Wednesday, February 27th, 2008

Lee Rocker’s Show on XM Satellite Radio – Rumble & Twang (3/3)
Lee is the newest artist to have his own show on XM Satellite Radio. Rumble and Twang is an hour-long radio show spotlighting rockabilly and Americana music carried on XM Country (Channel 12). Whether vintage or upcoming, the music on Rumble and Twang is sure to enlighten and revive your satellite radio music experience! Tune in on Mon, March 3 at 11 AM EST, Thurs, March 6 at 7 PM EST and Sat, March 8 at 11 AM EST. The program is part of 'The Slip Stream Special' series.
For additional info, set lists, air dates/times and the message board; check out www.rumbleandtwang.com or at the XM site www.xmradio.com/onxm/channelpage.xmc?ch=12


Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Please pass the word, thanks.

After much thought and consideration, The Road Agents have decided to end the annual Hot Rod Rumble on a permanent basis. We know this news will be a disappointment to many. We will miss it just as much as you, however as some of you may or may not know, many of us in the club have other projects and/or businesses that are taking priority. The show was a huge responsibility and a lot of hard work to put on every year, but as much as we enjoyed doing it, our personal lives were suffering. This combined with the fact that the Elks Lodge has gone bankrupt and we will no longer be able to use the grounds for the show, has brought us to the decision to call it quits. (Finding a new location is not the big issue here.) I am sure you will all understand.

We would like to whole-heartedly thank everyone who has supported us for the past nine years (8 shows) and made the show not only memorable, but also made the rest of the country stand up and take a second look at the East Coast and the cool rods and customs we drive. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Lastly, I would like to emphasize that the end of the Rumble does not mean the end of the Road Agents Car Club! We look forward to finally getting out there and hitting up and supporting other shows this summer. We also have a few things up our sleeves for the future that we will post on our web site, so keep an eye out for them!

Again, a HUGE Thanks to everyone who has supported the show, especially those who have been with us since day one! It’s been a blast!

Luke Karosi


Wednesday, February 13th , 2008


STRAY CATS ANNOUNCE FAREWELL TOUR!!
From the desk of Brian Setzer:
Hi Folks! Its been a long time since I've posted anything here, but as you know, I'd rather throw a baseball (or a snowball, up here in Minneapolis)!

At this point, I would like to announce The Stray Cats Farewell Tour. We will be starting mid-August in Spain. Its been 30 years since the Stray Cats formed. Isn't that hard to believe? There's no one I'd rather play with than Slim Jim and Lee Rocker. They're the best!

I would like to end the Stray Cats the way we started it. That would be with the love of playing our brand of rockabilly music.

We will be posting tour dates as they come in.
See you in August!
Forever rockin'!
Brian


Thursday, October 18th, 2007
I am honored to once again be asked to model in the Mode Merr Fashion & Burlesque Brunch!
Make your reservations today...this even ALWAYS sells out!
Thanks for your support!
The Mode Merr Hot Holiday Fashion & Burlesque Brunch!
With modeling & performances from: The World Famous Pontani Sisters, Dirty Martini, The World Famous *BoB*, Miss Delirium Tremens, Little Brooklyn, PLUS dozens more Mode Merr customers as tantalizing temptresses & saucy seductresses! All modeling Mode Merr's winter wardrobe collection!
Just the thing to take the make your toddy hot! This event will feature a full shopping boutique for one stop seasonal shopping that will include marvelous Mode Merr looks from the show and many from the website as well as tattoo prints, MM gift cards, custom crafted goodies from local burlesque bombshells, like pasties, novelty costume items, t shirts, crocheted hats, glossy 8x10's and much more!
AN ADDITIONAL 10% DISCOUNT WILL BE GIVEN FOR CASH
TRANSACTIONS ON ALL MODE MERR MERCHANDISE!!!!!Sunday, December 9th, 2007
12:30 & 2:30 seatings, this event WILL SELL OUT, don't be stuck sobbing in the snow, reserve a table today!

Marions Continental
354 Bowery @ E. 4th St
NEW YORK CITY
212- 475-7621
$25 prix fixe includes brunch, cocktail & show
www.marionsnyc.com
www.modemerr.com


Friday, September 21st, 2007

Just announced! Be sure to visit The Connectikittens special booth at the 2nd Annual Hot Rod And Kustom Fall Out on Saturday, October 20th!


Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
Our friend Cynthia Xelas wrote an article on the Road Agents Rumble for Full Throttle magazine, and they used a bunch of her photos, including one of the Connectikittens!
Go here to check it out!
http://www.fullthrottlenyne.com/feature12.htm
Thanks Cyn!


Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Published By The Associated Press
Janis Martin, Singer Billed as the Female Elvis, Dies at 67
DANVILLE, Va., Sept. 4 (AP) — Janis Martin, a rockabilly pioneer billed as the Female Elvis, died on Monday. She was 67.

Her death, at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., was announced Tuesday by her husband, Bradley Whitt, who said the cause was cancer. She learned that she had cancer shortly after what turned out to be her last public performance, a cancer benefit in Richmond in March, Mr. Whitt said.
Ms. Martin rose to fame in the 1950s as Elvis Presley’s label mate at RCA Victor, which promoted her as the Female Elvis. Her first record and biggest hit, “Will You Willyum,” was released in 1956, when she was just 15. The song made the Billboard Top 10 for one week and sold about 750,000 copies.
She appeared on the “Tonight” show and “American Bandstand” and toured with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Faron Young, Hank Snow, Porter Wagoner and Jim Reeves. She became a star in Europe, where she is still popular, Mr. Whitt said.
Ms. Martin was voted Billboard’s most promising female artist in 1956. She formed her own band, the Marteens, and played clubs and fairs before retiring from show business in 1958. She remained largely inactive in the business until the late 1970s, when the rockabilly revival led to extensive tours in Europe and introduced Ms. Martin to a new generation of fans.
She had been scheduled to perform at the Americana, an international rockabilly show in Britain, on July 4, but had to cancel because of her illness, Mr. Whitt said.
Along with performing, Ms. Martin managed the Danville Golf Club.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a sister, Geraldine Connor of South Boston, Va.; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. She had a son, who died, by a previous marriage.
“She was a free-spirited lady who was devoted to her fan base,” Mr. Whitt said in a telephone interview. “She would stay for hours after a show and never leave a person standing, taking pictures and signing for them for four or five hours.”


