One Bass Player's Story

One Bass Player's Story


	Who is Willie Favero (this Musician's Bio)	Click on any image for larger view

Left to Right, Top: Penelope, All About, BMC Blues Band, Houston Open Mics.
Middle Row: Houston Open Mics, the Apaches, Open Mics.
Bottom Row: A couple of differnet Open Mics, Jazz group (Falls).

Previous Business Card

Current Business Card

William (Willie) Favero
Last updated on May 28, 2018

After taking guitar lessons for a few years, I purchased my first bass guitar, a used white Klira, in 1963. A short time later, I joined my first band and in 1964 played my first paying gig. I played bass with a lot of bands between 1964 and 1978. We performed all over Western New York and Southern Ontario. Yet, we spent most of our time playing in Niagara Falls, NY. Those years were a great time for me. I worked with some phenomenal musicians back then. Many of them are still playing today. In fact, a few are recording and doing quite well for themselves today.

I do have a few regrets... first is not continuing to play on a regular basis after moving to St Louis, Dallas, and Houston. Another major regret is the lack of photographs saved, or even taken, of the bands I have worked. I'm sure there are photos out there someplace. Unfortunately, I have no idea where they might be or how to get hold of them. Finally, the complete lack of any recordings of any of those bands. In fact, we did record a few of the bands, but reused the tapes over and over.

My recent retirement has given me the chance to look back at those years. I now have the time to share what recordings I did save on this web page. The most significant aspect of retirement is it has allowed me to embark on my second music career.

The photos and recordings that follow on this page attempt to document my musical career, both past and present.

Please enjoy... and thanks for visiting.

Current Recordings Kompoz Recordings Music Hall of Fame Gear Band History Recent Gigs

I am currently playing the occasional gig around North Houston with a predominantly Country/Texas Country Outlaw band that also dabbles in Classic Rock. During the week, you can find me providing bass support to a couple of local guitar players/singers at numerous Open Mics along with the occasional festival or charity event. I am always available to anyone who would like a bass guitar player to back them up at an Open Mic, Open Jam, recording session or any other kind of musical performance within reasonable driving distance. I am also heavily involved with Kompoz.com writing and playing bass lines for upcoming composer/artist.

I enjoy playing Blues, Country, Funk, Classic Rock, Jazz, R&B, Southern Rock, Contemporary Christian, and just about anything else with a good bass line. I'll work with a full band or back an acoustic player with either an electric bass or acoustic bass. I can practice days, evenings, and weekends with adequate notice.

Whether its a band with a full time gig working a club or you just need a bass player for a one time performance, I'm your guy; let's talk.

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Contact information

myblackz06@gmail.com

(281) 772-8028

Musician profile: Willie_Favero_on_Bass @ www.bandmix.com

Location: Kingwood, TX
Style: Country, Blues, Classic Rock, Funk, Jazz, R&B
Personal Website: www.WillieFavero.com

Now seeking: Bands (or musicians wanting to start a band)

Working on a music project using KOMPOZ, the online collaboration software for creating music with a no-change signup option?
Contact me if you need any type of bass work. Just click on the KOMPOZ logo to the left to access my profile.

Kompoz Mission Statement: "Kompoz will be the leading innovator and best-in-class provider of crowd-sourced music production."

Below are a few collaborations on some original materials by others writers that I have contributed the bass lines.

"I'll Never Surrender" (Acoustic) - Finished

"Long Road Home" (Alternative Country) - Finished

"Into Another Day" (Adult Contemporary) - Finished

"There's Still Time" (Alternative Folk) - Finished

"A Country Road" (Contemporary Country) - Finished

"Perpetual Harvest" (Bluegrass) - Finished

"Old Montana" (Americana) - Finished

"Hard Times" (Classic Blues) - In Progress

"My Car is an Asshole" (Contemporary Blues) - In Progress

"Song (93)" (Rock) - In Progress

"Hardtimes Like These" (Country Blues) - In Progress

"Paradise on a Country" (Road Country) - In Progress

"Alfred Blues" (Blues) - In Progress

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Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame

Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame 2017 Inaugural Class Inductee

(Inducted into the Niagara Falls Music HoF on Sunday afternoon, October 15, 2017)

New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit

Office of the Mayor, City of Niagara Falls, Proclamation

Event Program

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> S o m e C u r r e n t R e c o r d i n g s <

"Trouble In Town" is Wild Rabbit Salads latest recording by singer-songwriters Bucky Goldberg. We recorded this at Lucky Run Recording Studio in Houston, Texas in Spring, 2019.

