Dear Family and Friends, Welcome to the August edition of the Smoken’ News. First I want to thank everyone who made our 4th Anniversary Party the best ever. I’ve probably said more than any of our readers want to hear about these last 4 years so I will just say how lucky I feel to be part of this wonderful community centered on Southern culture, the blues, soul, r&b, and all things New Orleans. July sure was a scorcher and thanks to our uncooperative landlord, the air conditioning really couldn’t keep up like it should. My hats off to everyone who experienced not only the music but also the weather of New Orleans this past month. We continue to press for new A/C but in the meantime we have been thinking of all the ways we can keep it cool. You may have noticed our new blinds put up at the end of June and they seem to make a big difference. Thanks for your patience. We have a very special lineup for August. Lydia Warren and Joshua Fulero return with their smoken band The Neurotics, Blues Legend Ricky ―King‖ Russell joins us and we have a final, very special summer concert with the queen of country blues, Sarah and the Tall Boys from Chicago. Sarah has contributed a special letter from the road to this issue. We love her unique perspective and hope you do too. Smoken’ Joe’s T-shirts are now available. Now you can bring home that ―SJ‖ look and wear it everywhere. Celebrate late summer with the 3rd installment of our Special Beer Guide. Ken describes the bottled beer selection we currently offer. Enjoy!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

July 31 August 1 2 3 4 5 6

Geoff Bartley w/ Special

Guest 7PM

Bruce Marshall Open Mic

7PM

Eddie Scheer w/ Professor Harp &

Ricky ―King‖ Russell 7:30PM

Alizon Presents: Noe Socha

7:30PM

Nate Stringfield’s

HouseKwake 8:30PM

Track 44 9PM

Mr. Nick & The Dirty

Tricks 9PM

August 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Geoff Bartley w/ Special

Guest 7PM

Bruce Marshall Open Mic

7PM

Eddie Scheer w/ Lisa Marie &

Silvertone Steve 7:30PM

Alizon Presents: Cindy Daley w/ Special Guest

7:30PM

The Tokyo

Tramps 8:30PM

Lydia Warren & The

Neurotics 9PM

Peter Parcek Trio 9PM

August 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Geoff Bartley w/ Special

Guest 7PM

Bruce Marshall Open Mic

7PM

Eddie Scheer w/ Parker Wheeler,

Amadee Castanell & Brad Faucher

7:30PM

Alizon Presents: Lydia Warren &

Ed Scheer 7:30PM

Rennagades 8:30PM

Johnny Barnes & The

Nightcrawlers 9PM

Ricky ―King‖ Russell Band

9PM

August 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Geoff Bartley w/ Special

Guest 7PM

Bruce Marshall Open Mic

7PM

Eddie Scheer presents JB Jr.’s Birthday Party

celebrating the music of James Brown!

7:30PM

From Chicago: Sarah &

The Tall Boys 8PM

Revolutionary Road

8:30PM

Cheryl Aruda & Dirty Blonde

9PM

Muzik Makerz w/

Brad Faucher 9PM

August 28 29 30 31 Sept. 1 2 3

Geoff Bartley w/ Special

Guest 7PM

Bruce Marshall Open Mic

7PM

Eddie Scheer: Ladies Sing the Blues

w/ Shirley Lewis, Alizon Lissance &

Big Jack Ward 7:30PM

The Alan Arena

Band 7:30PM

Johnny Frazee’s

Organ Trio 8:30PM

TBA 9PM

Sara Thompson

9PM

Thursday, August 4 at 8:30PM Nate Stringfield’s HouseKwake Last seen here last May, Nate the great is back! Drums, vocals, MC, music arranger, music director, bandleader, and former member of The Stringfield Family, Nate Stringfield has done it all. While in Pittsburg, PA, Nathaniel and band members of the Stringfield family took to the road at a very young age, touring with such luminaries as Albert King, the Temptations, Three Dog Night, and many others. Today, Nate gives every minute of every performance his all. He is a supreme entertainer playing everything from John Lennon to Al green but what makes his music so unique are the complex arrangements crafted for each song. Nate likes to say these songs are given the ―Stringfield

