One Last Time around. . . Stop Number 1

So this is the beginning of the ending. As many of you know, A Band Named Sue will shift forms from the regular gigging trio to a possible one weekend a month gigging machine with a Wegrzyn special delivery. We are still in negotiations!

Anyway, We started our ending at the wonderful NXNW Brewery right here in the great city of Austin, Texas. We have one more show this Friday at the Brewery and then we are on hiatus until we can figure out phase two.

We had a great show at the brewery. I had a very good Friend, Adym Roy, come over from Houston to sit in with us on the guitar. Adym and I survived college in Nacogdoches, Texas together. He was always the established and learned musician, while I was putting drum sticks in my hands for the first time. It's always fun to come full circle with your musician friends and being able to share the stage. We really enjoyed Adym's contribution to the songs and I'm sure that he will be invited back for a second round.

The wonderfully talented Grisel came up for the second set to offer some vocal support. Then later in the night, Mike was nice enough to sit in on the drums and sing Cocaine Blues and Deliah.

We also had the amazing opportunity to meet our biggest fan, Miss Sarah. Sarah came to the show with her father and brother Brian. She actually asked us for our autographs and we gave her and her brother signed CDs. It's an amazing feeling when someone asks for your autograph and it doesn't involve closing on a house!

The show was great and we want to thank everyone for coming out the Brewery. I'll post more on the Hanover's show and our last night at the cat later this week.

Thanks!

Jonathan, Andy and James

A Band Named Sue Makes The Big Return

Okay, if you are a musician in this town you know that this can be a pretty tough place to work your craft. There is a lot of competition around and then you have this underlining pressure because we live in the "Live Music Capital of the World". Now don't get me wrong, I love the competition factor. I love that you can go out on a Sunday night and see a great band play. I love that there are so many venues for live music . . . hell I just love this town, it would take a lot for me to move away from Austin, and a lot more to move out of the great state of Texas.

There are a few opportunities that come to you as a musician. When I had my own band, Pleasurecraft, it was playing at the Saxon Pup. Then with A Band Named Sue, it was opening up for MO at La Zona Rosa. There aren't too many bands that ever get that opportunity. Then when Andy asked us if we wanted to play a benefit at the Continental Club, we jumped on it, because there are so many legends that have graced that stage. A Band Named Sue has only been around for a little over a year and we have played some killer shows and have been rewarded handsomely, not just monetarily, but also from the continued support of our fan base and the new fans that we find each time that we play.

So when I saw an e-mail from Andy that the OWNER of The Continental Club asked us to cover a Saturday happy hour show, I got that warm feeling inside that this was going to be a great show and a great opportunity . . . . and you know what? IT WAS. I think that our show last weekend ranked in the top 5 all time shows right up there next to the show at La Zona Rosa.

We really want to thank The Continental Club staff for everything that they did for us. We really appreciated Jamie the sound guy for making us sound good and making sure that the levels were good on both sides of the lights. The bar staff was great and to have them take time to pass our tip jar around, just makes us appreciated them that much more. The crowd was great and think that we really put on a great show and gained some new fans. We are really hoping to play this show again, whether it's the Saturday happy hour slot or band three on a Monday evening.

I guess now all we need to do is play The Back Yard, Stubbs, Austin Music Hall and The Erwin Center and the circle will be completed.

Thanks again to all the fans that made it out to the show. We look forward to seeing everyone of you again soon. We are ramping up for the holidays, so remember that if you or your company are having a company party this seasons and you want something completely different, why not have A Band Named Sue be the entertainment. We are set to play anything from a small house party to the state capital rotunda. It's just that easy, give us a call.

Those Fighting Texas Longhorns, Road Trips and The Corner Bar in Big D

The whole thing started really early, and when I say really early, I mean REALLY EARLY. For me the day started at 5:40, then at 6:00 I was picking up our roady, Seamus Gallivan. Then we headed over to Andy's to take off for Dallas as close to 7:00 as we could.

The first stop . . . Rudy's BBQ for a couple of breakfast tacos then we hit the I35 Corridor and we didn't stop till we go to the corner, The Corner Bar in Dallas, Texas.

The staff was getting ready for the big day with the entire front parking area blocked off with barricades they even had a twin axel flat bed farm trailer for a stage. The sun was high, the air was warm, but the beer was cold and after a little "lubrication" we started the show.

The Corner Bar was so good to us and we really enjoyed playing. For me it was worth the trip, just to be in the same town as the game. OU weekend is like my own personal superbowl. It's the only game that Texas has to win each year just to have a good season. We have been handed our hat so many times in the past by OU that these last two victories have just been so vindicating.

The Corner Bar took care of us like any great waterhole would with complimentary food and beverage and we would definitely make the trip back up North to spread the sound of the great Johnny Cash.

Our next show is at NXNW on the 20th and then it's our regular show at the Mean Eyed Cat. Andy and Jonathan will be hosting the show at the Mean Eyed Cat. It will be a special duet between these great musicians. It should be something to see.

Don't forget that A Band Name Sue is always ready to play your private party or corporate event. For something different this holiday season let A Band Named Sue be your entertainment. We are prepared to play all types of parties and venues to some thing quiet between friends at your house or . . . Daryl K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium . . .TEXAS FIGHT!

A Band Called . . . What?

It was a red letter day in ABNS history. Our first show at The Continental Club just a hop skip and a jump from downtown Austin. It was a show for the dogs . . . Literally. We were invited by the Heart of Texas Lab Rescue to play for their benefit for the lovely Labrador Retrievers that so desperately need homes here in Austin.

The benefit was hosted at The Continental Club and we were honored to help the organization raise money. But it was also an honor to know that we shared a stage with some of music's greatest legends. So many great acts have graced that stage, it was almost surreal to be up there on the other side of the lights.

