A Blues Tale of Two Cities

Stanhope and Freehold New Jersey

by John Dammacco

These past two weeks produced some of the finest Live Blues music in a long time.  December 4th, the legendary Stanhope House, Stanhope, NJ. EarthShare, NJ’s premier ecology nonprofit held its inaugural blues event and fund raiser. Paula Aldarelli, Executive Director for EarthShare, and longtime great friend and musician Ted Palumbo, put together a hot lineup to celebrate the event.  With a last-minute band change the lineup was complete.

Tad Schaefer and The Troublemakers opened the night with a sizzling set of Texas-influenced blues.  Tad, Tommy, Michael and Walter let it all out smooth and rockin’. We were on our way. Next up The Incinerators. John, Rich, Steve, Gary, Chris, and of course Lil Miss Kimmie, hit the stage with a blazing set of soul deep songs delivered like only the Incinerators can. Jump Back (a last-minute fill in for the Lew Gatewood Band) blew the ashes off the stage and relit the fire.  Jack, Wayne, John and Emilio ripped through crafted covers and originals. This led up to the finale, The Chuck Lambert Band. The legend plays legendary. Chuck, Chip, Bob, Eddie and Eric turned up and showed the crowd what it means to experience the blues, live. A rip-roaring set, smoldering guitar, tight rhythm, keys and sax, no one was left standing.

What do they all have in common? All Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation members, all volunteers.  In the end, money was raised for a good cause and everyone had a great live music experience.

Then on to Freehold, NJ.

VFW, Freehold. The Help a Brother Out fundraiser for Don Rispoli, veteran drummer for the Jo Wymer Band, in need. The weather stayed warm, for December, but it was hot inside. 20 acts, alternating Acoustic/Band on two backline setups hosted by Rock on Radio DJ Danny Coleman and Producer Clair Henwood. They say it couldn’t be done. Nonsense, Jo, Gino Simonelli, Jersey Johnny Flora and friends kept the bands rolling in and out like a well-oiled machine. 50/50’s, raffle baskets and great food kept the party moving while the bands kept them grooving.

Again, JSJBF member bands jumped in to lend a hand, all volunteers for a good cause.

Tad Schafer and the Troublemakers

Jump Back

The Incinerators

Peter Veteska and Blues Train

Tommy B. and The Deep Blue Sea

Jersey Johnny & The Eulipions

Me and Bobby D

The Jo Wymer Band

So, the last two weeks have produced some epic live events. Sandwiched in between, Friday 12/10. The Chubby Pickle, Atlantic Highlands, Blue Collar Blues. The Host, The Incinerators kicked off another addition of this tried and true event. This evening’s guest was KEF! Kevin Kelley, Tony Ellis and Jim Flynn crushed the Pickle with soulful crafted covers, three-part harmony and let the good times roll. Be sure and read the full review in this newsletter.

If you want to be where the action is, follow the JSJBF events. Guaranteed fun, guaranteed great live music. Come be a part of the community. If you’re not a member, give us a look.