I was talking to a musician who played the bass for about 30 years before going blind a little over a year ago. His story was in Wednesday's Record-Courier.
Johnny Walter, of two bands, Bar BQ Boys and Genoa Jazz Club, is persisting with his music despite pain in one eye that is practically unbearable.
Walter had a few words of wisdom to offer, including the fact that liking the type of music you're playing leads to success.
"I think that's why the Bar BQ Boys is so successful," he said of the bluegrass and classic rock band. "That's why it works so well, because we're having fun."
Here's a few more inspirational words this musician had to say about performing:
"Live music is special. There's nothing like live music. There's magic in it and no two performances are absolutely the same."
Until next week, keep on playin,' Johnny!
Remember, to keep this going, I have to hear from you. Just a little e-mail (jrafferty@recordcourier.com) or a phone call (782-5121, ext. 210) or even a fax (782-6152) is all I need to put your musical entertainment information in this column at no charge to you. If you send it, I'll even try to get a photo in to go with it. Details are needed by noon on Wednesday.
So, with a "One, two - one, two, three, four":
Sharkey's presents
Entertaining in the Horseshoe Bar 8 p.m. to midnight today and Saturday is Bob Gardner. He entertains with a wide variety of musical versatility from R&B, pop rock and classic rock styles, as well as country. Following up on May 11 and 12 will be Steve Lord. Lord, a repeat performer at Sharkey's, is well known in Northern Nevada for his classic rock 'n' roll.
Sharkey's is located at 1440 Highway 395, Gardnerville. For information, call 782-3133.
Music in Markleeville
Randy Harwick & Friends will be entertaining at the Cutthroat Saloon starting at 7 p.m. Saturday. The group plays a variety of tunes, old and new.
"The Kid" David Michener from Lake Tahoe will be bartending. Food is available in the bar or the adjoining dining room of Wolf Creek Restaurant.
For more information, call (530) 694-2150.
Who's at The Bank?
Ben Crocker will be playing classic rock-country rock 6:30-10:30 p.m. today at The Bank Parlor & Pub. Crocker brings 45 years guitar playing experience to the Bank. He plays a wide variety of music including hits from the '60s, '70s and '80s, with his specialties, Creedence Clearwater and Johnny Cash.
Saturday 6:30-10:30 p.m. Tony Sanders is back at The Bank. Tony will be playing rockabilly, country and rock 'n' roll favorites from his vast song collection from the '50s through the present.
"Music with Tony is always fun and enjoyable. His song collections are always changing and he gets the crowd singing along" said Cheryl Bohler, owner of The Bank.
The Bank Parlor & Pub is located at 1596 Esmeralda Ave. Call 783-4770 for information.
Wild Card and more at Buckaroos
Friday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Wild Card, a country western-country rock three-piece band will perform at Buckaroos Saloon.
Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight Ted Nagel will host karaoke.
Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. Dale Jantzen will host karaoke.
Buckaroos is located at 1435 Highway 395 in Gardnerville. For information, call general manager Steve Orlando at 782-9693. Bonus slots are now available.
Benefit for school
Rockapella, known as the Kings of Contemporary A Cappella, will be coming to the Pioneer Center in Reno for a performance at 8 p.m. today to benefit the Sierra Lutheran High School building fund. SLHS is seeking to build a new permanent campus in north Douglas County. Long-term plans include a 600-student facility. For ticket information contact the Pioneer Center box office at www.pioneercenter.com or call (877) 840-0457. The Rockapella Web site is www.rockapella.com.
Music is always Inn
The Fabulous Cut Ups perform through May 6, Shake, Rattle & Roll appears Tuesday through May 13, Street Heart returns May 15-20 and various duos entertain on Monday nights. Cabaret Lounge live entertainment is presented with no cover and no minimum. The 45-minute shows start at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m.
The Fabulous Cut Ups perform a large variety of popular songs from rock 'n roll to standards and from rhythm and blues to country.
Shake, Rattle n' Roll has a song list of more than 500 classic hits, with authentic recreations of classic rock 'n' roll tunes of the '50s, '60s and '70s, performed live, without the aid of computers and tapes.
Street Heart covers a musical landscape with the bulk of their material vocally oriented, '60s-'90s classic rock 'n' roll. Based in San Diego, and perennial San Diego Music Awards finalists, the group has been entertaining since 1987.
This week's scheduled Monday night group is The Gardners.
The Carson Valley Inn is located on Highway 395 in Minden. For information visit www.cvinn.com or call 782-9711.
Villa After Dark
Villa san Marcel features The After Dark Ultra Lounge 10 p.m. to closing on Fridays. Dance the night away or simply relax in a tranquil atmosphere. After Dark features a fully stocked bar, upscale appetizers and desserts. A dress code is in effect, in a non-smoking environment.
Jazz entertainer David Jobe will appear Saturday night at Villa san Marcel. Live jazz music will be performed during dinner. Dinners, Italian cuisine, are served starting at 5 p.m. and entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. Monique Haviland will entertain on May 19.
Villa san Marcel is located at 1799 Ironwood Drive, between Danny's Ironwood Grill and the Mandarin Gourmet. For more information call 783-4987.
Rockin' the Ranchos
Boodler's Bar and Grubshack, formerly The Stone Pony, has music planned every weekend. Monday is karaoke night beginning at 8 p.m., Wednesday open mic is at 8 p.m. and on Saturday live music by Rad-Ral the "human juke box" also starts at 8 p.m.
Boodler's Bar and Grubshack is located at 1302 Langley Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos. For information, call owners Keith Endlich or Jeffery Shackleton at 265-8841.
Acoustic jam
The Eddy Street Book Exchange offers an acoustic jam session 2:30-5 p.m. May 20. The informal core group of musicians includes three guitarists, a mandolin player, a banjoist, a fiddle, a ukulele, bass and whoever else shows up. The musicians go around the circle and perform their songs. There is a wide variety of music and the musicians are welcoming and supportive, according to bookstore owner Linda Finch. The Eddy Street Book Exchange is located at 1225 Eddy St., Gardnerville. Information, 782-5484.
Two trios at Walley's
Every Wednesday and Thursday night music can be heard while dining at David Walley's Resort, Hot Springs and Spa, 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa.
-- The Big Tsunami plays every Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. at Walley's. The Big Tsunami performs island, contemporary and traditional music, as well as local standards.
-- On Thursdays from 5:30-9 p.m. the Red Davidson Trio performs on bass, drums and piano.
"We play mainstream jazz for the most part," said bass player Tim Goldsmith. "It's very listenable - you don't have to be a jazz expert to enjoy it."
Information, 782-8155.
Rockin' to '50s and '60s music
On May 19 the '50s Rockathon Car Show and Swap Meet will take place 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Park in Gardnerville. Organizers wanted me to let everyone know that during the show DJ Chuck Baldauskas will be playing music from the '50s and '60s throughout the day. The Rockathon is hosted by the Valley Cruisers Car Club and the town of Gardnerville.
-- Jo Rafferty is the People editor at The Record-Courier.