The evening got started with The Mother Truckers, who have a revolving Thursday Happy Hour show and then on to a local band called Topaz. Topaz is a great funk band with some serious musicians. I really enjoyed their set. After a quick stage flip we started the show with a little of the old Boom Boom Mancini and then it was on to the Johnny Super hits. The crowd was great and I think the everyone really enjoyed the show.

We really want to thank The Heart of Texas Lab Rescue, The Continental Club and the WAKA team, Booze on First that came out to support the band and the dogs despite an upset on the South 1st diamonds.

A Band Named Sue at the Mean Eyed Cat

Another great show at the Cat last Wednesday. Always a pleasure to play for the great folks and A Band Named Sue fans . . . where was Uncle Lenny? He didn't even call in sick!

It was a nice night of cool Texas August air. I think that the tempurature was down to 89 by the time we started. But after a few Johnny tunes it was nothing but smooth sailing and toe tappin fun.

Grisel Rodriguez stepped up to the mic for the second set. We are looking toward a bright future with Ms. Rodriguez. Her contribution to the show is definetally appreciated.

Back to Fado, The Mean Eyed Cat and NXNW

It's been a long time since I've posted anything to the blog so I thought that I should just get down to business. I had these delusions that I was going to do something really special when I got back to blogging for the band, but I just decided to get the info out there and catch everyone up on what's going down.

We've had a hand full of shows since the last post and it all started at NXNW under the big top. Once again, a great show and a hell of a place to see live music, eat great food and drink great locally brewed beers. Our relationship with NXNW continues to grow and we are set up through November.

At the end of July we had our regularly scheduled program at the Mean Eyed Cat, the pseudo home of A Band Named Sue. This is a great gig for us and we really enjoy playing on the back porch of the Mean Eyed Cat, you can almost smell the chain oil from the thousands of saws that were once repaired there before it became one of Austin's favorite watering holes. My Uncle, Karl Musselman, sat in on the electric gitfiddle (guitar) with A Band Named Sue. Karl came all the way from California to showcase his talent in Austin. Actually he was only here on vacation, but I have to twist his arm (NOT) to convince him to lay down some tastey licks with the band.

Only three days later we were back at NXNW on a lovely Saturday evening. And once again we did our best to entertain the masses.

We've got a ton of shows coming up from private parties and Texas Football Tailgates to a possible Dallas premier OU Weekend. So many good things start this time of year. There's ragtag preseason football, the little ones start school and the National Championship Texas Longhorns are getting riled up for another outstanding season of college football.

Don't forget to check out the myspace account at www.myspace.com/bandnamedsue we've been trying to use this space as a way to market the band and to keep the our fans updated on shows. You can always check the calendar section to see where the best Johnny Cash band will be next.

Enjoy the pictures!

Back To Work!

After a brief break from entertaining our fans we are back in the saddle. Both Andy and Jonathan ran off to Mexico with their significant others and I took the time off to spend with my little one. A week ago Monday we got together in the garage to remember that we were once a band and after only a few minutes we were back to rockstar status.

Our first show out was last weekend at the NXNW Brewery and as always we had a great time with the great folks that make the giant NXNW wheel turn. The staff at the Brewery is always so gracious and it's really a lot of fun to play in the open air pavilion.

We have a ton of shows scheduled for the next few weeks so if you get a chance, come out to see Austin's PREMIER Johnny Cash Experience!

Upcoming Shows:

• Wednesday July 26th - Mean Eyed Cat 7:00 - 10:00
• Saturday July 29th - NXNW Brewery 7:00 - 10:00
• Friday August 10th - Fado 9:00 - 12:00 (Tentative Date)
• Saturday August 26th - Shoal Creek Saloon Chill Cook Off - Afternoon Show
• Wednesday August 30 - Mean Eyed Cat 7:00 - 10:00
• Thursday September 14th - Fado 9:00- 12:00
• Tuesday October 12th - Fado 9:00 - 12:00

More dates sure to come!

Remember that A Band Named Sue is available for private parties and corporate events. Be that guy at that company that hires a unique band to add that special atmosphere to your next rhythmic ceremonial ritual!

Check out A Band Named Sue on Myspace!
www.myspace.com/bandnamedsue

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4th Street, Fado's, A Dallas Win . . . SHOCKER!

Well kids, A Band Named Sue played it's debut show at Fado in the famous warehouse district. It was a lot of fun to play downtown for a change, there is always so much energy. It was a hub of activity with the rumbling sounds of guitars and drums willowing over the rooftops. At one point I was worried that our sound would be drowned out by the myriad of power chords being wind-milled just over the duct work.

Fado has put the stamp of approval for their new outdoor deck to accommodate the nicotine queens, only the city hasn't put their stamp on the plans. More hot tubs and outdoor showers was Dr. Hoyles vote, but these days it's all ball bearings. So we played on the soon to be back deck on a very nice stage that the bar had set up for us. I have to say that it was pretty nice to have some sort of riser and the club is trying to help the perception that the band should be somewhat elevated from the general audience. I think that Fado has high hopes for their new outdoor digs, maybe when they get it finished we can host the first Deckapalooza!

It was also the first gig that I got to play my new Gretsch Catalina Club white pearl drum set. It was in impulse buy on the way to Costco and when I walked into Guitar Center it called to me, as it has done many times in my dreams. It was an early Father's day present for a new dad and something that I've rocked for many a gig.

The show started just as the sun went down behind the Lavaca Street Bar and we chomped down our food and washed it down with a frosty beverage and hit the stage. Fist up, the ever popular Theme to the Pink Panther followed by our deep cut tribute to the man in black.