Monday, August 27, 2007
From Janis Martin's MySpace page, which her granddaughter Lindsey takes care of:
http://www.myspace.com/femaleelvis
To all concerned,
It saddens my heart to write and tell you all of this terrible news that I just received.
Rockabilly artist, Janis Martin has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and it has spread all over her body.
Her husband Wayne Whitt has told me that she is napping most of the day in a hospital bed at her home in Danville, VA. She will soon go and take a temporary residence in Raleigh for a round of radiation treatments to try and reduce the size of the tumors behind her lungs, shoulder and leg. Janis had been suffering from severe headaches over the past several months so she found it necessary to cancel her recent booking at the Americana Festival in England. The headaches turned out to be stress related from all the grief she's had to endure from losing her son Kevin who passed away in January of this year. Recently when a large tumor appeared on her shoulder, Janis and Wayne headed back to the doctors for tests. The tests revealed that she has a very aggressive type of cancer and is spreading all over her body. I can't even believe that I'm writing this, it is so hard to accept that this amazing person and dear friend is going through such an intense sickness at a time in her life when she was retired from her day job and finally ready to start performing again. I hope that everyone who knows her and has been touched by her unique talent for performing and her gifted voice as a rock n roll, blues and country singer will keep Janis and her family in your prayers. She has given so much to the world of music and to her fans both here in the US and in Europe and the rest of the world.
To read further about her career, you can google her name or click on this link: http://www.myspace.com/femaleelvis
http://www.history-of-rock.com/janis_martin.htm
Cards can be sent to her home at this address:
Janis Martin and Wayne Whitt
2217 Mount View Rd.
Danville, VA 24540
As some of you know, Janis recently agreed to let me produce with Bobby Trimble a brand new CD of 10 rock n roll songs of her choice. Backed by an amazing line up of musicians, including Bobby, from Austin Texas, we all gathered at a friends home studio in Blanco, Texas and in 3 days finished a body of work that she is very proud and excited about as well as a feeling of great accomplishment. Only three months prior to recording in Texas she had to endure the loss of her son who passed away in January from a brain aneurism. With all her heart and soul she sang with as much energy and intensity as she ever had. We all feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to share many great moments with such an amazing artist and beautiful person. The original female rock n roll artist, and as many of you have seen from her recent concert performances over seas and in the US, just never stopped rockin'! We hope to get this released as soon as possible so everyone can enjoy what will be Janis Martin's last recordings.
Rosie Flores
Austin, Texas
August 27, 2007


Sunday, August 12th, 2007
Dibbs Preston (Rockats) & The Detonators will be opening up for Brian Setzer Orchestra's 6th Annual Christmas Spectacular!



Friday, April 20th, 2007
I am honored to have been asked once again to model in the Mode Merr Fashion Show at Marion's Continental, NYC!
This is such a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

The Mode Merr Fashion Brunch
Sunday, June 3rd
At Marion's Continental
Mode Merr returns to Marion's for it's annual fashion & burlesque brunch! Don't miss this years spectacular which will feature a whole new line of thrilling threads, a bevy of pin-up & burlesque beauties modeling and performing for you as well as a full Mode Merr boutique for your shopping pleasure!
Starring: Angie Pontani, The World Famous *BoB*, Delirium Tremens, Amber Ray, GiGi LaFemme, Nasty Canasta, Little Brooklyn, Creamy Stevens, Dolly Esquire, Bitch Cakes, GO KAT GO! Michelle and sooooooo many more!
Marion's Continental
354 Bowery at West 4th Street
12:30 & 2pm seatings
Only $25.00 (prix fixe) includes brunch, a cocktail & the show!
212-475-7621 for reservations
www.marionsnyc.com
www.modemerr.com

I hope you can join me there!
Michelle


Tuesday, April 17th, 2007
www.briansetzer.com

STRAY CATS ON TOUR
BRIAN, JIM & LEE TO BRING IT BACK AGAIN THIS SUMMER!

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS,
STRAY CATS WILL BE TOURING NORTH AMERICA
AS PART OF THIS SUMMER'S JACK-FM TOUR WITH ZZ TOP, THE PRETENDERS AND MORE.
HERE'S THE FIRST DATE WE CAN TELL 'YA ABOUT:
JULY 28 - MINNEAPOLIS, MN - XCEL CENTER
STAY TUNED FOR ADDITIONAL DATES AND NEWS!!


April 10th, 2007
9:22pm, AP
Fire destroys longtime Johnny Cash home
Johnny Cash's longtime lakeside home, a showcase where he wrote much of his famous music and entertained U.S. presidents, music royalty and visiting fans, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday.
Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, lived in the 13,880-square-foot home from the late 1960s until their deaths in 2003.
"So many prominent things and prominent people in American history took place in that house — everyone from Billy Graham to Bob Dylan went into that house," said singer Marty Stuart, who lives next door and was married to Cash's daughter, Cindy, in the 1980s. Stuart said the man who designed the house, Nashville builder Braxton Dixon, was "the closest thing this part of the country had to Frank Lloyd Wright."
When Cash moved there, the road was a quiet country lane that skirts Old Hickory Lake. Kris Kristofferson, then an aspiring songwriter, once landed a helicopter on Cash's lawn to pitch him a song. Roy Orbison was his next-door neighbor for a while. Parts of the landmark video for Cash's song "Hurt" was shot inside the house.
"It was a sanctuary and a fortress for him," Stuart said. "There was a lot of writing that took place there."
Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys lives on the same road as Cash. "Maybe it's the good Lord's way to make sure that it was only Johnny's house," Sterban said.
The property was purchased by Barry Gibb, a former member of the Bee Gees, in January 2006. Gibb and his wife, Linda, had said they planned to restore the home on Old Hickory Lake and hoped to write songs there. They had not yet moved in to the home, which they bought for a reported $2.3 million.
Gibb's spokesman, Paul Bloch, said the singer and his family are "both saddened and devastated by the news."
Dixon built the three-story house in 1967 for his own family, but Cash fell in love with it. Dixon was reluctant to sell, but Cash kept after him.
"It was a very, very unusual contemporary structure," said Cash's brother, Tommy Cash. "It was built with stone and wood and all kinds of unusual materials, from marble to old barn wood. I don't think there was a major blueprint. I think the builder was building it the way he wanted it to look."
The younger Cash said many holidays and family get-togethers were spent at the house. And while Johnny and June also owned a house in Jamaica and a second house in Tennessee, they considered this one to be their home.
"Johnny and June lived there the entire time they were married," Tommy Cash said. "It was the only house they lived in together until they both passed on."
The fire, in this suburb about 20 miles northeast of downtown Nashville, started around 1:40 p.m. Fire trucks arrived within five minutes, but the house was already engulfed in flames, Hendersonville Fire Chief Jamie Steele said. Just a few hours later, there was almost nothing left except stone chimneys.
The cause is unknown, but Steele said the flames spread quickly because construction workers had recently applied a flammable wood preservative to the exterior of the house. The preservative was also being applied inside the house. No workers were injured, but one firefighter was slightly hurt while
fighting the fire, Steele said.
Cash's long career, which began in the 1950s, spanned rock 'n' roll, folk and country. His hits included "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line."


