Greg’s Happenings by Greg Kristapovich
Wanna hear an Irish joke? O.K., here’s one: What do you get when you cross an Irishman in a lawn chair?…Paddy-O furniture! O.K., how ‘bout this one: Did you hear about the three Irish lads who left the pub before it closed? Well, it COULD happen. One more: Where does an Irishman go for his vacation?
To the pub next door. O.K., last one: Why did God invent whiskey?…So the Irish wouldn’t take over the world! These jokes were told by Michael Charles Hoffman, (aka McHoffman), while we were drinkin’ at Murphys Nugget Bar. McHoffman also proudly points out that there are a whole lot of Irishmen – and women – in his family; AND one German. Anyway, someone told me I shouldn’t hang out in bars all the time, (like it’s a bad thing). I do stop at bars – occasionally – to feel the pulse of the entertainment scene, and to photograph/document it. And I do enjoy an occasional “beer break”, too. While imbibing, I pace myself, nursing my mug o’ beer for about an hour; while munching potato chips or sunflower seeds. So I rarely become inebriated – even on St. Patrick’s Day. Although I admit, I do tend to get soused on my birthday. It kind of eases the pain of realizing I’m another year older. Y’know, beer is a very healthy beverage. In fact, the Pilgrims would have perished without beer on their ship. They would have succumbed to Scurvy, but they didn’t – because they had beer! They needed something with fermentation, and beer fit the bill! I heard it on the John Tesh Show, (weekdays at 9 a.m., on Star 92.7 FM)
LOTS O’HAPPENINGS!!! The Sonora Celtic Faire will present an unparalleled lineup of traditional and modern Irish music. Also, modern-day Celtic and Viking clans will stage realistic re-enactments on the grounds! Many lads will be walking around in kilts; and some lassies will be moseying around – bearing tee shirts that say “kilt inspector”! This is California’s oldest AND largest Celtic Faire, and it’s a blast! And promoter, Sir Patrick Michael Karnahan (of Columbia) will be celebrating the big 5-0. So, the festival’s kick-off party, Friday night, March 13th, should be pretty wild!! Public is invited! (admission is charged.) Jousting is scheduled for Saturday, the 14th! There’ll be LOTS of fun – lasting well into Sunday! For more information, go to www.Sonora CelticFaire.com, or call 800-350-1814. The Charlie Brechtel Band performs with Lester Chambers (founding member of the legendary Chambers Brothers), Saturday, March 14th at Murphys Nugget Bar! And Charlie Brechtel knows how to play blues rock, let me tell you! Show starts 9 p.m.-ish. But get there early, or you might find yourself waiting in line to get it! (no cover!)…Tuesday is St. Patrick’s Day. Remember to wear green so you don’t get goosed! And, the fun doesn’t end on Tuesday: The popular “Irish Day” celebration takes place on Saturday, March 21st in Murphys! It almost seems like you can be “Irish” throughout March, now! Don’t miss American Made Outlaw! They’ll rock Murphys Historic Hotel, Thursday, March 19th, at 9:00 p.m.! (no cover!) and the “Jäger Girls” will be there from 10p.m. to Midnight! OR, if you’re hooked on Wii, get to the Old Corner Saloon (Copperopolis) on Thursdays at 5 p.m. They’re using the Nintendo Wii game system for Wii bowling tournaments!! Groovy! (The Old Corner is located on O’Byrne’s Ferry Road, just off Hwy 4)…And the World Mercantile and Gallery of Arts (1267 S. Main Street, Angels Camp) has moved their Saturday “Open Mic” to the hours of 6 to 9p.m. DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND The Dan Bauer Trio will return to Diamond Jim’s Saturday, March 14th at 8:30 p.m. Whoaaa, man; as I’m typing all this, I’m listening to “Deep Tracks” on Sirius Radio. I mean, it’s like, really far out tonight! They just played “Cobra” by Quicksilver Messenger Service; now they’re playing “It’s No Secret” by the Jefferson Airplane! Man, when’s the last time you heard those songs?!!
