One of the JSJBF’s newest member, Jim Crisci has been heavily involved in the Jersey Shore music scene since moving to Bradley Beach. Known for his intimate basement concerts, which have included Gary “US” Bonds, Willie Nile, and Bob Lanza, he was looking for a space to open these events up to a larger audience. On January 30th, he did just that, by taking on a partner, the Belmar Arts Council, with Jenand KevinSpyker, hosting the perfect space. Here, in his own words is Jim’s account of how this wonderful night of music and fellowship went down.
by Jim Crisci
It was my pleasure to present the Bob Lanza Blues Band at the Belmar Arts Center. Last year Bob played a house concert for us, where we have a 45-person capacity.
After “accidentally” discovering the Belmar Arts Center, I booked a date there, and texted Bob. I wanted him to be my first act at this venue, and I wanted more Jersey Shore people to see him. I’m happy to say that we had 65 people show, and Bob and his band were on fire all night long.
Bob brought a true all-star band with Steve Kirsty from The Fabolous Thunderbirds on bass, Tom Papadatos from Popa Chubby’s band, and the incredible Vin Mott on harp, a band leader of his own.
They played two long sets, featuring some Lanza originals, including “Gotta Little Girl,” and “When the Sun Comes Up,” along with a nice run through the classic blues songbook. Bob and Vin handled the vocals and the solos, while Steve and Tom provided rock solid rhythm. A special treat, included Sharon Lasher, coming out of the audience to belt out three songs with the band, and the crowd ate it up! During the break, the band hung out with the attendees, and I’m sure the made a lot of new fans.
Bob and I go back almost 50 years, having first met in 1980. Back then a guitarist named Dave Perkins would bring his band up from Nashville three or four times a year to play at Kenny’s Castaways, a legendary Greenwich Village club. My buddy Tom and I were big Dave Perkins fans, and we saw Bob and his brother Jerry at every show. We eventually introduced ourselves, and found out that they lived in Jersey, and they had a band. So, it’s been a treat to follow Bob’s career, as he grew from some local kid, to a NJ Blues Hall of Famer. And oh yeah-Bob and I share a birthday.