Thanks to MJ for catching us in the act in the KRCB 91 FM studios!
We were guests on Steve Earlap’s show “Our Roots Are Showing” to promote our latest album “Shake Those Bones” and our double CD release party with Roxanne Oliva that night at Aubergine’s.
Getting ready to head out to KRCB radio in Rohnert Park to chat and play music live in the studio. Our time slot is 2:00pm. Steve Earlap is our host on “Our Roots Are Showing”.
Listen in at 91 FM
or
LIVE stream: krcb.org/
Roxanne Oliva and several of us Mad Maggies will be talking about our new albums and our release party/show tonight. We’ll stir up some dust 
Sometime in the early morn, Jim texted asking whether we wanted to come for the Czech Village Pancake Breakfast. I texted back that we had stayed up way too late. There were snoring musicians in every room and I imagined few would be vertical before noon.
Sometime after this the house filled with the smell of onions being sautéed. Roxanne was making spinach and potato frittatas for brunch. Hallelujah!
We had time to drink tea and coffee, eat and then pack. There was a dance party to play in the Czech Village at the Red Baron pub. We would leave for the airport directly after.
For this show we had even more jamming. Mad Ms whistler Rhian joined Roxanne with Ian on “cats paws” and Renée on button box for a nice Celtic jam. Toes were tapping all through the place. Corn Mo, Paul Rogers, Ron Borelli performed again to everyone’s enjoyment. Billy dished up another dance inducing set with the Mad Ms backing and Renée sitting in on squeeze and Roxanne on triangle.
Then it was up to us to wrap the party up with a bang. I had one eye on the clock because we only had minutes to get to the airport in time for checking in.
It all worked out. We would do it all again in a heartbeat. Thank You, Cedar Rapids! Thank you Jim Jacobmeyer and New Bohemia/Czech Village!
Corn Mo took a couple videos which capture the feeling. Pictures ARE worth thousands of words:
PHOTOS:
A medley of photos on our website (no FB needed)
The Accordion Symposium started early at a local eatery and meeting place, Gatherings. Folks milled about, asked questions about accordions, shared their musical backgrounds. Workshops happened on and off until mid afternoon. Then there was a small pause which gave some of us the chance to sight-see and even take a horse drawn carriage ride through the village and back again. Then the evening concert began featuring all the accordionists who had come for the event.
The very talented Corn Mo started us off. What a set of pipes! He absolutely wowed the crowd.
Renée de la Prade followed and was as energetic as always, then Paul Rogers rocked it with bassist Lewis Wallace and Mad Ms drummer Ian luke.
Smooth and elegant jazz master Ron Borelli was up next. I do believe he can play anything. Mad Ms saxophonist Adrian joined him for a tune which was a special treat.
Billy Wilson kicked up some Cajun/Zydeco energy, with Mad Ms GDub (guitar), Tim (bass) and Ian (drums) backing him up. Billy asked Renée to join him on a couple tunes as well. Irresistible dance party music.
Next up was Roxanne Oliva for some Klezmer music with Mad Ms tubist extraordinaire, Johny Blood and Adrian on sax. Rox is one of those players who makes it all look so effortless.
Then yours madly took the stage to close the evening. Cannot remember all the tunes we played but do remember we were privileged to have Roxanne join us on “Morning Star“, our “Chanson de Jean” was a hit, “Shake Those Bones” blazed, “Magdalena’s Revenge” shook the dust from the ceilings.
All together we accordionists dished up three hours of music straight and no one complained nor did the crowd thin. So cool!
I’ve got to mention that all through this full-day event volunteers worked tirelessly at the information and merch table. We are talking hours. Jim had assembled a super dedicated team.
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So once we packed up it was back down to Parlour City to catch the end of Paul Rogers’ gig. We had a chance to hang with all the musicians, Jim and friends and Lori Young and husband Paul. Death met Cow – Lori’s constant photographic companion.
Jim at Parlour City with tireless volunteers:
Some of the gang:
Death and Cow:
Pizza, more beer and back to home base for more hanging out.
One more day to go.
Our photo album (no FB needed)
GOOD PRESS: Eastern Iowa Life article
To a one the Mad Ms had a blast this past weekend in Cedar Rapids. Those Iowans are some friendly people!