Wednesday, March 28th, 2007
Thank you for your support these past 2 weeks during the annual WNHU Phone-A-Thon!
With your help, I reached the goal they set for me ($2,000)! Hooray!
Thanks again to all of you you that helped make it happen!!!
Michelle


Monday, March 19th, 2007
WNHU Phone-A-Thon

As some of you may already know, we are in the midst of our annual WNHU Phone-A-Thon. For only 2 weeks out of the entire year we ask our listeners and supporters for their help. We are a non-commercial, non-profit station...and every dollar received goes to help the station run on a day to day basis.

New this year - every single person that pledges during my show (any amount) will receive a GO KAT GO! pin...AND:
--- $15+ donation gets you a cool WNHU t-shirt!
--- $30+ gets you a CD of your choice (from our list of premiums)!
PLUS...I will once again be giving the highest pledger of the evening (each week) a very special GO KAT GO! prize pack, consisting of tons of goodies!!!
So not only is your money going to a great cause (keeping us on the air!) but you're getting something in return for your donation! You can't beat that!
Please, show your support for the best non-profit, non-commercial station in the area...and show your support for GO KAT GO! by making a tax deductible donation tomorrow night (3/20) DURING SHOW HOURS (8-10pm). If you cannot do so tomorrow night, there's always next Tuesday night (3/27) as well.

The Phone-A-Thon number is: 203-934-WNHU

All donations are tax-deductible...and you do not even need the money now. You can make a pledge, and WNHU will send you a form in the mail to send back to us with payment at a later date.

Help us keep all the great WNHU programming on the air!

I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow night and/or next Tuesday night!!!

As always, thanks so much for your continued support


Tuesday, February 13th, 2007
Parole Hearing for Murderer of Go Cat Go Singer, Darren Spears

Sorry to bring up a dreary subject. I just got word from Darren's mom that there will be a parole hearing on March 5th for his killer. She
has asked me to pass on word that if anyone would like to submit an impact statement, she would be grateful for the support. This type of
statement is a letter explaining how Darren's death touched or affected you, whether you knew him personally or not - friend, fan, whatever.
If you would like to write one, please include the case #OCT931781-A and the docket #243094 somewhere on your page. You can either forward your letter to me via e-mail (off-list, please), and I'll send everything I have in one big packet. I'd like to get these mailed by Feb. 25th. Or,
you can mail it yourself to:
Maryland Parole Commission
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 307
Baltimore, MD 21215-2343
Many thanks!
Wendy
http://www.vinylux.com


Sunday, January 21, 2007
Early Social Distortion bassist ID'd in wreck

Officials say that Brent Liles of Fullerton was bicyclist killed in Placentia crash.
By ERIC CARPENTER
The Orange County Register

PLACENTIA – Officials on Saturday identified Brent Liles of Fullerton, former bass guitarist in one of the region's most influential punk rock bands, Social Distortion, as the bicyclist killed by a big rig on Thursday.

Liles played bass on the group's groundbreaking "Mommy's Little Monster" recording in 1983 and went on to play with other well-known Orange County punk acts such as the group Agent Orange. He was 43.

"Brent was a fun-loving guy who approached his bass playing with a lot of enthusiasm and that made him a lot of fun to be around," said Frank Agnew, a fellow musician and friend.

Liles, wearing casual clothing, was riding a small dirt bicycle westbound on Orangethorpe Avenue just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday, California Highway Patrol officials said.

As he entered the crosswalk at the Orange (57) Freeway, a big rig carrying a trailer turned right onto the on-ramp and accelerated, hitting Liles. He was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The driver, Javier Lopez of Rancho Cucamonga, was turning on a green light. He was not immediately cited, CHP officials said. The crash is still being investigated.

Liles joined Social Distortion in 1981 after a tumultuous beginning for the band, whose original members came from Fullerton and Huntington Beach.

He was recruited to play bass on "Mommy's Little Monster," which quickly brought the band national acclaim for its hard-driving music, raw vocals and themes of suburban alienation.

Orange County Register pop music critic Ben Wener called the album a "fundamental work" that set the groundwork for the West Coast punk rock scene.

Liles was featured in the limited-release film "Another State of Mind," which documented the band's early struggles on the road touring the United States and Canada in a pieced-together tour van.

Fed up with the band's internal turmoil, Liles abruptly left Social Distortion with drummer Derek O'Brien during a legendary New Year's Eve gig in 1983. The band soldiered on and garnered more widespread fame and even some pop-radio success under original frontman Mike Ness.

Ness did not return a phone call to his management company seeking comment.

Fans of Social Distortion said Liles was an important part of the band's history and he'll be sadly missed. The band's guitarist Dennis Dannell, who played with Liles, died of a brain aneurism in February 2000. The band continues on with a new lineup.