seasoning.‖ We guarantee that when HouseKwake plays, the house will ―kwake, rattle and roll‖. Friday, August 5 at 9PM Track 44 Track 44 is the team of Jimmy Pircio (guitars, vocals), Dan Savush (piano, Hammond organ, vocals), Joe Bellomo (drums, percussion) and Steve DuBois (bass, vocals). Ironically enough BBQ is what brought them together. Collectively, their work embodies a reverence for traditional blues playing with a contemporary feel. As music editor Bill Copeland puts it, ―Blurring the distinction between blues and classic rock... Track44 puts to rest the notion that blues is a simplistic form…‖ Saturday, August 6 at 9PM Mr. Nick and the Dirty Tricks Nick David and Lonely Gus Carlson last played at SJs last June as part of Eddie Scheer’s Allstars and put on a fantastic show. Now, Nick and Gus are back with their own award winning band. Nick David's harmonica playing has a swagger - developed over thousands of one-nighters from Massachusetts to Memphis and from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, and even across the pond to Europe. Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks unites veteran musicians Nick David (a.k.a. Mr. Nick), "Lonely" Gus Carlson, Teddy B. (Bukowski) and Rick Rousseau for one of the region's most formidable live outfits in any genre. But their hearts belong to blues. They play elegant, stomping and swinging classics like Little Walter's "Mellow Down Easy," Howlin' Wolf's "300 Pounds of Joy" and Wynonie Harris' "Good Morning Judge." Their bag of originals are a mix of rhumbas, jump blues, and boogies they're developing for a debut album and currently taking to legions of fans in New England on their way to stages throughout the US and abroad. "This band is a killer outfit," says David. And that's the truth. Everything comes together when they play: their deep mutual understanding and knowledge of blues, their originality and depth as players, and the band's ability to put on a great show that brings people to their feet. It's a blend that wins new converts wherever they perform. Thursday, August 11 at 8:30PM The Tokyo Tramps "Don't be fooled by the look - or name. This three-piece band from Japan plays as if its musicians were raised in the Deep South and brought up on Delta blues." - Boston Globe. Quickly becoming a fan favorite here at Smoken’ Joe’s, The Tokyo Tramps were first formed in 2002. They are a popular blues/rock trio playing frequently throughout New England and beyond. In 2010 they won the River City Ohio Blues Competition and went on to compete at the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. in February, 2011, The Tokyo Tramps were the runner-up in the 2010 WFNX best local R&B act category and in 2007 they won the WFNX best local blues act category. Please join us for an exciting night as we welcome the return of The Tokyo Tramps! Friday, August 12 at 9PM Lydia Warren and the Neurotics At the core of The Neurotics is blues duo: Lydia Warren and Josh Fulero. Guitarist/singer Lydia Warren, a familiar face to New England blues fans, has been touring and recording since 2000. This summer she won the Granite State Blues Challenge, toured from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon, opened for Edgar Winter and Jonathan Edwards, and played the North Atlantic Blues Festival. Oregon native Josh Fulero is a veteran of the blues circuit and is fresh off the road from two national tours with Blind Pig recording artist John Nemeth and a recent tour of Europe. His guitar,