The second set showcased the ever popular and talented Ms. Pamela Ryder. From I Still Miss Someone to Soldier Boy it was nothing but SASS! We always enjoy playing with Pam and it's always fun to just wind her up, sit back and let her loose on stage. It's never a dull moment as a spectator or as a participant.

Next up on the schedule is another show at NXNW on Friday the 16th. We are going to run this gig sans Dr. Hoyle as he will be in South Carolina with the Six Pack (his pals from high school) AKA the Glee Club! I think that it will be an interesting performance that might feature the only drum and guitar Johnny Cash duo that you can get in this town for free. It wouldn't be the first time that Andy and I had to carry the show running solo and it might not be the last. It should still be fun. NXNW is a happy hour show and the food is great and the beer just keeps on getting better and better.

Sea Biscuit
OUT!

The Shortest Show Ever!

Two weeks ago we started our 5 shows in three weeks with a private party at the Bel Air Apartments on South Congress or as the kids are saying these days SoCo (insert pointer finger into open mouth and make gagging noise). Regardless of the "terms and conditions" the Bel Air folks were very good to us and once the sun sunk low in the Western Sky the temperature dropped and everyone was feeling fine. Note to self: bring 100ft + extension cord to next roof top, mid-construction condo gig.

The next show on the list was our always popular show at The Mean Eyed Cat. Our favorite online computer manufacture, Dell was having a little get together happy hour on Wednesday so we put the setup in high gear and got started a little earlier than usual. Once again, I can't say enough about this bar and the folks that work there. Any bar tender who goes out of his way to chill an extra six pack of your favorite beer is on my best bar tender list. The only other bar tender in this town that shows me that kind of courtesy is Jimmy at the G&S who will have my favorite drink made and ready upon eye contact.




The next gig in the great wall of gigs was our scheduled performance with the great David Allen Coe. I have to set the stage for this show, but it is a location conversation so please bare with me. First of all, I'm not sure if any of you remember the massive amount of rain that we got on Thursday . . .No, . . . Well we did. Amber and I left little Tristan with my sister and headed over to Dr. Hoyles to pick him up and then on to swing by and pick up Andy. The whole time it was raining. By the time that we go to the Rally it had already dumped at least a few times. When we finally figured out were we were supposed to go, we made it to the outdoor stage only to find a dozen or so guys mingling around and the whole thing shut down because of the weather. Now I'm sure that some of you have been to either see the ACL fest or to auditorium shores for a show . . .Well this stage was along that caliber along with a Jumbotron off to the side. The stage was 60' x 40' and had enough power to rock the cradle of love. It would have been a great experience to have played . . .And I mean "would have" because we got bumped due to the weather. I actually feel worse for the other band that was already set up because they were told numerous times that they were going to play, and then time would keep running out.

Friday @ NXNS - The Friday show at NXNW was a delight and continues to be one of our favorite places to play. The thing that is really strange about NXNW is the complete difference between the first set and the second. The first set is kind of that dinner crowd set where we just try to keep to the music, but by the time the second set rolls around everyone seems to loosen up and have fun. We want to thank all the ABNS fans for showing up for this gig and even thank those that traveled all the way from PA just to see a Lowly project manager be a rockstar for a few hours. The highlight of the show was the love that we got from both table 1 and table 9, although table 9 did drop some cashola in the jukebox for an encore. Table 1 held their own and actually showed us love by paying us not to play anything by John Denver. Note to self: think of other artists to apply the same tacticts, such as: Billy Joel, Air Supply, Backstreet Boys, Vanilla Ice.

Next up on the docket is our first show at Fado on 4th. Please come out and help us show the folks at Fado that we aren't the best band in the world, but rather the best Johnny Cash Band. This could be a huge stepping stone for ABNS to break into that 4th street crowd were all young single women's dreams come true.

Sea biscuit OUT!

Johnny Cash, ROT Biker Rally and David Allen Coe

On Monday I was looking for a part for my Seadoo and decided to call Woods Honda Fun Center to see if they could help me. This led me to their link to the Republic of Texas Biker Rally that is scheduled to take place here in Austin June 1st thru 4th. I contacted the Rally founder, Jim Henry to find out if A Band Named Sue could share a little Johnny Cash. After some smooth negotiations with Roadway events, I managed to get A Band Named Sue on the main stage on Thursday June 1st 5:00 - 6:00 as the last band to play before David Allen Coe on the first night of the rally.
This adds another show making it 5 in three weeks. I'll have more information about this show in the future. I know that there is an event fee for the Rally. This is a huge opportunity for A Band Named Sue. We really want to make a strong impression on the Bikers and the folks at Roadway Events. It would be great to get hooked up on the festival circuit.

4 Shows in Three Weeks

I had a great day at work today, record sales with one of my clients and full on praise from the president of the company. I didn't think that it could get much better . . . we had a visit from the diaper service lady today, so that was cool too.

But I got a great call from Andy about A Band Named Sue having it's début performance at Fado in the warehouse district. We are all pretty excited about this show and are looking forward to playing at Fado in the future.


We actually have down time this weekend, but we start the rockstar lifestyle next week. Rehearsals have been scheduled for Tuesday and then it's on to a private party for a new Condo development down South. On Wednesday the 31st we play our regular show at The Mean Eyed Cat and then that Friday the 2nd we are back at NXNW. Then the following Thursday the 8th, we have our show at Fado. I hope you aren't all "Cashed Out" by the time this show rolls around, we could certainly use the support. This is going to be a great show for us at just the right kind of venue.


Schedule:
Thursday - May 25th, Private Party
Wednesday - May 31st, Mean Eyed Cat 6:00 - 9:00
Friday - June 2nd, NXNW 6:30 - 10:30
Thursday - June 8th Fado 9:00 - 1:00

NXNW Photos By Lonny Parton

One of my good friends from college, Lonny Parton, was at the NXNW show on Saturday. He's a professional photographer up in Dallas and was kind enough to snap some pictures of the band. He just sent them to me this afternoon, so I thought that I would put them up on the blog.