"I think most people think of Social D. and they think of Mike Ness. But they never could be what they are without some great supporting characters like Brent," said Sara Pendergast, 41, a longtime fan of the band.

"For people who love their music, it's like losing a member of the extended family."


Friday, January 19th, 2007
Thanks to Larry Shell for this information:

From Jon Johnson's mother:
Dear Friends Of Jon, Thank you for your many condolences and prayers after the sudden and shocking death of our son Jon yesterday. We have received many inquiries as to arrangements for days & times for visitation & funeral service, internment, memorial fund, etc. This information is provided in italics at the end of Jon's obituary which is below. Thank you for your prayers for all of our family and friends in this time of loss. Jon was a wonderful, loving, gifted, caring, and unusual man who left an impact on all those he shared his life with. It was a privilege to have him with us for as long as we did. Although it was short in human terms, it was filled to the brim with many diverse accomplishments and an enthusiasm for life, and a love for music, people and God that was remarkable. Mary Johnson (Jon's Mother)

Jon Erik Johnson, 43, died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Wollaston, MA January 17, 2007.

Jon was born January 15, 1964 in Sacramento, CA and lived in Rancho Cordova and Merced, CA; Ellsworth AFB, SD; and Hampton, NH while his father was in the Air Force, and moved to N. Swanzey, NH after his father's retirement from the service in 1984.

Jon attended and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Dover, NH in 1982 earned an Associate Degree from New Hampshire College in 1984. He received a Bachelor's Degree with Honors from Keene State College in 1987 where he majored in Business and Journalism and minored in Psychology. While attending KSC and after graduation, he hosted several shows on the college radio station and served as a disk-jockey for a number of years. He also taught guitar & bass for many years in the Keene, NH area and was active musically in local bands and church worship services.

After graduation from KSC, Jon became Manager at the Music Shop at the Colony Mill in Keene. He also served as the Business Manager for Good News Christian Counseling Center and was active on the non-profit board for 10 years. Jon moved to Boston in 1997 and was employed by the Computer Systems Corporation (CSI) in Cambridge, MA in the computer field until his recent death.

Jon was also attending Showa University in Boston as a second-year student in Japanese. Jon had made three recent trips to Japan and was deeply attached to the Japanese culture and people. He had sustained a close relationship with Izumi Terada of Nagahama, Japan for the last few years, and they were anticipating an engagement in the future.

Jon also wrote diverse articles for magazines including many for"Country Time Magazine" for which he earned the prestigious "Country Music Writer of the Year" Award presented to him in Nashville, TN.

Jon always showed a love of music and learned to play the acoustic guitar at a young age. He then graduated to electric guitar, electric bass guitar, and eventually to the love of his music life, the stand-up bass. He developed a great reputation for his bass playing and backup vocal ability in the Boston music scene and was a member of several successful bands, and also played frequently with the noted Rex Trailer. He played and sang on several succesful albums released over the past few years by different bands including a recent album release by Nate Gibson and The Gashouse Gang. Hoever, never lost his roots of acoustic guitar and Appalachin and gospel music and played and sang regularly at home and in various churches both solo and as a member of "The Johnson Boys", a Gospel singing group consisting of Jon and his brother, Scott, and father, Arnie.

Jon was baptized within the Methodist Church where he remained affiliated. He always remained religious and appreciated and displayed a great knowledge of Gospel music that he loved and sang with great skill. Jon was a person of diverse interests with a deep love of people, animals, children, friends, and family. He always maintained numerous diverse hobbies and an enthusiasm for life.

Jon is survived by his parents Rev. Dr. Mary and Maj. Arnold Johnson, USAF (ret) of N. Swanzey, NH; his brother Scott of Auburndale, MA; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court St., Keene, NH 03431, 603-352-0341. Visitation will be Jan 22, Monday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Richmond Community United Methodist Church, Richmond, NH (near the junction of NH Routes 119 & 32) on Tuesday, Jan 23 at 2 p.m. All are invited to attend. Parking at the Church is very limited, so please car-pool if possible. After the small church parking lot is full, parking should be along the edge of NH Route 119 as close to the church as possible.

Internment will follow immediately after the service at the Mt. View Cemetery, Swanzey, NH (NH Route 32) in the Johnson Family Plot. All are invitred afterwards to the Veterans Hall in Richmond, NH afterwards for refresments and a time of Remembrance.

A Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established in Jon's name. If you wish to make donations to honor his memory any contributions should be sent to:
Jon E Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund
C/O Ocean National Bank
122 West Street
Keene, NH 03431
ATTN: Rebecca


Thursday, January 18th, 2007
Jon Erik Johnson, bassist of Nate Gibson And The Gashouse Gang, The Bourbonaires & Lenny And The Piss Poor Boys found dead at his home.

Here's what his brother Scott posted on www.thenoiseboard.com

Jon Erik Johnson passed away the morning of Wednesday January 17th at home in his apartment in Wollaston at around 8:15 AM. It appears he died of complications from a sudden seizure. He probably was unconscious before he even knew what was going on, and passed away quickly without suffering.

I'd not been able to reach him over the course of the afternoon Wednesday, and when I called his place of work, he'd not come in and they'd not been able to reach him. On hearing this I felt worried and headed over immediately to his place and let myself in. I found him already gone.

Police, paramedics and others of that sort came over and were professional and warm. Their appraisal of what had happened was the same as mine. He'd had serious seizures of an epileptic grand mal type starting 9 months ago, and even though the meds he'd been taking for that had seemed to be helping, there's just no way to completely protect against this kind of circumstance.

It had been his 43rd birthday this last weekend, and he and I had a great weekend up in New Hampshire visiting with our parents. He'd been in excellent spirits, had a notable glow of well being and happiness. We had great family time together. Tuesday night he'd had a filmed interview and rehearsal with Lenny and the Piss Poor Boys, and they say he'd been in fine form, happy and laughing and doing some of what he loved best.

If it just has to happen that someone has to go, this is as good as it gets. Top of the game, enjoying life, and no warning or suffering.

But I miss him so bad. He was an amazing person, and my only brother. I loved him so much. Still do.