The fun began Thursday night (9/22) when we took a red eye flight from SFO to arrive at CID around 8:30 Friday morning (9/23). Fellow accordionista and workshop presenter Roxanne Oliva and her husband Paul Oliva traveled with us.
Our host, Jim Jacobmeyer picked us up with friend and volunteer Robin. They hauled all nine of us and luggage and instruments back to his beautiful 1905 American Four Square 2 and 1/2 stories, 5 + bedrooms home near the “Czech Village”. You Californians don’t even want to know what a home like that sells for there. Seriously you don’t.
We thought we’d have some down time but found out that sound check was at 1pm so we figured out who would sleep where, ate a quick brunch and then off to the Vet’s Memorial Stadium.
Our stage was on a mezzanine area above the ball field. All very nicely set up. Sound Concepts was in charge of sound, Bandi was our engineer with Vanessa and Horace assisting. They did a great job. There were sound speakers throughout the area, not just on the stage, which had to be a trick to get right.
A couple hours there warming up and then back to our home base to freshen up for our 6pm downbeat. At this point we are in a slight daze but nothing a good Czech beer won’t straighten out.
Here’s a photo of us in front of Jim’s Four Square as we head off to play BrewNost 2011:
Roxanne was to play a few sets at a nearby bar/restaurant — Parlour City so she and Paul stayed behind.
When we arrived at the gate there was a very nice crowd gathering. Tables were full of beer-filled glasses. Lori Young of Hey Lori Productions had made it up from Illinois with her husband Paul.
During our first set folks were still getting beers and sampling the array of food. A section of keys on Adrian’s sax fell apart so he had to jerry-rig them. ‘Twas a bit nerve wracking to see him sitting on the back of the stage with tools in hand working on his horn mid-set. Then something happened to Rhian’s clarinet. Oh my! But the show must go on. Sure enough Adrian & Rhian got their horns back in action.
By our second set more folks were seated in front checking us out and then by the third set there was dancing and general cavorting. Rhian spoke Czech to the audience, I sang a song in Slovak. We played our hits. They loved us. A great gig!
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After the show we packed up and went to support Roxanne at Parlour City. Jim and another friendly volunteer, Laura drove us. (Turns out Laura speaks French so I had fun practicing chatting with her.)
Rox had been dishing up a solo show for a couple hours. We had our instruments with us so we joined her for a few tunes. Even Paul sang a tune. We played Klez, Irish whatever we could figure out that we could play together. Next thing I know Johnny Blood is up singing “Ma Vie en Rose” with Roxanne accompanying on accordion. A memorable performance!
Don’t know if it was related but right about then one of the wait staff came over to mention how late it was, closing time was coming up …
We rambunctious rogues moved our gathering back to Jim’s home. Once again we were chauffeured.
I recall a stop for beer and whiskey. More music in the living room. I, in a stroke of unimpaired good judgement, retired to my chambers before the “blues song-writing circle” began.
A good first day.
PHOTOS:
A medley of photos on our website (no FB needed)
Eastern Iowa Life article saying the Mad Ms are coming
Suds and Dancin’ — Super pleased to be playing this year’s BrewNost! in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This international beer-tasting event kicks off the Fall Czech Fest and the 1st National Accordion Symposium.
I will be trying my best to blog our adventure.
Are you ready for the Mad Ms, Cedar Rapids?!
Couple more chances to enjoy the Mad Ms this month!
August 28 – Sunday – 12:05-12:55pm Rohnert Park Arts & Music Festival – Free and all ages!
August 31 – Wednesday – 4:20-7:30pm – Lagunitas Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary, Petaluma – wonderful out-door beer garden behind the Lagunitas headquarters. No cover!
Catch Us in the Act at the Sonoma County Fair this Tuesday night, August 9th from 6-9pm on the Park Stage.
Tuesdays are 2 for 1: Buy one Fair General Admission and get one free every Tuesday BEFORE 5:00 pm.
Come early and enjoy the music of our friends, the Italian pop sensation, Bella Ciao who are playing before us on the same stage from about 1-4pm.
We are playing this afternoon, Sunday 5-6pm Piccolo Pavilion, Corte Madera. This summertime concert series is free, outdoors and all ages. It’s going to be fun, as always!
Menke Park, Old Corte Madera Square located at Redwood Avenue and Tamalpais Drive.
Look for the white gazebo.
