Tom Waits' Birthday Party

 Do you know who Tom Waits is?  For some he is a growly old man... for others an iconic figure.  He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and this year his latest album, "Bad as Me", has a Grammy nomination for 'alternative album of the year'.   I chuckle over the monikers sometimes attached to descriptions of Mr. Waits and/or his music.  What exactly is an 'alternative album'.  Looking up the word 'alternative' as an adjective gives me this: "existing outside the establishment".   Ah! Now that makes sense.

This last Friday, December 7, 2012, was Tom Waits' birthday.. at least according to some of the tales he has told...born on the anniversary of the 'day that will live in infamy".  On this day there was a gathering at the Conor Byrne Pub in Ballard, WA. (Seattle, WA. USA).  This was their 6th annual "Tom Waits' Tribute Night".  Last year's celebration was Chris' first time playing this tribute night and we were only too happy to be invited to be one of the performers for this year's event.  The Conor Byrne does a great job in choosing artists for this event and this year did not disappoint.  The featured performers were:  The Bad Things, The Puddle Stompers, Carrie Clark & the Lonesome Lovers, The Love Markets, Miss Mamie Lavona the Exotic Mulatta & her White Boy Band, Robert Rial's Bakelite 78, Dan Yost, Sam Russell, Erin McNamee, The Foghorns, Clayton Ballard, Chris Kendziorski (Released From Quiet) , Norman Baker, The Mongrel Jews, and Ben Fisher!    Every performance brought a unique twist on classic (what songs of Tom's is not a classic, I ask!?).  The performers chosen attire was, at times, as entertaining as the incredible tunes; suits and ties to men wearing black lingerie as the backing band to a beautiful buxom blonde - also in matching black lingerie! Mr. Waits would have felt right at home.

This was a SOLD OUT show.  The door proceeds were donated to the Cafe Racer Love Fund.  The tragic shooting deaths that occurred at Cafe Racer affected the whole of the music scene - and beyond -  and it was heartwarming to see so many people show up to support the cause of helping the families of the victims.

We brought our HD video camera with us.. as we did last year.. and recorded all of the sets. When we are taking a break from our studio work -- we are editing down that video to share on the 'tube.  We'll let you know when that is available for viewing.   In the meantime - if you have not yet opened your world to Mr. Waits' we will provide you with a link to his website.  Word of CAUTION:  Should you decide to click on this link... your musical ride in this world will forever be altered!  http://www.tomwaits.com/
-RFQ

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