This is an original tune called "Joel's Ballad" put together on Kompoz.com by a group of musicians led by Joel Pierson.

Here's a little ditty recorded (audio captured and balanced by Keith Rogers Mobile Recording) during the Oct 6-7 Outdoor Music Event out on Puffabellys Outdoor Coutyard Stage. Performing are Blues Willis consisting of members Kata Vörös and Adam Antal together with stand-ins Willie Favero (on Bass) and Howard Namkin (on Fiddle).

This next song is a video recording made at another Open Mic at Puffabelly's in Old Town Spring, Texas on July 27, 2017. This cover is of James Taylor's "Copperline"

Musician in this video are Kenny Courville on guitar, vocals and the Open Mic's host, Joe Hill on dobro, Howard Namkin on fiddle, and Willie Favero (me) on electric bass guitar.

What follows is a recording made at an Open Mic at Puffabelly's in Old Town Spring, Texas, on October 26, 2017. The song, "I've Got This Thing For You", is an original tune written and performed here by David Becker. As you might be able to tell from David's introduction to the song, this is an impromptu performance. I believe the spontaneity of the performance in front of an audience of almost all musicians, all having fun at an open mic, gives the recording a special flavor. I hope you enjoy it...

The song was recorded on a handheld Zoom H1 recorder, then edited using Audacity.

"You Don't Want To Get You One of Those" was written by Mark Knopfler. This recording by Keith Rogers and I is cover of the version originally performed by Mark and Tommy Emmanuel. The recording is a collaboration effort between Keith and I, he is recording the guitar and vocals at his house, and I'm recording the bass line at mine. The final mix is my attempt at mixing and could use some improvements. However, it's included here for the instrumentation, not my engineering skills.

This next song is a cover of the Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez song "Sweet Tequila Blues". It was recorded at Keith's home with friends from Puffabelly's Open Mic, Old Town Spring TX. Tracks were recorded both pre and post Hurricane Harvey.

Musician on this recording are Frank Corolla on vocal & mandolin, Willie Favero on acoustic fretless bass, Marie Pekarik taking care of vocals and harmonica, and Keith Rogers on guitar, EzDrummer, loop mangling, and general recording coordination and management.

This is a cover of Robert Johnson's "Me and the Devil Blues". We performed it at an Open Mic on July 8, 2018 at Green Oaks Tavern in Humble, TX. The actual multi-track recording and subsequent mixing were all handled by Keith Rogers.

The Musicians performing are: Keith Rogers on guitar and vocals (and recording engineer); Howard Namkin on fiddle; and Willie Favero on bass guitar.

This is another one of Keith Roger's recordings; this time it's a cover of Guy Clark's "Dublin Blues". This collaboration was completed remotely. I did the bass parts at my house and "shipped" them over to Keith who assembled all the pieces, with a little help from his family, in his recording studio. I was very pleased with the results so I am sharing it here.

Musicians are: Keith Rogers on guitar, vocals, and recording engineer; Carl Rogers on violin; Lena Rogers on background vocals; and Willie Favero on bass guitar.

You are listening to "Pale Pink Sky", an original song written by Patti Sullivan. Not only is Patti the songwriter, she is also supplying both the guitar and vocals for this MP3. The actual recording was made at an Open Mic at Swanny's Bar & Grill on July 3, 2018. Swanny's is located in Houston Texas. The Musicians performing are: Patti Sullivan on guitar and vocals (and song's author); Howard Namkin on fiddle; and Willie Favero on bass guitar.

The song was recorded on a handheld Zoom H1 recorder, then edited using Audacity.

This final song is another one of Keith Roger's home recordings; this time it's a cover of Ken Gains's "Razzmatazz". This is also another completely remote collaboration between Keith and myself. This is just a fun song to do.

Musicians are: Keith Rogers on guitar, vocals, and recording engineer and Willie Favero on bass guitar.