Enjoy!

Saturday the 13th @ NXNW

It was another great show at NXNW. I have to hand it to the wait staff, they are always so good to us and very friendly. We really enjoy playing and it appears as though they enjoy our company too, as indicated by the mention in their newsletter.

A Band Named Sue Profile: This band's great live tribute to the late "man in black" has made it a crowd pleaser here at NXNW. It features a great mix of musical styles and vocal harmonies that seem to compliment the venue. Besides an evening of Johnny Cash favorites, don't be surprised if you hear other classics by Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Buck Owens, or even Lionel Richie.

We started just as the sun was setting behind the stage. It was interesting to have that great ball of fire back lighting the stage. It was also fun to watch everyone put on their sunglass to watch the band, as if somehow we had harnessed the sun's power.

It was a dancing event for those young and old. It just so happened that there was a little bowling tourney after party/family reunion at table 3 Saturday night. Those boys really enjoyed the Johnny Cash and they certainly showed it with a standing ovation for One Piece at a Time. They even managed to show their appreciation by doing a little soft shoe on the dance floor.

We return to the Mean Eyed Cat on May 31st for our regularly scheduled program of Johnny Cash on the last Wednesday of every month. Then the following Friday June 2nd back at NXNW for a Friday evening with A Band Named Sue.

Thanks to all our friends and family that made it the show. Hope to see you soon!

A Band Named Sue and Some Great SAX!

We had a super show last night at the Mean Eyed Cat. We brought in a special guest to play tenor sax, Mike Stinnett. Mike came to us through an ad that Andy posted in the chronicle almost a year ago. I guess all the stars were aligned and the relationship was born. Mike took the show to next level and I think that we had as much fun playing with him as our fans did listening. It certainly added a special dynamic to the performance. Mike will be joining us for more shows in the future.

We also invited the lovely and talented Pamela Ryder to the stage to smack that proverbial ass! Pamela brought down the house, as she usually does. It's always a pleasure Ms. Ryder. Pam is going to be doing some shows at the Mean Eyed Cat and The Hole in the Wall. If you haven't had a chance to see her do her THANG, you better check it out.

Last night we debuted two Beatles songs, If I Fell and I Should have Know Better. Dr Hoyle and I have been working on our John and Paul impersonations. From the response from the audience I think that we pulled it off.

I was able to video the show along with recording the audio digitally. I mastered the audio last night and it sounds really good. I'll try to put together at least one clip that I will link to on the blog, hell we might just v-cast the whole thing!

A Band Named Sue gets ENERGIZED!

Last night A Band Named Sue had the honor of entertaining the great folks from the Department of Energy. Apparently each year the Department puts together a convention and this year it just happened to take place at the Radisson Hotel right on the beautiful Town Lake. We took the stage at 7:00 and brought down the house with a little Folsom Prison Blues. It was nothing but booty shakin for the rest of the night. After a quick break and a little "re-fuelin" we brought up the lovely Ms. Pamela Ryder. Pamela brought down the house and raised the standard for all female vocalists in this great city of Austin. Over all it was a ton of fun and we hope the Department had as much fun as we did. Next up . . .The White House 2008!




Since we all had on our Sunday best we attempted to take a publicity photo. I'm not sure what happened to Andy . . .





Andy's friend from back East, Webber, sat in on the bass. This was the suit that Andy wore to his wedding. Platform shoes optional!


Upcoming Shows for ABNS:
Our Monthly show at The Mean Eyed Cat - March 29th
First Spring Show at NXNW - April 8th

SEA BISCUIT . . .OUT!

Work Work and More Work!

Wow, we have had such a great response from our show with Moe. Once again we want to thank Moe and the Moe crew for showing us a great time. But, all things must pass and it's time for us to get back to work. We have some great shows scheduled for March and April and we are looking forward to expanding our showing at NXNW through the summer. After some deliberation last night at rehearsal, we were able to lock down a few shows for the next few months. We want to remind everyone that we are always available for private parties and events. I added our booking information on the main page, so if you hear something, just direct them to the blog!

SXSW . . . Officially Unofficial
We have a very important show coming on the 15th of March. This is our officially unofficial SXSW showcase at The Mean Eyed Cat. We are really looking forward to this show and we have been working feverishly to add some new tunes to our ever expanding catalogue. Those folks that plan on coming out will get an extra dose of great music from the lovely and talented Pamela Ryder. Pam will be opening up with her group of musicians. Personally, I'm really looking forward to seeing Pam in full effect. A Band Named Sue will go on after and we plan on pulling out all the stops and put on a great show for those travelers from the nether regions of the earth. Music starts around 6:30!

Please come out and support Pam and A Band Named Sue and really fortify to the rest of the world that Austin IS the Music Capital of the world!

Upcoming Shows!

March 15th - Mean Eyed Cat w/ Pamela Ryder (6:30 - Close)

March 29th - Mean Eyed Cat (7:00 - 10:00)

April 8th - NXNW (7:00 - 11:00)

April 26th - Mean Eyed Cat (7:00 - 10:00)

More dates will be available as we get close to the summer

A Band Named Sue LIVE @ La Zona Rosa!

Last night we had the honor to open up for one of America's premier jam bands, MOE. The opportunity came up a few weeks ago, but we were waiting patently until mid afternoon on Friday to find out if everything was a go. Andy got the call and immediately called me and John to tell us the great news. We arrived for sound check around 6:00 and spent about 20 minutes with the sound crew. Everyone in the crew and the band was really great to us and we had the time of our lives. I've seen a ton of shows at La Zona Rosa, but it's a different experience when you get to play there.