Monday, December 11th, 2006
Old Line Skiffle Combo calls it quits

Well, it looks like the skiffle train has finally run out of gas.
After numerous years of playing many many shows and traveling across the earth, the Old Line Skiffle Combo is calling it quits. We've enjoyed playing and appreciate all of the fans and support over the years. A few of us will still be playing together but not under OLSC.
We will keep any commitments we have made already for later in the year. We have a few solo projects and session musician slots to do next year and some of us will be doing solo shows. If you haven't purchased your OLSC CD, get em now! Wild Hare Records, CD Baby, Amazon and through the band as well. Also look for the Behind The Music-OLSC in the near future :) Its been a blast to all we have shared a stage with and everyone who came out to rock with us. See ya next time!
HOSS


Friday, December 8th, 2006
Dates for the 8th Annual Road Agents Rocakbilly Rumble in East Hartford, CT have been announced!
Friday, July 20th - Saturday, July 21st
Elk's Lodge, East Hartford, CT

For more info go to: www.theroadagents.com


Wednesday, November 15th, 2006






Wednesday, November 8th, 2006
Important info regarding bookings/shows
To all my friends, fans and business colleagues of GO KAT GO!
I have come to a decision (that I have been pondering for a very, very long time now) - to no longer going to book live shows. I am going on with the shows that are already booked (Nov 11th, Dec 7th & Jan 27th) - just not booking anything new from this point forward.
Rest assured this has nothing to do with Cafe Nine, Rudys, New Haven, the bands, fans, etc...it is a personal decision that I have come to...that I've been needing to do for some time now.
With a full time job, a time-consuming radio show & website to keep up with, and my personal life in general...its just too much. I've been spreading myself too thin, and its taking a toll on me.
I hope you all can understand where i'm coming from, and do not take this as anything against any of you (venues/bands/New Haven scene) or anything of the sort.
For the record, this has absolutley nothing to do with my radio show (which I will continue to do, just as I had before doing bookings)...GO KAT GO! will go on!!...as does the website, with it's news/information/comprehensive show listing, etc. - there will just be no more live "GO KAT GO! Presents" shows. The music and scene will continue without me...no worries. Bands will still come through...shows will be booked directly through the venues, and things will not be all that different from your perspective.
I am still here, and will still be a very active member of the area's music scene - as I have been for over a decade. It's just time for me to pass the torch on to someone younger, and with more time on their hands to handle this one aspect.
Thanks to all the bands and supporters for a phenominal 3+ years of live "GO KAT GO! Presents" shows!
We'll see you all soon no doubt! The music will prevail...and I'll still be spinning it each and every Tuesday night from 8-10pm on GO KAT GO!

Again, these are the FINAL "GO KAT GO! Presents" shows...please come out and support the last few:

THIS Saturday, November 11th
The Roadhogs & Soddy Daisy Hayseed
Café Nine, 250 State Street, New Haven, CT

Thursday, December 7th
Wanda Jackson & The Lustre Kings
Café Nine, 250 State Street, New Haven, CT

Saturday, January 27th: Michelle's Anuual Birthday Bash!!!
Sasquatch and the Sick-A-Billys & Triple Hex
Rudy's, 372 Elm Street, New Haven, CT


Tuesday, November 7th, 2006
Old Crow Medicine Show will appear on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Friday, November 10, performing a selection from our new album, "Big Iron World".
http://www.nbc.com/Late_Night_with_Conan_O'Brien/index.shtml


Thursday, August 31st, 2006
Rockabilly Singer Simmons Dies at 69
By Associated Press
TUPELO, Miss. - Rockabilly singer and songwriter Jumpin' Gene Simmons, who worked with Elvis Presley and had a top 20 hit in 1964 with the bouncy "Haunted House," has died. He was 69.
He died Tuesday at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after a long illness, according to Holland-Harris Funeral Directors.
Simmons _ not to be confused with the Kiss bassist with the same name _ was in show business for more than 50 years, working with such names as Sam Phillips and the Bill Black Combo. More recently, he co-wrote "Indian Outlaw," which became a big hit in 1994 for country superstar Tim McGraw.
But his biggest success came in 1964 with the novelty song "Haunted House," which reached No. 11 on the Billboard pop chart and launched Simmons on a world tour. Among other early gigs, he performed as an opening act for Presley in Tupelo, Presley's birthplace and Simmons' longtime hometown, as Presley's career was taking off, said his son, Cary Simmons. After appearing in some Memphis clubs, Simmons signed with Sun Records, the legendary Memphis label formed by Phillips that launched the careers of Presley, Johnny Cash and other stars.
While he didn't have the chart success of other Sun performers, Simmons' recordings have become known to later generations through reissues. Brian Setzer did a version of Simmons' "Peroxide Blonde in a Hopped Up Model Ford" on his "Rockabilly Riot Vol. 1: A Tribute to Sun Records."
Simmons, born in Itawamba County in 1937, spent most of his life in Northeast Mississippi although he lived for a time in Memphis. Besides his son, survivors include his mother, a sister, and two brothers.


Thursday, August 3rd, 2006
Detectives Investigate Fatal Stabbing Outside House Of Blues
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Two men were stabbed and another man was wounded in a fight outside the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip on Wednesday night, and one of the stabbing victims died of his injuries. Video
The fight occurred at 10 p.m. in the parking lot of the club at 8430 Sunset Blvd., said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Sgt. Tressa Gunnels.
Christian Melgroza, 21, collapsed and died of his injuries after being transported to a hospital. The other man who was stabbed also collapsed, but he was expected to survive, according to NBC4's Robert Kovacik. A third man suffered "blunt force trauma to the head," according to a Sheriff's spokesman, but his injuries were not life-threatening, Kovacik said.
Kovacik said the surviving victims were also in their 20s.
The fighting began inside the club, during a concert featuring the alternative rock band The Meteors, Kovacik said, and then spilled outside when bouncers ejected several people. The concert was still under way when the stabbings occurred outside.
At least 12 people who were at the scene were still being questioned by deputies at 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning, but the suspect or suspects in the stabbings had not yet been identified, Kovacik reported.
The murder was West Hollywood's first since December 2005.
- Courtesy of msnbc.com


Thursday, July 27th, 2006
For those of you with an XM radio...
Tune in this Saturday, July 29 at 11am EST (10am CST) to XM radio Channel 12 for Robbie Fulks' Secret Country Show featuring a performance by Chris Scruggs! www.chrisscruggs.com


Monday, July 10th, 2006
Check out this incredible charactature done by Eldorado Rampage!

www.eldoradorampage.com


Thursday, July 6th, 2006
CBGB TO CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 30TH

After over 30 years, the legendary rock club CBGB will be closing for good on September 30th, 2006.