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Some of the Gear I've Used Over the Years
My very first guitar was a sunburst electric hollow body Silvertone from Sears. My parents bought it for me when I started taking guitar lessons back around 1959-1960. To this day, this guitar still sits in the corner of my Mom's spare bedroom in Niagara Falls.
My first bass guitar was a Klira bass guitar. It has a white vinyl body with black neck and black head stock, black pickguard, and double pickups. The bass was purchased from someone who lived around High Park Blvd near to the old Police Station way back around 1963. I used it my whole time playing with the Apaches, plus a few short lived bands prior to the Apaches, and the London Fog. Although it was a very inexpensive guitar, and far from being a collector's item, I would love to find the bass today and buy it back. It was an extremely fun (and very fast) bass to play.
My second bass guitar was a Gibson EB-2 bought brand new from Brundo Music (Pine Ave in the Falls) in 1967. Although it was my second ass, it was my first bass guitar with real style, My EB-2 was purchased while I was playing with the London Fog. At some point while playing with the London Fog, I bought a Hofner bass (Beatle bass) again from Brundo Music. Huge mistake. I tired of it quickly and ended up getting rid of it after just a month or two. It was too light, too muddy sounding for me,a nd I had issues with feedback.
My Fender Precision Fretless was my "go to" bass for the next ten years and the last bass I would purchase for a very long time. I ordered my sunburst fretless bass guitar with its maple neck from Brudo Music (yup, another bass form Brundo's) in 1970. I was playing with "Penelope" at the time. The fretless was the only bass I used for the remainder of "Penelope", and all my time with "All About", "Sound City Express", and whenever I sat in with "Five in a Row". Unfortunately, one of my really dumb musical equipment moves was selling the fretless in 1981 when I was living in St Louis. That was and still is my biggest equipment mistake I have ever made. It's also a mistake I can never rectify. The kid I sold it to, took it apart, painted it, and did a bunch of other stuff to it.

My first bass amp was a transistor powered Standel bass amp. I then moved from an Ampeg B-15 Portaflex, to a Fender Bassman, and finally to an original Ampeg SVT Blueline, the amp that started it all. My first SVT setup was the one Blueline head with two 8x10 cabs. Then, after a short time, a second amp SVT head, this one a Blackline, with a second set of 8x10 cabs was added. For a while I also had an Ampeg B25 amp that I tried to drive the two SVT heads with. I didn't have a lot of success with that though. The Ampeg SVT setup consisted of a 97 pound SVT amplifier head pushing 300 watts RMS designed to work with two 104-pound cabinets, each cabinet containing eight baffled ten-inch speakers. The SVT amplifier section was powered by fourteen tubes, six of which were the old massive 6146 power tubes. Each 8x10 cab weighed in at 137 pounds each. That's 600 pounds total getting carried in and out for every gig. BTW, the acronym SVT stood for "Super Vacuum Tube" although some claimed it stood for "Super Valve Technology". The acronym stuck, the full name never did.

CURRENTLY... my go to rig has been a Sadowsky Ultra Vintage and a MusicMan StingRay5 fretless going through a Fender Rumble 500 V3 amp with a Fender Rumble 210 ext cab for larger gigs. I'm using a light weight Fender Rumble 40 for open mic performances when backing up acoustic players. I will also us a Schroeder 15PL extension cab with the Rumble 500 when looking for a little different sound. For some venues, I do fall back to an older Fender MIM Precision. On rare occasions, I will bring out my 1973 Fender Fretless Precision. However, with the Fretless 40+ years old, I no longer drag it along to very many performances. Yes, I know it needs to be played... and yes, I am fearful of something happening to it at the venues I currently work. It will return to the road one day though. Finally, I have an acoustic fretless that I have been using lately for a couple of recording efforts. See the last section on this website labeled Keith.