harmonica and vocal skills have taken him from slots on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise to sharing the stage with B.B. King at the 2009 Blues Music Awards. Saturday, August 13 at 9PM Peer Parcek Trio If you are not familiar with Peter, he is simply one of the finest, most innovative blues/jazz guitarists to play in the Boston area. Recommended for a Grammy nomination this year, Peter Parcek’s daring, incendiary and soulful style is a distinctive hybrid. He weaves rock, gypsy-jazz, country, folk, and blues-- especially blues-- into a tapestry of melody, harmony and daredevil solos that push those styles to their limits without sacrificing the warmth of his own personality. Peter calls his approach ―soul guitar,‖ an appellation that alludes to his playing’s depth of feeling and character that is a combination of deepest roots in classic American music and a look to the future. He recently completed Pledging My Time, a four song tribute to Bob Dylan. These four songs represent some of Peter’s personal Dylan favorites and are available to music fans at a name-your-own-price and can be downloaded from Peter’s website: www.peterparcekband.com Thursday, August 18 at 8:30PM Rennagades The Rennagades bring a rootsy platter of blues, jazz, rock n' roll and country soul. Singer/songwriter Sir Cecil, who has recorded for EMI, Decca, Columbia/Deram/world wide release and has done tv/live radio for the BBC, simultaneously creates the drum beats and truly amazing vocalizations while Chris Renna bends and slides his way around the guitar. Sven Larson will bring his bass violin which always helps propel the groove for a great night of music! Friday, August 19 at 9PM Johnny Barnes & The Nightcrawlers Johnny Barnes first debuted at Smoken’ Joe’s this past June and he was greeted with great enthusiasm and calls for encores. Now, Johnny is back and we hope to make him a regular attraction here at Smoken’ Joe’s. Johnny Barnes sang and played guitar in all of the famous nightclubs in greater Boston with many Rock and Roll legends, producing and releasing a dozen records. Local airplay and intense record company interest led to a hit song in England and work with legendary producer, Jimmy Miller (Rolling Stones, Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith with Eric Clapton, Traffic with Steve Winwood, Motorhead, Bonnie and Delaney with Eric Clapton.) This love of the blues led to forming his own band Johnny Barnes and the Nightcrawlers. Their high-octane riffs gets any audience going and leaves them begging for more. Saturday, August 20 at PM Ricky “King” Russell Band A frequent guest of Eddie’s great Tuesday Night Allstars, Ricky "King" Russell is one of the Blues' most seasoned performers and brightest talents. Taking his cue from Blues masters past and present, Ricky plays with passion and style. His 4 CD’S are radio favorites and the song, "Big Boy" has been featured on the House of Blues Radio Hour with Dan Akroyd. Ricky is a guitarist/vocalist/and songwriter. Described as "The Kingpin of the Blues" by the Boston Globe, Ricky always delivers from the heart. He has appeared with such notables as Honeyboy Edwards, John Lee Hooker, Eddie Clearwater, Mighty Sam McClain, Ronnie Earl, Jerry Portnoy, Duke Robillard, Kim Wilson, Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton (Double Trouble), Susan Tedeschi,

Toni Lynn Washington, Roomful of Blues and many others.

Wednesday, August 24 at 8PM From Chicago: Sarah and The Tall Boys Please join us for our final special summer concert with an extraordinary evening of country blues music with Sarah Potenza and her Tall Boys. After the release of her first two albums, Shiny and New, and the more recent, Lifetime of Sin, Sarah Potenza is gaining national recognition as one of the finest singer/songwriters in the country blues genre. Her last performance at Smoken’ Joe’s this past June was extraordinary. Despite there being tornado warnings in Boston that night and torrential downpours, we still had a packed house for this amazing singer. We believe she is one of the best musicians you’ll not only hear at Smoken’ Joe’s this year, but one of the best you’ll hear in the whole Boston area. We could not have expressed our opinion of Sarah any better than the fine writer, Nate Dow, at the Boston Herald who wrote: ―Sarah and the Tall Boys are such a unique and dynamic force, it’s hard to fathom how they haven’t taken just Chicago but also Nashville, Memphis and Austin by storm. Potenza and her soaring voice are at home in any of the musical genres favored by those famous cities. And if it is true, as Emmylou Harris once said, that Lucinda Williams could sing the chrome right off a trailer hitch, here’s betting that Potenza could belt it clear off the Airstream attached to it. The group’s latest album is proof that Sarah and the boys mightily beg to be heard. ―A Lifetime Worth of Sin‖ is clearly worth the consequences.‖ For more information about Sarah, and to read her personal letter to SJ fans, see our special feature later in this newsletter. Thursday, August 25 at 8:30PM Revolutionary Road Bess Paul continues to wow our audience with her soaring vocals and electrifying stage presence. Relatively new, the band was formed in the Summer of 2009 when Ray Paradiso, Mike McCaffrey and Frank Calabresi joined up with a true singing sensation, Bess Paul. Ray, Mike and Frank had played together in other blues and classic rock bands gigging around the Central Massachusetts and Metro West area. After parting ways with their former frontman, they decided to hold auditions for a new singer. Bess was the first and only singer they auditioned and the word is out. Bess Paul is blowing away audiences with her ability to blast out the sassy growl of Etta James yet cover sweet ballads. Backed up by Frank, Johnny, Mike and Ray (collectively known as the ―Fast Four‖), Revolutionary Road is slowly but surely taking the Boston Blues scene by storm. Friday, August 26 at 9M Cheryl Aruda and Dirty Blonde Cheryl Aruda and Dirty Blonde are thrilled to be back at Smoken' Joes after their successful show last April. With updated classic soul, gritty blues and blues-inspired rock tunes on the menu, plus original songs from Cheryl's upcoming CD, the evening is sure to be filled with great driving music. Joining Cheryl will be popular guitarist Wendy Sobel. Backing up the gravelicious Aruda with style and more than enough substance to go around will be Sue Goldberg on Bass and Diane Gately on Drums.