CB's, as it is universally and fondly known, opened its doors in 1973, making it NYC's oldest continuously-operating rock venue. Owner Hilly Kristal originally intended the club to showcase country, bluegrass and blues (hence the acronym), but the lack of places for unsigned bands to perform in New York at the time made CB's a magnet for the punk and art-rock scenes that were emerging downtown. Throughout the 70's, such seminal artists as The Ramones, Talking Heads, Blondie, The Patti Smith Group, Television and Suicide performed at CB's regularly, and the club served as an incubator for what would become the most influential music of the era.

When punk metamorphosed into hardcore in the 80's, CB's remained on the city's cutting edge, offering a home for The Gorilla Biscuits, Agnostic Front, The Cro-Mags, Sick Of It All, H20, Murphy's Law, Leeway and the other pillars of the NYHC movement.

As the New York nightlife industry grew bigger and more cutthroat in the 90's, CB's remained an endearingly stubborn throwback, sticking firm to the open-door booking policy that first welcomed its inaugural class of rebels - whoever you are, whatever you do, your band can play at CBGB. In a downtown scene increasingly governed by fashion and status, CB's has zealously adhered to the formula that made it meaningful, by refusing to apply stylistic filters to its bookings, welcoming all comers to sink or swim on their own merits.

A much-publicized altercation with their landlord in mid-2005 led to an a star-studded benefit concert in Washington Square Park, and even Mayor Bloomberg vocally led his support to the little club that had developed, over the decades, into a globally-recognized cultural institution.

However, despite the universal outpouring of love, and numerous attempts to resolve the matter legally, Krystal has been unable to arrive at terms with the building's owner, and a three-decade musical legacy will come to an end in just a few short months.

Fittingly, steadfastly independent New York concert promoters Rocks Off have signed on to book CBGB's closing festival, set to take place throughout August and September. They are in touch with many of the artists who made CB's famous, and are hard at work putting together a final schedule that will do justice to the club's enduring impact in the many varieties of rock and roll it has helped to cultivate throughout the years.

Until the final schedule is announced, all press inquiries can be directed to Bill Stites, at (212) 571-3304, or bill@rocksoff.com.


Sunday, July 2nd, 2006
Ralph Santiago, aka Ralph Rebel, Passed Away

We just heard the terrible news that Ralph Rebel AKA Ralph Santiago passed away. The news story will likely run in tomorrow's local NY newspapers - we just received a phone call from one of Ralph's former band members.

Ralph was an extremely talented musician who released five fantastic Rockabilly records and a great Surf Instrumental record. He almost single-handedly revived the Long Island Rockabilly scene in the late 1990s. He had boundless energy and was always looking to encourage local musicians to play, write and record music.

Ralph was one of the important artists who helped launch the Golly Gee Records label back in 2001 (Golly Gee releases are noted with a GGR catalogue number). He was instrumental in the signing of The Supertones and The Spinouts as well as bringing his own catalogue of releases.

A short list of his accomplishments follows:

Full length albums:
The Rebel Rockers "Red T Bird"
The Rebel Rockers "This Is The Night"
Ralph Rebel "Big Town Boogie" (GGR 1003)
Ralph Rebel "Rockabilly Vampire" (GGR 1004)
Ralph Rebel "Surfin' & Rockin" (GGR 1005)
Peter and The Wolves "Trouble With Girls" (GGR 1002)

Compilations:
V/A "Rockabilly Rumble" (GGR 1016)
V/A "Rockabilly Rumble Deuce" (GGR 1026)
V/A "War of The Surf Guitars" (GGR 1017)
V/A "Supertones Surf/Modern Surf Band Spotlight" (GGR 1022)
V/A "Yule Boogie"

Producer and Engineer:
The Found Cats "Full Gospel Rockabilly" (GGR 1025)
Rhythm Bound "Born To Love You"

I have listed links below where you can listen and read more about Ralph. You can see the many favorable reviews of Ralph's recorded work from around the world. You can also find pictures of Ralph with a number of Rockabilly greats such as Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, Big Sandy, and Robert Gordon.

Here's a brief quote from one of the reviews:

"It might be too early to print up buttons stating that “Rebel is God,” but he’s just this side of Cardinal in my book... Rebel charges headfirst into the classic territory and reminds us of why the surf guitar was so damn cool in the first place." -- Wilhelm Murg, Cool & Strange Music Magazine, Issue #23, November 2001

Yours sincerely,

Mel Spinella
Chairman
Golly Gee Records, Inc.
"Where The Cats Are Rockin"
www.gollygeerecords.com


Sunday, May 21st, 2006
Grand Ole Opry Star Billy Walker, Three Others Killed in Traffic Accident
By: CMT.com Staff
Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker, his wife and two band members were killed early Sunday morning (May 21) in a one-vehicle accident south of
Montgomery, Ala.

Police said Walker, 77, was driving a 1996 Chevrolet van when he lost control of the vehicle on I-65 near Fort Deposit, Ala. Also killed in
the accident were Walker's wife Bettie, 44-year-old bassist Charles Lilly Jr. and 40-year-old guitarist Daniel Patton. Another passenger --
21-year-old Joshua Brooks -- was seriously injured in the accident.

Billy Marvin Walker, 77, was born in Ralls, Texas, as one of eight
children and the grandson of a Methodist minister. Inspired by the music of Gene Autry, he began his professional music career in 1947 and
joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas in 1949. After working with Hank Thompson in Waco, Texas, Thompson helped Walker secure his first recording
contract in 1949 with Capitol Records.

