Jamesport vineyards, Aug. 26, Inner Sleeve

Seth, Jimmy, and I (Inner Sleeve) battled the heat and humidity and were pleasantly surprised that the promised thunderstorms never materialized. The yellowjacks were out in full force, however, apparently as intruiged by the vineyard's wine as the customers were. Not a bad crowd at all considering the weather, which would have been a lot worse if the sun had been blazing all day. Enjoyed playing "That's Alright Mama" and a few encores for a couple at the show's close. We return there October 13 and 27, if memory serves.

Looking forward to playing a private party in Melville next Saturday at a horsemanship training school barbecue.

Songwriter's concert, Antares Cafe, Aug. 25

This was a terrific event that exceeded my expectations. All who promised they would show did so, in spite of conflicting obligations and schedules. Bluespicker extraordinaire Bruce MacDonald led off the show and set the bar very high, and was joined by Sayville singer/songwriter Hank Stone midway through on harmonica. Stone then did his own quirky set based largely on his new CD, Rough Folk. Ahmad Ali, WBAI personality currently running on the Green Party for Steve Levy's job, followed with some velvet-throated soul selections. Rick Hall and I collaborated on some of our original tunes and country/folk singer-songwriter Liza Coppola sang her songs from the heart reminding this writer at times of Buffy St. Marie. David Nyce, the singing Mayor of Greenport, dazzled the audience with his clear tenor featured on songs like Veronica. He unearthed the only tune he wrote for his wife and co- gallery owner Jennifer, "Whisky and Memories," making for an emotional moment. Big Joe Sferlazza sang some blues numbers and had the crowd in stitches followed by actor Chris Young, who did his amazing spoken word piece, "Child of the Media." The night concluded with Orient poet Billy Hands reading from "You Can't Trade Up" and "Marry a Girl With Money." Big Joe and New Suffolk composer/pianist George Cork Maul wrapped up the night with more rollicking and raunchy blues. Thanks Matt, for the chance to do this. You and your waitstaff have been wonderful this summer and we hope to do some sporadic music again next year.

August 19, Trinity Church, Greenport-Song of Peace and War

Those of you who missed this event should be flogging yourselves. The musicianship was of the highest level and there was so much synergy. The highlight for me, although there were no lowlights, was seeing Fode Sissoko-Fakoli, a Sengalese master drummer and kora player, play and sing an original creation entitled, "Rain." He prefaced the piece by saying how in his country rain is essential to survival. I thought of how fortunate we all are not to wake up in a country plagued by famine, disease, and coups. Fode played with the Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist, and recording artist Babatunde Olatunji...

route 48 vineyards-earthtones-8/18

It was fun doing our only Route 48 Vineyard gig this year on Saturday with the chill of fall in the air. What made the gig was the guy from upstate NY who told us he heard "I'll Never Find Another You" on the radio on the way down and was hoping for an encore. When we played it, he said he felt that eerie intuitive feeling we all get at times... Thanks Debra, Joe, and Rose for making the experience so much fun... The limo didn't hurt either.

Osprey's Dominion, Aug. 12

It's always great to return to Osprey's under their big tent... I would only change one thing. The spacious grounds are so breathtaking that many folks don't sit under the tent and you don't always get that intimate concert feel that you sometimes did before the tasting room was expanded.

Speaking of which, it feels so good inside, especially on a day like yesterday when the heat and humidity was starting to return, that you can easily understand why people might not venture outside. So folks, in the future, please move into or closer to the tent and help close the gap of those wide open spaces. Then you can always take a break and go inside and enjoy the AC.

Inner Sleeve hadn't played for a month and it's always a little tricky getting the perfect sound for a trio. But correct it we did and had some moments where we nailed it like, "What's So Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding?," "Green River," and "Love Me Two Times."

It was also great to see Seth's friend Dan in the audience. Dan teaches drama at Suffolk Community College and unfailingly brings a ton of enthusiasm to our gigs...

There was the usual table clamoring for "Free Bird" to no avail but it was fun chatting with the drummer from that table in between sets. He was a great sport, putting up with the old joke about drummers being different than a pizza because at least a pizza can feed a family of four... nothing personal of course.

peconic winery Aug. 11

What an ideal gig at the Peconic Winery in Cutchogue on Saturday! The staff at Peconic Winery is among the nicest group of people I've ever worked with. They feel like family. The weather was picture-perfect — no humidity, about 75 degrees, little breeze to deal with.

Enjoyed the couple from Huntington who wanted to hear Jimmy Buffett songs and bought My Vacation... as well as the little boy who requested James Taylor. And my daughter's grade school teacher, there with her husband, who we got to talk to after the concert...

Rick had been to the Concert of the Vibes for two days, and had some throat issues, but rallied and regained his vocal prowess after the first set...

And Michelle, we'll try to learn God Only Knows for you although I don't have the angelic voice that Carl Wilson did...

Even though Peconic is going through some renovations, they have a great set-up with the tent at the back of the property and it affords an initmate setting with the audience...