When I don't do a blog right after a gig, I feel a little guilty about it, and I often forget some details after time goes by. Life got rather intense for me last week, and I didn't get a chance to write a blog for our Redwood Cafe gig on Saturday, July 11th. This is a perfect time to catch up since I'm riding high after last night, July 16th, an evening of great music at the Blue Heron. This will be sort of a "combo blog," and it should work since there are always things that link gigs. One link I can think of right away is what happens when a fabulous musician joins the core Thugz bunch and amps up the music to a new level. At the Redwood Cafe, Mike's pal from many bands ago, Rod Rocha, sat in on drums. He's a great drummer, and I could feel him pushing me along as I sang Dylan's "Thunder On the Mountain." Rod's style is relaxed and powerful at the same time, and it was fun to have him join us. He is such a pro. And then, last night, our own Thug, Stephanie Salva, came along for a quick visit. She was a "Thug on vacation", but she decided to take a break from packing for her trip. All she had to do was grab that microphone and sing an old favorite, "Next Time You See Me," and the little Blue Heron bar was totally energized - what a voice. At the Redwood Cafe, we play for a different crowd than we have at the Blue - after all it's the "other side" of the highway. We had several folks who had actually traveled to Chicago for the "Fare Thee Well" show, and they were so happy to know that the "music never stops." At the Blue, we see our old pals from the River area. They showed up after the Guerneville plaza show featuring Tommy Castro's band. I thought we did some great jams all night, but it got so packed at the end that we had to deliver high energy danceable tunes. When we get a chance to jam, Mike still amazes me with his ability to pull us all together with creative polyphony. It's so much fun! Next week will offer really contrasting gigs once again, and the Thugz adaptability will be challenged. On Monday, it's the duo at the Backyard - then the full band at the Twin Oaks Tavern (other side of the freeway!) followed by the Stewarts Point Store on the north coast. Oh boy - here we go. Take care. Love, Sylvia