A Band Named Sue Live 2-24-06 Folsom Prison

We love the Mean Eyed Cat

Last Wednesday we played a GREAT show at The Mean Eyed Cat . . .The unofficial home of the spirit of Johnny Cash and A Band Named Sue. Those guys at The Cat are always so good to us and they go out of their way to make our shows special. It makes you feel kind of like a mini-me rock star. We really appreciate the bar staff and the great Band Named Sue fans that showed up to watch a great show.

This was our first official live show sans the private party that we "played" last week. It was great to see all the true sue fans and even meet some new folks that were there for the first time. We started the show with our traditional Johnny Cash super hits block with our good friend Bryan Fuller. We always forget to get a picture of him on the stage, but for those of you that were in attendance, you can verify his appearance. After the halftime show we brought up the lovely and talented Miss Martha P ($5.00 off future ABNS merchandise if you know her last name). Martha sang her signature tunes including a riveting performance of Walking after Midnight. It brought the house down! Thanks to all the Martha P fans for their support.

Remember that you are welcome to post your comments to the blog about the show(s). It's a good way to build a community and we would love to hear what you have to say about the band, both good and bad. We are here to entertain you, and we want to make your experice with A Band Named Sue the best it can be. Remember that you can also send us e-mail at abandnamedsue@gmail.com.

Thanks to Uncle Lenny and the wonderful and talented Pamela Ryder for helping out with the photos. And an additional thanks to Pam for closing out the show with the her attitudinal and saucy duet with Andy on the ever popular Cash/Cash version of Jackson.

The Next ABNS show will be at NXNW at Mopac and 183 in the Gateway/Arbor area. We will be playing under the big top. This will be a special show with multiple guest artists. It should be a show to end all shows, until our next show at NXNW on the 18th and then back to the Cat on the 22nd.

The Start of a Great Year

Well the new year has started and it's time for A Band Named Sue to hit the stage for what we hope is going to be a great year. We have our regularly scheduled show at the Mean Eyed Cat this Wednesday January 25, 2006 from 6:30 to 9:30. The heat lamps are warm and the beer is cold. Come out after work and tie one off before the long ride home to the wife and kids and the reality that your life just didn't work out the way that you wanted.

We started 06 with a private party at NXNW. We were lucky enough to be the house band for the Stepping Stone School administrators. It was an interesting journey to say the least . . . but we did the best that we could. There was even and impromptu version of New Order's Bizarre Love Triangle. This song is usually song by the lovely and talented Martha P, but in a whirl wind of tipsy female teachers and administrators, you gots to do what you gots to do.

We are going to be back at NXNW on the 4th of February. We are really excited about these shows. The folks at NXNW have shown us much love and we want to reciprocate with our great fan base. So please try to make it to at least one of these great shows. NXNW has a great patio that is heated for your listening pleasure and you can order from a full menu along with tasty beverages from the bar.

Don't forget that A Band Named Sue is ready to play your next private party. Show your friends and co-workers your special mojo, by having the greatest Johnny Cash band in Austin, Texas entertain them. We are sure to please . . . !!!!

Upcoming Shows:
January 25th - Mean Eyed Cat: 6:30 - 9:30
February 4th - NXNW 6:30 - 10:30
February 18th - NXNW 6:20 - 10:30
February 25th - Mean Eyed Cat: 6:30 - 9:30

Peas!

Johnny Cash Night at NXNW Brewery

Boy Howdy! did we have a great night at NXNW on Friday. Despite the weather we had a great turnout and the staff at NXNW was top notch. We were stationed in the big top at the back of the restaurant. I was a little concerned when I showed up because they just started to turn the heaters on and it was a little chilly. But after a few minute the big top was nice a toasty and I knew that the band and our friends were going to have a great night.

It was also a night for special guests and we were happy to have Craig Kotfas from So Sad Robot join us on stage. Craig sat in on the U2 song ONE. Craig is playing on Eklektikos on Tuesday the 13th at noon. Craig style has been described as "busy, but never precocious" by many in the music industry. His band, So Sad Robot is also playing a live show as Trophy's on South Congress on Thursday the 15th.

After a short break to rest our voices and refuel with some of that great beer that they brew at NXNW, we started the second set with the ever popular Pamela Ryder. Pamela warmed up the second set with Johnny Cash's, I Guess Things Happen that Way and the ever popular duet, Jackson. We made an immediate segway into Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Felis Navidad, The Christmas Song and Pamela's version of Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. We finally ended the show with Johnny's, One Piece at a Time which inspired the Band Named Sue Dancers to make an appearance. I guess the beer was better than we thought.

Over all it was a great night and we were invited to come back to play again on the 20th of January. We will send out an official e-mail when we get closer to the date, but I would encourage everyone to attend. You can order from the full menu out on the deck and with the heaters, the temperature is very cozy.

Brentwood Tavern

Sorry folks, I just haven't had time to get a blog entry up for our show at The Brentwood Tavern. But, I can tell you that we had a great time. The weather was really great and the turn out was great too. We had fun onstage and managed to record the show. Sorry no pictures this time, I just couldn't ask Jen to take pictures again. She did such a good job of capturing those special moments at The Mean Eyed Cat and Tambaleo.

Our next show will be this Friday at NXNW 6:30 - 10:00. We are really looking forward to this show and playing at this venue. We hope that you will all join us for a great time at a great place for some great Johnny Cash music. Start your weekend right with good times and good friends.

Intelligent Lounging

Last night A Band Named Sue had their debut performance at Austin's Tambaleo. To be honest with everyone, I really enjoyed the environment. Tambaleo is a really nice place to play a show and they have their own sound system, which if you are a musician, you can really appreciate. And it's not just some chincy sound system; they have a sound booth with at least a 12 channel mixer, monitors on the stage and a sub and main combination so you get that really nice low end. The staff was very nice and I felt very welcome there.