If you have more interest in musical equipment, check out my pages describing what I own today at or http://williefavero.com/MyMusic/

My Favorite Music Flavors
Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Brazilian, Country, Christian


Performance Photos - 2016 to Present

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My Band Participation History

- 2016 thru Currenty -

W h o I ' m W o r k i n g W i t h T o d a y
Archie Bell	I had the opportunity to play bass guitar for Archie's band at a benefit performance in Montgomery, TX (very far North Houston). Archie Bell and the Drells took the songs "Tighten Up" and "I Can't Stop Dancing" to the top of the charts back in 1968. Archie is still going strong and dancing up a storm today at 72 years young.
David Becker	David has been and still is a popular singer/songwriter in the Houston area for many years. I've Got This Thing for You
Patti Sullivan	Patti is a popular singer/songwriter in the Houston area for many years. She has recently moved back to Maryland.. Patti on MySpace Pale Pink Sky
Jarrod Sterrett	I worked as a hired gun for "The Hired Guns" when Jarrod needed a bass player for their gig at Shenanigan's Night Club in Texas City, Texas. Jarrod Sterrett & The Hired Guns website.
Moe Hansum Band	Once again I was playing the part of the hired gun, this time with The Moe Hansum Band. They were playing the "Ken & Mary Blues Project" in Porter, Texas and needed a bass player for the day. The Moe Hansum Band website.
Rich DelGrosso	Rich is a well respected and outstanding mandolin player who also played for The Moe Hansum Band at the "Ken & Mary Blues Project". Mandolin Blues (Rich's website)
Clennis High	Clennis is legendary in the Houston area. His extraordinary guitar playing is easily a combination of R&B, smooth Jazz, Blue, and Gospel, the kind of guitar playing the is difficult to categorize. Clennis introduced to me to Archie Bell and The Moe Hansum Band. Some of Clennis's music.
Chuck Collins	Chuck Collins (Guitar and Vocals) has been writing songs since the early 70's. He has twenty-seven of his recent songs copyrighted and more in the process. Currently, he is doing solo work in clubs, concentrating on early rock & roll, old blues, a bit of country, and his original work of course. He is frequently accompanied by Bob Kerswill on Harmonica. Cover of Buddy Knox's "Too Much Fun". I have accompanied Chuck Collins The Americana, Puffabellys Old Depot Restaurant in Old Town Spring, Swanny's Bar & Grill in Houston, Green Oaks Tavern in Humble, at The Americana and Dan Eletro's in Houston.
Bob Kerswill	See above for Chuck Collins.
Wild Rabbit Salad	Wild Rabbit Salad are Bucky Goldberg and Marietta Roebuck. They currently have three CDs: "Wild Rabbit Salad live at SXDE" (2011), "Red Dirt Rising" (2013), and the self-titled CD "Wild Rabbit Salad" (2015). All songs are originals and written, produced, and performed by Bucky and Marietta. They have received streams, downloads, air play and artistic recognition for their efforts. They have played 100's of gigs around Houston and beyond for the last 10 years. You can hear their music at Wild Rabbit Salad on ReverbNation I am currently Wild Rabbit Salad's full time bass player, performing at numerous venues in the greater Houston area and appearing on their latest recordings.


1964 - 2016
(Niagara Falls 1964-1978)
This Section Also Includes a Few Live Recordings
What follow is what I hope is an accurate history of the time I have spent playing music. I haven't listed everything I have ever attempted, that would be borderline silly. However, I have tried to list the events, the bands, and the people, who had a significant impact on me wanting to do this all over again today, at 67 years old, along with a few current events that are making a musical dream come true again.

How the Journey Started
A very long time ago, my cousin Woody had a band called the "Contrails". Hearing his band practice is when I decided I wanted to play in a band also.
Although there were a couple of garage bands that did a few free gigs in the very beginning, the first Band with paying gigs: Alonzo "Slick" Bradley (vocals, RIP), ?? (guitar), ?? (drums), and Willie Favero (bass). My first paying gig was at roller rink called the Hully Gully. Next, I moved onto a paying gig at the old Victory Lounge on Main Street off Falls Street in Niagara Falls, NY. These two opportunities got me invited to join the Apaches with some High School friends. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.


The Apaches

These first recordings goes back even further, back to the mid-1960s, back to a Saturday night dance at Bishop Duffy High School. The band is the "Apaches". The "Apaches" were a bunch of kids just starting high school; Thom Rotella on guitar, Pat Perry on drums and vocals, Rich DelZoppo on guitar, and me, Willie Favero, playing bass guitar. We all shared background vocals duty. John DiNunzio (aka Johnny D) joined the band later on as the lead vocalist. Although this wasn't the first band I was in that made momey from playing music, it was the band that actually got me started as a Niagara Falls musician. Thom Rotella went on to become a very sucessfull sessions guitarist, recording artist, and composer, He currently is performing in the Los Angeles, CA area.
The following recordings, now on YouTube, were made with a 1960 tape recorder by Jim Brunn, the MC you'll hear on these recordings, at a Bishop Duffy High School dance:
"Day Tripper", The Beatles		"Cara Mia", Jay & The Americans
"Run For Your Life" by The Beatles (only a short excerpt)