Saturday, August 27 at 9PM Muzik Makerz featuring Brad Faucher Straight off the streets of Boston come the soulful sounds of the next great band, ―The Muzik Makerz‖. With influences like Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Prince, and many others, the Muzik Makerz are a crowd pleasing blend of neo-soul, funk, R&B and hip-hop. Fronted by former members of Boston’s own ―The Perfect Gentlemen‖ — Maurice Starr Jr. and Stephen Starr. The Muzik Makerz are destined to put Boston back on the map for National-level, contemporary soul music! From D’Angelo meets Donny Hathaway slow jams-to-heavy funk-to cosmic guitar workouts by ―The Future‖ Brad Faucher— this band is on the move and will keep you grooving all night long! Wednesday, August 31 at 7:30 Special Mid-Week Show Added! The Alan Arena Band The Alan Arena Band, formerly Watch City, is an American Roots Band. Alan Arena is one of the premiere singer/songwriters in the Boston area. With him will be veteran Blues man Jumpin' George Gordon (Luther Guitar Jr Johnson) who has played as Alan's sideman for 18 years now. Mike Barrows (Bo Diddley) is back on bass and they have added an exciting new drummer, Peter Dobisz. The circle is now complete. Come hear Alan’s original Americana songwriting along with some great covers.

Thursday, September 1 at 8:30 Johnny Frazee’s Organ Trio Johnny Frazee's Organ Trio will feature Johnny on drums, Rusty Scott on Hammond organ and Eric Reardon on guitar (plus special guests). Johnny is a local trumpet player and drummer who has played with the likes of Andrew Clark and Sax Gordon. Rusty Scott is one of Boston's finest jazz pianists and has become a true student of the Hammond organ. At just 21 years old, Eric Reardon is already proving himself to be years ahead of his time as a ripping blues guitarist. This group has been playing the last Sunday of every month at In a Pig's Eye in Salem for over a year now to a rave response from the locals. Friday, September 2 at 9PM TBA Saturday, September 3 at 9PM Sara Thompson With a voice like Susan Tedeschi, a soul like Janis Joplin and the sultriness of Norah Jones and Alicia Keys, new vocalist Sara Thompson is already making her mark on the local music scene. Known for her passion, vocal and song versatility and powerful 6’ foot stage presence she performs a mix of blues, blues rock, soul, R&B, pop/country and contemporary rock. Whether performing acoustically as a duo or rocking out with a full electric band, she has never ceased to impress, inspire and all out entertain a crowd of any size.

Sundays at 7PM Geoff Bartley and Friends Geoff Bartley has been called both a prophet and the ―Godfather of the Boston Folk Scene‖. He is best known for his prolific writing (having songs performed by the likes of Mary Black and John Gorka) and touring as a soloist and accompanist for Tom Paxton. He plays some mean acoustic

blues and smoken’ bluegrass, too. Each week he is joined by a special guest. Mondays at 7:30PM Bruce Marshall Open Mic Bruce Marshall is a veteran musician of 34 years with national experience. He is a talented song writer, vocalist, guitarist, and he has led his own bands for years in the NE area and nationally as a member of the Toy Caldwell Band. Bruce Marshall brings these collective talents as he hosts our Open Mic night at Smoken’ Joe’s. It’s an evening where seasoned pros and emerging artists share the stage to rock the house with their fiery fortitude. You’ll hear original music, blues, folk, jazz, rock, cutting edge, old timey, to name a few. Come on in where the vibe is warm and the riffs are hot. All musicians welcome.

Eddie’s Tuesday Night Allstars has become a Boston music sensation with packed houses every Tuesday night. Not only is it the mid-week party in Boston it has also become a mecca for the finest blues musicians as they stop by late at night to join Eddie for a song or two. All shows start at 7:30. On a hot summer night there’s nothing better than joining your friends for the best damn blues in town in the coolest restaurant in town. Here’s what Eddie has in store for us this August: Tuesday, August 2 Professor Harp and Ricky “King” Russell Ricky is one of New England's preeminent blues masters and he's been entertaining audiences in the U.S. and abroad for decades. His astounding guitar playing, soulful singing and encyclopedic repertoire are second to none. And be sure to see Ricky with his own band playing this Saturday, August 20th. Joining him that Tuesday will be a frequent headliner here at SJ’s, Professor Harp, playing a sparse, yet full-sounding brand of no-nonsense, no-frills Texas style blues.