Enough about the back story, now on to the real story. We started the show with a few songs for sound check and then brought up the always appreciated Bryan Fuller to play a little mandolin on his favorite Johnny Cash tunes (sorry that you look like satan in the photos Bryan). After a string of Cash tunes we brought up Ms. Martha P who burned it up with her vocal stylings. After a short break, A Band Named Sue extended an invitation to our good friend and fellow musician Pamela Ryder. It's always interesting to play with Pamela because you never know what she's going to say or do on stage. She keeps it interesting for the fellows in the band.

It was good times, good times, good times last night and we wrapped it up a little late and want to extend an apology to DJ Mel and David Miranda for taking up some of their DJ time. As a former DJ I know that they are just as important as a band and it takes a lot of skill.

Tonight we are playing at The Brentwood Tavern from 6:30 to 9:00. Once again this is great place for the kids and the food is really nice. Come on out and enjoy this great weather.

Johnny Cash Tonight at Tambaleo

So it's Friday at 11:12am and I had a killer day at the office yesterday. I'm not going to go into it and all, but I'm pretty sure that I secured my employment for the next year. For me that's pretty good. Not that I'm a bad employee or anything it's just that every time I starting working for someone and really start to like my job, something happens to the interworkings of the company and I find myself "networking" to find the next bid thing to work on. Luckily this time around the company that I work for has been in business for a while and at least I'll be able to pay the bills for a while. . . .


But enough of this insanity! The most important thing is that there is going to be a killer show at Tambaleo tonight featuring Austin's premier Johnny Cash tribute band. I've heard good things about this place and I've actually been there a few times. Long ago it was the ever popular electric lounge that made David Garza and Twang Twang Shocka Boom famous. Hopefully some of that music Karma will hit us like a rock. I hear that they have really great drink specials during happy hour . . . so good they are almost free, but that would be illegal . . . in some states (of mind!). We really hope that everyone can come out to the show, have a few drinks, celebrate Happy Fridays and hear some great Johnny Cash.

SIDE BAR You know we do a lot of tunes and we admit that we sometimes stray away from the core of the band, which is to pay homage to Johnny Cash, but we also don't want to pigeon hole ourselves and we are constantly stretching our musical muscles! So if you experience that block of Jazz tunes or you are confused about why we felt like a Lionel Richie medley was important, just remember . . . if it ain't fixed, don't break it!

A Band Named Sue at The Mean Eyed Cat 11-30-05

We had a GREAT show at The Mean Eyed Cat last night. We got a little late start and I think we ended close to 10:30, which is much later than the scheduled 6:30 to 8:30 happy hour that was on the docket. But we were happy to keep the party going.

It was a night of special guest both on the stage and in the audience. I had a group of guys come out to see the show from my old auction days along with running into my friend Kristen that I haven't seen for about 8 years.

On stage we started with my good friend Mr. Lance Surovik who shared his singing talents on Branded Man and Crystal Chandelier. Two great songs about convicts and lighting fixtures; the missing link between country and western. Next up on the stage, Mr. Bryan Fuller. Bryan brought his mandolin and played on a whole host of Johnny Cash tunes rounding out the sound. After a brief, but long overdue break, we brought up Martha P who sang her signature songs along with the debuted of our version of Walking after Midnight.

Don't forget that we have two more shows this week! Tamableo on Friday - 6:30 to 9:30 pm @ 302 Bowie Street and the dinner theater show at The Brentwood Tavern on Saturday - 7:00 to 9:30 pm 6701 Burnet. The Brentwood Tavern is a kid friendly venue with its own playscape, so for all you "parents" out there, don't neglect the kids. Let them taste the finer things in life like good food and Johnny Cash.

A Band Named Sue has a new e-mail address: abandnamedsue@gmail.com

Pictures from the show:

click on the photo to view a larger image

Johnny Cash Three Banger

Hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving with all the trimmings. Walk the line released over the weekend and Andy had a chance to check it out. Andy and Bootey give it two thumbs WAY UP. Amber and I were going to see the movie, but I missed out on advanced tickets. You know we could have seen it at any theater, but you just can't get that Alamo Draft House experience anywhere. Plus I won a year pass to the Alamo South Austin, so I'm partial.

Man we got a big week this week and I'm happier than a puppy with two peters! I'm really excited about the shows this week. It's always good to be home at The Mean Eyed Cat and The Brentwood Tavern, but this week we take the Pepsi Challenge and try something new at Tambaleo. I hear good things about this place and the drink specials at happy hour couldn't be happier! We hope to have a great crowd because we would like to secure some type of invitation for the future.

I know that some of you had a chance to read the e-mail sent from Andy, but he does such a good job of describing the shows that I just executed the old cut and paste for this next section.

Wednesday November 30 at the Mean Eyed Cat. 7-9pm 5th Street across from El Arroyo Our home field always brings out the “magic” moments of rock and this will be no exception. Jaime is unleashing his tormented tribute to Lionel Richie that may cause permanent disability in some softer listeners, so please consult your physician.

Also, my pal Bryan Fuller will be bringing it down from the mountain with his mandolin joining us for a hardcore set of Johnny Cash. And if that were not enough magic, Martha P will be blowing the corrugation from its moorings with her hurricane force voice!

Friday December 2 at Tambaleo 6:30-9:30pm 302 Bowie south of 5th. We are having our first swankfest happy hour at this swanky club and you can bet that Dr. Hoyle will be wearing some fresh Aqua Velva and blowing some serious cool out of his tin horn. Pamela Ryder will be raising the room temperature to Mt. Vesuvius levels and Martha P will regulate with some Cold Hard Chillin’. Please dress in layers!!!