The "Big Break" that never happened": On December 11, 1965, the Byrds (yup, those Byrds of "Mr Tambourine" and "Tune, Turn, Turn" fame) were booked to play at the Stand Theater on Falls St in Niagara Falls, NY. The Apaches were invited to perform on stage as one of their opening acts. However, the Stand Theater was a union shop. Since we were too young to join the Musicians union, the union prevented us from performing, possibly missing out on what could have been a huge opportunity for a bunch of local kids. As things turned out, regardless of what decisions the union may have made, it was never going to be an opportunity for the Apaches. The Byrds flight that day was fogged in at New York City's airport preventing them from making it to the concert. The Buffalo Beatles performed alone on stage that day.


London Fog
At some point Pat left the Apaches and Russ became our drummer. The band at that time transitioned to the London Fog. The London Fog was made up of: John DiNunzio (vocals), Rich DelZoppo (guitar), Russ Previte (drums), Willie Favero (bass), Thom Rotella (Guitar) Tom Nelson (vocals after John left), Walter Birch (lights)


Everyday People
"Everyday People" was a formed out of The London Fog minus Tony Beccari. John DeNunzio was playing for us in February 1969. We were at LaSalle High School playing with The Purple Gas. Tom left us for the Purple Gas with Zito, Bax, Franky G and Jim Curtis. When John DeNunzio left he band, we went into Frank Fracassi's mothers Living room from March thru May practicing with Toni Beccari. We were offered a job at the Main Lounge at the corner of Main Street and Falls Street. However, we had to change the band's name at the request of Larry Googosion, the owner of the Main. He wanted to make sure that a bunch of teeny boppers or High school kids followed us to his place. We opened at the Main in late June as "Everyday People". I was with the band for just under a year. When I left the group, Carl Filbert took my place on bass. Who made up the original Everyday People? Tony Beccari (vocals), Rich DelZoppo (guitar), Russ Previte (drums), Frank Fracassi (Keyboards), Willie Favero (bass) Russ, Frank, Tony, Carl, and Rich are still playing with Everyday People in the Niagara Falls area.
Everyday People today (2016). This is for their Duffy Dance performance on April 30, 2016.


Penelope

Penelope was made up of (left to right): Frank Fracassi (Keyboards), Bob Isaacs (Guitar), Joe Rotella (drums), Bobby Sirianni (vocals), and Willie Favero (bass) Penelope is still around today playing at events in the Niagara Falls area. However, Bobby is the only original member still with the group.


Jazz Group (no name)

Jazz group: Ralph Fava (guitar), Willie Favero (bass), Carol Clayton Kostoff (vocals), Bill Bates (drums), and Joe Ruggiero (keyboards)


Country/Rock Attempt
Country/Rock attempt: George Kobas (guitar), Fred Amendola (guitar, RIP),


All About

Here's a couple of YouTube samples of one of the bands I was fortunate enough to play with back in the 1970s. The band was called "All About" as you can see form our brochure. It was an 8 piece very funky horn group that played all around Western New York. "All About" consisted of our front man and lead vocalist Rick Davis (RIP), Tom Greco on guitar, lead vocals, and backup vocals, with Dom Mitro on keyboards. Our horn section was made up of Tony Nastasi on alto and tenor sax and flute, Eddie Urso on trumpet, and John Davies* (RIP) on trombone. Our kick a$$ rhythm section was made up of Mario Quaglia on drums and backup vocals, and Willie Favero on fretless bass and backup vocals. *(John Davies was posthumously inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame in 2017.)