Tuesday, August 9 Lisa Marie and Silvertone Steve Lis Marie is a vocal powerhouse and entertainment dynamo! With her amazing range and vocal delivery she can belt out a searing soul tune and then surprise you with sweet accapella. Cabasa or tambourine in hand, Lisa Marie bounces into the crowd, dancing with fans and emanating an infectious energy! Silvertone Steve, Lisa's old pal, is one New England's most exciting guitarists. From J.B. Hutto to Albert King to rockabilly legend Sleepy La Beef, Steve has added his own brand of mayhem and Fender twang to dozens of great artists' music over the years. Get ready to rock! Tuesday, August 16 Parker Wheeler, Amadee Castanell and Brad Faucher Parker Wheeler has run the Sunday night jam session at the Grog for over 20 years now. A legend in the blues community, few play the harp with as much conviction and grit as Parker. Joining him will be his old time friend, Amadee Castanell, the great tenor saxophonist from New Orleans.

Tuesday, August 23 JB Jr.’s Birthday Party celebrating the music of James Brown! No one does James Brown better than JB Junior. Come down and wish JB a happy birthday and listen to an evening of high energy soul. A native of Richfield, NC, JB grew up idolizing and emulating his musical hero. Making his home in Boston since the mid-60’s, he has spent a lifetime on and off the road, at various times bringing his act to the stage as an opener for such legends as The Blue Notes, Wilson Pickett, Millie Jackson, Maurice Starr, Sam & Dave, and yes, the "real" James Brown. His energy is infectious. Whether doing the Camel Walk across the stage or splits in the middle of the dance floor, the whole audience will just have to "git up, git on up"! Tuesday, August 30 Ladies Sing the Blues with: Shirley Lewis, Alizon Lissance and Big Jack Ward Join Eddie for a very special evening when Shirley Lewis, Boston’s ―Regal Queen of the Blues‖ is joined by the queen of the ivory whites, Alizon Lissance. They will be backed by one of our favorite guitarists, Big Jack Ward. Shirley always fills the house so be sure to come early for this very special show.

Alizon Lissance is one of New England’s most intriguing performing and recording artists. Playing piano since the age of six, her gutsy rock n’ blues style has been honored at home and across the world. Each week she invites a guest performer (or two) to sit in, creating a dynamic and innovative resonance. All shows start at 7:30. Wednesday, August 3 Noe Socha Young Noe Socha is an internationally recognized guitarist and harmonica player from Carpi, Italy who is currently attending Berklee. He was a recent guest of Eddie’s Tuesday Night Allstars. He plays blues with an all fingers style learned as a child when he first began studying classical guitar. Wednesday, August 10 Cindy Daley with Surprise Guest In 2010 Cindy Daley won the Boston Blues Society challenge in the duo category with Satch Romano. Cindy has been a rocker and blues singer for many years in the Boston area and is clearly using all her experience now to bring her music to an even higher level. She has a powerful voice that is often compared with Janis Joplin’s.

Wednesday, August 17 Lydia Warren and Ed Scheer Lydia draws on her influences of West Side Chicago blues and classic rock to create songs that are classic, yet innovative. With a distinctive voice and masterful guitar leads this is bound to be a do not miss show. And be sure to see Lydia and her own band, the Neurotics, featuring Josh Fulero, earlier in the month on Friday, August 12th. Wednesday, August 24 at 8PM *** A Smoken’ Joe’s Exclusive Summer Concert *** From Chicago: Sarah and The Tall Boys See our feature story about Sarah and this special concert later in this newsletter. Wednesday, August 31 The Alan Arena Band Alizon is on vacation and in her place we have one of the premiere songwriters in the Boston area, Alan Arena. With the Alan Arena Band, the blues run deep. The soulful expression of their songs personifies the deep love for classic roots, blues and American music. The band includes: Alan Arena-vocals / guitar, 40 year veteran of the music scene-- Jumpin’ George Gordon on guitar (B.B. King, Luther Guitar Johnson, Shirley Lewis, & Professor Harp), and Mike Barrows on electric bass (Walk that Walk). Be sure to listen for Alan’s new song, Fortune Wheel, which he will be recording and making a video of this Fall.