Saturday December 3 at the Brentwood Tavern 7-9:30pm 6701 Burnet. This dinner/happy hour show promises to be a culmination of the weeks smoldering rigors. This is a kid-friendly show with some great beers on tap.

Andy Says, "Remember to save your ticket stubs because I will power wash your car if you make all 3 shows this week!" (Does that include the band?) Hope to see you all out this week!

Added Show At Tambaleo

A Band Named Sue is adding a third show with our two shows that we are doing in a few weeks. We are going to be playing at Tambaleo for happy hour on December 2nd. This is an important gig for us because we really want to make a statement there and get invited back to play again and again and again and again. So please help A Band Named Sue promot this show and let us know if you need any promotional materials to hand out to your best friends and co-workers.

Everyone Will Stand In Line

I walk the line; the new Johnny Cash movie opens today. There is such a buzz about Johnny Cash now, so that’s really good for the band. Hopefully there will be a burst of interest in what A Band Named Sue is doing. I have to admit that I'm a much bigger fan of Johnny Cash now than I was before I started playing in A Band Named Sue. My buddy Scott Durkin is a huge Johnny Cash fan and I'm sure that this new movie, I walk the line will be only the second DVD that he owns next to Urban Cowboy which, by the way is a GREAT movie. I think that I might finish my day by sitting down in front of the old TV and watching that movie while I finish up the entries for the blog that my company is starting. Yes folks, I have a job that requires me to work from home. And yes, it is great.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the movie and I was thinking about taking my wife to the show tonight, but then sitting at home and preparing a nice meal and chilling out sounds really good too. Maybe we will go and see the movie on Saturday night; at least we will have the day to relax a little.

We have some shows coming up in a weeks, so put them down on your calendar

Wednesday November 30th we play happy hour at The Mean Eyed Cat. Come out to the show and tie one off with the boys and girls after the work day and I'll tell you all about how great it is not to have to drive to work!

Saturday December 3rd it's another show at the Brentwood Tavern. We might be playing this show inside because of the cooler weather, but if all is well then we might just be outside again. Come out to the Brentwood and take advantage of the playscape by inviting your friends that have kids that don't get as many chances to come out to see live music. It would be much easier if you could just chain your kids to the wall like they did in the 50's, but those days are long gone.

Remember only 35 more shopping days until Christmas. Click here if you really want to get me something nice!

10 Questions from the Wives of A Band Named Sue

Ladies and Gentlefolk, I would like to introduce you to the wives of A Band Named Sue. I sent out a quick 10 question interview to both of the wives and posted the questions and answers here on the blog. Check back for more interviews from family and fans!

The Questions:

1. What is your full name?
Amber Lee LaBrecque Downing

2. Where were you born?
Alma, Michigan (but lived in Claire)

3. When and where were you when you first met your husband?
April 2005, working at IMark.com, 5000 Plaza on the Lake, Austin, TX – he took the good speakers for my computer and gave me speakers that were “just decent.” I didn’t care about sound quality though, I just needed to be able to hear the music – is that a girl thing?

4. Where did he propose?
River City Grille in Marble Falls. We were having dinner on the back deck overlooking the lake and the sunset.

5. Did he get down on one knee?
Of course. Unfortunately, I don’t remember what he was saying because I was so surprised.

6. What was your initial reaction to the Idea of A Band Named Sue?
Another music project…

7. What did you think the first time that you saw the band?
I was really impressed (although I have to say that I think anything James is part of is pretty darn good). I like the unique trio aspect, plus I heard them for the first time at an outside venue (my favorite way to hear live music). I love it when guys wear cowboy hats!

8. What is your favorite Johnny Cash song?
Actually, I’m just now getting familiar with his music. I was raised by hippie parents and didn’t even know country music existed until later in life, it surely wasn’t played on any of our radios at home.

9. If you were to put together a tribute band to a famous singer or band, who would it be?
Pleasurecraft – I miss the rock shows!

10. besides playing in the band, what else is your husband really good at that might suprise some people? (keep it clean!)
James is really good at ironing! A bit of an iron snob actually. To the point that he does his own instead of having me touch his clothes with that hot slab of metal because I don’t do it “right”. He likes stiff creases; I just get the wrinkles out. It works out though because very rarely do I have to iron my own stuff anymore (one may wonder if I purposely set this situation up…he’ll never know!). Also, even if you think he’s the cool rockstar type, he really is a bit of a computer geek. He’s not into computer games (thank goodness) but I bet he spends just as many hours as a gamer, in front of the computer organizing and re-organizing his music and information files (if only he’d organize things that weren’t just in cyberspace…), and now writing blogs about anything and everything. It’s nice to have your own personal IT department though!

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1. What’s your full name?
Jennifer Allen Wegrzyn

2. Where were you born?
Decatur, GA

3. When and where were you when you first met your husband?
Street Music Festival in Buffalo, NY

4. Where did he propose?
The street by our house

5. Did he get down on one knee?
yes

6. What was your initial reaction to the Idea of A Band Named Sue?
It is about time

7. What did you think the first time that you saw the band?
The lead singer is sexy!

8. What’s your favorite Johnny Cash song?
Boy Named Sue

9. If you were to put together a tribute band to a famous singer or band, who would it be?
Wings

10. besides playing in the band, what else is your husband really good at that might surprise some people (keep it clean!)
Andy is the most loyal friend anyone could have. He is a really good friend to all.

Craigs List

I posted a listing on http://www.austin.craigslist.com/ tonight for folks that might be looking for something interesting for their next party or corporate event. One thing that people might not know about A Band Named Sue is that we really WANT to play at your next party or event. We've all been to the same regurgitate corporate Christmas party and wouldn't it be cool if a unique and interesting band came to provide the entertainment? Well that's what we want to do!
So spread the word out there to let everyone know that we want to help them have a great party!