In 1952, Walker became a member of the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, La., where he and Slim Whitman were partially responsible for Elvis
Presley's first appearance on the popular KWKH radio show. In 1955, Walker and Presley teamed up for a tour of West Texas. Walker later
became a member of the Ozark Jubilee in Springfield, Mo., where he formed a strong friendship with Red Foley.

After signing with Columbia Records, he scored his first hit in 1954 with "Thank You for Calling." Walker's early Columbia recordings were
made at a Dallas studio owned by Jim Beck, a producer responsible for engineering hits by Ray Price, Lefty Frizzell and others.

After a a brief but unsuccessful effort at entering the rock 'n' roll market, Walker concentrated on playing the Texas bar circuit before
moving to Nashville in 1959 and joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1960. He was one of the first artists to record one of Willie Nelson's songs.
Although the recording of "Funny How Time Slips Away" peaked at No. 23 on /Billboard/'s country singles chart, it helped establish Walker's
national reputation. In 1962, Walker topped the chart with "Charlie's Shoes," the only No. 1 single of his career.

Walker's smooth vocals were well-suited to Western-inspired hits including "Matamoros" and "Cross the Brazos at Waco." After leaving
Columbia in 1965, Walker signed to producer Fred Foster's Monument Records and moved to MGM Records in 1970 and to RCA Records in 1974. He
later recorded for several independent labels, including his own Tall Texan imprint.

In addition to his accomplishments as an entertainer and recording artist, Walker had a minor role in one of the most famous and tragic
stories in the history of country music. After performing at a charity concert in Kansas City in 1963, Walker received an urgent phone call to
return home to Nashville. Hearing of the dilemma, singer Hawkshaw Hawkins handed Walker his plane ticket and flew back to Tennessee on a
private plane with several other country artists. The private plane crashed, claiming the lives of Hawkins, Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and
pilot Randy Hughes.

In recent years, Walker continued to tour and remained a mainstay on the Grand Ole Opry. He was scheduled to perform Tuesday (May 23) on the
Opry with Terri Clark, Cherryholmes, Restless Heart, Porter Wagoner and others.

Details of funeral or memorial services had not been determined late Sunday.


Thursday, May 18th, 2006
NEW HAVEN ADVOCATE "BEST OF" POLL WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!!

It is my pleasure to officially announce some of the results of the 2006 New Haven Advocate "Best Of" readers poll!
WNHU came in 1st place for Best College Radio Station...
AND...
I came in 3rd place for Best Radio Personality!!! This is for ALL radio stations in New Haven County, including the huge commercial ones!
PICK UP YOUR COPY AT NEWSSTANDS TODAY!

I cannot thank you all enough for voting, helping keep the scene alive, and for your continued support of GO KAT GO!
Michelle Terranova
GO KAT GO!
Tuesdays, 8-10pm
WNHU 88.7FM
GO KAT GO! Keepin' New Haven greasy since May 2001!




Friday, April 21st, 2006
JUST ANNOUNCED!!! Michelle Terranova, host of GO KAT GO!, has been asked to join the legendary Pontani Sisters and more onstage at Marion's Continental to model the fabulous new line from Mode Merr!!! WOW!



Wednesday, April 5th, 2006
Singer Gene Pitney Dies at 65

LONDON - Gene Pitney, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame whose hits included "Town Without Pity" and "Only Love Can Break a Heart," died Wednesday at a hotel in Wales after playing a show, his agent said. He was 65.
Pitney was found dead in his hotel room in Cardiff, Wales. Police said the death did not appear suspicious."We don't have a cause of death at the moment but looks like it was a very peaceful passing," said Pitney's tour manager, James Kelly.
"He was found fully clothed, on his back, as if he had gone for a lie down. It looks as if there was no pain whatsoever."
He added: "Last night was generally one of the happiest and most exuberant performances we've seen out of him. He was absolutely on top of his game and was really happy with the show."
Born in Hartford, Conn., on Feb. 17, 1941, Pitney had his first success as a songwriter with "Rubber Ball," a Top 10 hit for
Bobby Vee in 1961. Later that year, Ricky Nelson had a hit with Pitney's "Hello Mary Lou."
As a performer, Pitney had his first success that same year with"Love My Life Away." But Burt Bacharach and Hal David provided the songs that put Pitney in the Top 10: "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and "Only Love Can Break a Heart."
"Only Love Can Break a Heart" was Pitney's biggest U.S. hit, peaking at No. 2 on the charts in 1962. The No. 1 song at the time was The Crystals' "He's a Rebel," written by Pitney.
He had more than a dozen Top 40 hits and even contributed to an early Rolling Stones recording session.
Pitney waited until 1990 for his first British No. 1 — he rerecorded "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart" with Marc Almond.
Pitney also had some success as a country singer, pairing with George Jones to record "I've Got Five Dollars and It's Saturday Night" and "Louisiana Man."
He recorded in Italian and Spanish, and twice took second place at the San Remo Song Festival in Italy. He also had a regional hit
with "Nessuno Mi Puo' Giudicare."
Pitney was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.