“Had Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Cash shared DNA, the results would produce Sarah Potenza” - Kansas City Blues Society Please join us for an extraordinary night of music with one of the most exciting and original singer/songwriters in America today, Sarah and the Tall Boys. Sarah and the Tall Boys are a Chicago based Americana band specializing in original Country Blues music. The group is fronted by primary songwriter Sarah Potenza Crossman on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, with help from bassist/husband Ian Crossman, lead guitarist Dan Allen, and drummer Bryan Sansom. Sarah and The Tall Boys have been performing since 2007. The bands’ first release ―Shiny and New‖ came out in 2008. Taxi A and R Company took a listen and said the album had ―sensational blues infused vocal delivery. Soulful vocals take center stage. I’m a fan, and I’m very picky.‖ The songs are a collection of folksy, bluesy original material, much of which was written by Sarah prior to her forming The Tall Boys. Last year the band released its second full length album ―A Lifetime Worth of Sin‖. The album is a collection of Americana including Blues, Bluegrass, and Alternative Country songs written and produced by Sarah and the band including one cover from the great Lucinda Williams. The album features the talents of a long list of guest musicians playing everything from pedal steel to Hammond M3 organ This Summer, while touring across the U.S., Sarah will be performing past hits as well as new songs being prepared for her third album which Sarah says will be released to her fans in 2012.

Life on the road can be incredibly grueling, full of motels, hotels, dirty clothes, junk food, too much booze, not enough booze, not to mention 5 people sharing small quarters for weeks on end. But, for a few hours each day, we get to play music that we love, and hopefully get paid, although that isn't always a guarantee. We tour about 200 shows each year, we have no day jobs, we rely on clubs, cd sales and tips to make ends meet. Some shows are good, some shows are bad, but we all look forward to playing at Smoken’ Joe's. Since we began touring out east, Joe’s has been our favorite spot in Massachusetts. There is nothing more rewarding then playing original music to an enthusiastic crowd. The family, friends, and fans who crowd into this small mom and pop BBQ restaurant are one of the best audiences we play for anywhere this side of Chicago! See you all August 24th !!!! Love, Sarah

"...one of Boston Rock & Roll’s favorite sons... " -- Carter Alan, WZLX We are very excited to announce a special show, coming this September, with Gary Shane and the Detour. Gary Shane, the North Shore rocker, burst onto the scene 25 long years ago with several monster hits including ―Shadow World‖ and ―Johnny’s Coaltrain‖. These songs topped the chart at WBCN-FM for months in the midst of Rock n’ Rolls’ hay-day. That was back in the days of skinny ties and power-pop, during the brief era of the so-called new wave, a fabled time when an unsigned, local band could still make it on the strength of a few good tunes and a lot of hustle -- even without a marketing plan or a Madison Avenue makeover. And now, two decades later, Gary Shane and the Detour is back. The band is playing just as hard, but better, and demonstrating again the power of its original musical vision. Be sure to read the complete feature story of Gary Shane in our September Newsletter and check our facebook page for

further announcements regarding this show.

Yes, you too can be an ―SJ‖ girl or guy. You can instantly go from being a faceless blur among the masses to being the darling of the universe. And how exactly do you do that? Do you have to take a boring night class at the Harvard Extension School? Do you have to suddenly know something about our planet by reading all the old National Geographics in your dentist’s office? HECK NO! All you have to do is put on the new, super cool, ultra stylish Smoken’ Joe’s designer t-shirt (for guys) or tank-top (for the ladies). Designed by Heather Balchunas, this trend setting shirt was first premiered at our 4th Anniversary Celebration to universal acclaim. You can now buy it, seven days a week, in our Smoken’ Joe’s gift emporium. We have Mens t-shirts in M and L and the Ladies tanks in M and L but other sizes for Mens and Ladies will be ordered soon. The price for either shirt is only $15.99 (even though the Ladies has half the material – go figure!)

We don’t compromise on quality! This t-shirt even has a back. You get our smart looking SJ logo on the front and our logo and four, very festive, dancing pigs on the back side. (And a big thanks to Nikki Chase for being our model and a good sport about all of this. The truth is, even before she put on the SJ tank top, there probably wasn’t a day in her life when Nikki was dull or boring.)