Hopefully we will get some response from the listing.

Check out the listing and forward it to anyone that might be interested!

A Band Named Sue Is Available for Your Next Party or Corporate Event

A Contribution from Andy Wegrzyn

I saw the “Live in San Quentin” movie on Sunday and it was a thrill to see Johnny kicking it wide open in such a repressive environment with such a progressive agenda. If I was not in A Band Named Sue, I would have wanted to start A Band Named Sue that day.

I am looking forward to seeing the new movie, although Reese Witherspoon makes me a little uneasy as a brunette.

We had a rehearsal last evening and it was my favorite kind- working on all new tunes. We are bolstering up our 1960’s jazz combo sound with three great Horace Silver selections: Cape Verdean Blues, The Jody Grind and Song for my Father.


Dr. Hoyle is blowing the hell out these tunes and it is a personal thrill for me. Coming from a guitar based past, I never thought I would be playing these killer songs and I have to thank the good Doctor for bringing that to life. Hopefully we can take the show to Buffalo sometime; I think my old man would get a kick out of it.

James has led us down another road as well. We are working on a Lionel Richie block that may have the man in black spinning in his Black Box. I do not know that much about Lionel Richie except that it is fun to watch his daughter do farm chores in high heels. I have to admit that I get a perverse kick out of playing these tunes and the entertainment value will be high.

James can come up with about one thousand ideas an hour and many of them will have you nodding nervously, but he gets under your skin. He is like the petunias Bootey planted last week: Embarrassingly Charming.

A Night At The Brentwood Tavern

Last night we played at the Brentwood Tavern. We had a pretty good early turnout and had a great time playing on a great stage in great weather. Dr. Hoyle showed up just in time for the sound check since he was driving back from a conference in Houston. Apparently he was hypnotized by one of his colleagues. At the sound of a door bell he will start to act like a chicken and sing Hava Nagila.
Our good friend Pamela Ryder joined us for a few tunes: Jackson, Love Potion #9 and our favorite Light My Fire (which had an interesting beginning). My good friend Craig Kotfas came out to the show with his girlfriend Chymane and joined us for our version of One by U2. The second set started with one of our favorite jazz pieces, Fathead and ended with a return of Pamela with our rendition of These Boots are Made for Walking.
After the show we packed it up and Dr. Hoyle invited us (well actually Andy persuaded him to invite us) back to his bachelor pad that was just around the corner. So Andy and his wife Booty, myself and my wife Bo, Craig, Chymane, Pamela and John had a little after party at his surprisingly cozy and impressive domicile.




Andy brought his A-Game with his clip-on Bowtie and all














Andy, the ROCKSTAR
















The Doctor is in!













Craig Kotfas sings One!











An Intimate Rendition of Dream by The Everly Brothers.













Pamela Ryder brings it with her free form version of Those Boots are Made for Walking.








Finally someonee takes a good picture of the drummer!













Bourbon. . . nuff said!













Andy goes oldskool and whips us up some pop corn. Luckly no one was hurt!










Dr. Holye make a couple of special drinks for the ladies. Love Potion #9?

The Morning Before the Show

Tonight at 6:30 we have a show at The Brentwood Tavern. I'm really excited about the show because it's one of my favorite places to play. They have a really good sized stage that lets us spread out and they actually have a drum riser which if you are a drummer is a really great thing. I just talk to Amber, my wife and she said that some of our friends are going to come out to the show so that's good. Texas plays Baylor this morning at 11:30 so I'm hoping that people will get their fill of the pigskin and come out to the show to celebrate a Texas win. (I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Texas takes Baylor by 40!)

We always have a really good time on stage, I really appreciate that. I think that in other bands I took myself too seriously and didn't make it fun for everyone involved. I think that lackadaisical approach help the audience connect with us. Plus Andy is really witty along with John so that helps make the between song banter more interesting. We had a show at The Great Outdoors a few weeks ago and it was kind of like a show and a rehearsal. We pulled a lot of stuff out of the woodwork and we just had a lot of fun trying new things. It wasn't a show where we were the focus, but rather one where we were the background music so we were able to get away with a lot. We got some good props from the clientele of The Great Outdoors and the folks that were working that day.

Well is T minus 30 minutes before the game. 11:30 on FSN channel 54 (I love college football!).

Meet The Band

My name is James Downing and I'm the drummer for A Band Named Sue (ABNS). We (Myself, Andy and John) all live in Austin, Texas. A Band Named Sue was the brain child of Andy Wegrzyn the lead singer and lead rhythm guitar player for the band. He has always had an appreciation of Johnny Cash and decided to put together a tribute band to celebrate the life, the music and the tragedy that is Johnny Cash. We take a lot of liberty in our interpretation of the music and we wanted to express our on versions of the songs made famous by Johnny Cash. If you noticed we are only a three piece with no bass player and we use the trumpet as our lead instrument. Andy wanted to put together a small but impressive trio that could play large clubs or small front porch type settings. We don't just limit ourselves to Johnny Cash songs, although that is the focus. Don't be surprised if you get something as varied as Stuck on You by Lionel Ritchie or the theme from the Pink Panther (oh yes we do both!) For me it's one of the most enjoyable projects that I have been involved in and I really enjoy playing with John and Andy. So anyway here we are:


Lead Singer and Lead Rhythm Guitar Player

Andy Wegrzyn.




Trumpet player
Dr. Jonathan Hoyle





The Drummer - James Downing (no one ever takes a good picture of the drummer)









Our Next Show will be at the Brentwood Tavern Saturday November 5th 6:30 to 9:30 Come out to a free show, great food, great drinks and Good Times, Good Times, Good Times.
Looks like Cote gives it a thumbs up!