The following 32 recordings, now on YouTube, were all made in June 1975 and July 1975 with an old 1970s style tape recorder laying on one of the front tables at these two clubs during performances of "All About": "International Lounge" on Pine Avenue or "The Switchyard" on Porter Road, both in Niagara Falls, NY. Please excuse the recording quality. The MP4 recording needed for Youtube where created using a Behringer UCA222 to transfer the from a reel-to-reel to my computer, Audacity to break up the massive WAV file created by the data transfer, and Windows Movie Maker for final editing, adding text and photos, and to create the MP4. All of the following YouTube recordings are COVERS by "All About" of popular songs performed by major artist in the 1970s.
"A Funky Song" (Ripple) - International Lounge		"A Funky Song" (Ripple) - The Switchyard
"Brand New Love Affair" (Chicago) - The Switchyard		"Can't Move No Mountain" (Blood, Sweat & Tears) - International Lounge
"Don't Change Horses" (Tower of Power) - International Lounge		"Down to the Nightclub" (Tower of Power) - International Lounge
"Everybody's Everything" (Santana) - International Lounge		"Everybody's Everything" (Santana) - The Switchyard
"Fire and Rain" (Blood, Sweat and Tears) - The Switchyard		"Fire" (The Ohio Players) - The Switchyard
"Got The Love" (Average White Band) - International Lounge		"Got To Get You Into My Life" (The Beatles) - The Switchyard
"Hollywood Swinging" (Kool & The Gang) - The Switchyard		"Lucretia Mac Evil" (Blood, Sweat and Tears)
"Mighty Mighty" (Earth, Wind, and Fire)		"Moondance" (Van Morrison) - International Lounge
"Moondance" (Van Morrison) - The Switchyard		"Old Days" (Chicago)
"Once You Get Started" (Rufus featuring Chaka Khan) - The Switchyard		"Only So Much Oil In The Ground" (Tower of Power)
"Pick Up The Pieces" (Average White Band) - The Switchyard		"Someday We'll Get By" (Azteca) - The Switchyard
"Put Your Hands Together" (The O'Jays) - International Lounge		"Put Your Hands Together" (The O'Jays) - The Switchyard
"Song for My Father" (Horace Silver) - International Lounge		"This Time It's Real" (Chicago) - International Lounge
"Walking In Rhythm" (The Blackbyrds)		"We've Got To Live Together" (Buddy Miles Express) - International Lounge
"What is Hip" (Tower of Power) - The Switchyard		"You Can Count on Me" (Chicago) - International Lounge
"You Got It" (Average White Band) - The Switchyard		"You're Still A Young Man" (Tower Of Power) - International Lounge


I Wasn't Actually in this Band, But...

This is an odd one. I was never in Five in a Row. However, when I was working with another band, I often sat in with them. It was always a great way to use up an off night and kept the hands in shape. Five in a Row: Marie Navarroli (vocals), Ernie Vendetti (vocals), Stan Sciera (keyboards), Rich Golda (drums), Bernie O'Donnel (guitar)


Sound City Express
Sound City Express: Ike Smith (vocals), Paul Weitz (Guitar), Al Albano (keyboards, RIP), ?? (drummer), and Willie Favero (Bass) Paul Weitz went on to become a sucessfull Jazz guitarist currently performing and recording in the Los Angeles, CA area. Al Albano became the conductor and keyboard player for the Lettermen in 1993 and toured with them until be became sick. Al died on Febrary 19, 2002.


You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (musical)
Played with the band (small orchestra) that supported the musical "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" that was performed in North Dallas around 1988.


BMC Blues Band

BMC Software's main offices had a terrific recording studio on their lower level. That studio, combined with the fact that it often seemed like everyone at BMC played some musical instrument, sparked an idea sometime in the late 1990s that maybe we could use that space afterhours to put together a band. It seemed like a great way to blow off some steam at the end of the day. However, somewhere between our many practices and the fact that we were having a blast playing together, management suggested we think about playing for some BMC events. At first, it was a few sales rallies. However, that eventually turned into us traveling to Unix World in Dallas to play for one of the huge afterhours parties. It was all very cool and great fun.
BMC Blues Band: Dave Fox (guitar), Tommy Sprinkle (guitar), Willie Favero (bass), Julian Waits (sax), and ????? many others. I apologize for not remembering everyone's name in the photos.