Sorry. O.K., back to the Mercantile. I attended their March 14th open mic and was impressed with the talent! The show’s hosted by local singer/musician Jim Lanier, and is perhaps the most entertaining live show on Main Street, on a Saturday night! Jim said he likes being there at “the world’s happiest place!” Then he opened with an original song, “Alibi”, having a bouncy, yet bluesy melody. (Jim’s also got a CD out called “No Regrets”, available at the Mercantile.) Jim’s a gracious host and welcomed the open mic participants, one by one, as they stepped up to the microphone to do their acts. Austin Richardson, 16, of Angels Camp, and a student of John Vierra School stepped up to the mic with his guitar and performed Radiohead’s “Creep”. Next, Jennifer Robinson of Mountain Ranch sang an “Iraqi Peace Song”, backed by a “duembek”, or Persian drum. Chris Molett, owner of the Aeolian Harp (just a few doors down), played piano and sang “Waterfall” by Chris Williamson; and then a family-oriented little ditty titled “I’m Gonna Tell on You!” (The Open Mic at the Mercantile is an all-ages show). Sandra Skiffington and John Catori – all the way from Pine Grove performed a beautiful flute/drum duet. Ben Bishop, Operations Manager of the Mercantile tickled the ivories with Franz Schubert’s “Impromptu in A-flat major” and received thunderous applause. Then, Libby, his wife joined him in a vocal duet with a song called “The Gift of Love”. Then, Libby played “Chopin Waltz in B Minor” and “Opus 69 Number 2”, again to much applause. One attendee, Sharee Walsh of Forrest Meadow, was so inspired that she went outside to her vehicle and got her acoustic guitar. Moments later, she was performing Styx’s “Carry On”, and CS&N’s “Teach Your Children”. Not only did I totally enjoy my tasty tuna sandwich and thick hot chocolate “dinner” – and the Bohemian atmosphere at the Mercantile; I thoroughly enjoying the Open Mic show! Jim closed the show with his “unplugged” version of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” Jim asked, “Did you ever notice Neil dips his harmonica in a cup of water to loosen up the reeds? He can do that. He’s a rich rock star. I’m just a poor musician.” Jim’s sense of humor, and his charisma make him a perfect host for Open Mic! Stop by on a Saturday night! You’ll really dig it!
Happy Birthday, Sylvester Stone, founder of Sly and the Family Stone! He was born on March 15th, 1944. Man, I was stoked yesterday when I found the group’s 1968 album, “Dance to the Music” in a thrift shop! Was delivering SMT’S, and on my way to Columbia, decided to take one of my rare breaks. I stopped into Purrrfect Bargains Thrift Shop on Mono Way, found the album for 75 cents and didn’t balk. I snapped it up! That LP’s very hard to find! Anyway, happy birthday, Sly, and remember, man, 65’s the new 45!
The “Awareness” documentary films & forums continue at the Columbia College/Dogwood Forum! (Free admission!)The March 19th film, “Sand and Sorrow” should be very compelling. George Clooney narrates this study of the causes and effects of the bloody civil war raging in Sudan and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. This “Awareness” series is spotlighting many VERY important issues that NEED to be discussed. Thank you, Columbia College!
Hey, check out that pic! That’s our esteemed publisher, Tim McCaffrey, caught in the act, beating the skins at a recent Sunday “Open Jam Session” at Big Daddy’s Smokin’ BarBQue (on Hwy 108 in Sugar Pine). And, I must say, he’s not half bad!
Was watching CW31’s Good Day Sacramento on March 9th, and they read an E-mail from Twain Harte’s Rock Pub and Restaurant! The owners of The Rock extended an invitation to the Good Day Sacto crew; even inviting them up for a beer! The on-air personalities pretty much agreed that it might be a pretty cool idea to come up to Twain Harte! Can you dig THAT! The Rock IS a pretty groovy place to eat, or just hang out with a beer or a pool cue! Next week, I’ll have a sit down chat with that cool cat, owner Jim Dunigan! We’ll reminisce about the 60s, 70s, 80s and lots of groovy things! Till then, Erin Go Bragh!!!!