Monday, March 27th, 2006
'Hee Haw' Co-Host Buck Owens, 76, Dies
By GREG RISLING, Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES - Singer Buck Owens, the flashy rhinestone cowboy who shaped the sound of country music with hits like "Act Naturally" and brought the genre to TV on the long-running "Hee Haw," died Saturday. He was 76.
Owens died at his home, said family spokesman Jim Shaw. The cause of death was not immediately known. Owens had undergone throat cancer surgery in 1993 and was hospitalized with pneumonia in 1997.
His career was one of the most phenomenal in country music, with a string of more than 20 No. 1 records, most released from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s.
They were recorded with a honky-tonk twang that came to be known throughout California as the "Bakersfield Sound," named for the town 100 miles north of Los Angeles that Owens called home.
"I think the reason he was so well known and respected by a younger generation of country musicians was because he was an innovator and rebel," said Shaw, who played keyboards in Owens' band, the Buckaroos. "He did it out of the Nashville establishment. He had a raw edge."
Owens was modest when describing his aspirations.
"I'd like to be remembered as a guy that came along and did his music, did his best and showed up on time, clean and ready to do the job, wrote a few songs and had a hell of a time," he said in 1992.
An indefatigable performer, Owens played a red, white and blue guitar with fireball fervor. He and the Buckaroos wore flashy rhinestone suits in an era when flash was as important to country music as fiddles.
Among his biggest hits were "Together Again" (also recorded by Emmylous Harris), "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail," "Love's Gonna Live Here," "My Heart Skips a Beat" and "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line."
And he was the answer to this music trivia question: What country star had a hit record that was later done by the Beatles?
"Those guys were phenomenal," Owens once said.
Ringo Starr recorded "Act Naturally" twice, singing lead on the Beatles' 1965 version and recording it as a duet with Owens in 1989.
In addition to music, Owens had a highly visible TV career as co-host of "Hee Haw" from 1969 to 1986. With guitarist Roy Clark, he led viewers through a potpourri of country music and hayseed humor.
"It's an honest show," Owens told The Associated Press in 1995. "There's no social message _ no crusade. It's fun and simple."
Owens himself could be rebellious, choosing among other things to label what he did "American music" rather than country.
"I took a little heat," he once said. "People asked me, `Isn't country music good enough for you?' "
He also criticized the syrupy arrangements of some country singers, saying "assembly-line, robot music turns me off."
After his string of hits, Owens stayed away from the recording scene for a decade, returning in 1988 to record another No. 1 record, "Streets of Bakersfield," with Dwight Yoakam.
He spent much of his time away concentrating on his business interests, which included a Bakersfield TV station and radio stations in Bakersfield and Phoenix.
"I never wanted to hang around like the punch-drunk fighter," he told The Associated Press in 1992.
He had moved to Bakersfield in 1951, hoping to find work in the thriving juke joints of what in the years before suburban sprawl was a truck-stop town on Highway 99, between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area.
"We played rhumbas and tangos and sambas, and we played Bob Wills music, lots of Bob Wills music," he said, referring to the bandleader who was the king of Western swing.
"And lots of rock 'n' roll," he added.
Owens started recording in the mid-1950s, but gained little success until 1963 with "Act Naturally," his first No. 1 single.
Alvis Edgar Owens Jr. was born in 1929 outside Sherman, Texas, the son of a sharecropper. With opportunities scarce during the Depression, the family moved to Arizona when he was 8.
He dropped out of school at age 13 to haul produce and harvest crops, and by 16 he was playing music in taverns.
He once told an audience, "When I was a little bitty kid, I used to dream about playing the guitar and singing like some of those great people that we had the old, thick records of."
Owens' first wife, Bonnie Owens, sometimes performed with him and went on to become a leading backup singer after their divorce in 1955. She had occasional solo hits in the '60s, as well as successful duets with her second husband, Merle Haggard.
One of her two sons with Owens also became a singer, using the name Buddy Alan. He had a Top 10 hit in 1968, "Let the World Keep on a-Turnin'," and recorded a number of duets with his father.
In addition to Buddy, he is survived by two other sons, Michael and John.


Wednesday, March 1st, 2006
Michelle voted WNHU DJ of the week!


Sunday, February 26th, 2006
In an email from Luke:
The Road Agents Car Club has collectively decided to take a breather on producing this year’s Hot Rod Rumble in July. We have a little over a half dozen members in the club and as many of you already know, a lot of us are involved in outside projects and jobs that have become increasingly successful and are taking priority. We felt that if each member could not put in 100% to make the show the best possible, that it would be in everyone’s interest to forego it for this year. However, the good news is, we have already secured next years show dates. They will be July 20 & 21 2007 at the same location it has always been. Mark your calendars now! We look forward to catching up with many of you this season. Thanks for the support!

Luke Karosi
The Road Agents Car Club


Thursday, February 23rd, 2006
The New Haven Advocate gives press on WNHU's live internet stream!

Click here to view the New Haven Advocate article online!


Thursday, February 16th, 2006
If you could please take a moment out of your busy schedule to support GO KAT GO!
...it's time to vote in the 2006 Advocate Readers' Poll, "Best of New Haven"!

Last year I came in 2nd for "Best Local Radio Personality"...I would be ecstatic just to place (top 3) again this year, but hey...why not shoot for #1!!!!!!!!!!
Winners in the 2006 "Best Of" poll will be announced in the May 11th and May 18th issues of the New Haven Advocate. Ironically enough, this May GO KAT GO! will commemorate 5 years on the air - I can't think of a better way to celebrate!!!
The only rule is you must fill out a minimum of twenty (20) categories for your ballot to be counted.
(If you are an "out-of-towner" and need 18 other answers, just let me know.)

#26 Best College Radio Station --- WNHU 88.7FM!!!!!!!!!
#27 Best Local Radio Personality --- Michelle Terranova!!!!!!!!!!

Let's put the best non-commercial, non-profit station in the area on the map!!!

Here's the link: http://poll.newmassmedia.net/cgi/NH/BestOf/2006/vote.cgi

Thank you for your continued support!!!
Michelle


Wednesday, February 8th, 2006



Friday, February 3rd, 2006
The East Village rock scene faces another demoralizing loss. The Continental, the punk rock dive on St. Marks Place that has showcased the likes of Iggy Pop, Guns N' Roses, the Ramones and Patti Smith over the years, will no longer offer live music. Continental owner Trigger says that he plans to close the club in late spring, then re-open it as a "neighborhood bar with a great jukebox, a pool table and cheap drinks. My rents and overhead go up every year. It's become un-doable to have a punk rock club in this neighborhood these days - the crowd isn't there to support it".


Monday, January 9th, 2006
Yes folks...you've been asking for it...and now, finally!

WNHU 88.7FM in West Haven, CT is streaming online!
The actual website is still in the beginning stages, but regardless - you can listen to the station no matter where you live!
Go here and click on "Listen Now".
www.wnhu.net
GO KAT GO! - Tuesday nights from 8-10pm!


Thursday, January 5th, 2006
I am proud to announce that I have been chosen "Ms. January" by one of the HOTTEST clothing lines in the country, Mode Merr! This is a huge honor for me! Please share in my excitement, and go here www.modemerr.com, then click on "Calendar"!
As always, thank you for your continued support!


Click here for older News!