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Woodlands Acoustic Jam
The Woodlands Acoustic Jam, a group on Meetup.com, is a group for acoustic musicians of all skill levels who want to meet in The Woodlands for a bi-weekly acoustic jam. The first 20 group members to sign up spend 3 hours on a Sunday playing their favorite songs. It's a very cool group, playing together is a lot of fun, and they on occasion get to perform for others.
Make Music at Herrera's (Herreras Mexican Restaurant in Conroe, TX) - Bi-Monthly Jam



Jam for "National Night Out" in Windsor Hills (Conroe, TX) - October 3, 2016


Puffabellys Old Depot Restaurant
Puffabelly's Old Depot Restaurant is located in Old Town Spring, TX.


- - - Thursday Night Open Mic - - -

"Last Kiss", by Bill Curd


- - - Puffabelly's Outdoor Courtyard Stage (for various festival) - - -
The Outdoor Courtyard Stage is sponsored by Puffabelly's Restaurant. The Outdoor Stage makes its appearance throughout the year for various festivals held in Old Town Spring, Spring, Texas. Each performer, or group of performers, are given a 35-minute set and the sets run from Noon to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Puffabelly's not only supplies the tent and stage but also makes their full menu along with table service available to those listening for the afternoon. Those performing on the Outdoor Courtyard Stage and individuals or groups that have displayed their talents at Puffabelly's Thursday Night Open Mic. Only people who have performed at Open Mic participate.


October 1 & 2, 2016 - Old Town Spring Autumn Art & Texas Wine Festival, An Outdoor Music Event


April 29 & 30, 2017 - Old Town Spring Texas Crawfish and Music Festival


October 7 & 8, 2017 - Old Town Spring Autumn Art & Texas Wine Festival and Pet Festival


March 24 & 25, 2018 - Old Town Spring SpringFest with Outdoor Music Showcase


April 28 & 29, 2018 - Old Town Spring Texas Crawfish and Music Festival


October 6 & 7, 2018 - Old Town Spring Art & Texas Wine Festival, An Outdoor Music Event

			Blues Willis: "Cartoon Guys" (an original song)



October 20 & 21, 2018 - Puffbelly's Outdoor Stage Open Mic'ers Music Festival

	Jennifer covering Gold Dust Woman


- - - Old West Melodrama Preshow Performances - - -
"The Great Male Order Sting of Indianola" 08/19/2017	"Eat, Drink, and Be Murdered" 05/19/2018	"Haunting of Bella de Ghosse" 08/18/2018	"Trouble at the Tropicabana" 10/13/2018
"The Case of the Motorcoach Murder" 10/21/2017

Arcadia Bar & Grill
Arcadia Bar & Grill, Houston's Original Rock Bar since 1982, Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, Texas (Oct 23, 2016)


Bren's Monaville Hall Icehouse
Bren's Monaville Hall Icehouse, Cochran Rd, Waller, Texas


Jimbo's Road House
Jimbo's Road House, Hempstead Hwy, Hockley, Texas


Playing bass for "The Can't Hardly Playboys and One Girl Band" every other Wednesday. Started on February 8, 2017 and still performing every other Wednesday.

Cheers
Cheers, West Main Street, Tomball, Texas


Swanny's Bar & Grill
Swanny's (Website and Facebook) is located on Theall Rd in Houston, Texas.

Swanny's is my favorite Tuesday night Open Mic.

Green Oaks Tavern
Swanny's (Website and Facebook) is located on E. Main Street in Humble, Texas.

Green Oaks Tavern is my favorite Sunday afternoon Open Mic, great owners.

Hitching Post

Hitching Post, Caldwell (San Antonio Prairie), Texas

Whiskey Tango Bar & Grill

Whiskey Tango Bar & Grill, Navasota, Texas

The Americana

The Americana, Bingle Road, Houston, Texas.


The Ginger Man - Midtown

The Ginger Man Houston Midtown, W Gray Street, Houston, Texas

Shenanigan's Night Club

Shenanigan's Night Club, Texas City, Texas.

Ken & Mary's Blues Project

Ken & Mary's Blues Project, Porter, Texas.

Dan Electro's Guitar Bar

Dan Electro's Guitar Bar, Houston, Texas.

Parrot Pub Dance & Night Club

Parrot Pub Dance & Night Club, Spring, Texas.

Re:HAB Bar on the Bayou

Re:HAB Bar on the Bayou, Houston, Texas.

Shane's Saloon

Shane's Saloon, Pinehurst, Texas.

The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club

The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club , Houston, Texas.


