank)
In the next few weeks I will be giving you further details but make sure you put this Sunday date on your Calendar - it will be awesome.

And Finally, This week in Rock history:

Elvis Presley releases his first single on the RCA label - HeartBreak Hotel was released this week in 1956. Also one of the few songs he had any influence in writing. Elvis would have celebrated his 75th Birthday too!
Ted Nugent requires 40 stitches as he cuts his leg in the filming of a TV reality show this date in 2004 - with a 26 inch chain saw... ouch*

Be well , stay well, and we hope to see you all this Saturday down to Gordy's in Windsor

Peace,

Mikee Dee^^

Tuesday, December 29th

2009-12-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

Greetings all, I hope your Christmas was all that you expected it to be and maybe more. For one day it was nice to just sit home and chill. I cooked a little food and watched some videos.(Nice)

Below you will see a picture of my former next door neighbor just back from Afghanistan. It seems like just yesterday I was coaching him as my starting catcher for our Youth Baseball Team. In those days he was guarding home plate, now he is helping to protect our country. God Bless you Christopher. Who ever thought ten years ago he would become a Marine. Awesome!
So now as the year comes to a close I have a couple reflections of my own from 2009 I'd like to pass on. Who would ever think we would ever recover from $4 a gallon gasoline prices. Who would ever think Chicken Wings would cost more per pound than a T-bone Steak. Who would think that the Federal Government would take all the gun ammunition off the shelf after next year and put tracer codes on every piece of ammo a sportsman will ever buy. Who would think that a pack of cigarettes would sell for as much as $8 a pack. And not to mention beer prices taking a 60% hike all in one year as well. 10% unemployment, people going to bed hungry, consider how lucky we all as this year comes to an end. It's getting to be a very scary environment that we have entered into here in the last couple years. If in 2010 you do nothing else, become informed, register and vote. Make it a New Year’s resolution and tell your friends about it too. You can't bitch about something if don't try to fix it, and there's much fixing to be done. There’s more time and space than I have, but I'm sure I have you all thinking.

No music report this week, as we were off for the Christmas Recess*
Sunday we went back into the studio for the final days recordings. We reviewed all 12 tracks and put most of the finishing touches on each of the 12 cuts. We also had one more guest join in on our review, Mr. Jeffery A. Jeff contributed some sweet mandolin tracks as well as guitar work on about 3 cuts. Myself and DD put down some more tracks as well and not to mention the highlight of the day when KW pulled out an accordion and played on one of the tracks. Very cool. I got the picture too, look for it on the album cover.

We began this project back in early July, five months later we have a ton of time and money all tied up here and we hope you all enjoy the labor of some of this area’s most premier musicians and the love they all shared in making music. We thought we would never get through it, and now we wait for the engineer to give us the final mix down. So many footnotes and thanks will be handed down as well- and then “Full Circle” will be just that – “Full Circle” completed. {Feb. 2010}

And now for this week’s show... NEW YEARS @ THE HOTEL- $15 per - person with a sit-down dinner. You can't beat it! The show begins about 6pm and dinner to follow. The party into the next Decade with the SCB and there are still a few good seats available.
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This week in Rock And Roll History:
Scotty Moore- Elvis Presley's lead guitarist is 78 today...
Dennis Wilson- Beach Boy's Fame- drowns this week at a party in 1983
George Harrison is stabbed in his home by an intruder. George manages to subdue the intruder{ kicked his ass} and was turned over to authorities this week in 1999.
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In closing - have great and save New Year’s . We here at the band thank you all for your continued support and we’ll see you all next year.

Mikee^^Dee-- peace..