It was great to see so many people at Feestdag, our Belgium independence day celebration last month sponsored by our friends at the PALM Brewing Company. We hope you enjoyed our beer flights and beer pairings. We thought the Lambiek base beer, Kriek Boon, with ―Krieken‖ cherries was incredibly delicious and when paired with our chocolate truffle cake, heavenly. Hopefully, we can have some fun in the future with more beer tastings and beer pairings. In the meantime, we want to continue our series introducing the flavors of our beers to encourage you to experiment a bit and discover what great tastes we have to offer at Smoken’ Joe’s. Our June

newsletter described our beers on tap, now we continue with some of our beers in bottles and cans.

In Bottles and Cans:

Clausthaler Premium Non Alcohol Beer. Clear bright yellow with a very tall white head that has good retention and leaves a few spots of lacing. Classic German lager aroma, sweet malts and Euro-hops. Taste is light, crisp and refreshing like that of a good German brew.

Corona Extra Golden lager color, almost like hay. Smells of bitter hops with some of malt. Very crisp and light. Light body with barely any carbonation.

Dixie Lager Brewed all-naturally today as it was first brewed in 1907, Dixie Lager uses lightly roasted two-row barley malts and rice. The result is a crisp and flavorful beer with a mild Cascade hop finish.

Lonestar Straw, fizzy white head. Very crisp and somewhat sweet. Very grainy in the finish. Very smooth and light for a lager.

Comes with a puzzle cap!

Narragansett Lager

“Tall Boys”

Pours crystal clear golden straw color with a capping of fine white bubbles that make up a creamy head. It is crisp and mostly grain on the palate with a touch of biscuit and bread as well as just a tinge of hop bitterness. It is slightly sweet as most adjunct lagers go and has a rounded finish. This is a highly drinkable beer!

Narragansett Summer Ale

Also “Tall Boys”

The beer is a bright gold color, with a large off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass. The taste starts out with a grainy bready flavor from a hearty but not too heavy malt character. The hops presence is quite complementary and is a bit stronger than most beers in the style creating a very good balance. Smooth and very crisp, light-to-medium body, medium carbonation, finish is clean. A favorite amongst the Smoken’ News Editorial Staff.

Original Sin Hard Cider Heavy scent of apples clearly obvious and apparent. No head, but a pale, pale gold. Almost clear. Medium sweet with hints of sourness. Light body, thin texture, minimal carbonation but a decent finish.

Be sure to read the final, Part 4 of our Guide, in the September Edition of the Smoken’ News.

At Smoken’ Joe’s we work hard to promote the great talent that plays nightly on our small stage. Year after year our audience has been growing steadily but it requires a great effort by a small group of people to get the word out. In order to promote our musicians we need current and interesting information as well as suitable promotion photos. We gather most of our information from the internet – web sites, Facebook descriptions, MySpace, and online music reviews. We need your help!

Please provide us with current information and interesting descriptions and stories about your band and your music. Much of the information we have been finding on the web is either out of date or incomplete. Heather Balchunas and I keep a growing library of information and photos about the musicians and bands we promote at Smoken’ Joe’s. You can always send us something even if it is not directly related to an upcoming show and we will keep it on file and use it when the appropriate time arrives. Keep us informed about changes in band personnel, new music you are excited to be playing, special concerts, tours or shows you perform at, new CDs and almost anything else you think our audience would be interested in hearing. Some personal information can be fun to share with our audience especially when they get to know you. At a minimum we need a concise, 6 to 8 sentence description of your band that is accurate and would excite someone to get out of their house and come hear you. Thanks for helping us to promote your great music. Please send updated information and photos to both Heather Balchunas and myself: Heather Balchunas: hbalchunas@gmail.com Ken Boege: ken@boegedesign.com Thanks! Well, I hope you enjoyed our August issue. Thanks again to Ken for his hard work and diligence in putting this all together. August promises to be a wonderful month. Remember that we take reservations every night of the week. See you there.

The Smoken’ Newsletter ® 2011 Editor: Ken Boege Supervising Editor: Wendy Dodd Contributing Writers: Sarah Potenza Suggestions can be sent to Ken Boege ken@boegedesign.com