Open Mics with Barry Rome
Swanny's Grill - November 15, 2016
Cover of Jimmy Buffett's "Cheeseburger in Paradise"		Cover of Lyle Lovett's "She's No Lady"
Cover of the Eagles' "Peaceful Easy Feeling"		Cover of the Eagles' "Take It Easy"
Cover of James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James"		Cover of Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl"
Puffabelly's - December 29, 2016
Cover of Jim Croce's "Working At The Car Wash Blues"		Cover of James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James"
Cover of Eagles "Take It Easy"		Cover of Lyle Lovett's "She's No Lady"
Puffabelly's - January 12, 2017


Cover of Hayes Carll's "She Left Me For Jesus"		Cover of Jim Croce's "Operator"
Cover of John Mayer's "Daughters"


Open Mics with Frank & Marie

--- Willie (bass), Marie (harmonica, vocals), Frank (guitar, vocals) ---
Swanny's Grill - January 31, 2017
McCardell's Tavern & Grille - January 31, 2017
Swanny's Grill - February 7, 2017
Puffabelly's Open Mic - February 23, 2017
Puffabelly's Open Mic - March 2, 2017
Puffabelly's Open Mic - March 9, 2017
Texas Wine and Art Festival - Puffabelly's, Old Town Spring, TX - April 2, 2017


The Can't Hardley Playboys and One Girl Band

- Frank (guitar, vocals), José (drums), Marie (harmonica, vocals), Roger (guitar, vocals), Sonny (guitar, vocals), and Willie (bass) -


Monaville Hall in Waller, TX - October 29, 2016
- Frank (guitar, vocals), Gary (drums), Marie (harmonica, vocals), Roger (guitar, vocals), Sonny (guitar, vocals), and Willie (bass) -

B&H Grill in Tomball, TX - November 19, 2016
- Frank (guitar, vocals), José (drums), Marie (harmonica, vocals), Roger (guitar, vocals), Sonny (guitar, vocals), and Willie (bass) -

Big John's Birthday at Monaville Hall in Waller, TX - December 17, 2016
- Frank (guitar, vocals), José (drums), Marie (harmonica, vocals), Roger (guitar, vocals), Sonny (guitar, vocals), and Willie (bass) -

Jimbo's Road House (35230 Hempstead Hwy, Hockley, TX)- Every other Wendesday - Feb 8 thru ????.
- Frank (guitar, vocals), José (drums), Marie (harmonica, vocals), Roger (guitar, vocals), Sonny (guitar, vocals), and Willie (bass) -

Cover of Steve Earle recording of "Copperhead Road"		Cover of Johnny Cash recording of "Folsom Prison Blues"
Cover of Jason Allen recording "John Boat Blues"		Cover of Eric Clapton recording of "Lay Down Sally"
Cover of Willie Nelson recording of "On The Road Again"		Cover of Merle Haggard recording of "Ramblin' Fever"
Cover of Merle Haggard recording of "Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down"







Jennifer and Kenny (plus others) at Puffabelly's

- Kenny (guitar, vocals), Jennifer (vocals), Joe (dobro), Howard (fiddle), and Willie (bass) -
Cover of James Taylor's "Copperline"


Keith Roger's Recordings

- Keith (guitar, vocals, sound and digital editing/arranging), plus many others -
Cover of Frank Solivan's "Put Me In Your Pocket"
Cover of Guy Clark's "Black Diamond Strings"
Cover of Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez's "Sweet Tequila Blues"
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Some Very Personal Details: I was born in December, 1950 in Niagara Falls, NY. I grew up in a terrific neighborhood with most of my childhood living at 2236 LaSalle Ave. I attended Our Lady of Mt Carmel School for 9 years (K-8) before graduating in 1968 from Bishop Duffy High School. In 1973, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Information System Management from the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Buffalo (aka Buffalo State College). Career opportunities convinced me to move from the Falls to St Louis, MO in 1977, to Dallas, TX in 1988 (technically Grapevine, TX), and finally to Houston, TX in 1994. I married my best friend Karen Meng in September 1982 in St Louis and have two Daughters (Lauren and Catherine) and 4 Grandchildren (Faith, Anthony, Colton, and Annabelle). Besides music and family, my other passions over the years have included fast cars (including some racing), motorcycles, photography, building Lego kits, and computers (not always necessarily in that order).